Svarfdæla saga

Svarfdæla saga (listen^ⓘ) is one of the sagas of Icelanders. a genre of Old Norse prose narratives that largely describe events taking place in Iceland during the Saga Age, a period of settlement and conflict from the 9th to 11th centuries.^[1] It was first recorded in the first half of the 14th century. It describes disputes which arise during the early settlement of Svarfaðardalur, a valley in central north Iceland.^[2]

The saga concerns three generations of a family originating in Norway. Thorstein Svarfað comes to Iceland from Namdalen with his youngest son Karl. Most of the saga is about Karl and his relationship with Ljótólf, the local chieftain (goði). ^[3] These sagas often feature complex family histories and detailed accounts of disputes, reflecting the social dynamics of early Icelandic society.^[1]

he narrative begins with Thorstein Svarfað and his son Karl settling at Upsar. Karl quickly established himself, accumulating wealth and influence. Nearby, Ljótólfr resided at Hof, an imposing figure known for his power. The early chapters detail the complex family tree, introducing Karl's sister, Sigríðr Klaufasystir, and their kinsman Klaufi, known for his troublesome nature. Klaufi’s disruptive actions frequently caused friction, culminating in significant strife. Among the significant figures is Klaufi’s son, Óláfr, a powerful man of great stature, though often described as unintelligent. His physical prowess and imposing presence would later play a role in the unfolding conflicts.

A central theme emerges early with a dispute over an inheritance involving a man named Böðvarr. This conflict escalated, bringing Böðvarr and his foster-father, Þorgils mjögsiglandi, into direct confrontation with Karl and his family. The tension intensified as these powerful figures vied for control and resources in the newly settled lands.^[4]

The saga delves deeply into Klaufi’s malevolent actions, depicting him as a constant source of strife. His provocations led to a series of violent encounters. He killed Þorgils mjögsiglandi’s sons, Eyjólfr and Ketill, escalating the feuds to a new level. The animosity between Klaufi and Karl was profound, rooted in their opposing natures and competing claims to power. Klaufi, envious of Karl’s prosperity, repeatedly sought to undermine him, often through violent means.

Klaufi’s maliciousness culminated in a direct confrontation with Karl the Red. In a brutal ambush, Klaufi slays Karl the Red, marking a turning point in the saga. This act of violence sets the stage for a prolonged and bitter feud, as Karl the Red's family vows revenge.^[4]

Following the death of Karl the Red, his son, also named Karl (often referred to as Karl the Younger), rises to prominence. He becomes the central figure in the saga, inheriting his father's disputes and a strong desire for vengeance against Ljótólfr and his allies, particularly Skíði and Klaufi's surviving kin. Karl the Younger displays a cunning and ruthless nature, contrasting sharply with his initial portrayal as simple-minded or even foolish. This transformation is pivotal to the narrative.

A key element of this feud revolves around Ingvildr fagrkin. Initially, Ljótólfr arranges for Ingvildr, daughter of Guðmundr the Old, to marry Skíði, a man closely associated with Ljótólfr and involved in the events leading to Karl the Red's death. This marriage is framed as a reward for Skíði's loyalty and actions. However, Karl the Younger's relentless pursuit of revenge leads him to target Skíði and Ingvildr. In a particularly brutal act, Karl slays their three sons (Þorkell, Björn, and Grímr) one by one, constantly taunting Ingvildr by asking if the "gap" (skarð) in Skíði’s lip (a physical deformity) is now filled. This repeated query, and Ingvildr's eventual declaration that the gap is indeed filled, marks the completion of Karl’s gruesome revenge against Skíði’s lineage.

Despite this extreme act, Karl the Younger shows a surprising and strategic leniency towards Skíði himself, allowing him to live but banishing him from Iceland, providing him with means to depart. Skíði sails to Ireland and prospers, gaining control over a significant portion of the land.^[4]

Karl the Younger's character continues to evolve. He displays an enigmatic personality, sometimes appearing foolish or quiet (earning him the nickname "ómáli" or "speechless"), yet demonstrating profound strategic intelligence and ruthlessness when necessary. He frequently places his wealth and affairs under Ljótólfr's guardianship, a curious act given their ongoing enmity, implying a deep, complex trust or perhaps a calculated manipulation.

