Favorite Character: Gisli Sursson

One of my favorite characters from all of the sagas was Gisli Sursson. I also really enjoyed the character Egil Skallagrimsson, but I figured he might be a more popular character so I will write about Gisli Sursson. Gisli was from one of the sagas we read early in the semester called, "Gisli's Sursson's Saga." In this saga Gisli proclaims the fate of his three friends and himself and it comes true when they are eventually all killed and not friends anymore. Gisli became outlawed after he killed Thorgrim (his old friend), but survived a long time without being captured or killed because he was given help and refuge by many people who admired and honored him. Even though he broke the law and was in hiding, he was still well-liked by many people. Gisli's intelligent and loyal wife also stood by his side and cared for him while he was outlawed. Gisli was courageous, intelligent, and also recited well-versed poems throughout the saga. I chose Gisli because I enjoyed the plot and his role in this saga. He was definately the main character and I believe the reader/listener is supposed to feel sad for him when he is finally struck down in the end. Gisli was a great fighter and his bravery was shown when he stood up to those who were trying to kill him and actually defeated many of them. A line from the saga states that, "although he was deemed a man of great prowess, fortune was not always with him." More importantly another line says, "it is said everywhere that no man in this land had ever been known to put up a greater stand than Gisli." I admired Gisli's character and his courage so that is why I chose him.

Saga of Ref the Sly

This saga was entertaining like many others. Ref Steinsson was looked down upon by his mother until he finally proved himself worthy when he killed Thorbjorn who let his animals graze on Ref's land. Although at first he was regarded as worthless and a simpleton, later he was found to be an extremely talented craftsman, clever, cunning, and wise. Ref was also good with words, composing a few poems as well as a clever riddle to King Harald, who later decoded it. King Harald also gave Ref the name of Ref the Sly. After killing people for lack of due compensation, Ref became despised by some and outlawed from Norway. He was taken in by King Svein in Denmark, who praised Ref for his wit and talents, giving him the new name of Siggtrygg, which was more common in Denmark than Ref.

This saga mentions fate a few times. In one case King Harald advises his follower Bard to not go back to Greenland to try and help Gunner find and kill Ref because he would not be coming back. Of course Bard doesn't listen and ends up killed by Ref. Ref also claimed that it wasn't Bard's destiny or that of the men in Greenland to guard his corps, unless they receive help from wiser men, which turned out to be King Harald. Also, at the beginning Ref stays with a man named Gest who admires Ref and says he is "destined for great achievements."

Ref is clever with the construction of his house in Greenland and it's location and protective measures. He also cleverly devises an escape plan before Bard and his men come back to kill him. Ref uses two different fake names and disguises to escape from trouble and to manipulate his enemies.
Ref ends up with wealth and respect for himself and his family from King Svein. His sons marry well and have excellent descendents. It is also mentioned that Ref dies when going to visit an apostle in Rome and is buried in a rich monastery. This is likely since by this time Christianity was becoming widely accepted.

Saga of Greenlanders/Eirik the Red's Saga: