How did the Viking Age influence the earliest roots of Norwegian literature?

The Viking Age (9th–11th century) was foundational to the earliest roots of Norwegian literature, primarily through the oral tradition of skaldic poetry and the preservation of Norse mythology.123

• Skaldic Verse: Developed in Norway during the 9th century, this complex, highly structured court poetry was composed to praise chieftains and kings. It utilized an intricate system of alliteration, internal rhyme, and metaphorical circumlocutions known as kennings, which often required deep knowledge of Norse myths to interpret.23
• Mythological and Heroic Lays: Many poems, later recorded in the Poetic Edda, originated in Norway during the Viking Age. These works, such as the Hávamál, reflect the era's worldview, social values, and religious beliefs, including stories of Odin and other Germanic gods.14
• Historical Preservation: Because the Viking Age involved extensive travel and movement, these oral traditions were carried to Iceland, where they were later transcribed by Christian scribes. This cultural exchange ensured that the literature of the Viking Age—including genealogies and accounts of royal deeds—survived as a vital historical record of the period.1536