In this paper, Haki Antonsson explores the complex typological associations of an often neglected source for the reign of King Erik Ejegod (r. 1095-1103), a skaldic poem, Eiríksdrápa, by the Icelander Magnús Skeggjason.

Eiríksdrápa, a skaldic poem in 32 stanzas, was composed sometime between 1104 and 1107 by the Icelandic lawspeaker Markús Skeggjason (d.1107) for King Níels Sveinsson (1104-1134) in honour of his brother and predecessor, King Eiríkr ejegod (1095-1103). Eiríksdrápa describes Eiríkr’s just rule in Denmark, pilgrimage to Italy and victory over the Wends in the Baltic. The poem concludes with Eiríkr’s Crusade to the Holy Land and death in Cyprus. This lecture will throw fresh light on the nature of this fascinating, yet relatively neglected, literary composition and historical source. In particular, the lecture will show how the poem both reflects and illuminates the historical contexts of Denmark and Iceland around the turn of the 11th century.