Landbókar

Landbókar, also known as Icelandic farm books, are a unique and historically significant collection of manuscripts that document the agricultural practices, legal customs, and social structures of Iceland during the medieval period. These books were primarily compiled between the 12th and 16th centuries, though many were later updated or copied, reflecting the evolving nature of Icelandic rural life.

The term *landbókar* literally translates to "farm books" in Icelandic, and they typically consist of detailed records kept by farmers, chieftains, or legal authorities. The content often includes descriptions of land ownership, grazing rights, crop yields, livestock management, and judicial decisions related to disputes over resources or property. Some manuscripts also incorporate folklore, genealogies, and historical accounts, making them valuable sources for understanding Icelandic culture and history.

Landbókar were not standardized texts but rather practical guides tailored to specific regions or families. They were often written in Old Norse or Middle Low German, reflecting the linguistic influences of the time. Many of these manuscripts were preserved in the National Archives of Iceland, where they remain important resources for historians, linguists, and anthropologists studying medieval Iceland.

The most famous collection of landbókar is the *Landnámabók* ("Book of Settlements"), though it is distinct from the broader category of farm books. Other notable examples include the *Sturlunga saga* manuscripts, which contain legal and historical annotations alongside narrative content. While some landbókar were lost over time, surviving copies provide critical insights into the economic and social frameworks that shaped Iceland’s early settlement period. Their study continues to contribute to modern scholarship on Viking Age and medieval Scandinavia.