meiðslur

Meiðslur is a type of medieval Icelandic stave church, often described as a simple, unpretentious, and often cryptic wooden temple. Found primarily in Northern Europe, particularly in Norway and Iceland, these structures date back to the 12th and 13th centuries.

The meiðslur, literally meaning "pine log" in Old Norse, likely got its name due to the humble, unadorned nature of its architecture. No two meiðslur appear alike, as they were individually handcrafted by local carpenters using readily available materials. These churches exhibit varying degrees of complexity, ranging from what might be called a roofed outdoor shrine to a fully enclosed and roofed space for worship.

Meiðslur were primarily built in rural areas, often in isolated valleys, or near prominent landmarks. Unlike more showy stone churches constructed by the church establishment during the same period, meiðslur are less opulent and were free from the vast expense often associated with elaborate stone construction projects. Meiðslur can also be seen as attesting to the semi-autonomous character of Icelandic and Norwegian communities in relation to the central Church control.

Not all meiðslur existed under the same circumstances, as this chapter of the life of the medieval communities interacted with shifting societal factors. Around the mid-17th century, many of the larger meiðslur began to disappear, while smaller examples continued to stand alongside Catholic social influence.