Sigurd

Sigurd is proud, impulsive, earnest, and easily provoked when he believes someone has made him look weak. Much of his early behavior comes from trying to prove that he is capable of standing independently from Halfdan.

Unlike his father, however, Sigurd lacks the cold temperament needed to treat people as pieces in a business arrangement. He is capable of empathy and gradually becomes more willing to question expectations imposed on him simply because of his family position.

He is also intensely loyal to his companions. Although he enjoys presenting himself as their fearless leader, their relationship is closer to friendship than the hierarchical arrangement Halfdan might prefer.

Sigurd is a capable Viking fighter trained with weapons and accustomed to travel by sea. His physical ability is respectable, though he does not belong to the extraordinary tier occupied by warriors such as Thorkell.

He commonly carries a sword and can fight effectively alongside his entourage. His durability and stubbornness also allow him to remain active through violent confrontations.

Sigurd's greatest development is less about becoming physically stronger than learning leadership. He gradually distinguishes commanding people through loyalty from possessing them through wealth or fear.

Sigurd is introduced when Halfdan arranges his marriage to Gudrid. Gudrid rejects the life planned for her and flees, leaving Sigurd humiliated and determined to bring her back.

He pursues Thorfinn's group eastward with his companions, repeatedly crossing paths with them as the journey becomes entangled with the struggle over the Jomsvikings. The experience exposes him to men far stronger and more dangerous than the sheltered environment in which he grew up.

After returning to Iceland, Sigurd finally confronts Halfdan and rejects the future his father has chosen for him. He accepts the consequences of leaving the household and chooses his own family and work instead.

Halfdan is Sigurd's father. Their relationship is defined by Sigurd's desire to prove himself while eventually resisting Halfdan's control over his future.

Asrid is Sigurd's mother and offers a gentler counterweight to Halfdan within the household.

Gudrid is placed in an arranged marriage with Sigurd, but their union is never consummated and is eventually dissolved after she chooses a different life.

Hallgerd is Sigurd's childhood companion and later becomes the woman with whom he builds his own family.

Njall is Sigurd and Hallgerd's son.

Thorfinn initially becomes a rival in Sigurd's eyes because Gudrid travels with him, but Sigurd's opinion changes as he witnesses Thorfinn's character firsthand.