Just Finished Reading: The Sage of Gunnlaug Serpent-tongue by Anon [52pp]
Dreams cannot easily (or safely) be ignored. So, when Thorstein Egilsson dreamt of two great eagles fighting to the death on top of his house, he sought advice from the local wiseman. The inference was clear. Thorstein’s wife was about to give birth, and she would produce a daughter of surpassing beauty who men would fight and die over. To avoid such a fate Thorstein instructed his wife to leave a daughter exposed to the elements and the wolves but to keep a son. This she promised to do... but fate is a trickster and a mother's love is not to be trifled with.....
I’ve come across the Nordic saga’s many times over the years but have never actually read any of them – even extracts such as this. That might change after enjoying this slim booklet. I think the first thing that struck me was how similar to Greek myths they are (and not wholly based on the fact that I’m presently reading a book steeped in Greek mythology. The idea of Fate and the fact that it cannot be avoided – except is VERY exceptional circumstances – is central to both ‘belief systems’. Even the Gods themselves must bend before the Fates, so mere mortals have little chance as this tale shows. As usual the very fact of trying to avoid a fated outcome brings it about. “Fate, it seems, it not without a sense of irony”.
The other thing I noticed/liked was the scattering of insights into the Nordic/Anglo-Saxon civilisations of the time as various characters (most especially the eponymous Gunnlaug) travelled around the North Sea with visits to Norway and England as well as travels within Iceland where the sage is based. Although the tale itself was only written down around 1270-1300 the action takes place around 990-1010 which I’m moderately familiar with reading around the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Invasion. My background reading made the customs and some of the main characters – Kings mostly – readily understandable. If you’re interested in the period and ever wondered about the Saga’s - and even wondered if you might want to read a complete one – this is definitely an entry port for you. Recommended.
Translated from the Icelandic/Old Norse by Katrina C Attwood
4 comments:
I've struggled so much trying to read the sagas. This might be a great place for me to start.
Its definitely an easy intro...
I think a lot of myths from different parts of the world seem to share similar themes and ideas. I haven't read any of the sagas but this does sound like a good entry point!
I suppose that Myths from across the world are equally relatable is because they all reflect the human condition. Its one of several fascinations they hold for me.
I think this is a very good entry point to the sagas - nice and short with a solid narrative and well defined characters, plus an interesting insight into the various cultures of the time. I'll be looking out for more sagas in future. I do like how the Little Black Classics are, as hoped, expanding my reading horizons.
Post a Comment