Lack Of Justice In Egil's Saga

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Egil’s Saga tells the story of several individuals, such as Thorstein and Egil, who grow up surrounded by wealth and power that grants them certain liberties others only imagine. In order to retain the right to these assets and liberties, they must rely upon their loyalties to those close to them. The saga also contains a significant amount of bloodshed to honor their loyalties, but at other times it would be deemed unwarranted. Regardless, this bloodshed, partly due to the significance and power of those involved, continues without punishment or any sort of formal trial. Unlike Egil’s Saga, the Saga of the Confederates is largely based upon the seeking of justice through trial. While this particular method avoids all the bloodshed that is …show more content…

As a warrior-type saga, Egil’s Saga has numerous conflicts that are solved through violent acts that result in death and bloodshed. While at times these acts (usually carried out by Egil) appear criminal and unwarranted, often times they are performed in an effort to honor loyalties and to avenge the wrongdoing or deaths experienced by fellow kinsman. But, in an effort to retain power and a high standing, at times bloodshed was necessary to acquire significant wealth. Regardless, these actions go unpunished and the perpetrators are never held accountable in terms of being sent through any sort of formal trial. However, within the Saga of the Confederates there is a noticeable transition from the seeking of bloodshed to the push for formal trials. And while there is a degree of bloodshed prevalent in the saga, a trial follows the bloodshed to provide repercussions for those responsible. To further the contrast between the two sagas, unlike Egil’s Saga there is also a significant amount of corruption that leads to the manipulation and dishonoring of loyalties that furthers the conflict within the saga in an effort to gain

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