Transcription Information

The aim of these semi-diplomatic transcriptions is to record the linguistic and non-linguistic features of the manuscripts. While I have generally attempted to represent the text of Hafgeirs and Þjóstólfs as it occurs in the originals, there are some exceptions.

  • The light superior curl that may occur with u is not reproduced, as it is likely a feature of paleography rather than an indication of length. A superior curl is also often written over other vowels, but because it also appears to represent a stylistic flourish, it is not indicated.
  • The acute accent usually associated with length is used inconsistently in both manuscripts. I have included it only where it is clearly indicated.
  • While I have dotted the occasional undotted i, I reproduce eth only where the ascender is crossed in a clear indication of ð.
  • Crossed z is rendered z.
  • I have attempted to reproduce punctuation faithfully, and only those graphemes that are written as majuscules are capitalized.

I extend thanks to Peter Jorgensen for his careful review of my transcriptions.

For an excellent discussion of electronic text editing and transcription, see Driscoll’s Levels of Transcription.