A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Ógæfa (misfortune) as an Emotion in Thirteenth-Century Iceland
Authors: Kanerva Kirsi
Publisher: Society for the Advancement of Scandinavian Study
Publication year: 2012
Journal: Scandinavian Studies -Menasha- Society for the Advancement of Scandinavian Study-
Number in series: 1
Volume: 84
Issue: 1
First page : 1
Last page: 26
Number of pages: 26
ISSN: 0036-5637
eISSN: 0036-5637
Abstract
The article discusses the concept of ógæfa [misfortune] and its connotations in thirteenth-century Icelandic culture. Particular focus is given to Njáls saga and Gísla saga. According to the author, ógæfa did not refer merely to a state of affairs but it had emotional connotations as well. It is suggested that ógæfa was used to represent the inner struggles and feelings of guilt in literature, in a culture that did not yet have a word for this kind of affective state. Ógæfa was not synonymous to guilt, however, but involved also feelings of distress and hopelessness and signified absence of approval and forgiveness or the lack of the blessing of one's kin.
The article discusses the concept of ógæfa [misfortune] and its connotations in thirteenth-century Icelandic culture. Particular focus is given to Njáls saga and Gísla saga. According to the author, ógæfa did not refer merely to a state of affairs but it had emotional connotations as well. It is suggested that ógæfa was used to represent the inner struggles and feelings of guilt in literature, in a culture that did not yet have a word for this kind of affective state. Ógæfa was not synonymous to guilt, however, but involved also feelings of distress and hopelessness and signified absence of approval and forgiveness or the lack of the blessing of one's kin.
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