> what prevents both this and the Sagas
> from being a readable story
And yet, strangely enough, many people read and enjoy sagas.
Jane, you have every right to say that you don't enjoy or understand sagas or feel engaged by the characters, but to make this blanket statement...? I wonder what you'd feel if you read a post with the line 'what prevents Vingans from being interesting characters...'
Besides, the very style as much as anything else opens a window not just into the aesthetics of a certain time and culture but also into what they regarded as important. All this fancy introspection, that way lies weakness and Shepelkirt's soul-sapping wiles. What matters is who you are, defined not by your thoughts and feelings but by your deeds and your ancestors. Think of the sagas as adventures in cultural anthropology, if that helps you give them another try!
All the best
Mark
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