Icelandic Ideas of Heaven and Hell: Norse and Latin Christian Influences on the Icelandic View of Heaven and Hell 1153/1154-c.1400

The thesis explores Icelandic ideas of Heaven and Hell from 1153/54 to c. 1400. The core of the various views expressed during the period in question are Christian, aligning with the prevalent views in Latin Christianity. Views stemming from the Bible, its interpretation and the patristic tradition. Still, there are discernible strong Norse influences. Themes from Old Norse religion are prominent, such as the Midgard Serpent and jötnar. Furthermore, elementary parts of Norse society influenced the Norse sources, such as þing, ríki and vinátta. When the sources are viewed collectively there emerges an Icelandic Heaven and Hell, which deviates to a greater or a lesser degree from Latin Christianity. The greatest deviation, in addition to Icelandic literary independence, is at the beginning of the thirteenth century. In contrast, at the close of the thirteenth century the views expressed are to a greater degree in accordance with Latin Christianity