THE HIES OPEN LIBRARY
Henry Sweet • Second Edition, 1895
Category: REFERENCE
An Icelandic Primer is an introductory textbook for the study of Old Icelandic, the language in which much of the surviving medieval Icelandic literary tradition was recorded. It introduces students to grammar, vocabulary, inflection, syntax, and reading while providing selections for practical language study.
The work is particularly useful as an introduction to the linguistic foundations needed for closer engagement with Eddic poetry, saga literature, and other Old Norse texts.
This Open Library entry uses Henry Sweet's second edition of An Icelandic Primer, published in 1895.
Sweet's work reflects the terminology and methods of nineteenth-century language instruction and should be approached as a historical language resource. Its grammatical explanations, readings, notes, and glossary nevertheless provide a useful foundation for introductory study of Old Icelandic.
As with other historical resources in the HIES Open Library, this edition should be used critically and, where appropriate, alongside more recent linguistic scholarship and instructional materials.
Old Icelandic Language
Old Norse Grammar
Vocabulary & Inflection
Reading & Translation
Eddic Language
Saga Language
Historical Linguistics
Primary-Text Preparation
An Icelandic Primer supports introductory Old Norse language study at Hákonarætt Institute of Eddic Studies.
It is especially relevant to coursework introducing Old Norse grammar, vocabulary, morphology, syntax, reading, and translation and helps prepare students for guided engagement with passages from Eddic, saga, and related medieval sources.
Inclusion in the Open Library does not mean that every section or exercise is assigned in every HIES course. Specific required readings and exercises are identified within individual courses on the HIES Learning Platform.
Title: An Icelandic Primer
Author: Henry Sweet
Edition: Second Edition
Publication Year: 1895
Resource Type: Language Primer / Reference
Language: English / Old Icelandic