The Saga of Hrafnkel Frey’s Godi (Author unknown; late 13th century).

The Saga of Hrafnkel, Priest of Frey, is one of the best known of the Old Icelandic legends dealing with a feud, as most sagas do. Hrafnkel’s Saga is unusual in its directness and for its simple, forthright structure which focuses directly on the feud itself and eliminates all matters extraneous to it – thus emphasizing the tragic inevitability of its conclusion.

Set in eastern Iceland during the first half of the 10th century, the saga was probably written late in the 13th century, though some scholars have suggested it may be more recent: the earliest surviving manuscript fragment of the saga dates from about 1500.

Icelandic scholars have been interested in a number of themes suggested by the saga. One of course is the danger of having too much pride; something which leads to the tragic fall of Hrafnkel and many others in the Icelandic sagas. The political implications of the story are also important: are powerful nobles to be considered above the law? Can justice only be achieved through the use of force? These are questions which still haunt society today.

Another problem is the historical accuracy of the saga. While Hrafnkel and his family are mentioned in the Landnámabók (Book of Settlements), a number of other characters seem to be totally fictitious. The story is thus generally regarded as historical fiction based on some independent strands of oral historical tradition. However, its traditional objective but dramatic style, coupled with its simple structure and brisk narrative pace make it a good introduction to saga literature.

Saga of King Hrolf Kraki (Author unknown; composed around 1400).

The basic theme of this saga follows the downfall of dynasties. The real danger for those with power comes from ones’ own family – not from the outside. Family loyalty was not the issue; it was how they dealt with one another. Ultimately, King Hrolf’s strength is also his weakness. A “kinder, gentler” leader is no better of a formula than being an aggressive tyrant. Clearly, a new way is needed.

The Saga of Gisli Sursson (Author unknown; 1270-1320).

The saga of Gisli Sursson is recognized as the archetypal Norse outlaw saga. Gisli’s is the story of a man who is forced by events beyond his control to uphold the honor of his family.

Although on the surface it is a tale of vengeance and outlawry, there are far deeper moral and religious issues lurking behind the scenes. The saga writer tries to convey the supremacy of Christian ethics through Gisli as he learns, over the course of a violently shortened life, what it means to be a brother and a kinsman.

A complex morality evolves within Gisli and it guides his decisions throughout the story; but in the end he winds up as “the greatest loser in Icelandic history.” The circumstances surrounding Gisli’s Saga are a reflection of the old unrestrained society which originally was prevalent in early Viking Iceland. Honor was not enhanced by being a law abiding citizen and extreme violence was acceptable.

Gisli Sursson’s Saga ends with the recurring theme of feuding violence. Once Gisli is declared an outlaw, he escapes to a remote island with his wife and a slave girl.

Women play a pivotal role in Gisli’s life: they are his only connection to the outside world. Aud, Gisli’s wife, remains loyal throughout his exile and refuses to divulge the location of her husband, even when offered three hundred silver pieces for her knowledge. Gisli’s nightmares plague him and eventually he is unable to run from his problems or from the people hunting him.

When Gisli is discovered Aud fights bravely by her husband’s side until ultimately he is killed in one of the greatest last stands in Norse history.

There is a happy ending of sorts for Aud, however. She eventually travels to Denmark, converts to Christianity and makes a pilgrimage to Rome – never to return to Iceland.