Flateyjarbók

Flateyjarbók, also known as the Old Norwegian Book, is a substantial Icelandic manuscript compiled around the late 14th century. It is named after the island of Flatey in Breiðafjörður, Iceland, where it was kept for a significant period. The manuscript is considered one of the most important surviving texts from medieval Iceland, offering a rich collection of sagas, historical accounts, theological texts, and other literary works.

The content of Flateyjarbók is diverse, featuring prose and poetry from various periods of Old Norse literature. It includes versions of sagas such as Ólafs saga Tryggvasonar, Heimskringla, and many other lesser-known narratives. The manuscript also contains genealogies, annals, and religious writings, providing a broad spectrum of medieval Icelandic culture and knowledge. Its compilation by two priests, Jón Þórðarson and Magnús Thorsteinsson, reflects a dedicated effort to preserve a significant portion of Icelandic literary heritage.

Flateyjarbók is not only valuable for its literary content but also for its linguistic and historical insights. The language and orthography offer a glimpse into the evolution of the Old Icelandic language. Its survival and subsequent study have been crucial for understanding the history, mythology, and social structures of medieval Scandinavia. The manuscript is now housed in the National and University Library of Iceland.