The Unusual Protagonist of Grettirs Saga :: Grettir Saga Essays

The Unusual Protagonist of Grettir's Saga  Ã‚   The decision to make Grettir the protagonist for Grettir's Saga is an interesting if not unusual choice on the part of the author(s). Examination of this atypical choice speaks volumes about the Icelandic society in the 13th century, when it is believed the saga was written down, as well as Icelandic society during the 10th century, when the majority of the action in the saga occurs. Before we begin an analysis and examination of Grettir, however, it is important to understand what a saga is and the purpose it serves. The author of Grettir's Saga is unknown. In fact, there is actually more than one author. Sagas were not written down until the 13th century at the earliest, yet they cover events that occurred even before the founding of Iceland between 830-950 (Hastrup 150-51). The reason for this discrepancy is that sagas began as oral stories. The sagas were passed down from generation to generation orally until they were written down in the 13th century. This is why there are actually multiple authors to the saga. Each time the saga was told, it was not told exactly the same. As the storytellers changed, so to did some of the events of the saga. While the changes made to the saga by the storytellers were not significant to change it's overall meaning, they do have the ability to enhance certain feats by Grettir, attacking the credibility of the story if dwelled upon. However, while certain events may not be completely true, the message that Grettir portrays and the issues that he represents are true and accurate. It is important to remember that the saga was considered a history, but was not to be used as a primary source for information. It served better when considered a vehicle for transporting traditional wisdom based on historical knowledge (Hastrup 143). Grettir was an unusual choice as a protagonist because he was an outlaw. He did not possess many heroic qualities and was not the typical protagonist that was liked by many of the characters in the novel or saga. Grettir was actually disliked by many and constantly in trouble with the law. Grettir's exploits were humane at times and bordered on heroic but his misdeeds weighed heavily against him. The author(s) of the saga took a chance by using Grettir as their protagonist.