Gripla - 2020, Page 274

273
Although Egill’s vision loss, which was not the result of violence or torture,
may not result in his outright feminization, it does seem to play a vital role
in diminishing his masculine status to a discernible degree.21
Although, due to his own vision loss, Þorsteinn does express some
trepidation over being incapable of managing things on his own, he is nev-
er treated, like Egill, as an inconvenient burden to those around him and a
pale shadow of his former self. Bjǫrn Hítdœlakappi, who also experiences
some kind of visual impairment later in life in the saga bearing his name,
is – somewhat like the blind yet hearty Egill – simultaneously described
as “dapreygðr ok manna bezt vígr” [weak-sighted and the best warrior].
Bjǫrn never faces the same kind of ridicule and social stigma as Egill.22 Yet,
like Ǫnundr tréfótr [wooden­leg], great­grandfather of the eponymous
hero of Grettis saga, while the elderly Bjǫrn’s acumen as a warrior may be
enhanced by his loss of vision, at least during his later years, the narrative
seems to suggest that such “praise is inescapably predicated in part on his
ability to supersede his disability.”23 In vatnsdœla saga, on the other hand,
the elder Ingimundr Þorsteinsson develops quite a reputation as a raider
and a warrior before settling in Iceland. However, he becomes nær blindr
[nearly blind] as an old man and is easily disposed of when he attempts
to intervene in a conflict between his sons and the nefarious Hrolleifr
Arnaldsson.24 Of course, unlike Bjǫrn, Egill, Ingimundr, and Ǫnundr,
there is no mention of Þorsteinn hvíti engaging in raiding, combat, or any
other great physical feats as a younger man. Rather, his elevated social
standing seems to rest upon his penchant for astute financial dealings,
clever resource management, and popularity among his neighbours. A less
frequently commented upon figure, the aged and blind Hlenni inn spaki/
skakki [the wise/wry] in Ljósvetninga saga, may offer an interesting com-
parison. Like Þorsteinn, he is never depicted in this saga as a warrior but
uses other qualities, such as his cunning and wit, to get the better of the
21 Morcom, “After Adulthood,” 44–47; see also Evans, Men and Masculinities, 80–83.
22 Bjarnar saga Hítdælakappa, 197; Michelson-Ambelang, Outsiders on the Inside, 100–04.
23 Sexton “Difference and Disability,” 156.
24 Einar ól. Sveinsson, vatnsdœla saga, 60–62. For Ingimundr’s earlier career as a raider and
warrior, see Einar ól. Sveinsson, vatnsdœla saga, 19–27.
NARRATING BLINDNESS