Bergþóras

Bergþóras is a fictional character from Icelandic sagas. Specifically, Bergþóra is a prominent figure in Njáls saga, one of the most famous Icelandic sagas. She is the wife of Njáll Þorgeirsson, a wise and learned farmer and lawyer who lives at Bergþórshvoll in southern Iceland. Bergþóra is depicted as a strong-willed and influential woman.

She plays a significant role in the unfolding events of the saga, often advising her husband and acting as a catalyst for certain actions. Her character is often contrasted with that of Hallgerður Höskuldsdóttir, another important female character in the saga, highlighting different aspects of female agency and influence within the society depicted. Bergþóra is known for her pride and her deep loyalty to her family. Her fate is tied to the tragic events that befall Njáll and his household, culminating in the burning of Bergþórshvoll, a pivotal and devastating moment in the saga. The saga portrays her with a degree of respect and agency, reflecting the complex social dynamics of the time.