The Tree of Strife: A BBC Radio 4 Icelandic Saga full-cast dramatisation

An epic BBC historical drama based on Iceland's famous saga of tragedy, heroism and fate

Written by an anonymous storyteller in the 13th Century, and describing events between 960 and 1020, Njáls saga is one of the great works of medieval literature. The longest and most celebrated of the Icelandic sagas, it deals with family honour, vengeance, and a vicious blood feud spanning almost 50 years.

Based on the classic translation by Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Pálsson, this gripping dramatisation centres around two friends - the wise, learned Njal, and the brave warrior Gunnar. Gifted with the ability to see into the future, Njal can foretell his own death - but he is powerless to stunt the growth of the tree of strife that flourishes after Gunnar's betrothal to Hallgerd with the thief's eyes.

Embroiled in his wife's intrigues, Gunnar is caught in a cycle of killings and revenge - and as Njal's sons are drawn into this web of violence, tragedy ensues. Bound by ties of blood, and unable to escape their destiny, Gunnar, Njal, and their descendants seem doomed to an endless vendetta. Even the coming of a new faith, Christianity, fails to halt the conflict- and as brother turns upon brother, will peace ever be restored?

Adapted by veteran dramatist David Wade, this gripping tale vividly evokes Iceland's heroic age. Thronged with action, passion, power struggles and prophetic dreams, it features a host of vividly-drawn characters, and stars Bernard Hepton as Njal, Struan Rodger as Gunnar and Maureen O'Brien as Hallgerd.

Production credits Dramatised by David Wade from a translation by Magnus Magnusson and Herman Palsson Music by David Chilton and Nick Russell-Pavier Directed by Jeremy Mortimer

Cast Narrators - Norman Rodway & Barbara Jefford Njal Thorgeirsson - Bernard Hepton Gunnar Hámundarson- Struan Rodger Hallgerd Long-Legs- Maureen O'Brien Ahdli/Thorgeir Otkelsson - Ian Targett Bergthóra, Njal's wife - Maggie McCarthy Unn - Anna Cropper Skarphedin Njalsson - Robert Glenister Helgi Njalsson/Otkel Skarfsson - Vincent Brimble Greem Njalsson - Andrew Branch Brynjolv/Hoskuld Dala-Kollsson/Gayrmund - John Bull Hrut Herjolfsson/Ketill/Thorgeir - David King Kolskegg Gunnarsson - David Goudge Thord Freemansson/Hocni Gunnarsson - Paul Downing Thrain Sigfusson - John Church Mord Valgardsson - Shaun Prendegast Valgard the Grey - John Moffatt Hoskuld Thrainsson - Jonathan Tafler Hildigunn - Victoria Carling Sigmundt/Skammkel/Gudmund - Brian Millar Skjold/Law Speaker - Donald Gee Asgnmr Ellioa-Grimsson/Thorgeir - Alan Barker Flosi Thordarson - Crawford Logan Kari Solumndarson - Jimmy Yuill Kawl/Bjorn the White/Melkov - Ken Cumberlidge Thorgardh/Bjorn's wife - Alice Arnold Halvard/Thorgeir Skorargeir- Joe Dunlop Greeman - Drew Branch With Sam Bennett, Simon Linnell, Joan Matheson, Danny Schiller and Joan Walker

First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 17-18 February 1990

© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

© 2022 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781529188226

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Lydbog: 20. oktober 2022