Constructing a cult : the life and veneration of Guđmundr Arason (1161-1237) in the Icelandic written sources / / edited by Joanna A. Skórzewska.

• Superior document: Northern world, v. 51
• Author: Skórzewska, Joanna A.
• TeilnehmendeR: Skórzewska, Joanna A.
• Year of Publication: 2011
• Language: English
• Series: Northern world ; v. 51.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (326 p.)
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

The figure of Guðmundr Arason (1161-1237) and especially his role in the history of medieval Iceland has provoked many strong opinions for decades. This book uses a variety of extant written sources to reexamine those views. It discusses a discrepancy between the popularity of the saint as suggested by the sagas and that reflected by other sources. One of the study’s main claims suggests that the clergy from Northern Iceland had a vital impact upon the construction of the cult. A variety of means applied to achieve it demonstrate the authorial knowledge of the vernacular and international traditions, as well as of living conditions in Iceland at the time when the sources were put down in writing.

Table of Contents

The source material -- The childhood of a saint -- Adolescence and first steps towards a clerical career -- In vita miracles : the means, the performance, and the criticism -- Gu℗ðmundr's relationship with powerful laymen -- The infallible supporters : women and saints -- "The father of the poor"? -- The death of the saint and his posthumous fame -- Appendix 1: Offerings listed in miracle stories (GJtb, GB, and GD) -- Appendix 2: Miracle stories that mention provision of food -- Appendix 3: Translatio of Gu℗ðmundr's bones performed by Bishop Au℗ðunn ℗♭žorbergsson as recorded in the Icelandic annals -- Appendix 4: The cultus of the vernacular saints as recorded in the Icelandic annals -- Appendix 5: Obituaries of "holy men" in the Icelandic annals -- Appendix 6: Days honouring the Icelandic holy bishops as recorded in charters -- Appendix 7: The geographical distribution of images and sagas of the Icelandic holy bishops -- Appendix 8: Episcopal sees and religious houses in Iceland.