Gripla - 20.12.2010, Blaðsíða 211

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single decision of the Law-speaker,16 for his own family and servants he
prefers that they experience their own personal conversion by witnessing
Þangbrandr’s mass. Unlike Hallr, it is the trappings of the mass rather than
its content that seem to impress them, as they are struck by the fine vest-
ments, sights, sounds and smells of the mass.
Njáls saga also describes Hallr’s conversation with Þangbrandr and his
subsequent conversion. Again the subject of the conversation is the archan-
gel Michael:
“Hver rǫk fylgja engli þeim?” segir Hallr. “Mǫrg,”segir Þangbrandr;
“hann skal meta allt þat, sem þú gerir, bæði gott ok illt, ok er svá
miskunnsamr, at hann metr allt þat meira, sem vel er gǫrt. ”Hallr
mælti: “Eiga vilda ek hann mér at vin.” “Þat munt þú mega,” segir
Þangbrandr; “ok gefsk þú honum þá í dag með guði.” “Þat vil ek
þá til skilja,” segir Hallr, “at þú heitir því fyrir hann, at hann sé þá
fylgjuengill minn.” “Því mun ek heita,” segir Þangbrandr. (ÍF XII,
257)
“What marvels are associated with this angel?” said Hallr. “Many,”
Þangbrandr said, “he shall weigh up all those things which you do,
both good and bad, and is so merciful, that he places greater weight
on the good which is done.” Hallr said: “I want him as a friend.”
“That is possible,” said Þangbrandr, “if you give yourself to him and
God today.” “I want to stipulate this,” said Hallr, “that you promise
this on his behalf, that he will be my guardian angel.” “I will promise
this,”said Þangbrandr.
The episode as depicted in Njáls saga gives us some further insight into
Hallr’s character. He quickly realises the importance of the distinction
between good and evil in Christianity and the concept of being judged on
moral grounds. This passage of Njáls saga illustrates some of the theologi-
cal distinctions between the old and new ways. Although inevitably written
by a Christian from a Christian standpoint, the passage does have some
16 Although pagan worship was not outlawed immediately, the decision inevitably ensured
that all but a few chieftains prudently adopted Christianity and thus farmers and members
of their households inevitably followed suit.
SÍÐU-HALLS SAGA OK SONA HANS