skáldaspillir

Skáldaspillir is a term used in Old Norse literature to describe a poet who is accused of plagiarizing or stealing the verses of another skald. The word itself is a compound of "skáld" meaning poet, and "spillir" meaning spoiler or destroyer. This accusation was a serious one within the close-knit society of skalds, as poetic originality and skill were highly valued.

Accusations of skáldaspillir often appeared in sagas or other literary works as a way to characterize a rival poet or to highlight the perceived lack of talent or integrity of a fictional skald. While some accusations might have been based on genuine instances of borrowing, others could have been exaggerated or used for dramatic effect within a narrative. The concept reflects the importance placed on individual authorship and the proprietary nature of poetic composition in medieval Scandinavia.

The presence of this term and the associated narrative tropes suggest that there were established norms and expectations regarding poetic creation and attribution. A skald accused of being a skáldaspillir would face social disapproval and damage to their reputation. The careful crafting and transmission of verses were central to the skaldic tradition, and "skáldaspillir" represented a transgression against these principles.