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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Sagas of Olaf Tryggvason and of Harald
+The Tyrant (Harald Haardraade), by Snorri Sturluson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Sagas of Olaf Tryggvason and of Harald The Tyrant (Harald Haardraade)
+
+Author: Snorri Sturluson
+
+Illustrator: Halfdan Egedius; Christian Krogh; Gerhard Munthe; Hjalmar Eilif Emanuel Peterssen; Erik Theodor Werenskiold; Wilhelm Laurits Wetlesen
+
+Translator: Ethel Harriet Hearn and Gustav Storm
+
+Release Date: July 17, 2007 [EBook #22093]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SAGAS OF OLAF TRYGGVASON ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Louise Hope, Charlene Taylor, Ted Garvin and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+  [Transcriber's Note:
+
+  The printed book's only clue about authorship is in the Notes. All
+  other information comes from the Norwegian edition.
+
+    Original author: Snorri Sturluson
+      (generally spelled Snorre Sturlason in Norwegian).
+    Modern (1899) Norwegian translation: Gustav Storm.
+    English translation (based on modern Norwegian, not on original):
+      Ethel Harriet Hearn.
+
+  The html version of this e-text includes illustrations, also taken
+  from the Norwegian edition.]
+
+
+
+
+  The Sagas of
+  OLAF TRYGGVASON
+  and of
+  HARALD THE TYRANT
+  (Harald Haardraade)
+
+
+
+
+  London
+  Williams and Norgate
+  MCMXI
+
+
+
+
+The places of notes in the text are indicated thus §.
+The relative matter will be found at the end
+of the book in due order
+as to page and line.
+
+  [Footnote markers shown in brackets [§] were missing from the
+  printed text and have been supplied by the transcriber.]
+
+
+
+
+THE SAGA OF OLAF TRYGGVASON, CMLXVIII-M
+
+
+Now it befell in the days of King Tryggvi Olafson that the woman he had
+wedded was Astrid & she was the daughter of Eirik Biodaskalli, a wealthy
+man who dwelt at Oprostad.
+
+When the downfall of Tryggvi had been accomplished, Astrid fled away
+bearing with her what chattels she might. And with her went her
+foster-father Thorolf Louse-Beard, who never left her, whereas other
+trusty men, loyal to her, fared hither and thither to gather tidings of
+her foes or to spy out where they might lurk. Now Astrid being great
+with child of King Tryggvi caused herself to be transported to an islet
+on a lake & there took shelter with but few of her company.
+
+In due time she bare a man-child, and at his baptism he was called Olaf
+after his father's father. All that summer did she abide there in
+hiding. But when the nights grew as long as they were dark and the
+weather waxed cold, she set forth once more and with her fared Thorolf
+and the others of her train. Only by night could they venture in those
+parts of the country that were inhabited being in fear lest they should
+be seen of men or meet with them. In time, at even, came they to the
+homestead of Eirik of Oprostad. And since they were journeying by
+stealth, Astrid sent a messenger to the goodman of the house, who bade
+them to be led to an outhouse & there had set before them the best of
+cheer. Thence, when Astrid had abided for a while, her followers went
+unto their homes, but she remained there & with her to bear her company
+were two women, her babe Olaf, Thorolf Louse-Beard and his son Thorgills
+who was six winters old. They rested in that place until the winter was
+done.
+
+
+ś After they had made an end to slaying Tryggvi Olafson, Harald
+Grey-Cloak and Gudrod his brother hied them to the homesteads that had
+been his. But ere they came thither Astrid had fled & of her learned
+they no tidings save a rumour that she was with child of King Tryggvi.
+
+In the autumn fared they to the north, as has been related beforetime,
+and when they were face to face with their mother Gunnhild, told they
+her all that had befallen them on their journey. Closely did she
+question them concerning Astrid, and they imparted to her what they had
+heard. But because the sons of Gunnhild were that same autumn and the
+next winter at strife with Earl Hakon, as hath already ere now been set
+forth, made they no search for Astrid and her son.
+
+
+ś When the spring was come, Gunnhild despatched spies to the Uplands,
+and even as far as Vik, to get news of Astrid. And when the spies
+returned it was with the tidings that she was with her father Eirik &
+there most like was she rearing the son that she had borne to King
+Tryggvi that was dead. Forthwith Gunnhild chose messengers and equipped
+them handsomely both with weapons and wearing apparel: thirty men chose
+she, and their leader was Hakon, a man of influence and a friend to
+herself. She bade them make their way to Oprostad to Eirik and from
+thence take the son of Tryggvi and bring him unto herself.
+
+Thereupon the messengers set out on their way, but when they were come
+nigh to Oprostad learned the friends of Eirik concerning their journey
+and went one evening unto him with the tidings.
+
+Straightway when night had fallen, Eirik bade Astrid make ready to
+leave, furnished her with sure guides, & set her eastwards with her face
+towards Sweden, to his friend Hakon the Old, who was a man in the
+exercise of potent sway. They adventured when the night was not far
+spent, & next day, towards even, were they come to a country-side called
+Skaun, and seeing there a homestead thither went they craving lodging
+for the night. Of their names they made a secret & their garb was but
+meanly. The yeoman who abode in the place was called Biorn Venom-Sore,
+a wealthy man was he but withal churlish, and he drave them away, & they
+came that same evening to another homestead which was called Vizkar.
+
+Thorstein was the yeoman who dwelt there & he gave them shelter and good
+cheer for the night, and there they slept in good beds.
+
+
+ś Next day betimes came Hakon with the men of Gunnhild to Oprostad and
+asked for Astrid and her son, but Eirik said that she was not there,
+so Hakon and his men ransacked the homestead and bided till late even
+toward sundown, and gat them some tidings of Astrid's road. Then rode
+they forth the same day and came almost as night fell to the house of
+Biorn Venom-Sore in Skaun, and there took harbour.
+
+Then Hakon asked Biorn if he had aught to tell concerning Astrid; and he
+said that some wayfarers had come there during the day and had asked for
+a night's lodging, 'I sent them away, and it is likely they sought a
+refuge elsewhere in the neighbourhood.' Now a workman that had been of
+the household of Thorstein, being on his way to pass out from the
+forest, that same even happened to chance on the homestead of Biorn and
+learned that guests were tarrying, & further of what fashion was their
+errand; and all this he forthwith sped back to tell to Thorstein the
+yeoman.
+
+So while there was still a third of the night unspent, Thorstein aroused
+his guests and bade them begone, urging them harshly to bestir
+themselves. When they had passed a little way from the house then did
+Thorstein open unto them that the emissaries from Gunnhild were hard by
+at the house of Biorn seeking for them.
+
+They besought him for succour, and he set them on their way with a guide
+& some food, and their guide led them into the forest where there was a
+lake & an islet overgrown with reeds. They were able to wade out unto
+the islet & thereon hid they themselves among the reeds.
+
+Early on the morrow Hakon rode out from the homestead of Biorn over the
+countryside, asking withersoever he went for Astrid. When he was come
+unto the house of Thorstein demanded he if they had thither been and
+Thorstein said that certain folk had fared thither & had gone on at
+daybreak eastwards through the forest. Then did Hakon bid Thorstein come
+with him because he was skilled in the knowledge of the tracks and
+hiding-places: and Thorstein set forth. But when they were come to the
+forest led he them away from where Astrid was.
+
+The whole of that day did they go seeking for them, but found them not.
+Then they came back on their road & related unto Gunnhild what had
+befallen. Astrid & her followers went forth on their way till they were
+come unto Sweden to the home of Hakon the Old, and there Astrid and her
+son dwelt a long while, and it was well with them.
+
+
+ś Gunnhild, she that was mother to the King, hearing that Astrid & her
+son Olaf were in Sweden, once more sent forth Hakon and a brave
+following with him, this time eastward to Eirik King of Sweden, with
+goodly gifts and fair words. The messengers were made welcome and given
+good entertainment, and thereafter Hakon made known his errand to the
+King, saying that Gunnhild had sent craving the King's help so that he
+might take Olaf back with him to Norway: 'Gunnhild will foster him,'
+quoth he.
+
+Then did the King give him men to go with him, and they rode to the
+house of Hakon the Old, and there Hakon offered with fair words to take
+Olaf with him. Hakon the Old returned a friendly answer and said that it
+must so happen that the mother of the child should decide about his
+going, but Astrid would in nowise suffer the boy to fare forth with
+them. So the messengers went their way & brought back the answer unto
+King Eirik and they made them ready to return home; but once more prayed
+they the King to grant them help to bear off the boy whether Hakon the
+Old were willing or not. So the King yet again gave them a company of
+men & the messengers returned to Hakon the Old and demanded that the boy
+be allowed to fare forth with them, but as Hakon was unwilling that this
+should be, resorted they to big words and threats of violence, and bore
+themselves wrathfully. Then did a thrall spring forward whose name was
+Bristle, and would have smitten Hakon but that he & they that were of
+his company withdrew hastily so that in nowise might they be beaten of
+the thrall: and back fared they to Norway and recounted to Gunnhild all
+the happenings of their journey & likewise that they had seen Olaf
+Tryggvason.
+
+
+ś Now Astrid had a brother, the son of Eirik Biodaskalli, whose name was
+Sigurd: long had he been remote from the land, sojourning in the realm
+of Garda (western Russia) with King Valdamar,§ by whom was he held in
+great honour. Now Astrid conceived the desire that she should hie unto
+this her brother Sigurd. Therefore Hakon the Old furnished her with
+trusty followers & handsome equipment after the best manner. And she
+journeyed in the company of certain merchants. It was for the space of
+two winters she had abode with Hakon the Old, and Olaf was now three
+winters old. It came to pass as they were heading eastwards across the
+sea some vikings fell upon them, men of Eistland (Esthonia) and took
+possession both of folk and goods, and some of the folk they killed &
+some they shared among themselves as thralls. Thus was Olaf withdrawn
+from his mother and passed into the custody of one Klerkon, an
+Eistlander. Together with him were committed Thorolf and Thorgills.
+Klerkon deemed Thorolf too old for a thrall, and that he would be of no
+use, therefore slew he him, but took the boys with him and sold them to
+a man, hight Klerk, for a good he-goat.
+
+A third man bought Olaf, and gave for him a good tunic or cloak. The man
+was named Reas, his wife Rekon, & their son Rekoni. There tarried Olaf
+long and it fared well with him, and always was he mightily beloved by
+the churl. Six winters did Olaf sojourn thus in Eistland.
+
+
+ś Sigurd Eirikson had come unto Eistland as an emissary of Valdamar King
+of Holmgard (Novgarod) to collect the tribute belonging to the King & he
+travelled as a man of wealth with many folk much beladen in his train.
+
+Now it chanced that in the marketplace his eye lit on a certain fine boy
+whom he knew could not be of the country, & asking him his name gat for
+answer that he was called Olaf and his father Tryggvi Olafson and his
+mother Astrid, the daughter of Eirik Biodaskalli. Thus did Sigurd learn
+that Olaf was son unto his very own sister, and he asked him after what
+manner he had come to that place: and Olaf told him all that had
+befallen him. Sigurd bade him come with him to the peasant Reas, and
+when they were come to the churl paid he him what price was covenanted
+between them for the boys and bare them with him to Holmgard. But never
+a word did he relate of the lineage of Olaf, yet held he him in high
+favour.
+
+
+ś It was that one day in the marketplace lingered Olaf Tryggvason when
+there was a gathering of many people. And it chanced that amongst them,
+spied he Klerkon who had slain his fosterfather Thorolf Louse-Beard. Now
+Olaf had a small axe in his hand, and he drave it into the head of
+Klerkon so that it went right down into his brain: forthwith ran he home
+to his lodging and told his kinsman Sigurd thereof. Straightway did
+Sigurd take Olaf to the house of the Queen, and to her made known what
+had befallen. Her name was Allogia, and Sigurd prayed for her grace to
+protect the lad. The Queen beheld the boy and said that one so young and
+so well favoured must not be slain, and proclaimed her readiness to
+summon men fully armed. Now it fell in Holmgard that so great was the
+respect paid unto peace that it was lawful to slay any man who himself
+had slain another who was uncondemned; and therefore in accordance with
+their law and custom the people made assemblage together to take into
+custody the person of the boy.
+
+Then were they told that he was in the house of the Queen in the midst
+of an armed band; and this was also brought to the ears of the King.
+
+He made him ready to go over to these armed men & give them his
+commission not to fight, and forthwith did he, the King, adjudge the
+geld-levy, the fine thereof being paid down by the Queen. Thereafter did
+Olaf abide in the house of the Queen and waxed to find much favour in
+her eyes.
+
+
+ś Now it was the law in Garda that men of royal blood should not dwell
+there save with the consent of the King, therefore Sigurd made known
+unto the Queen from what stock Olaf was descended and in what manner he
+had come thither, saying that because of dissensions he could not
+prudently be in his own country, and he prayed her to speak with the
+King upon this matter. Then did she approach the King beseeching him
+that he would help this son of a king even because so hard a fate had
+befallen him: & the outcome of her prayers was that the King pledged her
+his word and taking Olaf under his protection treated him with honour,
+as it was seemly the son of a king should be held in honour.
+
+Olaf was nine winters old when he came to Garda, & nine more winters
+dwelt he with King Valdamar. Olaf was exceeding fair & tall to look upon
+and of mighty stature & of great strength withal. And in prowess in
+sports, so it is told, was he the best of all the Norsemen.
+
+
+ś Earl Hakon Sigurdson abode with the Danish King, Harald Gormson,
+during the winter after he had fled from Norway before the sons of
+Gunnhild.
+
+Now Hakon had so much on his mind that winter that he took to his bed,
+and often lay wakeful, eating & drinking only so much as would maintain
+the strength in his body. Then secretly sent he his men northwards to
+Throndhjem to his friends there, & counselled them that they should slay
+King Erling if it might be that they could compass that deed; adding
+furthermore that he himself would fare back to his realm in summer-time.
+That winter they that were of Throndhjem slew Erling, as is aforewrit.
+
+Betwixt Hakon and Gold Harald was there a friendship close as that of
+brothers that have been laid in the same cradle and Harald would lay
+bare his thoughts unto Hakon. Harald confessed he desired to settle on
+the land and no more live on his ship of war, and he questioned Hakon if
+he thought Harald would share his kingdom with him were he to demand the
+half. 'Methinks,' quoth Hakon, 'that the Danish King will not refuse
+thee justice; but thou wilt know more concerning this matter if thou
+speakest thereon to the King; methinks thou wilt not get the realm save
+thou demandest it.' Shortly after this talk spake Gold Harald to King
+Harald when they were in company with many mighty men, good friends unto
+them both. Gold Harald then demanded that he should halve the kingdom
+with him, in accordance with the rights which his birth and lineage gave
+him there in Denmark.
+
+At this demand waxed Harald very wroth, & sware that no man had ever
+besought his father, Gorm, that he should become King of half of what
+pertained unto Denmark, nor yet of his father Horda-Knut (Hardicanute),
+nor again of Sigurd Snake-i'-the-eye, nor of Ragnar Lodbrok; & so great
+was his fury that none dared parley with him.
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś Thence came it that his own position was now even less than before to
+the liking of Gold Harald, for no kingdom had he any more than
+aforetime; while to this was added the wrath of the King. So went he to
+his friend Hakon and made wail of his plight unto him, and besought of
+him good counsel, if he had such to give him, as to how he might become
+possessed of the realm; and he said he was minded to seek his kingdom by
+force of arms. Then Hakon bade him not breathe word of this to anyone
+lest it should become known: 'It might cost thee thy life,' he said.
+
+'Bethink thee diligently what thy strength is, for he who would risk so
+great a venture must be high-hearted and dauntless, shirking neither the
+good nor the evil, so that to which he hath set his hand may come to
+pass. All unworthy is it to take up great issues and afterwards to lay
+them down again with dishonour.' Then did Gold Harald answer: 'To such
+purpose will I take up this claim, that I will not even spare these my
+own hands from slaying the King himself if occasion serve, should he
+refuse me this kingdom which is mine by right.' And therewith ended they
+their commune. After this came King Harald to Hakon, and they fell to
+talking together & the King told the Earl of Gold Harald's claim to the
+kingdom, and with what answer he had rebuked him, declaring that he
+would by no means diminish his own kingdom, 'but if Gold Harald hold
+fast to this his claim; then see I nothing for it save that I should put
+him to the death for in him have I but little faith if he will not
+surrender this desire.' The Earl made answer: 'Methinks Harald hath set
+out on this matter with such earnestness that he is not like to set it
+aside; and that if it should come to a rising in the land, there would
+be many that would flock unto his standard and the main of them because
+of the love they had borne to his father. It would bring thee the
+greatest ill-chance shouldst thou slay thy kinsman, for in such case all
+men would deem him blameless. Nor will I counsel thee to become a lesser
+king than was Gorm thy father; he also very much increased his realm,
+but in no wise diminished it.' Then said the King: 'What then is thy
+counsel, Hakon? Wouldst thou that I should divide my kingdom, and have
+this unrest off my mind?' 'Our meeting will be again ere many suns set,'
+answered Earl Hakon.
+
+'I will first ponder over this difficult matter, and thereafter give
+thee an answer.' Then did the King depart and with him all the men that
+were of his company.
+
+
+ś Thereafter came it to pass that Earl Hakon betook himself once more to
+pondering and plotting, and permitted but few of his men to be in the
+house with him. Some days later came Harald again to the Earl, and they
+communed together, and the King asked of the Earl if he had thought
+deeply upon that matter whereon they had discoursed when they were last
+face to face. 'On that matter,' quoth the Earl, 'have I lain sleepless
+both by night and day ever since, and I deem it the wisest counsel that
+thou shouldst hold and rule the kingdom that thy father had and that
+thou didst inherit after him, but that thou shouldst get for thy kinsman
+Harald another kingdom wherein he may have all honour.' 'What kingdom is
+that?' inquired the King, 'that I may lightly give to Harald, keeping
+the Danish kingdom whole the while?' The Earl made answer, 'It is
+Norway. The kings who rule there are hated by all the folk of their
+land, & every man wishes them ill, as is but meet.' Then mused the King
+aloud: 'Norway is a great land, and the folk are a hardy folk; it
+beseems me to be a land ill chosen whereon to fall with a foreign host.
+Thus did it happen to us when Hakon defended the land; many men were
+slain to us but no victory did we achieve. Moreover Harald Eirikson is
+my foster-son and hath sat on my knee.' Then saith the Earl: 'Long have
+I known that thou hast given help to the sons of Gunnhild; yet with
+naught but ill have they requited thee. We will take Norway more easily
+than by fighting for her with all the hosts of Denmark. Send thou to thy
+foster-son Harald, and bid him receive from thee the lands and fiefs
+which they had aforetime here in Denmark.
+
+Appoint a tryst with him; then can Gold Harald in a short while win
+himself a kingdom in Norway from King Harald Grey-cloak.' Then answered
+the King that it would be called of foul intent to betray his
+foster-son. 'The Danes, I trow, will account it a better deed to slay a
+Norwegian viking than one who is a brother's son and a Dane,' answereth
+the Earl; & thereafter talked they on this matter until they were in
+full accord.
+
+
+ś Yet again came Gold Harald to speak with Hakon, and the Earl made
+known to him that he had so championed his cause and to such good
+purpose that there was hope that a kingdom might now be making ready for
+him in Norway. 'Let us,' said he, 'hold fast by our compact. I shall be
+able to afford thee great support in Norway. Get thou first that
+kingdom. King Harald is now very old & hath but one son, a bastard, whom
+he loveth but little.' To such measure did the Earl open up the matter
+to Gold Harald that the younger man was in full accord with him thereon;
+and thereafter did they all three take lengthy counsel, to wit, the
+King, the Earl, and Gold Harald full oft. Then sent the Danish King his
+men north into Norway even to Harald Grey-cloak, and they were right
+well furnished for their journey, and were made welcome with much cheer
+and in all courtesy were received by King Harald. They related the
+tidings that Earl Hakon was in Denmark, and was lying sick unto death
+and well-nigh witless; and the further tidings that Harald the Danish
+King bade Harald Grey-cloak to him to take such fiefs as he and his
+brothers had held aforetime in Denmark, and to that purpose bade he
+Harald come to him in Jutland. Harald Grey-cloak laid the matter before
+Gunnhild and other counsellors and their views were not all of one
+accord, some fearing that this journey was not without peril by reason
+of the men that were set over against them to be dealt with; but the
+greater number were desirous that he should go by reason of the great
+famine that was at this time in Norway whereby the kings could scarce
+feed their men. And it was at this season that the fjord near-by which
+the kings most oft abode gat its name of Harding.
+
+In Denmark, as men had marked, the harvest had been at least of goodly
+measure, so that men thought to get thence what they required should
+King Harald have fief & dominion there. It was agreed therefore ere the
+emissaries departed whence they had come, that when summer was at hand
+Harald should hie to the Danish King, and pronounce his adhesion to the
+conditions King Harald proffered.
+
+
+ś So in due course when the summer sun shone in the long hours of night
+fared forth Harald Grey-cloak towards Denmark in three longships, & one
+of these was steered by Arinbiorn, the 'hersir'§ of the Fjords.§ King
+Harald sailed from Vik over to Limfjord and took port at Hals, where it
+was told him that the Danish King was expected in a brief space. Now
+when King Harald heard of this, hastened he to make sail thither with
+nine ships, the which had been whiles mustered and set in readiness to
+take the sea. Earl Hakon had likewise armed his men & he also was about
+to set forth after the manner of a viking; at his word twelve ships, and
+they large ones, set their sails. When Gold Harald had fared forth, Earl
+Hakon spake to the King, saying, 'Methinks we are like to row to war and
+yet pay the war-fine[§] to boot. Gold Harald will now slay Harald
+Grey-cloak and thereafter take himself a kingdom in Norway.
+
+Thinkest thou that he will be loyal to thee when thou givest him so much
+power? Thus said he in my presence last winter that he would slay thee
+could he but find occasion to do so. Now will I bring Norway under thy
+sway and slay Gold Harald, if thou wilt promise easy absolution at thy
+hands for the deed.
+
+Then will I be thine earl, and bind myself by oath that with thy might
+to be my aid I will bring Norway under subjection under thee, and
+thereafter hold lands under thy dominion & pay thee tribute. Then wilt
+thou be a greater king than thy father was, inasmuch as thou shalt hold
+sway over two great peoples.'
+
+Thus was this covenanted betwixt the King and the Earl; and Hakon set
+out with his men to seek Gold Harald.
+
+
+ś Gold Harald came to Hals in Limfjord, and forthwith offered battle to
+Harald Grey-cloak; and Harald, albeit to him were fewer men, went
+ashore, made him ready for battle & set his host in array. But or ever
+the onset took place Harald Grey-cloak spoke cheering words to his men,
+bade them draw their swords, and rushing first into the fray smote on
+either side. Thus saith Glum Geirason in Grey-cloak's lay:
+
+  'Brave words spake the swordsman,
+  He that dared to dye the grass sward of battle
+  With the blood of the foe;
+  And when Harald bade his men ply the swords in the strife,
+  His manly words did them mightily encourage.'
+
+
+ś There fell Harald Grey-cloak. Thus saith Glum Geirason:
+
+  'The bearer of the shield,
+  He that clave longest to the ship,
+  In death lay stretched
+  On the broad marge of Limfjord;
+  On the sands at Hals
+  Fell the bounteous chieftain;
+  It was his glib-tongued kinsman
+  That wrought the deed.'
+
+
+ś There fell with King Harald the greater number of his men; there,
+likewise, fell Arinbiorn the 'hersir.' Fifteen winters had passed since
+the fall of Hakon, he that was foster-son to Adalstein, and thirteen
+since the fall of Sigurd the Earl of Ladir. The priest Ari Thorgilson
+saith that Earl Hakon was for thirteen winters ruler of his heritage in
+Throndhjem before the death of Harald Grey-cloak; & that during the last
+six winters of Harald Grey-cloak's life, saith Ari, the sons of Gunnhild
+and Hakon fought against one another, & in turn fled the country.
+
+
+ś Earl Hakon and Gold Harald met not long after the fall of Harald
+Grey-cloak, & straightway Earl Hakon joined battle with Gold Harald.
+Therein Hakon gained the victory; moreover Harald was taken prisoner,
+and Hakon had him hanged upon the gallows. Thereafter fared Hakon to the
+Danish King, and easily made his peace with him for the slaying of his
+kinsman Gold Harald. King Harald then called out a host from the whole
+of his kingdom and sailed with six hundred ships, and there went with
+him Earl Hakon and Harald the Grenlander, who was a son of King Gudrod,
+and many other great men who had fled from their free lands in Norway
+before the sons of Gunnhild.
+
+The Danish King set his fleet in sail up from the south to Vik, and when
+he was come to Tunsberg great numbers flocked to him.
+
+And King Harald gave the whole of the host which had come to him in
+Norway into the hands of Earl Hakon, making him ruler over Rogoland and
+Hordaland, Sogn, the Fjords, South More, Raumsdal, and North More. These
+seven counties gave he to Earl Hakon to rule over, with the same rights
+as Harald Fair-hair had given to his sons; only with this difference,
+that not only was Hakon there as well as in Throndhjem to have all the
+King's manors and land-dues, but he was moreover to use the King's money
+and estates according to his needs should there be war in the land. To
+Harald the Grenlander gave King Harald Vingulmark, Vestfold, and Agdir
+as far as Lidandisness (the Naze) with the title of King, and gave him
+dominion thereof with all such rights as his kin had had aforetime, & as
+Harald Fair-hair had given to his sons. Harald the Grenlander was in
+these days eighteen winters old, & became thereafter a famous man. Then
+did Harald the Danish King hie him home with all the might of his Danish
+host.
+
+
+ś Earl Hakon fared with his men northward along the coast, and when
+Gunnhild and her sons heard these tidings gathered they together an
+host, but found obstacles to enrolling men at arms. So they took the
+same resolution as before, to wit to sail westward across the main with
+such men as would go with them, and thus fared they to the Orkneys and
+tarried there a while. Thorfinn Skull-cleaver's sons were now earls
+there-- Hlodvir, Arnvid, Liot, and Skuli. Forthwith did Earl Hakon
+subdue all the land and that winter abode he in Throndhjem. Of this
+speaketh Einar Jingle-scale in the Vellekla:
+
+  'The Earl that on his noble brow
+  A silken fillet binds
+  Counties seven hath he enthralled
+  With their chattels, lands, and hinds.'
+
+Now when Earl Hakon in the summer-time fared northward along the coast,
+& the people there made their submission to him, issued he proclamation
+that all temples and blood-offerings should be maintained throughout his
+dominions; and it was done accordingly. Thus it is said in the Vellekla:
+
+  'Seeing that he was wise
+  The folk-leader commanded that be sacred kept
+  The temple-lands of Thor and other Gods.
+  Home to glory across the billows
+  Did the shield-bearer steer the ship,
+  It was the Gods that led him.
+  'And the men-loving Ćsirs gloat on the offerings
+  Whereby the shield-bearer is made of more account.
+    Bountifully doth the earth give forth her sustenance
+    When its lord builds temples for the Gods.'
+  All that is northward to Vik lies under the heel of the Earl;
+  Wide is the sway that he holds, mightily waxed by victories.'
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś That self-same first winter wherein King Hakon ruled over Norway came
+the herring up along the coast, and before that in the autumn had the
+corn grown wheresoever it had been sown; in the spring men gat
+themselves seed-corn and the greater number of the peasants sowed their
+fields, and soon there was promise of a good harvest.
+
+
+ś King Ragnfrod, son unto Gunnhild, and Gudrod, he that was another son
+to her, these two were now the only sons of Eirik and Gunnhild who were
+still alive.
+
+Thus saith Glum Geirason in Grey-cloak's lay:
+
+  'Half is my hope of wealth downfallen since the strife,
+  The strife in which the life of the chief was lost,
+  The death of Harald weigheth me down,
+  Albeit his brethren twain have good things promised me,
+  And to them all men look for their welfare.'
+
+
+ś Now when Ragnfrod had abode one winter in the Orkneys made he him
+ready in the spring and thence shaped a course eastward to Norway,
+& with him were a chosen company in large ships.
+
+And when he was come to Norway learned he tidings how Earl Hakon was in
+Throndhjem, forthwith did he steer northward round Stad & laid waste
+South More; and some folks submitted to him as oft befalleth when
+warrior bands go through a country-- those that they meet with seek
+help, each one wheresoever it seemeth likeliest to be gotten. When it
+was told to Earl Hakon that there was war in the south within More,
+caused he war-arrows to be sharpened and he equipped himself in haste &
+set sail down the fjord. Moreover an easy matter was it for him to bring
+folk around his standard. Earl Hakon and Ragnfrod sighted one another
+off the northernmost part of South More, & straightway Hakon gave
+battle, he that had most men but withal smaller ships. Hard was the
+struggle & therein waxed Hakon luckless; men fought from the prows and
+sterns, as the custom was in those times. Now there was a current in the
+sound, and all the ships were driven into shore, so the Earl bade his
+folk rest on their oars, and drift to land at such place where he should
+deem it best to land; and when the ships grounded, the Earl and all his
+host sallied forth and haled them up on the beach, so that their foemen
+might not drag them forth again. Then did the Earl array his men on the
+banks, and shouted defiance to Ragnfrod to land, but they that were with
+Ragnfrod lay-to farther out, and though for a while they shot at one
+another, would Ragnfrod in no wise come ashore, and thereafter they
+parted. Ragnfrod sailed with his fleet southward to Stad, for he feared
+him that the land hosts might assemble and flock to Earl Hakon. But that
+earl waged war no more for unto his mind the difference betwixt the
+ships was over-great. In the autumn fared he north to Throndhjem, &
+there abode during the winter. King Ragnfrod therefore held all the land
+south of Stad: the Fjords, Sogn, Hordaland, and Rogaland. Many men were
+at his beck throughout that winter, and when the spring-tide came called
+he a muster and gat him many more. Moreover sent he far & wide over all
+these counties to gather together men and ships and what other stores
+whereof he had need.
+
+
+ś When spring was come Earl Hakon summoned men from out the very north
+of the country; many gat he from Halogaland, & Naumdal, so that right
+from Byrda to Stad came men to him from all the sea-boards. He reared a
+host from all the districts of Throndhjem, and likewise from Raumsdal.
+It was said that he had men from four counties; with him fared seven
+earls, and in their train were an exceeding large company. Thus it is
+said in the Vellekla:
+
+  'Thereafter, full of lust for slaughter,
+  Did the defender of the folk of More
+  Bring from the north a tale of men to Sogn.
+  From counties four called forth that warrior hosts,
+  Seeing in them sure help for all his folk.
+  To the war-gathering on the longships
+  Swiftly, to meet their warrior chieftain,
+  Hie lords of the land in number seven.
+  All Norway trembled at the warrior host;
+  Beyond the capes were borne unnumbered fallen.'
+
+
+ś Then Earl Hakon set sail with the whole of this host southward past
+Stad; and when it came to his ears that King Ragnfrod with his host had
+entered into the Sognfjord thither led he his men and there encountered
+him.
+
+Thereafter having brought his ships to land chose he out a battle-field
+whereon to fight King Ragnfrod. Thus saith the Vellekla:
+
+  'Now did the chieftain meet in second battle
+  The slayer of the Vandals, and fell slaughter followed.
+  The prows were set to land,
+  And the ships steered even to the marches of the shires
+  At the bidding of the warrior.'
+
+
+ś And it came to pass that both sides did dress their battle and fought
+amazing fierce, but in men had Earl Hakon the super-abundance and the
+issue was to him. This was at Thinganes, where Sogn and Hordaland meet.
+King Ragnfrod fled from his ships, and of his folk there fell three
+hundred men. Thus it is said in the Vellekla:
+
+  'Fierce was the strife before three hundred were pressed
+  Beneath the claws of the carrion bird
+  By the host of the warrior chief:
+  O'er the heads of the sea-dwellers,
+  Thence could the conquering chief stride--
+  Aye, and the deed was glorious.'
+
+
+ś After this battle did King Ragnfrod hie him away from Norway and Earl
+Hakon brought peace to the land; he gave licence that the great host
+which had been with him in the summer should fare back northward, but he
+himself abode hard by there where he gained the victory, not whiles only
+that autumn but also throughout the winter that came after.
+
+
+ś Earl Hakon took to wife a woman named Thora, who was exceeding fair.
+The daughter was she of Skagi Skoptison, a man possessed of much wealth.
+
+Their sons were Svein and Heming, & their daughter was Bergliot, who
+thereafter was wedded to Einar Tamberskelfir. Earl Hakon was over much
+given to women, and by them had many children. One of his daughters was
+called Ragnhild, and he gave her in marriage to Skopti Skagason, the
+brother of Thora. The Earl so loved Thora that her kinsmen became dearer
+to him than all other men, and Skopti his son-in-law had more influence
+with him than any other of his kindred. To him gave the Earl large fiefs
+in More; & it was covenanted betwixt them that whensoever the fleet of
+the Earl was at sea Skopti was to bring his ship alongside the Earl's,
+and for none other was it to be lawful to lay his ship between their
+ships.
+
+
+ś Now it happened one summer when Earl Hakon was with his ships on the
+main that Thorleif the Meek was master of one of them, & Eirik, the son
+of the Earl, he being then some ten or eleven winters old, was aboard.
+Of an evening when they were come into haven, Eirik would not have it
+otherwise save that the ship whereon he was must be closest to the ship
+pertaining to the person of the Earl.
+
+Now when they made sail south to More there came likewise Skopti, he
+that was son-in-law to the Earl, with his long-ship well manned. Skopti,
+as his men were rowing towards the fleet, called out to Thorleif to
+leave the haven and let him lie-to there, but Eirik sprang up & answered
+back bidding Skopti hie him to another berth. Now Earl Hakon hearing
+that his son deemed himself too mighty to make way for Skopti,
+straightway called out to Thorleif bidding him leave the berth, or he
+would make it the worse for them, to wit, that he would have them
+beaten. So Thorleif when he heard this shouted to his men to slip their
+cables, and this they did according to his word; then did Skopti lie-to
+in the berth he was wont to have, nearest the Earl's ship. Now Skopti
+was called Tidings Skopti, & this had come about seeing that it had been
+agreed that when they were together he was to make known to the Earl all
+the tidings, or if it so happened that the Earl had heard them first
+then it was he that would tell the tidings to Skopti. Now in the winter
+that was after all that hath been before but now related, was Eirik with
+his foster-father Thorleif, but even so soon as the earlier spring-tide
+was he given a company of men.
+
+Thorleif moreover gave him a fifteen-benched ship with all the gear,
+tilts, and victuals that were needful. Eirik thence sailed from the
+fjord, and so south to More. Now it befell that Tidings Skopti was also
+at sea between his homesteads, & he too in a fifteen-benched craft;
+Eirik forthwith bore straight down on him and offered battle, and in the
+issue thereof fell Skopti, but Eirik gave quarter to such of his men who
+were not slain. Thus saith Eyolf Dadaskald, in the Banda lay:
+
+  'Late in the day,
+  On the ski of the sea-king,
+  With combatants equal,
+  Fared the youth 'gainst the "hersir,"
+  Him the stout-hearted.
+  There 'neath the hand
+  That a bloody blade wielded
+  Fell Tidings Skopti.
+  (The feeder of wolves
+  Was food for the ravens.)'
+
+
+ś With that sailed Eirik south along the coast to Denmark, and
+adventured to King Harald Gormson, abiding with him the winter; but the
+spring thereafter the Danish King sent Eirik north, & bestowed on him
+the title Earl & therewith Vingulmark§ and Raumariki, to be beneath his
+sway even under the self-same tenure as had tribute-paying kings
+aforetime been in fief and tribute.
+
+
+ś In the days that were to come after waxed Earl Eirik, and men knew him
+as a mighty chieftain. All this while abode Olaf Tryggvason in Garda,
+at the court of King Valdamar, where he had much honour & enjoyed the
+faithful love of the Queen.
+
+King Valdamar made him lord of the host which he sent out for the
+defence of his country, and for him fought Olaf divers battles and
+proved himself to be an able captain, and himself maintained a large
+host of warriors on the fiefs allotted to him by the King. Of no
+niggardly disposition, Olaf was ever openhanded to the men that were
+with him and who for this self-same reason held him in affection; but as
+oft times happens when men who are not of the country are exalted to
+power, or are so greatly honoured that they take the lead of the men of
+the land, many there were who envied him the love he had of the King,
+& even so much the more that of the Queen.
+
+Spake many men of that matter to the King, charging him to beware lest
+he should make Olaf over great: 'For a man of the kind might be harmful
+to thee, would he lend himself to such a deed as to make thee and thy
+realms suffer, so crafty & beloved of men is he; nor wot we what he &
+the Queen have thus oft whereon to commune one with the other.'
+
+
+ś Now it was in those days generally the custom among great kings for
+the queen to possess half the court and to maintain it at her own
+charge, and for this purpose levied she her taxes and dues, in amount as
+much as she stood in need therefor. In this wise was it also with King
+Valdamar.
+
+The Queen held no less splendid a court than pertained to the King, and
+vied they one with the other as to which might procure men of prowess,
+each having it at heart to possess such men for themselves. Now it
+happened that the King gave heed unto words of this fashion, which men
+spake unto him, & he waxed silent and with countenance aloof from Olaf.
+And Olaf marking it well spake thereof to the Queen, and opened to her
+likewise how that it was the desire of his heart to journey even unto
+the north. His kin, said he, had held dominion there in days of yore,
+& therefore he thought it likeliest that he would there obtain the more
+advancement.
+
+So the Queen bade him farewell, saying that wheresoever he might chance
+to tarry there would all deem him a man of prowess.
+
+Olaf thereafter made him ready for his journey, went aboard his ship,
+and stood out into the Eystrasalt (the Baltic). Thence sailing west came
+he to Borgundarholm (Bornholm) and made thereon a landing and harried
+all in the isle. The men of the land came together and did battle with
+him, but Olaf gat the victory and much booty.
+
+
+ś Now while Olaf lay-to off Borgundarholm, there was rough weather with
+a gale raging at sea, that their ships began to drag their anchors, for
+which reason did they set sail south to the coast of Vindland
+(Wendland)§ on which shore were good havens, whereon ships might ride at
+peace.
+
+There did they tarry for long whiles.
+
+The King of Vindland was named Burizlaf,§ & the three daughters to him
+were Geira, Gunnhild, and Astrid.
+
+Now at the place where there came ashore Olaf and his men did Geira hold
+rule & dominion, and under her he that exercised most authority was one
+hight Dixin. When it became known that strange men had come to the
+country who behaved themselves in seemly fashion & abode there in peace,
+Dixin hied to them with a message from Queen Geira bidding them sojourn
+in her land during the winter, seeing the summer was near spent, the
+weather threatening ill, & the storms waxing great. And being come
+thither Dixin saw on the instant that the captain of these men was one
+notable both for descent and appearance.
+
+Therefore recounted he to them that the Queen invited them to her with
+messages of friendship, & Olaf nothing loath did her bidding and went to
+Queen Geira as her guest. It came to pass that they twain thought both
+so well one of another that Olaf made ado to woo Queen Geira, and so it
+befell that winter that Olaf took Geira to wife, & gat he the rule of
+the realm with her. Thereof spake Halfrod the Troublous-skald in the lay
+he made about Olaf the King:
+
+  'The chieftain at Holm let the sharp-edged swords be dyed blood-red
+  Eastward too in Garda, nor can this be in any manner concealed.'
+
+
+ś Now Hakon, he that ruled over Norway, paid no tribute, the reason
+whereof being that the King of Denmark had made assignment to him of all
+the taxes to which the King had a right in Norway, by reason of the
+trouble & costs the Earl was put to in defending the land against the
+sons of Gunnhild.
+
+
+ś Now it befell in those days that the Emperor Otta§ was in Saxland
+(North Germany), & word sent he to Harald, King of Denmark, that he and
+the people that were his must be baptized & accept the true Faith, or
+else, swore the Emperor that he would march upon him with an host. So
+the King of Denmark admonished those that defended the land that they
+should be ready at his call, Danavirki§ caused he to be well maintained,
+and his war ships were manned; thereafter sent the King to Earl Hakon
+commanding him that he must come to him early in the spring-tide with
+even as many men as he might muster. So at the first song of the birds
+Earl Hakon levied an host from all parts of his dominions, and many men
+were enrolled to him; this host bade he take ship to Denmark and with
+them sailed he himself to meet the King of Denmark, and by him was
+received in right seemly fashion. With the King were there at that hour
+many another lord proffering help, so that all told gathered he together
+an host waxing exceeding large.
+
+
+ś Now, as hath already been set forth, Olaf sojourned that winter in
+Vindland, & in the months thereof went he to those districts thereof
+which had formerly obeyed the rule of Queen Geira, but had now ventured
+to throw off allegiance & the payment of taxes. These did Olaf harry,
+slaying many men, burning the homes of some, and taking much booty; then
+having rendered these realms subject unto himself turned he him back
+again to his stronghold. So soon as the spring-tide was come, did Olaf
+make ready his ships and put out to sea, sailing across to Skani
+(Scania) where he went ashore.
+
+The people of those parts assembled and fought against him; but Olaf was
+victorious and gat much plunder. Thence sailed he eastward to the island
+of Gotland, and took a merchant craft owned by men from Jamtaland who
+rendered a stout defence, but in such wise did the struggle end that
+Olaf cleared the ship, slew many men, & took possession of all the goods
+that were on board.
+
+A third battle fought he in Gotland; there likewise the day was to his
+strength and much spoil was to his hand. Thus saith Halfrod the
+Troublous-skald:
+
+  'The foeman of the shrines slew merchants of Jamtaland
+  And men of Vindland in battle
+  As in days of youth had been his wont.
+  To those that lived in Scotland
+  Was the lord of "hersirs" the bane.
+  Is it not told that the giver of gold
+  Loved to fight in Skani?'
+
+
+ś Therefore gathered the Emperor Otta a mighty host; men he had from
+Saxland (north Germany), Frankland (France), and Frisland, whiles out of
+Vindland, likewise King Burizlaf§ contributed a large host. With the
+array went the King himself and his son-in-law Olaf Tryggvason.
+
+To the Emperor was a great body of horsemen, and so much the more a
+greater body of foot-folk.
+
+From Holtsetaland (Holstein) likewise came to him a large host. As it is
+said in the Vellekla:
+
+  'So it befell likewise that the steeds of the sea
+  Southward ran 'neath the deft riders to Denmark,
+  And the Lord of the Hordmen, becoifed with the helmet,
+  Chief of the Dofrar folk, sought the lords of the Dane-realm.
+  And the bountiful King of the dark forest lands
+  Would in winter-tide test the warrior come from the north,
+  What time that doughty fighter gat from his chief a message
+  Bidding him defend the wall against the foes of Denmark.
+  Little gladsome was it to go against their hosts;
+  Albeit the shield-bearer did cause great destruction,
+  And the sea-hero incited to battle
+  When the warriors came from Frisland with Franks and Vandals.'
+
+
+ś Now Earl Hakon set companies above all the gates of the fortification,
+but the greater part of his host sent he along the walls to defend the
+places where the onslaught was hottest, and many fell of the Emperor's
+host, but nothing did they win of the wall.
