# Heimskringla > collection of kings' sagas, written by Snorri Sturluson **Wikidata**: [Q215806](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q215806) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heimskringla) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/heimskringla ## Summary Heimskringla is a collection of kings' sagas written by the Icelandic historian, poet, and politician Snorri Sturluson. It is one of the most significant works of Old Norse literature and chronicles the history of Norwegian kings from mythological times to the 12th century. The work is composed in the saga genre, a form of Old Norse prose narrative. ## Key Facts - Heimskringla is a literary work classified under the prose genre of saga. - It was written by Snorri Sturluson, an Icelandic historian, poet, and politician (AD 1179–1241). - The work was composed around the year 1225. - It is part of the Separate Saga of St. Olaf, a Norwegian kings' saga. - Heimskringla is written in Old Norse and belongs to the broader category of kings' sagas. - It is recognized as a foundational text in medieval Scandinavian historiography. - The work has 43 sitelinks in Wikidata, indicating its widespread recognition and use. - It is categorized under the class of literary works intended for both enjoyment and edification. ## FAQs ### What is Heimskringla? Heimskringla is a collection of kings' sagas written by Snorri Sturluson. It details the reigns of Norwegian kings from legendary times up to the 12th century and is considered one of the most important works of Old Norse literature. ### Who wrote Heimskringla? Heimskringla was written by Snorri Sturluson, an Icelandic historian, poet, and politician who lived from AD 1179 to 1241. ### When was Heimskringla written? Heimskringla was composed around the year 1225. ### What genre does Heimskringla belong to? Heimskringla belongs to the saga genre, which is a form of Old Norse prose narrative. ### Is Heimskringla part of a larger saga? Yes, Heimskringla includes the Separate Saga of St. Olaf, which focuses on the life and reign of King Olaf II of Norway. ### What is the significance of Heimskringla? Heimskringla is significant for its detailed historical narratives, literary value, and preservation of medieval Scandinavian history and culture. ### What language is Heimskringla written in? Heimskringla is written in Old Norse. ### What kind of work is Heimskringla? Heimskringla is a literary work, specifically a collection of kings' sagas, and is read for both enjoyment and edification. ## Why It Matters Heimskringla is a cornerstone of medieval Scandinavian literature and history. As a compilation of kings' sagas, it provides a detailed and semi-legendary account of Norwegian royalty, offering insights into the political, cultural, and social dynamics of medieval Norway. It bridges the gap between myth and history, presenting narratives that influenced later Scandinavian national identity. The work also stands as a literary masterpiece, showcasing the richness of Old Norse prose and the storytelling tradition of the medieval North. Its author, Snorri Sturluson, was not only a writer but also a key political figure, lending historical weight to the text. Heimskringla has been referenced and studied for centuries, making it a vital resource for scholars of medieval literature, history, and linguistics. ## Notable For - Being one of the most comprehensive collections of kings' sagas in Old Norse literature. - Serving as a primary source for the semi-legendary history of Norwegian kings. - Being authored by Snorri Sturluson, a prominent Icelandic historian and politician. - Bridging myth and historical narrative in its chronicle of Norwegian kings. - Influencing later Scandinavian historiography and national mythology. - Containing the Separate Saga of St. Olaf, a key component focusing on the life of King Olaf II. - Being composed in the saga genre, a distinctive form of Old Norse prose narrative. ## Body ### History Heimskringla was composed around 1225 by Snorri Sturluson, an Icelandic writer and politician of the 13th century. It is a compilation of kings' sagas that chronicles the history of Norwegian kings from mythological times to the reign of King Inge Bårdsson, who ruled until 1217. The work is not strictly historical but blends legend, oral tradition, and factual elements to create a narrative of Norway's royal past. It is considered one of the most important sources for understanding medieval Norwegian history and culture. ### Literary Context Heimskringla belongs to the saga genre, a form of Old Norse prose narrative that was popular in medieval Iceland and Norway. As a literary work, it is both a historical chronicle and a piece of artful storytelling. The sagas within Heimskringla are not only records of kings but also rich literary texts that reflect the values, beliefs, and customs of the medieval Scandinavian world. The work is part of the broader category of literary works intended for both enjoyment and edification. ### Author Snorri Sturluson (AD 1179–1241) was an Icelandic historian, poet, and politician. He was a central figure in medieval Icelandic society and is known for his literary and historical contributions, including Heimskringla and the Prose Edda. His political career included serving as a lawspeaker and engaging in complex alliances and conflicts with the Norwegian crown. His authorship of Heimskringla places the work within a broader intellectual and political context, as it reflects his interest in the history of Norway and its kings. ### Structure and Content Heimskringla is composed of multiple sagas, each focusing on different kings or periods. One of the most notable is the Separate Saga of St. Olaf, which details the life and reign of King Olaf II, later canonized as St. Olaf. The work is structured chronologically and thematically, combining historical narrative with legendary elements. It is written in Old Norse and reflects the linguistic and stylistic conventions of medieval Scandinavian literature. ### Cultural and Historical Impact Heimskringla has had a lasting influence on Scandinavian culture and historiography. It has been used as a source for understanding the medieval period and has inspired countless adaptations, translations, and scholarly studies. Its blend of history and legend has made it a foundational text for the cultural memory of Norway and Iceland. The work also played a role in shaping national identity in later centuries, particularly in Norway, where it was seen as a key historical source. ### Classification and Recognition Heimskringla is classified as a literary work and part of the saga genre. It is recognized in academic and cultural contexts for its historical and literary value. The work has 43 sitelinks in Wikidata, indicating its widespread recognition and use in digital knowledge bases. It is also part of the broader category of kings' sagas, which are central to Old Norse literature. ### Legacy Heimskringla continues to be studied for its literary merit and historical content. It is a key text in the study of medieval Scandinavia and is often cited in discussions of early Norwegian history. Its influence extends beyond academia, as it has inspired modern adaptations in literature, theater, and media. The work remains a vital link to the medieval Nordic world and its storytelling traditions. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. BabelNet