Some observations on martyrdom in post-conversion Scandinavia
By Haki Antonsson
Saga Book, Vol.28 (2004)
Introduction: The Irish Cogadh Caedhal Re Gallaibh (‘The War of the Irish with the Foreigners’), composed in the early twelfth century, tells in an epic fashion of the battle of Clontarf which was fought in 1014 between the followers of Brian Boru, king of Munster, and the Vikings of Dublin and their Irish allies. The late thirteenth-century NjĂ¡ls saga also tells in detail of the same encounter, possibly following here a lost BrjĂ¡ns saga which may have dated from the late twelfth century. For a study of the two texts I refer to Goedheer’s monograph, but for the present purpose I wish only to draw attention to a single comparative feature: their presentation of King Brian’s death in battle.
In the Cogadh Brian stays away from the battle and instead occupies himself with prayers in his tent. There is no explicit reason given for BrianÂ’s conduct although it is implied that he is kept from fighting by old age. Nevertheless, when Brian is attacked by the Viking BrĂ³Ă°ir the king is still able to wield his sword. In the ensuing combat both Brian and his assailant are slain. NjĂ¡ls saga, on the other hand, is more forthcoming about Brian BoruÂ’s absence from battle. The king will not join the fight because the day is Good Friday; even when BrĂ³Ă°ir has fought his way through the kingÂ’s shield-wall, Brian refuses to draw his sword. Instead he is defended by the young TaĂ°kr, but to no avail; BrĂ³Ă°irÂ’s sword slices through the boyÂ’s hand and the same stroke decapitates the king of Munster. In turn, the Viking is killed by BrianÂ’s retinue. Two miracles are noted: the kingÂ’s severed head re-attaches itself to his body and BrianÂ’’s blood heals TaĂ°krÂ’s wound.
By Haki Antonsson
Saga Book, Vol.28 (2004)
Introduction: The Irish Cogadh Caedhal Re Gallaibh (‘The War of the Irish with the Foreigners’), composed in the early twelfth century, tells in an epic fashion of the battle of Clontarf which was fought in 1014 between the followers of Brian Boru, king of Munster, and the Vikings of Dublin and their Irish allies. The late thirteenth-century NjĂ¡ls saga also tells in detail of the same encounter, possibly following here a lost BrjĂ¡ns saga which may have dated from the late twelfth century. For a study of the two texts I refer to Goedheer’s monograph, but for the present purpose I wish only to draw attention to a single comparative feature: their presentation of King Brian’s death in battle.
In the Cogadh Brian stays away from the battle and instead occupies himself with prayers in his tent. There is no explicit reason given for BrianÂ’s conduct although it is implied that he is kept from fighting by old age. Nevertheless, when Brian is attacked by the Viking BrĂ³Ă°ir the king is still able to wield his sword. In the ensuing combat both Brian and his assailant are slain. NjĂ¡ls saga, on the other hand, is more forthcoming about Brian BoruÂ’s absence from battle. The king will not join the fight because the day is Good Friday; even when BrĂ³Ă°ir has fought his way through the kingÂ’s shield-wall, Brian refuses to draw his sword. Instead he is defended by the young TaĂ°kr, but to no avail; BrĂ³Ă°irÂ’s sword slices through the boyÂ’s hand and the same stroke decapitates the king of Munster. In turn, the Viking is killed by BrianÂ’s retinue. Two miracles are noted: the kingÂ’s severed head re-attaches itself to his body and BrianÂ’’s blood heals TaĂ°krÂ’s wound.
Click here to read this article from University College London
Subscribe to Medievalverse
Related Posts