Orkneyinga Saga

By Anonymous, Hermann Pálsson (translator), Paul Edwards (translator)

Book cover of Orkneyinga Saga: The History of the Earls of Orkney

Book description

Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. The only medieval chronicle to have Orkney as the central place of action, it tells of an era when the islands were still part of the Viking world, beginning…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

2 authors picked Orkneyinga Saga as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I’m a sucker for pretty much any saga, those pieces of literature where legend and myth and history mingle into a perfect mixture of inspiration for the creative mind. This saga gives us a who’s who of historical figures, as well as poetic stories about journeys, battles, and political maneuverings. My favorite bits are the smaller, easier to overlook details though, such as the cause of Sigurd the Powerful’s death. The Orkneyinga is a consuming read about the history of Orkney through medieval eyes.

From its majestic Neolithic monuments to its 21st-century potential for alternative energy solutions, Orkney has always attracted entrepreneurial immigrants. The Vikings arrived in the 9th century during their invasions and settlements of large parts of Britain and Ireland. Orkney and Shetland remained a part of the Scandinavian world until the middle of the 15th century. This 13th-century Icelandic saga tells the story of the feuds, killings, and other machinations of the Norse rulers of these archipelagoes. It’s a story of ruthless high politics, occasionally leavened with outstanding poetry, Christian devotion, and black humour.

From Judith's list on medieval books about Viking Islands.

Want books like Orkneyinga Saga?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Orkneyinga Saga.

Browse books like Orkneyinga Saga

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Vikings, Scotland, and Orkney Scotland?

Vikings 116 books
Scotland 335 books
Orkney Scotland 16 books