Image of Snorri Sturleso

Timeline

Lifetime: 1179 - 1241 Passed: ≈ 783 years ago

Title

Historian, Poet

Country/Nationality

Iceland
Wikipedia

Snorri Sturleson

Snorri Sturluson (1179 – 22 September 1241) was an Icelandic historian, poet, and politician. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in Icelandic literature and culture.

What were his principles?

Snorri was a devout Christian, and his faith informed his work. He believed that it was important to preserve and record the history of the Icelandic people, and he also believed in the power of literature to educate and entertain.

What was he famous for?

Snorri is best known for his two major works: the Prose Edda and the Heimskringla. The Prose Edda is a handbook of Norse mythology and poetry, while the Heimskringla is a collection of sagas about the Norwegian kings.

Notable works

  • Prose Edda
  • Heimskringla
  • Egil's Saga
  • Egilsstaðir

Philosophy

Snorri's philosophy was based on the idea that history and literature were important for preserving the identity and culture of the Icelandic people. He also believed in the power of education and entertainment, and he worked to make his writings accessible to a wide audience.

When did he die?

Snorri was murdered on September 22, 1241, by two of his nephews. He was 62 years old.

How is he remembered?

Snorri is remembered as one of the most important figures in Icelandic literature and culture. His works have been translated into many languages and are still read and studied today. He is also credited with helping to preserve the Icelandic language and culture.

Interesting facts

  • Snorri was a member of the Sturlungar family, one of the most powerful families in Iceland at the time.
  • He was educated at Oddi, a center of learning in Iceland.
  • Snorri served twice as Lögsögumaður, the lawspeaker of the Icelandic Althing.
  • He was a prolific writer, and his works include sagas, poetry, and historical treatises.
  • Snorri was assassinated in 1241 by his nephews, who were jealous of his power and wealth.

Conclusion

Snorri Sturluson was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a skilled historian, poet, politician, and diplomat. He was also a devout Christian and a man of deep principle. Snorri's work has had a profound impact on Icelandic culture and literature, and he is still remembered today as one of the most important figures in Icelandic history.

Books by Snorri Sturleson

Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson Cover image

Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson

Poetry
Politics Culture Poems Legend Vikings Verses Prose

Step into the world of Norse mythology and legend with the Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson! This collection of two of the most important works of Norse literature is a must-have for anyone interested in Vik...

The Prose Edda Cover image

The Prose Edda

Poetry History
Drama Religion Imagery Nature Sea Mythology Tradition political Verses Legends

Step into the realm of Norse mythology, where gods and goddesses clash, heroes embark on epic quests, and the forces of creation and destruction collide. Snorri Sturluson's The Prose Edda, a masterpiece of medieval literature, serves as a comprehensi...

Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson Cover image

Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson

Poetry Mythology Non-Fiction Reference work
Gods Legends Poetry Myth Norse Mythology Paganism Viking Runes Eddas Old Norse Valhalla Asgard

This book presents a comprehensive collection of the Elder Eddas, attributed to Saemund Sigfusson, and the Younger Eddas, written by Snorri Sturluson. It offers a glimpse into the rich and vibrant world of Norse mythology, exploring the beliefs, stor...

Prose Edda (Brodeur Translation) Cover image

Prose Edda (Brodeur Translation)

Mythology Non-Fiction Reference work
History Mythology Gods Vikings Poetry Alliteration Norse Mythology Medieval Literature Giants Valkyries Eddas Creation Myths Icelandic Literature Skaldic Poetry Kennings

The Prose Edda, also known as the Younger Edda or Snorri's Edda, is a 13th-century Icelandic work by Snorri Sturluson, offering a comprehensive overview of Norse mythology. It's divided into three parts: Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, and Háttatal....

Heimskringla: The Stories of the Kings of Norway, Called The Round World Cover image

Heimskringla: The Stories of the Kings of Norway, Called The Round World

History Mythology Non-Fiction
History Mythology Medieval Vikings Legends Poetry Saga Genealogy Royal Kings Scandinavia Norse

Heimskringla, meaning "The Circle of the World," is a collection of sagas about the Norwegian kings written by Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century. It traces the lineage of Norwegian royalty from legendary Swedish origins through historical figures...

Eddas Cover image

Eddas

Mythology Non-Fiction Reference work
Ancient Mythology Gods Vikings Legends Norse Mythology Scandinavia Cosmology Valkyries Odin Prose Edda Poetic Edda

The Eddas are two collections of Icelandic medieval literature that provide a comprehensive overview of Norse mythology. The Prose Edda, written by Snorri Sturluson, is a guide to the mythology, explaining the creation of the world, the tales of gods...