Gísli Þorláksson Explained

Type:Bishop
Gísli Þorláksson
Bishop of Holar
Church:Church of Iceland
Diocese:Hólar
Appointed:1657
Term:1657–1684
Term Start:1657
Term End:1684
Predecessor:Þorlákur Skúlason
Successor:Jón Vigfússon
Birth Date:7 November 1631
Birth Place:Hólar, Iceland
Death Date:22 March 1684
Death Place:Hólar, Iceland
Nationality: Iceland
Spouse:Gróa Þorleifsdóttir
Ingibjörg Benediktsdóttir
Ragnheiður Jónsdóttir

Gísli Þorláksson (7 November 1631 – 22 March 1684) was an Icelandic bishop. He was a son of Þorlákur Skúlason and brother of Þórður Þorláksson.

Early life

Gísli was the son of Þorlákur Skúlason, the bishop of Hólar, and Kristín Gísladóttir. He grew up in Hólar, graduating from Hólar College in 1649, after which he studied at the University of Copenhagen until 1651. After returning to Iceland, Gísli served as schoolmaster in Hólar.[1]

Bishop

Although he was barely 25 years old at the time, Gísli was named bishop of Hólar following his father's death in 1656 and was consecrated in Copenhagen in 1657. In large part, Gísli's appointment came from his family's reputation; his grandfather (Guðbrandur Þorláksson) and his father both preceded Gísli as bishop. Between Guðbrandur, Þorlákur, and Gísli, the family served as bishop of Hólar for 113 years.[2]

Gísli was known for his interest in art, and he commissioned several pieces for the church, including the baptismal font carved by for the Hólar Cathedral. He wrote several religious works which were widely distributed, including Húspostilla 1–2 (1667–1670) and a translation of Luther's Small Catechism (1660). During his time as bishop, Gísli oversaw the publishing of about 40 books by the Hólar press; it was after his death that his brother Þórður, bishop of Skálholt, received permission to move the press to Skálholt.

Personal life

Gísli married three times, but none of the marriages produced children. In 1658, he married Gróa Þorleifsdóttir (1633–1660); in 1664, Ingibjörg Benediktsdóttir (1636–1673); and in (1674): Ragnheiður Jónsdóttir (1646–1715). The banknote highlights Ragnheiður, but also includes images of Gísli, Gróa, and Ingibjörg on the note's face.[3]

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Merkir Íslendingar: Gísli Þorláksson. 11 November 2016. Morgunblaðið. Reykjavík. is. 11 June 2020.
  2. Book: Kaalund, Kristian. Thorlákur, Gísli. Dansk Biografisk Lexikon. da. Danish Biographical Dictionary. Bricka. Carl Frederik. 1902. XVII. 271. 11 June 2020.
  3. News: A Who's Who Guide to the Famous Faces Features on Icelandic Banknotes. 18 June 2016. E. Marie Valgarðsson. Icelandic Times. Reykjavík, Iceland. 12 June 2020.