Overview

Regarded as the secondary source advocated by some scholars for this battle around Brúnanburh in AD 937, Egil’s Saga Skalla-Grímssonar (collated c. AD 1242-3) becomes problematical when compared with literary, historic and archaeological evidence. Thus, this argument places the saga in a rather awkward position. In addressing the general veracity of this saga, allegedly ‘written’ by Snorri Sturluson in 1240/1 we must draw a comparison to distinguish reality from fiction. For this article highlights not only the questionable traditions of Egil fighting at Brúnanburh but whether Snorri’s interpretation was motivated by self-interest. More importantly, could other people have gathered together Snorri’s notes and produced Egil’s Saga? Doubts arise as to its authenticity as many scholars have previously expressed the differing literary anomalies within the narrative. Was the saga written by more than one person? Was it embellished by Snorri or others? Where did the Brúnanburh traditions come from? Is it accurate enough to be used as a historic source – a factual reference? The author suggests this approach may identify the incongruities within this saga demonstrating a correct analysis.

Full Product Details

Author:   John R. Kirby
Publisher:   Archaeopress
Imprint:   Archaeopress
Dimensions:   Width: 20.30cm , Height: 0.50cm , Length: 27.60cm
Weight:   0.226kg
ISBN:  

9781789691092

ISBN 10:   1789691095
Pages:   62
Publication Date:   31 January 2019
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION; RAISON D'ETRE; SNORRI'S CHARACTER AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND; HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF THE LITERARY EVIDENCE; PAGAN RITUAL CONTRASTED TO EARLY CHRISTIAN BELIEFS; HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE; THE SOCIO-RELIGIOUS SPHERE; PRIOR TO 'THE GREAT BATTLE'; THE CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOUR OF AETHELSTAN; THE FYLDE: THE PLAIN OF DEATH; THE 'PATHS OF THE DEAD'; GENEALOGICAL EVIDENCE - Jarl Gunnar Hlifrsson's family relationship with Thorsteinn Egilsson; MARITIME AND LANDSCAPE SUMMARY IN THE BRUNANBURH MSS.; APPENDIX A - Christian Relationships in Iceland and England; CHRONOLOGY; BIBLIOGRAPHY

Reviews

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions