PhD researcher Tom Lorenz is exploring the overlooked Latin written material in Iceland, aiming to uncover forgotten aspects of the island’s rich literary history. While Iceland is renowned for its Old Norse texts, Lorenz focuses on ancient, repurposed parchments that hold traces of Iceland’s connection to European culture. He highlights how Icelanders preserved important historical narratives, particularly regarding Norway’s royal lineage, through oral traditions and later written sagas, notably by Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century.
Icelandic parchment, primarily made from the skins of calves, was a valuable resource, often reused due to its scarcity. This practice led to the creation of palimpsests, which bore remnants of older texts beneath newer writings, a method prevalent in medieval Europe. The shift from Latin to Icelandic texts during the Reformation marked a significant transition, as ecclesiastical materials were replaced with vernacular literature.
Lorenz’s research aims to reconstruct and analyze these palimpsests to better understand Iceland’s historical literature and its role in the broader European context. His discoveries include unique fragments such as hymns and prayers that demonstrate Iceland’s engagement with European intellectual currents.
