Opulenz und Defizit. Haar, Bart und Figurenzeichnung in der Brennu-Njäls saga

Hahn, Daniela (2023): Opulenz und Defizit. Haar, Bart und Figurenzeichnung in der Brennu-Njäls saga. In: Heizmann, Wilhelm und Nahl, Jan van (eds.) : Germanisches Altertum und europäisches Mittelalter : Gedenkband für Heinrich Beck. Ergänzungsbände zum Reallexikon der Germanischen Altertumskunde, Vol. 142. Berlin: De Gruyter. pp. 157-173

Abstract

A focus on themes and motifs in the analysis of the Sagas of Icelanders reveals how closely discourse and narration are interwoven. As an example, the contrast between the characters Njáll and Hallgerðr in Brennu-Njals saga will be examined. These figures are constructed as opposites, which becomes visible through the motif pair of hair and beard. Hallgerðr is lavish, extravagant and more-than-feminine, whereas Njáll is reserved, a prudent steward, and less-than-masculine. Her actions are usually ʻtoo muchʼ, his are often ʻtoo littleʼ. This contradicts the requirements of common notions of masculinity and femininity and remains on display throughout the narrative due to the hair and beard episodes. Equally ʻdeviant/insufficientʼ, they represent the poles of ʻdeficient masculinityʼ and ʻexuberant femininityʼ, which form a field of tension in which the disaster takes its course.

• Item Type: Book Section
• Faculties: Languages and Literatures > Department 1 > Nordic Studies
• Subjects: 400 Language > 430 German and related languages; 800 Literature > 830 German and related literatures
• ISBN: 9783110778267
• Place of Publication: Berlin
• Language: German