Sturluson

Sturluson is an Icelandic patronymic surname meaning “son of Sturla.” It is most closely associated with the Sturlungar, a powerful clan in medieval Iceland, and with its leading member, Snorri Sturluson (c. 1179–1241), a prominent poet, historian, and politician.

Snorri Sturluson was a key figure during the Sturlung era, a period of civil strife in Iceland in the early 13th century when Icelandic chieftains vied for influence and alignment with Norway. He held influence at the Althing and in Icelandic politics and sought to consolidate power for the Sturlungar.

Snorri is best known as the author of two major works: the Prose Edda (also called the Younger Edda), a handbook of Norse mythology and poetics, and Heimskringla, a historical narrative of the Norwegian kings from legendary times to the 12th century. These texts were compiled in the early 13th century and have had lasting influence on the study of Norse literature and medieval Scandinavian history. He also composed skaldic poetry and played a central role in the literary and political culture of the period.

Today, Sturluson remains a central figure in Icelandic literature and history. The name highlights the Icelandic practice of patronymic naming, and the Sturlunga era is the subject of important historical works, including the Sturlunga saga, a compilation of events from the era.