leikurum
Leikurum, also known as *leikurum* or *leikurumur*, refers to a traditional Icelandic form of storytelling and performance that blends humor, folklore, and improvisation. Originating in rural Iceland, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a communal activity where participants would gather to share jokes, anecdotes, and exaggerated tales, often set in the Icelandic landscape or involving local figures. The term itself is derived from the Icelandic words *leikur* (meaning "play" or "game") and *rúm* (meaning "room" or "space"), suggesting a space for playful expression.
Leikurum was typically performed in *þjóðleikur* (folk plays) or informal gatherings, where participants would engage in
While leikurum was most prominent in its heyday, its influence persists in modern Icelandic comedy and storytelling.
Today, leikurum is studied as part of Icelandic folklore and performance history, offering insights into the