Opland, Jeff. A Beowulf analogue in Njálssaga

• Author: Opland, Jeff
• Title: A Beowulf analogue in Njálssaga
• Published in: Scandinavian studies 45, 1
• Year: 1973
• Pages: 54-58
• E-text: JSTOR
• Reference: Opland, Jeff. "A Beowulf analogue in Njálssaga." Scandinavian studies 45, 1 (1973): 54-58.

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Opland explains that other scholars have created analogues for the three encounters that Beowulf experienced with the monsters, but states that most of the analogues are presented in a way that does not include all three conflicts and instead focuses on the first two while alienating the third. Opland points out that there are several other Scandinavian tales that have similarities to all three conflicts, most notably Njáls saga. Opland explains that Thorkell the Braggart is involved in three fights like Beowulf. First a spellvirki, then a finngálkn as well as a flugdreki. Each one is comparable not only in their physical attributes to the monsters that Beowulf fought respectively, but also to those who they harassed prior or where they chose to dwell. To further prove this analogy, Opland mentions the symbolism of the carvings on Thorkell’s furniture which depicts three fights; against an evil-doer with human characteristics, a half-man beast who dwells near water and finally against a dragon.

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