Sveinbjörn Egilsson (Icelandic pronunciation:[ˈsveinˌpjœrtn̥ˈeijɪlˌsɔːn]; 24 February 1791 – 17 August 1852) was anIcelandic theologian,classicist, teacher, translator and poet. He is best known for the work he did during his time as therector ofThe Learned School of Reykjavík (Lærði skólinn í Reykjavík), particularly his translations ofHomer'sOdyssey andIliad intoIcelandic.
Sveinbjörn was born inInnri-Njarðvík inGullbringusýsla, Iceland. He was the son of Egill Sveinbjarnarson, a little-known but wealthy farmer. Sveinbjörn was fostered byMagnús Stephensen and was educated by a number of different individuals. In 1810 he graduated from the tutelage ofÁrni Helgason and started his studies in theology at theUniversity of Copenhagen in 1814, completing his degree in 1819. Returning to Iceland, he received a position atBessastaðaskóli, and when the school moved toReykjavík he was maderector. He was a founding member of theRoyal Nordic Society of Antiquaries.
When troubles arose in the school, with students protesting their treatment ("The Pereat"), Sveinbjörn left forCopenhagen to seek the assistance ofDanish educational authorities. Although he received their support, he left his position as rector in 1851 and died a year later.
Sveinbjörn was married to Helga Gröndal, daughter of high judgeBenedikt Gröndal the elder.
His main subject as a teacher wasGreek. During his position at the school, he worked on a number of translations, translating amongst other thingsPlato'sMeno andHomer'sOdyssey andIliad intoIcelandic.
For the Society of Antiquaries, he translated theIcelandic sagas intoLatin:Scripta historica Islandorum. Later he compiled a dictionary of Icelandicskaldic language,Lexicon Poëticum, which formed the basis of future scholarship concerning ancient Icelandic poetry.
He also translated theProse Edda intoLatin and published the original text along with clarifications and comments.
When Sveinbjörn died, he was working on a poetic translation ofHomer'sIliad intoIcelandic. His son,Benedikt Sveinbjarnarson Gröndal the younger, finished the task. His prose translations are still the only readily available Icelandic versions of theIliad andOdyssey.
Sveinbjörn wrote a number of well-known Icelandic poems and hymns, including the lyrics to the IcelandicChristmas carolHeims um ból.
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