endurreisnarmál

Endurreisnarmál refers to a specific category of medieval Icelandic sagas. These sagas, written primarily between the late 17th and early 18th centuries, are characterized by their focus on historical events and figures from the Viking Age and early medieval period of Iceland. Unlike the earlier "Íslendingasögur" (Sagas of Icelanders) which often delve into family feuds and personal dramas, endurreisnarmál tend to emphasize kingly sagas, bishop's sagas, and narratives concerning the settlement and early history of Norway and Iceland.

The term "endurreisnarmál" translates roughly to "reconstruction sagas" or "revival sagas," reflecting the period in which they were composed. This era saw a renewed interest in Iceland's past, partly as a response to Danish colonial rule and a desire to assert a distinct cultural identity. Authors of these sagas often drew upon earlier written sources, oral traditions, and sometimes even invented material to create their narratives. They aimed to preserve and elaborate on the history of Iceland and its connection to the broader Scandinavian world.

Key themes in endurreisnarmál include the establishment of Christianity in Iceland, the reigns of Norwegian kings who influenced Icelandic affairs, and the lives of prominent bishops. While these sagas share narrative styles with earlier Icelandic literature, their historical focus and the context of their creation distinguish them as a unique, albeit later, development in saga writing. They represent a significant effort to document and celebrate a perceived glorious past during a period of foreign domination.