Redefining Icelandic Literature

The 1920s were a crucial formative period in the life of Halldór Laxness, setting the stage for his emergence as one of Iceland’s most influential writers. From a young age, Laxness was determined to rank among the world’s top writers. Laxness’s literary journey began early, with his first novel published in 1919, marking the start of a prolific career. 

Laxness's passion for writing was matched by his thirst for experience. After publishing his first novel, he traveled abroad, spending time in Copenhagen. There, he achieved early recognition when one of his short stories was published on the front page of the weekend edition of Berlingske Tidende, Denmark’s most influential newspaper. Just days before the story’s publication on October 10th, 1919, Laxness wrote to his mother:  "I feel so clearly that this journey [to Copenhagen] is a great step towards what I am seeking, that is to say, towards a knowledge of people and the world, so that I can become a real writer, something which occupies all my thoughts." 
 
This period marked the beginning of Laxness's lifelong quest for understanding and his relentless pursuit of literary excellence. His experiences led him to explore various philosophies and belief systems, culminating in his groundbreaking modernist novel, The Great Weaver from Kashmir (1927).  

The Great Weaver from Kashmir is centered around Steinn Elliði, a 19-year-old protagonist, and follows several years of his life. While the novel may initially appear to be a conventional Bildungsroman, a deeper reading reveals how it transcends and challenges this traditional framework. Steinn Elliði vacillates between three main belief systems: Catholicism, Communism, and Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch. The Catholic lives for God, the Communist for humanity, and the follower of the Superman ideal lives for himself. 

The character of Steinn Elliði shares many similarities with Laxness himself. Laxness briefly converted to Catholicism and even spent time in a monastery, much like his protagonist. However, The Great Weaver from Kashmir can be seen as a pivotal work marking Laxness's departure from the Catholic Church. Ultimately, it was not God but his fellow humans who won the battle for Laxness's soul, as he shifted his focus towards socialism. 

This novel is not only significant for its exploration of complex philosophical themes but also for its role in establishing Laxness as a modernist pioneer in Icelandic literature.