The Tree of Strife BBC - David Wade

Written by David Wade
Read by Full Cast
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 128 Kbps
Dramatization

The Tree of Strife
A BBC Radio 4 Icelandic Saga Full-Cast Dramatisation
By: David Wade
Narrated by: Bernard Hepton, Maureen O’Brien, Struan Rodger, Norman Rodway, Barbara Jefford, Robert Glenister, Maggie McCarthy, full cast
Length: 2 hrs and 52 mins
Radio/TV Program
Release date: 20-10-2022
Language: English
Publisher: BBC Audio

An epic BBC historical drama based on Iceland’s famous saga of tragedy, heroism and fate.

Written by an anonymous storyteller in the 13th Century, and describing events between 960 and 1020, Njáls saga is one of the great works of medieval literature. The longest and most celebrated of the Icelandic sagas, it deals with family honour, vengeance and a vicious blood feud spanning almost 50 years.

Based on the classic translation by Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Pálsson, this gripping dramatisation centres around two friends—the wise, learned Njal, and the brave warrior Gunnar. Gifted with the ability to see into the future, Njal can foretell his own death—but he is powerless to stunt the growth of the tree of strife that flourishes after Gunnar’s betrothal to Hallgerd with the thief’s eyes.

Embroiled in his wife’s intrigues, Gunnar is caught in a cycle of killings and revenge—and as Njal’s sons are drawn into this web of violence, tragedy ensues. Bound by ties of blood, and unable to escape their destiny, Gunnar, Njal, and their descendants seem doomed to an endless vendetta. Even the coming of a new faith, Christianity, fails to halt the conflict—and as brother turns upon brother, will peace ever be restored?

Adapted by veteran dramatist David Wade, this gripping tale vividly evokes Iceland’s heroic age. Thronged with action, passion, power struggles and prophetic dreams, it features a host of vividly-drawn characters, and stars Bernard Hepton as Njal, Struan Rodger as Gunnar and Maureen O’Brien as Hallgerd.

First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 17-18 February 1990

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