The Unusual Protagonist of Grettirs Saga :: Grettir Saga Essays

The Unusual Protagonist of Grettirs Saga The decision to make Grettir the whiz for Grettirs Saga is an elicit if not unusual choice on the part of the author(s). Examination of this abnormal choice speaks volumes about the Icelandic society in the 13th carbon, when it is believed the saga was indite down, as well as Icelandic society during the 10th century, when the majority of the action in the saga occurs. Before we begin an analysis and examination of Grettir, however, it is master(prenominal) to understand what a saga is and the purpose it serves. The author of Grettirs Saga is unknown. In fact, at that place is really more than one author. Sagas were not written down until the 13th century at the earliest, yet they cover events that occurred even before the founding of Iceland surrounded by 830-950 (Hastrup 150-51). The reason for this discrepancy is that sagas began as oral stories. The sagas were passed down from contemporaries to generation orally until they were written down in the 13th century. This is why there atomic number 18 really multiple authors to the saga. Each time the saga was told, it was not told on the button the same. As the storytellers changed, so to did some of the events of the saga. While the changes made to the saga by the storytellers were not significant to change its overall meaning, they do have the ability to get up sealed feats by Grettir, attacking the credibility of the story if dwelled upon. However, while certain events may not be completely true, the message 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, but was not to be used as a primary source for information. It served better when considered a vehicle for transporting traditional wisdom based on historical companionship (Hastrup 143). Grettir was an unusual choice as a protagonist because he was an outlaw. He did not possess many heroic qualities a nd was not the typical protagonist that was liked by many of the characters in the novel or saga. Grettir was actually disliked by many and constantly in trouble with the law. Grettirs exploits were forgiving at times and bordered on heroic but his misdeeds weighed firmly against him. The author(s) of the saga took a chance by using Grettir as their protagonist.