Abstract
The article discusses several aspects of the well-known enigmatic character of the Icelandic family sagas. Four cases are examined in detail: the cause of Unnr’s sorrow in the beginning of Njáls saga, the talk between Stýrr and Snorri in the berserks’ episode in Eyrbyggja saga, the identity of Vésteinn’s murderer in Gísla saga, and Guðrún’s enigmatic last words about her love in Laxdoela saga. The use of the enigmatic narrative form in all these cases is discussed. The article argues that this kind of enigmatic episodes in the saga literature should not be interpreted in the same way as enigmatic episodes in modern literary works, where the solution of the mystery is left open. In the sagas, the mystery has a solution, and there is a correct answer. In contrast to modern literature, the mystery in the sagas can always be solved, and the use of enigmas and mysteries is rooted in the literary technique of the sagas. The article analyses and proposes several reasons for the enigmatic narrative style used by the saga authors.
Highlights
The enigmatic character of the saga literature Abstract
I sagan kan det bara förklaras av henne själv, bara hon vet ju orsaken till sina egna känslor
Standardbilden av känsloskildringen i stort i sagalitteraturen är just den: att känslor visas genom yttre uppträdande, inte genom att personerna öppet tillskrivs känslor av berättaren.[3] Gråt, som i Unns fall, är lätt att identifiera som uttryck för sorg, och det gåtfulla här består i
Summary
The enigmatic character of the saga literature Abstract. The article discusses several aspects of the well-known enigmatic character of the Icelandic family sagas. Den isländska Laxdœla saga från 1200-talet kretsar länge kring Guðrún Ósvífrsdóttir, männen omkring henne och de våldsdåd de begår. I sagans sista kapitel berättas om ett samtal mellan Guðrún och sonen Bolli Bollason. Bolli frågar henne vilken man hon älskat mest.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
