Chameleon

We always categorize people. Sometimes we get someone and classify him or her as an authority, but there are others you see them as your friend, and a pal that will help you with your problems. Also, according to the way you categorize them, you behave differently. When you look at someone with authority, you will not speak to him or her the same way as you speak to your best friend.

Nevertheless, every once in a while you will meet with someone that is a friend and an authority, pupil and a sibling or a fountain of advice and your master. However, these types of people are very rare, because they are people that take the time to be more than the common crowd. An example of a master, a friend, and a fountain of advice is Njal.

A bright mind, with a stone heart is the worst combination. Fortunately, this is not the case of Njal. He has a kind heart that is willing to share with others, and looks at people for what they are inside and not what they have. In addition, Njal is very generous, and he gives without expecting something in return. For example, Unn was a woman with financial problems, so she appealed to Njal, “What solution will you offer me?” she said. He answered, “Take as much as you need of the money I have out on loan.” (Njal’s Saga pg.36)

Besides these qualities, Njal takes decisions that make us learn form him, and look at him as a teacher. For example Njal has a strong and healthy friendship with Gunnar, and even though his wife won’t approve of his friend’s wife, Njal won’t listen to her because he already made his own opinion on Gunnar.

Therefore, one of the characteristics I admire most of Njal, is the way he can have different attitudes, and he will modify himself according to the situation. Finally, he will make his own opinion about people, and won’t listen to what others say about him or her.