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INTEODUCnON. 16
3. Heimskringla, the Wbrld-Cirde,* the Chroni-
cles of the Norwegian Kings, by Snorri Stnrlason.
Next to the Edda, this is the mos^celebrated work in
the whole Icelandic literature. It begins as far back
in the mythic times as memory reaches, while the
other Icelandic histories usually begin witb Harald
Harfagri, and it comes down to Magnus Erlingsson,
A. D. 1116. It is not a primitive history, drawn
immediately from the traditions and songs of the
people, as was the case with many of the Sagas, but
was constructed by Snorri from materials already
blocked out in previously-existing Sagas. These
Sagas contained a tolerably full history of Norway,
in isolated fragments, which Snorri collected, modi-
fied, and combined with remarkable care and judg-
ment, into one continuous historical work. This
origin of the Heimskringla is shown in the circum-
stance that it is divided into different Sagas, as well
as by certain variations and contradictions that
occur in the different parts.f
Snorri'? account has Only an incidental interest
for the mythologist where it treats of the later,
purely Christian ages of Norway ; it is more im-
portant where the downfall of the heathen life is
* This work has been thus named by the learned from the two
principal words at the beginning: "Svi er sagt at kringla heim-
sins." "It is said that the circZ« of the world, etc." In the MS. it
is called "^fi Iforegs Konilnga," "Life of the Kings of Norway,"
or "Iforegs Koniinga Sogur," " Sagas of the Kings of Norway."
f The Introduction begins : " & b6k |iessi let eh rita forna frdsagnir."
" In this book / have caused the ancient narratives to be writ-
ten, &e.," as though he bad only attended to the editing of it.