The Growth of the Medieval Icelandic Sagas (1180-1280) by Theodore M. Andersson

Abstract

6o6 Reviews The Growth of the Medieval Icelandic Sagas (II80-1280). By THEODORE M. ANDERS SON. Ithaca, NY, and London: Cornell University Press. 2006. 248 pp. ,C30.49. ISBN 978-o-80I4-4408-I. In this invaluable contribution to Icelandic saga studies, Theodore M. Andersson proposes a text-based chronology of thedevelopment of saga literature. In a powerful restatement of the centrality of oral traditions to thebeginnings of saga composition, he sets out his chronology based on two trajectories: themovement from a 'quasi folkloristic gathering of tradition to an increasingly focused literary composition', and from 'somewhat scattered biographical form [. . .] to [. . .] [a] narrative con trolled by an evermore dominant authorial point of view' (p. 2). Unsurprisingly, this chronology confirms the place of early Olaf sagas at the beginning, and culminates inNjals saga. The oral prehistory of the sagas is ultimately irrecoverable, but few would disagree with Andersson's claim, compellingly set out here, that short narra tives in oral formwere at firstrather clumsily incorporated into longer structures, in such texts as Odd Snorrason's Saga ofOlaf Tryggvason or The Legendary Saga. The primary substances of oral traditionwith saga potential are said to be biography, ghost stories, genealogies, family traditions, fights, lawsuits, and place names. The three dominant modes inwhich these subjects are treated are the biographical, the regional, or chronicle, and the feud story.From these three frameworks-structure, substance, and mode- saga authors could develop their art, gradually abandoning the constraints of traditional models in favour ofwhat Andersson calls 'a drama of ideas', theultimate sophistication in saga writing, and represented above all byNjals saga. Inmy view Andersson is right to claim that there isno oral precursor of a saga which is an exact or even near equivalent of thework as we have it. Establishing a chronology by using literarycriteria naturally involves a good deal of literaryanalysis of individual texts,and this forms the verywelcome basis ofAn dersson's book. While it seems unlikely that anyone would take serious issue with the chronology itself, Andersson'sjudgements on individual sagas are arguable. Eyr byggia saga has never had a good press inAndersson's work, and here it is called 'a somewhat faceless story' composed in 'lifeless style' (p. I53). But some critics have ad mired it. Hrafnkelssaga issaid tohave 'weakmotivation' (p. 178) because thechieftain Thorgeir is improbably tempted togo against his self-interest inhelping an old man get compensation forhis murdered son. In the saga, Thorgeir's brother ostensibly tries topersuade him bymeans ofwhat Andersson rightlycalls 'acontrivedmetaphor' (p. 178)-Thorgeir has a pain inhis foot, the old man grieves forhis son; Thorgeir should thereforebe able tounderstand what theold man isgoing through.But in fact, this 'contrivedmetaphor' does not convince Thorgeir, who has asmuch contempt for itasAndersson himself has (Thorgeir agrees tohelp onlywhen his brother threatens to leave him-a very striking and significantmotive). But the very fact that one is drawn toengage with Andersson' ssaga criticism is a great strengthof thisbook-there has never been enough committed, opinionated (in themost positive sense), intelli gent, informed, and personal close reading of saga texts.The Growth of the Medieval Icelandic Sagas isa fineplatform forsuch analysis, and Andersson ishere an excellent proponent of it. It isalso easily thebest account todate of theorigins of saga narrative. LINACRE COLLEGE,OXFORD HEATHERO DONOGHUE Landslide of the Norm: Language CultureinPost-SovietRussia. Ed. by INGUNNLUNDE and TINE ROESEN. (Slavica Bergensia, 6) Bergen: Department ofRussian Stu dies, University ofBergen. 2006. 302 pp. ?I 3. ISBN 978-82-90249-3 I-6. This volume offers a collection of essays broadly linked to the theme of language norms, language culture, and national identity.The firstessays examine thenegative ...