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.
By Ilan Pinski
ResponderEliminar