orkuþættir

orkuþættir is a term that refers to a genre of Old Norse prose, often translated as "tales of the ork" or "tales of ancient times." These stories are characterized by their focus on historical events, legendary figures, and the early history of Scandinavian peoples and dynasties. They are distinct from the more legendary sagas, which often feature mythical elements or fantastical journeys. Orkuþættir tend to be more grounded in what was perceived as factual history by their medieval audiences, though they may still contain elements of exaggeration or embellishment.

The content of orkuþættir often includes accounts of migrations, battles, political struggles, and the establishment of kingdoms. They serve as valuable, albeit often biased, sources for understanding the social, political, and cultural landscape of the Viking Age and the preceding centuries. While not always formally categorized as a distinct genre in medieval manuscripts, modern scholars identify these narrative threads as a recurring type of historical storytelling. Examples of works that contain elements of orkuþættir can be found within larger compilation texts like the Heimskringla by Snorri Sturluson, where kings' sagas often begin with orkuþættir-like accounts of their ancestors and the origins of their lineage. These tales aim to legitimize rulers and their claims to power by tracing their ancestry back to heroic or semi-mythical figures of ancient renown.