|
Perchta
the Belly Slitter and Án hrísmagi: Laxdoela saga cap. 4849
by Thomas
D. Hill, Cornell Univerisity
Án "svartr," or "hrísmagi" as he came to be called, is one of the
more memorable minor characters in the extraordinary Icelandic prose epic
Laxdoela saga. His role in the narrative of the saga is simple
enough; he is one of the household retainers of Ólafr pá and he
accompanies Kjartan on the latter's final trip in which Kjartan is ambushed
and finally slain by Bolli. Later, Án hrísmagi goes on the quest
for vengeance against Bolli; he requests the honor of making the first
assault, and he is slain by Bolli during the opening phase of Bolli's
defense. Án is thus a companion and a devoted friend of Kjartan,
although it is clear that he is of lower social status than Kjartan and
the author of Laxdoela saga does not attempt to characterize
or individualize Án in any detail. What sets Án apart from
the many minor characters in Laxdoela saga are two detailed and
extraordinary dreams—one of which is a premonition of Kjartan's
death and the other a healing dream that apparently allows Án to
regain his health and strength and participate in the vengeance against
Bolli.
|
|
