Sértegundir

In Icelandic, the term sértegundir (singular sértengja) refers to “special editions” or “special releases” of media such as books, newspapers, magazines, television programmes, or radio broadcasts. The word combines sér, meaning “special” or “unique,” with gagnur, a derivative of gegnir, meaning “edition” or “issue.”

The concept emerged in the early twentieth century as Iceland’s print and broadcasting industries expanded. Special editions were initially used to commemorate noteworthy events, anniversaries, or anniversaries of publishing houses, providing readers with additional content not found in regular issues. In television and radio, sértegundir often denote special programs—such as seasonal festivals, prominent interviews, or coverage of international events—broadcast on a one‑time or limited‑run basis.

Typical examples include the annual Icelandic publication of Tímarit *Morgunblaðið*'s special Christmas edition, which contains a curated selection of holiday stories, poetry, and historical retrospectives. Television stations like RÚV regularly produce sértegundir during the Eurovision Song Contest or when Iceland hosts the Nobel Prize celebrations, featuring live commentary and behind‑the‑scenes footage. In literature, publishing houses release sértegundir of classic Icelandic sagas with new translations and scholarly annotations.

Sértegundir play a significant role in Icelandic cultural life by providing platforms for in‑depth exploration of topics that transcend everyday coverage. They allow media producers to experiment with formats, collaborate with cultural institutions, and engage audiences with exclusive, contextualized content. As a result, they contribute to the preservation and dissemination of Icelandic heritage and contemporary discourse.