# saga

/ˈsɑɡə/ (US) · /sˈɑːɡɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/saga
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a long, complicated series of events

noun · CEFR B2

a long story about a series of events, often involving many people or a long time.

For teachers: a long and complicated series of events or a detailed account of them, often used to describe family histories or dramatic situations.

- The whole saga of moving house took six months and caused a lot of stress.
- The family saga spans three generations, detailing their rise from poverty to becoming one of the most influential dynasties in the country.

Usage: Often used with 'the whole' or 'the entire' to emphasize how long or annoying a situation is.

### 2. Old Norse legend

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a traditional story from the Middle Ages about heroes and history in Iceland or Norway.

For teachers: a medieval Icelandic or Norse prose narrative involving historical or legendary figures and family histories.

- In school, we read a famous saga about a Viking hero and his travels.
- Scholars continue to debate the historical accuracy of the Icelandic sagas, weighing oral tradition against archaeological evidence.

Teaching tip: When used in this historical sense, it is often capitalized as 'Saga'.

## Examples

- The family saga lasted for over three hundred pages.
- The legal saga finally ended after five years of court battles and dozens of hearings.
- Her latest novel is a sweeping multi-generational saga that explores the impact of the industrial revolution on a small rural community over the course of a century.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.