Egil's Saga tells the story of the long and brutal life of tenth-century warrior
-poet and farmer Egil Skallagrimsson: a morally ambiguous character who was at o
nce the composer of intricately beautiful poetry, and a physical grotesque capab
le of staggering brutality. The saga recounts Egil's progression from youthful s
avagery to mature wisdom as he struggles to avenge his father's exile from Norwa
y, defend his honour against the Norwegian King Erik Bloodaxe, and fight for the
English King Athelstan in his battles against Scotland. Exploring issues as div
erse as the question of loyalty, the power of poetry, and the relationship betwe
en two brothers who love the same woman, Egil's Saga is a fascinating depiction
of a deeply human character.
