Galdra-Loftur

Literary/ Cultural Context Essay

Eric Bryan (Missouri University of Science and Technology)

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), Kjerstin Moody (Gustavus Adolphus College), Sven Hakon Rossel (Universitat Wien), Herbert Rowland (Purdue University), Jakob Stougaard-Nielsen (University College London)

Dates

Date of occurrence c.1200

Places

Iceland (Location; Involved)

Genres and Modes

Historical representation

Resources

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Loftur Þorsteinsson, also known as Galdra-Loftur [Loftur the Magician], is a well-known figure of Icelandic folklore. Loftur’s fame in Iceland is due not least to the nature and circumstances of his death as it is described in the Icelandic folk stories of

galdramenn

, magicians. From an international perspective, the folk stories about this mysterious and tragic figure must be said to possess a loosely Faustian sentiment. Like Faust, Galdra-Loftur deals with the powers of darkness to attain a forbidden knowledge and power; like Faust, Loftur uses his power to do indiscriminate harm; and like Faust (at least in the earliest versions), Loftur’s misdeeds are great enough that redemption is not possible, and he loses his eternal soul in the end. Similarities with Faust, however, only go…

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1911 words

Citation: Bryan, Eric. "Galdra-Loftur". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 21 November 2023 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=19674, accessed 18 April 2024.]

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