We conserve the Norse saga tradition for future generations.
Some the world's most admired literary treasures are found in the Norse saga tradition. One of the greatest manuscripts ever created was the Icelandic Flateyjarbók from ca. 1387. It has never been available in English its entirety. Until now.
Building bridges, connecting people and seeking the universal in the Norse cultural heritage: Join us as we travel to the home of Flateyjarbók, Iceland an get a close up look at this marvelous manuscript. Film by Toren Reksnis.
Why is it important to preserve the saga tradition?
When most people hear the word «Saga», they immediately think about Vikings, the Viking civilization being one of the most misunderstood historical periods of the ancient world. The sagas are considered treasures of the world’s literary heritage and are a depository of spirituality, myth, political philosophy, wisdom and world class poetry.
Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark receives her personal set of the Norwegian edition of Flateyjarbók. Photo: Kongehuset.dk
In that respect, Flateyjarbók is the one saga that contains the richest literary palette of all. Whereas most sagas are classified either as King’s sagas, legendary sagas etc., Flateyjarbók combines them all in one lavish narrative covering 500 years of the most dramatic period Northern Europe has seen, including the Vikings’ foray into North America around the year 1000. Flateyjarbók is the first place where the Vinland-saga was complied in its entirety.
Project manager Baard Titlestad with the original manuscript of Flateyjarbók, flanked by Research Professor Svanhildur Óskarsdóttir and Associate Professor Haraldur Bernharðsson of the Arnemagnean Institute, Reykjavik. Photo: Toren Reksnis.
In 2014, we began to publish the first Norwegian edition of the book as part of one of the most comprehensive saga dissemination campaigns ever. We are now in the final stages of translating the first ever English language edition, which will see the light of day in 2025, both digitally and as a printed deluxe collectors edition. Flateyjarbók is more than a book. It is one of the cornerstones of the world's cultural heritage. Please join us on our journey as we open the doors to the saga universe as it has rarey been seen.
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