Einar Hafliðason, born in 1307 and living until 1393, was one of the significant clerical figures in northern Iceland during the 14th century. Beyond his nearly five decades as a priest, Einar’s writings and connections placed him at the heart of Icelandic religious and scholarly life.
A life shaped by learning and the church
Raised at Breiðabólstaður í Vesturhópi, Einar came from a family already embedded in religious service. His father, Hafliði Steinsson, spent time as priest to the king of Norway, acted as steward at Hólar, and finally served as parish priest at Breiðabólstaður until his own death in 1319. Einar’s mother, Rannveig Gestsdóttir, was Hafliði’s concubine.
Einar was sent at the age of ten to study under Lárentíus Kálfsson at Þingeyri monastery. This early education forged bonds and skills that influenced Einar’s later work. He became close to Lárentíus, eventually serving as his secretary. When the time arrived for Einar’s ordination, Lárentíus, then ill, arranged for him to be consecrated by Bishop Jón Halldórsson at Skálholt in 1332.
Einar began his career as a parish priest at Höskuldsstaðir á Skagaströnd in 1334. Nine years later, he received the benefice of Breiðabólstaður from the Archbishop of Nidaros, a role he maintained until his death, making him a central religious figure in Vestur-Húnavatnssýsla for nearly half a century.
Chronicler and voice of his age
Einar’s reputation endures largely because of his contributions as a writer and chronicler. He is credited with beginning the annal known as Lögmannsannáll, recording events until 1361. This chronicle is still considered among the most reliable historical accounts from 14th-century Iceland.
He also compiled Lárentius saga, a biography documenting the life of his mentor Lárentíus Kálfsson. This work offers a unique window into the daily life, friendships and ecclesiastical politics of the North Icelandic Benedictine community. Einar’s presence in other official documents affirms his active role in church and administrative matters.
His range extended beyond Icelandic borders. According to his own records, in 1347 he journeyed abroad, visiting the papal seat in Avignon for nine nights, spending time in France, and staying in Paris. Such travel was rare for Icelanders of his century.
Einar’s literary interests also included translation. In 1381 he rendered Atburðr á Finnmörk, a short miracle narrative, from Latin into Icelandic. This text provides glimpses into relations between Norse and Saami communities in medieval Norway.
The legacy of Einar Hafliðason continued in his descendants. His son Árni farmed at Auðbrekka í Hörgárdal and later became a landholder at Grenjaðarstaður, further contributing to local leadership in the region.
Sources
- Wikipedia
- Wikipedia (Icelandic) in Icelandic
