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.