+
+So then the Emperor turned him away, and no longer made trial there.
+Thus it is said in the Vellekla:
+
+  'Spear-points were broken when in that war game
+  Shield clashed against shield and the foe gave not way;
+  The steerer of the sea-steeds turned Saxons fleeing thence,
+  And the chief 'fended the rampart 'gainst the foe.'
+
+
+ś After this battle went back Earl Hakon even unto his ships and would
+have homeward sailed unto Norway, but that he could get no wind, so
+accordingly he lay out in Limfjord.
+
+
+ś Now turned the Emperor Otta his host so that they faced around & hied
+them to the gulf of Sle (Sleswick), whereat gathered he together a large
+host and took his men across to Jutland.
+
+When the intelligence thereof came to the ears of the King of Denmark
+fared he forth against the Emperor with his host, and a great battle was
+fought betwixt them.
+
+The issue was to the Emperor, and thereon the King of Denmark fled away
+to Limfjord & took ship out to Marsey.
+
+Then did emissaries journey betwixt him and the Emperor, and a truce was
+covenanted, also that they twain should commune face to face. In Marsey,
+then, did the Emperor Otta and the Danish King confront one the other,
+& there a saintly bishop,§ Poppo by name, preached the faith before
+Harald, and to show the truth thereof bare he glowing iron in his hand,
+and Harald testified that the hand of the holy man was unscarred by the
+heated iron. Thereafter was Harald himself baptized with the whole of
+the Danish host that were with him.
+
+Ere this had Harald the King, albeit that he abode the nonce in Marsey,
+summoned Earl Hakon to his aid, and the Earl had just come to the island
+when the King let himself be christened. So the King sent a message to
+the Earl to come to him, and when the Earl was come thither compelled
+him also that he should be baptized. After this manner was the Earl made
+a Christian, and all his men with him.
+
+Thereafter did the King appoint him priests and other learned men,§ and
+commanded him to cause all the people of Norway to be baptized into the
+faith and with this they parted. Thereafter Earl Hakon put out to sea to
+await a favourable wind, and when a breeze sprang up, lo! without more
+ado set he all the learned men to wade even unto the shore and upon that
+wind himself stood out to sea. The wind was from the west, and the Earl
+sailed eastward through Eyrasund (Öresund) pillaging whatsoever lands he
+sighted, & thereafter came east unto the Skani side, plundering and
+harrying wherever he put ashore. Now as he was sailing his course off
+the skerries of east Gautland put he ashore and offered up a great
+sacrifice, and whiles this was solemnized came two ravens flying up,
+loudly croaking, & for this reason deemed the Earl that Odin had
+accepted his sacrifice, and that good fortune would favour him in his
+battles. Even so burned he all his ships and came ashore with every man
+of all his host, and carried war throughout the land. Against him was
+arrayed Earl Ottar, he that held rule over Gautland, and they fought a
+great battle wherein was Earl Hakon victorious, & he slew Earl Ottar
+together with a great number of his host.
+
+Earl Hakon then marched hither & thither carrying war through both the
+Gautlands, until he was come unto Norway, & then took he the road right
+to the north, to Throndhjem. It is of this that the Vellekla speaketh:
+
+  'The foeman of those who fled consulted the gods on the plain, and
+  Gat answer Fret[§] from that the day was propitious to battle;
+  There the war-leader saw how mighty were the corse-ribs;
+  The gods of the temple would thin lives in Gautland.
+  A Sword-Thing held the Earl there where no man afore him
+  With shield on arm had durst to harry;
+  No one ere this so far inland had borne
+  That shield of gold; all Gautland had he o'errun.
+  With heaps of the fallen the warriors piled the plain
+  The kith of the Ćsirs conquered, Odin took the slain;
+  Can there be doubt that the gods govern the fall of kings?
+  Ye strong powers, I pray, make great the sway of Hakon.'
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś After that he had parted in all goodly friendship from the Danish
+King, fared Emperor Otta back to his realm of Saxland; men say that he
+held Svein the son of Harald at the font, & that the child bore the name
+of Otta Svein. Harald, the Danish King, held by the Christian faith even
+to the day of his death. King Burizlaf, after these things, betook
+himself back to Wendland, & together with him in his company went his
+son-in-law King Olaf Tryggvason. Of the battle aforesaid telleth
+Hallfrod the Troublous-skald in Olaf's lay:
+
+  'The ruler of war ships hewed and smote asunder warriors
+  Even in Denmark to the south of Hedeby.'
+
+
+ś It was the space of three winters that Olaf Tryggvason abode in
+Wendland, even until Geira his wife fell ill of a sickness, whereof she
+died, and so great a sorrow was this to Olaf that he no longer had
+pleasure in living in Wendland.
+
+Therefore getting him ships of war once more went he forth plundering
+and harrying, first in Saxland, then in Frisland, and he even fared as
+far as Flanders. Thus saith Hallfrod the Troublous-skald:
+
+  'Oft did the son of Tryggvi smite to the death the Saxon
+  And left maimed corses food for the wolves,
+  And for their drink did that lord, beloved of his host,
+  Give the brown blood of many a Frisian.
+  Mighty sea-kings hewed
+  In Flanders corses asunder,
+  The prince to the ravens gave
+  The flesh of Walloons as supper.'
+
+
+ś Thereafter did Olaf Tryggvason sail for England, and ravaged apace &
+afar in that country; right north did he sail to Nordimbraland
+(Northumberland) and there harried; thence fared he farther to the
+northward even to Scotland where he plundered and pillaged far and wide.
+
+From thence sailed he again to the Hebrides, the where he fought more
+than once, and afterwards sailed a course south to Man & fought there.
+Far and wide did he plunder in Ireland and then sailed he to Bretland
+(Wales) and pillaged there, & in Kumraland (Cumberland) did he likewise.
+Then he sailed to Frankland (France) where he harried the people, & from
+thence came back again, being minded to return to England, but came to
+those Islands which are called Scilly in the western part of the English
+main. Thus saith Hallfrod the Troublous-skald:
+
+  'The unsparing young King plundered the Englishmen,
+  The feeder of spear-showers made murder in Northumbria,
+  The war-loving feeder of wolves laid waste to Scotia,
+  The giver of gold fared with up-lifted sword in Man.
+  The bearer of the elm-bow brought death to the hosts
+  Of the Isle of Erin, for fame yearned the lord;
+  Four winters did the King smite the dwellers in Wales,
+  And Northumbrians hewed he
+      ere the greed of the chough was appeased.'
+
+
+ś Four winters did Olaf Tryggvason fare on viking cruises from the time
+of his leaving Wendland even until his coming to the Isles of Scilly.
+
+
+ś Now when Olaf Tryggvason was lying off the Isles of Scilly he heard
+tell that there was a soothsayer thereon, and that he foretold the
+future and spake of things not yet come to pass, and many folk believed
+that things ofttimes happened according as this man had spoken. Now Olaf
+being minded to make assay of his cunning sent to him the finest and
+fairest of his men, in apparel as brave as might be, bidding him say
+that he was the King, for Olaf had become famous in all lands in that he
+was comelier and bolder and stronger than all other men. Since he had
+left Garda, howsoever, he had used no more of his name than to call
+himself Oli, and had told people that he was of the realm of Garda. Now
+when the messenger came to the soothsayer and said he was the King, gat
+he for answer: 'King art thou not, but my counsel to thee is that thou
+be loyal to thy King,' & never a word more deigned the seer to utter.
+Then went the messenger back and told Olaf this thing, and the King had
+no longer any doubt that this man was verily a soothsayer, and his wish
+to meet with him, now that he had heard such an answer, waxed greater
+than heretofore. So Olaf went to him & communed with him, & asked him to
+prophesy about his future, whether or not he would win himself a kingdom
+or other good fortune. Then answered the prophet with saintly prophecy:
+'Thou wilt be a glorious King, & do glorious deeds, to faith &
+christening wilt thou bring many men, and thou wilt help thereby both
+thyself & many others. But to the end that thou shalt not doubt about
+this mine answer take this for a token: Hard by thy ships shalt thou
+meet with guile & with foemen, & thou shalt do battle; and of thy men
+some shall fall and thou thyself shalt be wounded. From that wound wilt
+thou be nigh unto death and be borne on a shield to thy ship; yet of thy
+hurt shalt thou be whole within a sennight and shall shortly thereafter
+accept Christianity.' Then Olaf went down to the ships, & verily did
+meet with the warlike men who would slay him & his followers, & their
+combat ended even as the hermit had foretold, to wit, in such manner
+that Olaf was indeed borne out to his ship on a shield & likewise was
+whole again after a sennight. Then Olaf felt assured in his mind that it
+was the truth that this seer had told him, and that of a truth was he a
+wise soothsayer, whencesoever might he have his gift of prophecy.
+So Olaf a second time went unto him and held much talk with him, and
+questioned him closely as to whence he gat the wisdom to foretell what
+was to come. And the hermit saith that the God of the men that were
+baptized Himself causeth him to know all that He wisheth. Then recounted
+he to Olaf the mighty works of God, & after these persuasions Olaf
+assented unto Christianity, & it befell that he was there baptized, &
+all the men that were with him. In that place abode he a long time and
+learned the true Faith, and in his train bore away with him priests &
+other learned men.
+
+
+ś From the Isles of Scilly Olaf hied in the autumn to England, and there
+lay he in a certain haven & lived in peace, for England was a Christian
+land & now was he likewise a Christian man.
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś Now there went throughout the land a summons to a certain Thing, that
+all men should come to the Thing, & when there was assemblage thither
+came to it a queen whose name was Gyda.[§]
+
+She was the sister of Olav Kvaran who was King of Dublin, which is in
+Ireland, and she had been married to a powerful earl in England who was
+now dead, but after him she yet ruled his dominion.
+
+Now there was a man in her dominions whose name was Alwin, a mighty
+champion & 'holmgangsman.'§
+
+Alwin had wooed Gyda, but she had made answer that she herself would
+make choice whom she would have among the men of her dominion, and
+forasmuch as she would choose herself a husband was this Thing convened.
+Thereto likewise came Alwin decked out in his best raiment, and many
+others were there apparelled also in their best. Now Olaf too was come
+thither, & he was clad in his bad-weather raiment, wearing a cloak
+exceeding rough; and he stood with his followers somewhat aloof from the
+others. Gyda walked hither & thither among the men, gazing at each one
+favoured in her eyes; but when she was come to where Olaf held his
+ground looked she searchingly up into his face and asked of what manner
+of man was he. Then did he make answer that he was Oli, and said: 'I am
+not of the country born nor bred.' Saith Gyda: 'Wilt thou have me? Even
+upon that then will I choose thee.' 'I will not say nay to it,' quoth
+he, and asked her name and lineage. 'I am,' said she, 'a King's daughter
+of Ireland, but I was wedded into this country, to an earl who held
+dominion here. Since the time that he died have I ruled the land; divers
+men have wooed me, but none that I would wed, & my name is Gyda.'
+
+Youthful was she and fair, and Olaf and she communed over this matter
+even until they became of one accord, and thereafter was Olaf betrothed
+to Gyda. This was but sour in the mouth of Alwin, but there was a custom
+in England that when two contended about a matter they should meet in
+single combat, and Alwin therefore bade Olaf Tryggvason fight with him
+on this matter.
+
+The time and place were appointed, & on either side were there chosen
+twelve men. Then when they were met said Olaf unto his men that they
+were to do even as he did, and a great axe had he in his hand. Now as
+Alwin was minded to drive his sword into him Olaf struck it out of his
+hand, & at the second stroke Alwin himself so that he fell to the
+ground. Then did Olaf bind him fast, & in this manner also was treatment
+meted out to the men that were with Alwin, to wit, to be beaten and
+bound, and thereafter were taken home to Olaf's lodging. Then did he bid
+Alwin depart from out the land & nevermore therein set foot again, and
+thereafter Olaf took possession of all his lands.
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś So it came to pass that Olaf wedded Gyda & abode for the most part in
+England, but sometimes in Ireland. Once when Olaf was out on a foray, it
+fell that it was needful that they should foray ashore for provisions,
+and accordingly went his men to land and drove down a number of cattle
+to the shore. Then came a peasant after them & prayed Olaf give him back
+his cows, & Olaf bade him take his cows could he find them; 'but let him
+not delay our journey.' The peasant had with him a big cattle-dog. This
+dog sent he into the herd of neat whereof were being driven many
+hundreds, and the animal hither and thither ran among the drove,
+singling out as many cows as the peasant said he owned, and all of them
+were marked in the same manner.
+
+Now knowing that the dog had chosen rightly it seemed to them that this
+was passing clever, and so Olaf asked of the peasant whether he would
+give him the dog. 'Willingly,' answered he, and Olaf in exchange
+therefor gave him a gold ring, and the promise of his friendship.
+
+That dog was named Vigi, and it was the best of all dogs; Olaf had
+pleasure in him for a long time thereafter.
+
+
+ś Now it came to the ears of the King of Denmark, even to him hight
+Harald Gormson, that Earl Hakon had cast aside Christianity & had
+pillaged in the country pertaining to the King of Denmark who thereon
+gathered together an host, & thereafter fared to Norway.
+
+And when he was come to the realm over which Earl Hakon had rule harried
+he there, laying bare all the land. Then led he his host to the islets
+which are called Solunder. Five homesteads alone stood unburned in
+Lardal, in Sogn, and all the folk of the valley were fled to the
+mountains and forests, taking with them such of their chattels as they
+might carry. Thereafter the Danish King was minded to take his hosts to
+Iceland to avenge the mockery of the Icelanders, for it happened that
+they had made malicious verses about him.
+
+Now a law had been made in Iceland to the end that for every soul in the
+country one lampoon should be made on the Danish King, and the reason
+therefor was to this wise, to wit, that a ship pertaining to men of
+Iceland had stranded on the coast of Denmark & the Danes had taken all
+the cargo thereon, calling it flotsam.
+
+The man who had had the chief concern in this matter was one Birger, the
+King's steward. Jests were made both on him and on the King, and this is
+one of them:
+
+  'When the fight-wonted Harald rode the sea-steed from the south
+  In the shape of Faxe,
+  The slayer of Vandals as wax became altogether as impotent.
+  Birger by guardian sprites outcast in mare's shape met him
+  As all men did behold.'
+
+
+ś Now King Harald bade a warlock betake him to Iceland in one or other
+guise, that he might bring him back tidings of the country.
+
+And the warlock set forth in the shape of a whale, and when he was come
+thither to Iceland he went along the north side of the coast, and he saw
+that all the mountains and hills were full of guardian spirits, some
+large & others small. When he was arrived at Vapnafjord there went he up
+and was like to have gone ashore when, lo! a great dragon came down from
+the valley, & in its company many serpents, toads, and vipers, and these
+beasts belched venom at him. So swam he away westward all alongside the
+land even the whole way until he was come to the mouth of the Eyjafjord,
+& after he had turned up this fjord towards him there came a bird so
+large that its wings reached the hills on either side, and with it were
+a number of other birds, both large and tiny.
+
+So away fared he thence, & westward along by the land to Breidafjord,
+and there went he up the fjord, but a great bull came towards him
+bellowing after a fashion that was most horrible, & in its company were
+a swarm of kindred spirits.
+
+Then went he away from there and swam past Reykjanes and was about to go
+up on Vikarseid, but a hill giant came towards him with a staff in his
+hand, and this giant carried his head higher than the hills, and with
+him were many other giants.
+
+Then swam he eastward all the way along the coast: 'There is nothing,'
+quoth he, 'save sand and wilderness and great breakers outside; and so
+broad is the sea betwixt the lands,' said he, 'that it is all unmeet for
+long-ships.'
+
+
+ś Now in those days Brod-Helgi dwelt in Vapnafjord, Eyolf Valgerdson in
+Eyjafjord, Thord Gelli in Breidafjord and Thorod the Priest in Olfus.
+
+
+ś Then put the King of Denmark his fleet about, standing south along the
+coast, and thereafter sailed back to Denmark. Hakon the Earl caused all
+the habitations that had been devastated to be builded up again, &
+nevermore thereafter paid he any tribute to the King of Denmark.
+
+
+ś Now it came to pass that Svein-- he who was afterwards called
+Two-beard-- demanded a kingdom of his father King Harald, & as before so
+again it befell that King Harald would not part Denmark in twain, nor
+let any other man, no matter of what blood he was, have dominion
+therein.
+
+So Svein assembled a fleet of war & gave out that he was about to go on
+a viking cruise, and when the whole of his fleet was come together, &
+Palnatoki of the Jomsborg vikings was also come to his aid, Svein made
+for Zealand, and went into Isafjord. There King Harald his father was
+lying, likewise, with his ships, for he was preparing to sail to war,
+& Svein fell upon him, & a great battle ensued; but many men flocked to
+King Harald and Svein had to give way before great odds and flee. There
+nevertheless did Harald receive such hurt that he died, and thereafter
+Svein was hailed as King of Denmark. In those days Jomsborg in Wendland
+was ruled by Earl Sigvaldi; he was the son of Strut-Harald who had ruled
+Skani, and Sigvaldi's brothers were Heming and Thorkel the Tall. At that
+time Bui the Burly of Borgundarholm & his brother Sigurd were likewise
+chiefs among the Jomsborg vikings, and with them, too, was Vagn, who was
+the son of Aki and Thorgunna and the sister's son of Bui and Sigurd.
+
+Now Sigvaldi the Earl had made King Svein prisoner and had taken him to
+Jomsborg in Wendland, and had constrained him to make peace with the
+Wendish King Burizlaf.
+
+It was to Earl Sigvaldi to settle the conditions of agreement between
+them-- Sigvaldi had then to wife Astrid the daughter of King Burizlaf--
+and if peace were not made, said the Earl, he would deliver King Svein
+into the hands of the Wends.
+
+Then the King knowing full well that they would torture him even to the
+death was content that the Earl should be peacemaker, & the Earl
+adjudged matters in such fashion that King Svein was to have the
+daughter of King Burizlaf to wife, and King Burizlaf the sister of King
+Svein, Tyra, that was daughter to Harald.
+
+Moreover it was covenanted that the two Kings were to have each his own
+dominion, and there was to be lasting peace between the countries.
+
+Then did King Svein journey home to Denmark with his wife Gunnhild;
+their sons were Harald and Knut the Great (Canute).
+
+And in those days made the Danes great boast that they would sail with a
+host to Norway even against Earl Hakon.
+
+
+ś Now because King Svein was going to take his succession after his
+father Harald, made he a great funeral feast, to which were bidden all
+the chiefs of his kingdom.
+
+Not long before this Strut-Harald of Skani had died, and also Veseti of
+Borgundarholm, who was the father of Bui & Sigurd. The King therefore
+sent word to the Jomsborg vikings bidding Earl Sigvaldi and Bui, and
+their brothers, to come thither and seal their inheritance by drinking
+grave-ale in memory of their fathers at the feast which the King himself
+was about to give. And to this feast accordingly went the Jomsborg
+vikings with all the stoutest of their folk; forty ships had they from
+Wendland & twenty from Skani, & a great number of people were assembled
+together. On the first day of the feast, before King Svein stepped into
+his father's high seat, he drank the cup of memory to him, vowing
+therewith that before three months were over he would go to England with
+his hosts & slay King Ethelred, or drive him from the country. Now all
+those who were at the feast were obliged to drink that cup of memory,
+and for the chiefs of the Jomsborg vikings the largest horns were
+filled, and withal with the strongest ale. When this cup of memory had
+been drunk to the dregs then were all men to drink to the memory of
+Christ; and ever to the Jomsborg vikings were brought the fullest horns
+& the strongest drink. The third cup was to St. Michael, and this was
+drunk by all; and thereafter Sigvaldi drank to his father's memory, &
+made a vow that before three winters were passed he would go to Norway
+and slay Eirik, or drive him from the land. Then did his brother Thorkel
+the Tall swear that he would fare with Sigvaldi, and never shun battle
+as long as Sigvaldi was fighting there; and Bui the Burly said that he
+too would go with them to Norway, and not flee before Earl Hakon in
+battle. Then did Vagn Eirikson swear that he also would accompany him,
+& not return before he had slain Thorkel Leira and lain abed with his
+daughter Ingibiorg.
+
+Many other lords made vows anent sundry matters, & all men drank the
+heirship ale. When the morrow was come and the Jomsborg vikings had
+slept as long as they were minded, they deemed that they had spoken big
+words enough & met together to take counsel as to how and when they
+should proceed with their cruise, and then they covenanted to array
+their ships and men as speedily as might be. Now this matter was
+rumoured of far and wide in the lands.
+
+
+ś Earl Eirik, the son of Earl Hakon, was at that season in Raumariki, &
+hearing of these tidings straightway mustered the folk and set forth to
+the Uplands, and then made his way northwards across the mountains to
+Throndhjem, to his father Earl Hakon. Of this speaketh Thord Kolbeinson
+in Eirik's lay:
+
+  'In good sooth from the south came fearsome tales of war,
+  Peasants even fear to fight;
+  And the captain of the ship learned that the long-ships of the Danes
+  Along their rollers were run out seawards.'
+
+
+ś Earl Hakon and Earl Eirik caused war-arrows to be sent throughout the
+whole of the district around Throndhjem, and sent messengers to
+South-More, North-More, and Raumsdal; likewise sent they northward to
+Naumdal and Halogaland, and when this was accomplished had they called
+out their full muster of men and ships. Thus saith Eirik's lay:
+
+  'Many a long-ship and bark and great keel
+  (How the skald's praise grows apace)
+  The shield-bearer caused to be run into the sea
+  (Off-shore was the muster goodly)
+  So that the warrior could defend the lands of his fathers.'
+
+
+ś Earl Hakon went forthwith south to More, to reconnoitre and collect
+men, while Earl Eirik assembled his host & took it southwards.
+
+
+ś The Jomsborg vikings brought their hosts to Limfjord and thence sailed
+out to sea; sixty ships had they, and they took them across to Agdir
+whence without tarrying shaped they a course northward to the dominion
+of Earl Hakon. They sailed off the coast, plundering & burning
+wheresoever they went. Now there was a certain man named Geirmund who
+was sailing in a light boat & had but few men with him, & he came to
+More where he found Earl Hakon, & going in before the Earl as he sate at
+meat told him that there was an host to the southward which was come
+from Denmark. The Earl asked if he knew this in good sooth, and
+Geirmund, holding up one of his arms from which the hand had been
+severed, said that that was the token that a host was in the land.
+
+Then did the Earl question him closely concerning this host, & Geirmund
+said that it was the Jomsborg vikings, & that they had slain many men
+and plundered far & wide: 'Nevertheless they are travelling speedily and
+hard.
+
+Methinks it will not be long before they are here.'
+
+So then the Earl rowed up all the fjords, inwards along one shore and
+outwards along the other faring night and day, and he sent scouts on to
+the upper way across the isthmus,§ & south in the Fjords, & likewise
+north where Eirik was now with his host.
+
+It is of this that Eirik's lay telleth:
+
+  'War-wise was the Earl who had long-ships on the main
+  Heading with lofty prows against Sigvaldi,
+  Mayhap many an oar shook,
+  But the seamen who rent the sea with strong oar-blades
+  Feared not death.'
+
+
+ś Earl Hakon took his host southwards as speedily as ever he was able.
+
+
+ś Sailing northwards with his fleet Earl Sigvaldi rounded Stad, and
+first put in over against Hereya. Here, although the vikings fell in
+with the folk of the country, never could they get from them the truth
+as to the whereabouts of the Earl. Whithersoever they went the vikings
+pillaged, & in the island of Hod they ran up ashore & plundered the
+people, taking back with them to their ships both folk and cattle,
+though all men capable of bearing arms they slew.
+
+Now as they were going down again to their ships an old man approached
+them-- for he was walking nigh to the men of Bui-- and unto them said
+he, 'Not as warriors go ye here, driving neat and calves down to the
+shore; better prey would it be for ye to take the bear since ye have
+come so nigh his lair.'
+
+'What saith the carle?' they cry, 'Can ye tell us aught of Earl Hakon?'
+The peasant made answer: 'Yesterday he sailed to Hiorundarfjord having
+with him one or two ships, or three at most, & at that time he had not
+heard aught of ye.' Forthwith ran Bui & his men to their ships, leaving
+all their booty behind, & Bui called out saying: 'Let us make the most
+of having got this news, so that we may be the ones nighest to the
+victory.'
+
+And when they had mounted up into their ships straightway rowed they out
+north of the isle of Hod, and then rounding that island into the fjord.
+
+
+ś Earl Hakon and his son Earl Eirik were lying in Hallsvik, with their
+hosts and one hundred and fifty ships.
+
+Now they had heard by this time that the Jomsborg vikings were lying-to
+off Hod, and the Earls accordingly rowed northward to seek them, and
+when they were come to the place which is called Hiorungavag met they
+one with another.
+
+Both sides then set themselves in array for battle. In the midst of his
+host was the banner of Earl Sigvaldi and over against this Earl Hakon
+took up his position; Earl Sigvaldi had twenty ships, and Earl Hakon
+sixty.
+
+In Earl Hakon's following were the chiefs Thorir Hart of Halogaland, and
+Styrkar of Gimsar. As for the battle array, one wing consisted of the
+twenty ships belonging to Bui the Burly and his brother Sigurd. Against
+these Earl Eirik Hakonson placed sixty ships, with him being the chiefs
+Gudbrand the White from the Uplands & Thorkel Leira from Vik.
+
+In the other wing of the array was Vagn Akason with twenty ships, and
+against him with sixty ships was Svein Hakonson with Skeggi of Uphaug in
+Yriar, and Rognvald from Ervik in Stad. In Eirik's lay it is told of
+thus:
+
+  'And the sea-ships to battle sped towards the Danish ships,
+  The sea-host sailed the coast along:
+  From before the vikings cleared the Earl away many at More
+  The ships drifted amid war-slain heaps.'
+
+And thus saith Eyvind in the Halogaland tale:
+
+  'Hardly was it a tryst of joy in that day's dawning
+  For the foemen of Yngvi Frey,
+  When the land-rulers guided the long-ships across the waste,
+  And the sword-elf from the south-land
+  Thrust the sea-steeds against their hosts.'
+
+
+ś Then the fleets were brought together and there ensued the grimmest of
+battles, and many were slain on both sides, albeit the host of Hakon was
+it which fared the worst, for the Jomsborg vikings fought stoutly both
+with boldness & dexterity, shooting clean through the shields. So great
+in number were the missiles which struck Earl Hakon that his shirt of
+mail became all rent and useless so that he threw it from him.
+
+Of this speaketh Tind Halkelson:
+
+  'The kirtle which gold bedecked women wrought for the Earl
+  (The sparks from the sword wax brighter)
+  Could no longer be borne;
+  Then the mailed hero from off him cast the King's shirt
+  (Ready were the steeds of the sea).
+  Asunder, on the sand, blown from the Earl by the wind
+  Was the ring-weaved shirt of Sorli
+  (Thereof bore he the marks).'
+
+
+ś Now the ships of the Jomsborg vikings were both larger, and higher in
+the gunwale, than were those of Earl Hakon, but nevertheless were they
+boldly beset from both sides. Vagn Akason pressed the ships of Svein
+Hakonson so hard that Svein let his men backwater & came nigh to
+fleeing, whereupon Earl Eirik came up into his place & thrust himself
+into the battle against Vagn, and Vagn backed his ship, and the craft
+lay again as they had lain at first.
+
+Then Eirik returned to his own battle, where his men were now going
+astern, and Bui having cut himself free from his lashings was about to
+follow the fugitives.
+
+Eirik then laid his ship alongside the ship of Bui, & a sharp hand to
+hand struggle took place, and two or three of the ships of Eirik set on
+the one ship whereon was Bui.
+
+Then a storm came on, and there fell hailstones so heavy that one stone
+alone weighed an ounce. Then did Sigvaldi cut his ship adrift & went
+about, with the intention of fleeing; Vagn Akason cried out to him
+bidding him stay, but never a moment would Sigvaldi heed give to what he
+said, so Vagn sent a javelin after him, and smote the man who held the
+tiller. Earl Sigvaldi rowed out of the battle with thirty-five ships and
+left twenty-five behind him.
+
+Then did Earl Hakon bring his ship round to the other side of that of
+Bui, and short respite then had the men of Bui between the blows. Now
+there was an anvil with a sharp end standing on the forecastle of the
+ship that pertained to Bui, and the reason thereof was that some man had
+made use thereof when welding the hilt of his sword, and Vigfus the son
+of Vigaglums, who was a man of great strength, took up the anvil &
+throwing it with both hands, drave it into the head of Aslak Holmskalli,
+so that the snout thereof entered his brain. No weapon hitherto had
+scathed Aslak, though he had been laying about him on either side.
+
+He was the foster-son of Bui, and his forecastle man. Yet another of the
+men to Bui was Havard the Hewer; even stronger was he, and a man of
+great valour. During this struggle the men of Eirik went up aboard Bui's
+ship, & made aft to the poop, towards Bui, and Thorstein Midlang struck
+him full across the nose, cleaving asunder the nose-piece of his helmet,
+and leaving a great wound.
+
+Bui then smote Thorstein in the side in such a manner that he cut the
+man right athwart his middle, and then seizing two chests of gold he
+shouted: 'Overboard all the men of Bui,' and plunged into the sea with
+the chests, and many of his men likewise sprang overboard, though others
+fell on the ship, for little avail was it to ask for quarter. The ship
+was now cleared from stem to stern, and the other craft were likewise
+cleared one after the other.
+
+
+ś After this Earl Eirik brought his ships alongside that of Vagn, and
+from the latter met with right stout resistance; in the end however the
+ship was cleared, and Vagn and thirty men taken prisoners. Bound were
+they & taken on land, and Thorkel Leira went up to them and spoke thus:
+'Vagn, thou didst vow to slay me, but me seemeth it is I who am more
+like to slay thee.'
+
+Now it happened that Vagn and his men were all sitting on the felled
+trunks of a mighty tree, and Thorkel had a big axe, & with it he struck
+at the man who was sitting farthest off on the trunk.
+
+Vagn and his men were so bound that a rope was passed round their feet,
+but their hands were free. Then said one of them, 'I have in my hand a
+cloak-clasp, and into the earth will I thrust it if I wot anything after
+my head is off'-- and his head was struck off, and down fell the clasp
+from his hand.
+
+Hard by sat a fair man with goodly hair and he swept his hair forward
+over his face, saying as he stretched forth his neck: 'Make not my hair
+bloody.' A certain man took the hair in his hand and held it fast, and
+Thorkel swang the axe so as to strike, but the viking drew back his head
+suddenly & he who was holding his hair moved forward with him, and lo,
+the axe came down on both his hands and took them off, thereafter
+cleaving the earth. Then Earl Eirik came up and asked: 'Who is that fine
+man?' 'Sigurd the lads call me,' said he, 'and I am thought to be a son
+to Bui: not yet are all the vikings of Jomsborg dead.' 'Thou must of a
+surety be a true son to Bui; wilt thou have quarter?' 'That dependeth
+upon who is the bidder thereof,' said Sigurd. 'He offereth it who hath
+power to give it, to wit Earl Eirik.' 'Then will I take it,' and loosed
+was he from the rope. Then said Thorkel Leira: 'Though thou grantest
+quarter, Earl, to all these men, yet never shall Vagn Akason depart
+hence alive,' & so saying he ran forward with uplifted axe. Just then
+the viking Skadi tripped in the rope, and dropped before Thorkel's feet,
+and Thorkel fell flat over him, and Vagn seizing the axe dealt Thorkel
+his death-blow. Then said the Earl: 'Wilt thou have quarter?' 'Yea
+will I,' said he, 'if we all are given quarter.' 'Loose them from the
+rope,' said the Earl, and so it was done accordingly.
+
+Eighteen of these men were slain, but to twelve was quarter granted.
+
+
+ś Now Earl Hakon & many of his men with him were sitting on a log.
+
+Suddenly there twanged a bowstring from Bui's ship, but the arrow struck
+Gizur of Valders, a feudatory who was sitting by the Earl & was clad in
+brave apparel, & forthwith went sundry of Hakon's men out to the ship
+and found on it Havard the Hewer kneeling by the bulwarks, for his feet
+had been smitten off him. A bow had he in his hand and when they were
+come out to the ship, as aforesaid, Havard asked: 'Who fell off the
+tree-trunk?' 'One named Gizur,' they say. 'Then was my luck lesser than
+I wished.' 'Ill-luck enough,' say they, 'and more hurt shalt thou not
+do,' & therewith they slew him. After these things the dead were
+searched, and the booty brought together for division; five and twenty
+ships belonging to the Jomsborg vikings were thus cleared of booty. Tind
+saith as follows:
+
+  'He, feeder of ravens,
+  (Their swords did smite their thighs)
+  Against the friends of the Wends long did struggle,
+  Until he who shields destroyed had
+  Five and twenty ships laid waste.'
+
+
+ś Thereafter were the hosts dispersed.
+
+Earl Hakon betook him to Throndhjem, taking it full ill that Eirik had
+given Vagn Akason quarter.
+
+Men say that during this battle Earl Hakon made sacrifice of his son
+Erling in order to gain the victory, and afterwards the hailstorm came,
+and that then the slaughtering changed over out of the hands of the
+Jomsborgers. After the battle Earl Eirik went to the Uplands, and from
+there east to his dominions, and with him went Vagn Akason. Thereafter
+Eirik gave the daughter of Thorkel Leira-- Ingibiorg was her name-- in
+marriage to Vagn, & a goodly long-ship to boot, well furnished in all
+things appertaining thereto, & a crew did he get him for the ship, and
+they parted in all friendship. Vagn thence fared southward home to
+Denmark, and became thereafter a famous man.
+
+Many men of might are descended from him.
+
+
+ś Now it hath been heretofore related how Harald the Grenlander was King
+of Vestfold, and how Asta, the daughter of Gudbrand Kula had he taken to
+wife. One summer when he was out laying waste the countries to the
+eastward, came he to Sweden where Olaf the Swede was King in those days.
+Olaf was the son of Eirik the Victorious and of Sigrid the daughter of
+Skogla-Tosti.
+
+Sigrid was now a widow and to her pertained many great manors in Sweden.
+When she heard that her foster-brother Harald the Grenlander had come
+ashore not far from where at that time she was abiding, sent she
+messengers to him, bidding him to a feast which she was making ready to
+give. Thereat was Harald glad, and fared to Astrid with a great
+following of men. And a goodly feast was it withal: the King and the
+Queen sat in the high-seat and in the evening drank both together, and
+among the men flowed the ale freely.
+
+At night when the King went to his rest his bed had on it a costly
+coverlet, and was hung with precious cloths; in that house there were
+but few men. And the King having unclad him, & gotten into bed, the
+Queen came hither to him and poured out a cup, and pressed him hard to
+drink; right kind was she to him withal. Now the King was exceeding
+drunken, and the Queen likewise.
+
+Then fell the King asleep, and Sigrid went away to her bed. Now the
+Queen was a very wise woman, and far seeing in many things. The next
+morning flowed the drink ever apace, but as ofttimes cometh to pass when
+men have drunk heavily, even so the more wary of drink are most of them
+on the morrow. Yet was the Queen merry, and she and Harald spake much
+together, and as their talk ran on, the Queen said that she deemed her
+lands & kingdom in Sweden to be of no less worth than his in Norway. Now
+at this manner of talking the King waxed moody, and found but little
+pleasure in anything thereafter, and heavy at heart he made him ready
+to go; yet was the Queen exceeding merry, gave him great gifts, &
+accompanied him on his way.
+
+
+ś So back to Norway fared he that autumn, & abode at home during that
+winter, but little enough pleasure gat he the while. The summer
+thereafter went he eastward with his host, and shaped his course for
+Sweden. Word sent he to Sigrid that he desired to meet her, & she rode
+down to him, & they talked together; then without more ado he asked her
+whether she would have him for mate, to which Sigrid made answer that to
+do such a thing would indeed be foolish, seeing that he is well married
+already, and better for him might not be. Harald confessed Asta to be a
+good wife and brave, 'but of such noble blood as mine is she not
+withal.' Then answered Sigrid. 'Maybe thou art of higher lineage than
+she, yet nevertheless it beseemeth to me that with her is the happiness
+of ye both.' And after that few were the words spoken between them
+before the Queen rode away.
+
+
+ś Then was King Harald sick at heart, & he made him ready to ride inland
+to see Queen Sigrid yet once more. Many of his men counselled him
+therefrom, but none the less went he with a great following to the house
+of which Sigrid was lady. That same evening there came thither from the
+east, from Gardariki (western Russia), another king-- Vissavald§ was his
+name, & he likewise came to woo Sigrid the Queen. The kings & all their
+retinue were given seats in a large & ancient chamber; & ancient also
+were the furnishings of this room, but drink more than enough went round
+that evening, so strong indeed that all became drunken, and both the
+head-guard, and the outer-guard fell asleep. Then, during the night--
+and all this was caused by Queen Sigrid-- were they fallen upon with
+fire and sword; both the chamber & the men who were therein were burned,
+& of those who came out from it not one was allowed to go alive.
+
+Quoth Sigrid on this matter, that she would teach small kings from other
+lands to woo her; & thereafter she was called Sigrid the Scheming.
+
+
+ś It was the winter before these things befell that the battle with the
+Jomsborg vikings was fought in Hiorungavag. Now while Harald was gone
+inland, one Hrani was left in charge of the ships and men; but when the
+news came that Harald had been done to death, fared they thence
+forthwith, & going back to Norway recounted the tidings.
+
+And to Asta went Hrani & told her all things concerning their voyage, &
+likewise the errand that had urged King Harald to Queen Sigrid. When she
+heard these tidings Asta went straightway to the Uplands to her father,
+and right welcome was she made, but exceeding wrathful were they both at
+the base design which had been toward in Sweden, & with Harald that he
+had been minded to leave her in loneliness. Asta, the daughter of
+Gudbrand, brought forth a son even there in the summer; this boy was
+called Olaf at his baptism, & Hrani poured the water over him. At the
+outset was the child reared by Gudbrand & Asta his mother.
+
+
+ś Earl Hakon ruled the whole coast of Norway; sixteen counties had he
+under his sway, and forasmuch as Harald Fairhair had prescribed that an
+earl should be over every county, and that prescription had endured for
+long, there were under him sixteen earls. Thus it is said in the
+Vellekla:
+
+  'Where else know we the government
+  (On this the hosts may ponder)
+  Of one land-ruler over the lands of sixteen earls?
+  Unto the four corners of heaven rises the rumour
+  Of the doughty deeds of the belauded chieftain.'
+
+
+ś During the rule of Earl Hakon the increase was good in the land, &
+peace was there within it among the peasantry. Well-beloved, too, was
+the Earl among them for the greater part of his life, but as his years
+waxed old it happened that his intercourse with women became unseemly,
+and to such a pass came this that the Earl would cause the daughters of
+powerful men to be brought unto him, when he would lie with them for a
+week or twain, and then send them back to their homes. This manner of
+acting brought him to great enmity with the kinsmen of these women, and
+the peasantry fell to murmuring, as is the wont of the folk of
+Throndhjem when things are not to their liking.
+
+
+ś Now there came to the ears of Earl Hakon the fame of a man overseas
+westward who called himself Oli, & whom men held for a King; and he
+misdoubted from the talk of certain folk that this man must be of the
+lineage of the Norwegian Kings. He was told, indeed, that Oli called
+himself Gerdish (i.e., of Garda) by race, but the Earl had heard that
+Tryggvi Olafson had had a son who had been taken eastward to Garda
+(western Russia), and had been brought up there at the Court of King
+Valdamar, and that his name was Olaf.
+
+Often had the Earl sought information about this man, and he misdoubted
+that he it was who had now come to the western countries. Now to Hakon
+the Earl was a great friend, one Thorir Klakka, who was known far and
+wide, for he had sailed long whiles as a viking, and at others as a
+merchant.
+
+So west across the sea Earl Hakon now despatched this man, bidding him
+fare to Dublin as a merchant, as many were wont to fare in those days.
+It was laid on Thorir that he should ascertain of what manner of man was
+this Oli, and should he hear of a truth he was Olaf Tryggvason, or of
+the lineage of the Kings of Norway, then was Thorir, if it might be,
+to ensnare him into the power of the Earl.
+
+
+ś So Thorir gat him west to Dublin, and enquiring there for tidings of
+Oli learned that he was with his brother-in-law King Olaf Kvaran.§
+Thereafter Thorir brought it to pass that he gat speech of Oli, and when
+they had talked often and long (for Thorir was a very smooth-tongued
+man) fell Oli to asking about the Upland kings: which of them were still
+alive and what dominions pertained to them.
+
+Likewise asked he concerning the Earl, and if he were much beloved in
+the country. Thorir answered: 'The Earl is so mighty a man that no one
+durst speak but as he wills, nevertheless the reason of this is that we
+have none other to look to. Verily know I the minds of many mighty men,
+& of the people likewise, & that they would be eager & ready were a king
+of the lineage of Harald Fair-hair to come to the realm.
+
+Of this, however, is there no likelihood inasmuch as it has been well
+proven how little it availeth to contend against Earl Hakon.'
+
+And when they had talked much together on this matter, revealed Olaf
+unto Thorir his name & lineage, & craved counsel of him whether the
+peasantry would have him for their King should he fare over to Norway.
+With eagerness sought Thorir to urge him on to make this journey,
+praising him and his prowess most exceedingly. Then did Olaf conceive a
+great desire to be gone to the realm of his kin; and sailed he
+thereafter from the west with five ships, going first to the Hebrides; &
+together with him went Thorir. Later sailed he to the Orkneys where Earl
+Sigurd, the son of Hlodvir, was lying in Asmundarvag (Osmundwall) in
+Rognvaldzey (South Ronaldsey) in a long-ship for he was about to sail
+over to Katanes (Caithness). Then did King Olaf sail his folk from the
+west & put into haven in the island because Pettlanzfjord (Pentland
+Firth) was not navigable.
+
+When the King heard that the Earl was lying there summoned he him to
+talk with him, and Earl Sigurd having come to the King not long did they
+talk ere the King Olaf said that the Earl and all the folk of the land
+must let themselves be baptized or they would straightway be put to
+death; and the King said he would carry fire & sword through the isles,
+and lay waste the land if the folk thereof did not allow themselves to
+be christened.
+
+So the Earl being thus beset chose to accept baptism, and was baptized
+there and then with all his men. Thereafter swore the Earl an oath that
+he would become the King's man, & give him his son for a hostage-- his
+name was Whelp or Hound-- and Olaf took him home with him to Norway.
+
+
+ś Olaf then sailed eastward out to sea, and when he left the main, went
+in to the Isle of Most, where he went on land in Norway for the first
+time.
+
+He caused a Mass to be said in his tent, & on the self-same spot was a
+church afterward builded. Now Thorir Klakka told the King that their
+wisest course was to keep secret his identity, and to let not the
+slightest rumour about him get abroad, and to travel as speedily as
+might be so as to fall upon the Earl while he was still unawares.
