The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

saga

IPA:

Dictionary definition of saga

A long, epic story or tale that typically involves heroic deeds, mythical creatures, and dramatic events.
"The book tells the epic saga of a family's journey through history."

Detailed meaning of saga

Sagas are often associated with Norse or Icelandic literature and are known for their vivid descriptions, complex characters, and intricate plotlines. The word 'saga' is derived from the Old Norse language and means 'story' or 'history.' Sagas often focus on the adventures of a particular character or group of characters, and may include themes of romance, warfare, magic, and destiny. Examples of well-known sagas include the 'Saga of the Volsungs,' 'The Saga of Egil Skallagrimsson,' and 'The Saga of the Icelanders.' Overall, the noun 'saga' connotes a sense of grandeur, adventure, and mythology, and is used to describe a particular type of literary work that has roots in Norse and Icelandic culture.

Example sentences containing saga

1. The TV show is based on the popular fantasy saga series.
2. The museum exhibit showcases the ancient sagas of the Vikings.
3. The video game immerses players in a saga of magic and adventure.
4. The opera tells the tragic saga of a doomed love affair.
5. The film franchise has become a saga spanning several decades.
6. The graphic novel follows the saga of a group of superheroes fighting evil.

History and etymology of saga

The noun 'saga' has an etymology rooted in Old Norse and Old Icelandic. It comes from the Old Norse word 'saga,' which means 'a narrative' or 'a tale.' These Old Norse sagas were epic stories and historical accounts of the Viking Age, often involving heroic deeds, mythical creatures, and dramatic events. The term 'saga' itself is related to the Old Icelandic word 'sǫgur,' which carries a similar meaning. Over time, 'saga' became a word widely associated with long, epic narratives or tales, regardless of their cultural origin, capturing the essence of grand storytelling and myth-making. Therefore, the etymology of 'saga' reflects its historical connection to the rich tradition of Norse sagas and its broader application to describe epic and dramatic narratives, as conveyed by its linguistic heritage.

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Further usage examples of saga

1. The musical retells the saga of a legendary king and his knights.
2. The historical novel tells the saga of a nation's struggle for independence.
3. The stage play is a modern interpretation of an ancient saga.
4. The comic book series continues the saga of a popular superhero.
5. The podcast explores the untold sagas of forgotten historical figures.
6. The ancient saga recounted the hero's journey to defeat a dragon.
7. She immersed herself in the captivating saga of a lost civilization.
8. The family's history is a saga of generations overcoming adversity.
9. The epic saga of a quest for a magical artifact enthralled readers.
10. The fantasy saga spanned multiple volumes, each more enthralling than the last.
11. The saga of a band's rise to fame is a classic tale of rock 'n' roll.
12. The historical saga brought to life the events of a bygone era.
13. The space exploration saga told of humanity's quest to reach the stars.
14. The legend of King Arthur is a timeless saga of chivalry and honor.
15. The Viking saga told of seafaring adventures and conquests.
16. The family saga explored the complexities of love and loss.
17. The saga of a lone survivor stranded on a desert island is a classic.
18. The mythology of ancient Greece is filled with epic sagas.
19. The saga of a lost civilization's secrets fascinated archaeologists.
20. The medieval saga unfolded against the backdrop of a kingdom in turmoil.
21. The sci-fi saga transported readers to distant galaxies and alien worlds.
22. The historical saga shed light on the struggles of a nation's founding.
23. The saga of a young hero's journey resonated with readers of all ages.
24. The fantasy saga introduced readers to mythical creatures and realms.
25. The saga of a legendary outlaw captured the imagination of many.