Honor: A lifestyle

In Njal’s Saga honor is a main theme. Almost every aspect of the story has to do with it. An example of this can be seen in the Law suits from the beginning of the story. In those, land and money are not all that is in danger but also honor. The winner as Gunnar was obtains honor from winning the case and as for the looser isn’t mentioned much after. It is plausible to presume tough that He might not be as honorable as he was when he entered the courtroom that day. “Everybody then rode home from the Thing, and Gunnar had gained much honour from the case.” (p.43) Hoskluld apparently didn’t leave that encounter in the best of conditions since he had to surrender for fear of what could happen to him if he faced Gunnar. I can only guess that doing so was dishonorable.

The definition of honor is something of outmost importance when it comes to Njal. Although Gunnar earned many battles honor wasn’t mentioned on them. Although apparently what he did was honorable he had to return home for it to be mentioned more directly. “Kolskegg urged him to ride to the Thing-“your honour will increase there because many men will seek your company.”” (p.52) I believe that the definition of honor as mentioned in Njal’s ASaga can be taken out of this sentence. It most likely means that if people want to fight at your side and be with you for all of what you did is honor. The more you have the more people will want to fight at your side.

Although this seems like a good way of life for Gunnar, it is a dangerous way and many people did die in the raids he conducted. Although it seems as though Gunnar were happy with his way of life he continually searched for something more which probably was the reason why he married Hallgerd. It probably is an indication that honor alone can’t suffice the spiritual needs of a person. As a lifestyle honor is violent and empty. There will always be a point where love is the only one that can fill the gap.

Taken in today’s context I don’t think honor as defined by this book is necessarily so important. I think that in today’s culture there is neither honor nor love. At least none that are as openly supported this book tells us Icelanders supported honor. It is incredible how much society changes over time. It incredible that once honor could be gained by killing and that now this only brings dishonor and hate.