+
+Even so did King Olaf, faring northward day and night according to the
+set of the wind, & he let not the people know of his journey, nor who
+it was that was sailing. When he was come north to Agdanes gat he
+tidings that Earl Hakon was within the fjord, & moreover that he was at
+variance with the peasantry. Now when Thorir heard tell of this quite
+otherwise was it from what he had expected, for after the battle of the
+Jomsborg vikings all men in Norway were full friendly with Earl Hakon by
+reason of the victory he had won, & which had saved the land from war;
+but now so ill had things befallen that here was the Earl at strife with
+the peasantry, & that with a great chief come into the land.
+
+
+ś At this time Hakon the Earl was a guest at Medalhus in Gaulardal, his
+ships lying off Vigg the while.
+
+Now there was a certain Orm Lyrgia, a wealthy yeoman who lived at Bynes,
+and he had to wife Gudrun the daughter of Bergthor of Lundar, & so fair
+a woman was this Gudrun that she was called the 'sun of Lundar.'
+
+And on such an errand as this, namely to bring unto him Orm's wife, did
+Earl Hakon send his thralls.
+
+The men coming thither to Bynes made known their errand, but Orm bade
+them first go out & sup, & before they had well eaten there had come to
+him many men whom he had sent for from the neighbouring homesteads. Then
+said Orm that he would in nowise suffer Gudrun to go with the thralls;
+and Gudrun herself bade the thralls go tell the Earl that never would
+she go to him save he sent Thora of Rimul,§ a wealthy lady and one of
+the Earl's sweethearts, to fetch her. Then the thralls said that they
+would come once again in such a manner that both master and mistress
+would repent them of this business, & uttering grievous threats they gat
+them gone. Now in all four directions of the countryside did Orm send
+out war-arrows, and with them word that all men should rise against
+Hakon the Earl to slay him. Moreover he let Haldor of Skerdingsted be
+told, and forthwith Haldor also made despatch of the war-arrow.
+
+Not long before this had the Earl taken the wife of a man named
+Bryniolf, and from that piece of work had arisen a great pother, and
+something nigh the assembling together of an host.
+
+So after receiving the message aforesaid all the people hastened
+together and made their way to Medalhus, but to the Earl coming news of
+their motions thereon left he the house together with his men and went
+to a deep valley which is now called Jarlsdal (the Earl's valley), and
+therein they hid themselves. The day thereafter kept the Earl watch on
+the peasant host. The peasants had encompassed all the footways, though
+they were mostly of a mind that the Earl had made off to his ships.
+These were now commanded by his son Erling, a young man of singular
+promise.
+
+When night fell sent the Earl his men away from him, bidding them take
+to the forest tracks out to Orkadal, 'No one will harm ye if I am
+nowhere nigh,' he said. 'Send also word to Erling to go out of the fjord
+so that we may meet in More. I shall find a means to hide me from the
+peasants.' Then the Earl departed and a thrall of his named Kark bore
+him company.
+
+Ice was there on the Gaul river, but the Earl set his horse at it & they
+came through, with the loss of his cloak, to a cave which has since been
+called Jarlshellir (the Earl's cave), and therein slept they soundly.
+When Kark awakened recounted he unto the Earl a dream he had dreamt: how
+a man black & ill to behold had come nigh the cave, and he was afeared
+would enter it, and this man had told him that 'Ulli' was dead.
+
+Then said the Earl, 'Erling must have been slain.' For the second time
+Thormod Kark slept and he cried out in his sleep, and when he awoke told
+his dream, namely that he had seen the self-same man coming down again,
+& he had bidden Kark tell the Earl that now all the sounds were closed.
+
+And Kark telling Earl Hakon his dream said he thought it might betoken a
+short life for him. Thereafter they arose and went to the homestead of
+Rimul, whence sent the Earl Kark to Thora bidding her come privily to
+him. This did she in haste, and made the Earl right welcome, and he
+craved of her hiding were it but for a few nights even until dispersed
+should be the peasants. 'Here is it that thou wilt be sought by them,'
+said she, 'and search will they make both within and without, throughout
+the whole of this my homestead, for many there are that wot over well
+how that I would fain help thee all that I might.
+
+Howbeit one place is there wherein would I never seek for such a man as
+thou, and that is in the swine-sty.' So thither hied they and said the
+Earl: 'Here then will we hide us, for it behoves us that first of all
+must we give heed to our own lives.' Thereupon dug the thrall a large
+ditch in the sty & carried away the earth, and afterwards placed wood
+across it.
+
+And Thora brought unto the Earl tidings that Olaf Tryggvason was come up
+the fjord, and that he had slain the Earl's son Erling.
+
+Right so went the Earl into the trench, & Kark with him, and Thora
+dragged wood athwart it, and swept earth and muck over it, and drave the
+swine thereon. Now the swine-sty was under a certain big rock.
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś With five long-ships shaped Olaf Tryggvason his course into the fjord,
+& Erling, the son of Earl Hakon with his three ships rowed him out to
+meet him. Or ever the ships drew nigh one to another Erling and his men
+knew that this was war, and then in lieu of coming to a meeting with
+Olaf did they make head for the land. Now Olaf when he had seen the
+long-ships rowing down the fjord towards him thought to himself that
+this would be Earl Hakon, and thereon gave the word of command to row
+ahead as hard as might be.
+
+The men of Erling even so soon as they were come nigh unto the shore
+leapt they in haste overboard & made for land. Thither after them were
+come the ships of Olaf and he himself saw swimming a man exceeding fair
+to look upon, and thereon seized he the tiller and threw it even unto
+this man, and the tiller smote the head of Erling, he that was son of
+the Earl, so that his skull was cloven, yea even to the brain.
+
+Thus came it to pass that Erling lost his life.
+
+There slew the men of Olaf many, but even so did a few make good their
+escape; others again made they prisoners, & giving them quarter gat
+tidings from them.
+
+Thus learnt Olaf that the peasants had driven away Earl Hakon, that he
+was fleeing before them, and that all the folk that were his were
+scattered.
+
+Thereafter did the peasants come unto Olaf, and as all liked one another
+passing well forthwith entered they into fellowship.
+
+The peasants hailed him for their King, and they covenanted together to
+seek Earl Hakon, & to make search up into Gaulardal where if
+peradventure he was to be found in any of the houses there, deemed they
+it likeliest would he be at Rimul since all men knew for why.
+
+Thora was the dearest friend to him in that valley. So thither went
+they, and sought the Earl both without and within but of him could they
+find no trace; and Olaf summoned the people together out in the yard,
+and standing on the rock which was beside the swine-sty spake unto them,
+and the words that he uttered were that he would reward with riches and
+honour the man who would work mischief to Earl Hakon.
+
+This speech was heard both by the Earl and Kark. Now by them in the sty
+had they a light there with them, and the Earl said: 'Why art thou so
+pale, yet withal as black as earth? Is it in thy heart, Kark, that thou
+shouldst betray me?' 'Nay,' said Kark, 'we two were born on the
+self-same night, and long space will there not be twixt the hour of our
+deaths.' Towards evening went King Olaf away, & when it was night Kark
+slept, and the Earl kept watch, but Kark was troubled in his sleep. Then
+the Earl awakened him & asked him whereof he dreamt, and he said: 'I was
+now even at Ladir, and Olaf Tryggvason placed a gold ornament about my
+neck.'
+
+The Earl answered: 'A blood-red ring will it be that Olaf Tryggvason
+will lay about thy neck, shouldst thou meet with him. Beware now, and
+betray me not, & thou shalt be treated well by me as heretofore.' Then
+stay they both sleepless each watching the other, as it might be, but
+nigh daybreak fell the Earl asleep and was troubled at once, so troubled
+that he drew his heels up under him & his head likewise under him, and
+made as though he would rise up, calling aloud and in a fearsome way.
+Then grew Kark afeard & filled with horror, so it came to pass that he
+drew a large knife from his belt and plunged it into the throat of the
+Earl cutting him from ear to ear. Thus was encompassed the death of Earl
+Hakon.
+
+Then cut Kark off the head of the Earl and hasted him away with it, and
+the day following came he with it to Ladir unto King Olaf, and there
+told he him all that had befallen them on their flight, as hath already
+been set forth. Afterwards King Olaf let Kark be taken away thence, &
+his head be sundered from his trunk.
+
+
+ś Thereafter to Nidarholm went King Olaf and likewise went many of the
+peasantry, and with them bare they the heads of Earl Hakon and Kark. In
+those days it was the custom to use this island as a place whereon might
+be slain thieves & criminals, and on it stood a gallows. And the King
+caused that on this gallows should be exposed the heads of Earl Hakon
+and Kark. Then went thither the whole of the host, and shouted up at
+them and cast stones, and said that they went to hell each in goodly
+company, ever one rascal with another. Thereafter did they send men up
+to Gaulardal, & after they had dragged thence the body of Earl Hakon did
+they burn it.
+
+So great strength was there now in the enmity that was borne against
+Earl Hakon by the folk that were of Throndhjem that no one durst breathe
+his name save as the 'bad Earl,' and for long afterwards was he called
+after this fashion.
+
+Nevertheless it is but justice to bear testimony of Earl Hakon that he
+was well worthy to be a chief, firstly by the lineage whereof he was
+descended, then for his wisdom and the insight with which he used the
+power that pertained to him, his boldness in battle, and withal his
+goodhap in gaining victories and slaying his foemen. Thus saith Thorleif
+Raudfelldarson:
+
+  'Hakon! no Earl more glorious 'neath the moon's highway:
+  In strife and battle hath the warrior honour won,
+  Chieftains mine to Odin hast thou sent,
+  (Food for ravens were their corses)
+  Therefore wide be thy rule!'
+
+
+ś The most generous of men was Earl Hakon, yet even to such a chief
+befell so great mishap on his dying-day. And this was brought about by
+the coming of the time when blood-offerings & the men of blood-offerings
+were doomed, & in their stead were found the true Faith and righteous
+worship.
+
+
+ś In general Thing at Throndhjem was Olaf Tryggvason chosen to be King
+of the land, even as Harald Fair-hair had been King. Indeed the folk
+rose up, & the crowds would hear of nought else but that Olaf Tryggvason
+should be King; and Olaf went throughout the country conquering it,
+& all men in Norway vowed allegiance to him.
+
+Even the lords of the Uplands and Vik who had before held their lands
+from the Danish King now became men unto Olaf and held their lands from
+him. Then in the first winter & the summer thereafter fared he through
+the country.
+
+Earl Eirik Hakonson, and Svein his brother, & others of their kith and
+friendship fled from the land, & going eastward to Sweden, even unto
+King Olaf the Swede, were by him well received. Thus saith Thord
+Kolbeinson:
+
+  'Foemen of robbers! swiftly can fate cause change,
+  Brief space 'fore the treason of men did Hakon to death,
+  And to the land erewhile taken by the fighter in battle
+  Came now the son of Tryggvi, faring from the west.
+  More in his mind had Eirik against his lord and King
+  Than can now be spoken of, as might be thought of him.
+  In wrath sought the Earl counsel of the King of the Swedes
+  (Stubborn are the folk of Throndhjem, ne'er one will flee).'
+
+
+ś Now the name of a certain man from Vik was Lodin, and he possessed
+much wealth and was come of a goodly lineage. Often fared he as a
+merchant, but upon occasion as a viking. Now it befell one summer that
+Lodin, to whom appertained the ship, wherein was a fair cargo, did set
+sail eastward with merchandise that was his, and after making Estland
+spent he the summer there in the places where the fairs were held. Now
+the while a fair happeneth are many kinds of goods thither brought to it
+for sale, & likewise come many thralls, and among them as it befell in
+this wise one day saw Lodin a woman, who when he looked on her perceived
+he her to be Astrid, the daughter of Eirik whom King Tryggvi had had to
+wife. Now indeed was she unlike what she had been when he had aforetime
+seen her, for pale was she, and wasted, and poorly clad; but went he up
+to her & asked her about herself, and she answered: 'Sad is it to relate
+that have I been sold for a slave, & yet again am I brought hither for
+sale.' Thereafter did they recognize one another, & Astrid knew well all
+about him and she besought him to buy her & take her back to her kin.
+'I will make a bargain with thee on this matter,' said he, 'I will bear
+thee home with me to Norway if thou wilt wed me.'
+
+So Astrid being in such dire straits and knowing him full well to be a
+man that was brave & had many possessions, yea and moreover goodly
+lineage, plighted she him her troth so that she might be set free. Thus
+it came to pass that Lodin bought Astrid, and bare her away home even
+unto Norway, and wedded her there with the goodwill of her kinsfolk. The
+children she bare to him were Thorkel Nefia, Ingirid, and Ingigerd;
+while the daughters of Astrid by King Tryggvi were Ingibiorg and Astrid.
+
+The sons of Eirik Biodaskalli were Sigurd Carles-head, Jostein, and
+Thorkel Dydril; all these were noble & wealthy, and to them pertained
+manors in the east of the country.
+
+Two brothers that dwelt in Vik, Thorgeir & Hyrning as they were named,
+took to wife the daughters of Astrid and Lodin.
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś After the Danish King, Harald Gormson, had embraced the faith of
+Christ made he proclamation throughout his dominions that all men must
+allow themselves to be baptized, and must turn to the true Faith.
+He himself followed hard on the bidding, making use of force and
+chastisement when naught else could prevail.
+
+He sent to Norway with a great host two Earls that were called
+Urgutherjot and Brimiskiar;§ the mission to them was that they should
+proclaim Christianity throughout the land & the same also in Vik which
+had done direct homage unto Harald himself.
+
+Folk made they submissive readily enough, and many country folk were
+thereon baptized. Howsoever it came to pass that after the death of
+Harald speedily went his son Svein Two-beard to war in Saxland,
+Frisland, and at last also in England, and then those of Norway who had
+received Christianity returned to sacrifices, as in the old times
+aforesaid in the north country.
+
+But Olaf Tryggvason after that he was King in Norway dwelt he for long
+in the summer at Vik, where he was made welcome with great show of
+affection; and to that place came also many of his kindred, & others who
+were allied to him, and many that had been good friends with his father.
+Then did Olaf summon to him his uncle, & his step-father Lodin, & his
+step-brothers Thorgeirr and Hyrning, and laying the matter before them
+besought them most earnestly to undertake with him, and thereafter with
+all their might support the spreading of the message of Christianity,
+for this message it was his wish to carry throughout the whole of his
+dominions.
+
+And, said he, that he would have it his way or die, 'I will make all of
+ye great and powerful men, for it is upon ye that chiefly do I rely
+inasmuch as ye are to me kith & brethren.' So all were agreed to do what
+he bade them and support him in that which he desired, and to have
+fellowship with all those that were of a mind to follow their counsel.
+
+Then did King Olaf proclaim that he would invite all men in his realm to
+become Christians, and those who had agreed this aforetime straightway
+did his bidding, & as they were the most powerful of those present, all
+the others did according to their example. Thereafter were all folk
+baptized in the eastern part of Vik, & then went the King to the
+northern parts thereof and invited all men to receive Christianity; and
+those who said nay chastised he severely, slaying some, and maiming
+some, and driving away others from the land. So it came to pass that the
+people of the whole of that kingdom whereover his father King Tryggvi
+had ruled aforetime, and likewise that which his kinsman Harald the
+Grenlander had possessed, received Christianity according to the bidding
+of King Olaf. Wherefore in that summer and in the winter thereafter were
+the people of the whole of Vik made Christian.
+
+
+ś Early in the spring-time was King Olaf astir, and leaving Vik went he
+north-west to Agdir and whithersoever he went summoned he the peasants
+to a Thing, and bade all men let themselves be baptized. And forasmuch
+as none of the peasantry durst rise up against the King, the people were
+baptized withersoever he went, and the men embraced Christianity.
+
+
+ś Bold men and many were there in Hordaland who were come of the kin of
+Horda Kari. To him had been born four sons: firstly, Thorleif the Wise,
+secondly, Ogmund who was the father of Thorolf Skialg, the father of
+Erling of Soli; thirdly, Thord the father of Klyp the 'hersir' (he that
+slew Sigurd Sleva Gunnhildson) and fourthly, Olmod the father of Aksel
+who was the father of Aslak Fitiar-skalli. This stock was greatest and
+bravest in Hordaland.
+
+
+ś Now when these kinsmen heard the disquieting tidings that the King was
+coming from the east along the coast, and with him a large host who
+forced all men that they should break the old laws of the old gods, and
+imposed penalties with sore chastisements on all those who spake not to
+his liking, agreed they to meet together to take counsel upon their
+plans for well knew they the King would soon be upon them; it was
+therefore agreed among them that they would one & all be present at the
+Gula-Thing, and there should they meet Olaf Tryggvason.
+
+
+ś Even so soon as he was come to Rogaland did Olaf summon a Thing,
+& thereto came the peasantry in great numbers and fully armed.
+
+And being come together made they speeches and held consultations among
+themselves, & chose three men who were the most eloquent among them to
+answer back the King at the Thing. Moreover were they to speak against
+him and make it known that they would not suffer their laws to be broken
+even were it the King who ordained the same. Now when the peasants were
+assembled at the Thing & the Thing was opened, rose up King Olaf and
+spake, talking at the outset smooth and fair albeit it was manifest in
+his talking that it was his will that they should accept Christianity.
+
+And after he had done with fair words he fell to vowing that those who
+spoke against him and would not do his bidding would bring upon
+themselves his wrath & chastisement and hard entreatment howsoever he
+might bring it about.
+
+Now when the King had made an end to speaking there stood up one of the
+yeomen who was the most eloquent & who had been chosen as the first to
+make answer to King Olaf.
+
+But when he was about to speak was he taken with such a coughing &
+choking that he could not get forth a word, and down sat he again.
+Sorely as it had gone with the first yet nevertheless rose another man
+to his feet to take up the answer, but when he began to talk so greatly
+did he stammer that never a word could he get forth. Then all who were
+present fell to laughing, so that the yeoman sat himself down again.
+Then stood the third man up with intent to speak against King Olaf, but
+so hoarse was he and husky that no man could hear what he said, so down
+he sat likewise. There being now none of the chosen yeomen left to speak
+against the King, and no one else would answer him, the resistance that
+had been projected came to naught.
+
+In the end therefore were all agreed to do the King's bidding, and all
+the Thing folk were christened there and then or ever the King departed
+from them.
+
+
+ś King Olaf proceeded to the Gula-Thing accompanied by his men, for the
+peasants had sent unto the King saying that there they would answer him
+on this matter. But when both parties were come to the Thing the King
+made known that it was his wish first to have speech with the chiefs of
+the land, so when all were assembled there he set forth his purpose in
+being present, which was to impose baptism upon them.
+
+Then spake Olmod the Old and said: 'We kinsmen have taken counsel
+together on this matter, and of one consent are we thereon. If thou,
+King, thinkest to force us kinsmen to such a thing as the breaking of
+our laws, and wilt bend us to thy will, then will we defy thee by all
+means in our power, & fate must decide whoso shall get the mastery.
+
+But if thou, O King, wilt advance us kinsfolk somewhat then thou mayst
+bring it so well about that we shall turn to thee in hearty obedience.'
+Quoth the King, 'What is that which ye demand that shall bring about
+good peace betwixt us?' Then said Olmod, 'Firstly is it thou shalt give
+thy sister, Astrid, in marriage to our kinsman Erling Skialgson, whom we
+now account the likeliest young man of Norway.'
+
+The King said that to his mind this was a fair request and that it would
+be a good marriage seeing that Erling was of a great family, and withal
+goodly to look upon, but nevertheless said he, must Astrid herself have
+a word in the matter. Thereafter did the King speak with his sister on
+the subject, and she answered and said, 'little it availeth me that I am
+a King's daughter and a King's sister if I am to wed a man without a
+princely name, rather will I tarry a few winters for another suitor,'
+and therewith ended their talking for the time being.
+
+
+ś Now after these things King Olaf caused the feathers to be plucked
+from off a hawk appertaining to Astrid his sister, and thereafter he
+sent the bird to her. Then said Astrid, 'Wrathful is my brother now,'
+& going to her brother, who bade her welcome, she spake unto him that
+he the King should give her in marriage as it seemeth best to him.
+'Methought,' said Olaf, 'that I had power enough in this land to make
+whatsoever man I would a man of title and dignity.'
+
+So then the King summoned Olmod and Erling and all their kinsmen to him
+to talk with them anent this matter, and in such wise did their talking
+end that Astrid was betrothed to Erling. Thereafter the King called
+together a Thing, & offered the peasants Christianity, and though all
+their kinsfolk were with them in this matter yet were Olmod & Erling the
+most zealous of all men in forwarding the King's cause.
+
+No one had any longer the courage to raise his voice against the wish of
+the King, and thereupon were the people all baptized and became
+Christian. Now the marriage of Erling Skialgson took place in the summer
+and many folks came together to be witness of it; thither likewise came
+King Olaf. On this occasion did the King offer to give Erling an
+earldom, but Erling spake & said: '"Hersirs" have my kinsmen been and no
+higher title will I have than they; but this will I take from thy hands,
+King, namely that thou makest me to be the greatest in the land of that
+name.' So in accord with this did the King give him his promise, and
+when they parted bestowed on his brother-in-law Erling that land which
+is north of the Sogn-sea and lies eastward as far as Lidandisnes,§ on
+the same pact as Harald Fair-hair had given land to his sons, of which
+an account has been afore writ in fair scrip.
+
+
+ś Then in the autumn after these things had come to pass, the King
+called together a Thing of four counties, & the meeting took place in
+the north, at Stad on Dragseid.
+
+Thither came folk from Sogn, the Firths, South-More and Raumsdal. King
+Olaf himself fared to it with a mighty following of men that he took
+with him from the east of the country, and likewise men who had come to
+him from Rogaland and Hordaland. Then when he was come to the Thing
+offered he to those that were gathered together Christianity even as he
+had done at other places, and forasmuch as he had with him a very great
+host men were afeared of him.
+
+Then did he give them for choice one of two things, either to accept
+Christianity and let themselves be baptized, or to be prepared to do
+battle with him. So the peasants foreseeing no chance of fighting
+against the King save with ill-hap, accepted the first choice he had
+offered them & embraced Christianity. Then fared Olaf with his men to
+North-More, and that country likewise made he Christian; thereafter
+sailed he in to Ladir & caused the temple there to be pulled down & took
+all the adornments & property from the temple and from the god.
+
+A great gold ring which Earl Hakon had caused to be wrought took he
+moreover from the door thereof, & then after he had done these things
+caused he the temple to be burned.
+
+
+ś Now when the peasants came to hear of what the King had done sent they
+war-arrows throughout the countryside, calling out an host & were about
+to rise against the King, but meantime sailed he out of the fjord with
+his men, and thereafter headed northward off-shore. Now it was the
+intent of Olaf to fare north to Halogaland in order thither to bring
+Christianity; but when he was come as far north as to Biarney gat he
+news from Halogaland that they had an host under arms, and were minded
+to defend their land against the King. The chiefs of this host were
+Harek of Tiotta, Thorir Hart of Vogar, and Eyvind Rent-cheek. So Olaf
+learning this, even as aforesaid, turned his ships about & sailed
+southward off the coast. When he was come as far south as to Stad fared
+he more slowly, but nevertheless at the beginning of winter had he
+covered all the distance eastward to Vik.
+
+
+ś Now the Queen of Sweden, whom men called the Haughty, was at that time
+living at one or other of her manors, and betwixt King Olaf and her
+fared there that winter emissaries who sought her hand in the name of
+the King.
+
+Queen Sigrid received the offer in a friendly spirit, and in due time
+was their troth plighted.
+
+King Olaf sent Queen Sigrid the great ring of gold which he had taken
+from off the door of the temple at Ladir, and it was deemed a most noble
+gift.
+
+Now touching the matter of this marriage a meeting was to take place the
+following spring by the Gota river, on the marches of the country.
+
+While this ring which King Olaf had sent to Queen Sigrid was being
+praised so exceedingly were the Queen's smiths, brothers, with her; & it
+befell that they took the ring, and weighed it in their hands, & then
+spake a word together privily. At this the Queen summoned them to her,
+and asked of them why made they such mock of the ring, but they denied
+that they were doing such a thing.
+
+Then said she that she insisted upon knowing what it was they had
+discovered; & thereupon they told her that there was falsehood in the
+ring. Then did the Queen let the ring be broken asunder, and copper was
+found to be inside it.
+
+Thereon was the Queen wroth, and said that Olaf might play her false in
+more things than this one.
+
+
+ś That same winter went King Olaf up into Ringariki and introduced
+Christianity there. Now it had befallen that Asta, the daughter of
+Gudbrand, was speedily wedded after the death of Harald the Grenlander
+to a man named Sigurd Sow,§ who was King of Ringariki. Sigurd was the
+son of Sigurd o' the Copse who again was son to Harald Fair-hair.
+Dwelling with Asta at that time was Olaf her son by Harald the
+Grenlander, for he was being reared at the house of his step-father
+Sigurd Sow. When King Olaf Tryggvason went to Ringariki to introduce
+Christianity, Sigurd let himself be christened together with Asta his
+wife, & Olaf her son,§ & for the latter stood Olaf Tryggvason sponsor;
+the babe was at that time three winters old.
+
+King Olaf then fared southward again to Vik, and abode there the winter,
+& this was the third winter that he was King of Norway.
+
+
+ś Early in the spring fared King Olaf eastward to Konungahella (the
+King's rock) to the tryst with Queen Sigrid, and when they were met,
+talked they one with the other over the matter which had been set afoot
+in the winter, to wit, that they should wed one another.
+
+Right hopeful did the matter seem to them, until King Olaf spake & said
+that Sigrid must accept christening and the true Faith.
+
+Then did the Queen make answer: 'Depart from the faith that I have held
+aforetime, and which my kindred held before me will I never: yet will I
+not account it against thee shouldst thou believe on whatsoever god may
+seem best to thy mind.' Then Olaf waxed exceedingly wroth and made
+answer hastily: 'Heathen as a dog art thou-- why should I wed thee?' and
+smote her in the face with the glove he was holding in his hand.
+
+Then stood he up on his feet & she arose likewise, and Sigrid said,
+'This might be thy undoing.' Thereafter were they parted, the King going
+northward to Vik, and the Queen east to Sweden.
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś Thence King Olaf fared to Tunsberg & having come thither held he a
+Thing and gave out thereat that all men who were known and proven to be
+dealers in witchcraft and spellwork, or were wizards, should depart out
+of the land. Thereafter did the King cause the countryside thereabouts
+be searched for such men, & commanded them to be brought unto him. And
+when they were come to him a man there was among them called Eyvind
+Well-spring, who was the grandson of Rognovald Straight-legs, the son of
+King Harald Fair-hair.
+
+Now Eyvind was a wizard & well versed in witchcraft. King Olaf caused
+all these men to be assembled in a certain hall, which had been made
+ready for them in goodly wise, and therein feasted he them & gave them
+much strong drink, and when they were all drunken caused he the chamber
+to be set on fire. Thus it came about that all the folk who were therein
+were burned except Eyvind Well-spring who saved himself by climbing
+through the smoke-hole.
+
+Eyvind having made off and sped far on his way, fell in with men who
+were going to the King, and he bade these men tell Olaf that he, Eyvind,
+had gotten away from out of the fire, and never again would he come into
+the King's hands; and that moreover would he pursue his arts even as he
+had done before.
+
+When these men were come to King Olaf they told of Eyvind according as
+he had bidden them, and ill-pleased enough was the King that Eyvind was
+not dead.
+
+
+ś When spring was come King Olaf left Vik and went the round of his
+manors, and sent he word throughout Vik that come the summer would he
+call out an host and with it fare northward in the land.
+
+Thereafter went he north (west) to Agdir, and when Lent was drawing to
+an end sailed northward to Rogoland, and arrived on Easter Eve§ at
+Ogvaldsnes in the isle of Kormt, where an Easter festival had been made
+ready for him.
+
+Nigh upon three hundred men had he with him. That same night Eyvind
+Well-spring came unto the isle in a long-ship fully manned, and the crew
+aboard her were all wizards and other folk versed in magic. Eyvind and
+his band went up ashore from their ship and set to work on their
+wizardry. Such thick fog & darkness did Eyvind bring about that deemed
+he it would be impossible for the King and his folk to see them; but no
+sooner were they come nigh to the house at Ogvaldsnes than lo! it there
+became broad daylight. Mightily different was this from the desire that
+Eyvind had conceived, for the darkness which he had wrought by magic
+enveloped him and his folk so that never a bit more could they see with
+their eyes than with the napes of their necks, and even round and round
+went they in a ring.
+
+Now the King's watchmen saw the wizards as they were moving about, and
+not knowing what kind of men they might be had the King aroused, and the
+King & his men got up and clad themselves. When King Olaf saw Eyvind &
+his folk, bade he his men take their arms and go out to discover what
+manner of men might these be. Now the King's folk recognizing Eyvind
+laid hands on him and the whole band, and brought them into the presence
+of the King.
+
+Then did Eyvind relate all that had befallen him on his journey.
+
+The King thereafter had them all taken out to a rock which was covered
+by the sea at high-tide and there let them be bound. Thus Eyvind & the
+others came by their end. Afterwards was that rock called Skrattasker.
+
+
+ś Now it is told that while the King was on this visit at Ogvaldsnes
+that there came thither one evening an old man; he was one-eyed and wore
+a slouch hat, but very wise was he in his speech and of all lands could
+he tell.
+
+This man managed to have speech of the King, & the King found much
+entertainment in his conversation and questioned him closely on many
+subjects, & the guest made ready answer to all that he asked him,
+wherefore sat the King till late in the night conversing with him.
+
+The King asked if he wotted who Ogvald was, whom the ness & homesteads
+were named after, & the guest answered that Ogvald was a king and a
+great warrior who made sacrifice above all to a cow, and took the cow
+with him whithersoever he went, for wholesome did he deem it to drink
+ever of her milk. King Ogvald fought with that King who is hight Varin,
+& fell in the combat. He was buried in a barrow not far from the house,
+and a stone was set up which is still standing. In a place not far from
+thence was the cow buried, likewise in a barrow. Such things as this
+told he of kings; and other ancient tidings withal. Now after they had
+sat thus till late in the night, the bishop reminded the King that it
+was time for them to rest, & the King did according as the bishop had
+said. But when the King was unclad and had laid him in his bed, the
+guest sat himself on the step thereof, and again talked for long with
+the King; and ever when he had told of one matter did the King long for
+more. Then spake the bishop to the King saying that it was time for
+sleep, and the King settled himself for sleep according as the bishop
+had said & the guest gat him gone, but soon thereafter the King
+awakened, and asked after his guest, & bade him be called unto him, but
+nowhere was the guest to be found. On the morrow early the King summoned
+his cook to him and he who had charge of the drink withal, and asked
+them if any unknown man had come in to them; & they answered that as
+they were making ready the food a man had come to them & said that they
+were boiling but scurvy meat for the King's table, & therewith he gave
+them two mighty fat sides of neat & these they boiled with the other
+flesh. Then commanded the King that all that food should be destroyed,
+saying that this had not been any man but rather Odin himself, whom
+heathen men had long believed on, but, said he, never should Odin
+beguile them.[§]
+
+
+ś Now when summer was come called King Olaf together a large host from
+the east of the country and with it sailed he northward to Throndhjem,
+going in first to Nidaros. Thereafter sent he round the whole of the
+fjord bidding men assemble at a Thing, and there gathered at Frosta a
+Thing of eight counties.
+
+Now the peasants, be it said, had turned this Thing summons into a
+war-arrow,[§] and to the assembly came men from the whole of the
+district of Throndhjem, so that when the King arrived at the Thing,
+thither likewise was come the peasant host fully armed.
+
+The Thing being established, the King addressed the people and bade them
+accept Christianity, but when he had been speaking but a little while
+the peasants called out to him, & bade him be silent or otherwise, said
+they, would they rise against him and drive him away. 'Thus did we,'
+said they, 'with Hakon Adalstein's foster-son when he commanded a thing
+of the kind, and hold we thee in no more respect than held we him.'
+
+Then did King Olaf seeing the ire of the peasants, and moreover knowing
+full well that they had so large an host, change his manner of address
+and made as if he were agreed with them and spake to them thus: 'It is
+my wish that we should be friends again, in such good accord as we were
+aforetime.
+
+Thither will I go wheresoever ye hold your greatest blood-offering, &
+witness your worship; then will we all take counsel together as to what
+manner of worship we will have, and be then all of one mind thereon.'
+Now when the King spake thus mildly to the peasants, grew they softened
+in temper, and all the converse went peaceably and in seemly fashion,
+and at the end was it determined that there should be a midsummer
+sacrifice at Maerin, and that thither all the chiefs and wealthy
+peasants should go as the custom was, and that thither likewise King
+Olaf was to go.
+
+
+ś Now there was a certain wealthy yeoman whose name was Skeggi (Iron
+Beard, called they him) who dwelt at Uphaug in Yriar, and he it was who
+first spake up against the King at the Thing, and the cause thereof was
+because he was the spokesman of the peasantry against Christianity. But
+in the manner aforesaid was the Thing brought to an end, and the
+peasants went to their homes, and the King across to Ladir.
+
+
+ś At this time was King Olaf lying with his ships in the Nid (thirty
+ships had he, and his folk were of great prowess) but the King himself
+was ofttimes at Ladir, being kept company by his body-guard.
+
+Now when the time appointed for the blood-offering at Maerin was drawing
+nigh held King Olaf a mighty feast at Ladir; thither there came to it
+chieftains and other wealthy peasants from Strind & from places up in
+Gauldal, in accordance with the bidding of King Olaf. When all things
+were ready and the guests come, there was held on the first evening a
+large banquet, and the cups thereat were often charged & men became
+drunk; that night slept all men there in peace. On the morrow early,
+after the King was clad, ordered he Mass to be said, and when the Mass
+was ended his men sounded their horns for a house-Thing, and the Thing
+being established rose the King to his feet and spake, saying: 'A Thing
+held we at Frosta, and thereat I bade the peasantry let themselves be
+christened; but they in their turn bade me attend a blood-offering with
+them, even as the foster-son to King Hakon Adalstein had attended one.
+And there was accord betwixt us inasmuch as it was determined that we
+should meet at Maerin & make a great blood-offering.
+
+But if I am to turn to sacrificing with you, then will I cause to be
+made the greatest sacrifice that can be, namely, the sacrifice of men.
+Nor will I choose as gifts for the gods thralls and evil-doers, but the
+noblest men, and by this token name I Orm Lygra of Medalhus, Styrkar of
+Gimsar, Kar of Gryting, Asbiorn Thorbergson of Varnes, Orm of Lyxa, and
+Haldor of Skerdingsted.' Added to these named he five other men who were
+of the noblest there; all these, said he, should be sacrificed for peace
+and a good year, & he commanded that they should be seized forthwith.
+
+Then the peasants seeing that they were not numerous enough to withstand
+the King begged for grace and gave the whole matter into his hands,
+whereupon it was agreed that all those who were come thither should let
+themselves be baptized, & swear an oath unto the King to hold fast the
+true Faith, and have naught further to do with sacrificing.
+
+All these men kept the King at his feast until they gave their sons or
+brothers or other near kin to be hostages.
+
+
+ś Then fared King Olaf with all his men in to Throndhjem; and when he
+was come to Maerin found he there assembled all the chiefs that were of
+Throndhjem; those who were most zealous to withstand the Christian
+faith. With them were all the wealthy yeomen who had hitherto upheld
+blood-offerings in this place, a right goodly gathering of men, even as
+it had been aforetime at the Frosta-Thing.
+
+The King having required that the Thing should meet, both sides betook
+themselves to it, and they were fully armed. Then when the Thing was
+established the King spake and offered the men Christianity, &
+Iron-Beard answered on behalf of the peasants and said that now even as
+before would they not suffer the King to break their laws: 'We desire,
+King, that thou makest sacrifice, even as other kings in the land have
+done before thee.' Greatly was this speaking applauded by the peasants,
+& they shouted that everything must be according unto the words of
+Skeggi. Then made the King answer that he would go to the temple and
+witness their worship when they were sacrificing, and at this were the
+peasants well pleased, and both sides betook themselves thither
+accordingly.
+
+
+ś Now with King Olaf when he entered into the temple were a certain few
+of his men & a certain few of the peasants. When the King was come unto
+the place of the gods where sat Thor, all adorned with gold and silver,
+then did King Olaf lift up a gold-wrought pike which he had in his hand
+and smote Thor so that he fell from off his altar, & thereupon the
+King's men ran up & cast down all the other gods from their altars.
+While they were within the temple was Iron-Beard slain before the
+entrance-door thereof, and this deed was done by the men of the King.
+Then when the King came forth again to his folk, bade he the peasants
+choose one of two conditions: and these twain conditions were either
+that they should accept the Faith of Christ, or in default thereof do
+battle with him. Now Iron-Beard having been slain was there no man to
+raise the banner against the King, so then was that condition accepted
+which meant going over unto the King & doing that which he had
+commanded.
+
+Then caused King Olaf all the folk who were present to be baptized, and
+from them took hostages that they would cleave to the new faith that was
+given them.
+
+Thereafter sent the King his men round to all the different parts of
+Throndhjem, and durst no man utter a word against the faith of Christ.
+
+
+ś Then went King Olaf with his men to Nidaros, and on the banks of the
+river Nid caused houses to be built, and appointed that on the spot
+should arise a merchant-town. He gave men sites on which to build them
+houses, & his own King's-House built he above Scipa-Krok.§
+
+In the autumn caused he to be brought thither such goods as were
+necessary for a sojourn there during the wintertide; and with him were a
+great company of men.
+
+
+ś After the death of Iron-Beard was his body borne out to Yriar; and he
+lies in the Skeggi barrow at Austratt.§
+
+King Olaf summoned a meeting of the kith of Iron-Beard and forasmuch as
+his folk had slain this man offered he to pay atonement for the deed,
+but there were many brave men to make answer on behalf of Iron-Beard.
+
+Now Iron-Beard had a daughter whose name was Gudrun, and in the end was
+it agreed betwixt those concerned that the King should wed this Gudrun.
+When the marriage time was come went they both of them into one bed,
+King Olaf and Gudrun, and the first night as they were lying together no
+sooner had the King fallen asleep than Gudrun drew forth a knife, and
+was about to thrust it into the King, when he awoke and wresting the
+knife from her cried out to his men to tell them what had befallen.
+Gudrun & all the men who had accompanied her then took their apparel and
+gat them gone in haste; & never afterwards did Gudrun lie in the same
+bed with King Olaf.
+
+
+ś That same autumn King Olaf caused a great long-ship to be built on the
+sands at the mouth of the Nid; a cutter was she, and at work on the
+building thereof were many smiths.
+
+At the beginning of winter she was completed, and there were in her
+thirty holds, & the prow and stern were lofty withal, yet was she not
+broad of beam. That ship called he the 'Crane.'
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś Now when King Olaf had been two winters in Norway there came to dwell
+with him a Saxon priest whose name was Thangbrand; violent was he &
+murderous, but a goodly clerk withal and an active man. So headstrong
+was he, howsoever, that the King would not keep him with him, but sent
+him to Iceland to make that country Christian.
+
+Thangbrand was given a merchant ship, & of his voyage it may be related
+that he fared to Iceland, and reached the eastern fjords in southern
+Alptafjord, & the winter thereafter abode with Hall at Sida. Thangbrand
+preached Christianity in the islands and Hall and his folk and many
+other chiefs let themselves be baptized according to his word; but there
+were many others who spake against the new faith. Thorvald and Vetrlidi
+the skald made lampoons about Thangbrand, but he slew them both.
+Thangbrand abode three winters in Iceland, and was the slayer of three
+men or ever he departed thence.
+
+
+ś A certain man was there named Sigurd & another who was called Hawk;
+they were Halogalanders, and oft-times made voyages for the conveyance
+of merchandise.
+
+One summer fared they to England. When they were returned to Norway
+sailed they northward along the coast, & in North More fell in with the
+fleet of King Olaf.
+
+Now when the King was told that some heathen men, skippers, from
+Halogaland were there, summoned he them to him & asked them if they
+would allow themselves to be baptized, and thereto answered they nay.
+Thereafter did the King talk to them after diverse fashions, but it
+availed nothing; then he vowed that death or maiming should be their
+lot, but they obeyed him none the more for that. Then did he cause them
+to be put in irons, and kept them in durance for a while, and in fetters
+were they, and the King talked often with them, but naught prevailed.
+
+Then one night made they off, and no one knew anything about them, or in
+what manner they had gotten away; but in the autumn were they arrived
+north, at Harek of Tiotta's, and right welcome were they made.
+
+There dwelt they throughout the winter & were well entertained in all
+fairness & hospitality.
+
+
+ś One fair day in spring it befell that Harek was at home on his farm
+and with him were but few men. Now the time hung heavy on his hands, and
+Sigurd spake to him & asked if they should not row out a little way, and
+so pass the time, and this liked Harek well. So betook they themselves
+to the shore, and did hale down a six-oared boat, & Sigurd from the
+boat-house fetched him a sail and the gear appertaining to the boat, and
+moreover shipped he the rudder. Sigurd and his brother were fully armed,
+as was their wont to be when they were at home with the goodman, and the
+twain were strong men.
+
+Now or ever they gat them into the boat did they throw into it some
+boxes of butter and a basket of bread, and between them bare they a
+large cask of ale down to the craft. This done did they all row from
+land, & having come away from the island hoist the sail, & Harek did
+steer, & away bore they speedily from the island.
+
+Then did the brothers go astern to where Harek was sitting. Saith Sigurd
+to Harek the yeoman: 'Choose thou now betwixt several things: one of
+them is to let us brothers have the upper hand on this cruise, & another
+is to let us bind thee, & the third is that we can slay thee.' Then
+Harek seeing in what a plight he was, inasmuch as he could not measure
+strength with more than one of the brothers even were he and they
+matched as to arms, chose what seemed to him the best of a poor business
+which was to let them do as pleased the twain.
+
+So swore he to them an oath and on that gave them a promise, and after
+that Sigurd was possessed of the tiller and did steer south along the
+coast on a fair breeze, and withal of a mighty care were the brothers
+not to fall in with other craft. They paused not on their cruise ere
+they came to Throndhjem and to Nidaros, and at that last place found
+they King Olaf. Then did the King summon Harek to talk with him, and
+thereupon offered him that he should embrace the good faith of Christ,
+but Harek would have naught of it. On this matter spake for many days
+the King and Harek, sometimes in the presence of many men, sometimes
+alone; but never were they come of one mind.
+
+So at the last said the King to Harek: 'Home shalt thou go, and on these
+counts no harm will I do thee at present: firstly seeing that there is
+kinship betwixt us, and again lest thou mightest say that I had gotten
+thee by guile, but know ye of a truth that I be minded to come north in
+the summertime, & visit distress on ye Halogalanders, and then shall ye
+wot if I can chastise those which accept not the faith which is of
+Christ.'
+
+Right pleased was Harek that he could get away from thence so speedily;
+to him gave King Olaf a good ship rowing ten or twelve oars a side, and
+caused it to be well found with all things needful & of the best; thirty
+men did he send forth with Harek, stout fellows & all equipped of the
+best.
+
+
+ś Thus Harek of Tiotta sped from the town with all the haste that might
+be, whereas Hawk and Sigurd remained with the King, and the twain were
+both baptized.
+
+Harek continued on his way until he was come home to Tiotta, & from
+thence sent he word to his friend Eyvind Rent-cheek that Harek of Tiotta
+had spoken with King Olaf, but had not let himself be cowed into
+accepting the new God; & moreover Harek caused Eyvind to be told that
+King Olaf was minded to bring an host against them come summer-tide &
+that they must act warily, and Harek bade Eyvind come to him as soon as
+ever might be. When this message was brought to Eyvind, quoth he that it
+behoved them greatly to take such steps as would prevent the King from
+getting the upper hand of them, and he hied him away with all speed in a
+light skiff with but few men aboard it.
+
+When he was arrived at Tiotta Harek bade him welcome, and straightway
+went they, Harek and Eyvind, to talk together on the other side of the
+house-yard, but hardly had they speech of one another than they were
+fallen on by men of King Olaf, for so it was that these men had followed
+Harek northward. Eyvind was taken captive and led to their ship, and
+thereafter fared they away with him, and no pause did they make in their
+voyage or ever they were come to Throndhjem to find King Olaf in
+Nidaros. Eyvind was then haled before the King who offered him baptism
+in like manner as he had offered other men baptism, but to this Eyvind
+answered, 'Nay.'
+
+Then with fair words the King bade him be baptized and gave him many
+good reasons therefor, & the Bishop spake after the same fashion as the
+King, none the less would Eyvind in no wise suffer himself to be
+persuaded. Then did the King offer him gifts, and the dues and rights of
+broad lands, but Eyvind put all these away from him. Then did the King
+threaten him with torture even unto death, but never did Eyvind weaken
+his resistance. Thereafter caused the King to be brought in a bowl
+filled with glowing coals, and had it set on the belly of Eyvind, and
+not long was it ere his belly burst asunder.
+
+Then spake Eyvind: 'Take away the bowl from off me for I would fain
+speak some words before I die,' and accordingly it was done.
+
+Then the King asked: 'Wilt thou now, Eyvind, believe on Christ?' 'No,'
+answered he. 'I am not such as can be baptized, I am a spirit quickened
+in the human body by the magic of the Lapps for before that had my
+father and mother never a child.' Then died Eyvind who was the most
+skilled of wizards.
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś In the spring which followed on these happenings did King Olaf cause
+his ships and men to be made ready for war, taking for his own ship the
+'Crane,' and there was mustered a large and goodly host.
+
+All things being now ready shaped he a course from out the fjord, and
+bringing his fleet north past Byrda fared northward to Halogaland.
+Wheresoever he landed, summoned he a Thing, & at it offered the people
+baptism in the true Faith. Now against this had no man the boldness to
+speak, therefore came it to pass that whithersoever he fared were all
+that were of those lands baptized. King Olaf visited Tiotta and was the
+guest of Harek, who was baptized at that hour together with all the folk
+that were about him.
+
+When the King departed thence Harek bestowed on him great gifts and
+became his man, and from the King received the dignity of bailiff with
+the dues and rights appertaining unto a lord of the land.
+
+
+ś Raud the Strong was the name of a peasant who abode at Godey in that
+fjord which is named Salpti (Salten).
+
+Raud was a man of much wealth and at his beck were many house-carles;
+a powerful man was he withal, for a large company of Lapps were ready to
+follow him to war whensoever he needed them.
+
+Raud was zealous as a maker of blood-offerings, and skilled also in
+witchcraft; even so was he furthermore a warm friend to that man about
+whom it has been writ before, to wit, Thorir Hart, & even like unto him
+was he also a mighty chief.
+
+Now when it came to the ears of these men that Olaf was abroad with an
+host northward even in Halogaland, they too their men mustered,
+launching out ships, and assembling an host. To Raud appertained a great
+dragon-ship with golden heads thereto, a ship of thirty benches, and
+broad was she of beam for her length, and had likewise Thorir Hart also
+a ship of good size.
+
+Southward sailed they their fleet purposing to meet King Olaf, and when
+they were fallen in with him gave they battle, and fierce was the fight
+thereof. Soon men began to fall plenteously, but so much the more was
+this the case among the host of the Halogalanders; their ships were
+cleared and thereupon came fear & terror over them, & Raud rowed his
+dragon out to sea and hoisted the sail thereof. A breeze had he wherever
+he was minded to go, and this came of his powers of magic; but to cut
+short the tale of the cruise of Raud is briefly to relate that home
+sailed he even unto Godey. For land made Thorir Hart in all haste and
+his folk fled their ships, but King Olaf pursued after them & put them
+to the sword. Moreover then as ever when such doings were afoot was the
+King himself foremost among his men.
+
+He saw whither Thorir ran (and Thorir was exceeding fleet of foot) and
+thither went the King after him, followed by his dog Vigi. And the King
+called out: 'Vigi, catch the hart,' and Vigi sprang ahead after Thorir
+and straightway leapt up at him.
+
+Then Thorir had perforce to stop and the King threw a javelin after him,
+but Thorir struck the dog with his sword & wounded it sore, and at the
+same moment the King's javelin flew under Thorir's hand and went through
+him & out at the other side, and thus ended Thorir his life; but Vigi
+was borne wounded to the ships.
+
+To all those who asked it and were willing to accept baptism gave King
+Olaf quarter.
+
+
+ś Thence sailed King Olaf with his host northward along the coast,
+baptizing all folk withersoever he went, & being come north to Salpti
+was he minded to go up the fjord & seek Raud. Foul weather howsoever set
+in with a gale blowing fiercely down the fjord, and though the King lay
+there nigh upon a week the same wind blew ever the while from the land,
+though without the fjord was there a fresh and favourable breeze for to
+sail north along the coast.
+
+Therefore it came to pass that the King set sail and fared all the way
+northward to Amd, and there the folk became Christians.
+
+After that went he about, and when he was come south again to Salpti he
+found a gale blowing down the fjord and driving spray into his
+countenance.
+
+There lay the King even a few more nights, but the weather waxing no
+better inquired he then of Bishop Sigurd whether or not he wotted of
+some remedy against the fiendcraft.
+
+
+ś So thereupon took Bishop Sigurd all the appurtenances that belonged
+unto the Holy Mass, and walked he forward therewith even to the prow of
+the King's ship. There was a candle lit & was incense carried forward &
+thereafter was ye Holy Rood set at the prow.
+
+The gospel was read and also many prayers, and the Bishop sprinkled holy
+water over the whole of the ship. Thereafter bade he the crew unship the
+tilts and row up the fjord, and the King commanded that the other ships
+should row after them.
+
+No sooner had the crew of the 'Crane' fallen to their oars, & she the
+ship was set well up to the fjord, than felt they that there was no more
+wind against them, & in her wake was free sea and calm; but on both
+sides of her flew the spray & it drave so that no man could perceive the
+mountains on either side of the fjord. So it fared that one ship rowed
+after the other in the calm, and thus pursued they one another the whole
+livelong day, & throughout the night thereafter; and a little before
+dawn came they to Godey, and brought-to off the house of Raud, and there
+found his great dragon lying off-shore.
+
+Forthwith went King Olaf to the house with his men and made for the
+upper chamber wherein Raud was sleeping, and his folk burst open the
+door and ran in.
+
+Then was Raud taken and bound, but of the other men who were therein
+some were killed & others taken prisoners. Thereafter the King's men
+went to the room wherein slept the house-carles of Raud, and some of
+them were then slain and some bound & some beaten. Then caused the King
+Raud to be led before him & offered him baptism. 'Take from thee thy
+possessions I then will not,' quoth the King, 'but will the rather be
+thy friend, an thou wilt show thyself worthy of my friendship.' Against
+this did Raud loudly raise his voice, saying that never would he believe
+on Christ, and blaspheming God.
+
+Then did the King wax wroth, and swore that Raud should suffer the worst
+of deaths, and the King commanded that he be taken and bound with his
+back to a pole and that a bit of wood be placed betwixt his teeth so
+that his mouth might be open, and caused an adder to be taken and set in
+his mouth, but the adder would in no wise enter therein but writhed away
+when Raud blew upon it. Then did the King cause the adder to be taken &
+put in a hollow stick of angelica and set in the mouth of Raud (albeit
+some say that the King let his horn be taken & put into the mouth of
+Raud, and that the adder was placed in this and pushed down with a
+red-hot rod of iron), and then the adder slid into the mouth of Raud,
+and thereafter down his throat, and cut its way out through his side.
+After this manner ended the life of Raud. Then did the King take thence
+very great wealth in gold & silver and other chattels, weapons, & divers
+kinds of valuable things. The King caused all the fellows that had been
+with Raud to be baptized save those who, not suffering this, were slain
+or tortured. Then King Olaf took the dragon that had pertained unto Raud
+and himself was her steersman, and a much larger and finer ship was she
+than the 'Crane': forward she was fashioned with a dragon's head and aft
+with a crook§ ending in like manner as the tail of a dragon, & both the
+prow & the whole of the stern were overlaid with gold. Now the King
+called this ship the 'Serpent,' for when the sail was hoisted aloft was
+it like unto the wings of a dragon, and this was the fairest ship in all
+Norway.
+
+The islands whereon Raud had lived were called Gilling and Haering, but
+together were they styled Godey, & the Godey current (Godöström) lies
+over to the north, betwixt them and the mainland. All that lived around
+this fjord did King Olaf convert unto Christianity, and then went he
+southward along the coast, and there happened much on that cruise which
+is set forth in many legends about a giant and evil spirits which
+attacked his men & sometimes himself, but rather will we write of facts
+even such as the conversion of Norway & of those other lands whither he
+bore Christianity. That same autumn did the King lead his host to
+Throndhjem, bringing-to at Nidaros, and there making ready for a winter
+sojourn.
+
+
+ś And now will I next write what there is to tell of the men of Iceland.
+
+
+ś That same autumn there came to Nidaros from Iceland Kiartan, the son
+of Olaf Hoskuldson and the grandson, on his mother's side, of Eigil
+Skallagrimson, who hath been called the likeliest man of those born in
+Iceland.
+
+There was also Halldor the son of Gudmund of Modruvellir, and Kolbein
+the son of Thord Frey's-priest, the brother of Burning-Flosi, and
+fourthly Sverting the son of Runolf the Priest.
+
+These were all heathen, as were many others: some powerful, and others
+not so powerful.
+
+There came also from Iceland noble men who had accepted the true Faith
+from Thangbrand, and one that was of these was Gizur the White, the son
+of Teit Ketilbiarnson, whose mother was Alof, the daughter of Bodvar
+Viking-Karason the 'hersir.' Bodvar's brother was Sigurd the father of
+Eirik Biodaskalli, the father of Astrid, who was the mother of King
+Olaf. Another Icelander was named Hialti Skeggiason, and he had to wife
+Vilborg the daughter of Gizur the White; Hialti was a Christian, and
+King Olaf received with pleasure Gizur and his son-in-law Hialti, and
+with the King did they abide. Those of the Icelanders, however, who were
+captains of the ships and were heathens to boot, sought to sail away
+even so soon as the King was come to town, for it was told them that the
+King constrained all men to embrace the faith of Christ. It so befell
+natheless that the wind was set against them, & drave them back off
+Nidarholm. The captains of the ships were hight Thorarin Nefiolfson,
+Hallfrod the Skald, the son of Ottar, Brand the Bountiful and Thorleik
+Brandson. Now it being told to King Olaf that some of the Icelanders,
+and they heathens, were hard by with their ships and were about to flee
+the town, he sent to them and forbade them to sail, but commanded them
+instead to come and lie off the town, and this they did but unloaded not
+their ships.
+
+
+ś Then came the holy season of Michaelmas,§ and the King caused the
+feast to be well kept and a solemn Mass was said. Thereat were the
+Icelanders witnesses and hearkened to the fair singing and the ringing
+of bells.
+
+When they were come back to their ships each of them said what he had
+thought of the Christian men's ways & Kiartan praised them, but most of
+the others mocked at them, & it befell that the King heard of this, for
+as the saying goes, 'many are the King's ears.' Then forthwith that
+self-same day sent he an emissary to Kiartan, and bade him come unto
+him, & Kiartan went unto him with but few men, and the King bade him
+welcome. Now Kiartan was one of the biggest and fairest of men, with a
+great gift of speech. When they had parleyed a while did the King make
+proffer to Kiartan that he should embrace the true Faith, and Kiartan
+made answer unto him that he would not say nay to this if he might thus
+gain the friendship of the King, whereupon swore the King to him &
+pledged him his hearty friendship, & after this fashion was a compact
+struck between them. On the morrow was Kiartan baptized, and with him
+Bolli Thorleikson his kinsman, and all their fellows.
+
+Kiartan and Bolli were the guests of the King as long as they went in
+white weeds,§ and the King was of kindly countenance toward them.
+
+
+ś It befell one day that King Olaf was walking in the street when some
+men came toward him, and he who was walking foremost greeted the King.
+
+The King asked of the man his name, and the latter said he was hight
+Hallfrod.
+
+Then said the King, 'Art thou a skald?' 'I can make verses,' said he.
+Then the King answered: 'Thou wilt accept baptism as I trow and
+thereafter be my man?'
+
+Quoth Hallfrod: 'There must be a bargain on that matter if I am to
+suffer myself to be baptized, to wit, that thou, King, holdest me
+thyself at the font, for from no man else will I take it.' 'So be it,'
+said the King, & so Hallfrod was baptized and the King held him himself
+at the font. Thereafter the King asked Hallfrod: 'Wilt thou be my man?'
+& Hallfrod made answer: 'I was of Earl Hakon's body-guard; and now will
+I not be the liege-man of thee or of any other chief unless thou givest
+me thy word that such a thing shall never befall as that thou shouldst
+drive me away from thee.'
+
+'From all that is told me of thee, Hallfrod,' said the King, 'thou art
+neither so wise nor so meek but that thou mightest not do a thing which
+I could in no wise suffer.'
+
+'Slay me then,' said Hallfrod. The King said, 'Thou art a troublesome
+skald, but my man shalt thou be all the same.' Hallfrod answered: 'What
+wilt thou give me, King, as a name-gift if I am to be called
+"Troublous-Skald"?' Then did the King give him a sword, but it had no
+scabbard; and the King said, 'Make now a stave about the sword, & let
+"sword" be in every line.' Hallfrod sang:
+
+  'One sword alone of all swords
+  Hath made me now sword-wealthy;
+  For the swinger of swords
+  Will there now be swords in plenty.
+  No lack of swords will there be,
+  --Worthy of three swords am I--
+  Lord of the land were but
+  The sheath of that sword to be mine.'
+
+'There is not sword in every line,' quoth the King. Then answered
+Hallfrod: 'But there are three in one line.' 'So be it,' said the King.
+Then did the King give him the scabbard. Now from that which is told in
+the lays of Hallfrod have we much knowledge & testimony concerning King
+Olaf Tryggvason.
+
+
+ś That same autumn came back Thangbrand the priest from Iceland to King
+Olaf and related to him how that his journey had borne no fruit, 'for,'
+said he, 'the Icelanders made lampoons about me and some wished to slay
+me, and to my mind it cannot be expected that that country will ever be
+made Christian.'
+
+At these words King Olaf waxed so hasty and wrathful that he summoned to
+him forthwith all the Icelanders in the town, and commanded that
+self-same hour that they should all be slain; but Kiartan and Gissur and
+Hialti and those that were of them who had made profession of the faith
+of Christ entered into his presence & said: 'We trow, O King, that thou
+wilt not go from thy word, for thou hast said that no man may make thee
+so wrathful but shall he have thy forgiveness an he will be baptized and
+abjure heathendom. Now will all the Icelanders who are here suffer
+themselves to be baptized, & we can well devise a means whereby
+Christianity may gain an entrance into Iceland. The sons of many mighty
+men of Iceland are here present, & their fathers will, we trow, lend
+their aid in this matter. But Thangbrand there, as here, ever went about
+masterful and manslaying, and the people there would not endure it of
+him.' Now the King lent an ear to these speeches, and all the men of
+Iceland who were there were baptized.
+
+
+ś Of all men of Norway of whom record hath come down to us was King Olaf
+in every wise the one most skilful in manly exercises; stronger was he &
+more active than any other man, and many are the tales that have been
+written on this matter. One of these recounts how that he climbed the
+Smalshorn, and made fast his shield on the topmost peak; and another is
+of how he brought succour to one of his own body-guard who had climbed
+aforehand up the mountain and was come into such a plight that he could
+neither get up nor down, so that the King helped him by going unto him &
+bearing him down under his arm to the level land. King Olaf would walk
+from oar to oar, on the outer side of the ship while his men were rowing
+the 'Serpent', and with such ease could he play with three daggers that
+one was ever in the air and always caught he it by the hilt; with either
+hand could he strike equally well, and two javelins could he throw at
+one time. Of all men was King Olaf the lightest-hearted & of a very
+merry disposition; kindly was he withal & lowly-hearted; very eager in
+all enterprises, great in his bounty, & the foremost among those who
+surrounded him. Above all others was he brave in battle, but very grim
+when he was angered, and on his foes laid he heavy penalties; some he
+with fire burned, some maimed he & caused to be cast down from high
+rocks. For these things was he beloved by his friends, but dreaded by
+his foes; his furtherance was manifold for the reason that some did his
+will from love and friendship, and others again from fear.
+
+
+ś Leif, the son of Eirik the Red, he that was the first to settle in
+Greenland, came even that summer over from that land unto Norway; and
+King Olaf sought he and from him accepted Christianity, & abode even
+with King Olaf the winter thereafter.
+
+
+ś Now it came to pass that Gudrod, he that was the son of Eirik
+Blood-axe and Gunnhild, had over in the lands to the west done
+whatsoever he listed and broken the laws of God and of man ever since
+that time when fled he from his own country before the face of Earl
+Hakon. But in this summer, of the which somewhat has already been writ,
+even at the time when Olaf Tryggvason had held sway for four winters
+over Norway, came Gudrod to Norway with many ships of war, thither
+having sailed from England. When he deemed himself to be nigh to Norway,
+turned he his course southward along the coast where he bethought him
+that he might least chance to fall in with King Olaf and thus sailed he
+to Vik.
+
+Hardly was he come ashore than began he to plunder the people and bring
+them into subjection under himself, and of them demanded that they
+should take him as their King. And when the country-folk saw that a
+warlike host was come upon them craved they ever for grace and peace, &
+said to the King that they would send the summons for a Thing throughout
+the district, and were willing to submit to him rather than suffer at
+the hands of this his host, & it was agreed that there should be a truce
+even for so long a space as sat the Thing. Then did the King demand of
+them that they should provide provender for his men so long as they were
+waiting for the meeting of the Thing; but the yeomen chose rather that
+the King and his followers should be their guests for all the time he
+might need to be so, & the King agreed even to this, that should he
+travel that country through with some of the men that were with him and
+they the guests of the yeomen, ever the while others kept guard over his
+ships. But when the brothers-in-law of King Olaf, even the brothers
+Hyrning & Thorgeir learned of these happenings furnished they folk &
+gathered to themselves ships and sailed northward (west) in Vik, and by
+night were come to the place where lodged King Gudrod, & there fell they
+upon him and upon his men with fire and sword. So fell King Gudrod and
+the greater number of his men; while of those that abode on the ships
+were some slain but others escaped and fled far and wide. And this
+Gudrod was the last of all the sons of Eirik and Gunnhild; all were now
+dead.
+
+
+ś The winter after that King Olaf was come from Halogaland, caused he to
+be built under the cliffs at Ladir a great ship: a ship far mightier
+than any other ship of that land, and the stocks whereon she was built
+are still to be seen.
+
+Of this ship was Thorberg the master-smith, but with him were many
+others at work, some felling trees, some shaping them, some hammering
+nails, & some carrying timber. All the material was of the choicest, and
+the ship was both long and broad, built with great beams, and the
+bulwarks thereof were high. Now when the outer sheathing was being put
+on, some errand of necessity carried Thorberg thence unto his homestead,
+and there he tarried a great while.
+
+When he came back the ship was fully sheathed, and the King went in the
+evening, and Thorberg with him, even to see how all things had been
+done; and men said never before had been seen a long-ship so big or so
+fine.
+
+Then went the King back even unto his town, but early on the morrow came
+he once more to his ship and Thorberg accompanied him, and they found
+that the smiths were gone forward, standing there, all of them, without
+working. The King asked wherefore were they doing nothing, & they made
+answer that the ship had been spoiled; that a man must have gone from
+stem to stern hacking her with an axe even the whole length of the
+gunwale.
+
+Then went the King and witnessed with his own eyes the truth thereof,
+and straightway said he, & sware thereon, that die should that man once
+the King wot whosoever he was who from envy had spoiled the ship, 'but
+he who can tell me this thing shall have great reward.' Then said
+Thorberg, 'I can tell thee, King, who it is that hath wrought this.'
+'I cannot indeed expect of another that he should so well as thee get to
+wot of this matter & tell me thereof.' 'I will tell thee, King,' quoth
+he, 'who hath done it: I did it.'
+
+Then answered the King, 'thou shalt make it good, so that all shall be
+as well as it was before; and thy life shall be on it.'
+
+Thereafter went Thorberg to the ship and chopped the gunwale in such
+wise that all the notches were pared away, and the King said then, and
+all the others likewise, that now the ship was even so goodlier by far
+on that side on which Thorberg had cut the notches. So then the King
+bade him fashion both sides alike, & gave him land even for so doing,
+and thus was Thorberg master-smith on the ship, even until she was
+finished. A dragon-ship was she & wrought after the same fashion as the
+'Serpent' which the King had brought with him from Halogaland; but was
+the new ship much larger in all respects, built with the greater care,
+& called he her the 'Long Serpent,' and the other the 'Short Serpent.'
+On the 'Long Serpent' were there four-and-thirty benches of oars. Dight
+were her head and the crook all over with gold, and the bulwarks thereof
+were as high as on sea-faring ships. This was the ship which was ye best
+equipped, and the cost thereof was the most money of any ship that ever
+hath been built in Norway.
+
+
+ś Now after the death of Earl Hakon, did Earl Eirik Hakonson and his
+brothers, & many others of their kinsmen depart out of the country.
+
+Earl Eirik went east to Sweden, and he and his men were well received by
+King Olaf, the King of the Swedes, who bestowed sanctuary on the Earl
+and great grants withal, so that in the land could he well maintain
+himself and his men. Of this speaketh Thord Kolbeinson:
+
+  'Foeman of robbers! Swiftly can fate effect change
+  Brief space ere the treason of men did Hakon to death,
+  And to the land that erewhile in fight had that warrior conquered
+  Came now the son of Tryggvi when fared he from the west.'
+
+
+ś From Norway passed many men over unto Earl Eirik, to wit, all those
+that King Olaf had caused to flee the land; and as the outcome thereof
+did Eirik think good to procure himself ships & to go plundering so that
+he might get wealth for himself and for his men. First sailed Eirik to
+Gotland, and lay off that island a long time in summer-tide & waylaid he
+viking craft or merchant-ships even as they were sailing to land, and
+when he listed went he ashore and harried far and wide in the parts
+bordering on the sea. Thus in the Banda lay it is said:
+
+  'In spear-storms many was the Earl thereafter victor:
+  And did we not learn aforetime
+  That Eirik won the land?
+  In those days when the chiefs on Gotland's shores went warring,
+  Doughty, and peace-making by their might.
+  More in his mind had Eirik against lord and King
+  Than spoken word revealed,
+  As from him might be looked for.
+  Wrathfully sought the Earl counsel of the Swedish King,
+  Stubborn were the men of Throndhjem,
+  Ne'er a one would flee.'
+
+
+ś Later sailed Earl Eirik southward to Wendland, and there chanced he to
+fall in with some viking ships off Staur, and so joined he battle with
+them; to him was the victory and there were the vikings slain. Thus
+saith the Banda lay:
+
+  'The steerer of the prow-steed
+  Let lie at Staur the heads of fallen warriors,
+  Thereafter joy of battle inflamed the Earl.
+  At the corses of the viking the ravens tore
+  After that dire meeting of swords
+  Nigh the sands of the shore.'
+
+
+ś Sailed thence Earl Eirik back to Sweden in the autumn and abode there
+a second winter; but in the spring made he ready his host and thereafter
+sailed eastward; & when he was come to the realm of King Valdamar fell
+he to plundering & slaying folk, burning whithersoever he went, and
+laying bare the land. Then coming to Aldeigiaborg§ laid he siege unto it
+even until he had taken it, and then put he there many folk to the sword
+and utterly destroyed the town, and thereafter spread he war far and
+wide in Garda. Thus saith the Banda lay:
+
+  'The chieftain fared forth to devastate with fire,
+  Yea and with sword (so waxed the sword-storm),
+  The lands of Valdamar.
+  Aldeigia brok'st thou, lord, when east thou cam'st to Garda
+  Well wot we how grim was the fight twixt the hosts.'
+
+
+ś For five summers together waged Earl Eirik this warfare, and when he
+left the realm of Garda he went fighting over the whole of Adalsysla &
+Eysysla;§ there took he four viking boats from Danish men and slew all
+that were on the ships. It is thus spoken of in the Banda lay:
+
+  'I heard where the swinger of the sword did battle
+  Once more in the isle-sound.
+  Eirik wins the land;
+  The bounteous lord four viking boats from Dane-folk took
+  Doughty and peacemaking.
+  There where warriors hied to town,
+      hadst thou, war-hero! strife with Goths.
+  Joy of battle filled the Earl thereafter.
+  The battle-shield he bore aloft to all the lands,
+  And gently fared he not, over the country he rules.'
+
+
+ś Then Eirik the Earl fared to Denmark when he had abode one winter in
+Sweden, and coming unto the Danish King Svein Two-beard, wooed he his
+daughter Gyda and this marriage was agreed upon. Accordingly Eirik took
+Gyda to wife and one winter later a son was born to them whom they
+called Hakon.
+
+Mainly abode Eirik the winters through in Denmark, but whiles also in
+Sweden, but in the summers sailed he the seas over even as became a
+viking.
+
+
+ś Svein Two-beard, the Danish King, had Gunnhild, the daughter of the
+Wendish King Burizlaf, to wife; and in the days whereof now is the
+record writ happed it that Queen Gunnhild fell sick and died;§ and a
+while thereafter wedded King Svein, Sigrid the Haughty, she that was
+daughter to Skogul-Tosti and mother to Oscar the Swede.
+
+And from the marriage arose a friendship betwixt the brothers-in-law,
+and betwixt them and Earl Eirik Hakonson.
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś Now the Wendish King Burizlaf did make complaint to his son-in-law,
+Earl Sigvaldi, because the pact had been broken which Sigvaldi had made
+between King Burizlaf and King Svein: to wit, that King Burizlaf should
+have Tyri Haraldsdottir, King Svein's sister, to wife; for this marriage
+had never come about, inasmuch as Tyri had said shortly 'Nay' to wedding
+a heathen and an old man to boot. King Burizlaf now sent word unto the
+Earl that he would demand the fulfilment of the pact, & bade the Earl go
+to Denmark & bring Queen Tyri to him.
+
+Then did Earl Sigvaldi hie him on his journey, and laid he the matter
+before the Danish King; and by his fair words came he even so far that
+into his hands gave King Svein his sister Tyri. With her went certain
+women to bear her company & do her service, & her foster-father, whose
+name was Ozur Agason, a wealthy man; & sundry other men withal. It was
+agreed between the King & the Earl that Tyri should have the estates in
+Wendland which had belonged to Queen Gunnhild, and that she should be
+given other great lands in dowry.
+
+Tyri wept sorely and departed very much against her will; but natheless
+when she and the Earl were come to Wendland was she wedded, & so King
+Burizlaf had Queen Tyri to wife.
+
+But ever so long as she was among heathens would she take neither meat
+nor drink from them, and in this wise was it for a sennight. Then right
+so one night fled away Queen Tyri and Ozur in the darkness unto the
+forests; and of this their journey it is briefest to recount that they
+attained Denmark, but there durst Tyri by no means remain inasmuch as
+her brother King Svein would, an he knew where she lay, have sent her
+back again to Wendland.
+
+So faring ever by stealth went they to Norway, and Tyri made no stay
+until she was come to King Olaf, who made her welcome, and gave them
+high entertainment. To the King Tyri told of her troubles, and begged
+counsel of him and sanctuary in his kingdom. Now Tyri had a smooth
+tongue in her head, and the King liked her converse well; moreover he
+saw that she was passing fair, & it entered into his mind that this
+would be a good marriage, and he turned the talking thereunto and asked
+her whether she would not have him to husband. But with her fortunes at
+the pass at which they now lay seemed it a hard thing to her to judge;
+yet on the other hand plainly perceived she how good a marriage it would
+be to wed with so famous a King, and therefore entreated she him that he
+should make decision on the matter for her. Thereafter, when this thing
+had been duly discussed, took King Olaf Queen Tyri in wedlock; and they
+were abed in the autumn when King Olaf was come north from Halogaland.
+
+That winter abode King Olaf and Queen Tyri in Nidaros.
+
+Now in the spring-time thereafter oft-times did Tyri make plaint to King
+Olaf, and cried bitterly thereover, because albeit had she such great
+possessions in Wendland yet had she none in this country, and that she
+should have such deemed she but seemly for a Queen; & thinking that by
+fair words would she get her own prayed she him on this matter, and said
+that so great was the friendship between King Burizlaf & Olaf that even
+so soon as they should meet would the King give Olaf all he asked for.
+But when the friends to King Olaf came to know after what fashion was
+the manner of talking of Tyri with one consent gave they all counsel to
+him to refrain from such a course. One day early in the spring, so it is
+said, as the King was walking in the street came a man towards him from
+the market-place bearing many sticks of angelica, which same were
+wondrous big, seeing that it was early in the spring-tide. And the King
+took a large stick of angelica in his hand & went home therewith to the
+lodging of Queen Tyri. Now Tyri sat a-weeping in her hall even as the
+King came in, but he said to her: 'Here is a great stalk of angelica for
+thee.' Aside thrust Tyri it with her hand, and said: 'Greater gifts gave
+Harald Gormson to me, but lesser feared he than thou dost to leave his
+land and seek his own, and the token thereof is that fared he hither to
+Norway and laid waste the greater part of this land and took to himself
+all taxes and dues; but durst thou not fare through the Danish realm for
+fear of my brother King Svein.' Then up sprang King Olaf at these words,
+& called out loudly, and swore withal: 'Never will I go in fear of thy
+brother King Svein, and whensoever we meet shall he be the one to give
+way.'
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś Not long after these things summoned King Olaf a Thing in the town,
+and made known to all the people that in the summer would he send an
+host out of the country, and that it was his will to levy ships & men
+from each county, & therewith did he make it known how many ships he
+should require from the fjord there.
+
+Then sent he messengers inland both northwards and southwards, and along
+the coast on the outside of the islands and inside them along the land,
+and called men to arms.
+
+Thereafter did King Olaf launch the 'Long Serpent' & all his other ships
+great & small; and the 'Long Serpent' he himself steered, and when men
+were taken for a crew, with so much care was choice made that on the
+'Long Serpent' was there no man older than sixty nor younger than
+twenty. All were chosen with the utmost care for their strength and
+courage, & the first taken were King Olaf's body-guard, for composed it
+was of the stoutest & boldest men both from home and abroad.
+
+
+ś Wolf the Red was the name of the man who bore the banner of King Olaf,
+and his place was in the prow of the 'Serpent'; there likewise were
+Kolbiorn the Marshal, Thorstein Ox-foot and Vikar of Tiundaland, the
+brother of Arnliot Gellini. Of the forecastle in the prow were Vak
+Raumason of the River, Bersi the Strong, On the Archer of Jamtaland,
+Thrond the Stout from Thelemark and Othyrmi his brother; and the
+Halogalanders Thrond Squint-eye, Ogmund Sande, Lodvir the Long, from
+Saltvik, and Harek the Keen.
+
+From Inner Throndhjem were there Ketil the Tall, Thorfin Eisli, and
+Havard and his brothers from Orkadal. Those manning the forehold were
+Biorn of Studla, Thorgrim Tiodolfson of Hvin, Asbiorn & Orm, Thord of
+Niardalang, Thorstein the White of Oprostad, Anor of More, Hallstein and
+Hawk from the Fjords, Eyvind Snak, Bergthor Bestil, Hallkel of Fialir,
+Olaf the Boy, Arnfin of Sogn, Sigurd Bild, Einar the Hordalander and
+Fin, Ketil the Rogalander, and Griotgard the Quick. In the main-hold
+were Einar Tamberskelfir, deemed by the others less able than they for
+then was he but eighteen winters old, Hallstein Hlifarson, Thorolf, Ivar
+Smetta, and Orm Skoganef.
+
+Many other men of valour were there on the 'Serpent' though we cannot
+name them; eight were there to a half-berth, and chosen man by man. It
+was a common saying that the crew of the 'Serpent' was for goodliness,
+strength, and boldness, as much above other men as the 'Serpent' herself
+was above other ships.
+
+Thorkel Nefia, own brother to the King, steered the 'Short Serpent,' and
+Thorkel Dydril and Jostein, they that were uncles to him on the side of
+his mother, commanded the 'Crane'; right well manned were these twain
+ships. Moreover had King Olaf eleven great ships from Throndhjem, ships
+of twenty benches, two smaller ships and victuallers.
+
+
+ś When King Olaf had completed the equipping of his fleet at Nidaros,
+appointed he men throughout the whole of the district of Throndhjem to
+be stewards collecting revenue, and annalists. He then sent to Iceland
+Gizur the White & Hialti Skeggison to convert that country to
+Christianity, and sent he with them that priest whose name is Thormod
+and other consecrated men, but kept back with him as hostages the four
+men of Iceland they that he deemed to be of greatest mark, to wit,
+Kiartan Olafson, Halldor Gudmundson, Kolbein Thordson and Sverting
+Runolfson; and it is said of the journey of Gizur & Hialti that they
+were come unto Iceland or ever the meeting of the Althing & were present
+at the Thing, and thereat was baptism legalized in Iceland and that
+summer all folk were brought into the true fold.
+
+
+ś The same spring likewise sent King Olaf Leif Eirikson to Greenland to
+convert the people, and fared he thither that summer. On the main found
+he the crew of a ship who were lying helpless on a wreck, and thereafter
+he discovered Vineland the Good,§ yet came he the same summer to
+Greenland; and with him had he a priest and teachers, and he took up his
+abode at Brattalid with his father Eirik. Thereafter did men call him
+Leif the Lucky; but Eirik, his father, said that the one thing was a
+set-off to the other: on the one hand was the saving of the ship's crew
+by Leif & on the other the bringing to Greenland of that 'juggler,' to
+wit, the priest.
+
+
+ś Then took King Olaf his host southward following the coast, and many
+of his friends flocked to him, mighty men, who were bravely furnished
+for an expedition with the King. The first man of these was own
+brother-in-law to himself, Erling Skialgson with his large 'skeid'§
+wherein were thirty benches, and right well manned was she withal. There
+came also to him his brothers-in-law Hyrning and Thorgeir, each steering
+a large ship. Many other mighty men accompanied him, so that when he
+left the country had he thirty long-ships. King Olaf sailed south
+through Eyrasund, off the coasts of Denmark, and in due course came he
+to Wendland.
+
+There appointed he a tryst with King Burizlaf, and the Kings met and
+spake together of the possessions claimed of King Olaf, and all the talk
+between them went in kindly wise and the claims whereof King Olaf deemed
+himself to have rights there were fully ordered.
+
+Abode he there a long while during the summer, and saw many of his
+friends.
+
+
+ś As hath been related ere this, King Svein Two-beard had wedded Sigrid
+the Haughty, & Sigrid was King Olaf's greatest foe, the reason therefor
+being how King Olaf had broken his troth with her, as has been afore set
+in fair script, and how he had smote her on the face.
+
+Sigrid incited King Svein to do battle with King Olaf Tryggvason, saying
+pretext enough was it that he had wedded the own sister to Svein, she
+Tyri, without his leave: 'And never would thy forefathers have suffered
+such a thing.' Such words as these had Queen Sigrid ever on her lips,
+and so far went she with her persuasions that King Svein was full
+willing to do battle with Olaf. So early in spring-tide sent King Svein
+men east to Sweden, to Olaf the Swedish King, he that was his step-son,
+& to Earl Eirik, to tell them that Olaf King of Norway had his fleet
+abroad, and thought of faring to Wendland come summer; another message
+took they likewise, namely that the Swedish King and the Earl should
+call out their hosts and go to meet King Svein, and that then altogether
+they should get their battle over against King Olaf. Now the King of
+Sweden and Eirik the Earl were ready and eager for this venture, so
+mustered they a large fleet in Sweden, and with the ships thereof went
+south to Denmark and came thither at the time when King Olaf had already
+sailed east. Of this speaketh Halldor in the song he made about Earl
+Eirik:
+
+  'Crusher of Kings who battles loved,
+  From out of Sweden called,
+  To southern battle fared he forth,
+  Even with great hosts of men,
+  The wound-bird on the sea gat food while waiting,
+  Each and every warrior was fain to follow Eirik.'
+
+
+ś So the King of the Swedes and Earl Eirik shaped a course to meet the
+Danish King, and when all the fleets were come together was there a host
+greater than one man could number.
+
+
+ś When King Svein sent for that fleet, sent he moreover Earl Sigvaldi to
+Wendland to spy on the expedition of King Olaf, and to lay such a lure
+that King Svein and the others might assuredly fall in with King Olaf.
+
+So Earl Sigvaldi set forth and went to Wendland and Jomsborg, and met
+King Olaf Tryggvason. Now had they much friendly conversation one with
+the other, and the Earl came greatly to love the King, mainly on account
+of their former kinship, for Astrid, she that was wife unto the Earl,
+even the daughter of King Burizlaf, was very friendly with King Olaf,
+for the reason that the latter had had her sister Geira to wife.
+
+Now Sigvaldi was a wise man, & one ready at expedients, & when he and
+King Olaf took counsel together, found he many and divers pretexts for
+delaying the journey of the King to the westward; but the men of King
+Olaf murmured thereat and were loudly displeased, and longed much to get
+them hence home, for, said they, 'clear are we to sail & fair is the
+wind.' Learned Sigvaldi now privily from Denmark that the King of the
+Danes and the King of the Swedes & Eirik the Earl were met together, and
+were even about to set sail to the eastward off the coast of Wendland;
+likewise that it had been convened betwixt them that they in wait for
+King Olaf should lie off that isle which is called Svold;§ & that
+moreover he, the Earl, was after some fashion to contrive that King Olaf
+be found of them.
+
+
+ś And now went about a rumour in Wendland that Svein, the King of the
+Danes, also had an host abroad, & soon tongues wagged to the tune that
+well would it like Svein, the King of the Danes, to meet with King Olaf;
+but said Earl Sigvaldi unto the King: 'No plan is it of King Svein to
+attack thee with the Danish host alone, seeing how great an host of
+thine own thou hast; but if ye suspect that war may be at hand then will
+I and my men go with thee, and aforetime was it deemed good help when
+the Jomsborg vikings bore a chief company: I will go with thee even with
+eleven ships well-found.'
+
+To this did the King answer yea, and because at that time was there
+blowing a gentle breeze but favourable, commanded he that the fleet
+should get under way, & that the horns be blown for their departing.
+Then the men hoisted sail; and the small ships were those that made the
+better way, & out to sea sailed they. Now kept the Earl close by the
+King's ship, shouting to those on board, and bidding the King follow
+him: 'Well wot I,' he said, 'which sounds are deepest betwixt the isles,
+& this be fraught with care seeing how big are thy ships.' So sailed the
+Earl first with his ships, eleven ships had he, & sailed the King after
+him with his large ships, eleven likewise had he, but sailed all the
+rest of the fleet ahead and out to sea. Now it came to pass as Earl
+Sigvaldi was making Vold came rowing off a skiff, and those therein told
+unto the Earl how that the fleet of the King of the Danes lay in the
+haven even right over ahead of their way.
+
+So the Earl ordered sails to be lowered, and rowed they in under that
+island. Thus saith Halldor the Unchristened:
+
+  'With ships one more than seventy
+  Came the lord of Eynafylki from the south;
+  His sword he dyed in warfare
+  When the Earl the ships of Skani called out to battle.
+  Quickly then the peace was broken 'twixt the men.'
+
+
+ś Now it will be marked that, according unto the bard, were the ships of
+King Olaf & Earl Sigvaldi seventy-one in number what time sailed they
+from the south.
+
+
+ś Now lying there were Svein, the King of the Danes, Olaf the King of
+the Swedes, and Earl Eirik, with all the might of their fleet, and fair
+weather was with them with bright sunshine. Went up to the islet all the
+chieftains with a large company of men, and spied they thence that a
+many ships were sailing together out at sea.
+
+And they beheld a large ship and brave sailing, and said both the Kings:
+'There goes a great ship, passing fair, none other can this be save only
+the "Long Serpent."'
+
+Then made Earl Eirik answer, saying: 'That is not the "Long Serpent."'
+
+And it was as he opined, for this ship belonged to Eindrid of Gimsar.
+A while later saw they yet another ship sailing, much greater than the
+first, and then spake King Svein: 'Afeard is Olaf Tryggvason, for he
+dareth not sail with the head upon his ship.' Then said Earl Eirik:
+'That is not the King's ship; that ship and the sail thereof know I, for
+the sail is a striped one; Erling Skialgson it is who hath command
+thereof.
+
+Let them sail on! Better is it for us that this ship should be lacking
+from Olaf's fleet, so well appointed is it.' A while later saw they and
+recognized the ships of Sigvaldi the Earl, and one of them also was
+great.
+
+Then spake King Svein and bade them go to their ships; for, said he,
+there sails the 'Long Serpent'; but Earl Eirik called out, 'Many more
+ships and fine ones have they besides the 'Long Serpent,' let us bide a
+while.'
+
+Then many of the men fell to talking, & they said: 'Eirik the Earl will
+not fight to avenge his father. Shame, shame is it, & throughout all the
+land will it be heard, if we lie here with so great a fleet & let King
+Olaf sail out to sea on our very flank.' But after they had been talking
+thus a while saw they that four more ships came sailing by, and one of
+these was a dragon, large indeed, and bedecked with gold. Then rose up
+King Svein and said: 'High shall the "Serpent" carry me this eve; and I
+will steer her.' Many of the men called out that the 'Serpent' was a
+mighty great ship and beautiful to look upon, and a glorious work had it
+been to build such a craft.
+
+Then Earl Eirik said so loud that sundry heard him: 'E'en had King Olaf
+no larger ship than this, King Svein would with the Danish host alone
+never wrest it from him.' Then went the men to their ships and took the
+tilts from off them; whilst the chiefs were talking among themselves of
+that which is writ above saw they sailing along three very large ships,
+and a fourth ship last of all, and that was the 'Long Serpent.' Now of
+those large ships which had sailed past before, and had been deemed by
+the men to be the 'Long Serpent,' the first was the 'Crane' and the last
+the 'Short Serpent.' But when they beheld the 'Long Serpent,' and none
+gainsaid this, then wotted all that now indeed was Olaf Tryggvason
+sailing by. Then went they to their ships, and made ready to row to the
+onset. Now a compact had been struck between the chiefs, King Svein,
+King Olaf, and Earl Eirik, that to each one of them should be given a
+third part of Norway if it befell that King Olaf was slain; moreover he
+who first boarded the 'Long Serpent' was for his own to have all the
+booty taken therefrom, and each of them was to have what ships he
+himself cleared.
