Snorri
STURLASON, an Icelandic poet and historian; born in Hvami, in the Dala district of Iceland, in 1178; was the son of Sturla Thordsson, the founder of the powerful family of the Sturlungs. At three years of age he became a foster-son of Jon Loptsson, grandson of Sæmund, author of the "Elder Edda," then the most influential and gifted man in Iceland, and after his death (1197), Snorri remained at Odda with his son Sæmund, and by his marriage, first with Herdys (1199), and after her death with Hallveg Ormsdatter, gained great possessions, sometimes appearing at the Althing with a following of 800 to 900 men. Twice was he appointed "Langmand" (1219- 1223, and 1226-1236). In 1218 he traveled to Norway, where he gained great favor with Duke Skuli, returning to Ice- SNOW land in 1220. In 1237 he was obliged to flee to Norway in consequence of a league formed against him by his brother Sighpoetical powers, he aided his patron Skuli poetical powers, he aided his patron Skuli in consequence, on his return to Iceland, pursued by the hatred of the king, and murdered through his influence by his son-in-law at Reykaholt, Sept. 22, 1241.