Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Benes, Carrie
Area of Concentration
Medieval and Renaissance Studies
Abstract
This thesis analyzes the fantastical elements within the Icelandic family sagas as a form of social commentary on the turbulent social and political upheavals of thirteenth-century Iceland. This is done by examining the factors that contributed to the collapse of the Icelandic commonwealth over the twelfth and thirteenth century and comparing them thematically to stories within the family sagas. This thesis focuses on gender roles and religion as a means of understanding thirteenth-century Icelandic ideals and worldviews. The misogynistic portrayals of magical women reflect developing legal rights for women and a shift in thirteenth-century gender roles. Supernatural traits within men are meant to challenge conceptions of thirteenth-century hyper masculinity associated with the commonwealth’s civil war and eventual collapse. Christian magic is usually triumphant over pagan and secular forces and reestablishes Christian values and ideals as superior to Iceland’s secular ideals.
Recommended Citation
Maldonado, Andrew Samuel, "“WILL YOU TELL A STORY?” The Fantastic and Thirteenth-Century Worldviews in the Icelandic Family Sagas" (2017). Theses & ETDs. 5381.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5381