Why Did Halli Kill Brodir

“I was grieving for Brodir, I could not be here a moment longer. I saw to it that no one knew my name. I did not feel worthy to wear our colors. I know the sorrow I have caused you, and I am sorry” (Stroud 270). Halli Sveinsson, son of the arbiter of the Svein house, sets forth on a quest of redemption for his recently killed uncle Brodir. Halli begins to unravel the truth behind the different houses, deciphering legends from reality while reaching a new level jeopardy. After reading, one can evaluate Halli’s realizations of the valley’s legends and their differences, question why Halli didn’t kill Olaf and clarify why Aud saved Halli after he fled.
Of the twelve different houses, all houses extol their founders in tales and legends. No matter
However, Halli was not able to do it, but why? Halli was set on one main goal for his entire journey, to avenge his uncle Brodir by killing Olaf, the Arbiter of Hakon’s brother. It was his motive. Halli stands beside Olaf grimacing while tightly gripping a knife in his hand, but he falters. Halli, not being able to muster enough fortitude, falls back from Olaf allowing him to wake up. Olaf states, “You know what the problem is? Here’s my guess. You do not care as much for your uncle as you thought.” Halli’s voice echoed hoarsely in the darkness. “No! That is not a reason!” “Why else would you falter? You’re no coward. I saw that with my own eyes, back in the stable. But you cannot avenge him”” (Stroud 200). The author was trying to portray how Halli really felt about his uncle. Halli believed he was fighting for his uncle to defend his and his house’s honor, but what honor would he have to fight for when his uncle had none at all? His uncle was seen as a belligerent drunk, hated by most members of the house. When Halli approached Olaf he saw a two-way road and foresaw where each road would take him. Ultimately the path he chose led to him fighting for