Old Norse

Old Norse was a North Germanic language spoken by inhabitants of Scandinavia and their overseas settlements from roughly the 9th to the 13th centuries. It developed from Proto-Norse during the Germanic Iron Age and Viking Age. It is the language recorded in runic inscriptions and in medieval Icelandic literature, which is the main source of our knowledge of Old Norse.

Geographic Distribution:

Old Norse was primarily spoken in what is now Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and parts of Russia, as well as in settlements in parts of the British Isles, including Scotland and England, and in Normandy. The dialects spoken in Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands are generally considered to be the most conservative.

Dialects:

Generally, Old Norse is divided into three main dialects:

• Old West Norse: Spoken primarily in Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. Old Icelandic provides the best-documented example of this dialect.

• Old East Norse: Spoken primarily in Sweden and Denmark. Old Swedish and Old Danish emerged from this dialect. Evidence of this dialect is found mainly in runic inscriptions.

• Old Gutnish: Spoken on the island of Gotland. It is less well-attested than Old West Norse and Old East Norse, but is considered a distinct dialect.

Influence:

Old Norse has significantly influenced modern Scandinavian languages, particularly Icelandic, Faroese, Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish. It also had a notable impact on the development of the English language, particularly in its vocabulary, during the Viking Age. Many common English words are of Old Norse origin.

Legacy:

Old Norse literature provides valuable insights into the culture, mythology, and history of the Viking Age. Sagas, Eddas, and skaldic poetry are prominent examples of Old Norse literary works that continue to be studied and appreciated today. The study of Old Norse is essential for understanding the history, languages, and cultures of Scandinavia.