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Title: Njals Saga (Classics S.) by Magnus Magnusson, Hermann Palsson ISBN: 0-14-044103-4 Publisher: Penguin Books Pub. Date: 01 June, 1966 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.56 (18 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: The Archetypal Saga - Two Thumbs Up!
Comment: In addition to what other reviewers have added, let me state that the main plot of this saga is the attempt of the prescient Njal to save his family from the destruction that he forsees in the future by creating political and marriage alliances with other powerful families. In doing so, Njal innevitably draws more and more of Iceland into the web of his own fate, whose strands finally peter out after the Battle of Clontarf in Ireland (c.1014 ?).
Although some detractors criticize the style,the reader must understand that Njal's Saga is written in typical saga style with stock characters and situations. This is NOT a modern-day novel; it is written in an idiomatic style. Conversation and narrative contain the dry wit, excellent understatement and brevity that characterizes saga style. Strict Norse traditions of hospitality (even to enemies)and the strong relationships of foster ties are also peculiar to these types of sagas.
After reading Njal's Saga, one can come away not only with a great story, but also keen insights into Norse culture and tradition. I highly recommend it!
Rating: 5
Summary: Fast-paced and Fun
Comment: It's an interesting type of narrative, with lots of action and very little internal analysis. It's a fast read, but worth re-reading, since the characters' motivations often take some thought to understand. The story is grim and pessimistic: Njal's efforts to help his friends and family escape their "fate" become less and less successful as the saga goes on, and ultimately he resigns himself to his fate and is burnt alive in his house. Njal is clever, a legal expert, and a man of peace (a _beardless_ man): he symbolises the restraining influence of intellect and law over his bearded and violent contemporaries. As the saga develops, we see both Njal and the Icelandic legal system ageing and becoming less effective. After his death, things get even worse: the legal "trial" of the Burning of Njal turns into a pitched battle, and after that Njal's son-in-law (who escaped from the burning house) goes on a revenge spree that ends only when it runs completely out of steam.
Several of the incidents involve magic, but it's treated in a matter-of-fact way, as just another of the things that happen to normal people. Obviously, you aren't going to increase your appreciation of the story by wondering whether the events could actually have happened.
I like this edition. The translation is readable, and the introduction and notes are helpful, even if they could have been more concise. The genealogies have been relegated to the footnotes, which I think is an excellent idea.
Rating: 4
Summary: Repetitive, but worth a read if that's your thing
Comment: What can you say about this saga? As a work of historical fiction it is fairly decent, though some of the factual evidence is in question. The translaters do a good job of pointing out inconsistencies based upon other Icelandic sagas, and overall it could be acceptable as fact and citable in research papers. If nothing else, Njal's Saga gives us valuable insight into Icelandic life during the 12th century.
This is an entertaining, if somewhat repetitive, read. There are elements of humor within Njal's Saga that will occasionally inspire a chuckle or two. Most often these are incorporated via insult shortly before an individual buries his axe in the head of another individual. In all likelihood, these weren't intended to be humorous, but reading it in the twentieth century makes it so.
This is the story of a feud between several families and the Njal family, whose proud patriarch was supposedly one of the "three best lawyers in Iceland" at the time. Essentially, his notoriety and good fortune incurs the ire of the surrounding nobles. His sons warlike attitudes further this animosity and Njal is burned alive in his home. I'm sorry if I spoiled the ending for you, but the translators actually do it in the notes, and it is a story that took place 800 years ago, if you didn't realize he was going to die by now...
I wouldn't really call this a must read. If you are interested in Icelandic history, folklore, or just want to check out something different, then you should probably read it. Otherwise, you might get bored with the constant murdering then settlements at the annual Althing. I mean that's pretty much what happens each chapter.
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Title: Egil's Saga (Classics S.) by Hermann Palsson, Paul Edwards ISBN: 0140443215 Publisher: Penguin Books Pub. Date: 01 February, 1977 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: Laxdaela Saga (Penguin Classics) by Magnussen ISBN: 0140442189 Publisher: Penguin Books Pub. Date: 01 November, 1969 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
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Title: Eirik the Red: And Other Icelandic Sagas (Oxford World's Classics (Oxford University Press).) by Gwyn Jones ISBN: 0192835300 Publisher: Oxford University Press Pub. Date: 01 July, 1999 List Price(USD): $9.95 |
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Title: Hrafnkel's Saga and Other Icelandic Stories (Penguin Classics) by Hermann Palsson ISBN: 0140442383 Publisher: Penguin Books Pub. Date: 01 June, 1971 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: The Sagas of Icelanders: A Selection (World of the Sagas) by Robert Kellogg, Robert Kellogg, Jane Smiley ISBN: 0141000031 Publisher: Penguin Books Pub. Date: 27 February, 2001 List Price(USD): $20.00 |
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