Frásögn

Frásögn is the Icelandic term for narrative or account. It denotes both the act of telling a story and the material that is told—the sequence of events, the perspective from which they are presented, and the voice that conveys them. In literary and media contexts, frásögn describes how a text presents its events and characters, not only what happens.

Etymology and scope: The word comes from frá meaning “from” or “out” and sögn meaning “telling” or “speech,” with roots in Old Norse. The concept has medieval attestations and remains central in modern Icelandic usage. Frásögn can apply to fiction and non-fiction alike, including novels, short stories, memoirs, and journalistic accounts.

Techniques and features: In analysis, frásögn encompasses narrative technique and structure, such as whether the narration is in the first person or the third person, how time is ordered, and how information is distributed to the reader. It includes the narrator’s reliability, the level of direct speech, focalization, and rhythm or pacing. The concept also covers the relationship between narrator and reader and the degree of immediacy or distance in the telling.

Relation to related terms: While frásögn refers to the act or product of telling, other terms like saga or narrative tradition refer to broader genres or forms. In Icelandic literature, sagas historically describe longer, often medieval narratives, whereas frásögn is a more general label for the technique of narration across genres.

In summary, frásögn is a foundational concept for understanding how stories are constructed and conveyed in Icelandic literature and media.