ABSTRACT
There are various model concepts in the subject literature that refer to the way of perceiving the origins of statehood in the area of Northern and East-Central Europe between the ninth and eleventh centuries and the co-related schemes of defining the institutions of early states. In this discussion the chronicle Adam of Bremen is one of the most important sources. The historical narration is filled with a multitude of biblical motifs and erudite references confirming awareness of geographical and historical traditions, and it contains a number of narrative references to the ways in which power was organized, the history of specific peoples – and the rulers of the area under the authority of Hamburg-Bremen. The organization of the narrative of Adam of Bremen’s text largely reflects the pattern of subordinating the narrative to issues of the socio-political organization of the area of Northern Europe. The author of the chronicle explained his understanding of power, elites and power structures in the world he described – and used imperial terminology to describe the chiefdoms and the power network related to the clan-family system of power. The aim of this chapter is to indicate the scheme for descriptions of Scandinavian rulers in the text of the chronicle and to show the subordination of narrative to the missionary goals of the Archbishopric and their meaning in relation to unification. This scheme often encompasses contradictions and oppositions – which Adam of Bremen uses to exemplify his understanding of the role of Gesta episcoporum and to additionally emphasize the missionary importance of the Archbishopric – the author of the chronicle often presents the Scandinavian rulers who do not strive to become independent from Hamburg-Bremen in a good light.
