Þórarinn Eldjárn and Þórarinn Már Baldursson
The epic cycle Dótarímur (in English: “The toy poems”) by Þórarinn Eldjárn consists of ten “poem cycles”, known as rímur, for children. Rímur are a form of epic poetry which holds deep cultural and ethnological significance in Iceland. It could be said that it was through these epic poems that Icelandic poetry survived for a long period – from the late Middle Ages all the way into the 19th century.
A ríma typically conveys a story, and in Þórarinn’s book, it is children’s toys that take centre stage (dót is a word used somewhat like “gadget”, but more specifically refers to toys). Each of the ten rímur focuses on a particular toy or “thing”. Every ríma begins with an introduction – traditionally called mansöngur – in which the toy is presented, followed by a bound-verse story or adventure related to that toy. Þórarinn uses this format to tell tales of all kinds of toys, from balls and teddy bears to building blocks and construction machines, while exploring how they influence children’s lives and imaginations. One of them also centres on books, highlighting how valuable it is for children to read and develop their imagination. Reading is presented as a counterweight to the fleeting entertainment of the screen, which does not offer the same opportunities for growth.
Through the poetic form, the young reader – who is just beginning to discover the magic of language – is encouraged to read calmly and reflect on words and imagery. It’s fitting, then, that the final ríma focuses on the most delightful thing of all: the Icelandic language itself. Language is the best toy, because it gives us limitless possibilities to create. Icelandic, the author’s mother tongue, thus takes the lead role at the end of the book – but the message about the importance of play and creative activity applies equally to all languages.
Þórarinn Már Baldursson has illustrated the book with humour and warmth, enriching the reader’s experience, beautifully accompanying the rímur, and enhancing the book’s artistic value. The illustrations are both colourful and imaginative, and they faithfully reflect the playful style of the poems.
Þórarinn Eldjárn’s books have always been characterised by humour and sharp insight, and Dótarímur is no exception. The book links everyday elements from children’s lives with the traditional format in a “new” and entertaining way – one that evokes both laughter and reflection.
Þórarinn Eldjárn (born in 1949) has made a major contribution to Icelandic literature through his wide-ranging writing for both children and adults. He has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Swedish Academy’s Prize for the introduction of Swedish culture abroad in 2013. Þórarinn Már Baldursson (born in 1977) plays the viola in the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and is also active as a writer and illustrator. He has illustrated several books that have been awarded prizes such as the Reykjavík City Children’s Book Award, the Fjöruverðlaunin Association Literature Prize, and the Icelandic Children’s Book Prize.