Both of Snorri's parents were from distinguished families. His father was Sturla Thordarson descended from Snorri godi (a chieftain who is mentioned a lot in old Icelandic literature). Sturla and Snorri were the leaders of the family. Sturla was very young when he took over responsibilities from his father and soon he became a powerful man and likely to become a great leader.

Snorri Sturluson's mother was Gudny Boedvarsdóttir and she was the daughter of Boedvar Thordarson of Gardar at Akranes. Boedvar descended from Egill Skallagrimsson, the famous poet/viking from Borg at Myrar. Gudny was a very active woman and people said that her sons, Snorri, Thordur and Sighvatur, came from a good mother and were thought to be better than the children Sturla had with other women.

Snorri Sturluson didn't grow up with his parents but was fostered at Oddi from three years age.

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