saga etymology

Etymology

The word "saga" comes from the Old Norse word "saga," which means "a telling, a story." It is related to the Gothic word "saggan," meaning "to say" or "to tell."

Meaning and Origin

In Old Norse, sagas were originally oral tales that were told and passed down from generation to generation. They often chronicled the lives and deeds of legendary heroes, kings, and gods. These tales were an important part of Norse culture, providing entertainment, moral instruction, and a sense of history.

As Norse culture spread throughout Scandinavia, the meaning of "saga" expanded. It began to refer not only to oral tales but also to written accounts of historical events, such as the "Sagas of the Kings" and the "Sagas of the Icelanders." These written sagas were often based on oral traditions but were also influenced by contemporary literature and historical records.

Over time, the term "saga" has come to be used more broadly to refer to any long, episodic narrative, particularly one that deals with the lives and fortunes of multiple characters over a period of time. It is often used in reference to epic poems, novels, and films that explore complex themes and characters.

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