Húsabúk

Húsabúk is a medieval Icelandic manuscript containing the sagas of Icelandic chieftains or leaders. It was written in the 16th century and is one of the most significant sources of information on the early history and literature of Iceland.

The manuscript is composed of 176 leaves and is part of the collection of the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies in Reykjavik, Iceland. It includes the sagas of three Icelandic chieftains: Guðmundur Svanga, Ingólfur Arnarson, and Eiríkr Raude.

The Húsabúk is notable for its unique approach to the production of saga texts. Unlike other Icelandic manuscripts, which were often compiled from oral traditions and later written down, the Húsabúk contains original campaigns of saga writing. This suggests that the manuscript was created by a literate cleric who was actively interested in composing and editing sagas.

Despite its value as a historical source, the manuscript has a chequered past. It was possibly copied from a lost manuscript and may have undergone alterations or even fabrication at some point. However, most scholars consider it to be a genuine example of medieval Icelandic literature.

The Húsabúk is considered an essential resource for understanding Icelandic history, law, and literature during the medieval period. Its examination has provided valuable insights into the culture and social structures of the time.