ættarsögur

Ættarsögur, a term derived from Old Norse, translates to "family sagas" or "genealogical narratives." These are a specific genre of Old Norse literature, primarily composed in Iceland during the medieval period. They focus on the history and lineage of Icelandic families, often spanning several generations. Unlike mythological sagas that deal with gods and heroes, ættarsögur are grounded in more human dramas, recounting the lives, feuds, marriages, and migrations of prominent Icelandic settlers and their descendants. The narratives frequently depict social customs, legal disputes, and the establishment of society in Iceland after its settlement. Key themes often include honor, revenge, loyalty, and the impact of fate on individuals and families. While they often present a factual account of the past, it's important to note that they are literary works and not strict historical documents, often embellished for narrative effect and to reflect the values of their time. Prominent examples of this genre include Njáls saga and Egils saga.