The Unusual Protagonist of Grettirs Saga :: Grettir Saga Essays

The Unusual Protagonist of Grettirs Saga The decision to suffice Grettir the title-holder for Grettirs Saga is an interesting if non unusual choice on the pull up stakes of the author(s). Examination of this atypical choice speaks volumes about the Icelandic edict in the thirteenth century, when it is believed the saga was written rectify, as well as Icelandic society during the 10th century, when the majority of the action in the saga occurs. Before we begin an summary and examination of Grettir, however, it is important to understand what a saga is and the purpose it serves. The author of Grettirs Saga is unknown. In fact, there is actually more than one author. Sagas were not written downwardly until the 13th century at the earliest, yet they cover events that occurred even forrader the founding of Iceland between 830-950 (Hastrup 150-51). The reason for this discrepancy is that sagas began as oral stories. The sagas were passed down from generation to generation orally until they were written down in the 13th century. This is why there are actually multiple authors to the saga. Each prison term the saga was told, it was not told exactly the same. As the twaddletellers changed, so to did some of the events of the saga. While the changes do to the saga by the storytellers were not significant to change its overall meaning, they do nurse the ability to enhance certain feats by Grettir, attacking the credibility of the story if dwelled upon. However, while certain events may not be completely true, the meat that Grettir portrays and the issues that he represents are true and accurate. It is important to remember that the saga was considered a history, notwithstanding was not to be used as a primary reference for information. It served better when considered a vehicle for transporting traditional wisdom based on historical knowledge (Hastrup 143). Grettir was an unusual choice as a protagonist because he was an outlaw. He did not possess many heroical qualities and was not the typical protagonist that was liked by many of the characters in the saucy or saga. Grettir was actually disliked by many and constantly in trouble with the law. Grettirs exploits were humane at times and bordered on heroic but his misdeeds weighed heavily against him. The author(s) of the saga took a chance by using Grettir as their protagonist.