Women In Gisli Sursson's Saga

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Recommended: The role of women in the middle ages

The role of women is one of the most evolving aspects of society throughout the ages, and it is a topic that will continually be discussed. Incredible strides have been made in regards to women’s rights and equality. On the contrary, we often fail to explore the importance of the roles that women play in time periods that are unfamiliar to us, for example, the age of the Vikings. The majority of women in the Viking ages are representative of honor, loyalty, strength, and family bonds. Also, as in any culture or group, there are some women who stray from the representation of the greater majority. The women in the Viking ages are expected to place the highest value on kinship, followed by personal honor and pride. Throughout the sagas, specifically …show more content…

In The Saga of the People of Laxardal, the women were strong-willed and assertive; however, they were not necessarily dangerous or violent. In Gisli’s Saga, we meet Aud and Gudrid. We witness both women bearing clubs in preparation for the battle against Eyjolf and his men. Aud, acting as her husband’s right hand man, actually strikes a man who initiates an attack against her husband. She is fearless, strong, and sees herself as an equal. Even more important is that the men are able to view her on the same level as them. Unfortunately the match does not end in her favor; however, after the battle we introduce yet another powerful woman into the equation. Thordis was uneasy about letting Eyjolf into her and Bork’s home, but her husband was pleased by his presence and recollection of events and extended a helping hand. When the opportunity presented itself, Thordis grabbed her brother’s sword and attacked Eyjolf. He left with a major wound, and not quite as severe, but almost the outcome Thordis was hoping for. After being held back by her husband, she informed him that they were now divorced. While her husband is family and the situation with Eyjolf’s presence should have warranted a conversation, Thordis was hurt that Bork didn’t have the decency to defend the honor of her brother. Her loyalty is commendable, and I believe that she was completely entitled to her own decision. Morally I would say that violence is never the answer, but again, the Viking society operates differently and conflicts are often rightfully addressed through

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