The (Vi)Kings' Saga : Mixed Modality as the Key to the Construction of Meaning in Jómsvíkinga saga

Abstract

The objective of this article is to analyse the narrative functions of mixed modality in Jómsvíkinga saga, a text that combines elements of different saga genres, primarily the kings' sagas and the legendary sagas. It is argued here that the mixed modality is not a sign of the early saga's imperfection, but it serves as a narrative device that contributes to the saga's capacity to indirectly express commentary on social issues that were current at the time of the saga's composition.

Keywords

• Old Norse sagas
• genre
• mixed modality
• narrative techniques
• social commentary