Heimskringla

The Heimskringla is a collection of Old Norse sagas written by the Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson in the early 13th century. The word 'Heimskringla' can be translated to mean 'The Circle of the World'. The book is divided into several sagas about Swedish and Norwegian kings, beginning with the saga of the legendary Swedish dynasty of the Ynglings, followed by accounts of historical Norwegian rulers from Harald Fairhair of the 9th century up to the death of Eystein Meyla in 1177. Whilst the beginning of the Heimskringla is rooted in Norse mythology, the historical reliability increases as the accounts continue. Considered one of the most important works of medieval Scandinavian literature, Heimskringla continues to be used as a historical source, albeit with more caution than previously, as historians now believe that only the most recent accounts can be deemed credible. However, it remains a valuable source of knowledge regarding the society and politics of medieval Norway.