Anthony Farrar
4/12/2013
The Double-Edged Sword
The Gisli Sursson’s Saga examines the disintegration of the familial structure. It is
important not to take the familial unit for granted, because during this time period “family
support t[ook] on an added importance in a society that lack[ed] an executive arm of
government” (Gislason,1). Since the family unit acted as a self-governing body in the face
of domestic disputes, it is clear that the Gisli Saga, not only examines a particular
disintegration, but a volatile one, because of the intimacy and proximity between blood
siblings and their partners. Despite the storyline advancing in the face of revenge and
exclusion, it is clear that loyalty and heroism are the cornerstones of Gisli’s rationale. He
believes in 100 percent unflinching loyalty, and problems arise when he encounters
Thorgrim, who does not adhere to his high-standards. In response to Thorgrim’s
renunciation of ‘the bond of friendship’ he states, “This is what I thought would happen.
What has taken place here will come to nothing. I suspect fate will take its course” (Regal,
11). The perceived temporal framework is no longer focused on the unraveling present, but
on the destiny of particular outcomes. Once this notion is enlisted into the narrative, Gisli
seems to fall into perfect synchrony with it. Gisli accepts his fate, despite the ominousness
of the future, and is soon entangled in a feud of vengeful malevolence exacted on those
closest to him. Gisli’s actions are questioned by his familial counterparts therefore his path
in the face of fatalism cannot be regarded as honorable hero.
From the onset of the narrative, it is clear that Gisli does not exude the necessary qualities
to be categorized as a reliable hero. We see early in his life, before his status as an outlaw,
that he acts both excessively and unconsciously, and the result is chastisement. The
narrative states,
There was a rumor abroad that Bard had seduced Thordis, Thorbjorn’s daughter, a good
looking and intelligent girl. Thorbjorn took this badly and said there would be trouble if
his son Ari were living at home… It is said that Gisli went along with Thorkel and Bard
one time to Bard’s farm at Granaskeid. When they were halfway there, with no warning
whatsoever, Gisli dealt Bard his death blow (Regal, 5)
In this particular instance, it is clear that Gisli’s effort to kill Bard was far too flagrant to be
considered honorable. It is important to note that he kills Bard is on the basis of a rumor.
