vottorðið

Vottorðið, meaning "the testament" or "the oath" in Icelandic, refers to a collection of poems and prose believed to have been written by the Icelandic monk Gunnlaug Ormstunga. The work is a significant piece of Old Norse literature, dating back to the late 13th century. It is notable for its lyrical beauty and its exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the passage of time.

The text is written in Icelandic and is considered an important source for understanding the language and cultural values of medieval Iceland. While the authorship is traditionally attributed to Gunnlaug Ormstunga, a figure known from other sagas, the exact provenance of Vottorðið remains a subject of scholarly debate. Some scholars suggest it may be a compilation of works by various authors or that the attribution to Gunnlaug is a later literary convention.

Vottorðið has been studied for its literary merit, its historical context, and its linguistic features. Its themes and style have influenced later Icelandic literature. The work is preserved in several medieval manuscripts, ensuring its survival and continued study by researchers and enthusiasts of Old Norse literature. Its precise place within the broader corpus of Icelandic sagas and poetry is a testament to its enduring, albeit sometimes debated, importance.