Résumés
Abstract
This paper explores representations of dvergar (sing. dvergr) in medieval Icelandic narrative sources to ascertain to what extent dvergar were associated with dwarfism and how these links developed over time. The first section of the study focuses on mythological representations of dvergar. In the second section, the analysis turns to Sneglu-Halla þáttr’s Túta, an early example of a human character whose physical description references dvergar. The final section examines the dvergar characters of the legendary sagas (fornaldarsögur) and romance sagas (riddarasögur), which would influence later portrayals of dvergar in Icelandic folklore. The aim of this research is to contribute to further clarification of the historical relationship between dvergar and dwarfism in Icelandic narratives.
Keywords:
- medieval studies,
- reception of Old Norse mythology,
- folklore,
- disability
Résumé
Cet article explore les représentations des dvergar (sing. dvergr) dans les sources narratives islandaises médiévales afin de déterminer dans quelle mesure les dvergar étaient associés au nanisme et comment ces liens se sont développés au fil du temps. La première partie de l’étude se concentre sur les représentations mythologiques des dvergar. Dans la deuxième partie, l’analyse se tourne vers Túta de Sneglu-Halla þáttr, un exemple précoce de personnage humain dont la description physique fait référence aux dvergar. La dernière partie examine les personnages dvergar des sagas légendaires (fornaldarsögur) et des sagas romantiques (riddarasögur), qui influenceront les représentations ultérieures des dvergar dans le folklore islandais. L’objectif de cette recherche est de contribuer à clarifier davantage la relation historique entre les dvergar et le nanisme dans les récits islandais.
Parties annexes
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