The Hrafnkel saga ( dr. Scand. Hrafnkels saga Freysgoða ) is one of the Icelandic “tribal sagas” . It tells about the confrontations of landowners in the eastern part of Iceland in the X century. The protagonist of the saga, Hrafnkel, initially appears as a ruthless man who fervently worships Freyr . After a series of defeats and humiliations, as well as after the destruction of his temple, Hrafnkel gradually loses faith in the gods. His character changes accordingly, and gradually he learns to communicate more peacefully and carefully with people. Hrafnkel in this way deserves the trust of more and more new friends and, as a result, successfully avenges the crimes committed against him earlier. He ends his life as a powerful and respected leader. The saga expressed the pragmatic and realistic thesis that the true source of power is not religious faith, but the loyalty of one's own subordinates.
The Hrafnkel saga remains readable these days and is highly regarded for its logical structure, the authenticity and brightness of the characters. The work plays an important role in scientific discussions about the origin of Icelandic sagas.
Bibliography
- Halleux, Pierre (1963). Aspects littéraires de la Saga de Hrafnkel . Paris: Belles lettres.
- Kratz, Henry (1981). Hrafnkels saga, thirteenth-century fiction? In Scandinavian studies, volume 53 (number 4, Autumn), pp. 420–446. ISSN 0036-5637.
Literature
- Icelandic sagas. Irish Epic / Compilation, introductory article and notes by M. I. Steblin-Kamensky . - M. , 1973. - T. 8. - S. 138-162, 806-807. - 864 p. - (Library of World Literature. Series One).