A new study by Valerie Broustin, a Scandinavian Studies expert from the University of Bonn, sheds fresh light on a lesser-known collection of Icelandic sagas. Her work on the Hrafnistumannasögur reveals a unique twist: ordinary farmers rise to heroic status, overturning traditional saga narratives that focus on kings and gods. Broustin’s findings could reshape how scholars approach this medieval literary genre.
The Icelandic legendary sagas are famous for their rich storytelling, brimming with heroic Vikings, magical sorcerers, and fearsome trolls. Often compared to modern fantasy, these medieval texts remain a source of fascination for scholars and students alike. Broustin’s new book, Vikings, Half-Trolls and Saga-Authors: The Norwegian Hrafnistumenn and Their Icelandic Descendants, focuses on the Hrafnistumannasögur, a group of four sagas chronicling the fortunes of a single family.
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Unlike most sagas, which glorify divine or royal ancestors, these stories feature farmers who rise to power. “This is a first,” says Broustin. “Instead of divine and royal descendants, peasants become heroes here.” The sagas trace the family’s journey over four generations, from their Norwegian homeland on the island of Hrafnista (modern-day Ramsta) to their Icelandic descendants.
Flawed Heroes and Troll Bloodlines
What sets the Hrafnistumannasögur apart is their depiction of flawed protagonists. The sagas openly discuss their half-troll ancestry and even describe many heroes as unattractive—something rarely seen in medieval narratives. “In three of the four stories, the protagonist is explicitly described as ‘not a handsome man,’” Broustin explains.
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Moreover, these characters don’t begin their journeys as heroes. “At first, they are lazy and unmotivated and have to be told by their fathers that they’re good for nothing,” Broustin notes. Through personal growth and the acceptance of their destined roles, these unlikely heroes embark on transformative journeys that mirror the classic hero’s arc—but with a distinctly Icelandic flair.
Mapping Medieval Literature
To deepen understanding of the sagas’ origins, Broustin created a detailed map of literary activity in medieval Iceland. By connecting the saga protagonists to real Icelandic families and locations, and linking them to the North Icelandic Benedictine School—a prominent 14th-century literary movement—Broustin aims to uncover clues about the texts’ anonymous authors.
Despite the progress, questions remain. “The concept of authorship, as we know it, may not have played a significant role in this genre,” Broustin suggests. Instead, the relationships between manuscripts and the cultural context of these sagas may hold the key to future discoveries.
Valerie Broustin from the Department of Scandinavian Language and Literature at the University of Bonn with the new book on the Icelandic sagas. Photo: Bernadett Yehdou/University of Bonn
Broustin’s work represents a fresh approach to studying Icelandic sagas, moving beyond traditional focuses on kings and warriors. By spotlighting farmers, trolls, and flawed characters, her study opens the door to new interpretations of these medieval masterpieces.
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For fans of sagas and scholars alike, the Hrafnistumannasögur serve as a reminder of how medieval stories continue to surprise, offering insights into the world of Icelandic literature—and the human condition.
Vikings, Half-Trolls and Saga Authors – The Norwegian Hrafnistumenn and their Icelandic Descendants is published by Verlag Fassbaender. Click here to learn more.
A new study by Valerie Broustin, a Scandinavian Studies expert from the University of Bonn, sheds fresh light on a lesser-known collection of Icelandic sagas. Her work on the Hrafnistumannasögur reveals a unique twist: ordinary farmers rise to heroic status, overturning traditional saga narratives that focus on kings and gods. Broustin’s findings could reshape how scholars approach this medieval literary genre.
The Icelandic legendary sagas are famous for their rich storytelling, brimming with heroic Vikings, magical sorcerers, and fearsome trolls. Often compared to modern fantasy, these medieval texts remain a source of fascination for scholars and students alike. Broustin’s new book, Vikings, Half-Trolls and Saga-Authors: The Norwegian Hrafnistumenn and Their Icelandic Descendants, focuses on the Hrafnistumannasögur, a group of four sagas chronicling the fortunes of a single family.
Unlike most sagas, which glorify divine or royal ancestors, these stories feature farmers who rise to power. “This is a first,” says Broustin. “Instead of divine and royal descendants, peasants become heroes here.” The sagas trace the family’s journey over four generations, from their Norwegian homeland on the island of Hrafnista (modern-day Ramsta) to their Icelandic descendants.
Flawed Heroes and Troll Bloodlines
What sets the Hrafnistumannasögur apart is their depiction of flawed protagonists. The sagas openly discuss their half-troll ancestry and even describe many heroes as unattractive—something rarely seen in medieval narratives. “In three of the four stories, the protagonist is explicitly described as ‘not a handsome man,’” Broustin explains.
Moreover, these characters don’t begin their journeys as heroes. “At first, they are lazy and unmotivated and have to be told by their fathers that they’re good for nothing,” Broustin notes. Through personal growth and the acceptance of their destined roles, these unlikely heroes embark on transformative journeys that mirror the classic hero’s arc—but with a distinctly Icelandic flair.
Mapping Medieval Literature
To deepen understanding of the sagas’ origins, Broustin created a detailed map of literary activity in medieval Iceland. By connecting the saga protagonists to real Icelandic families and locations, and linking them to the North Icelandic Benedictine School—a prominent 14th-century literary movement—Broustin aims to uncover clues about the texts’ anonymous authors.
Despite the progress, questions remain. “The concept of authorship, as we know it, may not have played a significant role in this genre,” Broustin suggests. Instead, the relationships between manuscripts and the cultural context of these sagas may hold the key to future discoveries.
Broustin’s work represents a fresh approach to studying Icelandic sagas, moving beyond traditional focuses on kings and warriors. By spotlighting farmers, trolls, and flawed characters, her study opens the door to new interpretations of these medieval masterpieces.
For fans of sagas and scholars alike, the Hrafnistumannasögur serve as a reminder of how medieval stories continue to surprise, offering insights into the world of Icelandic literature—and the human condition.
Vikings, Half-Trolls and Saga Authors – The Norwegian Hrafnistumenn and their Icelandic Descendants is published by Verlag Fassbaender. Click here to learn more.
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