Sagnaflokkar

Sagnaflokkar is a group of songs that form part of the Icelandic medieval manuscript Stjórn, now housed in the Uppsala University Library. The manuscript Stjórn is a 17th-century codex, combining original material from the 14th and 15th centuries, which includes poetry, genealogy, and narratives.

Sagnaflokkar specifically comprise a collection of narrative poems in the style of flokksagnir, a genre characterized by its use of quatrains and a focus on stories and legends. The poems are meant to recount the history, lives, and virtues of important figures in Icelandic and Norwegian society during the Middle Ages.

Unfortunately, very little is known about the composition and authorship of the Sagnaflokkar poems. Scholars have suggested that the collection reflects the interests and influence of Icelandic monarchs, particularly Queen Margaret I of Denmark who played a significant role in shaping Icelandic literature and politics. The poems' focus on legendary figures from Norway and Iceland suggests that they were composed within these cultures, perhaps during a period of cultural exchange and shared history.

The significance of Sagnaflokkar lies in their contribution to the rich cultural heritage of the region. These poems demonstrate the importance of storytelling and oral traditions in early medieval Icelandic and Norwegian societies and may also provide insights into the lives and values of these communities.