Jan Alexander van Nahl
Mun engi maðr öðrum þyrma
Thoughts on Universality and Contingency in Heimskringla
One of the most significant concepts in Gylfaginning and Ynglinga saga is the idea of a kraptr fylgjandi, distinguishing successful rulers in a mythical era. In the context of the intensive use of kraptr in Old Norse theological treatises, mostly serving as a translation of Latin virtus, the depiction of these early rulers can be read as contributing to a Christian theology of history. This idea of a divine predetermination allows for the establishment of a meaningful history of mankind, but also restrains people from questioning the world order.
In Heimskringla, this order is closely linked to kingship, and the numerous genealogies are a hint towards the idea of a continuity of history, too. However, quite often, this royal descent is displayed both as stirring heavy quarrel among relatives and confederates and as being affected by mere coincidence. In these cases, the idea of a meaningful continuity of history competes against more rational explanations of historical development, centring on disruption. In other words: history is experienced as contingent, and its alleged unity and universal meaning thus have to prove itself over and over again.
Given Heimskringla’s composition during Sturlungaöld, this fundamental questioning of traditional orders can be interpreted as a new stage in Northern historiography, arising from and contributing to societal and political agitation in 13th-century Iceland. The close reading of important passages in Heimskringla sheds further light on this thesis which contributes to a new understanding of possible intentions behind the Kings’ sagas.
Jan Alexander van Nahl studied in Bonn and Uppsala, and holds a Dr. phil. from the university of Munich. He is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Iceland and the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies. Jan has published on Old Norse literature, History of Science, Theology, Modern Literature, and the Digital Humanities.
The lecture will be delivered in English.