Page:History of the Literature of the Scandinavian North.djvu/74

56 by Are Thorgilsson, are a chronicle based on oral tradition and written in the Latin tongue by the Norwegian monk about the year 1179, and a "Historia Norvagia" also apparently written by a Norwegian in the twelfth century. Mention should also be made in this connection of (i.e. abridgement or epitome), a short and upon the whole imperfect history of the Norwegian kings from Halfdan, the Swarthy, to Sigard Jossalafar, which probably was written in Iceland toward the end of the twelfth century. Far superior to that work is the (the magnificent parchment). To be sure the sources from which it is compiled are used with but little criticism, but the style is clear and dramatic, and the language though terse, is vivid and fluent. In this work is found a number of skaldic poems, for instance the Eiriksmál on Erik Bloodyaxe.

But the crown of Icelandic historiography is, which towers above all other Icelandic histories like a splendid tree above the low brushwood. Snorre was born in the year 1178 and belonged to one of the most celebrated families of Iceland. In his fourth year he became domiciled at Odde in the abode of Jon Loptsson, great-grandson of Sæmund, where he had the very best opportunities, for acquiring a thorough education. His foster father, himself one of the most learned men of his time, took pains to transmit to him the great fund of historical knowledge which he had inherited from his grandfather. By a wealthy marriage and by means of various prudent enterprises Snorre acquired great riches, and became one of the most influential men of the country. He possessed sixteen farms and was able to appear at the Thing with a following of eight hundred men. But his power and insolence made