On places and positions of stars

Abstract

This article examines readings from several medieval manuscripts in order to correct what is identified as an error in the printed editions of Örvar-Odds saga and Þorsteins saga Víkingssonar. Both sagas contain a similar narrative involving individuals reputed to possess magical abilities, specifically the capacity to “fasten” or “glue” together stod and stars. A commentary from 1680 interprets this phrase as referring to the act of connecting a herd of horses (ON stóð) with stars. Since then, editors of both sagas have consistently rendered the term stod as stóð. However, the nature of this connection – how herds of horses and stars might be joined – has not been further elucidated.

The article seeks to reassess this editorial interpretation, which has resulted in the reading stóð ok stjörnur. By analysing the orthographic variants of the word stod across different manuscript witnesses of both sagas, the study proposes a more plausible interpretation, considering alternative readings such as stöð and staðr. The com­parative analysis suggests that the linkage between stöð/staðr and stars may reflect an astrological practice or belief system, where understanding the positions of stars (or their places) was significant. This connection may thus allude to the practice of reading the stars to forecast or explain earthly events – a common feature of magical traditions.