Hrafnkel's Saga and Other Stories
Lex translation of seven short Icelandic sagas, composed in Old Norse between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Informed by public-domain scholarly editions. Includes Hrafnkel's Saga, Thorstein the Staff-Struck, Ale-Hood, Hreidar the Fool, Halldor Snorrason, Audun's Story, and Ivar's Story.
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About Hrafnkel's Saga and Other Stories
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- Hrafnkel, a powerful chieftain, kills his shepherd Einar for riding his sacred horse, Freyfaxi. Einar's uncle Sam, a lawyer, takes Hrafnkel to the Althing, and with the help of the Thjostarsson brothers, gets Hrafnkel outlawed and stripped of his power. Hrafnkel rebuilds his wealth and influence in a new district, then takes brutal revenge on Sam by killing his brother Eyvind and reclaiming his former estate, leaving Sam humbled.
- 2
- Thorstein, a strong but even-tempered man, is provoked by a servant, Thord, and his father's taunts into killing Thord. Two other servants, Thorhall and Thorvald, mock him and are also killed. Bjarni of Hof, their chieftain, eventually confronts Thorstein but, impressed by his bravery, offers him a place in his service, leading to a reconciliation.
- 3
- Thorhall, a miserly ale-brewer nicknamed Ale-Hood, accidentally burns down a forest owned by six powerful chieftains. They prosecute him at the Althing, but a young, shrewd man named Broddi Bjarnason takes up Ale-Hood's defense, outmaneuvering the chieftains and securing a minimal fine, much to their humiliation.
Key Themes
- Justice and Vengeance
- The sagas frequently depict the pursuit of justice, often through legal means at the Althing or personal vengeance, and the complex, often cyclical, consequences of both. Characters like Sam and Hrafnkel demonstrate how justice can be won and lost, and how vengeance can lead to further conflict.
- Honor and Reputation
- Characters are consistently driven by the need to maintain or restore their honor and public reputation, influencing their decisions in conflicts, alliances, and personal conduct. The fear of being called a 'coward' or 'fool' often compels characters to act, as seen with Thorstein the Staff-Struck and Ale-Hood.
- Fate vs. Free Will
- While characters make choices that shape their destinies, there's a strong sense of an overarching fate or 'luck' guiding events, particularly in 'Hrafnkel's Saga' and 'Audun's Story'. Hrafnkel's initial oath and Audun's improbable journey suggest elements beyond individual control.
Characters
- Hrafnkel(protagonist)
- A powerful and ruthless chieftain, priest of Frey, who is humbled after being outlawed but later regains his power and takes revenge.
- Sam(protagonist)
- A skilled but initially reluctant lawyer who successfully prosecutes Hrafnkel, only to later lose his gains to Hrafnkel's revenge.
- Thorkel Thjostarsson(supporting)
- A chieftain's brother who provides crucial strategic and physical support to Sam in his lawsuit against Hrafnkel, ensuring his initial victory.
- Thorgeir Thjostarsson(supporting)
- A powerful chieftain and brother to Thorkel, who reluctantly agrees to support Sam against Hrafnkel but ultimately ensures Sam's initial victory.
- Eyvind Bjarnason(supporting)
- Sam's successful trader brother whose return to Iceland leads to his death at Hrafnkel's hands, sparking Hrafnkel's resurgence.
- Thorstein the Staff-Struck(protagonist)
- A strong and even-tempered man who, provoked by insults and his father's taunts, kills three men before being reconciled with his chieftain.
