The Expedition to the North: Educating the Public in the Fornaldarsögur and Riddarasögur

Abstract

This thesis explores the possible dual function of four sagas, three fornaldarsögur and one riddarasögur, in their literary function and as a performance. The north is central in these stories and as such, what do the protagonists adventures narrate exactly. Was the narrative of these four stories meant to educate the public on contemporary concerns, treats and societies conventions? Did they argue for a revision of these beliefs or affirming some sort of desired behaviour? Here the concepts of the other, the north, orality, performance theory, mental reality and emotions are employed to discern what the story was meant to have said and how this would have impacted the audience. This thesis argues that these sagas were meant to be both read and performed, serving a dual purpose and therefore a dual audience.