sögunnar

Sögunnar is the definite plural form of the Icelandic word saga, meaning the sagas or the stories. In a literary and historical context, sögunnar refers to the medieval Icelandic prose narratives that constitute a foundational part of Icelandic literary heritage. The term can denote the body of work as a whole or specific collections preserved in manuscript form.

Most of the material associated with sögunnar belongs to the Íslendingasögur, or Sagas of Icelanders, which were composed mainly in the 13th century and later. These narratives recount the lives, migrations, family histories, feuds, and legal disputes of early Icelandic settlers from the 9th through the 11th centuries, often blending historical memory with legendary elements. In addition to the Icelanders’ sagas, there are fornaldarsögur (legendary sagas) and other related prose that circulated in medieval Iceland.

The sagas are characterized by a relatively realistic portrayal of ordinary people, detailed attention to social norms and legal procedures, and a strong emphasis on family networks and feuding. They frequently employ long dialogues, genealogical information, and carefully constructed plotlines, drawing on oral tradition as well as written records. While some episodes approach mythic or legendary status, many saga episodes are anchored in historical context and local custom.

Sögunnar survive in several medieval manuscripts, such as Möðruvallabók and Flateyjarbók, with later scholarly editions and translations making them accessible to modern readers. They have had a lasting influence on Scandinavian literature and provide crucial insight into medieval Icelandic society, law, and everyday life.