Bergsveinn Birgisson (b. 1971) is one of Iceland’s most distinguished literary voices. A scholar of Norse Philology and an expert in oral histories, his writing carries the authority of a researcher and the soul of a poet. Birgisson’s work is famously rooted in the Icelandic landscape; he lives in the remote Strandir area and draws significant inspiration from his experience in traditional sheep farming. Birgisson has spent his life studying language and how it represents the truth of the human condition and by blending folklore with a profound exploration of the human condition, he has earned widespread critical acclaim and numerous literary awards.

“Exceptional storyteller Birgisson beautifully and humorously succeeds in invoking the image of a culture in ruin and a soul in torment, in an environment that is located at both a psychological and geographical outpost of civilisation”
Karl Ove Knausgård about Birgisson’s title Landscape is Never Corny

Awards and Honors

• 2021 – Honorary Doctorate, University of Bergen (Norway)

• 2021 – Norwegian Non-Fiction Prize (Norsk fagbokforfatters og bokhandelens sakprosapris) for The Man from the Middle Ages

• 2019 – Alfred Andersson-Rysst Award (Norway), for his literary career

• 2017 – Knight 1st Class of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, for outstanding service to Norway

• 2015 – The Red Raven’s Feather for The Saga of Geirmundur Heljarskinn

• 2015 – Prix Amphi (University of Lille, France) for La lettre à Helga

• 2014 – Kvedemannsprisen (Bergen, Norway)

• 2014 – Reply to a Letter from Helga named a “Notable Translation of 2013” by World Literature Today

• 2014 – Prix des lecteurs Nantais (France) for La lettre à Helga

• 2014 – Prix du Cercle de l’Union Interalliée (France) for La lettre à Helga

• 2012 – FJÖLÍS Recognition from the Writers’ Union of Iceland

• 2010 – Icelandic Booksellers’ Prize for Best Icelandic Novel: Reply to a Letter from Helga

Nominations

• 2020 – Nordic Council Literature Prize: The Lifegiving Stream (Lifandilífslækur)

• 2018 – Icelandic Literary Prize: The Lifegiving Stream

• 2017 – Norwegian Critics’ Prize (Kritikerprisen): The Saga of Geirmundur Heljarskinn

• 2016 – Icelandic Literary Prize: The Black Viking (Leitin að svarta víkingnum)

• 2016 – Hagþenkir Award (Non-fiction): The Black Viking

• 2016 – DV Cultural Prize: The Black Viking

• 2015 – International DUBLIN Literary Award: Reply to a Letter from Helga

• 2015 – Norwegian Critics’ Prize (Kritikerprisen): The Saga of the Weather (Soga om vêret)

• 2015 – Prix du Meilleur Roman (Best Novel, France): La lettre à Helga

• 2014 – Prix Inter-CE (France): La lettre à Helga

• 2014 – Prix du Roman Fnac (France): La lettre à Helga

• 2013 – Brage Prize (Norway): The Black Viking

• 2012 – Nordic Council Literature Prize: Reply to a Letter from Helga

• 2012 – Norwegian Critics’ Prize (Kritikerprisen): Reply to a Letter from Helga

• 2010 – Icelandic Literary Prize: Reply to a Letter from Helga

• 2003 – Icelandic Literary Prize: Landscapes are Never Silly (Landslag er aldrei asnalegt)