+
+Earl Eirik had a very large long-ship which he was wont to use on his
+viking cruises; a beard was there on the higher part of both prow and
+stern, and thick plates of iron going from thence all the breadth of the
+beard right down to the water-line.
+
+
+ś Now when Earl Sigvaldi & his men headed in towards the islet, observed
+closely Thorkel Dydril of the 'Crane' and the captains of the other
+ships sailing with him, what he was doing, and they too lowered sail,
+and rowing after him, called out to him to know why thus he was faring.
+
+The Earl answered that he was going to bide the coming of King Olaf, for
+most like did it seem that war was at hand.
+
+So then they likewise let their ships lie-to until such time as Thorkel
+Leira with the 'Short Serpent' was come up and with him too the three
+other ships which were following him, and the same tidings were told
+unto them; then they also lowered sail, laid-to and bided the coming of
+King Olaf.
+
+But when the King sailed out towards the isle, then rowed out into the
+sound the whole of the hostile fleet even for to meet him; and his men
+witnessing this same prayed the King sail his way, and not engage in
+battle with so large an host.
+
+But King Olaf stood up on the poop, and shouted with a loud voice: 'Let
+no men of mine lower sail or think of fleeing; never have I fled in
+battle. May God look to my life, for never will I turn to flight.' And
+it was done even as the King said. Thus saith Hallfrod:
+
+  'Fain would I name those words,
+  Which Olaf's warriors tell us
+  The lord deed-mighty spake there,
+  To his men before the battle.
+  The warlike King forbade
+  His champions to think of flight,
+  And how they live, the words the loved one of the people spoke.'
+
+
+ś So were sounded the horns for the assembling of the ships; and the
+King's ship was in the midst of the fleet, with the 'Short Serpent' on
+one side and the 'Crane' on the other. Now when they were about to lash
+together the prow of the 'Long Serpent' and stern of the 'Short
+Serpent,' the King observed what was being done, and he cried out
+bidding them lay the big ship more forward, & not let her be astern of
+all the ships in the fleet. Thereon answered Ulf the Red: 'If we are to
+lay the "Serpent" as much longer ahead as she is longer than other ships
+hard will the day's work be behind the gunwales.' Said the King: 'I knew
+not that I had a forecastle man who was both red and afraid,' Ulf made
+answer back, 'Turn not thou thy back there on the poop more than I turn
+mine when I guard the prow.'
+
+Now the King had a bow in his hand, and placing an arrow on the string
+thereof he turned him towards Ulf; then cried Ulf, 'Shoot another way,
+King, thither where it is needed more greatly; what I do, I do for
+thee.'
+
+
+ś King Olaf towered high on the poop of the 'Serpent,' and easy was it
+to know him from other men.
+
+A golden shield had he, and a gold-wrought helmet, & a short red kirtle
+over his shirt of mail.
+
+Now when King Olaf saw that the fleets were dividing and banners were
+being set up before the chiefs, asked he: 'Who is the captain of that
+host which is right over against us?' It was told him that it was King
+Svein Two-beard with the host of the Danes. Then answered he: 'Afraid
+are we not of those blenchers, no heart is there in the Danes. But what
+chief is behind those banners yonder on our right?' It was told him that
+there was King Olaf, with the Swedish host. 'Better were it for the
+Swedes to stay at home and lick the blood from their bowls than to board
+the "Serpent" under thy weapons.' 'But whose are the ships lying out
+yonder on the larboard of the Danes?' 'They pertain,' came the answer,
+'to Eirik Hakonson.' Then answered King Olaf, 'Good reason, methinketh,
+hath he to meet us, and from that fleet may we await the fiercest of
+fights, seeing that they too are of Norway even as we ourselves.'
+
+
+ś Thereafter separated the Kings one from another for the onset. King
+Svein laid his ship against the 'Long Serpent'; and King Olaf the Swede
+lay-to farther out & grappled from the prow the outermost ship of King
+Olaf Tryggvason; and over against the other side lay Earl Eirik. And
+even so there ensued a dire and strenuous conflict. Albeit did Sigvaldi,
+the Earl, let his ships fall astern and took he no part in the battle.
+Thus saith Skuli Thorsteinnson, he that himself was with Earl Eirik that
+day:
+
+  'The Frisian wolf I followed
+  (And in my youth gat honour)
+  With Sigvaldi, there where the spears whistled
+  (Now wax I old);
+  When bloody swords we bore
+  There off the mouth of the Svold
+  In the south, in the battle-storm,
+  And met the hero of wars.'
+
+And Hallfrod too saith of these tidings:
+
+  'Methinks full much was missed
+  (Many to flight did turn them),
+  That chief who spurred the fight
+  Was among the men of Throndhjem.
+  The valiant King alone
+  'Gainst the two Kings did fight,
+  (Glorious to tell it now)
+  And for a third too the Earl.'
+
+
+ś The battle to them all waxed very fierce & bloody; the forecastle men
+of the 'Long Serpent' & the 'Short Serpent' and the 'Crane' threw
+anchors and grapplers on to the ships of King Svein, and thus could they
+attack them from above so that they cleared every ship unto which they
+could cling and thereto hold fast. King Svein and those of his company
+who could escape made what way they could to other of his ships and
+thereon drew thence out of bow-shot, and so it came to pass that it
+fared with this fleet even as King Olaf Tryggvason had foretold.
+
+Then Olaf, he that was King of the Swedes, brought his ships up into the
+self-same places left by those of Svein, but natheless hardly was he
+come nigh to the big ships than it went with him the same as with the
+others; even so that lost he many men and some of his ships, and
+thereafter he too drew back. But Earl Eirik laid his bearded ship
+alongside the outermost ship of King Olaf & with fierceness cleared it,
+and straightway cut it adrift from its lashings; then went he alongside
+the one that was next, and with it fought until that too was cleared.
+Then fell the crews to escaping from the lesser ships on to those that
+were larger; but cut the Earl every ship from its lashings even as soon
+as it was cleared, & thereon came up once more from all sides Danes and
+Swedes into the battle over against the ships of King Olaf. Eirik the
+Earl lay ever alongside one or other ship fighting thus in hand to hand
+fight, and as the men fell on his ship, Danes and Swedes, other true men
+took their place. Thus saith Halldor:
+
+  'Of sharp swords the brunt
+  O'er the "Long Serpent" went;
+  There golden spears did clash
+  And the men fought long,
+  In battle of foemen
+  Went forth to the south
+  Men of Sweden against him,
+  And Danish swordsmen doughty.'
+
+
+ś Then waxed the battle very fierce, and men fell thick and fast, and so
+at the end befell it that all the ships that pertained unto King Olaf
+were cleared save and except the 'Long Serpent,' & by that time all
+those of his folk who were still able to bear arms were come aboard of
+her.
+
+Then did Earl Eirik bring his bearded ship alongside the 'Serpent' and
+thereon ensued a fight with man at sword's length from man.
+
+Thus saith Halldor:
+
+  'Into so hard a trap fell now the "Long Serpent"
+  (The shields were cut asunder, together clashed the swords),
+  And when the axe-bearer laid his bearded ship
+      high bulwarked beside the "Serpent,"
+  The Earl did victory win at Holm.'
+
+
+ś Earl Eirik took his stand in the forehold of his ship encompassed by a
+wall of shields, & his men fought both with trenchant arms, and by the
+thrusting of spears, and by the throwing of everything that could be
+used as a weapon, though some shot with the bow or threw javelins with
+the hand. From all sides had the war-ships been brought up around the
+'Serpent,' and so great was the shower of weapons which fell on her, and
+so thickly flew the arrows and javelins from all sides, that men could
+but hardly ward off the missiles with their shields. The men that were
+with King Olaf had ere now waxed so furious that they had climbed up on
+to the bulwarks to the end that they might reach their foemen with their
+swords and slay them; but many of their foes would not come so nigh
+alongside the 'Serpent' that they could be beguiled into close combat,
+whereas a many of the folk of Olaf being unmindful that they were not
+fighting on a level field themselves fell overboard and so sank down
+together with their weapons. Thus saith Hallfrod:
+
+  'From the "Serpent" sank they down, wounded in the fight;
+  Give way or flee they would not, resisting to the last.
+  Though glorious the King may be who steers the "Serpent"
+  Such men as these will long be lacking where'er she strideth.'
+
+
+ś It happened that in the narrow-hold of the "Serpent," shooting with
+his bow and arrow more fiercely than any other man that was on the ship,
+stood Einar Tambarskelfir. Now it was against Earl Eirik that Einar had
+his direct venture, and struck he the top of the tiller-head, over above
+the head of the Earl, sending in his arrow with such force that it
+penetrated to the very binding of the shaft.
+
+The Earl looked at it, and asked if it was known who was shooting thus;
+then on the instant Einar shot another arrow which went so nigh unto the
+Earl that it passed betwixt his side and his arm, and so far through the
+staying-board that the barb stood out on the other side thereof.
+
+Then spake the Earl to that man whose name some say was Fin, but as
+others have it was of Finnish§ kith and kin.
+
+Exceeding apt was he as an archer, so spake Eirik unto him saying:
+'Shoot thou yonder big man in the narrow-hold,' & even as he said the
+words did the arrow of Fin strike the bow of Einar just as he was
+drawing it for the third time. Then was the bow broken in twain, & Olaf
+said, 'What brake there so loudly?' & Einar made answer: 'Norway from
+thy hand, O King.' 'So great a breaking asunder hath not happened yet,
+I trow,' quoth the King; 'take my bow and shoot therewith,' and saying
+so threw he him his own bow, and Einar taking it strained it even beyond
+the arrow-head. 'Too weak,' said he, 'too weak is the prince's bow,' and
+throwing it back again to the King took he his shield and sword, and
+fell to hand-fighting.
+
+
+ś King Olaf being himself on the poop of the 'Serpent,' full oft that
+day shot with his bow, but upon occasion made he use of javelins, and
+ever threw two at once. Then as time wore on saw he, as his glance sped
+along the ship, that albeit his men swung ever their swords and smote
+full fast, yet nevertheless their swords were cutting but ill, and he
+cried out loudly to them: 'Are ye wielding your swords carelessly since,
+as I see, they do not cut?' One of the men made answer: 'Our swords are
+blunt and very much notched.' Then went the King down into the
+fore-hold, and setting up the lid of the high-seat took from out of the
+chest beneath many sharp swords and gave them out to his men, and when
+he thrust down his right arm into the chest it was seen that blood was
+running from under his mail-shirt, and no man at that hour wot in what
+part he had been wounded.
+
+
+ś Even the stoutest defence on the 'Long Serpent,' and that the most
+deadly, was put up by those stout men that were in the fore-hold and in
+the prow and stern, for truly were they picked men, and the bulwarks in
+those places were higher than in other parts of the ship. Even so soon
+as ever the men amidships began to fall, and only a few of those about
+the mast were left standing on their feet, made Eirik an attempt to
+board the 'Serpent,' and up came he on to her, himself the fifteenth
+man.
+
+Then was it that Hyrning, he that was own brother-in-law of Olaf, set
+over against Eirik with a band of followers and the mightiest fight of
+all waged they then, and the end thereof was of such a fashion that had
+the Earl himself to draw back even unto his own ship; and of the men
+that adventured with him on to the 'Serpent' were some wounded and most
+others slain.
+
+
+ś And thereafter was there yet again a hard struggle, & many men fell on
+board the 'Serpent'; & as the crew who held the defence of her began to
+thin tried Earl Eirik to board her for the second time, but again met he
+with valiant opposition. When the fore-castle men on the 'Serpent' saw
+this went they aft and safeguarded the ship over against the Earl, &
+made a stubborn defence. But so many were the men who were fallen on the
+'Serpent' that were the bulwarks perforce in many places empty, and the
+men of the Earl now came aboard her on every side; then were those men
+who were still standing to arms and having the guardianship of the ship
+forced to fall back aft, even unto the place where the King was
+standing. Thus saith Halldor the Unchristened, telling how Earl Eirik
+cheered on his men:
+
+  'Astern across the thwarts shrank the men of Olaf
+  Valiant the lord cheers on his hot-headed followers,
+  When the warriors had closed all issue to the doughty King
+  The clash of weapons turned towards the Wend-slayer.'
+
+
+ś Now it came to pass that Kolbiorn the Marshal went up on to the poop
+even to the King, and greatly did they resemble one another in apparel
+and weapons; and Kolbiorn was also a right big and comely man.
+
+Yet once again ensued there a fight full fierce in the fore-hold, but
+because that there were now come up on to the 'Serpent' even as many men
+of the Earl as the ship would hold, and seeing that his ships were lying
+on all sides around the 'Serpent,' & moreover few folk left on her for
+defence against so strong a host, fell the main of the men of Olaf very
+shortly thereafter, albeit were they men both strong and stout of heart.
+Then did King Olaf himself, and Kolbiorn, leap over-board each on his
+own side. Now the men of the Earl had put out small boats & were busy
+slaying those that took to the sea, and when the King leapt overboard
+would they have taken him captive and brought him before Earl Eirik, had
+not King Olaf held up his shield above him and dived headlong into the
+deep. Kolbiorn, on the other part, thrust his shield under him and thus
+protected himself against the javelins which were being thrown up from
+the boats beneath, but he fell into the sea in such wise that his shield
+was beneath him & therefore could he in no wise dive so swiftly, & so
+was he taken & haled up into a boat. Then the foe deeming him to be the
+King brought him before the Earl, but when the Earl discovered that it
+was not King Olaf but Kolbiorn, gave he the latter quarter. At this
+moment did all they of the King's folk who were still alive leap
+overboard from the 'Serpent'; and Hallfrod saith that Thorkel Nefia,
+he that was brother to the King, leapt last of all overboard:
+
+  'Stroke-doughty Thorkel saw the "Crane,"
+  Yea, and the "Serpents" twain floating deserted;
+  Boldly had he fought e'er the wearer of the arm-rings,
+  Stout-hearted in combat, into the sea plunged,
+  And by swimming saved his life.'
+
+
+ś Now hath it been afore fair written that Earl Sigvaldi joined forces
+with King Olaf in Wendland; ten ships had the Earl and withal an
+eleventh whereon Astrid, she that was daughter to the King and wife to
+Sigvaldi, had her men.
+
+When King Olaf leapt overboard all the hosts shouted cries of victory,
+and then did the Earl and his men unship their oars & row to the fight.
+Of this speaketh Halldor the Unchristened:
+
+  'From far and near the Wendmen's craft
+  To battle hastened;
+  The lean sword-clashers
+  Clanged with iron mouths;
+  Din of swords at sea was there
+  (Wolves' fare the eagle tore),
+  The lads' dear leader strove
+  Ere many from him fled.'
+
+
+ś Now rowed away the Wendland cutter, whereon were Astrid's men, back to
+Wendland, and straightway did many men say that King Olaf must have
+drawn off his shirt of mail in the water, dived down away from the
+long-ship, and thereafter swum even to the Wendland cutter and so been
+brought to shore by the folk of Astrid.
+
+And many are the tales which have been told by certain men of the
+journeyings of King Olaf; nevertheless in this wise speaketh Hallfrod:
+
+  'I wot not whether he who stilled the raven's hunger
+  Should of me be praised as of the living or the dead,
+  Since of a truth his men tell either tale
+  (Bootless of himself to question) though wounded was he surely.'
+
+But howsoever this may have been, never more returned King Olaf
+Tryggvason to his realm of Norway; yet in this wise speaketh Hallfrod
+the Troublous-skald:
+
+  'He who the tidings told that the lord was living
+  Had long for Tryggvi's trusted son a fighter been.
+  'Tis said the King from out the steel-storm came;
+  Alas, 'tis worse than this, methinks,
+      for of truth all facts are lacking.'
+
+And this again:
+
+  'When the land-host with men in numbers towards the Holder's
+  War-wont King did fare, it scarce could be (so heard I)
+  That the King belovéd could with life escape
+  (Folk seemed not truth to tell) from out the battle.
+  Some men e'en tell this skald that wounded is the King,
+  Though from the spear-storm saved and eastwards gone.
+  But tidings from the south now tell the slaying of the King
+  In the great fight (endure no more can I the wavering talk of men).'
+
+
+ś With the victory that he encompassed did Earl Eirik Hakonson gain even
+the 'Long Serpent' and much booty, and steered he the 'Serpent' far out
+of the battle. Thus said Halldor:
+
+  'Thither the "Serpent" had borne him,
+  The helmeted chieftain, to the great sword-play,
+  (Then were the ships dight).
+  But south, in the din of the battle,
+      gladly the Earl took the "Serpent"
+  (Heming's high-born brother in blood did dye the swords).'
+
+
+ś Now Svein the son of Earl Hakon even at this time was betrothed to
+Holmfrid the daughter of Olaf King of Sweden. When Olaf the Swedish
+King, Svein the Danish King and Earl Eirik divided the realm of Norway
+between them, then had Olaf the Swedish King four counties, to wit,
+Throndhjem, the two Mores & Raumsdal; and eastward to him pertained
+Raumariki from the Gaut (Göta) river to Svinasund.
+
+This dominion did King Olaf make over to Earl Svein on the self-same
+conditions as the tribute paying kings or earls had held their lands
+aforetime from superior kings. Earl Eirik gat five counties in
+Throndhjem, also Halogaland and Naumdalen, the Fjords & Fialir, Sogn and
+Hardaland & Rogaland, and Agdir from the north right to Lidandesnes (the
+Naze).
+
+Thus saith Thord Kolbeinson:
+
+  'I wist that save for Erling (bounteous chief whom I praise)
+  Erewhile the "hersirs" mostly were friends unto the earls;
+  The battle ended the land all southward from Agdir
+  To Veiga, or farther north, was subject made to Eirik.
+  Under the lord the land prospered; & this 'twas good should be.
+  His duty he thought it to hold o'er the northmen his hand.
+  Now hath died Svein the king south of us, so the tale goes
+  (The strength of most doth fail,
+      and waste are his manors for grief).'
+
+
+ś Svein the King of the Danes was now once more the possessor of Vik,
+which had been his aforetime; to Earl Eirik he gave Raumariki and
+Hedemark, to be held as a fief. Svein Hakonson, he that was the finest
+man that men have ever looked on, received earldom from Olaf the Swede.
+Eirik and Earl Svein were alike baptized into and made profession of the
+true Faith, but even so long as they ruled over Norway gave they licence
+to every man that he should please himself about what creed he would
+cleave to, & moreover maintained they the old laws honourably and
+likewise all the customs of the land; therefore were they justly men who
+were well-beloved and good rulers. Now in all matters having concern in
+the ruling of the realm of the twain brothers was Earl Eirik ever the
+more prominent.
+
+
+
+
+THE SAGA OF HARALD THE TYRANT, MXXX-MLXVI
+
+
+
+
+It befell in the days of the fall of King Olaf that Harald, the son of
+Sigurd Sow, the stepbrother of King Olaf the Saint, bore his share in
+the great battle of Stiklastad.
+
+Even there it befell Harald that he was smote down, but he gained the
+life of his body by flight with others that bore him company. Thus saith
+Thiodolf:
+
+  'Nigh the hill, a battle-storm
+  I heard drive toward the King,
+  But the burner of the Bulgars§
+  His brother well supported.
+  Unwillingly from fallen Olaf
+  Was the prince sundered,
+  And his head he hid;
+  Then was he twelve winters
+  With added three thereto in age.'
+
+
+ś It was Rognvald Brusason who bare Harald out of the battle, and
+brought him to a certain peasant who lived in the forest, and that in a
+glade far from the haunts of man; and here was Harald leeched until he
+was whole of his wound.
+
+Thereafter fared forth the son of that peasant eastward with him across
+the Kjol (Kiolen), & as far as they were able to do so followed they
+forest tracks in lieu of the common way.
+
+Now in no wise wist the son of the peasant with what manner of man he
+was faring, & as they were riding through the wastes of the forest sang
+Harald thus wise:
+
+  'From forest now to forest
+  Wend I my way with honour scant;
+  Who wists but in the future
+  Wide fame may not be mine?'
+
+
+ś And thus fared he eastward through Jamtaland & Helsingland, and in due
+course was he come even to Sweden; there did he link his fortune with
+that of Rognvald Brusason and many others of the men of King Olaf that
+were yet alive after the mighty battle.
+
+
+ś Now in the spring thereafter gat they ships for themselves and in the
+summer fared eastward to Garda, where abode they the winter through with
+King Jarizleif.
+
+Thus saith Bolverk:
+
+  'The sword's blade, King, thou dried'st
+  When thou fared'st from the strife.
+  To the raven gav'st thou to eat;
+  The wolf howled on the wooded heights.
+  But the year thereafter and thou wert
+  East in Gard, O doughty fighter,
+  Ne'er have I heard of a leader of hosts
+  More famed than thou wert.'
+
+King Jarizleif made Harald & his men welcome right kindly, and even so
+became Harald captain of the land defence of the King & with him was
+joined Eilif, the son of Earl Rognvald. Thus saith Thiodolf:
+
+  'Where Eilif was,
+  Alike they acted,
+  Those chieftains twain
+  In wedge-like phalanx.
+  Chased were the East Wends
+  Into a corner narrow,
+  Not easy for the Laesirs§
+  Was the law of the host.'
+
+
+ś Some winters abode Harald in the realm of Garda, & fared forth for the
+most part eastward; then went he a journey to Greece, and in his company
+was a mighty following, and at that time likewise went he to Miklagard
+(Constantinople). Saith Bolverk:
+
+  'The chilly shower drave forward
+  The ship's swart prows;
+  And barks all bravely armoured
+  Their sails bore by the coast-side.
+  The metal towers of Miklagard
+  The prince saw from the prows;
+  Fair-bosomed ships were borne
+  To the walls of the city.'
+
+At that time there ruled over Greece Queen Zoe the Wealthy and with her
+Michael Katalaktus.
+
+When Harald was come even unto Miklagard in the hardiness that was of
+his blood enterprised he service of the Queen, and even so did the men
+that were with him.
+
+Forthwith that same autumn took he ship on certain galleys with warriors
+who were adventuring on to the Greek sea.
+
+In those days was one named Gyrgir§ chief of the hosts, and he was also
+a kinsman to the Queen. Now it came to pass that Harald had not abode
+longtime with the host ere the Vaerings§ became much drawn to him, so
+that he and they adventured all together in a body whensoever there was
+fighting, and the end thereof was that Harald was chosen captain of all
+the Vaerings. Gyrgir and his hosts coasted in all directions among the
+Greek islands, and greatly plundered the corsairs.
+
+
+ś Once it befell when they were faring overland, and were of a mind to
+pass the night in the woods, that the Vaerings were the first to come to
+the place where it was intended they should lie, and chose they for
+their tents even such position as was best and lay highest, for the
+country thereabout was boggy, and no sooner came the rain than was it
+ill living there over against where the land was low. Then came Gyrgir,
+& when he saw where the Vaerings had pitched their tents bade he them
+begone and pitch them in another place, since saith he, that he himself
+would have his tent even there. But thus spake Harald: 'When ye are the
+first to come to the place for the camp then shall ye make choice of
+your place for the night, and it will behove us to pitch our tents
+elsewhere, even in whatever spot is open to us. So do ye now likewise;
+pitch ye your tents where ye will in any other spot that pertaineth.
+Methought was it the right of the Vaerings here in Greece to be masters
+of their own matter & free in all things before all men, and that was it
+to the King and Queen only they owed obedience.'
+
+On this bandied they words with so great heat that both sides fell to
+arming themselves, & right nigh came they to fighting, but ere that were
+the wisest men came up and they parted them.
+
+They said it was more in reason that these men should be of one mind on
+the matter, and a just decision made thereon betwixt them, so that never
+more might strife arise out of this cause.
+
+So then was agreed a meeting between them, & the best and wisest men
+were present thereat; and at that meeting was it counselled in such
+manner that all were of one mind, to wit, that lots should be borne in a
+cloth and cast between Greek and Vaering as to who should be the first
+to ride or row, or berth them in haven, or choose a spot for their
+tents; both of them henceforth to rest content with whatever the lot
+decreed. Thereafter was this done, and the lots were marked; then said
+Harald to Gyrgir; 'Let me now see how thou markest thy lot, to the
+intent that we may not both mark them in the same fashion.'
+
+So Harald looked and thereafter marked his lot and threw it into the
+cloth, and Gyrgir did likewise; but the man who was to draw the lot took
+up one between his fingers, and lifting his hand said: 'These shall
+first ride and row and berth them in haven and choose them tent-places.'
+Then did Harald seize the lot with his hand and throw it out into the
+sea, and when he had so done he said: 'That was our lot.'
+
+Gyrgir said: 'Why didst thou not let more men see it?' 'Look you,'
+answered Harald, 'on that lot which is left, & I wot well thereon will
+you know your own mark.'
+
+Then looked they at the lot, and all knew the mark to be that of Gyrgir.
+
+So was it adjudged that the Vaerings should have the choice in all those
+matters about which there had been strife. Sundry things befell likewise
+on which saw they not eye to eye, but ever it ended in such a fashion
+that Harald had his way.
+
+
+ś Plundering & pillaging whithersoever they went fared together both
+hosts during the summer, but when a battle was imminent would Harald
+cause his men to hold aloof therefrom, or at least over against that
+part where was the fight most open.
+
+Ever said he that he would take good care that he did not lose those
+that were of his company; but when a fight chanced and he with his men
+only were opposed to an enemy so fierce was he in battle that either
+must he win the day or die. For this reason oft-times it befell that
+when Harald was captain of the men the victory fell to him, whereas
+Gyrgir won naught.
+
+Now when the warriors saw how oft did this come to pass, said they one
+to the other that their cause would have better advancement an Harald
+were alone captain of the host; and blamed they the leader of the band,
+saying that he and his men were but bootless. To this Gyrgir made answer
+that the Vaerings would not yield him support, & bade them begone,
+whiles he fared with the rest of the host to be successful as far as in
+them lay. Even so, thereon went Harald from the host, and with him
+likewise the Vaerings and the Latin men, but Gyrgir kept the host of the
+Greeks. Then came to pass that which all had awaited, to wit, that
+Harald ever gained the victory & the plunder. Thereupon fared the Greeks
+home to Miklagard save only the young men who desired to win riches for
+themselves, and they gathered round Harald and took him for their
+leader.
+
+Then went he with his host westward to northern Africa, which the
+Vaerings called Serkland,§ and there he gained addition to his host.
+
+In Serkland won he eighty walled towns, some thereof surrendered to him,
+whereas others took he by might.
+
+Thereafter went he to Sikiley (Sicily). Thus saith Thiodolf:
+
+  'Towns ten times eight in Serkland,
+  Say I, then were taken,
+  The young hater of red-glowing gold
+  Rushed into the peril.
+  Before the fighter went to rouse
+  With clashing shields the Hilds,
+  Were they long the Serk-men's foe,
+  On the plains of Sicily.'
+
+Thus saith Illugi, the skald from Bryn:
+
+  'Harald under Michael strove
+  For south-lands with his sword
+  The son of Budli, as 'twas said
+  Showed friendship by his fellowship.'[§]
+
+
+ś Now it came to pass that at this season was Michael King of Greece.
+
+Many winters abode he in Africa, and to himself acquired goods and
+chattels in plenty, gold likewise and all manner of precious things; but
+all the wealth which he took and thereof had not need for his
+maintenance sent he by his trusty men to Holmgard (Novgarod), to be
+bestowed into the hands and care of King Jarizleif.
+
+Exceeding wealth did he collect together there, as was like to be,
+forasmuch as he was pillaging in that part of the world the which is
+richest in gold and costly things. And so much did he accomplish withal
+that, as has been writ before, took he as many as eighty towns.
+
+
+ś And being come to Sikiley did Harald lay waste on that isle, and set
+he his host over against a large town in which were many people.
+
+So strong were the walls thereof that he feared it were doubtful an he
+could brake them down. Now the townsfolk had enough of victuals and
+other commodities which were required to withstand a siege, so hit
+Harald on the craft of bidding his fowlers to catch small birds, which
+had nests in the town & flew out during the day to seek food. On the
+backs of these birds caused he to be tied shavings of red pine-wood on
+which had he poured melted wax and brimstone; fire thereto was set, and
+the birds even so soon as they were loose, flew with one accord at once
+to the town with the intent to seek their young and to hie them to their
+own nests which were under the roofs.
+
+And these roofs were thatched with reeds or straw.
+
+Then the fire from the birds spread to the eaves, and though each bird
+bore but a little burden of fire nevertheless in a brief space was
+kindled a great fire, for many birds bore fire to the roofs that were of
+the town. Thereafter there burned one house after the other until the
+town itself was all aflame, and all the people came out therefrom and
+begged for grace.
+
+Yea was this that same folk that for many a day had talked proudly and
+with mocking despite of the Greek host and the chief thereof. Harald
+gave quarter to all men who craved it, and thereafter held authority
+over this town.
+
+
+ś Another town was there to which Harald went with his host, & right
+well peopled was it and strong withal, so much so indeed that it could
+not be thought that he would be able to make assault thereon. Flat land
+and hard lay round about the walls thereof, so Harald set his men to dig
+a trench from the place whence a brook flowed, & that in a deep gulley
+wherein men from the town could not spy.
+
+The earth of the trench threw they out into the water and let the stream
+bear it away; and in this work they continued even both by night and by
+day with fresh shifts after a spell.
+
+After this fashion did the host advance on the town day by day; and the
+townsmen flocked to the battlements & both sides shot at one another,
+but by night did all betake themselves to sleep.
+
+Now when Harald wot that this hole that was in the earth was so long
+that it must have come under and past the walls of the town bade he his
+men arm themselves, & towards dawn went they into the trench, and when
+they came to the end thereof dug they up above their heads until they
+came to stones set in lime; and this was the floor of a stone hall. Anon
+they brake up the floor and ascended into the hall, and there sat many
+of the townsmen eating and drinking, and great was the mischance of
+these good men for they were taken unawares. The Vaerings went about
+with drawn swords, and straightway killed some of them though others
+fled, to wit, those who could get out.
+
+Some of the Vaerings sought after these townsmen while others went to
+the gates to set them open, and by this way in marched the host that
+pertained unto Harald.
+
+Then did the townsfolk flee, though many prayed for mercy, and mercy did
+all receive who gave themselves up.
+
+In this way was it that Harald was possessed of the town, and therewith
+acquired exceeding wealth.
+
+
+ś The third town to which they came was the one that of all of the
+island had waxed largest and strongest, and to it pertained most
+importance both by reason of the wealth and the number within its walls.
+
+Even about this town lay great ditches, and the Vaerings marked that
+they could not win it by craft after such fashion as they had possessed
+themselves of the other towns aforesaid. And so it came to pass that
+long lay they before the town yet did they accomplish nothing, and the
+townsfolk seeing this waxed even bolder, and set up their array on the
+walls, & anon opened the gates of the town and called to the Vaerings,
+egging them on & bidding them enter; and they mocked at them for lack of
+boldness, averring that for fighting were they no better than so many
+hens. Harald bade his men behave themselves as though they wist not
+after what fashion were such things said: 'Nought shall we accomplish,'
+said he, 'even if we storm the town; they will fling their weapons down
+under their feet upon us; and albeit an entrance we perchance effect
+with sundry of our folk, yet is the foe strong enough to shut them in,
+and shut the others out at their pleasure for they have put watches at
+all the gates of the town.
+
+No less mock will we make of them, however, and we will flaunt in their
+faces that we have no fear of them. Our men shall go forth on the plain
+as near the town as may be, having care nevertheless lest they come
+within bowshot, and weaponless must they go & hold sports one with
+another so that the townsfolk may wot that we care naught for their
+array.'
+
+After this fashion did they behave themselves for sundry days.
+
+
+ś Now of the Icelanders that were with Harald at this time is it
+recorded that Halldor the son of Snorri the Priest-- he it was who took
+this chronicle back to his own land-- and in the second place Ulf the
+son of Uspak, the son of Usvif the Wise, were the twain of them very
+strong & valiant men and much cherished of Harald.
+
+The pair were alike foremost in the sports on the plain. When things had
+thus happened for these sundry days, were the townsfolk minded to show
+even greater arrogance, & discarding their weapons mounted they up on to
+the walls and defiantly set open the gates of the town. Now the Vaerings
+seeing this betook themselves one day to their sports in such fashion
+that the swords that pertained to them were concealed beneath their
+cloaks and their helms beneath their hats. And after they had vied with
+one another awhile saw they that the townsfolk in no fashion entertained
+suspicion, thereon drawing their swords ran they forward to the gates.
+When the townsmen saw this advanced they bravely to meet them, standing
+fully armed, and thereon ensued a dire fight within the gates.
+
+To the Vaering folk pertained neither shield nor buckler, & in default
+thereof wrapped they their cloaks round their left arm; some were
+wounded, some killed, & all were hard pressed.
+
+Harald & the men with him who were in the camp hastened to their
+succour, but by then were the townsfolk come up on to the walls from
+whence they shot at & stoned those coming thitherwards. Yet more fierce
+grew the fight, & those within the gates bethought them help came at a
+slower gait than they could desire. Scarce was Harald come to the gates
+ere was slain his banner-bearer; then said he: 'Halldor, do thou take up
+the banner!' Halldor picked up the banner-staff, but he spoke unwisely:
+'Who will bear thy banner for thee when thou followest it so
+faint-heartedly as thou hast done now this while past?' These were words
+more of anger than of truth, for Harald stood the stoutest among men.
+Then hied they them into the gate, and great were the strokes given; but
+the outcome thereof was such wise that the victory was to Harald and he
+stormed the gates. Sore smote was Halldor, a deep wound gat he in the
+countenance, and to him was it a blemish all the days of his life.§
+
+
+ś The fourth town whereunto Harald was come together with his host was
+the stoutest of all those whereof we have yet told. So strong was it
+that they wist there was no hope that it could be taken by assault, and
+thereon beset they the town even by getting a ring around it so that no
+victuals could be taken therein.
+
+Now it chanced when Harald had been before it a while, fell he sick and
+betook himself to his bed; & he caused his tent be placed away from
+other tents so that he might have the ease that he should not hear the
+noise and disquiet of the host. Backwards & forwards to him oft fared
+his men, craving his counsel, and this was noted of the townsfolk who
+argued rightly that something had befallen the Vaerings, and thereon set
+they spies to discover what it might be. When the spies were come back
+even into the town brought they intelligence that the chief of the
+Vaerings lay sick, & for that cause had they not advanced on the town.
+As time waxed big grew the strength of Harald small, and his men became
+sorrowful and were heavy of heart.
+
+Now of all this had the townsfolk full knowledge.
+
+To such a pass came it that the sickness pressed Harald hard and his
+death was told throughout the whole host. Then went the Vaerings to
+speak with the townsmen, telling them of the death of their chief,
+& praying the priests to grant him a tomb in the town.
+
+Now when the townsfolk heard these tidings many were there, rulers of
+monasteries or of other big churches in the town, who wished much, each
+one of them, to have the body for his church, for well wotted each that
+it would bring them great offerings; so the whole multitude of the
+priests clad themselves in their vestments and walked forth out of the
+town in procession well favoured and solemn, bearing shrines and holy
+relics.
+
+But made the Vaerings also a mighty funeral train; covered with a costly
+pall was the coffin borne aloft, and above this again were held many
+banners, & after the coffin in this wise had been borne in through the
+town-gates was it set down right athwart them in front of the opening
+thereof. Then did the Vaerings blow a war-blast from all their trumpets,
+& drew their swords, and the whole host of the Vaerings rushed out of
+their tents fully armed, and ran towards the town shouting and crying.
+The monks & other priests who had been walking in this funeral train
+vying with one another to be the foremost to go out and receive the
+offering, now vied twofold as speedily to be the farthest off, for the
+Vaerings slew every one who was nearest to them be he clerk or layman.
+After this fashion did they go about the whole of the town, putting the
+men to the sword and pillaging the churches, whence snatched they
+exceeding great wealth.
+
+
+ś Many summers fared Harald in warfare after this fashion alike in
+Serkland and Sikiley.
+
+Thereafter led he his host back to Miklagard, and abode there a short
+space ere set he again forth on a journey to Jorsalaheim (Palestine).§
+There he left behind him all the gold he had gotten as payment from the
+Greek King, & the same did all the Vaerings who went on the journey with
+him.
+
+It is told that altogether Harald fought eighteen battles on these
+journeys. Thus saith Thiodolf:
+
+  'All men know that Harald
+  Eighteen battles grim hath fought,
+  Oft hath the peace of the chieftain been broken;
+  The gray eagle's sharp claws
+  In blood didst thou dye, King,
+  Ever was the wolf filled ere thou fared'st homeward.'
+
+
+ś Harald with his men had now betaken themselves to Jorsalaland
+(Palestine) and thence to Jorsalaborg (Jerusalem), and whithersoever he
+went in Jorsalaland were all the towns and castles surrendered unto him;
+thus saith Stuf, who had himself heard the King recount these things:
+
+  'The blade-bold smiting warrior
+  To subjection brought Jerusalem.
+  The smiling land was captive to him and the Greeks,
+  And by their might, unburned withal,
+  Came the country under the warrior's dictate.'
+
+
+ś Here it is recounted that this land came unburned and unscathed into
+Harald's power. Thereafter fared he to the Jordan and bathed himself
+therein, as is the way with other pilgrims. On the Sepulchre of the
+Lord, the Holy Cross, and other holy relics in Jorsalaland bestowed
+Harald great benefactions. Then did he make safe all the road to the
+Jordan, slaying robbers and other disturbers of the peace. Thus saith
+Stuf:
+
+  'By counsel and wrathful words the King of the Agdir folk
+  Withstood on the banks of the Jordan the treason of men,
+  But for true trespass had folk to pay dearly;
+  Ill from the Prince suffered they.
+  (In Christ's eternal house).'
+
+
+ś After these things fared he back to Miklagard.
+
+
+ś Now when Harald was returned to Miklagard from Jorsalaland was he
+minded to go to the north, even unto his own heritage; for it had come
+to his ears that the son of his brother, to wit, Magnus Olafson, was now
+King of Norway and of Denmark, and therefor gave he warning to quit his
+service with the King of Greece; but when Queen Zoe came to hear thereof
+waxed she very wrath & made dire complaint against Harald, averring that
+he had gone dishonestly to work with the wealth of the Greek King which
+had been taken in warfare what time Harald had been chief of the host.
+Now there was a damsel both young and fair, whose name was Maria, and
+she was the daughter of the brother to Queen Zoe.[§] Afore had Harald
+sought the hand of this maid in marriage, and by the Queen had his suit
+been refused. It has been told here in the north by Vaerings, who were
+then serving in Miklagard, that among those who should wot well of the
+affair was it averred that Queen Zoe desired to have Harald for her own
+husband, & therein lay the cause of all that which befell when Harald
+desired to leave Miklagard, though mayhap otherwise was given out before
+all folk. At that time was Constantine Monomachus King of the Greeks,
+and together with Queen Zoe ruled he the kingdom. Wherefore was it on
+these counts that the King of the Greeks caused Harald to be seized and
+cast into prison.
+
+
+ś But as Harald was drawing nigh unto the prison there appeared unto him
+the holy King Olaf and bade him be of good cheer for that he would come
+to his aid; & there in the street was afterwards builded a chapel, and
+was it consecrated to King Olaf, & that chapel has stood there unto this
+very day.§ Now after such fashion was the prison builded that it had a
+high tower, & this was open at the top. Into the prison thereof was
+Harald thrown, and together with him were Halldor and Ulf. The night
+thereafter came a wealthy woman to the uppermost part of the prison,
+whither she had ascended by means of ladders, and with her were two
+serving-men and to either let they down a rope by which they drew the
+prisoners up. This woman had one time been healed by the holy King Olaf,
+and now had he appeared to her and laid upon her the injunction that she
+should release his brother from out of prison.Thereon hied Harald him to
+the Vaerings who with one accord rose to their feet when they beheld
+him, and acclaimed him welcome.
+
+Thereafter fell the whole of the host to arms and betook themselves to
+the place where the King was sleeping, and taking him captive thrust
+they out both his eyes. Thus saith Thorarin Skeggison in his lay:
+
+  'The bold prince gold obtained,
+  But the throned King of Greece gat blindness,
+  And thereafter went with scars most grievous.'
+
+Thus likewise saith Thiodolf the Skald:
+
+  'The waster of wolves' sorrow
+  Let the eyes twain of the throned King be put out;
+  The prince of the Agdir folk on the Eastern King
+  Laid a grisly mark whereby was he horribly blinded.'
+
+In the twain of these lays concerning Harald, & also in many other
+songs, recorded is it how that he himself put out the eyes of the Greek
+King; but in lieu of thus singing, had they known it to be truer, full
+well might they have named a duke or count or some other nobleman. But
+Harald himself and the other men that were with him themselves boasted
+of this deed.§
+
+
+ś That same night went Harald and his men to the chamber wherein Maria
+lay sleeping, & by force bare her away. Then betaking themselves to
+where their galleys rode took they twain of them and anon rowed into
+Siavidarsund,§ but when they were come thither found they that the iron
+chain was stretched right athwart the inlet, and so Harald commanded his
+men to fall to their oars on both the galleys, & those who were not
+rowing were all to run aft, and each one to have in his hand his own
+baggage-bag.
+
+In this fashion they ran the galleys on to the chain, and as soon as
+they were fast and the speed was stayed commanded he all his men to run
+forward. Then that galley whereon was Harald plunged forward, and after
+it had swayed on the chain slid from off it; but the other brake as it
+rode the chain, and many were drowned, albeit some were taken up out of
+the water. After this fashion did Harald escape from Miklagard, & thence
+fared he forth into the Black Sea. But ere he sailed from land he set
+the maid ashore, & gave her trusty followers to take her back to
+Miklagard; and he bade her ask her kinswoman Zoe how much power she had
+over him, or if her power had been able to hinder him from getting the
+maiden. Thereafter sailed Harald northward to Ellipalta§ and thence
+fared all over the East-realm.§ On this journey made Harald certain
+merry verses which together number sixteen, & all have the same refrain:
+this is one of them:
+
+  'Past Sicily, far out, forged the ship;
+  Proudly she strode and ably 'neath our feet
+  Never before had Norseman come so far amain,
+  Yet saith the Maid of the gold-rings in Garda that she scorns me.'
+
+
+ś By this, allusion made he to Ellisif, the daughter of King Jarizleif
+of Holmgard.
+
+
+ś When Harald was come to Holmgard did King Jarizleif receive him with
+exceeding great kindness, and there abode he the winter through; at that
+time, moreover, took he into his own keeping all the gold and various
+other precious goods which he had sent thither out of Miklagard. So much
+wealth was indeed collected together, that no one there in the north had
+seen so great an amount before in the ownership of one man. On three
+occasions[§] the while he was in Miklagard had Harald ta'en his share in
+the spoiling of palaces, for it was a law that every time a Greek King
+died the Vaerings should have palace-spoil; at that hour might they go
+through all the palaces of the King, wherein his hoards of wealth were
+garnered, and take at will as much as ever they could lay hands on.
