saga

[sah-guh]

noun

1. a medieval Icelandic or Norse prose narrative of achievements and events in the history of a personage, family, etc.

2. any narrative or legend of heroic exploits.

   Synonyms: history, tale, epic

3. Also called saga novel. a form of the novel in which the members or generations of a family or social group are chronicled in a long and leisurely narrative.

4. a dramatic history of a group, place, industry, etc..

   the saga of the transcontinental railroad.

5. any very long story with dramatic events or parts.

   the sad saga of her life in poverty.

saga

/ ˈsɑːɡə /

noun

1. any of several medieval prose narratives written in Iceland and recounting the exploits of a hero or a family

2. any similar heroic narrative

3. Also called: saga novel. a series of novels about several generations or members of a family

4. any other artistic production said to resemble a saga

5. informal,  a series of events or a story stretching over a long period

Word History and Origins

Origin of saga¹

First recorded in 1700–10; from Old Norse: literally, “story, narrative, history”; cognate with saw ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of saga¹

C18: from Old Norse: a narrative; related to Old English secgan to _say ¹

Example Sentences

You and I might translate that as: "The saga over Angela's tax was a total pain in the neck, but it's given us the excuse to make some of the changes we fancied anyway."

From BBC

In court Hopper's case was described as "very unique", a "saga" and "difficult to comprehend".

From BBC

Like Rach, a horde of annoyed customers say the saga has shaken their faith in the industry.

From BBC

“Romulus” could relaunch the saga for the next generation or it might be a passing enthusiasm.

From Salon

The victims' press conference could mark a dramatic turn in the Epstein saga.

From BBC