lífsmáli

Lífsmáli is a medieval Icelandic manuscript containing a selection of eddic poetry and a work of narrative prose. The manuscript is preserved in a single codex, known as Lífsmál, housed at the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies in Reykjavik, Iceland.

The poetic portion of the manuscript includes four Eddic poems: Thors plíc, Þrymlur, Svarfdæla, and Lífsmál itself. These poems are primarily of mythological and heroic themes, depicting the deeds of gods, goddesses, and legendary heroes of Norse mythology. Lífsmál contains a diverse range of stanzas, from solemn and mysterious to lively and humorous.

The narrative prose section of Lífsmáli consists of the story of the swan motif, "Þórsmál", and other related tales. These stories often feature elements of comedy and burlesque, and are thought to have been intended for entertainment purposes within medieval Icelandic audiences. Lífsmáli contributes crucially to the preservation of Eddic and skaldic poetry, offering important insights into the literary and cultural norms of Viking-era Iceland.

Dating the manuscript has proven difficult, with most scholars agreeing on a range of circa 1250-1300 AD. The scribe's identity remains a topic of ongoing research and speculation, with some attributing the manuscript to prominent Icelandic poets and scholars of the time. Despite its age and limited provenance, Lífsmáli remains a significant artifact of Icelandic literary history and a valuable resource for scholars of Norse mythology and medieval Icelandic literature.