Saga Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📖

Add to dictionary

saga

[ˈsɑːɡə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

epic story

A long, detailed story or series of events, often involving heroic characters and adventurous journeys.

Synonyms

epic, legend, narrative, tale.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
saga	Best used for long stories that involve heroic deeds, often with historical or legendary significance. Can be related to Norse and Icelandic myths. The saga of the warrior king has been told for generations. She wrote a saga about her family’s journey through difficult times.
epic	Used to describe grand and lengthy tales, especially those involving heroes and significant historical or mythical events. It often conveys a sense of grandeur and scale. The novel is an epic saga of love and war. They watched an epic movie about ancient battles and legendary heroes.
legend	Refers to a traditional story sometimes regarded as historical but not authenticated. Often involves famous or mythical figures and events. According to legend, the castle is haunted by a ghost. The legend of King Arthur has inspired many books and movies.
tale	A general term for a story, especially one that might be imaginative or anecdotal. Often shorter and less grand than an epic or saga. She told a charming tale about a mischievous fairy. The children enjoyed listening to a bedtime tale.
narrative	Used for any account of connected events, real or imaginary. This can be written or spoken and does not specifically imply grandeur or heroism. The book provides a detailed narrative of her travels. He gave a compelling narrative of the events that took place.

Examples of usage

The Lord of the Rings is a famous saga that follows the journey of Frodo Baggins.
The Star Wars saga spans multiple generations and planets.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

family history

A long, family story that is passed down through generations, often involving significant events and individuals.

Synonyms

ancestral tale, family history, lineage narrative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
saga	Saga is often used to describe a long and adventurous story or a series of events, particularly involving a family's history or a heroic achievement. The old fisherman shared a saga about his adventures on the sea. The family's saga spanned three generations and included many triumphs and tragedies.
family history	Family history is commonly used to detail factual information about a family's past, including genealogical data, significant events, and personal stories. I spent years researching our family history and discovered we are descendants of a famous explorer. She was proud to present her family's history through a detailed family tree.
ancestral tale	An ancestral tale is typically used to recount stories and legends passed down from previous generations, often highlighting key figures and events in a family's history. Grandmother spent the evening sharing an ancestral tale about our great-grandfather. Their ancestral tales are filled with myths and folklore from their native land.
lineage narrative	Lineage narrative is a formal term often used in academic or genealogical contexts to describe the documented history of a family's lineage, including important ancestors and their contributions. The historian presented a comprehensive lineage narrative of the royal family. Their lineage narrative showed a connection to ancient nobility.

Examples of usage

My grandmother used to tell us stories from our family saga.
The saga of the Kennedy family is well-documented in American history.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Icelandic sagas are famous for blending historical fact with mythology, providing a deep insight into Norse culture.
Notable sagas include 'Njáls saga' and 'Egils saga,' which explore themes of friendship, revenge, and the complexities of family ties.

Pop Culture

Modern adaptations of sagas can be seen in movies and video games, often featuring epic quests and heroic journeys.
The term 'saga' has been adopted in various media, such as 'Star Wars' saga, showcasing a series of interconnected stories.

Social Context

Sagas often reflect the values and beliefs of the culture they originate from, providing a window into historical societies.
These narratives also serve as a way to preserve oral traditions, ensuring stories are passed down through generations.

Origin of 'saga'

Main points about word origin

The term originates from Old Norse, meaning 'to say' or 'to tell,' highlighting its narrative roots.
In Iceland, sagas were traditionally written in the 13th century, recording the history and folklore of early Norse settlers.

The word 'saga' originates from Old Norse 'saga' meaning 'story' or 'tale'. In Icelandic literature, sagas are a unique genre of medieval prose narratives. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass any long, detailed account of events or adventures.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,460, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16457 dungeon
16458 muttering
16459 deponent
16460 saga
16461 contemptible
16462 hemorrhagic
16463 chaff
...