+
+
+ś That winter gave King Jarizleif to Harald his daughter in wedlock, her
+name was Elizabeth but Norwegians called her Ellisif. To this Stuf the
+Blind is witness in the following:
+
+  'The alliance that he wished
+  Gat the prince of the Agdirs;
+  Gold amain won the friend of the men,
+  And to boot the King's daughter.'
+
+
+ś So it came to pass that ere long there arose some discord betwixt
+Magnus and Harald, and then were many men so evil-minded that they
+wrought bad blood betwixt the Kings.
+
+
+ś Now after the departure of Harald in the manner aforesaid, Svein
+Ulfson went on sleeping. Later made he close inquiry anent the journey
+of Harald; and when he came to know that Harald and Magnus had entered
+into covenant, and had now an host one with the other, steered he a
+course eastward alongside the coast of Skani and abode there with his
+host, until it came to his ears in wintertime that Magnus and Harald had
+fared northward even to Norway with their hosts. Thereupon shaped Svein
+a course southward (west) to Denmark, and that winter took he possession
+by force of all the dues of the King.
+
+
+ś So soon as the spring was come King Magnus and King Harald called out
+a muster from all Norway.
+
+Now it befell once upon a time that both the Kings were lying in the
+self-same haven, and the day thereafter Harald being the first to be
+ready sailed forthwith, and in the evening hove he to in the haven
+wherein he and Magnus had covenanted to lie that night; and brought he
+his ship into the King's berth, and hoisted his tilts.
+
+King Magnus, he that had later in the day sailed forth, found also that
+haven, but when he was come perceived he that the men of Harald had by
+then gotten their tilts up; & saw he furthermore that Harald was lying
+in the berth of the King and that there was he minded to lie. Even so
+soon as his men had struck sail said King Magnus unto them: 'Now shall
+my men take their places by the bulwarks and fall to their oars, and the
+others shall undo their weapons and arm themselves, and if Harald and
+his men gainsay us and will not make way, then will we fight them.' When
+King Harald saw that King Magnus was minded to give battle spake he to
+his men and said: 'Cut the hawsers and let us put off; wroth is now
+kinsman Magnus.' So said so done; and the ships of Harald were hove out
+of berth, and King Magnus put his ships into their place.
+
+When this had been accomplished went King Harald with sundry of his men
+up on to the ship of King Magnus, & the King greeted him well and bade
+him welcome. Then said King Harald: 'I thought that we were come among
+friends; but just now I misdoubted that thou wouldst let this be the
+case; but true it is that children are petulent & I will not account it
+otherwise than that this was a childish deed.' Then said King Magnus:
+'It was a kin-deed, not a child's-deed; I can in good sooth remember
+what I gave and what I refused, but an it were allowed that this little
+matter were now done in our despite another would soon arise. In all
+things will we keep the covenant that we made, but thou on thy part must
+fulfil that which was agreed upon.' Then said King Harald: 'There is
+also an old custom which hath it that the wisest giveth way,' &
+therewith went he back even to his own ship. In such like dealings
+betwixt the Kings was it difficult to hold the balance; the men to King
+Magnus swore even that he was in the right, but those who were dullards
+deemed that Harald had been slighted.
+
+The men that were of King Harald's following said it were well and right
+that Magnus should have the berth had the two Kings come thither at the
+same time, but that King Harald could not be called upon to leave the
+berth wherein he were lying afore; and they declared that Harald had
+acted well and wisely, but those who wished to make the worst of things
+said that King Magnus desired to break the covenant, and that he had
+done King Harald wrong and injustice.
+
+Soon unwise men were talking so much about quarrels of this kind that
+discord arose between the Kings, and many things befell which the Kings
+took each after his own fashion albeit thereof is but little set down in
+writing.
+
+
+ś So King Magnus & King Harald brought their fleet down to Denmark, and
+when Svein heard thereof fled he away to Skani. The two Kings abode long
+in Denmark that summer, and brought the land into subjection; the autumn
+to them was in Jutland. There one night, when King Magnus lay abed,
+dreamt he that he himself stood there where his father King Olaf the
+Saint abode, & thought he that his father spake with him: 'Which wilt
+thou choose, my son, to fare with me, or become of all kings the
+mightiest & live long, but to commit sin so great that thou wilt
+scarcely or never be able to atone for it?' And he bethought that he
+answered, 'I desire that thou choosest for me.'
+
+Then the King seemed to answer: 'Thou shalt fare even with me.' King
+Magnus told his men of this dream. A little while later fell he ill of a
+sickness, and lay at a place called Sudatorp,§ and when he was nigh unto
+death sent he his brother§ Thorir to Svein Ulfson bidding the latter
+afford Thorir what help he might need, and with this message King Magnus
+also made it known that when his days should be ended it was his wish to
+have Svein to have dominion over the realm of Denmark, saying that it
+was meet that Harald should rule over Norway and Svein over Denmark.
+Thereafter died King Magnus the Good, & all folk mourned his death. Thus
+saith Od Kikina-Skald:
+
+  'Full many a tear did men shed
+  When the mild King was borne to the grave.
+  Heavy the burden for those that he had benefited with gold,
+  Sore were the hearts of the house carles,
+  Their tears held they not back,
+  And oft-times in sorrow now are his people down-cast.'
+
+
+ś When he heard these tidings summoned King Harald his host to a Thing,
+and opened unto them a scheme whereof the purport was to fare forth to
+the Vebiorg Thing, and cause himself there to be acclaimed King of
+Denmark.
+
+Thence would he conquer his country, for he accounted Denmark his own
+heritage in succession to his kinsman Magnus in like manner as with the
+kingdom of Norway.
+
+And for this purpose bade he his men give him their assistance, for
+then, said he, the Norwegians would be masters of the Danes for all
+time. Then up and spake Einar Thamberskelfir, and said, rather was it
+his duty to convey his foster-son King Magnus to the grave and to the
+latter's father King Olaf, than to fight in a foreign land, or to covet
+ye might and dominion of another King; therefore concluded he his
+speaking by saying that better he deemed it to follow King Magnus dead
+than any other king living. Afterwards caused he the corpse to be ta'en
+and laid out in solemn state so that all might see it arrayed on board
+the King's own ship. Thereafter all the men of Throndhjem and the
+Norwegians made them ready to return home with the body of King Magnus &
+the war-host was disbanded. Then did King Harald perceive that by so
+much was it his wisest policy to fare back even unto Norway and first of
+all things to make that country his own, and thereafter wax in power. So
+Harald hied him thither with the whole of his host thus unto Norway, and
+even so soon as he was come thither held he a Thing of the men of the
+land, and caused himself to be acknowledged King over the whole country;
+he fared right from the east, from Vik, and was acclaimed King by every
+folkland in Norway.
+
+
+ś Einar Thamberskelfir journeyed to Norway with the corpse of King
+Magnus; with him fared all the host of the Throndhjem folk; & they took
+the body to Nidaros where it was buried in the chapel of Saint Clement
+wherein was then the shrine of the sainted King Olaf.
+
+King Magnus had been of middle height, with a countenance ruddy and
+frank, fair-haired was he, and eloquent; quick to think, strong to
+decide, bounteous to give; withal a mighty man of war and very valiant
+to boot; of all Kings was he the most beloved, & praised was he alike by
+friend and foe.
+
+
+ś That autumn also was Svein Ulfson in Skani & was minded to fare
+eastward to the realm of Sweden; moreover thought he that he would lay
+down the title of King which he had taken to himself in Denmark.
+Peradventure as he was mounting his horse rode certain men up to him &
+told unto him the tidings that King Magnus was dead, and how that all
+the host of Norway had quitted clean from Denmark.
+
+To this made Svein hasty answer & said: 'I call God to witness that
+never hereafter will I flee the realm of Denmark even so long as I
+live.' Therewithal mounted he his horse & rode southwards in Skani, & to
+him were forthwith many folk gathered. That winter conquered he the
+whole of Denmark, & all the Danes took him for their King. Thorir, the
+brother of King Magnus, came to Svein with the message of King Magnus,
+as has been afore writ, & Svein received Thorir with good countenance;
+tarried he long with Svein and it was well with him.
+
+
+ś After the death of King Magnus Olafson, had King Harald Sigurdson
+possession of the whole realm of Norway.
+
+And when he had ruled over Norway for one winter, & the spring was again
+incomen mustered he men from out of all the land, one half of the
+general host in men & ships, & thence sailed south to Jutland where he
+harried & burned even very widely; that same summer hove he to in
+Godnarfjord. At that time made King Harald this verse:
+
+  'While the linen-white woman
+  Her song chants to her goodman,
+  The anchor of the oaken ship
+  We drop in Godnarfjord.'
+
+Then spake he to Thiodolf, and bade him add thereunto; and he sang:
+
+  'Next summer (foretell I)
+  The anchor more southward
+  Shall hold the ship with its fluke;
+  Deeper shall we cast it.'
+
+And Bolverk in his lay mentions that Harald fared to Denmark the summer
+following on King Magnus's death:
+
+  'From that fair land the year thereafter
+  A muster called'st thou out;
+  When thou ploughed'st the seas
+  With sea-steeds full splendid.
+  On darksome billow lay
+  The dragons precious, and uneasy
+  The host thereof saw off land
+      laden were the war-ships of the Danes.'
+
+
+ś It was at that time that they burned the homestead of Thorkel Geyser.
+He was a great chief, natheless were his daughters led bounden to the
+ships: the winter before had they shown themselves very scornful of
+Harald & had made mock of his war cruise to Denmark, & from cheese had
+they cut out anchors and said that most like these would well suffice to
+hold the ships of the King of Norway. Then was this chanted:
+
+  'Now from their whey cheeses cut
+  The maids of Denmark rings for anchors,
+  And this gibe annoyance gave the King.
+  Now see I maidens many in the morn
+  Reach the King's ships in fetters heavy:
+  Fewer laugh now.'
+
+
+ś It is related that the look-out man who had observed the fleet of King
+Harald's cried out to the daughters of Thorkel Geyser, 'Ye Geyser
+daughters said that Harald would never come to Denmark.' Quoth one of
+them, 'That was yesterday.'
+
+
+ś At a very high price did Thorkel ransom his daughters. Thus saith
+Grani:
+
+  'Of tears her eyes
+  Were never dry;
+  This wrong-headed woman
+  In the thick Horn-woods.
+  The lord of Norway the fleeing
+  Foe to the shore drave;
+  For his daughters wealth amain
+  Had to pay their father.'
+
+
+ś The whole of the summer did King Harald harry in the realm of the
+Danes & gat to himself much plunder, natheless did he not there abide
+but fared he back to Norway in the autumn, and there tarried the winter
+through.
+
+
+ś That same winter, which was even that one after the death of King
+Magnus, did King Harald take to wife Thora, the daughter of Thorberg
+Arnason. To them were born two sons, the elder of whom was Magnus, the
+younger Olaf.
+
+King Harald and Queen Ellisif had two daughters; one of these was named
+Maria, and the other Ingigerd. When that following spring was come, and
+of that spring have we writ afore, did King Harald muster his host and
+again fared forth to Denmark in the summer & harried there, & the same
+did he now one summer after the other. Thus saith Stuf the Skald:
+
+  'Falster was wasted, and to its folk
+  Mischance befell (so I heard).
+  The raven his fill ate,
+  But rapine feared the Danes each year.'
+
+
+ś Ever since the death of King Magnus had King Svein ruled the whole of
+the Danish realm; remained he at peace during the winters, but by summer
+went he out with his host & did threaten to journey north with the
+Danish host, and there do no less harm than Harald had done in Denmark.
+In the winter King Svein offered to meet King Harald in the River, and
+there fight together to the last, or else come to agreement; and
+thereafter, during that winter, were both one and other of them busied
+arming their ships, so that in the summer to come might one half of the
+general host be abroad.
+
+It was in that summer that there came from Iceland Thorleik Svein
+Ulfson; he had heard to wit, when he was north in Norway, that King
+Harald had fared south to the River against King Svein. Then did
+Thorleik chant this:
+
+  ''Tis awaited that in spear-storm
+  On the sea-king's path
+  The doughty men of inner Throndhjem
+  Will meet the hardy King.
+  God only can bring it to pass
+  That one of them there taketh
+  Life or land of the other;
+  Little wots Svein of concord.'
+
+And furthermore he chanted this:
+
+  'Harald the harsh who beareth
+  Oft a red shield off the land,
+  Is guiding on Budli's ways§
+  The broad long-ships from the north.
+  But southward o'er the seas,
+  Doth come the warlike Svein
+  In animals gold-mouthed, masted,
+  And painted in colours fair.'
+
+
+ś To the appointed trysting-place came King Harald with his host, and
+there heard that King Svein was to the south and lying off Zealand with
+his fleet. Then did King Harald part his host, sending the greater
+number of the peasant-host back, but retaining to himself his body-guard
+& friends and feudatories, also that part of the peasant-host which had
+been mustered nighest to the Danes.
+
+They fared south (west) to Jutland, southward of Vendilskagi,
+& thereafter still south past Thioda, & went everywhere with the
+war-shield aloft. Thus saith Stuf the Skald:
+
+  'Fled Thioda folk from meeting with the King,
+  Bold was he the stately dealer of blows.
+  Harald's soul in Heaven.'§
+
+
+ś They fared southward all the way to Heidaby, and when they were come
+thither seized they that town and burned it. Then a man that was thrall
+to King Harald wrought this:
+
+  'Burnt from one end to another
+  Was the whole of Heidaby;
+  Ruthless treatment this, methinks;
+  Our work, I trow, arouses grief in Svein.
+  In the town spent I last night:
+  Ere the eighth hour the flames shot up from the houses.'
+
+
+ś Likewise Thorleik telleth in his poem that he heard that no battle
+befell at the River:
+
+  'Among the King's followers
+  Each asks who doth not wot it
+  How 'twas that the prince avenger
+  To Heidaby did hie him,
+  When Harald from the east with ships
+  Sped early, without reason,
+  To the royal town. In sooth
+  Destruction ne'er should have been done.'
+
+
+ś After this fared Harald northward and with him had he sixty ships, the
+greater number were large & well laden with what plunder had been taken
+in the summer. But as they were faring northward and past Thioda came
+down King Svein from the land with a large host; & he proffered King
+Harald to come ashore & do battle. Now King Harald had less than half as
+many men as Svein and so he bade Svein fight with him at sea. Thus saith
+Thorleik the Fair:
+
+  'Svein, even he who was born to success in Midgard,
+  Called on the mighty King in fight on land to meet him;
+  But Harald shy of failing would liefer fight, quoth he,
+  Aboardship, since the bold King held the land.'
+
+
+ś Thereafter sailed Harald northward past Vendilskagi; but the wind was
+against them & they brought-to under Lesey where they remained the
+night. Then were the ships encompassed with a thick sea-fog, but when it
+was morning, & the sun rose, beheld they on the other side of the sea
+what seemed to them like burning fires. And King Harald being informed
+thereof gazed thereat, & said straightway: 'Strike the ships' tilts, and
+let the men fall to their oars. The Danish host hath come after us. The
+darkness hath lifted, I ween, there where they are, and the sun is
+shining on their dragon-heads the which are overlaid with gold.' And it
+was even as Harald said for behold there was come Svein, the Danish
+King, with a mighty host.
+
+Both the fleets now rowed with all speed, but the Danish ships were
+lighter under oars, the Norwegian ships being both water-logged and
+heavy laden. So the Danes drew on apace.
+
+Then did Harald perceive that this would never serve his purpose. Now
+his dragon was faring astern of all his other ships, and he commanded
+that some timber should be thrown overboard and apparel with other wares
+be placed thereon, and as the water was calm these things drifted with
+the current.
+
+When the Danes saw these goods drifting along on the sea those who were
+rowing ahead swerved aside after them, for they deemed it easier to take
+the goods as they were floating loose on the water than to seek them on
+board the Norwegian ships, and in this manner did their ships linger.
+When King Svein overtook them in his ship bade he them proceed, and said
+shame was it that with an host as large as his they could not take the
+Norwegians, to whom was but few men, and get the fellows into their
+power.
+
+Then began the Danes to row the harder again, and when King Harald saw
+that they were making way bade he his men lighten their ships by
+throwing overboard malt and wheat and swine-flesh, even to chopping open
+their kegs of drink, and for a while these aids availed them well. Then
+did King Harald command that the war-hurdles should be taken, also
+casks, and empty barrels, and be cast overboard and on them and in them
+were placed prisoners of war.
+
+Now when King Svein saw all of these floating together on the sea he
+ordered that the men should be rescued, and accordingly was this done.
+While his men were occupied in this their task, grew greater the
+distance between the fleets, and when the Danes were again about the
+chase had the Norwegians already made good their escape. Thus saith
+Thorleik the Fair:
+
+  'I heard tell in what manner Svein
+  The eastmen put to flight at sea,
+  How the other King quick-minded gat him gone;
+  All the plunder of the Thrond-folk's King
+  On the Jutland sea was floating;
+  And sundry ships lost he withal.'
+
+
+ś Under Lesey, did King Svein withdraw his fleet, and there found he
+seven Norwegian ships, but aboard them were only peasants and men who
+had been mustered for war.
+
+When King Svein took them begged they for quarter and offered money in
+ransom. Thus saith Thorleik the Fair:
+
+  'For grace did Harald's friends stout-hearted
+  Pray the King, and they few laid down their arms;
+  The peasants ready-witted refused to fight thereafter,
+  Speaking because their lives out they wished to live.'
+
+
+ś Anent King Harald be it said that he was masterful and a strong ruler
+in his own land, a very sage man withal, & it be common talk that there
+was never a chief in the Northlands so wise or ready in resource as he.
+
+A great warrior also, and very valiant, stronger, & defter with weapons
+than any other man; but all this have we recorded before.
+
+Nevertheless the greater number of his doughty deeds go unrecorded, and
+this in part by reason of our lack of knowledge thereof, & in part by
+reason that we will not put in books tales for which there is no
+witness, even though in our hearing have such things been told. It
+beseemeth us better that something may be added hereafter than that much
+should need to be taken herefrom. About King Harald are many tales set
+forth in lays which the Icelandic men made to him or to his sons, & for
+this reason was he a firm friend to them. A firm friend also was he to
+all our countrymen, and once when there was a great famine in Iceland
+permitted King Harald four of his ships to carry meal to that island,
+and decreed that six bushels thereof should not cost more than a hundred
+ells of homespun; furthermore allowed he those that were stricken by
+poverty to leave if so be that they could find themselves in victuals
+the voyage thro' over to the main, and by these means was the land saved
+and the harvest thereof bettered.
+
+King Harald set up a bell for the church which was builded with timber
+sent hither by the sainted King Olaf, and raised on a site nigh by where
+the Althing takes place. Such memories have we here of King Harald & of
+many other great gifts which he granted to men that sought them.
+
+Halldor Snorrason and Ulf Uspakson, whereof we have afore wrote, hied
+them to Norway even into the service of King Harald.
+
+In manifold parts were they opposite one from the other. Halldor was
+very big & strong and handsome, and King Harald bore witness regarding
+him that he was among those of his men who altered least in unawaited
+circumstances: whether such might be peril or tidings of joy, or through
+things that might occur when danger was toward; never was he more
+pleased nor less pleased, never did he sleep more nor less; nor took
+meat & drink otherwise than as was his wont. Halldor was a silent man &
+harsh, speaking bluntly, also was he stubborn and unmeek; and this was
+not to the liking of the King since he had many other bold and willing
+men.
+
+Halldor abode with the King but a short time and then fared back to
+Iceland, and made to himself a home at Hiardarholt, abiding there till
+he was aged and become an old man.
+
+
+ś In great love dwelt Ulf Uspakson with King Harald; a very wise man was
+he, eloquent, strong, large-hearted, & resourceful. King Harald created
+him his marshal and gave him in wedlock Jorun the daughter of Thorberg
+whose daughter, to wit Thora, was wife to King Harald. The children of
+Ulf and Jorun were Joan the Strong of Rasvold, & Brigida, the mother of
+Sheep-Wolf, who was the father of Peter Burden-Swain§ who again was the
+father of Ulf Fly and of the other brothers and sisters of this latter.
+The son of Joan the Strong was Erling, he that was the father of
+Archbishop Eystein and his brothers.
+
+King Harald gave Ulf the Marshal the rights of a feudatory and a grant
+of twelve marks with more than half a folkland in Throndhjem; this
+according to Stein Herdison in the lay of Ulf.
+
+
+ś Now it came to pass that King Magnus Olafson had caused the church of
+Saint Olaf§ to be builded in Nidaros on the self-same spot whereon his
+father's body had rested for a night, and this spot was then above the
+town; there too builded he the King's-House.
+
+The church was not finished when the King died. Harald completed that
+which was lacking to the church, and in the yard thereof laid he the
+foundation of a stone hall, but this was not ready before he set to work
+to build the church of Saint Mary up on the sand-bank, nigh the spot
+where the holy body of the King lay buried that first winter after his
+death.
+
+It was a great minster and so firmly was it builded with lime that it
+scarce could be broken when Archbishop Eystein had it pulled down.
+
+In the church of Saint Olaf were preserved ye relics of King Olaf§
+whiles the church of St. Mary was abuilding.
+
+King Harald builded a King's-House below the church of Mary, by the
+river, where it now stands; & the hall which he had builded before,
+dedicated he to the church of Saint Gregory.§
+
+
+ś A certain man there was named Ivar the White, who was a bold
+feudatory; his seat lay in the Uplands, and himself was a grandson of
+Earl Hakon the Great. In appearance was Ivar exceeding comely. The son
+of Ivar was named Hakon, and it hath been said of him that he surpassed
+all the men in Norway at that time for strength and courage & ability;
+he was much in warfare in his youth & made great advancement for
+himself, and later was he a very famous man.
+
+
+ś Einar Thamberskelfir was the most powerful of the feudatories in
+Throndhjem; little friendship throve there betwixt himself & Harald,
+natheless retained he the land-dues which had pertained to him during
+the lifetime of Magnus.
+
+Einar was an exceedingly wealthy man; he was wedded to Bergliot daughter
+of Earl Hakon, as hath been writ before. Eindrid, their son, was now
+full-grown, and had to wife Sigrid the daughter of Ketil Calf and of
+Gunhild, the niece of King Harald through her mother.
+
+Eindrid inherited fairness and beauty from the kindred of his mother, to
+wit, Earl Hakon and his sons; and from his father, Einar, gat he height
+and strength and the craft which Einar had above all other men; a very
+hearty man was Eindrid withal.
+
+
+ś Orm was the name of a certain Earl in the Uplands, and his mother was
+Ragnhild the daughter of Earl Hakon the Great. This Orm was a very
+excellent man.
+
+In those days Aslak Erlingson lived eastward at Soli in Jadar; he had to
+wife Sigrid the daughter of Earl Svein Hakonson.
+
+Gunhild, another daughter to Earl Svein, was wedded to the Danish King
+Svein Ulfson. This anent the offspring in Norway of Earl Hakon at that
+time, and moreover anent many other bold men; all of the line of Earl
+Hakon were more comely than other folk and the most of them were very
+able men, but all were brave.
+
+
+ś King Harald loved power, & this grew according as he took root in the
+land; to so great an extent did it wax that in the case of most men it
+bootless was to speak against him, or to bring forward other matters
+than those which were to his mind. Thus saith Thiodolf the Skald:
+
+  'The men of the war-wont chieftain
+  All humble have to sit or stand
+  There in such place as the stern king desireth;
+  Before the filler of ravens bend many men,
+  And few there are indeed who will not do in all things
+  Whate'er the King may bid.'
+
+
+ś Ever was Einar Thamberskelfir the chief leader of the Throndhjem
+peasantry, and their spokesman at the Thing when the King proceeded
+against them. Well acquainted was he with the laws; nor, with all the
+peasantry at his back, was he lacking in boldness to carry through his
+cause at the Things, even though the King himself might be present.
+
+Now this made the King exceeding wroth, and at last were matters at such
+a pass that they disputed together with contentious words, Einar
+swearing that the peasants would not brook the lawlessness of the King
+if he should break the common law of the land. After this fashion did
+they fall out on sundry occasions. Then Einar started to have many men
+round him when he was at home, and many more when he came to town and
+the King was present. On one occasion when he fared in to town had he
+with him many folk, eight or nine long-ships, and nigh upon five hundred
+men;§ and coming to town he went ashore with this fellowship, and King
+Harald who by hap was in the outer gallery of his house, stood and
+looked on as the men to Einar flocked up from their ships, and it is
+said that Harald thereupon chanted this:
+
+  'Here see I speeding up
+  With his great following
+  Einar Thamberskelfir;
+  Yea, he who cleaveth the waves.
+  That lord full strong is minded
+  A princely throne to fill;
+  At the heels of an earl
+  House-carles but few will follow.
+  He who the sword makes red
+  Will beguile us of our land
+  If Einar kisseth not
+  The thin mouth of the axe.'
+
+
+ś Some days that while tarried Einar in the town.
+
+Now it came to pass that one day a folk-mote was held, for it had
+befallen that a thief had been taken in the town, and it was at this
+mote that he was to be brought to trial, & the King himself was present.
+
+Aforetime had the man been in the service of Einar who had favoured him
+more than a little. Now of this matter was Einar told, and deemed he
+that the King would not be the more prone to liberate the man because
+he, Einar, set store by him, so accordingly bade he his men arm
+themselves and in force to proceed to the mote, and then took Einar the
+man away by dint of sheer strength.
+
+Thereafter mediated the friends of either in the matter, & the end
+thereof came that it was agreed that a tryst should be appointed and
+that the King & Einar should meet one another. There was a
+council-chamber in the King's-House down by the river,§ and into this
+chamber entered the King and with him therein were but few men; the
+others left he standing without in the courtyard. Now the King had had a
+shutter placed over the smoke-hole, & there was but a little opening.
+Then did Einar come into the courtyard with his men, and said he to his
+son Eindrid: 'Remain thou out here with the men, and then will there be
+no danger for me.'
+
+Wherefore did Eindrid take up his station without the door of the
+council-chamber.
+
+Now when Einar was entered into this room said he: 'Dark is it in the
+King's council-chamber,' and even at that moment fell men upon him and
+some stabbed him & some hewed at him, and when Eindrid heard the tumult
+drew he his sword and rushed into the chamber whereon forthwith was he
+felled beside his father.
+
+Then did the King's men run towards the chamber and before the door
+thereof, but the peasants were all at a loss because now to them
+pertained no leader; yet did they urge one another on saying that it
+were shame not to avenge their chief, but for all that did they naught,
+& made no essay to fight. Then went the King out to his men, set them in
+array, & caused his banner to be unfurled, but made he no onset &
+thereafter bade he all his men go out to his ship, then rowed they down
+the river and so out on the fjord.
+
+Now apace was brought the intelligence of the death of Eindrid to
+Bergliot his wife for she was in the lodging that she and Einar
+inhabited in the town. Thence went she up unto the King's-House where
+was gathered the peasant host and them incited she to fight inasmuch as
+in her lay, but at that same moment rowed the King down the river, then
+quoth Bergliot: 'Now lack we my kinsman Hakon Ivarson; ne'er would the
+murderers of Eindrid be rowing there adown the river were Hakon on its
+banks.'
+
+Thereafter caused Bergliot the bodies of Einar & Eindrid be laid out,
+and they were buried in the church of Saint Olaf hard by the tomb of
+King Magnus Olafson.
+
+After the fall of Einar became King Harald so greatly hated for his
+share in that foul deed, that the feudatories and peasants only held
+back from fighting with him because to them pertained no leader to raise
+the banner for them.
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś Now dwelling at Austrat in Iriar was Fin Arnison, feudatory of King
+Harald.
+
+Fin was married with Bergliot, the daughter of Halfdan the son of Sigurd
+Sow, & Halfdan was the brother of King Olaf and King Harald.
+
+Thora, wife to King Harald, was the daughter of the brother of Fin
+Arnison; sworn friends to the King were Fin and his brethren. Certain
+summers had Fin been in viking warfare westward and on those quests he &
+Guthorm Gunhildson§ & Hakon Ivarson had sailed in company. So fared King
+Harald down the Throndhjem fjord and out to Austrat, where he was well
+received, and thereafter communed they together, Fin and he, & took
+counsel one with the other as to the outcome concerning what had but
+then befallen, to wit the slaying of Einar and his son, and then of that
+murmuring and turmoil the which the Throndhjem folk were raising over
+against the King.
+
+Fin answered hastily: 'Wrong art thou on every count; whatsoever thou
+doest thou doest ill & thereafter art thou so afeared that thou knowest
+no whither to turn.'
+
+The King rejoined laughing: 'Kinsman-in-law, I will send thee in to town
+& thou shalt make it up betwixt the peasants and me; & if that business
+cometh to naught then shalt thou fare to the Uplands, & good feeling
+again cause with Ivar Hakonson & so bring it about that he goeth not to
+war against me.' Fin answered: 'What will be my reward an I go on this
+fool's errand, for alike Throndhjem folk and Upland folk are so hostile
+to thee that no messenger of thine could fare to them save at his own
+risk.'
+
+The King answered: 'Go thou on this errand, kinsman-in-law, for well wot
+I an any man could bring us to a reconciliation it would be thee, & ask
+thyself of us what boon thou wilt have therefor.'
+
+'Keep thou thy word, and I will choose the boon; I choose peace for my
+brother Calf and removal of his outlawry, and the restoring unto him of
+all his possessions; and furthermore I ask that he shall have all his
+appointments and all the power that he had or ever he left the land.'
+
+And the King said yea to all whatever Fin asked of him, & they twain
+before witnesses took one another by the hand thereon. Thereafter said
+Fin: 'But what am I to proffer Hakon so that he may promise thee peace,
+for he it is who hath the upper hand of those kinsmen'? The King said:
+'First shalt thou find out what Hakon is like to demand so that
+reconciliation may be brought about, and thereafter must thou forward my
+cause as best thou canst; but should the worst come to the worst, then
+deny him nothing save & except the kingship itself.'
+
+
+ś Then went King Harald southward to More where mustered he men, and a
+great number was gathered unto him.
+
+
+ś So Fin Arnison fared into the town & took with him his house-carles to
+the number of some eighty men, and being come to the town held he a
+Thing with the townsmen. Now Fin spoke long and wisely at this Thing,
+bidding townsman and peasant take any other course rather than live in
+hatred with his King or drive him away; & he reminded them how much ill
+they had been brought to suffer when they had acted in this wise
+aforetime, towards the sainted King Olaf.
+
+He said, moreover, that the King would atone for these murders in such
+manner as the best & wisest men might adjudge; and the outcome of the
+speech of Fin was that the men gave their word to let the matter rest
+until the return of the messengers despatched by Bergliot to Hakon
+Ivarson in the Uplands. Thereafter fared Fin out to Orkadal with the men
+who had accompanied him to town, and further up to the Dofrafjal and
+eastward (south) across those mountains; and firstly went he to see his
+kinsman-in-law Earl Orm (the Earl was wedded to Sigrid the daughter to
+Fin) & to him disclosed his errand.
+
+
+ś When this was done, appointed they a tryst with Hakon Ivarson, & when
+they were met did Fin before Hakon lay his errand in accordance with the
+behest of King Harald. But on the instant was it seen from the speech of
+Hakon that he deemed himself bound to avenge the slaying of his kinsman
+Eindrid; and said he, moreover, that he had received word from
+Throndhjem that there would come to him forces sufficient for an
+uprising against the King.
+
+
+ś Then did Fin open unto Hakon what a difference would lie, and how much
+the more to his own vantage, were he, in lieu of risking battle against
+a King to whom he was already bounden by service, to accept from that
+King honour as great as he himself might demand. Fin said that Hakon
+might be unvictorious; 'and then wouldst thou have forfeited both wealth
+and peace; and if thou wert victorious over the King then wouldst thou
+be dubbed a traitor.'
+
+The Earl also supported this speaking of Fin.
+
+When Hakon had given the matter thought, made he known to them what was
+in his mind, & said: 'I will accept reconciliation from King Harald if
+he will give me in wedlock his kinswoman Ragnhild, the daughter of
+Magnus Olafson, with such a dowry as is seemly for her, and as she
+herself may desire.'
+
+Then Fin answered that he would promise the fulfilment of this request
+on behalf of King Harald, & therewith was the matter ratified between
+them. Thereafter fared Fin back north to Throndhjem, and all the
+disquiet and turmoil was set at rest; and so in the end kept the King
+his kingdom in peace within the land, for now the whole of that league
+came to naught which the kinsfolk of Eindrid had set against King
+Harald.
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś Now when the time was come that Hakon was to demand the fulfilment of
+the contract, fared he to see King Harald; and when they began talking
+of the matter together, said the King to him that he on his side would
+keep to everything that had been covenanted twixt Hakon and Fin: 'Thou
+shalt speak with Ragnhild herself, Hakon,' said the King, 'and ask her
+consent to this match, but I would not advise thee, or any other, to wed
+Ragnhild save with her consent.'
+
+Thereafter went Hakon unto Ragnhild and asked her hand, and she
+answered: 'Indeed feel I that my father, King Hakon, is dead, since I am
+to be given to a peasant, fine man though thou art and of mighty
+prowess. Were King Magnus alive would he never yoke me with any mate
+less than a king, nor can it be awaited now that I will wed a man
+without princely rank.' Now after this went Hakon to King Harald &
+opened unto him of the colour of the speech of Ragnhild, & withal to his
+memory again commended the agreement betwixt himself and Fin; and Fin
+was there present, & sundry others who could also bear witness to what
+was pledged betwixt him and Fin. Then of them all demanded Hakon to bear
+him out in regard to the agreement that the King should give Ragnhild
+such dowry as was to her mind: 'Since she will not wed an unprincely man
+then canst thou give me an earldom; lineage have I, and according to
+what folk say certain other qualities therewith that may well give me
+title to be an earl.' Then said the King: 'When King Olaf, my brother,
+& King Magnus, his son, ruled the kingdom, one earl did they allow to be
+in the country at a time; this likewise hath been my plan since I have
+been King, & therefore will I not take away from Orm the dignity which I
+have already given him.' Then saw Hakon that his cause had not been
+forwarded and he liked it but ill, and Fin was likewise exceeding wrath
+that the King had not kept his word, and thereafter they parted. Hakon
+fared straightway from the country in a well-found long-ship, and
+southward steered a course for Denmark where he betook him to his
+kinsman-in-law, King Svein. The King received him with great pleasure &
+gave him large grants in Denmark and made he Hakon also captain of his
+coast defences, which were against vikings, who oft-times harried in the
+Danish realm, and Wends, and Courlanders, and other folk coming from the
+east. Therefore at sea, on his ships, dwelt Hakon in winter as well as
+in summer.
+
+
+ś Asmund was the name of a certain man who was said to be nephew§ &
+foster-son to King Svein, a very able man was he, and well-beloved by
+the King.
+
+But when Asmund grew to man's estate soon showed he himself of an unruly
+complexion & a manslayer; and the King being ill-pleased thereat sent
+him away, but gave him a company of men and a goodly feof whereof could
+he full well find support.
+
+Now no sooner had Asmund accepted the money of the King than gathered he
+many men to him, and thereafter, since the money the King had granted
+him sufficed in no sort for his charges, seized he many possessions of
+the King.
+
+For this ill conduct, when the King heard thereof, summoned he Asmund to
+him, and when they met told him that obeyed would he be, that he must
+enter his body-guard & no longer have his own company of men. When
+Asmund had been a time with the King, became he ill-content, & one night
+ran he away and rejoined his company, and thereafter wrought even more
+evil than aforetime.
+
+Then it befell once upon a time when the King was riding in his
+dominions, that he came nigh unto the place where then abode Asmund and
+he despatched men to take him by force, and that done the King had him
+put in irons and kept him thus for a while to see if he would not grow
+meeker. But when Asmund was let loose from his irons forthwith ran he
+the more away, & raised men and war-ships, and fell to harrying both at
+home and abroad, & much war-work did he, slaying many folk, and
+pillaging far and wide. Those men that were the sufferers from his raids
+went to the King and made plaint before him, and he rejoined: 'Why say
+ye this to me, why do ye not fare to Hakon Ivarson? He is now the warden
+of my coasts, and is put there to punish vikings and keep the peace for
+ye peasants. It was told me that Hakon was a bold man and brave, but
+methinks that now is he never to be found where he deemeth danger to be
+toward.'
+
+These words from the King, and many added to them, came to the ears of
+Hakon, & thereon went Hakon & his men in search of Asmund, & they were
+met on their ships, wherefore Hakon forthwith gave battle. A hard &
+great struggle was it; Hakon boarded Asmund's ship and cleared it, and
+at the last he and Asmund themselves dealt blows one at another with
+their weapons & thus fell Asmund. Thereafter Hakon smote off his head,
+& then betook him with all speed to King Svein whom he found sitting at
+table.
+
+Hakon advanced before the table and laid the head thereon, in front of
+the King, and asked of him whether he recognized it.
+
+Never a word did the King answer, but he was blood-red to behold.
+
+Thereafter went Hakon away. A little later sent the King men to him, to
+bid him leave his service, & he said: 'No hurt will I do him, but it is
+not for us to be the keeper of all our kinsmen.'
+
+
+ś Then when all these things were accomplished did Hakon quit Denmark &
+thence fared forth to the north of Norway, to his demesne.
+
+By that time was his kinsman, Earl Orm, dead.
+
+The friends and kindred to Hakon were rejoiced over his coming, and many
+a bold man set to work to make peace betwixt him & the King, & in the
+end were they reconciled, to wit, both King Harald and Hakon; and Hakon
+was given Ragnhild, the King's daughter, in marriage, & King Harald gave
+him Orm's earldom and such rule as had been Orm's aforetime. Hakon swore
+fealty to the King, and likewise to afford him such service as he was
+bounden to give him.
+
+
+ś Since he had fared from Norway had Calf Arnison been living after the
+fashion of a viking westward, but the winters through oft-times abode he
+in Orkneyja (the Orkneys) with his kinsman-in-law, Earl Thorfin. Fin
+Arnison sent to his brother Calf to tell him concerning the covenant
+which he and King Harald had encompassed, the purport whereof being ye
+outlawry of Calf himself, to wit, that it should be once more lawful to
+him to dwell in his own land, and possess his estates, and such land
+dues as he had held aforetime from King Magnus. When Calf received this
+message, forthwith made he him ready to quit, and sailed he east to
+Norway, and firstly sought he his brother Fin.
+
+Thereafter Fin craved a truce for Calf, and then were they confronted,
+the King and Calf, & entered into a covenant like unto the agreement to
+which the King & Fin had arrived on this matter. Thereon gave Calf his
+hand, and bound himself on the same terms as he had bound himself to
+King Magnus aforetime, that he would do all such works as King Harald
+desired or deemed would be for the strengthening of his kingdom.
+
+Then was Calf re-endowed with all his possessions, and the land-dues
+which had been his in former days.
+
+
+ś Next summer called out King Harald an host and fared to Denmark where
+he harried during the summer.
+
+But when he was come south to Fion (Funen) found he a large host
+assembled against him, so bade the King his men leave their ships and
+arm themselves in order to make a landing; and parted he his host and
+gave to Calf Arnison command over one company thereof, and bade them go
+the first ashore and told them where to take up their station; himself,
+said he, would go up after them, and come to their assistance.
+
+Calf and his men went ashore, and anon a band of men set upon them, and
+Calf forthwith gave battle. Not long was the combat, for Calf was
+overborne by odds and fled with his folk. The Danes pursued them,
+slaying many of the Norwegians, and likewise Calf Arnison.
+
+When King Harald with his company were come ashore soon found they the
+slain, more especially the corse of Calf, and this was borne down to the
+ships, but the King pursued his march inland where he harried and slew
+many men. Thus saith Arnor:
+
+  'The edge so sharp in Fion
+  He reddened, and the fire
+  Rushed o'er the dwelling;
+  Fewer folk were there thereafter in Fion.'
+
+
+ś After this conceived Fin Arnison enmity against Harald for the slaying
+of his brother Calf, for said he that the King had purposely compassed
+the death of Calf; and furthermore that it was befooling of him himself,
+to wit, this luring of Calf west across the seas into the power of King
+Harald, and into putting faith in him. When these words were spread
+abroad spake many men their mind that Fin had been simple when he had
+deemed that Calf could trust in the good faith of King Harald, for it
+was known that the King bore malice for deeds of smaller consequence
+than those Calf had committed against his person.
+
+Now let the King every man talk on this matter as he listed: he made
+neither confirmation nor yet contradiction of whatsoever they said, and
+it was in his own words alone that men did discover satisfaction at what
+had happened. King Harald chanted this song:
+
+  'Now of men eleven and two have I the bane been,
+  We incite to battle and full many a slaying I remember.
+  That mind which is with treason fraught
+  Seeks to tame men by falseness;
+  Men say 'tis little that it takes such a balance to disturb.'
+
+
+ś So much to heart did Fin Arnison take the death of his brother that he
+quitted the land and came south to Denmark, and going unto King Svein
+was well received by him. The King & he spake long together privily,
+& at the end thereof was it known how Fin was minded then and there to
+take service with King Svein and become his man. To him gave Svein the
+title or Earl and therewith Halland to govern, and there Fin tarried to
+safeguard the coast against the Norwegians.
+
+
+ś Now Ketil Calf & Gunhild had a son whose name was Guthorm of Ringanes.
+On his mother's side was he the nephew of King Olaf and King Harald,
+able was he withal & early come to manhood. Guthorm was oft with King
+Harald who to him was of very friendly countenance, and over Harald had
+Guthorm much influence for he was a wise man & well-beloved of all.
+Guthorm sailed often on viking cruises to the lands in the west, and had
+disposition over many men.
+
+His peace-land & place of abode in winter was Dublin in Ireland, where
+he was a sworn friend of King Margad.§
+
+
+ś The summer thereafter King Margad and Guthorm with him fared to
+Bretland (Wales) in order to harry there, and thence took they much
+wealth which they had pillaged. After having done thus, lay they to in
+Anglesey Sound so that they might part their plunder, but when all the
+silver, and great was the quantity, was carried before the King and he
+beheld it, then desired he to keep all for himself, and seemed now to
+set scant store by his friendship with Guthorm.
+
+Guthorm liked ill enough that he and his men should be scotched of their
+share of the booty; & still less pleased was he when the King said he
+might choose betwixt two things; 'Either to submit to our will, or do
+battle with us, and he who gets the victory to have the money; and thou
+moreover shalt depart from thy ships and I will take them.' Now on
+either hand the task seemed severe; Guthorm deemed it unseemly that he
+should without rime or reason give up his ships & money, but natheless
+was it ill fighting over against a King to whom was an host so large as
+that which followed Margad. Grave also was the disparity betwixt the
+crews thereof, inasmuch as to the King were sixteen long-ships & to
+Guthorm only five. So Guthorm prayed the King grant him three nights'
+truce in the which to confer with his men on this matter, for thought he
+that he could soften the King within this time, and aided by the
+pleading of his men could set the matter on a better footing with the
+King, but never a bit did he get what he asked for. This was on the eve
+of St. Olafmas.§ So Guthorm chose to die, the stout fellow he was, or
+win the day, rather than suffer the shame and disgrace and mockery of
+having lost so vast a deal.
