Laxardal Saga Character Analysis

The Saga of the People of Laxardal was written in approximately 1000 AD, which was known as crucial time for Iceland as a country for their transition and conversion from Paganism to Christianity. As compared to conversions in other European countries, Iceland’s transition was unusually peaceful and quick and developed with virtually no help from outside countries. As told in the Saga of Laxardal, we are led on this journey of various Icelandic individuals embracing this country’s unique transformation. We experience Pagan characters and Christian characters alike, and experience the effects of conforming to Christianity during this time period. Two characters, in particular, exemplified the social complexities of this unique Christian conversion during the Viking Age in Laxardal Saga: Gudrun and King Olaf. We’re first introduced to the complex nature of Icelandic culture with its relationship with Norway. Ketil Flat-Nose and his children plan to leave Norway to escape oppression of Harald Fairhair while explaining how they should “expect little friendship from that direction,” relating to the dominative Harald. Then, explained that they, as a country, have two choices: “to flee the country or to be killed off, one by one, referring to the current conversion state. After deciding to flee the country, Ketil, along with his two sons Bjorn and

If he felt this to be too difficult of a feat, the King would continue to hold him hostage and Kjartan would continue to serve him. Kjartan decided to stay with Olaf rather than serve as a missionary to Iceland. So instead, the King sent several missionaries – many of them failed – until the King sent Thangbrand to Iceland who partially succeeded. Eventually, over several years, Iceland had officially converted and upon hearing this, King Olaf releases Kjartan and the other