Among the treasures of Icelandic medieval culture is AM 227 fol., a fourteenth century illuminated manuscript notable for both its artistic richness and historical journey. Measuring 35 by 27 centimetres in its current form, this codex stands as a remarkable example of the medieval art of manuscript illustration and scribal collaboration in Iceland.
The story behind Stjórn and its manuscripts
AM 227 fol. preserves a version of Stjórn, an Old Norse compilation drawing on biblical narratives. Stjórn survives in three major manuscripts, with AM 227 fol. serving as one of only three independent witnesses to this key text. The manuscript itself contains two of the Stjórn sections, known as parts I and III, while a conspicuous blank gap between gatherings hints that space was reserved for the second part, which was never added.
The origins of AM 227 fol. are linked to high ecclesiastical status. It belonged to Skálholt Cathedral and appears in its inventories as far back as 1548, where it was likely referred to as the ‘Bible in Icelandic.’ In 1588, the manuscript was definitely at Skálholt. Its journey continued when Árni Magnússon, Iceland’s most renowned manuscript collector, received it from Bishop Jón Víldalín in 1699. Magnússon also acquired five additional leaves after first obtaining the codex itself.
Scribes, artistry, and icons
AM 227 fol. is noted for its lavish illustrations, making it one of the most impressive items in Magnússon’s collection. The decorative program was executed by the principal illuminator from Þingeyrar, a known centre of medieval Icelandic manuscript production. This artist was also responsible for work on the earliest sections of Teiknibók, another Þingeyrar manuscript. The iconography within AM 227 fol. and related works reveals influence from fourteenth century East Anglian manuscript traditions, suggesting transmission of artistic ideas across the North Atlantic in the Middle Ages.
The manuscript was penned by two scribes, referred to as hands A and B. These scribes contributed to other medieval Icelandic texts, including additional Stjórn versions and sagas such as Klári saga, Egils saga, and Völuspá. The specific hand known as A appears in notable law and saga manuscripts, including Codex Wormianus, while hand B is documented in both Stjórn and Rómverja saga fragments, demonstrating professional versatility and wide-ranging literary engagement.
Over centuries, AM 227 fol. has been trimmed and rebound, and now consists of 128 leaves, though it probably contained around 150 in its original state. The changes mirror the practical demands placed on manuscripts as they changed hands and uses over time, yet its core illuminations and content have survived as a window into Iceland’s literary and artistic history.
