Njals Saga

The characters in Njal’s Saga believe in prophetic utterances that are sometimes conveyed to them via supernatural occurrences, including visions and dreams. Multiple protagonists have the gift of prophecy. An example of prophetic skill appears at the very opening of the saga, when Hrut predicts that his niece, Hallgerd, will grow up to cause much strife; later, her feud with Njal’s wife, Bergthora, becomes central to the first half of the saga as it leads to many deaths.

The titular character, Njal, is widely known for his gift of prophecy; his predictions always come true. For instance, Njal prophesizes that his foster son, Hoskuld Thrainsson, will grow to be a good and honorable man. This revelation proves true and is highlighted in Hoskuld’s final moments, when Hoskuld faces his death with courage, refusing to run away or fight back against the Njalssons, whom he loves. Instead, he drops to his knees, mirroring the act of prayer, and calls for God’s help and forgiveness for his killers. The way he chooses to die mimics the Christian martyrs in medieval hagiographic tradition, which emphasizes his virtuous nature, showing that Njal’s prediction comes true.

However, despite the accuracy of Njal’s prophecies, the characters in the saga do not always observe the warnings that accompany them or take steps to change the outcomes of the events Njal foresees.