lunes, 19 de enero de 2009
domingo, 18 de enero de 2009
Will It Be Right?
We made three predictions about the saga, we fisrt said that Njal's death will be caused by Hallgerd, a revenge agaisnt Bergthora. We also think that Njal's friendship with Gunnar will end due to their wives. Finally, we believe that Gunnar won't stand Hallgerd's ways of revenge, and will send someone to kill her.
Importanace
If we were to pick five interseting lines from what we have read so far these would be the following:
"He loved Njal more than his own father. Njal taught him law so well that we became the greatest lawyer in Iceland." (pg 45) This line is interesting because it describes the way Njal gave really good advice. Also the way that Thorhalla appreciated and learned from Njal's intentions to teach him good things.
This other maxim represents the way that Njal appreciated other's positive parts. He also accepted the good other's did that he wasn't as good at with that specific thing. "Njal said that he was the most valiant man, 'and though you have been much tried, you will be tried much more, because many men will envy you." (pg 52)
Revenge was also presnet through the first part of the saga, the wives were most of the time thinking of what to do to the other. "'Keep in mind, Bergthora,' said Hallgerd, 'that we're not finished yet.'"(pg 57)
Women were very powerful, they had authority in most aspects of their homes. " I'm Njal's wife, ' she said, 'and I have no less authority in hiring than he does.'"(pg 60) They were also supportive with their husbands, and like Bergthora, she encouraged the friendship between Njal and Gunner. "'Why do you need to say much about it?' said Bergthora. 'It would be much more noble to share our food and hay with him, since you're not short of either.'" (pg 80)
"He loved Njal more than his own father. Njal taught him law so well that we became the greatest lawyer in Iceland." (pg 45) This line is interesting because it describes the way Njal gave really good advice. Also the way that Thorhalla appreciated and learned from Njal's intentions to teach him good things.
This other maxim represents the way that Njal appreciated other's positive parts. He also accepted the good other's did that he wasn't as good at with that specific thing. "Njal said that he was the most valiant man, 'and though you have been much tried, you will be tried much more, because many men will envy you." (pg 52)
Revenge was also presnet through the first part of the saga, the wives were most of the time thinking of what to do to the other. "'Keep in mind, Bergthora,' said Hallgerd, 'that we're not finished yet.'"(pg 57)
Women were very powerful, they had authority in most aspects of their homes. " I'm Njal's wife, ' she said, 'and I have no less authority in hiring than he does.'"(pg 60) They were also supportive with their husbands, and like Bergthora, she encouraged the friendship between Njal and Gunner. "'Why do you need to say much about it?' said Bergthora. 'It would be much more noble to share our food and hay with him, since you're not short of either.'" (pg 80)
Jesus v. Njal
If I had to compare two main characters from two different books, Njal and Jesus wouldn't be in the top of the list. But after all they are both in ink and paper, and are both old enough to be given "some" respect. So here it is. The not-impossible comparison:
First, the way of being written and presented is different. Setting is totally different, but the purpose of Njal and jesus is not that different. I would say that Njal and Jesus are more alike than different. They are tested by their environment, and many people lean on them, and depend on them. They are aware of their actions. The generation situation is very important in both books. The family tree, and descendants is very important. In both Matthew and Introducing Valgard in Njal this happens. "There was a man named Valgard. He lived at Hof on the Ranga river. He was the son of Jorund the Godi, the son of Hrafn the foolish, the son of Valgard, the son of Aevar, the son of Vemud the Eloquent, the son of Thorolf Pus-nose, the son Thrand the old...." (pg 43)
"abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; and Judas begat Phares and Zara of thamar, and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram..." (Matt Chp 1 verse 1).
People from both stories, go to them for either advise, or predictions of the future. For example when Jesus curses the Pharisees and Romans for destroying he temple: "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many... All these are beginning of sorrows..." (Matt Chp 24 verses 8& 11).
this happens with Njal when he tells Gunner what to do to get back Unn's lands and money. He predicts exactly, what will happen. And it happens.
Njal is the sort of Jesus of the Saga. He is the wise one, but unlike Jesus, he is cared for in his live. "You say something Njal, since every body will believe you" (pg 56). This is the normal phrase for when people are troubled. Njal does not present any miracle capabilities, but instead presents this psychic intelligence. As well as any good leader, not only worship and admiration come along. Hard decisions, following difficult solutions can be right around the corner.
"I expect that you will do well, but you will be tested hard." (pg 59) This comes from his best friend Gunnar, wishing him good luck in his future relationship because of the current situations. "And they crucified him, parting his garments, casting lots" (Matt Chp 27 verse 35)
Njal not facing a crucifixion as such (but death in flames), Jesus died doing what he thought right. And this is what makes them more equal. They are good.
It is not hard to express this as true, since as I know Jesus never existed for what people remembered him, and Njal's Saga, after all could be any story. Credibility is stronger, for me in Njal's Saga.
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