Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jorge Luis Borges' poem "Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241)" is a poignant exploration of the life and legacy of Snorri Sturluson, the Icelandic historian, poet, and politician who is best known for his works on Norse mythology and the sagas of the Viking Age. The poem delves into the contrast between Snorri's intellectual achievements and his personal moment of vulnerability, focusing on the theme of courage—or the lack thereof—and the inevitable confrontation with mortality.

Borges begins by acknowledging Snorri's monumental contribution to the preservation of Norse mythology: "You, who bequeathed a mythology / Of ice and fire to filial recall." This line pays tribute to Snorri's role in compiling and chronicling the stories of the Norse gods and heroes, particularly through works like the "Prose Edda" and the "Heimskringla". The phrase "filial recall" suggests that Snorri's works have become an essential part of the cultural heritage passed down to future generations, preserving the memory of his "defiant Germanic stock."

The poem then shifts to a more personal and introspective moment: "Discovered in amazement one night / Of swords that your untrustworthy flesh / Trembled." Borges portrays Snorri as facing a moment of existential crisis, where his physical body, described as "untrustworthy," betrays him by trembling in fear. The "night of swords" refers to the fateful night when Snorri was confronted by his enemies, a moment that revealed his human frailty.

In a stark and almost brutal revelation, Borges writes: "On that night without sequel / You realized you were a coward. . . ." This admission of cowardice is central to the poem, highlighting the disparity between Snorri's intellectual and creative legacy and his personal experience of fear. The phrase "night without sequel" emphasizes the finality of this moment—there is no redemption or continuation, only the stark realization of his own fear.

Borges further situates Snorri in the harsh environment of Iceland: "In the darkness of Iceland the salt / Wind moves the mounting sea." The setting reinforces the isolation and bleakness of Snorri's situation, as the natural elements mirror the internal turmoil he faces. The mention of the "salt wind" and the "mounting sea" evokes a sense of inevitability, as the forces of nature, much like fate, are unstoppable and indifferent to human struggles.

The poem reaches its climax as Borges describes Snorri's final moments: "Your house is / Surrounded. You have drunk to the dregs / Unforgettable dishonor." Here, Snorri's home, once a place of refuge, becomes a trap, surrounded by those who seek his life. The metaphor of "drinking to the dregs" signifies that Snorri has experienced the full extent of his disgrace, leaving nothing but the bitter taste of dishonor.

The concluding lines bring the poem full circle, connecting Snorri's literary work with his own death: "On / Your head, your sickly face, falls the sword / As it fell so often in your book." Borges draws a parallel between the countless depictions of death and violence in Snorri's writings and the poet's own demise. The sword that "falls" on Snorri is not just a physical weapon but a symbol of the inevitable confrontation with the realities of life and death that Snorri chronicled so vividly in his works.

"Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241)" is a meditation on the complexities of human nature, the contrast between intellectual legacy and personal weakness, and the inescapable reality of mortality. Borges masterfully juxtaposes Snorri's towering literary achievements with the stark vulnerability he faced in his final moments, creating a powerful reflection on the human condition. Through this poem, Borges reminds us that even those who shape our understanding of history and myth are not immune to the fears and failures that define the human experience.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...