The medieval Icelandic saga known as Hrings saga ok Tryggva offers a window into the literary imagination of Iceland in the later Middle Ages. While it survives only in fragmentary form, its story, shaped by continental influences, has endured in the form of later rímur (metrical sagas), preserving its complete narrative in verse.
Unlike the older sagas that draw more directly on oral tradition and heroic legend, Hrings saga ok Tryggva belongs to a set of romances inspired by European models. Scholars have debated its relationship with other Icelandic sagas. In particular, Finnur Jónsson once linked the story to Hálfdanar saga Eysteinssonar, but Schröder and others emphasise its character as a purely literary romance, rather than a tale steeped in fairy-tale tone.
Tangles of power, promise and grief
The story revolves around Hringr, son of King Dagr of Grikkland (the medieval Icelandic term for Greece), who is engaged to Brynhildr, the daughter of the king of Garðariki, a name used for Russia or the lands around Novgorod. During Hringr’s extended absence, the king of Garðariki seeks to break Brynhildr’s engagement to Hringr, driven by a need to repel a Viking suitor, Harekr. To ensure his daughter’s safety, King Hertryggr enlists the help of Tryggvi, king of Saxland (Germany). Tryggvi agrees to assist only if he can marry Brynhildr following his victory.
With Tryggvi’s defeat of Harekr, Brynhildr is married to Tryggvi, despite her earlier promise to Hringr. When Hringr discovers these developments, he travels swiftly to Saxland, intending to challenge Tryggvi. Their confrontation leads not only to combat but eventually to a reconciliation. Subsequently, Hringr weds Tryggvi’s sister, Brynveig.
Tragedy interrupts this fragile peace. A treacherous follower kills Tryggvi and Brynveig, stricken with grief, soon dies. Hringr avenges the deaths, and the saga concludes with Hringr’s ultimate marriage to Brynhildr.
Scraps of survival: manuscripts and preservation
The survival of Hrings saga ok Tryggva today relies on a scattered array of manuscripts. The oldest fragments are found on single leaves of vellum dating to the 15th century, such as AM 489 and AM 586. Later copies, now housed in collections in Reykjavík and Copenhagen, reflect ongoing interest in the story through the centuries, with handwritten copies extending into the late 19th century. These include manuscript numbers like NKS 1195 in the Royal Library of Copenhagen and Lbs 221 in the National Library, Reykjavík.
The saga has also been edited and published in collections dedicated to late medieval Icelandic romances. Notably, Agnete Loth prepared an edition drawing on these oldest fragments, providing both the Icelandic text and summaries in English.
Despite the patchwork state of its preservation, Hrings saga ok Tryggva illustrates how stories of love, loss and political intrigue journeyed from the medieval imagination through the hands of Icelandic scribes over the centuries.
