The most powerful king in Scandinavia: the representation of Knútr inn ríki in Knýtlinga saga
Abstract
Abstract: This article investigates an understudied aspect regarding Knútr inn ríki, focusing on the representation of Knútr in Knýtlinga saga. After summarizing Knútr’s reign in the saga, it points out the historical inaccuracies in the saga of Knútr inn ríki and compares his representation therein to how Knútr was politicized in several other primary sources from different geographies and genres. Building upon that, by demonstrating the possible Danish influence on the saga author and Knútr’s historical impact, it explores why the saga author may have wanted politicise Knútr in this way.
Resumo: Este artigo investiga um aspecto pouco estudado acerca de Knútr inn ríki, com foco em sua representação na Knýtlinga saga. Após resumir o reino de Knútr na saga, o artigo aponta imprecisões históricas na saga de Knútr inn ríki e compara esta sua representação com a maneira como Knútr foi politizado em diversas outras fontes primarias de diferentes origens e gêneros. A partir disto, demonstrando a possível influencia dinamarquesa sobre o autor da saga e sobre o impacto histórico de Knútr, o texto explora o motivo pelo qual o autor da saga poderia querer politizar Knútr de tal maneira
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