seðilssögu

Seðilssögu is a genre of Icelandic literature that translates to "story of the sags" or "saga of the sagas." It is a subgenre of Icelandic sagas, which are long narrative poems or prose works that recount the lives and deeds of historical and legendary figures, often with a focus on the Viking Age. Seðilssögur are unique in that they are not standalone sagas but rather compilations or summaries of existing sagas, often with a focus on the genealogies and family trees of the main characters.

The genre emerged in the 18th century, during a period of renewed interest in Icelandic history and culture. The first known seðilssögu is the "Seðils saga Sigfússonar," which was written by the Icelandic scholar and poet Sigurður Sigfússon in 1754. Since then, numerous seðilssögur have been composed, often by scholars and historians seeking to preserve and interpret the rich tapestry of Icelandic history.

Seðilssögur typically include a detailed genealogical section, often presented in a tabular format, which traces the lineage of the main characters back to ancient times. This genealogical information is often interspersed with brief narratives that provide context and color to the family trees. The narratives themselves are usually concise and focused on the key events and figures that shaped the lives of the protagonists.

One of the most notable seðilssögur is the "Seðils saga Sturlunga," written by the Icelandic historian Jón Árnason in the 19th century. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the Sturlungar dynasty, one of the most prominent families in Icelandic history, and includes detailed genealogies and narratives that span several generations.

Seðilssögur are valued for their historical and cultural significance, as they offer insights into the social, political, and familial structures of medieval Iceland. They also serve as important sources for genealogical research and the study of Icelandic history. Despite their historical value, seðilssögur are not considered canonical literature and are often seen as secondary works that build upon the primary sagas.