Guðmundr Arason was born in 1161 and ordained priest at the age of twenty-four. He was instrumental in the local canonization of St Þorlákr Þórhallsson at Skálholt in 1198 and St Jón Ögmundarson at Hólar in 1200. Guðmundr was elected bishop of Hólar in 1203; during a stormy episcopacy he was sometimes forced away from his see by secular leaders. Furthermore, he was removed from office in 1232, though he was back at Hólar in 1235. He died in 1237. Unlike the two saints whose canonization he promoted, Guðmundr appears to have been credited with miracles during his own lifetime--in particular the blessing of springs which, as a result, acquired healing properties. In 1315 his bones were exhumed, “on account of vows and miracles” according to the Icelandic annals, and his…
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Citation: Cormack, Margaret. "Guðmundar saga Arasonar". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 15 July 2023 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=40932, accessed 21 November 2024.]
