Taylor, Paul B. Wielders and Wasters of Words

• Author: Taylor, Paul B.
• Title: Wielders and wasters of words : bare lies and garnished truths in Njál's saga
• Published in: Sagnaskemmtun : studies in honour of Hermann Pálsson on his 65th birthday, 26th May 1986
• Editors: Rudolf Simek, Jónas Kristjánsson, Hans Bekker-Nielsen
• Place, Publisher: Wien, Böhlau
• Year: 1986
• Pages: 287-296
• E-text:
• Reference: Taylor, Paul B. "Wielders and wasters of words : bare lies and garnished truths in Njál's saga." Sagnaskemmtun : studies in honour of Hermann Pálsson on his 65th birthday, 26th May 1986, pp. 287-296. Eds. Rudolf Simek, Jónas Kristjánsson, Hans Bekker-Nielsen. Wien: Böhlau, 1986.

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Annotation

This article addresses the nuances and functions of lies in the family sagas, with a particular focus on Njáls saga. Some Christian theological background is provided with regard to deceit and lying, as are sentiments from Eddic wisdom poetry. Three main categories of lies from the family sagas are identified and examined: flat denials of fact, alterations of fact with the intent to slander, and concealing truths with one’s words. Taylor also draws a distinction between verbal lies and deception through disguise or acting falsely. Mockery is discussed as a public and creative art-form. The character of the liar and the circumstances of the lie are considered in a number of specific cases, building the argument that lies can be either unethical and contemptible or respectable and even moral.

References

Chapter 149: Þóttist hann nú mjög einmani "Björn of Mork’s stature is increased when his lie to the Sigfussons concerning Kari’s whereabouts succeeds in throwing them off the trail." (p. 287)

Chapter 6: „Eigi er það,“ sagði hann: "A terse denial of fact is relatively rare in the sagas […] the most telling denial is Hrut’s concealing from Gunnhild the fact that he has a woman waiting for him in Iceland (eigi er þat) when she asks him." (p. 291)

Chapter 155: en þó lauk svo að hann grét: "The contrast between banal slander and poetic truth-saying is no better illustrated anywhere than in court of Earl Sigtrygg when Gunnar Lambason reports on the death of Skarp-Hedin […] Kari overhears the account, bursting into the hall, strikes Gunnar dead, and then undoes the insult by mocking the burners in verse." (p. 293)

Chapter 123: hann geri þig að konu: "The intent behind this insult is not to deceive anyone concerning Flosi’s nature, but first to undo, once and for all, publicly, Hallgerd’s slander against his family, and secondly to incite Flosi to lose his temper and renounce the peace. Skarp-Hedin wants to settle the issue with force, and his words make his own fate." (p. 295)

Links

• Written by: Harriet Allen
• Icelandic/English translation: