Gripla - 20.12.2006, Page 126

GRIPLA124
SUMMARY
‘Háttatal by Snorri Sturluson. A descriptions of its metrics.’
Keywords: Prosody, Old Norse metrics, Snorri Sturluson’s poetics.
The article examines the two-sided testimony of the Háttatal regarding Old Icelandic
metrical forms and metrical learning. It is shown that the methodology used differs
fundamentally from many later approaches, e.g. Sievers’ analysis, which sees drótt-
kvætt as an outgrowth of eddic forms. The analysis presented in the prose sections of
the Háttatal is on the one hand based on the (probably traditional Nordic) wisdom that
alliteration forms the templatic supports for all poetic text, and on the other that the
metres are defined in terms of the numbers (tala) of syllables (samstƒfur) and lines
(vísuorð). The function of the hendings is also seen as constitutive to the metrical
forms, and the difference between heavy and light syllables is clearly noted. Unlike the
older Háttalykill, the Háttatal starts with the presentation of skaldic metres, which are
seen as the most important poetic forms. Although Snorri’s approach has in many
respects an advantage over the Sievers model, for describing the complex rhythmical
parameters at work in dróttkvætt and the other skaldic metres, he is unable to
communicate the function of metrical strength and prominence alternation between
strong and weak syllables. But this structure is described indirectly by reference to the
placement of alliteration and the hendings. There is little reason to assume foreign
influence on the form or purpose of Háttatal, and compared to the other Old Icelandic
grammatical literature, the subject matter and the methodology is basically indigenous
to the Nordic culture. It is likely that the prose and poetry was for the most part
composed by one and the same person.
Kristján Árnason
Íslenskuskor
Hugvísindadeild Háskóla Íslands
Árnagarði við Suðurgötu
IS-101 Reykjavík, Ísland
kristarn@hi.is