Sagas Fill Gap in Book Collection
The University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa´s distance learning tertiary-level institution with over 20,000 students in South Africa and overseas received the entire English language translation of the Saga of the Icelanders at a colourful ceremony on 21 August.
Ambassador Kristmundsdóttir, who presented the set of books on behalf of Iceland’s Ministry of Education, said it was a great honour to donate the sagas and she hoped this would further strengthen the cultural bonds between Iceland and South Africa. Dr Judy Henning, UNISA Chief Librarian, said the gift would fill a gap in their holdings of Icelandic medieval literature – a gap that had widened over the years.
Professor Leonie Viljoen, former Chair of the English language department at the university, initiated the request for the latest collection. A student of Icelandic sagas who has visited Iceland as a recipient of study fellowships, Professor Viljoen brought the presentatiion to life with her reading of part of Sonartorrek, Egill Skallagrimsson’s stirring poem dedicted to the loss of his sons. An embassy staff member read the words in old Icelandic and Professor Viljoen read the translation found in the newly donated collection.
