Definition of saga

The word "saga" has its origins in Old Norse, the language spoken by the Vikings in Scandinavia during the Middle Ages. In Norse, the word "saga" literally translates to "story" or "tale" and was used to refer to any narrative account of real or fictional events. The word "saga" entered the English language during the Renaissance, when scholars and translators became interested in the literature of the Norsemen. The first recorded use of the word in English is from the 16th century, when it was used to refer specifically to the epic stories of the Norse myths and legends, which were often written in a prose style similar to a novel. Over time, the meaning of the word "saga" has broadened to include any longer narrative that tells a story, particularly one about a historical or legendary figure. Today, the term "saga" is commonly used in reference to literary works in a variety of genres, from biographies and memoirs to historical chronicles and works of fiction. In summary, the word "saga" comes from the Old Norse word for "story" or "tale," and was adapted into English during the Renaissance to refer to the long, detailed narratives of Norse myths and legends. Its meaning has since broadened to include any extended narrative, regardless of genre.