+
+And called he upon God and the sainted King Olaf, his kinsman, praying
+for their help and support, and vowing to bestow on that holy man's
+house a tithe of all the plunder which would fall to them an they gained
+the victory. Thereafter did he array his host, and rank it against the
+greater host, and he advanced on them and fought with them, and by God's
+help and that of the holy King Olaf did he gain the victory. There fell
+King Margad, and every man who was with him, young & old. After this
+glorious victory Guthorm returned home joyfully with all the wealth he
+had gotten from the strife; & from the silver which had changed hands
+every tenth penny was set aside for the sainted King Olaf even as
+Guthorm had vowed. A vast deal of money was there so that from the
+silver caused Guthorm to be made a rood of his own stature, or of that
+of the captain of his ship, and that holy symbol is seven ells in
+height.
+
+This cross did Guthorm give to the church of the holy St. Olaf, & there§
+has it remained ever since in testimony of ye victory of Guthorm and the
+miracle of ye sainted King Olaf.
+
+
+ś Now there was in Denmark a Count who was evil & envious, and he had a
+Norwegian serving-woman and the stock of her was from Throndhjem. She
+worshipped the holy King Olaf, and put staunch faith in his sanctity;
+but the Count misdoubted all that had been told him of the miracles of
+that holy man, & affirmed that naught were they but rumour and talk, and
+laughed to scorn all the praise and worship which the folk of the land
+accorded the good King.
+
+But now was drawing nigh the day whereon the gentle King laid down his
+life, a day which all Norwegians kept, but which this unwise count
+refused to hallow; & he bade his serving-woman fire the oven and bake on
+that day.
+
+And deeming from the mood of the Count that he would soon avenge himself
+on her an she did not obey him in all that he had bidden her do, went
+she all unwillingly and laid fire under the oven, and made much plaint
+while she worked, & called on King Olaf, saying that she would never
+believe more on him if he did not by some token or other avenge this
+unseemliness. And now shall ye hear of a meet chastisement & true
+miracle: it befell forthwith, in the self-same moment, that the Count
+became blind in both eyes and that the bread which she had baked was
+turned into stone.
+
+Some of the stones have been brought to the church of the holy King
+Olaf, and also to many other places. St. Olafmas has ever been kept holy
+in Denmark since that happening.
+
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+ś Westward in Valland (France) was there a man who was so malformed that
+he was a cripple, and crawled he ever on his knees and knuckles. One day
+when he was abroad, on a road, he fell asleep & dreamt that a man all
+glorious without came to him and asked whither was he bound, and the
+cripple answered with the name of a certain town.
+
+Then the man all glorious said: 'Fare thee rather to St. Olaf's Church
+in London, and there wilt thou be healed.' Thereafter awakened the
+cripple and straightway fared in search of St. Olaf's Church, and after
+a while was come to London Bridge & there asked of the townsmen whether
+they could direct him to St. Olaf's Church; but for answer gat he that
+there were too many churches for them to know to what man each of them
+was dedicated. A while later came up a man & asked him whither was he
+bound, and he told him whither he was bound, and that man said
+afterwards: 'We will both go to St. Olaf's Church, for I know the way
+thither.'
+
+So then crossed they the bridge, and went to the street which led to
+St. Olaf's Church. When they were come to the gates of the churchyard
+the man stepped over the threshold which is between the gates, but the
+cripple rolled over it, and lo, straightway rose he up a whole man. When
+he looked round his comrade was gone.
+
+
+ś King Harald founded a merchant town eastward in Oslo,§ and often
+tarried there for it had broad countrysides round about, and was a place
+suited for the ingathering of victuals; likewise was it well situated
+for the defence of the land against the Danes, & also for onsets on
+Denmark which Harald was wont to make even at such times when he had a
+large host at his beck.
+
+One summer fared King Harald with some light ships and but few men and
+set he sail south for Viken; but on a fair wind springing up, crossed he
+the sea to Jutland where he began to harry.
+
+The men of the land, however, collected themselves together & defended
+their country, so then sailed King Harald on to Limfjord and went up
+that fjord.
+
+Now Limfjord is so fashioned in shape that going up it is like entering
+into a narrow river-groove, but as thou goest on up the fjord it
+becometh like a great sea.
+
+Harald harried there on both shores, but beheld the Danes everywhere
+assembled in numbers. King Harald brought-to his ships alongside an
+island which was small & thereon were no buildings; and when they went
+in search of water they found none, and told it unto the King.
+
+Then he did send men to see if no adder could be found on the isle, &
+when one had been found they brought it to the King and he had the adder
+taken to the fire so that it might be warmed and teased thereby, and
+become right thirsty. Thereafter a twine was bound to its tail and the
+adder was let loose, and it crawled away and the twine was unwound from
+the ball, and they followed after the adder until it struck into the
+earth.
+
+Then the King bade them dig for water, and they dug for it, and there
+found water in abundance.
+
+
+ś From his spies learned King Harald the intelligence that King Svein
+was come with a large fleet of ships to the mouth of the fjord, and that
+he was making way but slowly, for his ships could only pass in one at a
+time. King Harald took his ships up Limfjord, and over against where it
+is broadest it is called Lusbreid. Now from the creek within is there a
+narrow neck of land westward (north) leading to the sea, and thither did
+the men to Harald row in the evening; after nightfall, when it was dark,
+they cleared the ships & haled them right over this isthmus, and before
+daylight all was accomplished and the ships once more ready for sea.
+Then shaped he the course northward past Jutland, and they sang:
+
+  'From Danish grip
+  Did Harald slip.'
+
+
+ś At that time said the King that he would come to Denmark once again,
+& would bring with him more men & larger ships. After these things fared
+they northward to Throndhjem.
+
+
+ś That winter abode King Harald in Nidaros, & at this time caused he a
+ship to be builded out on the islands, and it was a bussa-ship§ made
+after the model of the Long Serpent and wrought every way as carefully
+as might be.
+
+At her bows was a dragon-head and at her stern a crook, and the ......§
+were all overlaid with gold. On her were thirty-five benches, and broad
+was she of beam in comparison therewith.
+
+Very fair to behold was she. The King caused all the appurtenances of
+the ship to be chosen with exceeding great care, both the sail, the
+running tackle, the anchor and the cables.
+
+That winter King Harald sent word southward to Denmark to King Svein,
+bidding him come in spring from the south to the River, to a meeting
+with him, & saying that they would then fight to the end that one or
+other of their countries should change hands, & the victor become master
+of both kingdoms.
+
+
+ś That winter called out King Harald a host, a general host, from all
+Norway, and by spring-tide had been assembled together a mighty array of
+men.
+
+Then launched the King his great ship on the river Nid, and after that
+was accomplished caused he the dragon-head be placed thereon.
+
+Then sang Thiodolf the Skald:
+
+  'Fair maid, forward is the ship guided, from river to main.
+  Mark where off the land there lieth the long hull of the dragon.
+  The mane of the serpent yellow-green glints on the deck,
+  The prows were burnt-gold as from off the slip she glided.'
+
+
+ś Thereafter fitted King Harald out the ship and his men for a cruise,
+and all being made ready, stood he down the river, and right well
+answered she to the oars. Thus saith Thiodolf:
+
+  'Saturday the prince casts off the long land tilts,
+  There where the widows proud the serpent watch,
+  As she glideth from the town.
+  West from the Nid thereafter the King doth steer,
+  Into the sea drop the oars of his men.
+  Move can they, the King's lads, the straight oars in the water.
+  The widows stand and wonder at the oar-strokes so swift,
+  The thole knows hurt when seventy oars do move her
+  I' the water ere the war-folk on the sea their oars do strain.
+  Northmen the serpent row (nailed is she)
+      out on the billow-stream icy;
+  'Tis eagles' wings that we behold.'
+
+
+ś Southward sailed King Harald with his host alongside the land, so that
+he might call out a general muster of men and ships. But when they were
+come eastward, and were off Vik, arose a strong contrary wind wherefore
+was the fleet obliged to stand in for harbour, making such havens as
+were to be found in the skerries as well as those in the fjords.
+
+Quoth Thiodolf:
+
+  'Lee have the shaven hulls of the ships under the woods,
+  The King's war-host towards land doth lean with its prow beams.
+  The land-folk in the skerries, within the creeks, do lie;
+  The ships white-mailčd hide under the land-necks.'
+
+
+ś Now in the tempest which fell upon them the great ship had need of
+good anchor tackle, and thus saith Thiodolf:
+
+  'Prow foremost the prince cleft
+  High fences of the sea;
+  The ropes of the King's ship
+  Are strainčd to the utmost;
+  The wind is unfriendly
+  Against the anchor-iron out-hollowed,
+  Grit and wind-squalls ugly
+  Chafe at the anchor flukes.'
+
+
+ś As soon as there was come to him a fair wind, took King Harald the
+host east to the River, and thither came towards nightfall. Thus saith
+Thiodolf:
+
+  'Now drave King Harald hotly the war-ships towards the River,
+  At nightfall Norway's King anigh the marches is.
+  A Thing the King now holds at Thumla, there where Svein
+  Will meet to war if so be the Danes shirk not the tryst.'
+
+
+ś When the Danes learned that the hosts of the Norwegians were come, all
+those that were able to do so fled away.
+
+The Norwegians likewise learnt that the Danish King had his host out,
+and was lying south off Funen and the small-isles; but when King Harald
+saw that King Svein would not come to meet him as had been agreed, nor
+do battle with him, then did he after the same fashion as before & let
+the peasant host return to Norway; but manned he one hundred and fifty§
+ships, & with these steered a course alongside Halland. There he
+plundered widely; and he put in also to Lofufjord with his host, and
+going up onto the land harried there likewise. Somewhile later came King
+Svein to the encounter with the Danish host, and to him was a tale of
+three hundred§ ships. When the Norwegians saw this fleet bade King
+Harald a blast be blown to summon his host together, & many spake saying
+that they ought to flee, & that it was unavailing for them to fight, but
+the King answered thus: 'We will fall one atop of the other rather than
+flee!' Thus saith Stein Herdason:
+
+  'Said the chief high-minded, what now he awaited.
+  Here (said the King) he had all hope of peace lost.
+  Rather than yield, cried the King,
+      should each man fall one on the top of the other.
+  Their arms then took the men.'
+
+
+ś Then let King Harald his ships be cleared for action, and brought his
+great dragon forward into the very midst of the host. Thus saith
+Thiodolf:
+
+  'The giver of kindly gifts
+  Who oft to the wolf gave food,
+  His dragon-ship put forward
+  Midmost in the war-host.'
+
+
+ś This ship was well fitted out, and had a large crew.
+
+And again saith Thiodolf:
+
+  'The peace wishing King his ranks bade
+  Bind fast the war-shields on the ships' sides;
+  The prince's friends well ordered stand methinks.
+      The leader of manly deeds,
+  The doughty dragon closed,
+  Outside the Niz, with shields, and one o'erlapped the other.'
+
+
+ś Ulf the Marshal brought his ship up alongside the royal ship, & bade
+her men place her well forward. Stein Herdason was on Ulf's ship, and he
+chanted thus:
+
+  'Ulf, the Marshal of the King,
+  Cheered us all on to battle;
+  The spears trembled when
+  The ships were rowed to the fight.
+  And, no doubt, the wise King's
+  Valiant friend did bid his men
+  His ship advance beside
+  The prince's; the lads obeyed.'
+
+
+ś Stationed farthest out on one of the arms was Ivar Hakonson; under him
+had he many and the men to him were well equipped. Farthest out on the
+other arm were the chiefs of Throndhjem, and to them likewise was a
+large and goodly host.
+
+
+ś And King Svein likewise ranged his host, and his ship laid he over
+against ye ship of Harald, in the midst of the host, and nighest to him
+was Earl Fin, and next to him again the Danes ranked all of their host
+that was bravest and best equipped. Thereafter either side lashed their
+ships together in the midmost part of the fleet, but the hosts being so
+large it befell that there was a great number of ships faring loose, and
+so each captain placed his ship as far forward as he had courage for;
+but that was exceeding varied. Now though the odds were so great yet
+nevertheless had either side a vast host, and in his to King Svein
+pertained as many as seven earls. Thus saith Stein Herdason:
+
+  'The "hersirs'" valiant lord a risk did take him,
+  With ships fifty and a hundred he waited for the Danes.
+  Next was it that the ruler dear who dwells in Leidra§
+  The sea cleft thither with three hundred sea-steeds.'
+
+
+ś Even so soon as he had made ready his ships, commanded King Harald the
+war-blast to be sounded, and after this was done, rowed his men ahead.
+Stein Herdason saith:
+
+  'Before the river's mouth, damage did Harald Svein.
+  Hard withstanding made he; Harald asked not for peace.
+  The King's sword-swinging lads forward off Halland rowed,
+  And yonder on the sea caused wounds with blood to stream.'
+
+
+ś Then did either side join combat, and the struggle waxed very fierce.
+Either King lustily cheered on his men, as saith Stein Herdason:
+
+  'Eager for war the good shield-bearers bade their lads
+  To shoot and hew (but short the space was 'twixt the hosts).
+  Both stones & arrows streamed when the sword shook from it,
+  The light blood, depriving of life the men of either host.'
+
+
+ś It was late in the day when battle was joined and the combatants
+fought the whole night; King Harald himself shot for long with his bow.
+Thiodolf saith thus:
+
+  'Elm-bow did the Upland
+  King draw all the night;
+  Shrewd ruler of the land sent
+  Arrows 'gainst the white shields;
+  Barbs bloody harmed the peasants,
+  And the King's arrows
+  Fast in the shields did lodge
+  (The spear-shots grew apace).'
+
+
+ś Earl Hakon & the men of his company did not lash their ships together,
+but rowed against the Danish keels that were faring loose, and every
+ship that they grappled did they clear. When the Danes noted this same
+did every man move his ship away from the spot whither the Earl was
+faring, but went he after them even as they withdrew, and wellnigh to
+fleeing were they.
+
+But then came a boat rowing towards the Earl's ship, and those in it
+shouted & said that the other arm of ye battle array of King Harald had
+given way, and that many of their men had fallen there, so then rowed
+the Earl away thither and fierce was his onset, so that the Danes again
+caused their ships to fall astern. Thus did the Earl fare the whole of
+that night, rowing round outside the combatants, and laying about him
+wheresoever it was required; & whithersoever he went he was in no
+fashion to be withstood.
+
+During the waning part of the night was there a general fight among the
+Danes; this was after King Harald & his band had boarded the own ship to
+King Svein, and so utterly cleared it that all his men were slain save
+and except those that leapt into the sea. Thus saith Arnor Earl's-skald:
+
+  'Svein courageous went not from off his ship
+  Without good cause (that is my mind);
+  Hard was the fight for the helmets wasted,
+  And empty did his craft float ere the eloquent friend of the Jutes
+  Fled from his dead chosen fighters.'
+
+
+ś After the banner of King Svein had fallen & the ships to him had been
+cleared, fled away all his men save those who were slain, & they that
+fled sprang into the deep from those ships that were lashed together or
+climbed on to other ships that were faring loose, but all of the men of
+King Svein who were able to do so rowed off. Full many men fell there.
+And there, where the Kings themselves had fought & the greater number of
+the ships had been lashed one to another, lay over seventy of the ships
+of that King; thus saith Thiodolf:
+
+  'Bold King of the Sogn-folk,
+  (So 'tis sung) ships seven
+  Times ten of men and arms
+  From Svein's fleet cleared away.'
+
+
+ś King Harald after the Danes rowed hard and put them to rout, but no
+easy task was it, for so little sea-room was there betwixt the keels
+that motion was well-nigh not possible. Earl Fin would in no wise
+consent to flee and was taken captive; he could not see well. This is
+what Thiodolf saith:
+
+  'To six Danish earls a guerdon hast thou to give
+  For one single victory,
+  (They whet the heat of battle).
+  In the midst of the ranks
+  Fin Arnason was taken
+  Battle-strong, stout-hearted;
+  Ne'er would he think to flee.'
+
+
+ś Earl Hakon tarried behind with his ship, while the King and the rest
+were pursuing after the fugitives, for the Earl could not get his ship
+away from the spot where she was lying. Just at that time rowed up a man
+in a boat to the ship and brought-to at the poop; a big man was he with
+a broad-brimmed hat; 'Where is the Earl?' quoth he up to the ship. 'In
+the forehold,' answered they him back, 'binding the wound of a man who
+is bleeding.' The Earl viewed the man with the hat and asked what might
+his name be, to which he made answer: 'Vandrad§ is here, speak to me,
+Earl.' Then looked the Earl over the gunwale at him.
+
+Then said the boatman: 'I will receive my life of thee if thou wilt give
+it me.' Then the Earl rose up and called to two of his men, either of
+whom was dear to him, and said: 'Get into the boat and set Vandrad
+ashore; go with him to my friend Karl the Peasant, and tell him for a
+token to give Vandrad the horse which I gave to him yesterday, and to
+give him his own saddle, and his son for a guide.' Then stepped they
+into the boat & took the oars, & Vandrad steered.
+
+This was hard nigh to the dawn of day, and there was much movement among
+the ships, craft both large and small, some rowing to land, others to
+sea.
+
+Vandrad steered there where thought he there was most sea-room betwixt
+the craft, & whensoever any of the Norwegian ships rowed nigh them said
+the Earl's men who they were, & then all let them go as they listed.
+Vandrad steered along the shore & did not put to land ere they had come
+past the place where there was a great throng of ships.
+
+
+ś Thereafter walked they to the homestead of Karl at about the hour when
+the light began to wax, and so went they into the living-room, and
+beheld Karl but now clad. To him told the men from the Earl on what
+mission had they come, and Karl said that first must they eat, & caused
+food to be set before them, & himself fetched them water for
+hand-washing. Then came the housewife into the chamber and straightway
+said she: 'Wondrous is it that we gat no sleep nor rest all night
+through, for the tumult and noise.' Karl answered: 'Knowest thou not
+that the Kings fought together yesternight?' She asked: 'Who won?' Karl
+answered: 'The Norwegians won.' 'Belike our King hath fled again,' said
+she. Karl replied: 'In a bad way are we with our King for he is both
+halt & craven.' Then spake Vandrad: 'The King is not craven, but neither
+he is victorious.' Now Vandrad was the last to wash his hands, and when
+he took the towel he dried himself in the midst thereof; but the
+housewife seized it and pulled it from him, saying: 'Little good canst
+thou do; 'tis the way of common folk to wet all the towel at once.'
+Vandrad answered: 'I shall yet come thither where I may dry myself
+midmost in the towel.' Then sat they at meat for a while but afterwards
+went out, and there was the horse standing ready, and that son of Karl
+who was to bear Vandrad company sat another horse, and together rode
+they forth to the forest. But the men from the Earl went back to their
+boat, & rowed out again to their ship.
+
+
+ś Harald and his men pursued the fugitives a short way, and thereafter
+returned to those ships which had been deserted. And then searched they
+the slain, finding in the King's ship a number of dead men; yet not
+among them was the body of King Svein; natheless was it deemed certain
+that he must have fallen. King Harald let the corses of his men be laid
+out, or the wounds bound up of them that required it. Then caused he the
+bodies of the men of Svein to be borne ashore, & sent word to the
+peasants that they should bury them; thereafter caused he the plunder to
+be divided, and abode for a while there at that spot. And there learnt
+he the tidings that King Svein was come to Zealand, and that all of his
+host which had not been routed in battle had rejoined him, and to him
+likewise were come many other men, and that to him therefore was
+assembled a mighty large host.
+
+
+ś Now as ye have heard tell afore, was Earl Fin Arnason captured in the
+battle, and before the King was he led. King Harald was then exceeding
+joyful, and said he, 'Here meet we twain, Fin, though lastwhiles in
+Norway; scarce hath the Danish court stood by thee! An ill piece of work
+will the Norwegians have to drag thee, blind man, after them, and keep
+thee alive.'
+
+Then answered back the Earl: 'Many ill things have the Norwegians now to
+do, & the worst of these is thy bidding.'
+
+Then said King Harald: 'Wilt thou have grace, though grace deservest
+thou not?' The Earl answered: 'Not from thee, hound!' The King said:
+'Dost desire that thy kinsman Magnus should give thee grace?' Magnus,
+the son of King Harald, was captain of a ship at that time. Then said
+the Earl: 'What hath that whelp to do with the meting out of grace?'
+Thereat laughed the King, for he deemed it good sport to bait him, and
+said he: 'Wilt thou accept thy life from the hand of Thora, thy
+kinswoman?'
+
+Then the Earl said: 'Is she here?' 'She is here,' said the King.
+
+Then did Fin utter the scurvy words which were remembered long
+thereafter, and all were witness of how wroth he was since he could not
+still his words: 'It is not to be wondered at that thou hast bitten well
+since the mare is with thee.'
+
+To Earl Fin was given quarter, and King Harald kept him with him for a
+time, but Fin was somewhat unjoyful, and unmeek in his words. Then King
+Harald said: 'I see thou wilt not be friends with me nor with my
+kindred, so I will give thee leave to fare to Svein, thy King.' The Earl
+answered: 'That will I accept, and the sooner I fare hence the more
+grateful I shall be.' Thereafter the King let Fin be taken even to the
+land, where was he made welcome by the Hallanders.
+
+Thence sailed King Harald north with his host to Norway, faring first to
+Oslo, and in that place gave leave to all his men who desired it to go
+even to their own homes.
+
+
+ś It is said that King Svein abode that winter in Denmark, and held his
+state as before.
+
+And in the winter sent he men northward to Halland to fetch Karl the
+Peasant to him, and likewise Karl's wife; and when they were come and he
+had summoned Karl unto him he asked him if he had seen him before. Karl
+answered: 'I know thee now, King, and I knew thee then even so soon as I
+saw thee, and it is under God that the little help which I was able to
+afford thee was of use.' The King answered: 'For all the days I have yet
+to live I have to reward thee. Now firstly will I give thee whatever
+homestead in Zealand thou art minded to have, and I will furthermore
+make thee a great man an thou wottest how to act.'
+
+Karl thanked the King well for his words, and said that there was still
+a favour he would pray of him. And the King asked what that might be.
+Karl said: 'I would ask this thing, King, that thou lettest me take my
+wife with me.' The King answered: 'I will not promise thee this thing,
+for I will get thee a much better & wiser wife; but thy wife may keep
+the small homestead ye have already; on that she can live.'
+
+And the King gave Karl a large & noble stead & gat him a good marriage.
+This was known and told far and wide, yea even as far north as Norway.
+
+
+ś The winter following on the battle of the Niz King Harald spent in
+Oslo. And when the host came up from the south in autumn many tales and
+legends went abroad of the autumn outside the Niz river, & everyone who
+had been there deemed he had something to tell. Once it happened that
+some men were sitting drinking in a small chamber, & full of talk were
+they, talking of the battle of the Niz, and of whom might have derived
+the greatest renown therefrom. All were agreed on one issue, however,
+and that was that no other had been such a man there as Earl Hakon: he
+it was who had shown greatest prowess, who was the boldest under arms,
+and the ablest, and the most fortunate, and whatsoever he did was that
+which availed most, & to him was accounted the victory. Now Harald was
+without, in the courtyard, speaking with some of his men, and thereafter
+went he before the doorway of the chamber and said: 'Every man now would
+like to be named Hakon,' and therewith went his way.
+
+
+ś Earl Hakon fared to the Uplands in autumn, even to his dominions, and
+there tarried throughout the winter.
+
+Right well beloved was he of the Upland folk. Now once it befell, when
+spring was drawing nigh, that some men were sitting drinking, & their
+talk was yet again of the battle of the Niz; and men lauded greatly Earl
+Hakon, but a few praised others no less.
+
+When they had been talking thus a while a man answered: 'Mayhap other
+men besides Earl Hakon fought boldly outside the Niz, yet nevertheless
+methinks no one can have had the luck he had.'
+
+They said it was no doubt his greatest luck that he had routed many of
+the Danes. The same man answered: 'Luckiest for him was it that he gave
+King Svein his life.' Another answered him: 'Thou wottest not what thou
+art saying.' He answered: 'Yea, I wot full well, for he who set the King
+ashore told me himself.' Thus it befell, as oft is said, that 'many are
+the King's ears.' These things were told to the King straightway, and
+the King had many horses taken and rode forthwith away in the night with
+two hundred men,§ and rode he the whole of that night and the following
+day. Then there came towards them on horseback certain men who were
+making for the town with meal and malt. Now faring with the King was one
+Gamal, & he rode up to one of the peasants who was a friend of his and
+spoke privily with him.
+
+Gamal said: 'Money will I give thee, an thou wilt ride furiously by
+hidden ways such as thou wottest to be shortest to Earl Hakon: tell him
+that the King will slay him, for the King wotteth that the Earl helped
+King Svein to land outside the Niz.'
+
+And the matter being covenanted between them rode the peasant hard, and
+came even to the Earl who was sitting drinking and had not gone to his
+rest. But when the peasant made known his errand, rose the Earl
+forthwith and all his folk; and the Earl caused his chattels to be
+removed from the house during the night. When the King arrived thither
+tarried he there the night, but Hakon the Earl had ridden his way. And
+in time came he east to the realm of Sweden, to King Steinkel, and abode
+with him the summer. King Harald then turned him back to town. In the
+summer the King fared north to Throndhjem and abode there, but in the
+autumn fared eastward again to Vik.
+
+
+ś Earl Hakon went back in the summer to the Uplands, so soon as he
+learned that the King had fared northward, and there dwelt he until such
+time as the King came south again. Thereafter fared the Earl eastward to
+Vermaland and tarried there long in the winter; and King Steinkel gave
+the Earl rule and dominion over that part of the land.
+
+When winter was wearing to an end, fared he westward to Kaumariki, and
+took with him many men whom the Gauts and Vermalanders had given him.
+And he took thence his land-dues and the taxes which he had a right to
+demand, & thereafter fared he back east to Gautland and dwelt there the
+spring.
+
+King Harald abode the winter in Oslo, and sent his men to the Uplands to
+gather taxes and land-dues and the King's fines; but the Uplanders said
+that they would not pay to him all dues which it behoved them to pay
+into the hands of Earl Hakon even so long as he was alive and had not
+forfeited life or dominions; & no land-dues did the King therefrom
+obtain that winter.
+
+
+ś Now betwixt Norway and Denmark there were sent that winter messengers
+and messages, for both Norwegians and Danes alike desired to make peace
+and agreement either with other, and they prayed their Kings to do the
+same. The sending of these messages appeared prone to bring about
+concord, for in the end a peace-meeting was agreed upon in the River
+betwixt King Harald and King Svein. When spring-tide was come both Kings
+called out many men and ships for this journey. Saith a skald in a poem:
+
+  'Leader of arméd men, he who the ground engirdles
+  From Eyrasund northward shuts with his long-ship's prows
+  The land (the haven spurned he).
+  Gleaming with gold the stems cut the waves keenly;
+  Onward of Halland west, with host aboard, and the keels thrilling.
+  Harald firm-oathed!
+      oft hast thou the earth engirdled with thy ships;
+  Svein, too, through the sound sailed the King to meet.
+  Praise-dight filler of ravens, who every bay doth close,
+  Hath out a teeming host of Danes, from the south all.'
+
+
+ś It is said here that these Kings kept to their agreement, to wit, that
+there should be a meeting betwixt them; and that both came to the
+marches. It is set forth thus below:
+
+  'Shrewd leader of arméd men
+  To trysting south once more
+  Thou sailst as all Danes wished
+  (No lesser was thy purpose).
+  Svein now to the northward fares
+  The land-marches nigh,
+  The tryst to keep with Harald--
+  Windy was the weather off the land.'
+
+
+ś When the Kings were come face to face the one with other forthwith
+betwixt them was broached ye matter of peace; and no sooner was this
+opened than many men made plaint of the harm they had suffered through
+war-fare, rapine, and the slaying of men. And long talked they about
+this, as is said hereafter:
+
+  'The yeomen shrewd
+  Such words do say aloud
+  That when the men meet,
+  An' angered are mostly
+  The others. Far seemeth
+  Concord to lie from men
+  Who on all things quarrel
+  (The chiefs' arrogance waxeth).
+  With danger fraught will be
+  Wrath of the princes be
+  If peace be agreed on,
+  Those who are peace-makers
+  In scales must weigh all things.
+  Seemly for Kings to say
+  What e'er the host liketh;
+  Bad will would it cause
+  Were the yeomen's state worsened.'
+
+
+ś Then the best men and the wisest conferred together, and peace was
+made betwixt the Kings, in such wise that King Harald was to have Norway
+& King Svein Denmark as far as the marches which had aforetime divided
+the kingdoms; neither was to make redress to other; there where the land
+had been pillaged the matter was to be passed over; and he who had taken
+plunder was to keep it.
+
+This peace was to ensue even so long as the twain were Kings; the
+covenant was bounden with oaths, & thereafter gave the Kings one another
+hostages; even as is said hereafter:
+
+  'Thus have I heard it said
+  That Svein and Harald both
+  (God works it) gladly gave
+  Hostages one to other.
+  Let them so keep their vows
+  (All ended was with witness)
+  And the whole peace so fully
+  That the folk break it not.'
+
+
+ś King Harald tarried in Vik during the summer, and sent men to the
+Uplands to collect the dues & taxes he had there; but the peasants in
+plain words said that they would bide the coming of Earl Hakon, until
+such time as he should come to them. Earl Hakon was then up in Gautland
+with a large host. When summer was wearing to a close sailed King Harald
+south to Konungahella (King's Rock), and he took all the light craft
+whereon he could lay hands & went up the River, and at the falls thereof
+had the boats haled across land and so put onto Lake Wenern. Thereafter
+rowed he east across the lake where he asked tidings of Earl Hakon.
+
+Now when the Earl gat news of the journey of the King, came he down from
+the country and made endeavour to prevent the King from harrying, for to
+Earl Hakon was a large host which the Gauts had given him. King Harald
+laid his boats up the mouth of a river, and thereafter made a landing,
+but left some of his men behind to watch the craft. And the King himself
+and some of his men rode on horseback, but many more went afoot. Their
+way led them through a wood, & thereafter a bog lay before them on which
+were small bushes, then after that a copse, and when they were come up
+to the copse sighted they the host of the Earl; and a bog there was
+betwixt them and it.
+
+Then both hosts arrayed themselves, & King Harald commanded his men to
+sit up on the hillside: 'Let us first tempt them to make an onset; Hakon
+hath no mind to wait,' said he.
+
+The weather was frosty with some driving snow, and the men to Harald sat
+under their shields.
+
+Now the Gauts had taken little apparel on them and were starved with the
+cold, but the Earl bade them bide until the King should make an onset
+and they could all stand alike in height. Earl Hakon had the banner
+which had been that of King Magnus Olafson. Now the head-man to the
+Gauts was one hight Thorvid, and he was mounted on a horse the reins of
+which were tied to a stake standing in the bog. He spake & said: 'God
+knows we have a large host here and many stout men; let not King
+Steinkell hear that we are not helping this good Earl well. I wist that
+if the Norwegians make onset against us we shall stand firm, but if the
+young men falter & bide not, then do not let us run farther than thither
+to the brook, and if the young men again falter, which I wot will not
+befall, then do not let us run farther than thither to the hill.'
+
+At that moment ran up the host of the Norwegians shouting their war-cry
+and beating their shields, & then the host of the Gauts likewise began
+to shout, and the horse to the head-man pulled so hard at its rein,
+being afrighted at the host-cry, that the stake came up & flew past the
+head of the chief, wherefore he shouted: 'Such a mischance as thou
+shootest, Northmen,' and therewith galloped away. King Harald had ere
+this said to his men: 'Though we make din and shouting about us, yet let
+us not go down the hill or ever they come hither to us,' and they did
+according as he had said.
+
+As soon as the war-cry was heard, caused the Earl his banner to be borne
+forward, and when they were come under the hill rushed the King's men
+down upon them, and some of the men to the Earl fell forthwith and some
+fled; but the Norwegians drave not them that fled very far, for it was
+late in the day. There took they the banner of Earl Hakon, and as much
+of weapons and apparel as they could lay hands on. And the King let both
+the banners be borne in front of him when he fared down the hill; and
+his men spake one with another as to whether or no Earl Hakon might be
+fallen. Now when it came to faring through the wood they had to ride in
+single train, and behold a certain man rode straight across their way,
+and thrust a spear through him that bore the banner to the King, and
+seizing the stave thereof rode he off another way in the wood with the
+banner. When the King was told of this cried he: 'The Earl lives! Give
+me my mail-shirt!' And rode he in the night to his ships. Now said many
+men that the Earl had avenged himself. Then chanted Thiodolf:
+
+  'Steinkell's host who to the
+  Warlike Earl should help yield
+  (That brought the King to pass)
+  To hell, I ween, have fared.
+  But those who would better
+  The matter say,
+  Hakon fled because the hope of help
+  Therefrom but ill had proven.'
+
+
+ś King Harald spent what was left of the night on his ship. In the morn,
+when it was light saw men that ice had formed round the ships so thick
+that it was feasible to walk round about them.
+
+Then bade the King his men hew the ice and release his ships into the
+lake, and so went the men and set to work to hew the ice. King Harald's
+son Magnus steered the ship which lay lowest in the river-mouth and
+nighest out to the lake.
+
+Now when the men had almost chopped the ice away a certain man ran out
+on it to the place where they were about to hew, and thereafter fell to
+chopping as if he were mad and raving. Then said a man: 'Now is it again
+as often before, no one is so good at giving a helping hand as Hall
+Kodransbane; behold now, how he is hewing the ice.'
+
+But the man of Magnus's ship who was hight Thormod Eindridison, when he
+heard the name of 'Kodransbane,' ran to Hall and gave him his
+death-blow.
+
+Kodran was the son of Gudmund Elyolfson, and Valgerd that was sister to
+Gudmund was the mother of Jurunn, Thormod's mother.
+
+Thormod was a winter old when Kodran was slain, and never had he set
+eyes on Hall Utryggson before this time.
+
+By this, then, the ice was broken away even so far as the lake and
+Magnus brought his ship out, & got under way forthwith, and sailed west
+across the lake; but the King's ship which was the uppermost in the
+channel came out the last. Now Hall had been of the fellowship of the
+King and was very dear to him, and the King was exceeding wroth, so that
+when he came latest into haven he found that Magnus had already helped
+the murderer to the forest, though he offered atonement for him, would
+he have gone against Magnus and his folk, had not the friends of both
+brought about their appeasement.
+
+
+ś King Harald fared up to Raumariki this winter, and to him was a large
+host.
+
+And he bore cases against the peasants for the keeping back from him of
+dues and taxes, and for inciting his enemies to strife against him.
+
+And some of the peasants caused he to be taken, and some he maimed and
+others killed and others he deprived of all their possessions.
+
+Those who could get away fled, but the King burned the countrysides wide
+about and laid them waste. Thus saith Thiodolf:
+
+  'Waster of isle-dwellers
+  Hard hands laid on Raumfolk,
+  Steadily on the ranks
+  Of Harald went, as I trow.
+  Fire did requite them;
+  But the chief commanded,
+  And high flames poor peasants
+  To obedience led.'
+
+
+ś After this fared King Harald up to Heidmark and there burned, and did
+no less war-work than has been writ afore. From thence fared he to
+Ringariki, there burned, and went everywhere with the war-shield aloft.
+Thus saith Thiodolf:
+
+  'Burned were the fell folk's steads,
+  Roofwards the red fire flamed.
+  Hit did the lord of chiefs
+  The Heiners with hard stones.
+  For their lives the sufferers craved;
+  So great a hurt the flames
+  The men of Ringariki wrought
+  Or ever the fire was stayed.'
+
+
+ś After this gave the peasants the whole matter into the hands of the
+King.
+
+
+ś After the death of King Magnus were spent fifteen winters ere the
+battle of the Niz, and after that two winters or ever Harald and Svein
+made peace. Thus saith Thiodolf:
+
+  'The prince of the Hords
+  (Brought peace the third year was made)
+  The strife to an end; on
+  The strand steel hit the shields.'
+
+
+ś After this peace-making endured the war of the King with the Uplanders
+three half-years. Thus saith Thiodolf:
+
+  'Hard of the King's work 'tis
+  In seemly wise to speak
+  When to have idle ploughs
+  The upland men he taught.
+  The chieftain wise hath honour won
+  These three half-years
+  Which ever will be minded.'
+
+
+ś Edward, the son of Ethelred, was King of England after his brother
+Hordaknut; he was hight Edward 'the Good' and right good he was.
+
+The mother to King Edward was Queen Emma, the daughter of Richard, the
+Rouen-Earl; and her brother was Earl Robert, the mother of William the
+Bastard, who was at that time duke of Rouen in Normandy. King Edward was
+wedded to Queen Gyda,§ the daughter of Earl Godwin & he was the son of
+Wolfnoth. The brothers to Gyda were: the eldest Earl Tosti, the second
+Earl Morcar, the third Earl Walthiof, the fourth Earl Svein, and fifthly
+Harald. Now Harald was the youngest and was brought up at the court of
+King Edward and was his foster-son, and the King loved him very greatly
+and eyed him ever as his own son, for the King was childless.
+
+
+ś It befell one summer that Harald the son of Godwin had to go a journey
+to Bretland (Wales) and fared he on a ship, but after they had set sail
+sprang up a contrary wind & they were driven out to sea.[§]
+
+They made land westward in Normandy after undergoing a perilous storm.
+
+And putting into the town of Rouen found they there Earl William, who
+received Harald and his travelling companions joyfully, and Harald
+tarried there in good cheer for long during the autumn, for the tempests
+continued to blow and it was not weather for sailing out at sea. As
+winter was approaching spoke the Earl and Harald together concerning the
+dwelling of Harald there throughout the winter. Now Harald sat in the
+high-seat on one side of the Earl and on the other side of him sat the
+Earl's wife, and fairer was she than any other woman whom men had seen.
+
+Harald and she would hold converse together all the time that the cups
+were going round, and when the Earl retired to rest, as he did betimes,
+Harald would sit long talking with the wife to the Earl, and so fared
+things for a long time during the winter.
+
+Once when they were talking together said she: 'Now hath the Earl spoken
+with me hereon, and asked what it is we twain ever talk about, and now
+is he wroth.' Harald answered: 'We will forthwith let him know all our
+conversations.'
+
+The day thereafter Harald called the Earl to speak with him, & went they
+to the council-chamber where were also the Earl's wife and their
+councillors.
+
+Then Harald spoke the first and said: 'This must I inform thee, Earl,
+that there is more in my coming hither than I have revealed to thee:
+I desire to ask the hand of thy daughter, and have oft-times spoken of
+this my wish to her mother, and she hath given me her word to support me
+in this matter with thee.'
+
+When Harald had made known his desire, all those who were present
+received the news with gladness and supported it with the Earl, and this
+matter was brought to end by the maid being betrothed to Harald; but
+since she was young some winters' delay were agreed upon before the time
+of bridal.
+
+
+ś When spring came, equipped Harald his ship and sailed away, and he and
+the Earl parted in full friendship.
+
+And Harald fared to England, to King Edward, and returned no more to
+Valland to claim the marriage. King Edward ruled over England for
+twenty-four winters, & died a straw death in London, None Janurii (5th
+January); he was interred in St. Paul's Church§ and the English call him
+sainted.
+
+The sons of Earl Godwin in those days were the most powerful men in
+England. Tosti had been made captain over the host of the King, and
+warden of the land when the King began to wax old; and he had been
+placed over all other Earls.
+
+His brother Harald was ever within the court the next man to the King in
+all service, & his duty had been to guard the treasure of the King.§ It
+is recorded by men that as the King was approaching to his end was
+Harald near by, and few other men, and Harald leant over the King and
+said: 'I call all of ye to witness that the King gave me but now the
+kingdom, and all might in England.' Then was the King borne dead from
+out his bed. That same day there was a meeting of lords and the taking
+of a King was discussed, and Harald then let his witnesses testify that
+King Edward on his death-day had given him the kingdom.
+
+This meeting ended in such fashion that Harald was hailed as King &
+consecrated with royal consecration in St. Paul's Church on the 13th
+day;§ when all lords and folk swore fealty to him.
+
+But when his brother, Earl Tosti, heard what had befallen, liked he it
+no whit, for thought he himself to be equally near the King.
+
+'I desire,' quoth he, 'that the lords of the land choose him for King
+whom they deem best fitted therefor.' And such like words went between
+the brothers.
+
+King Harald declared that he would not give up the kingdom for he had
+been throned in that city which had been the King's, and had been
+thereafter anointed and consecrated with royal consecration; with him
+also sided the multitude, and he had moreover all the treasure of the
+dead King.
+
+
+ś Now when King Harald became aware that his brother Tosti desired to
+oust him from the kingdom believed he but ill in him, for Tosti was a
+very wise man and a great warrior, and was full friendly, to boot, with
+the lords of the land.
+
+So Harald deprived him from command of the host, and of all the power he
+had had aforetime more than other earls§ there in the land. And Earl
+Tosti, who by no means would suffer himself to be the serving-man to his
+brother, fared away with his men, and so south to Flanders across the
+sea, and tarried there a while before faring to Friesland & thence to
+Denmark, to his kinsman King Svein. Earl Ulf the father to King Svein
+and Gyda that was mother to Tosti, were brother and sister. The Earl
+craved the aid of King Svein and men for his assistance, and King Svein
+bade him come to him & told him that he should have an earl's realm in
+Denmark, such as would make him a seemly chief in that country. The Earl
+answered thus: 'My desire is to fare back to England, to my heritage;
+but if I am given no assistance for that purpose from thee, King, then
+would I liefer make a pact to afford thee all the support I can procure
+in England, an thou wilt take the Danish hosts thither and conquer the
+land, even as thy mother's brother Knut (Canute) conquered it.'
+
+The King answered: 'So much less a man am I than my kinsman King Knut
+that I have hard work to hold the Danish realm against the Norwegians.
+
+Knut the Old gat his Danish kingdom by inheritance but won England by
+warfare and strife, yet nevertheless at one time seemed he like to lose
+his life thereby. Norway gat he without battle.
+
+Now would I liefer keep within compass according to my smaller
+conditions than assay to rival the success of my kinsman Knut.' Then
+said Tosti the Earl: 'Lesser is my errand hither than I had thought for;
+I deemed not that thou, a bold man, wouldst let me go in need. It may be
+that I am seeking friendship where it is not meet to seek it. But
+natheless it may hap that I find a chief who is less afeared of great
+ventures than thou art, King.' Thereafter they parted, the King and the
+Earl, and were not very well of one accord.
+
+
+ś Tosti the Earl now turned him another way: he fared onward to Norway,
+to King Harald who was in Vik, and when they met the Earl made he known
+his mission to the King, recounting to him all concerning his journey
+since he had left England. And he craved help of the King so that he
+might regain his dominions in England.
+
+But the King said as followeth: that the Norwegians had no wish to fare
+to England and harry with an English chief over them; 'folk deem,' said
+he, 'that the English are not full trustworthy.' The Earl answered:
+'I wonder if it is sooth, that which I have heard men say in England,
+to wit, that thy kinsman King Magnus despatched men to King Edward, with
+the message that he, Magnus, owned England with no less right than
+Denmark, that he inherited it from Hordaknut (Hardicanute) and that the
+pact was ratified by their oaths?' The King answered: 'Why did he not
+have it if he owned it?' The Earl said: 'Why hast thou not Denmark even
+as King Magnus had it before thee?' The King answered: 'Little have the
+Danes to plume themselves on above us Norwegians, for many a hole have
+we burnt in those kinsmen of thine.'
