Narrative Modes, Narrative Space, and Narrative Play in the Post-Classical Sagas and <i>Þættir</i> of Icelanders

Abstract

Scholars have traditionally viewed the post-classical sagas and þaettir of Icelanders, written between the second half of the 13th century and the early 15th century, as inferior to the classical sagas and þaettir in terms of narrative form and social relevance. In the present study we argue that the post-classical texts show an innovative approach to the concept of narrative space, and that they are reflective of the various narrative modes in a way that allows the narratives to become more varied and multi-layered than the classical sagas. We also argue that the increased use of supernatural motifs is not a sign of disinterest in the social concerns, because such motifs contribute to the conceptualization of the social issues that had changed after the end of the Sturlung Age, but they had not become less significant.