Chapters 1-10 Summary

The Laxdaela Saga beings in the Kingdom of Norway in the late 9th century; the Scandinavian nations have experienced a high-tide of heroic tales, and this period of time is largely regarded as a period of pagan heroism, largely pre-dating Christianization. The current king of Norway is King Harald Fine-Hair. Before King Harald consolidates power and unifies Norway, the country side is divided into principalities ruled by chieftains. However, when it becomes clear that the chieftains must submit to King Harald, some of them decide to settle the new Iceland territory rather than submit to Harald's rule. The beginning of the lineages of the Laxdaela Saga is initiated by one of these chieftains, Ketil Flat-Nose. Ketil initially desires to live in Scotland, believing himself able to claim good land there. He perceives Iceland to be mainly a wild land of plentiful...