Alvar Erlandsson

The premier skald of the 13th century, full of opinions.

Alvar Erlandsson (approx 1186-1254 CE) is perhaps one of the most studied skalds in the history of the Norse of Eydraumr population of Eydraumr. Most notable for the numerous journals he left behind that chronicled his thoughts and experiences as he explored the island and its cultures, Erlandsson's colorful commentary on life in Eydraumr is considered to be the most complete - if narrowly focused - primary source into 13th century life on the island. In 1950, Arne Arnesson completed what is considered to be the comprehensive collective translation of all of Arlandsson's journals, published as Eydraumr's Dreams: An Adventurer's Journal.

Much of Erlanddson's experiences are considered to be fanciful fictional tales and mythologies, with accounts of beasts like Huldra and Fossegrimen peppering his accounting of romantic misadventures, mundane experiences traveling, and relations with the Mi'kmaq and Abenaki inhabitants of the island. More likely to give his personal opinion than deeply factual accounting, his journals are no less valuable for their deep insights into beliefs, politics, trade, and culture of Eydraumr.

The Erlandsson School of Art and History is named for Alvar Erlandsson, where the original journals are kept.

Mother always said it was good for a man to get fresh air and prove himself by walking the world. Father said there would be glory and women. No one told me which plants will give you a rash when you use them to clean your arse in the woods. I think that information would have been much more important.

-Alvar Erlandsson, skald. From Eydraumr's Dreams: An Adventurer's Journal, vol 1, 1202 CE, translation by Arne Arnesson