Sögusögn

Sögusögn is an Icelandic term that translates directly to “storytelling” or “narrative telling,” and it specifically denotes the traditional oral performance of Icelandic sagas. The practice emerged in the early medieval period when written manuscripts were scarce and sagas were transmitted exclusively through spoken word. Performers, known as sagadæmi, recited tales with rhythmic cadences, employing variations in tone, pacing, and voice to sustain audience engagement over the sometimes lengthy narratives that could stretch across several hours.

The art of sögusögn was integral to the community cultural life, functioning not only as entertainment but also as a medium for preserving collective memory, legal precedent, and moral instruction. It was customary for skilled storytellers to perform at household gatherings, festivals, or in the sagasamska—public storytelling circles. These gatherings reinforced social bonds, provided a forum for communal identity, and allowed for the communal interpretation and adaptation of saga texts.

Academic inquiry into sögusögn recognizes it as both a literary tradition and a performance practice. Scholars analyze the formal aspects of the oral delivery, such as the use of formulaic expressions, repetition, and the distinctive meter often found in saga prose. They also examine the adaptation processes, noting how storytellers could alter plot details, character portrayals, or thematic emphasis to reflect contemporary concerns or audience expectations.

Modern revivals of sögusögn exist in Iceland and among the Icelandic diaspora, where workshops, festivals, and academic courses aim to keep the tradition alive. These contemporary institutions emphasize the training of vocal techniques, memory strategies, and a deep appreciation for the sagas as living texts. By studying sögusögn, scholars gain insights into the interplay between textual transmission and performative expression, contributing to broader understandings of oral narrative traditions worldwide.