Whats The Story Fame And Glory

Why where Njal and his people in this world? What was their purpose?

Their purpose in life is a peculiar one. They were not here to reach an eternal paradise as many people are, neither do they exist to help others and produce progress as one would hope. They didn’t believe life was about personal peace or spiritual devotion, and their conscience had no voice. They were here to be the heroes of great deeds, to leaves their names and legacy through generations, to honor their linage. For them it was all about obtaining pride and glory, they all sought to be the best, the strongest, the most powerful, the most cunning.

At first the event between Gunnar and Hruk is all about honor and respect, they are trying to prove they are better and on the process humiliations come by. Its all bout pride and resentment on past events, the social law is always to take care of what others think about you. Never let anyone humiliate you or try, that’s the worst insult. Then when all you can do to gain respect in your society is done, you must go out to the world and look for fame and glory as Gunnar did on his raids.

“It appears to me that your equal is not to be found far or near (p.50).” Those where the words of a king while he offered Gunnar a wife and large holdings if he was willing to settle there. But as expected the man refused, for his real intentions where to bring his deeds back home where he could take pride in them and win more respect amongst men. Indeed he proves his valor and power when he comes back, and with such a story behind him he becomes a better person to the context of his society, he comes closer to achieving the purpose of his life.

Njal said that he was a most valiant man, “And though you have been much tried, you will be tried much more, because many men will envy you (p.52).” Here Njal reflect the need for being the best. Gunnar will be tried by many others to get him to fall from his throne, to demerit his title. It is an envious society in which not only their goal is to prove themselves the strongest, but to defy anyone who finds fame and glory. No one finds peace in Njal´s Saga. It’s all about taking whatever chance one has, about being the best and keeping politics as best as possible.