The final chapters of Egils Saga describe the closing years of the legendary Viking poet and warrior Egil Skallagrímsson. After a life marked by fierce battles, poetry, and personal tragedies, Egil grows old in his homeland of Iceland, surrounded by family and friends.
In his old age, Egil becomes less active in raiding and warfare, focusing instead on his farm and his poetry. Despite his advancing years, his reputation as a formidable warrior and skilled skald remains intact. He continues to compose verses, reflecting on his life, his losses, and the nature of fate.
Egil’s relationship with his family is a central theme during this period. He is portrayed as a proud father and grandfather, concerned with the well-being and honour of his descendants. The saga emphasizes the importance of legacy and the transmission of values from one generation to the next.
Towards the end of his life, Egil experiences a peaceful death, which contrasts with the violent and turbulent events that defined much of his earlier years. The saga records that Egil died at his home, having achieved a full life marked by both great deeds and great sorrow.
His death is treated with respect and solemnity, underscoring the saga’s themes of honour, loyalty, and the inevitability of fate. Egil is remembered as a complex figure — a fierce warrior, a gifted poet, and a man deeply tied to the land and people of Iceland.
This concluding section of Egils Saga offers a reflective and humanising glimpse into the life of one of the most enduring figures of Norse literature. It provides valuable insight into the cultural values of medieval Iceland and the ways in which heroism, family, and mortality were intertwined in the Viking Age.
