Snorri Sturluson, historian, poet and politician, was born at Hvamm in western Iceland in 1179. He belonged to an aristocratic family, the Sturlungar. Snorri acquired great wealth and power and was twice lawspeaker at the Icelandic parliament, and twice visited Norway, where he became embroiled in the politics of King Hakon Hakonarson and the king's father-in-law, Earl Skuli. The latter rebelled against the king and was killed. Snorri also became subject to the king's displeasure and was killed in 1241 in his own cellar. His HEIMSKRINGLA is the best account of medieval Scandinavian history. He may also be the author of EGILS SAGA, one of the finest of the Sagas of Icelanders.