BRYNE — Erling Haaland donated a rare 16th-century book of Viking sagas to the library in Bryne. The donated book is a 1594 printed edition of a work by the 13th-century historian Snorri Sturluson that tells medieval stories of Viking kings, queens, farmers and warriors.

Haaland and his father purchased the book for 1.3 million Norwegian crowns (£100,000) in December. The purchase set a record for a book sale in Norway. The donated copy is the only surviving copy of that 1594 edition.

Haaland said he wants the book always to lie open so that people can read about those who came from Bryne and Jæren. The footballer grew up in the town of Bryne in western Norway.

"I have been lucky to live out my dream through football. I know not everyone gets that chance," Haaland said. "Books give so many more people the chance to dream big, see new possibilities and find their own path."

Bryne is in western Norway around 30km south of Stavanger and is part of the municipality of Time within the district of Jæren. Haaland was born in Leeds while his father Alf-Inge Haaland was playing for Leeds United before the family moved to Norway.

Haaland is Norway's all-time top scorer with 55 goals in 48 games. He is the top scorer in the Premier League this season with 22 goals in 29 appearances. In the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup last year, Haaland finished as the top scorer with 16 goals. Norway have qualified for their first World Cup finals since 1998.