Sæmundur fróði (folklore)

Literary/ Cultural Context Essay

Eric Bryan

Ed. by Ármann Jakobsson, University of Iceland
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.3.4: Icelandic Writing and Culture.
Vol. editors: Ármann Jakobsson (University of Iceland), Sven Hakon Rossel (Universitat Wien), Herbert Rowland (Purdue University), Jakob Stougaard-Nielsen (University College London)

Dates

Date of occurrence c.1300

Places

Iceland (Location; Involved)

Genres and Modes

Prose Fiction Narrative

Resources

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While an important figure in Icelandic history and literature, Sæmundur fróði [the learned] Sigfússon (1056-1133) also became the subject of a robust folklore tradition in Iceland by the start of the eighteenth century. Sæmundur fróði had become by then the prototypical Icelandic galdramaður, or magician, who attained wisdom and magical prowess by studying at the Black School and then defeating the devil in a test of wits. Thus equipped with wisdom, magical prowess, and power over the devil himself, the Sæmundur of these folk tales goes about solving problems, overcoming evil creatures, thwarting the devil’s plans, and occasionally taking on pupils. The e…

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1996 words

Citation: Bryan, Eric. "Sæmundur fróði (folklore)". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 03 October 2023 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=19673, accessed 04 October 2023.]

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