Ancient Companions- Njal’s Saga

Just as I have said that Njal might play Jesus’ role in the Saga, the relationship between him and Gunnar is also very similar to that of the ancient companions, Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Enkidu born in the wild, ferocious and animal-like, and Gilgamesh, the king and ruler of Uruk. Njal leader of his people, wise and powerful, Gunnar, savage and vengeful, with a lust for battle. The relationships of the companions are very similar. Although very different they both make the best of friends. Gunnar has “an aversion to killing,” and Njal tries to avoid it. Enkidu, savage and wild, Gilgamesh, kingly and civilized. But if we look at their relationships more closely, we may begin to see a pattern. Maybe Enkidu was not the hero, maybe he was more of the anti-hero.

When Gilgamesh had brought the monster Humbaba down to its knees, begging for its own life, Enkidu persuaded Gilgamesh to not spare its life. “This Humbaba must die. Kill Humbaba first and his servants after.” Gilgamesh said, “If we touch him the blaze and the glory of light will be put out in confusion, the glory and glamour will vanish , it’s rays will be quenched.” Again Enkidu demanded, “First entrap the bird, and where shall the chicks run then? Afterwards we can search out the glory and the glamour, when the chicks run distracted through the grass.” (The Epic Of Gilgamesh, 83) This eventually lead to Enkidu’s own death as compensation for the death of the guardian. Like this Gunnar, challenged many, with his brutality in battle and his bloodlust. Eventually his enemies planned together and brought him down. His death and the events that followed eventually caused Njal’s burning and his story's end.

Wise Men- Njal’s Saga

Njal, “was well off for property and hansome to look at, but there was one thing about him: no beard grew on him. He was so well versed in the law that he had no equal, and he was wise and prophetic, sound of advice and well-intentioned, and whatever course he counseled was well. He was modest and noble-spirited, able to see far into the future and remember far into the past, and he solved the problems of whoever turned to him.” (Njal’s Saga, 35) Who does this remind you of? To me it sounds very much like Jesus, a prophetic counselor to the people, able to solve any problem and wise in every way. The similarity between the two is astounding. Jesus constantly advised people, and solved problems. His advice never went astray and always turned out best. God and Jesus are one, they are timeless, eternal, without beginning or end. God has the ability of foresight, able to see fare into the future as well as remember the ancient past.

Some believe there is no God in Njal’s Saga, but we have already come to a conclusion that “The Way” of Confucius, “destiny” of Gilgamesh and so many others are all one thing, God. And in Njal’s Saga destiny plays a huge role. So I think that the similarity between the Bible and the Saga is no coincidence. That the author purposefully incorporated a character involved in so many lives, constantly coming to their aid when they needed it. Njal might play Jesus’ role in the Saga, constantly guiding people. These two wise men might be one and the same.

Death Compensation- Njal’s Saga

“A meeting was called and payment was awarded for the slaying of Thrain, and they all accepted compensation, according to law. After that a state of peace was declared and secured as well as possible. Njal paid the full amount readily. Things were then quiet for a while.” (Njal’s Saga, 161) Many heroes come and go, fight and die by the sword, and in the story of Njal, amongst them were some great heroes. Gunnar of Hlidarendi and Skarphedin. Both men were great fighters and won everlasting remembrance for their honor, and adept fighting skills. But as they fought by the sword, so did they die by it. Making enemies along the way, their death grew ever closer. Eventually to much was weighed upon them. Men held grudges and wanted a taste of revenge for their fallen comrades. Now it was their descision to make. Would they let revenge and anger take hold of them and slay a man, to ease their pain. Or would they request “compensatin” for the death.
Throughout the novel an event pops up, every once in a while. They call it the “Althing” or the “Thing” for short. The “Althing” was like a court of law. A place where allies and enemies would meet, where they could bring up a murder or an injustice done, and demand compensation for the loss of friends and families. This was the peaceful manner of dealing with their problems, although many, sometimes Gunnar, disapproved of this way. Maybe he thought it cowardly, and maybe he preferred revenge. Whatever his reason it eventually lead to his own death as compensation for the many killings he had made. Compensation kept the peace and revenge lead to your own death.

The Only Alternative- Njal's Saga

Ancient Greeks once believed in immortality, although they had two different forms of immortality. The first, only attainable by the Gods, was everlasting youth. The other was the only alternative mankind could turn to. They turned to the next choice. Immortality through glory, fame, and honor. This was an everlasting existence, not of life or youth, but of memory. Take Achilles for instance, a great hero from the Trojan war. He sought out the greatest battles, not for loyalty to a king, but for fame. He killed so that his name would be remembered. He achieved immortality in that sense. We all know of the hero from Homer’s, The Iliad.
In the same way, I believe that the heroes of Njal’s saga sought out the same goal, to attain undying fame and renown. Gunnar, the great warrior, killed for glory. Gunnar Hamundarson, “was big and strong and an excellent fighter. He could swing a sword and throw a spear with either hand, if he wished, and he was so swift with a sword that there seemed to be three in the air at once…. No man could match him.” (Njal’s Saga pg. 34-35) Obviously these were positive and important traits in a man. Being respected and feared was considered good and would eventually win you what was of high importance, immortality. Gunnar was the perfect example of what an Icelander would want to achieve. He was honored, respected, and feared, all at the same time. No man would question his skill with a blade and like Achilles we still remember Gunnar Hamundarson, his memory, his legend, will live on forever.