skaldsögur

Skaldsögur, a term derived from Old Norse, refers to the sagas of skalds, who were poets in ancient Norse and Icelandic society. These skalds held a prominent position, serving as court poets to kings and chieftains, and their verses were highly valued for their skill, wit, and historical record. The skaldsögur, therefore, are literary works that focus on the lives, compositions, and often dramatic adventures of these poets.

The surviving skaldsögur are typically found within larger collections of Icelandic sagas. They often intertwine poetic excerpts with prose narratives detailing the skald's life, their patrons, and their experiences. These narratives can include tales of battles, voyages, courtly intrigue, and personal rivalries. The poetry itself, known as skaldic poetry, is characterized by its complex metrical structure, kennings (metaphorical compound phrases), and heiti (poetic synonyms).

These sagas offer valuable insights into Norse culture, social hierarchies, and historical events, as recounted or interpreted through the lens of the skald. They are a vital source for understanding the role of poetry and the poet in pre-Christian and early Christian Scandinavia. While the historical accuracy of every detail in skaldsögur is debated, they remain crucial for both literary and historical study of the Viking Age.