The Reference Works collection brings together language tools, dictionaries, source collections, and other resources useful for the continued study and interpretation of Old Norse and medieval Icelandic texts.
These works support vocabulary development, translation, textual comparison, philological study, source identification, and advanced research across Eddic literature, saga studies, history, religion, and related fields. Individual resource pages provide information about each work, its edition, its use at HIES, and access to the available online text.
An Icelandic Primer
Henry Sweet • Second Edition, 1895
REFERENCE
An introductory guide to Old Icelandic grammar combining language instruction with readings, notes, vocabulary, and a glossary for students beginning direct engagement with Old Norse texts.
A Concise Dictionary of Old Icelandic
Geir T. Zoëga • 1910
REFERENCE
A practical Old Icelandic-English dictionary supporting vocabulary study, translation, and the reading of Eddic, saga, and other medieval Icelandic texts.
An Icelandic-English Dictionary
Richard Cleasby & Guðbrandur Vigfússon • 1874
ADVANCED REFERENCE
A comprehensive historical dictionary providing extensive vocabulary, definitions, textual references, linguistic observations, and material useful for advanced Old Norse textual research.
Corpus Poeticum Boreale
Guðbrandur Vigfússon & F. York Powell • 1883
SOURCE COLLECTION
A major two-volume collection of Old Northern poetry providing texts, translations, classifications, notes, and historical scholarship for advanced literary, textual, and comparative study.
Origines Islandicae
Guðbrandur Vigfússon & F. York Powell • 1905
SOURCE COLLECTION
A two-volume collection of sagas and other native writings providing extensive source material for research into Icelandic settlement, history, law, conversion, genealogy, and society.
The Reference Works collection will continue to develop as suitable public-domain dictionaries, grammars, concordances, source collections, bibliographic tools, textual aids, and responsibly licensed research resources are identified and reviewed for inclusion.
Resources are selected for their usefulness in supporting the study and interpretation of primary texts. Historical reference works are used critically, with recognition that linguistic methods, textual scholarship, terminology, and scholarly conclusions have continued to develop since their publication.
Inclusion in the Open Library does not mean that every resource is required reading within the Bachelor of Eddic Studies program.