Gripla - 01.01.1993, Síða 196

196
GRIPLA
killed, and where a mysterious light had been seen during the preced-
ing winter.49
The question which presents itself to the modern reader is whether
or not these hagiographic motifs were meant to be recognized, and if
they were, what purpose they were intended to serve. On the whole, I
think it unlikely that the parallels with specific vitœ would have been
noticed by other than learned clerks. Some, indeed, may be the result
of coincidence, and reflect historical reality rather than hagiographic
modelling - though this does not preclude the possibility that those
who witnessed or read about them would interpret them in hagio-
graphic terms. Others may reflect purely literary imitation.
It must not be forgotten, however, that the primary purpose of
saints’ lives was to provide religious, rather than stylistic, instruction. It
is unlikely that religious motifs borrowed from them can be complete-
ly dissociated from their original contexts. At the very least, such pas-
sages suggest that the individual in question died in a state of grace,
whether or not he had formally atoned for his sins. The importance of
this should not be underestimated; aside from purely sentimental con-
siderations, it could help determine a man's right to church burial.50
An example is the case of Oddr Þórarinsson, slain in 1255 while under
a double ban and denied burial in consecrated ground. His family ap-
pealed to the Pope on his behalf, and evidence that he had asked for a
priest in his dying breath was essential for the removal of the bans and
his subsequent re-interment.51
Several of the individuals mentioned above were also in a sensitive
position vis á vis the church, so that indications of a suitable frame of
mind at the time of death may have been considered especially impor-
tant. Kolbeinn Tumason died leading an attack on bishop Guðmundr,
and although Sturla Sighvatsson had done penance in Rome for the
same crirne, he had subsequently committed many more. The passage
cited on p. 188 above shows that Hrani Koðránsson had also accumu-
lated a significant burden of sin. The reason that Hákon Þórðarson átti
ekki kirkjugengt is unknown; possibly the killing of his wife’s former
49 Bp I 674 / Hs 56.
50 This seems to have been of particular concern to Guðmundr Arason and his fol-
lowers; cf. Stu I 253 / K I 288.
51 Ás 57-8, cf. Stu I 516 / K II 238.