A new study by Valerie Broustin, a Scandinavian Studies expert from the University of Bonn, sheds fresh light on a lesser-known collection of Icelandic sagas. Her work on the Hrafnistumannasögur reveals a unique twist: ordinary farmers rise to heroic status, overturning traditional saga narratives that focus on kings and gods. Broustin’s findings could reshape how scholars approach this medieval literary genre.

What sets the Hrafnistumannasögur apart is their depiction of flawed protagonists. The sagas openly discuss their half-troll ancestry and even describe many heroes as unattractive—something rarely seen in medieval narratives. “In three of the four stories, the protagonist is explicitly described as ‘not a handsome man,’” Broustin explains.

Moreover, these characters don’t begin their journeys as heroes. “At first, they are lazy and unmotivated and have to be told by their fathers that they’re good for nothing,” Broustin notes. Through personal growth and the acceptance of their destined roles, these unlikely heroes embark on transformative journeys that mirror the classic hero’s arc—but with a distinctly Icelandic flair.