Old Norse Saga Insight - Egils Saga Part 2

A Family Who Could See Trouble Coming

One of the overlooked but fascinating elements of Egils saga is how Kveld-Úlfr (Egil’s grandfather) and Skalla-Grímr (his father) demonstrate an almost prophetic sense for danger — especially involving kings.

According to the saga, Kveld-Úlfr foresees that aligning with King Haraldr hárfagri will lead to ruin. He refuses service despite the promise of wealth and honour. His son, Skalla-Grímr, also displays this foresight: he knows that the king’s favour often turns to lethal envy.

This theme mirrors a broader Old Norse mindset. Kings, while powerful, were often viewed with deep suspicion. Archaeology and legal texts confirm that early Icelanders designed their society specifically to avoid the domination of kings; the settlers of Iceland largely consisted of chieftains who refused to live under royal authority. The saga reflects this political reality through the prophetic wisdom of Egil’s ancestors — and it foreshadows the lifelong feud between Egill and the Norwegian royal family.