Warfare in Thirteenth Century Iceland

The collapse of Iceland as a self-governing country in the mid-thirteenth century is highlighted by several conflicts between various powerful chieftains. The various sagas and histories that make up the Sturlunga Sagas were written soon after the events they record, and their descriptions of some of the battles that took place on the island are among the most interesting medieval accounts of warfare.

Battle of Breišabólstaš

Battle at Orlygsstaš

Battle of Floi

All three texts are from Sturlunga Saga, edited by Julia H. McGrew (New York: The American- Scandinavian Foundation, 1970)  This work is copyrighted by The American-Scandinavian Foundation.  We thank them for allowing us to publish this section.