Fornafnsflokkur

Fornafnsflokkur is an Icelandic term that refers to a collective grouping of historical or religious texts regarded as foundational or canonical in nature. The word is a compound of “forna” (ancient) and “flokkur” (group or collection), and it is frequently used within Icelandic literary and theological scholarship to denote collections of early medieval manuscripts or scriptural compilations that are considered essential for the study of Iceland's cultural heritage. Scholars who specialize in medieval Icelandic studies often analyze forn námsflokkar—plural forn afnsflokkur—to trace the transmission of narratives, legal codes, and religious doctrine across the Norse world. The most prominent example is the forn haben flokkur that comprises the earliest surviving copies of the Icelandic sagas, which include the Heimskringla and the Landnámabók. By examining forn afnsflokkur, researchers can uncover variations in textual transmission and gain insight into the sociopolitical contexts in which these documents were produced and disseminated. The concept of forn afnsflokkur is thus central to the preservation and interpretation of Iceland’s historical record, providing a framework for understanding how ancient narratives shaped national identity.