The story is about the issue of who is to hold sway in
the Faroes. It is about Norwegian kings who try to take hold of the authority
over the islands and those who defend their sovereignty.
It is about the vicious power struggle between the
chieftains Sigmund and Tróndur.
Sigmundur wants to submit to the Norwegian monarchy
and the Catholic Church. Tróndur represents the class of large farmers,
autonomy and the pre-Christian faith.
The story begins and ends with Tróndur, who outlives
Sigmund by 30 years. Not until Tróndur himself has deceased is the opposition
to Norwegian hegemony broken.
The Saga of the Faroese encompasses just over 200
years, from the coming of Grímur Kamban to the Faroes until the death of
Tróndur about 1035.