\tSnorri Sturluson
Snorri Sturluson (1178?–1241), an Icelandic statesman, poet, and historian. He was a leading author of medieval Norse literature. His famous sagas of the Norwegian kings are in his historical work, Heimskringla; based on careful research, it is an important source for early Norse legend and history. Snorri's Younger Edda contains both earlier Norse literature and original work by him.
Snorri, the son of an Icelandic chieftain, became one of the wealthiest men in Iceland and a prominent political figure. After visiting King Haakon IV of Norway in 1218, he became the king's representative in an effort to bring Iceland under the Norwegian crown. He deserted Norway's cause and became involved in the resulting conflict over control of Iceland. Haakon had Snorri assassinated.