The Saga of the Volsungs, which was written in the late 13th century, gives insight into the political climate during the Medieval Period in Europe. This tale, that follows the Volsungs family, is written about the past while artistically paralleling the time when it was written, by using Nordic Mythology and legend, but also it shows how political power was being wielded in the late 13th century. Examples from the saga that show this political climate include, the relationships of families to promote political power, the idea of increasing wealth, and bravery in battle by proving yourself. Relationships are a key part when understanding how this saga parallels the political climate in which it was written. Family relationships, among the…show more content… Wealth during Medieval Europe was important because of status, the same way it is today. Wealth in medieval Europe was not only important to nobles, but too common peoples as well. During this period, common peasant merchants were increasing their wealth and dressing like the nobles, making it hard to distinguish nobles from those of lesser social and economical status. In the Saga of the Volsungs, the search for monetary value is easily seen when Sigurd, son of Volsung, kills a dragon named Fafnir, who is hiding treasure. Sigurd does this to fulfill a vow he made to Regin, a sword maker. After killing Fafnir, Sigurd killed Regin and takes all the gold for himself making him rich. The fulfillment of vows in Medieval Europe was a very serious thing. Failing or breaking a vow would make you a vassal, whose lands were forfeited to the king. The money that the nobles were seeking was important to them because of status and to fund expensive…show more content… This ability proved your merit to your vassals. The common people who wanted to become knights in a chance to obtain the statues associated with lower class nobility needed bravery, and proved this bravery on the battle field. Also, the church wanted young men to show their bravery by going on Crusade to obtain the Holy Lands. To maximize the amount of men, the church promised that if you died while fighting on crusade that you would automatically enter heaven. In the Saga of the Volsung, bravery is a common theme. It is hard to point to one instance of bravery in battle due to the fact that there are many battles. In the Saga nearly all of the male characters engage in some type of battle. It seems that those who prove themselves to be brave and heroic on the battle live while everyone else
