Page:The Story of Egil Skallagrimsson.djvu/12

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INTRODUCTION
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goes before king Harold in chapter xxv. So is chapter lxii., where Egil and Arinbjorn are before king Eric Bloodaxe in York. Very striking is the interview between Egil and his daughter Thorgerdr, after Bodvar's death, in chapter lxxxi. Looking at the vigour and beauty of the style in these and other passages, we agree with the judgment in Thordarson's preface, that the Egilssaga was put into writing ‘in the golden age of Icelandic literature.' And for these excellencies we must remember to give due credit and admiration to the Saga-writer. For though he was (as is generally believed) describing real men, real scenes, real characters, yet it is not everyone who, having the matter to hand, can put it together and express it so well.

About the truthfulness and historical value of the Egla there has been some discussion and difference of opinion. Is it in the main a true family history, or a romance? How long after the events recorded was it written? And by whom? These questions have been debated by northern scholars, Icelanders and others. The balance of authority and reason appears to be very much in favour of the general truthfulness of the story. The writer surely wrote down the facts as he heard or read them, not departing from the truth as he knew it or believed it. But on this question let us hear what the northern editors say.

Finnur Jónsson (Copenhagen, 1888) gives his judgment thus:

'1. The Saga in what concerns persons and events in Iceland and Norway may be considered true, with small and unimportant exceptions.

2. For what happens in other countries it cannot be reckoned quite trustworthy.

3. Its chronology is in several places faulty, which is not to be wondered at.

4. It shows extensive geographical knowledge, insight into Icelandic and Norse law and culture.

5. The composer had partly written sources of information, partly family traditions of the Moormen to go upon, with much of Egil's verses and poems.

6. He is a master in the art of telling a story and delineating character.

7. He must have lived on the Borgar-firth.'

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