Karl travels extensively, engaging in trade and even viking expeditions in Denmark and Norway. During these travels, he repeatedly encounters Ingvildr, whom he had previously left in a state of distress. Each time, he buys her back from various owners, often for increasing sums, and restores her to comfort, only to subject her to the same taunt about Skíði's "gap" upon their return to Iceland. His actions suggest a continued psychological torment for Ingvildr, but also a strange sense of ownership or obligation towards her, possibly linked to her symbolic role in his revenge.

These repeated encounters and her consistent response, first that the gap is never filled, then later that it is indeed full, underscores the psychological depth of Karl's revenge and Ingvildr's suffering. Eventually, Karl informs Ingvildr that he knows Skíði's whereabouts and intends to return her to him, suggesting a final, almost complete resolution to his vendetta.^[4]

Upon returning to Iceland, Karl, now a seasoned warrior and merchant, confronts Ljótólfr at Hof. Despite their deep-seated animosity, Karl requests that Ljótólfr take Ingvildr, stating that "no one will consider her too proud now." Ljótólfr, still burdened by the guilt of his role in Karl the Red's death, refuses to look upon Ingvildr, acknowledging her symbolic connection to his past misdeeds. In a surprising turn, Karl demands a division of their shared wealth, specifically requesting only the principal amount he had entrusted to Ljótólfr, allowing Ljótólfr to keep all the accrued profits. This act solidifies a true reconciliation between them, marking an end to the protracted feud. They settle their differences completely, establishing a lasting friendship. Ljótólfr subsequently accepts Ingvildr, though her ultimate fate is uncertain; some accounts suggest she might have taken her own life due to despair.

The saga also resolves the haunting of Klaufi. Karl, recognizing the ongoing torment Klaufi causes, exhumes his kinsman's body, which remains undecayed. He constructs a large pyre on a stone at Klaufabrekka and cremates Klaufi's remains to ashes. These ashes are then sealed in a lead casket with iron hooks and submerged in a hot spring. This act symbolically and literally puts an end to Klaufi's disruptive supernatural presence, ensuring he never causes harm again.^[4]

Karl the Younger lived a long life at Upsar. While some accounts suggest he traveled abroad again and established a new lineage, others, more commonly accepted, state that he married Ragnhildr Ljótólfsdóttir, Ljótólfr’s daughter, and had several children. Their sons include Böggvir, who resided at Böggvisstaðir, and Hrafn, who lived at Hrafnsstaðir. A daughter, Ingvildr, lived at Ingarastaðir. This marriage would further solidify the peace between the once warring families, binding their lineages together.

As Karl's wealth eventually diminished, he found it difficult to maintain his residence at Upsar, partly due to the financial demands and the growing influence of Ljótr Ljótólfsson. Ljótr succeeded his father in leadership and resided at Vellir, marking a new shift in local power dynamics. A new disagreement arose between Karl and Ljótr, leading Karl to relocate from the valley. He is said to have moved to Ólafsfjörðr, where he spent his later years. He established a farm there known as Karlsstaðir, where he eventually passed away, remembered as a man of great character. Many individuals trace their ancestry to Karl the Younger, while Ljótr maintained authority over the entire valley.

The saga also mentions Böðvarr, son of Eyjólfr Breiðhöfði, believed to have lived at Urðar, from whom the Urðar-men are descended. Eyjólfr Breiðhöfði was the son of Þorgils mjögsiglandi, connecting back to the saga's early conflicts.

Valla-Ljótr, a prominent figure, is remembered as a great chieftain. The saga concludes by noting that Ljótr orchestrated the killing of Eygluhalli, Karl the Younger's brother.

Thus ends Svarfdæla saga, concluding with a blend of reconciliation, continued power struggles, and the enduring legacy of its central characters. ^[4]

• Rebecca Merkelbach, "The Coarsest and Worst of the Íslendinga Sagas': Approaching the Alterity of the 'Post-Classical' Sagas of Icelanders", in Margins, Monsters, Deviants: Alterities in Old Norse Literature and Culture, edited by Rebecca Merkelbach and Gwendolyne Knight, 101-127, Turnhout, Belgium: Brepols Publishers, 2020.

• Proverbs in Svarfdæla saga
• Full text at the Icelandic Saga Database

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