A RNÓRS ÞÁTTR JARLASKALDS – DET EVIGA LIVET I SKALDEDIKTNINGENS SPEGEL
A RNÓRS ÞÁTTR JARLASKALDS – DET EVIGA LIVET I SKALDEDIKTNINGENS SPEGEL

Summary/Abstract: This paper outlines some poetics-related issues that problematize þættir primarily in terms of the poetics of reception. Þáttr is the type of literature that is not limited by its historical context; by describing real figures and probable situations, thanks to meaning coding at different levels, − it enables different readings and interpretations. Arnórs þáttr is no exception. The mimetic decoding does not preclude a simultaneous parabolic reading − both are inscribed in the text as potential possibilities. The story is about a well-known poet Arnórr Þórðarson who visits the Norwegian court and the co-regents Magnús góði and Haraldr harðráði. He delivers his poems to the respective kings; those are appreciated and appropriately rewarded. The story ends with a brief summary of the poet’s later relations to both rulers. This article examines the semantic potential of the story and the possibilities for interpreting the dramatically concentrated content.

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