Exploring the Literary Function of Law and Litigation in Njal's Saga

Cardozo Stud. L. & Literature, Vol. 3, No. 62, 1991

21 Pages Posted: 22 Oct 2008

See all articles by Henry Ordower

Henry Ordower

Saint Louis University - School of Law

Date Written: 1991

Abstract

This paper argues that whether Njal's Saga (a medieval Icelandic family saga) accurately describes litigation or correctly identifies legal rules in medieval Iceland, those descriptions primarily serve a literary function. The author uses law and litigation to accelerate or retard the plot in order to enhance dramatic tension.

Keywords: law and literature, medieval Iceland, family saga, saga

Suggested Citation

Ordower, Henry, Exploring the Literary Function of Law and Litigation in Njal's Saga (1991). Cardozo Stud. L. & Literature, Vol. 3, No. 62, 1991, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1277324

Henry Ordower (Contact Author)

Saint Louis University - School of Law ( email )

100 N. Tucker Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63101
United States

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