Eigi Einhamr

The 13th century Eyrbyggja saga is one of the most important Icelandic sagas, but also one of the most discussed because of the seemingly heterogeneous elements of its plot,which unfolds itas a chronicle.The present study takes as its starting point the central significance of the god Thor in his function as the founder and preserver of culture for the community of settlers, and attempts to develop the ideas connected with the establishment of an ordered community life for the medieval Icelanders.The thematic foci are provided by the occupation and settlement of land and the complex discourse of sacrifice in the saga.