Iceland secures long-term loan of ancient manuscripts from Denmark

Iceland has secured a long-term loan of its oldest manuscripts, dating back approximately 800 years, from Denmark. This arrangement was formalized through a declaration signed during the official visit of Iceland’s President, Halla Tómasdóttir, to Copenhagen.

The agreement is the outcome of years of collaboration between the governments of Iceland and Denmark, as well as the Árni Magnússon Institute in Reykjavík and Copenhagen. Iceland’s Minister of Culture and Business, Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, represented the country in signing the document.

The manuscripts include significant historical texts, such as an ancient medieval textbook known as Lucidarius, which dates back to around 1200, as well as the manuscript of the Kings’ Sagas and Hauksbók, which exists in two parts, with one part remaining in Denmark.

A planned exhibition of Icelandic manuscript heritage will be held in Eddu, projected to last between five to seven years. This initiative underscores that the agreement facilitates a reciprocal exchange; if the Árni Magnússon Institute requires manuscripts for long-term loan, such exchanges are possible.

Preparations for the exhibition will not commence immediately, as considerations around the preservation of these historical documents must be prioritized. The initiative also aims to enhance the digital dissemination of the manuscripts.

The development is particularly noteworthy as it highlights the ongoing academic interest in Icelandic literature and manuscripts from scholars worldwide, not only in Iceland or Denmark but across the globe. By making this literary heritage accessible, Iceland aims to share its rich cultural legacy with the international community.