Egil’s Saga: Traditional evidence for Brúnanburh compared to Literary, Historic and Archaeological Analyses

By (author) John R. Kirby

Book cover: Egil’s Saga: Traditional evidence for Brúnanburh compared to Literary, Historic and Archaeological Analyses

Extent: 62 pages

Publisher: Archaeopress Publishing

Subjects: Literary Studies, Medieval Studies

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(January 2019)

ISBN: 9781789691092

7.99 x 10.87 inches

Price: $36.00

In stock

Was Egil’s Saga ‘written’ by Snorri Sturluson or by more than one person? Was it embellished by Snorri or others? Where did the Brunanburh traditions come from? Is it accurate enough to be used as a historic source – a factual reference? This study aims to identify the incongruities within this saga demonstrating a correct analysis.


Regarded as the secondary source advocated by some scholars for this battle around Brunanburh in AD 937, Egil’s Saga Skalla-Grimssonar (collated c. AD 1242-3) becomes problematical when compared with literary, historic and archaeological evidence. Thus, this argument places the saga in a rather awkward position. In addressing the general veracity of this saga, allegedly ‘written’ by Snorri Sturluson in 1240/1 we must draw a comparison to distinguish reality from fiction. For this article highlights not only the questionable traditions of Egil fighting at Brunanburh but whether Snorri’s interpretation was motivated by self-interest. More importantly, could other people have gathered together Snorri’s notes and produced Egil’s Saga? Doubts arise as to its authenticity as many scholars have previously expressed the differing literary anomalies within the narrative. Was the saga written by more than one person? Was it embellished by Snorri or others? Where did the Brunanburh traditions come from? Is it accurate enough to be used as a historic source – a factual reference? The author suggests this approach may identify the incongruities within this saga demonstrating a correct analysis.

  • By (author) John R. Kirby