Hrolf Kraki Theme

The most interesting theme in Hrolf Kraki, in my opinion, is the theme of magic and Paganism. My favorite example of this being the sons of Bjorn. Elk-Frodi is half elk, and also has some other magical abilities, like being able to keep an eye on his brother via an enchanted rock. Thorir has dog feet, but besides that is perfectly normal. He becomes king of the Gauts after following advice from his brother, Elf-Frodi. Bodvar is the normal one of the brothers, except for his unheard-of moral attitude. He, following Elk-Frodi's uncanny advice, becomes a great warrior for King Hrolf. All of the brothers each has an enchanted weapon that was their inheritance from their father. No one can wield the weapon except for them. Their father, Bjorn, was even a were-bear, cursed by a troll-woman, Hvit. At the beginning of the saga,Vifil watches over Helgi and Hroar with his magic, while Frodi tries to use a sorceress to find the brothers. Helgi's daughter, Skuld, Hrolf's half-sister, is part elf. In addition to all the instances of magic, Paganistic views are also seen through the motif of blood drinking. In this culture, drinking certain blood gives you immediate strength and power. Magic is an important theme to Hrolf Kraki. It makes the book interesting, as well as providing a taste of culture and understanding of the characters.