Sæmundur

Sæmundur is a figure primarily known from Icelandic sagas and folklore, often portrayed as a learned priest and sorcerer. He is most famously associated with the legend of his deal with the Devil, where he acquired vast knowledge in exchange for his soul. This pact is said to have occurred after Sæmundur studied abroad, though the specific location varies in different versions of the tale.

The most popular stories depict Sæmundur as a scholar who traveled to Paris to study. Upon his return to Iceland, he allegedly brought back a large black book, which was the source of his magical powers and worldly wisdom. To escape his obligation to the Devil, Sæmundur is said to have tricked the devil into a series of frustrating tasks, eventually leading to the devil's demise or expulsion. One common motif involves Sæmundur transforming into a whale to swim back to Iceland, with the Devil clinging to his back, only to be drowned when Sæmundur dives deep into the ocean.

While the historical Sæmundur (Sæmundur fróði) was a real Icelandic priest and scholar who lived from approximately 1056 to 1131, the folkloric Sæmundur is a composite character. The historical Sæmundur is credited with compiling or writing early versions of the Poetic Edda, a collection of Old Norse poems, though concrete evidence for his authorship is scarce. The legendary elements surrounding his life and his pact with the devil likely developed over time, blending historical memory with supernatural folklore. His name remains synonymous with learning, cunning, and the darker side of medieval scholarship in Icelandic tradition.