(b.1965) is a distinguished Icelandic author, with background in journalism and ethnology. She has written nine novels, as well as a compelling memoir, critically acclaimed for her thorough research of historical sources, crisp and clear language, a flowing narrative style and fast-paced and intricately woven plots.

Her debut novel, Korka’s Saga, set in the Viking Age, has enjoyed immense popularity and been taught in most secondary schools in Iceland for the past two decades. Her Aud Series have also been tremendously popular, especially as they throw a new and unexpected light on the fate and conditions of women in the Viking Age.

Her earlier novels have been translated into Faroese, German, English and Arabic.

“A very talented author, who has
great knowledge of Old Norse
sources from which she weaves
her gripping story.”
THORA INGVARSDOTTIR, UNIVERSITY OF ICELAND

AWARDS

1995 – The Reykjavík Scholastic Prize: Nornadómur (The Witches’ Judgement)
1994 – The IBBY Iceland Award: Við urðarbrunn (The Well of Fates)

NOMINATIONS

2021 – The Icelandic Women’s Literature Prize: Undir Yggdrasil (Under Yggdrasill)
2016 – The Icelandic Womens’ Literature Prize: Ástin, drekinn og dauðinn (Love, Dragons and Dying)
2009 – The Icelandic Literature Prize: Auður (Aud the Deep-Minded)
2005 – The Icelandic Literature Prize: Hrafninn (The Raven)