How we perceive the characters depends largely on their motivations for action; Depending on which aspects of their motivations are emphasized, similar characters can be seen as treacherous demons or selfless martyrs. A knight who fights to defend his honor can be considered a traitor and a murderer. Likewise, a lawyer can be seen as directive and wise, but also as manipulative and deceptive. Hagen de Troneck from The Nibelungenlied and Njal Thorgeirsson from Njal's Saga were both manipulative, had similar relationships and accepted their deaths. However, their motivations in their quest for death differed. Hagen was defined as a murderous knight. Njal was considered a martyr and redeemer of Iceland. Hagen acted out of pride and jealousy, facilitating his inevitable death at the hands of Kriemhild. In contrast, Njal selflessly gave his life to end a blood feud that could have consumed Iceland. The two men had a relationship that forced them onto a path to certain death. Each of them interacted with the archetype of the courageous, valiant and all-powerful hero. Hagen deeply hated and envied Siegfried. When Siegfried insulted Queen Brunhild and threatened her influence over King Gunther, Hagen proclaimed his disdain. He said: “I imagine I will succeed so well in secret that he will repent of Brunhild's tears. I declare that I will always be his enemy! (Hatto 118) Hagen was pushed onto the path to certain death because of his jealousy and hatred towards Siegfried. Siegfried hurt Hagen's pride by threatening his power over Burgundy, and so Hagen murdered him to remove the threat to his pride. Hagen's dark act ultimately caused Kriemhild to take revenge and execute him. In contrast, Njal had a loyal and close friendship with...... middle of paper...... Hagen committed a shameful murder and perished in an unbecoming manner. of knight: in the hands of a woman. On the other hand, Njal's death was a sacrifice for the good of others. He welcomed his death and returned his family in order to avoid endless civil war in Iceland. Njal went against the Icelandic custom of avenging loved ones. Instead, he adopted a new Christian principle of absolution, accepting insults and attacks from his enemies. He proclaimed before lying down to die: "Bear this bravely and express no fear for it is only a brief storm... Have faith that God is merciful and will not let us burn nor in this world nor in the other world. the next” (Cook 220). Njal trusted God that his martyrdom would be for the good of all and would end the blood feud. His acceptance of death and ultimate sacrifice freed Iceland from self-destruction and damnation..