During the Middle Ages, Proto-Norse and Old Norse were the common languages spoken in Scandinavia. The oldest known written documents from Scandinavia are the runic inscriptions found on grave markers and several other items. A few of those even have little alliterative poetry and references to Norse mythology. The intricate Rök runestone (c. 800), which references myths from the Migration Period, is the most well-known example. Though only found in manuscripts from the 13th century, the earliest Eddic poetry are thought to have been written in the ninth century. They narrate tales of Scandinavian mythology and valiant stories.
The majority of surviving skaldic poetry comes from late manuscripts, however it was also transmitted orally starting in the ninth century and may be found on runestones like the Karlevi Runestone. With the arrival of Christianity in the tenth century, Scandinavia became acquainted with European education, which included the Latin language and alphabet. This produced literary fruit in the 12th century with works like Saxo Grammaticus‘ grandiose historical opus, the Danish Gesta Danorum. With the publication of Heimskringla and Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson, the 13th century was a golden age for Icelandic literature.
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