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Paper Vikings: The Past and Present of Icelandic Literature

While neighboring Denmark, Norway, and Sweden went on Viking raids in Europe, the people of Iceland, a small, isolated nation of Nordic and Gaelic origin in the Atlantic Ocean, gradually became “Paper Vikings,” winning their battles and deeds in words that would eventually end up on paper. They were dreamers, poets, and storytellers who continued to write for centuries in their own – and gradually more obscure – language. As Iceland fell off the European map, its people continued to copy and add to their extraordinary heritage, even when no one in the outside world could or cared to read it.

For Icelandic writers today, this heritage is both a privilege and a burden: they are keepers of a proud tradition, but they must also look to their own times, reflecting on the profound social upheavals of the 20th century that saw Iceland emerge as a modern Nordic nation, followed by the economic boom and devastating collapse in the 21st century.

Iceland’s literary traditions date back to the founding of Iceland in the 9th century. Despite its geographical position and small population, Iceland produced some of the most remarkable literary treasures of the Middle Ages, in particular the sagas and Eddic poetry. Guðmundur Andri Thorsson, esteemed Icelandic author and literary critic, discusses how this rich literary history continues to inspire and influence contemporary authors – including himself.











When: Tue., May. 20, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Where: Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America
58 Park Ave.
212-779-3587
Price: Free
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While neighboring Denmark, Norway, and Sweden went on Viking raids in Europe, the people of Iceland, a small, isolated nation of Nordic and Gaelic origin in the Atlantic Ocean, gradually became “Paper Vikings,” winning their battles and deeds in words that would eventually end up on paper. They were dreamers, poets, and storytellers who continued to write for centuries in their own – and gradually more obscure – language. As Iceland fell off the European map, its people continued to copy and add to their extraordinary heritage, even when no one in the outside world could or cared to read it.

For Icelandic writers today, this heritage is both a privilege and a burden: they are keepers of a proud tradition, but they must also look to their own times, reflecting on the profound social upheavals of the 20th century that saw Iceland emerge as a modern Nordic nation, followed by the economic boom and devastating collapse in the 21st century.

Iceland’s literary traditions date back to the founding of Iceland in the 9th century. Despite its geographical position and small population, Iceland produced some of the most remarkable literary treasures of the Middle Ages, in particular the sagas and Eddic poetry. Guðmundur Andri Thorsson, esteemed Icelandic author and literary critic, discusses how this rich literary history continues to inspire and influence contemporary authors – including himself.

Buy tickets/get more info now