Ebook: Gunnlaugssaga ormstungu

The Saga of Gunnlaug Snake-Tongue was written late in the thirteenth century, perhaps in the period 1270-80. The evidence for this date of composition is drawn chiefly from a comparison between "Gunnlaugssaga" and other sagas. The author himself refers to "Laxdælasaga" (26/16), which was written c. 1245. The saga also shows characteristics of sentiment and style which betray an influence which was not strong in Iceland until the middle of the thirteenth century. As is usually the case with the Sagas of Icelanders, the author's name is unknown. Judging by his local knowledge and his use of terms of direction, it seems probable that he lived at Borg or some neighbouring farm.