the anger & the sad.
When I left Njal's house
Against my will,
While the timbers sweated smoke
And while the warriors
Burned to their deaths.
Listen to my words:
I am telling my grief."
~ Kari Solumndarson relates his anger & his sadness in Njal's Saga ch 135.
There's a possible shade of haunted PTSD, and definite survivor's guilt in this verse. More largely there's the inextricable ball of anger & sadness of loss. Kari is propelled by these feelings, killing many not only for the reputational duty & obligation of vengeance, but because he hurts so very deeply inside at everything he's lost, can't help but think about, and will think about for the rest of his life. The feelings are inescapable, and in turn his vengeance becomes that inescapability.
Burned to their deaths.
Listen to my words:
I am telling my grief."
~ Kari Solumndarson relates his anger & his sadness in Njal's Saga ch 135.
There's a possible shade of haunted PTSD, and definite survivor's guilt in this verse. More largely there's the inextricable ball of anger & sadness of loss. Kari is propelled by these feelings, killing many not only for the reputational duty & obligation of vengeance, but because he hurts so very deeply inside at everything he's lost, can't help but think about, and will think about for the rest of his life. The feelings are inescapable, and in turn his vengeance becomes that inescapability.
[screencap from The Last Kingdom.]
# # #
Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires' Norse Gods and Giants at age seven. Since then he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the Map of Midgard project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay. If you have employment/opportunities in investigative mythology, field research, or product development to offer, do contact him.
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