ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the social practice of parenthood as well as the social self of motherhood in Iceland became strongly influenced by the devotional culture of the late Middle Ages. In Iceland evidence for the relationship between parents and children as well as the status of the widower can be found as early as the twelfth and thirteenth centuries in the family sagas as well as hagiographical literature and the laws. When analysing the medieval and early modern sources for Marian devotion it is, however, important to realize that Mary's role was broad and comprehensive, encompassing more than just an ideal model of motherhood. In a Scandinavian context, it is obvious that Elizabeth L'Estrange's approach, and her concept of the 'situational eye', can be a useful analytical tool, in particular in the investigation of pictures of the Holy Family and the so-called Anna Selbdritt.
