Benjamin Franklin once said, “Idleness and pride tax with a heavier hand than Kings and Governments.” The same can be said about the pride of the major characters in the epic story “The Saga of the Volsungs” (translated by Jesse L. Byock). Every prominent figure from Sigi, to the last sons of Gudrun, suffers from his/her own pride. Pride causes a rippling effect that leads to jealousy, betrayal, and revenge throughout the epic. A hero’s own excessive pride leads to his own jealousy if challenged
In The Saga of the Volsungs, a paradoxical notion of the value of life emerges from almost every action that the characters perform. One’s corporeal death is almost of no concern in the sometimes harsh and cruel society of the saga. The importance of honor over almost anything else can explain many of the seemingly contradictory and nonsensical actions of characters in the saga. This obsession with honor constitutes the basis for an honor society—a culture where pain, death, and other earthly concerns
valiantly for each other in Nordic culture, and Vengeance, which will be discussed later, will take a pivotal role in that familial loyalty. On page thirty-nine, Signy is shown arguing with her father, against her marriage to Siggeir: “I do not wish to go away with Siggeir, nor do my thoughts laugh with him…This union will bring us much misery.” (Saga, 39) Her father replies to her, “You should not say such things, daughter… It would be shameful for us both…We could neither have his trust nor bind