The Burning of Njal | Topics for Discussion & Projects

The Burning of Njal Topics for Discussion

1. How does the portrayal of Icelandic society in The Burning of Njal compare with popular images of Vikings in films and other books?

2. How does Christianity affect the behavior of the characters in this novel?

3. After he is outlawed by the Althing, Gunnar decides to stay at home in Iceland, knowing he will probably be killed. Why does he do this?

4. The major characters in this story are apparently based on real settlers in Iceland's early history. In fact, modern Icelanders can show you the very foundations of the house in which Njal and his family were burnt up. What parts of the story cannot possibly be true unless you believe in ghosts and other aspects of the supernatural?

5. Ancient sagas such as Njal's Saga form an important part of a modern Icelander's cultural background. What stories,...
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