Gripla - 01.01.1995, Page 115

TRÚSKIPTI OG PÍSL í HRAFNKELS SÖGU
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SUMMARY
This article offers an interpretation of Hrafnkels saga through an analysis of its
religious motifs and allusions. The torture (or písl) of Hrafnkell and his sub-
sequent conversion divide the saga into two parts. Hrafnkell is introduced as a
devoted pagan chieftain who dotes on Freyr, but his ardent beliefs and his
oath to Freyr oblige him to kill Einar, a young farmhand, for riding Freyfaxi.
As a result Hrafnkell loses his social power and property and, ultimately, his
faith in Freyr’s protection. The torture, the burning of the temple, the de-
struction of Freyfaxi and Hrafnkell’s conversion are intricately linked in the
saga.
The article seeks to analyse the significant religious references in this chain
of events in Hrafnkels saga and to show that it can be read as an allegory of