Bibliotheca Arnamagnæana - 01.06.1965, Page 286

Summary
Introduction. The main purpose of the present studies is that of de-
termining the relationship between the historical works Historia Nor-
vegiæ, Historia de antiquitate regum Norwagiensium by Theodoricus
Monachus, and the so-called Ågrip (i.e. compendium), which were all
composed by Norwegian clergymen in the second half of the twelfth
century. Such a study cannot, however, be carried out without regard
to Icelandic historiography of the time. Medieval West Norse historio-
graphy forms a unit a single part of which cannot with benefit be made
the object of isolated reflection. An appreciable part of the present work
therefore deals with the problems connected with the earliest historical
writings of Icelandic origin. Still, the consideration of the Norwegian
works has been determinative of the delimitation of the study. As far
as possible, questions which only concem the interrelations between the
Icelandic writings, have been left out of consideration.
Another delimitation has arisen as a consequence of the view which
has been maintained as regards the origin of West Norse historiography.
In this respect the present writer subscribes to the main view adopted
by such scholars as Gustav Storm, SigurSur Nordal, Gustav Indrebø, and
Bjami ASalbjamarson, and opposes the view defended by Siegfried Bey-
schlag. The various works are considered as literary products of indi-
vidual authors, not as codifications of a firmly established oral tradition.
Consequently the question of the written connexion between the various
works holds the central position in the investigations. It has only in a few
cases been tried to determine the oral tradition which the writers might
lean on, and mainly as regards the contents, less attention being paid
to the form. Furthermore, comparatively little weight has been attached
to the interpretation of the works discussed. This is by no means due to
the present writer’s considering these subjects less important than the
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