Flateyjarbók: The Book of Flatey
Hidden away for centuries on the island of Flatey, Flateyjarbók is the largest and most beautiful of all Icelandic manuscripts. Written between 1387 and 1394, it gathers the sagas of kings, saints, and explorers — including the only surviving stories of Norse voyages to North America. More than just a book, it is a record of how medieval Icelanders saw their history, faith, and the world around them.
The Sagas and Historical Texts of Norse Tradition
The sagas and historical texts of medieval Scandinavia preserve a vivid picture of Viking Age and medieval life. From family feuds in Iceland to the reigns of Norwegian kings, from saints’ lives to chronicles like Íslendingabók and Gesta Danorum, these works reveal how Norse people remembered their past. Blending history, legend, and literature, they stand as some of the most important sources for understanding the culture, values, and identity of medieval Iceland and beyond.