Masculinity In Njal's Saga

The Norseman are depicted in Njal’s saga in a simplistic manner. However, the Norsemen are surprisingly complex figures, the saga explains their way of thinking and acting upon conflict or discussion as they represent their family name and the history that comes with it. They fight with honor and aren’t afraid to shed their own blood. Yet, they are civilized in their other dealings, such as lawsuits in court. Respect of their family name is incredibly important to the Norse people. If one disrespects a family by killing a member of that family or stealing from them, it is considered to be a strong offense that carries strict consequences. Throughout life, the Norseman face many conflicts, not only with others but with himself. He must honor

Throughout Njal’s, stories are told through the Norse people’s voyages from land to land. Towards the beginning of the Saga, details of fighting between the Norse people seem to be vague and indescriptive, lacking the grim detail of blood and gore. Sea battles occur more regularly than land battles as a result of an abundance of ship transit. The Saga eventually describes the scenes of battles more aggressively, usually involving blood and heroic feats. One of the best fighters and strongest men in the Saga is Gunnar, a Norseman that many fear and few dare to try and kill. Many of Gunnar’s battles are told with respect for his name, that has been made great due to his top fighting skills. Gunnar is also described as a god-like man, who processes very distinguishable traits that set him apart from the normal man. He is spontaneous and is confident with his fighting;
“he has not yet put on a helmet, but leaped at once into the prow of Vandil’s ship and at once killed a man. Karl pulled up his ship on the other side of Gunnar’s and threw a spear across it, aimed at Gunnar’s waist. Gunnar saw the spear coming at him, and he turned around so quickly that no eye could follow and caught the spear in his left hand and threw it back at Karl’s ship, and the man who was in its way was struck dead.”