Why Would the Skalds Not Have Lied about the Rulers’ Expeditions and Battles? Some Remarks on a Relic of Medieval Attitude toward Sources in Modern Medieval Studies

The article presents a critique of research method whereby historical sources could not have possibly lied as they were targeted at the addressees who knew actual course events described or referred to. This attitude toward has its antecedence in Snorri Sturluson’s argument on reliability skaldic poetry. To his mind, poems biased but still valuable, way, declaimed before rulers would perceived an untrue account “as mockery, rather than praise”. question arises, what kind situation tried to preclude: one where mean warrior been shown great hero? Or, perhaps, defector portrayed bravely marching first rank? story Giffard from Morkinskinna saga seems offer answer. fled battlefield had praise poem dedicated him, which (real) character aptly deciphered derision aimed him.