Introduction
Abstract The introduction includes some general comments on Iceland and saga writing and on 'Njáls saga's' place in the history of saga writing. It discusses basic historical and social background, the division of the country into quarters, the local administrative unit known as the h...
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| Format: | Book Part |
| Language: | English |
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Oxford University PressOxford
2014
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| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198704843.003.0023 https://academic.oup.com/book/chapter-pdf/44912091/book_12580_section_162395305.ag.pdf |
| Summary: | Abstract The introduction includes some general comments on Iceland and saga writing and on 'Njáls saga's' place in the history of saga writing. It discusses basic historical and social background, the division of the country into quarters, the local administrative unit known as the hreppr, as well as an overview of Thing organization, chieftains and chieftaincies, and some matters of legal procedure. There is discussion of the word ‘thing’. A plot summary is provided as an aid to the reader who does not have the saga before him, for the plot is complex and the cast of characters who matter is large. It contains basic remarks on saga style, depiction of characters’ psychology and their motives for action. |
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