In Reykjavík’s Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies, a remarkable book stands out for its unusual appearance and rich contents. Called AM 738 4to, or sometimes Edda oblongata and Langa Edda, this manuscript from the late seventeenth century is taller than it is wide, measuring about 33 by 10.5 centimetres, and contains both vibrant illustrations and a diverse blend of Icelandic literature.
Created around 1680, the manuscript contains 135 individual leaves. Its lengthy, narrow format is rare among Icelandic paper manuscripts of its time. On these pages are gathered chapters from the Prose Edda, one of the principal sources for Old Norse mythology, along with a substantial collection of Eddic poems. Shorter texts are interspersed throughout, from skaldic verse to a rune poem and Christian visionary works such as Sólarljóð (Song of the Sun).
The volume features contributions by known and less well-known authors. It includes three poems by Hallgrímur Pétursson, one of Iceland’s most prominent seventeenth-century religious poets. Among them is his notable Aldarháttur. The manuscript attributes other poems to Oddr Þórðarson, a writer of whom little is recorded.
Manuscript history and ownership
A decorative title page shows that part of the manuscript, and possibly all, was completed in 1680. This page is signed with the initials “S G”, which are thought to denote Sigurður Gíslason, a poet and one-time owner, according to Árni Magnússon, the later manuscript collector. However, the text closes with a different set of initials: “G S S”, hinting at the presence of another scribe whose identity is lost to history.
Ownership then passed through noteworthy hands. Ingibjörg Jónsdóttir, half-sister to Sigurður, possessed the manuscript for a period before Magnús Jónsson, who taught at Skálholt, became its keeper. By around 1700, Árni Magnússon had obtained it. Except for its time in Copenhagen, the manuscript remained linked to Icelandic scholars, finally returning to Iceland in 1991.
Colourful illustrations and digital life
What distinguishes AM 738 4to beyond its literary treasure is the abundance of illustrations. Many are vivid scenes inspired by Norse myths, gods, heroes and legendary events come alive in lively colours. Besides these, more modest drawings serve as decoration throughout the pages.
Today, this unique manuscript is kept safely in Reykjavík, but its digitised pages are accessible online through Handrit.is, allowing a global audience to explore an example of Icelandic artistic and literary heritage that bridges mythology, poetry and Christian vision in a single elongated volume.
Sources
- Wikipedia
- Wikipedia (Icelandic) in Icelandic