+
+Then said the Earl: 'Though thou wilt not tell me yet can I,
+nevertheless, tell thee how it was King Magnus took possession of
+Denmark, to wit, was it because the lords of the land there helped him,
+but thou gat it not because all the people of the land were against
+thee. King Magnus fought not to gain England because all the people
+desired to have Edward for their King. If thou wishest to conquer
+England then can I bring it about that many of the lords there will be
+thy friends and supporters, for nothing lack I against my brother Harald
+save the name of King. All men know that there has never been born in
+the northlands a warrior such as thou art.
+
+Astonished am I that thou who foughtest fifteen winters for Denmark will
+not take England which is lying at thy hand.' King Harald pondered with
+care over what the Earl had said to him, and well wot he that in great
+measure had he said sooth; and added thereto conceived he the wish to
+conquer that kingdom.
+
+Thereafter the King and the Earl talked long & oft together, & in the
+end covenanted they an agreement that come the summer they would fare to
+England and conquer the country. King Harald sent round the whole of
+Norway calling out a levy, one half of the general war-muster.
+
+Now all this was much spoken of by men, and many were the guesses as to
+how things would go on the faring. Some reckoned & counted up all deeds
+of valour, swearing how naught would be impossible of King Harald, but
+said others that England would be difficult to conquer inasmuch as the
+people were exceeding numerous, & those warriors who were called the
+Thingmanna-host§ so doughty that one of them was better than two of
+Harald's best men.
+
+Thus answered Ulf the Marshal:
+
+  'Never would the marshals
+  Of the King (uncompelling
+  Ever gat I riches)
+  Turn them to the King's stern-hold
+  Noble woman, an twain should be pressed back by
+  One Thingman (other than
+  That when young I learned me).'
+
+
+ś That spring Ulf the Marshal died, & Harald when he stood by his grave
+said ere he quitted it: 'Here lies he that was ever the most faithful &
+the most dutiful to his lord.' To Flanders also sailed Earl Tosti in
+springtide so that he should meet the men the which had followed him
+from England, with those others also who were to join him from England
+and likewise from Flanders.
+
+
+ś The host to King Harald was gathered together in Solundir§ and when
+all things were made ready and he was about to set sail from Nidaros
+went he to the shrine of King Olaf, and thrusting his hands into the
+sanctuary cut he off the hair and the nails pertaining to the saint, and
+thereafter turned he the key once of the shrine and then threw that same
+key into the Nid; and since that time forsooth hath the shrine of the
+holy King Olaf never been opened.
+
+Five and thirty winters had been encompassed since his fall, and five
+and thirty years had he lived in the world.
+
+Then King Harald and the men that were with him gat them a course
+southward to meet his host; or ever that time it was a mighty force that
+met together, and it is told among men that to King Harald were nigh
+upon two hundred§ keels, besides victualling ships and smaller craft.
+When they were lying off Solundir a certain man named Gyrd, who was on
+the own ship to the King, dreamed a dream, and to him it seemed as
+though he stood on that same ship and beheld up on the isle a great
+troll-woman, & in one hand held she a short sword and in the other a
+trough. And to him also did it appear that he was looking at all the
+other ships, and on the prow to each was perched a fowl of the air, and
+all of those same fowl were either eagles or ravens.
+
+The troll-woman sang:
+
+  'King from the east in sooth
+  To battle inciteth
+  Many a warrior westward,
+  (Joyful am I therefor);
+  There may the raven find
+  For itself food on the ships
+  (It knows enow there is);
+  With thee will I ever fare.'
+
+
+ś Now a certain man hight Thord abode on one of the ships nigh to the
+own ship of the King, and on a night dreamed he that he saw the fleet to
+King Harald faring landward, and he seemed to wot that to England were
+they coming.
+
+Then he saw on the land a vast host of men & both hosts were making them
+ready for battle, and for each were many banners held on high. Before
+the host of the men of the land rode a swarth troll-woman, sitting on a
+wolf, and the wolf had the body of a man in its mouth, & blood flowed
+from the corners thereof. And when it had eaten the man she threw yet
+another into its mouth, and thereafter threw she one man after another,
+but notwithstanding made it scant ado at swallowing them all. And so she
+sang:
+
+  'The troll makes the red shield gleam when war comes nigh.
+  Bride of the giant-brood mishap to the King foretells.
+  The quean with the jaws flings flesh of fallen warriors;
+  Raging the wolf's mouth she dyes red with blood.'
+
+
+ś Furthermore it befell that King Harald dreamed one night and in his
+vision lo he was in Nidaros, and there met he his brother, King Olaf,
+who chanted a verse to him:
+
+  'The burly King in many fights with honour conquered.
+  I gat (because at home I stayed) a holy fall to earth.
+  Still of this I fear me that death is nigh thee, King;
+  The greedy wolves thou fill'st;
+  Ne'er was this caused by God.'
+
+
+ś Men spake low of many other dreams and omens of divers kinds, and the
+bulk of them were of ill import. Or ever King Harald left Throndhjem
+caused he his son Magnus to be accepted as King, and made he him ruler
+over the kingdom of Norway.
+
+Thora, the daughter of Thorberg, also remained behind, but Queen Ellisif
+fared forth with King Harald and with them likewise her daughters Mary
+and Ingigerd; Olaf the son to King Harald also fared with him from the
+land.
+
+
+ś When King Harald was ready, and a favourable wind had sprung up,
+sailed he out to sea & came to land at the Shetlands, but some of his
+ships went on to the Orkneys. King Harald lay at these isles a while or
+ever set he sail for the Orkneys, & from these latter took he with him
+many men & the Earls Paal and Erling, twain sons to Thorfin the Earl,
+but behind him left he there Queen Ellisif & their daughters Mary &
+Ingigerd. Thereafter sailed he southward alongside Scotland, & then
+alongside England, and went ashore there where it is called Cleveland.
+
+And being come on land forthwith harried he the countryside, bringing it
+into subjection under him, & withal encountering no resistance.
+Thereafter went King Harald into Scarborough, & fought there with the
+men of the town, and he went up on to the cliff there and ordered a vast
+bonfire to be made and a light thereto put, and when it was ablaze, his
+men took large forks and with them rolled it down into the town, and
+then one house after the other began to burn, so that there was naught
+for the townsmen to do save to surrender. There slew the Norwegians many
+men, and took all the goods whereon they could lay hands. No choice had
+then the Englishmen, an they wished to keep their lives, save to make
+submission to King Harald.
+
+Wheresoever he fared brought he the land into subjection, and he
+continued on his way southward off the coast with the whole of his host,
+bringing-to at Holderness, and there a band came against him, and King
+Harald did battle with them and gained the day.
+
+
+ś Now having come thus far on his journey King Harald fared south to the
+Humber and went up that river and lay in it beside the banks.
+
+At that time there were up in Jerirk (York) Earl Morcar and his brother
+Earl Walthiof and with them was a vast host. King Harald was lying in
+the Ouse when the host of the Earls swooped down against him.
+
+And King Harald went ashore and set to arraying his host, and one arm of
+the array was ranked on the banks of the river, whereas the other
+stretched up inland over towards a certain dyke, and a deep marsh was
+there, both broad, and full of water.
+
+The Earls bade the whole multitude of their array slink down alongside
+the river.
+
+Now the banner to the King was nigh unto the river and there the ranks
+were serried, but near the dyke were they more scattered, and the men
+thereof also the least trustworthy.
+
+The Earls then came down along by the dyke, and that arm of the
+battle-array of the Norwegians which faced the dyke gave way, and
+thereon the English pushed forward after them and deemed that the
+Norwegians would flee. Therefore did the banner of Morcar fare forward.
+
+
+ś But when King Harald saw that the array of the English had descended
+alongside the dyke and was coming right toward them, then commanded he
+the war-blast to be sounded, and eagerly encouraged his men, and let the
+banner 'Land-waster' be carried forward; and even so fierce was their
+advance on the English, that all were repulsed and there fell a many men
+in the host of the Earls.
+
+This host was even soon routed, and some fled up beside the river and
+some down, but the most of the folk ran right out into the dyke, and
+there the fallen lay so thick that the Norwegians could walk dry-shod
+across the marsh.
+
+There too fell Earl Morcar.§ Thus saith Stein Herdason:
+
+  'Many in the river sank
+  (The sunken men were drowned);
+  All round about young Morcar of yore lay many a lad.
+  To flight the chieftain put them;
+  The host to swiftest running
+  Olaf the Mighty is.'§
+
+
+ś The song that followeth was wrought by Stein Herdason about Olaf ye
+son to King Harald, and he saith, the which also we wot of that Olaf was
+in the battle with his father. This is told likewise in 'Haraldsstikka:'
+
+  'There the dead lay
+  Down in the marsh
+  Walthiof's fighters
+  Weapon-bitten,
+  So that they might
+  The war-wonted horsemen
+  There wend their way
+  On corses only.'
+
+
+ś Earl Walthiof and those men that contrived to make their escape from
+out the battle fled even up to the town of York, and there it was that
+the greatest slaughter took place. This battle was on the Wednesday§ or
+ever St. Matthew's Day.
+
+
+ś Earl Tosti had come west (south) from Flanders to King Harald, and
+being even come to England joined himself with the Earl so that he had
+his part in all three battles. And now things came to pass even as he
+had told Harald at their meeting they would come to pass, to wit, that a
+number of men would flock to them in England, and these were both
+kinsmen and friends to Tosti; and their company added greatly to the
+strength of the King.
+
+After the battle whereof we have but now heard related, all the men of
+the countryside hailed King Harald, albeit some few fled. And now set
+King Harald forth to take the city, and placed he his host by Stanford
+Bridge,§ but for the reason that the King had won so fair a victory over
+great lords and overwhelming odds were the people dismayed & deemed it
+hopeless to withstand him. Then took the citizens council together, &
+they were of one mind to send word to the King giving themselves and
+likewise the town into his power. This same was proffered even at such
+time that on the Sunday[§] fared King Harald and his men to the city,
+and there they held a council of war without the walls, and the citizens
+came out and were present at the council.
+
+Then did all the folk promise obedience to King Harald; and gave him as
+hostages the sons of great men even according as Tosti chose, for the
+Earl knew all men in this town; and in the evening fared the King to his
+ships elated with the victory he had won and withal was very joyful.
+
+It was furthermore covenanted there should be held a Thing in the city§
+early on that Monday when would King Harald appoint governors and grant
+fiefs and rights. Now that self-same evening, after the sun had gone
+down, approached King Harald Godwinson with a vast host the city from
+the south, and rode he into the city by the will and consent of all the
+citizens.
+
+Then were men posted at all the gates, and at all the roads, so that to
+the Norwegians there might get no tidings of what had befallen, and this
+host passed the night within the walls.
+
+
+ś On the Monday,[§] when Harald Sigurdson had eaten his fill at dinner,
+ordered he a blast to be sounded for a landing. And thereon made he
+ready his host and parted them, some to fare and some to tarry; and of
+each company he let two men go up for every one left behind.
+
+And Tosti the Earl prepared him to go up with his company, but to guard
+his ship there tarried behind Olaf own son to the King, Paal and Erling
+the Orkney Earls, and Eystein Blackcock, the son of Thorberg Arnason,
+who was in those days the man of most renown and withal dearest to the
+King of all feudatories, & King Harald had at that time promised him the
+hand of his daughter Maria. Very fine was the weather with warm
+sunshine, and wherefore because of this left the men their shirts of
+mail behind them and went with their shields and helms and spears, with
+their swords girded on; and many had likewise bows and arrows, and
+withal were they very merry. But as they advanced on the city, behold a
+great host rode out towards them and they saw the smoke of horses, and
+here and there fair shields and white coats of mail. Then halted the
+King his host and summoned Earl Tosti to him, and asked what manner of
+host this was like to be.
+
+And the Earl answered and said that he deemed it might be strife, yet
+nevertheless it might be that they were some of his kinsmen who were
+seeking for protection & friendship, & would promise the King their
+support and fealty in return. Then the King said that they would first
+of all keep quiet and learn more particulars anent this host. So they
+did this, & the host waxed greater the nearer it came, and everywhere
+was it like a sheet of ice to behold, so white was the gleaming of the
+weapons.
+
+
+ś Then King Harald Sigurdson spake and said: 'Let us now take goodly &
+wise counsel together, for it cannot be hidden that this forebodes
+strife, and most like it is the King himself.' To which the Earl
+answered: 'Our first course is to turn back and go our swiftest to the
+ships that we may fetch folk and weapons, and thereafter offer what
+resistance we can; or even might we also let the ships protect us and
+then no power would the horsemen have over us.' Then said King Harald:
+'Another counsel will I choose, namely to send three bold fellows on our
+swiftest horses and let them ride hotly a'pace and impart to our men
+what hath befallen; then will they the sooner come to our aid, and a
+right sharp combat shall the Englishmen fight or ever we suffer defeat.'
+The Earl answered and said that the King should decide in this matter as
+in all else: 'no manner of desire had he either to flee.' Then caused
+the King his banner 'Land-waster' to be borne aloft, and Fridrek was the
+man hight who bore the banner.
+
+
+ś After these things arrayed King Harald his host.
+
+And he let the muster be long and not dense, and then after doing this
+doubled he both the arms thereof backward so that they reached together
+and made a wide ring thick and even on all sides without, shield by
+shield, and the same within likewise; and the King's company was without
+the ring and there too was his banner.
+
+In another spot was Earl Tosti with his company, and another banner had
+he, and the men to him were all picked men. Now the array was made in
+this fashion because the King wist that the horsemen§ were wont to ride
+forward in a mass & thereupon fall back. Now said the King that his
+company should advance whithersoever it were most needed, 'but our
+archers shall also be with us, and those who stand farthest forward will
+set their spear handles in the earth and point their spears at the
+breasts of the riders if they should ride us down, and those who stand
+in the next row will thrust their spears into the chests of the horses.'
+
+
+ś It was with an exceeding vast host that King Harald Godwinson had come
+thither, a host of both horse and foot-folk. Around his array rode King
+Harald Sigurdson having a wary eye to see how it had been ranked, and he
+bestrode a black piebald horse.
+
+Now the horse fell under him but the King arose in haste & said:
+'Falling when faring betokens fortune.' Then said Harald, the King of
+the English, to those Norwegians who were with him: 'Knowest thou the
+big man yonder who fell from his horse, the man with the blue kirtle and
+the fair helme?' 'That is the King,' said they.
+
+'A big man and of masterful appearance, yet belike his luck is over,'
+answered the English King.
+
+
+ś Twenty horsemen rode forward from the Thingmanna host before the
+battle-array of the Norwegians; and they were wholly clad in chain-mail
+and their horses like unto them. Then said one horseman: 'Is Earl Tosti
+in the host?' to which was made answer: 'There is no hiding it, ye can
+find him there.'
+
+Then said the horseman: 'Harald, thy brother, sent thee a greeting, and
+word therewith that thou shouldst have grace & the whole of
+Northumberland; and rather than thou shouldst not go over to him will he
+give thee a third share of the whole of his kingdom.' Then answered the
+Earl: 'That is a very different message from the strife and scorn of the
+winter: had it been offered then many a man would still be alive who is
+now dead, & more firmly too would the kingdom stand in England. Now if I
+should accept these terms, what would he offer King Harald Sigurdson for
+his pains?' 'He hath said something of what he would grant him in
+England, Seven feet of room or as much longer as he is taller than other
+men,' made answer that rider. 'Fare thee now to King Harald and bid him
+make ready for battle,' said the Earl, 'other shall be said among
+Norwegians than that Earl Tosti quitteth King Harald Sigurdson for the
+fellowship of his foemen when he hath to fight in England. Nay, let us
+all rather be of one mind: to die with honour or to win England by
+conquest.' Then did the horseman ride away, and King Harald Sigurdson
+asked of the Earl, 'who was that long-tongued man, yonder?' 'That was
+King Harald Godwinson,' said the Earl. 'Too long was this kept from us,'
+said King Harald Sigurdson, 'they were come so nigh unto our host, that
+nought would this Harald have known how to tell of the death of our
+men.' 'True it is,' said the Earl, 'that such a chief went right
+unwarily, and that it might have been as thou sayest; I saw that he
+wished to offer me grace and much dominion, but that I should be his
+slayer an I said who he was. Rather would I that he should be my slayer
+than I his.' Then said King Harald Sigurdson: 'A little man was he, but
+firm in his stirrups.'
+
+It is said that King Harald chanted this verse:
+
+  'Forward go we in folk array
+  Without our mail
+  Under blue blades;
+  The helmets shine,
+  No mail have I;
+  On the ships yonder
+  Our garb doth lie.'
+
+
+ś Now the mail-shirt to Harald was hight 'Emma,' and it was so long that
+it reached down even unto the midst of his foot, and so strong that no
+weapon had ever lodged fast in it. Then said King Harald Sigurdson:
+'That was ill wrought; I must make another, a better verse in its
+place,' and then he chanted this:
+
+  'Ne'er do we in battle
+  Creep behind our shields,
+  The clash of weapons fearing
+  (E'en so the word-fast woman bade me).
+  Of yore the necklet-wearer bade me
+  Carry high my head in battle,
+  Where sword and shield do meet.'
+
+And Thiodolf likewise sang thus:
+
+  'Never, if e'en the prince himself to earth should fall,
+  (As God wills so goeth it)
+  Will I flee from the heirs of the chief.
+  The sun shines not better on these than these twain shine.
+  Avengers of Harald are resourceful hawks full grown.'
+
+
+ś And now they fall to battle, and the English ride onward toward the
+Norwegians, but the resistance is stubborn, and because of the shots it
+is not easy for the English to ride against the Norwegians, and so they
+ride round about them in a ring. At first the battle is altogether even,
+that is so long as the Norwegians hold their array, but the English
+charge them & then if they have done no hurt ride aback, and when the
+Norwegians see this, namely that the English seem to ride on them
+without spirit, set they themselves upon them and would have pursued
+them, but behold no sooner is the wall of shields broken than the
+English ride towards them from all directions bringing spears and shots
+to bear on them. And King Harald Sigurdson seeing this goeth forth into
+the brunt of the battle, even there where the hardest struggle is taking
+place, and many men falling from both hosts.
+
+King Harald Sigurdson waxeth so fierce that he runneth forward right out
+from the array, & heweth with both hands, & hath neither helme, nor
+shield holden before him.
+
+All those who are nighest to him draw aback, and far are the English
+from fleeing. Thus saith Arnor Earl's-skald:
+
+  'In battle swift the chief's heart ne'er did quake,
+  And the strong King the greatest courage showed
+      'mid the helmes' thunder,
+  There, where in the hersirs' chief the hosts saw this,
+  That by his bloody sword the men to death were wounded.'
+
+
+ś Now it happened that King Harald Sigurdson was wounded by an arrow in
+the throat, and this was his death-wound. He fell with the whole of that
+company which was advancing with him, save those that drew back; and
+these held stoutly to the banner.
+
+Yet a conflict full as hard was foughten after Tosti the Earl had taken
+his place under the King's banner. Then both the hosts fell to arraying
+themselves for the second time, and an exceeding long truce was there in
+the battle. Thereof sang Thiodolf:
+
+  'Mishap hath fallen on us,
+  (in peril is now the host);
+  In vain hath Harald brought us
+  This journey from the east.
+  The chieftain shrewd's life-passage
+  So hath ended that we now
+  (the King bepraised his life lost)
+  Row in peril of our lives.'
+
+
+ś But ere the combatants again joined issue offered Harald Godwinson his
+brother Tosti grace, and he likewise offered grace to the other men
+surviving from the Norwegian host; but the Norwegians shouted out that
+they would rather fall one above the other, than accept quarter from the
+English. And thereon shouted they their war-cry, & then the battle began
+for the second time.
+
+Thus saith Arnor Earl's-skald:
+
+  'In an hour of misfortune
+  The King austere gat death;
+  The arrows gold-inwoven
+  Spared not the robbers' foe.
+  Gentle and bounteous King--
+  His friends choose all to fall
+  Round their host-wonted chief
+  Rather than quarter seek.'
+
+
+ś Now it befell that Eystein Blackcock came up just at that moment from
+the ships with his company, and they were in full armour, and Eystein
+gat him hold of the King's banner 'Land-waster,' and for the third time
+the men fell to battle; exceeding sharp was it and the English lost men
+full heavily and were on the point of fleeing. That fray was called
+'Blackcock's Brunt.' Eystein's men had hastened so furiously from the
+ships that at first, or ever they were come to the combat, they were
+weary and scarce fit for battle, but afterwards so raging were they that
+they defended themselves as long as they could stand upright. At the
+last cast they from off them their mail-shirts, and then was it easy for
+the English to find a vulnerable spot on them; but some who were
+unwounded yet died from their haste and fury.
+
+Nearly all the great men among the Norwegians fell at that time.
+
+This befell late in the day.
+
+As was to be looked for not all men fared alike in fortune, many fled &
+many who thus made their escape met differing fates. Mirk was it in the
+evening ere the slaughtering was brought to an end.
+
+
+ś Among those who escaped was Styrkar, the marshal of King Harald
+Sigurdson, & this befell from his getting him a horse and thereon riding
+away. Now a wind sprang up in the evening and the weather waxed somewhat
+cold, and Styrkar had no other apparel than his shirt, a helme on his
+head, and a naked sword in his hand.
+
+And he waxed cold as his weariness wore off. Then a certain waincarle
+came driving towards him, and this man had a lined coat. Styrkar said
+unto him: 'Wilt thou sell thy jacket, peasant?' 'Not to thee,' quoth he,
+'thou art a Norwegian, as I wist by thy tongue.'
+
+'An I am a Norwegian what wilt thou do then?' said Styrkar. 'I would
+slay thee; but alack I have no weapon to do it with,' the peasant
+replied. 'If thou canst not slay me, peasant, I will make trial if I
+cannot slay thee,' and therewith Styrkar swung his sword and brought it
+down on the man's neck so that his head was cut off; and then took he
+the fur coat and springing on to his horse rode down to the shore.
+
+
+ś Now tidings were borne to the Rouen Earl, William the Bastard, of the
+death of King Edward his kinsman, & furthermore was it told how Harald
+Godwinson had been acclaimed as King of England and had been consecrated
+thereto. Now William deemed he had a better right to that kingdom than
+Harald, to wit by reason of the kinship betwixt him & King Edward, and
+withal furthermore inasmuch as he deemed it but fair to avenge himself
+on Harald for the slight of that broken betrothal with his own daughter.
+
+For all these self-same reasons, then, assembled William an host
+together in Normandy, and a multitude of men were mustered, with a
+goodly sufficiency of ships. And on the day that he rode from the city
+unto his ships, when he had mounted up on to his horse, his wife went to
+him & would have spoken with him, but when he saw this he thrust at her
+with his heel, setting his spur in her breast so that it penetrated deep
+therein, and she fell and straightway died.§ But the Earl rode to his
+ships and fared with his host over to England. At that time was his
+brother Otta with him.
+
+When the Earl came to England plundered he there, & brought the land
+into subjection under him wheresoever he went.
+
+Earl William was bigger and stronger than other men, a good horseman,
+the greatest of warriors, and very cruel; a very wise man was he withal,
+but accounted in no wise trustworthy.
+
+
+ś King Harald Godwinson gave Olaf, the son of King Harald Sigurdson,
+permission to fare his way, and in like fashion treated he those men of
+the host who had been with the King and had not fallen. King Harald then
+turned southward with his host, for he had learned that William Bastard
+was faring northward through England, & was conquering the country.
+There were with Harald Godwinson at that time his brethren Svein,§ Gyrd,
+and Walthiof. King Harald and Earl William met in the south of England
+at Hastings and a great battle befell there.
+
+In it were slain King Harald and his brother Earl Gyrd, & a great part
+of their host. Nineteen nights was it after the fall of King Harald
+Sigurdson,§ Earl Walthiof, own brother to Harald, made good his escape
+by flight, and at even fell in with a band of William's men; whereupon
+Earl Walthiof set fire to the forest and burned them all up. Thus saith
+Thorkel Skallson in Walthiof's lay:
+
+  'An hundred King's own court-men
+  The warrior had burned
+  In hottest fire (to the men
+  An eve of singeing was it).
+  'Tis said that the men
+  'Neath the wolf's claw must lie;
+  Gray steed of the troll-quean
+  Gave victuals to the swords.'
+
+
+ś Thereon caused William himself to be proclaimed King of England, and
+thereafter sent he to Earl Walthiof proffering him peace & appointing a
+truce so that a meeting might take place betwixt them. The Earl fared to
+it with but few men, and when he was come on the heath north of the
+castle bridge two of the King's bailiffs advanced upon him with a band
+of men, and when they had taken him they put him in chains; thereafter
+he was beheaded.§ The English call him sainted. Thus saith Thorkel:
+
+  ''Tis doubtless that manly Walthiof
+  By William (he who from the south
+  Across the chill main came)
+  Is bewrayed in his trusting.
+  Sooth is that long 'twill be
+  Ere ends the slaying of men
+  In England (swift was my master.
+  No prince like him doth live).'
+
+
+ś Afterwards lived William as King of England for one and twenty
+winters, and ever since have his descendants ruled as Kings of England.
+
+
+ś Now Olaf the son to King Harald Sigurdson took his men and fared away
+from England, sailing forth from Ravenseer whence they came in autumn to
+the Orkneys, & there learned they the tidings that Maria the daughter of
+King Harald Sigurdson had died of a sudden death on the self-same day
+and in that same hour as her father King Harald had perished. Olaf
+tarried in the Orkneys the winter through but the summer thereafter
+fared he east to Norway, and was made King there together with his
+brother Magnus.
+
+Queen Ellisif journeyed eastward with her step-son Olaf and her daughter
+Ingigerd.
+
+Skuli also, he who was afterwards called King's-fosterer, & his brother
+Ketil Crook, likewise fared overseas with Olaf. The twain of them were
+doughty men, and noble in England, and both were very sage and
+well-beloved by the King. Ketil Crook fared northward to Halogaland and
+King Olaf gat him a good marriage, and from him are descended many great
+men. Skuli, King's-fosterer, was a wise and strong man, very fair to
+behold; he became captain of King Olaf's body-guard, lent his counsel at
+the Things, and ruled with the King in all governances of the land. King
+Olaf desired to give Skuli a province in Norway, whichever he was minded
+to have, with all the incomes and dues that the King held disposition
+over, but Skuli thanked him for this offer and said that he would liefer
+ask for other things because should there be a change of kings perchance
+the gift would be taken back: 'I will,' said he, 'accept certain domains
+which lie nigh to the towns, where ye, Sire, are wont to be, and where
+the Yule feasts are held.' So King Olaf gave him his word thereon, and
+made over to him lands in the east at Konungahella, and at Oslo, at
+Tunsberg, at Borg, at Bergen, and in the north at Nidaros. They were
+nigh upon the best estates at each place, and they have ever since been
+the possessions of men of the lineage of Skuli.
+
+King Olaf married Skuli to his kinswoman Gudrun Nefsteinsdotir, whose
+mother was Ingirid the daughter of King Sigurd Sow and his wife Asta.
+Asta was own sister of King Olaf the Saint & of King Harald. The son of
+Skuli and Gudrun was Asolf of Reini who was wedded to Thora the daughter
+of Skopti Ogmundson. The son of Asolf and Thora was Guthorm of Reini,
+the father of Bard, the father of King Ingi and Duke Skuli.
+
+
+ś On a winter after the fall of King Harald was his body transported
+from England to Nidaros and interred there in the Church of St. Mary,
+that selfsame church the which he himself had caused to be builded.
+
+It was allowed by all that King Harald had exceeded other men in wisdom
+& resourcefulness, both when he had been fain to act swiftly or had
+debated long, either for himself or others. The most valiant of all men
+was he, and victorious withal, even as hath been set forth this while:
+
+  'The waster of Zealand's dwellers
+  In boldness ne'er was lacking;
+  Mind ruleth half of victory,
+  And soothly Harald proveth it.'
+
+
+ś King Harald was stately and goodly to behold, fair hair and a fair
+beard had he, and a long moustache; of his eyebrows the one was somewhat
+higher than the other, & he had large hands and feet, but either
+shapely. Five ells was he in stature. Towards his foes was he cruel, and
+when withstood revengeful. Thus saith Thiodolf:
+
+  'Sage Harald doth arrogance
+  In his thanes chastise;
+  Methinks the King's men bear
+  But that which they mete out.
+  Such burdens bear they
+  As for themselves they care to have
+  (The law is used for each against the other);
+  Thus doth Harald change revenge.'
+
+
+ś King Harald vastly loved power & all worldly advantages, but towards
+his friends, even to those whom he liked well, was he very bountiful.
+Thiodolf telleth us as followeth:
+
+  'Of ships'-battle the awakener
+  For my work a mark bestowed;
+  To praise vouchsafeth he
+  Each one who proveth him thereof worthy.'
+
+
+ś King Harald was fifty years of age when he fell. We have no tales of
+count regarding his up-growing, or ever he was fifteen winters old and
+was at Stiklastad, in the battle, with his brother King Olaf. Thereafter
+lived he for five and thirty years, and during all that time had ever
+turmoil and strife. King Harald never fled from any battle, but
+oft-times sought he expedients when the odds of war were against him.
+
+All men who followed him in battle or warfare avowed that when he found
+himself hard pressed or was obliged to make a swift resolution, he chose
+that course which afterwards all men saw to be the likeliest to avail.
+
+
+ś Halldor, the son of Bryniolf the Camel, hight likewise the Old, was a
+wise man and a great lord, and thus spake he when he heard the
+conversation of men in respect to the very different natures of King
+Olaf the Saint and his brother King Harald.
+
+'I was with both brothers,' said he, 'and high in favour, and I wotted
+the natures of both: never did I find two men so alike at heart. Both
+were very wise and valiant men, loving possessions and power, masterful,
+not lowly-hearted, overbearing, haughty, and quick to chastise. King
+Olaf constrained the people of the land to Christianity and the true
+Faith, but punished harshly those who turned a deaf ear to his commands.
+
+The chiefs of the land who would not suffer his even-handed dispensation
+of justice rose up against him and slew him in his own land, and it is
+for that reason he is called saintly.
+
+But King Harald harried for renown and dominion, bringing under his yoke
+all people that he could bring under it, and he fell in the land of
+other kings.
+
+Both these brothers in normal life were men of religion and had regard
+for their honour; they were likewise travelled & vigorous in mind, & it
+is from such-like qualities that they waxed so far-famed.'
+
+
+ś King Magnus Haraldson ruled Norway the first winter after the fall of
+King Harald, but thereafter ruled he the land for two winters together
+with his brother King Olaf, and there were then two kings together,
+Magnus having dominion in the northern half of the land & Olaf in the
+eastern half. King Magnus had a son who was hight Hakon & his
+foster-father was Steig-Thorir; a youth of promise was he.
+
+
+ś After the death of King Harald Sigurdson, Svein, the Danish King, gave
+out that peace was at an end betwixt Norwegians and Danes, for the pact
+was made to endure only as long as both kings lived. So then were men
+mustered in both realms; King Harald's sons called out a general-host
+and ships from Norway, and King Svein fared northward with the host of
+the Danes.
+
+And so it was that messengers were thereafter despatched betwixt the
+kings with offers of peace, and the Norwegians said that they would
+either keep to the covenant which had been made aforetime or fight. For
+that reason the following verse was sung:
+
+  'With threats and words of peace
+  Olaf his land defended,
+  So that no one from the King
+  Durst claim a right thereto.'
+
+And thus saith Stein Herdason in the lay of Olaf:
+
+  'His heritage 'gainst Svein
+  The warlike King defended
+  In that merchant town where resteth
+  (Great is he) the saintly King.'
+
+
+ś But a compact was come to betwixt the kings at the time of this
+mustering, & peace ensued in the lands. King Magnus was afterwards
+stricken with a sickness, the rift-worm sickness, and when he had lain
+abed for some time died he at Nidaros, and there was buried. He was a
+King right well-beloved of all the people.
+
+
+
+
+NOTES
+
+
+These notes, with few exceptions, are taken from Professor Gustav
+Storm's Norwegian version of the Heimskringla, from which this
+translation of the Saga of Olaf Tryggvason and of Harald Hardrad
+(Harald the Tyrant) is made.
+
+    ETHEL H. HEARN.
+
+  [Transcriber's Note:
+
+  For this e-text, the word or phrase referenced in the note is shown
+  in {braces} before the page-and-line citation. Moved markers are
+  individually noted.
+
+  "Translator" refers to the English translation (the present text).]
+
+
+{King Valdamar} Page 12, line 11. Vladimir the Great of Russia
+(980-1015) became Grand Duke of Novgorod in 970.
+  [Marker printed after "high favour" on following page.]
+
+{'hersir'} Page 19, line 25. The head of a 'her,' _i.e._, a hundred
+families. The territory inhabited by them was called a 'herath.' The
+'hersir' seems to have combined the offices of commander in time of war,
+and religious head of his tribe. --Translator.
+
+{the Fjords} _Ibid._ Nordfiord and Söndfiord.
+
+{war-fine} Page 20, line 1. Those who absented themselves when the ships
+were called out for war, or who came to a wrong place of meeting, or at
+a wrong time, were compelled to pay a war-fine.
+
+{Vingulmark} Page 28, line 31. This is not in accord with page 22,
+line 2, in which Vingulmark is mentioned as being given to Harald the
+Grenlander. Perhaps the error is on the page aforesaid, as on page 53,
+line 30, Harald is described as King of Vestfold only.
+
+{Vindland (Wendland)} Page 30, line 14. The present North Germany, from
+eastern Holstein to eastern Prussia.
+  [Marker printed after "good havens" on next line.]
+
+{Burizlaf} Page 30, line 17. _I.e._, Boleslaw. By 'Burislav,' as
+mentioned here, must not be understood Boleslaw I of Poland (992-1025),
+but his father Miesco or Mieczyslaw (964-992).
+
+{Emperor Otta} Page 31, line 12. The Emperor Otta is the Emperor Otho II
+(973-983). His march on Denmark did not take place in 988 as Snorri
+calculates, but late in the autumn of 974. Nor was the Emperor's object
+the conversion of King Harald, for the latter had accepted Christianity
+about 960-- but to bring Denmark under his own vassalage.
+
+{Danavirki} Page 31, line 18. The Danavirki, or Danish wall, began in
+the east at the head of the Slefjord, and extended to the west only as
+far as the Trćaa, the tributary river of the isthmus, and not to the
+sea.
+  [Marker printed after "his call" earlier in sentence.]
+
+{likewise King Burizlaf} Page 32, line 24. It is not historical that
+Burislaw (or Miesco) accompanied the Emperor to the Danish wall; nor was
+Olaf Tryggvason, who was not full grown in 974, with him.
+
+{saintly bishop} Page 33, line 33. As early as 968 Vidkund of Corvey, in
+his chronicle of that year, mentions Poppo's miracle and its effect in
+causing Harald to embrace Christianity. The incident must be ascribed to
+about the year 906.
+
+{other learned men} Page 34, line 12. 'Learned men' means men trained in
+the learning of the Church, that is to say, belonging to the priesthood.
+
+{Gat answer Fret} Page 35, line 3. 'Go to Fret' (?) means to consult the
+gods by means of the so-called 'blotspaan,' or sacrificial shavings.
+These, and pieces of wood (perhaps inscribed with runes) were disposed
+in a particular manner, for the purpose of gaining information from the
+gods as to the future.
+
+{Gyda} Page 39, line 6. Gyda was the daughter of Olaf Kvaran, and not
+his sister. Olaf Kvaran died an old man in 980.
+  [Correct line reference is 7.]
+
+{holmgangsman} Page 40, line 3. 'Holmgang' so called in Norway because
+the two combatants retired alone to a holm or uninhabited islet to
+fight. --Translator.
+
+{across the isthmus} Page 48, line 1. Mandseidet in Stadland.
+
+{Vissavald} Page 55, line 15. The Russian name Wsevolod.
+
+{King Olaf Kvaran} Page 57, line 22. According to English sources Olaf
+was lying with his fleet off Southampton during the winter of 994-995.
+He received instruction there in Christianity from English bishops, and
+was confirmed in the spring of 995, on which occasion King Ethelred was
+his sponsor. He returned home to his country early in the summer.
+
+{Rimul} Page 59, line 28. Rimul now the farm of Romol (Guldalen) on the
+west side of the Gula river, opposite Melhus.
+
+{Urgutherjot and Brimiskiar, Page 66 bottom.}
+  _Note missing._
+
+{eastward as far as Lidandisnes} Page 72, line 6. The 'Sogn-sea' formed
+the boundary between Sogn and Hordaland so that the territory given to
+Erling was Hordaland, Rogaland, and the western part of Agder, as far as
+the Naze.
+
+{Sigurd Sow} Page 74, line 4. So-called because he 'rooted in the soil,'
+_i.e._, practised agriculture.
+
+{Olaf her son} Page 74, line 11. This is not historical. Olaf the Saint
+was not christened until he was full grown. According to the oldest
+sources he was baptized in Rouen by Archbishop Robert, the brother of
+Duke Richard.
+
+{Easter Eve} Page 76, line 21. April 16, 998.
+
+{never should Odin beguile them} Page 78, line 20. Olaf, like all
+Christians at that time, thought Odin to be an evil spirit.
+
+{war-arrow} Page 78, line 27. A war-arrow was furnished with a cord or
+twist of withy at one end, and was intended to summon all men armed to a
+Thing.
+
+{Scipa-Krok} Page 82, line 8. 'Ship-corner,' a little creek of the river
+Nid, at the end of the present Strand Gade in Trondhjem.
+
+{the Skeggi barrow at Austratt} Page 82, line 13. This barrow,
+Skjeggehaugen, existed at the beginning of the nineteenth century;
+it was situated to the south of the farm of 'Östraat' (Austrat).
+
+{aft with a crook} Page 91, line 33. _Svirar_: what these were is not
+known; they must have been at the stern of the ship.
+
+{Michaelmas} Page 93, line 16. September 29, 999.
+
+{white weeds} Page 94, line 3. _I.e._, in christening raiment, which was
+worn for a week after baptism.
+
+{Aldeigiaborg} Page 100, line 31. The town of Ladoga; it was situated at
+that time on the river Volkhov which debouches into the lake of Ladoga.
+
+{Adalsysla & Eysysla} Page 101, line 8. The island of Ösel was named in
+Old-Norse Ey-Sysla (island district) and the mainland opposite
+Adal-Sysla (chief district), and the whole of Estland (or Esthonia)
+together Sysla.
+
+{Queen Gunnhild fell sick and died} Page 101, line 32. This is
+incorrect. Gunnhild was put away by King Svein and sent home to
+Wendland; after the death of Svein in 1014 her sons had her brought back
+to Denmark.
+
+{Vineland the Good} Page 107, line 29. North America, probably Nova
+Scotia.
+
+{skeid} Page 108, line 7. A particular kind of long-ship without a
+'head' at the prow.
+
+{Svold} Page 110, line 7. Svold is not an island as Snorri thought, but
+a haven or creek in the mouth of a river somewhat west of Rügen.
+
+{Finnish} Page 118, line 1. _I.e._, Lappish. --Translator.
+
+{the burner of the Bulgars} Page 126, line 10. Harald Hardrad, or Harald
+the Tyrant was in the service of the Greek Emperor in the year 1041, and
+took part in the pillaging of the rebellious Bulgarians. The account of
+this was not known to Snorri who lived so much later, but Thiodolf had
+heard of it.
+
+{Laesirs} Page 127, line 23. An unknown people, perhaps 'Lechers,'
+_i.e._, Poles.
+
+{Gyrgir} Page 128, line 10. Georgios Maniakes, the brave commander of
+the Greeks in the valley of the Euphrates 1033-1035, and in Sicily in
+1038-1040.
+
+{Vaerings} Page 128, line 13. Mercenaries, chiefly the northern
+inhabitants of Russia and of Greece.
+
+{Serkland} Page 130, line 26. Snorri here confuses 'Serkland' in Asia
+with Africa. Harald was taking part in the wars in Syria and Armenia in
+the years 1035-1037, before going in 1038 with the Greek army to Sicily.
+
+{The son of Budli, as 'twas said / Showed friendship by his fellowship}
+Page 131, lines 8 and 9. These two lines refer to Atli the King of the
+Huns, who according to the legend invited his brothers-in-law (Gunnar
+and Hogn) to a feast in order to betray them.
+
+{all the days of his life} Page 135, line 7. Snorri Sturlason was
+descended from Halldor in the fifth degree.
+
+{Jorsalaheim (Palestine)} Page 136, line 24. The Greek Emperor concluded
+a peace with the Calif of Egypt in 1036 which enabled the Emperor to
+build churches near the Holy Sepulchre. Craftsmen were despatched
+thither for this purpose by the Emperor, and among the troops sent to
+protect them was Harald Hardrad, or Harald the Tyrant.
+
+{the daughter of the brother to Queen Zoe} Page 138, line 1. Zoe never
+had a brother, so the relationship, at all events, is inaccurate.
+
+{that chapel has stood there unto this very day} Page 138, line 18.
+No such chapel has ever been known to exist in Constantinople.
+
+{this deed} Page 139, line 15. It is a fact that Harald was one of those
+who blinded the 'Greek King' Michael Kalafates. The latter was accepted
+as the son of Zoe and became Emperor together with her in 1041. After
+deposing her (April 21, 1042) he was himself deposed, and was blinded in
+the street by his body-guard, in which Harald was serving as
+'spatharokandidat' (colonel). Michael is in this case confused with his
+successor Constantine.
+
+{Siavidarsund} Page 139, line 19. Siavidarsund (_i.e._, 'the sound with
+the sea-wood') is the present Golden Horn; the heavy iron chain, which
+was stretched across its extremity, in times of dispute rested on wooden
+floats.
+
+{Ellipalta} Page 140, line 3. The mouth of the Dnieper in the Black Sea.
+
+{East-realm} Page 140, line 4. East-realm, _i.e._, Russia, or its
+eastern provinces.
+
+{three occasions} Page 140, line 21. If this is correct Harald must have
+gone to Constantinople before 1034, as there was a change of monarch in
+1034, 1041, and 1042.
+
+{Sudatorp} Page 143, line 13. In south Jutland, west of Aabenraa. Magnus
+died in Zealand. His successor Svein (who was also named Magnus) died at
+Sudatorp.
+
+{brother} Page 143, line 14. _I.e._, half-brother (Alfhild's son, not
+Olaf's).
+
+{Budli's ways} Page 148, line 10. Budli's, or the sea-king's way-- the
+sea.
+
+{Harald's soul in Heaven} Page 148, line 28. This line with line 23 on
+page 137 and one omitted from the foregoing verse form together a kind
+of refrain which runs as follows: "May it dwell where it listeth-- In
+Christ's eternal House-- Harald's soul in Heaven."
+
+{Peter Burden-Swain} Page 152, line 33. So named because upon a certain
+occasion he carried King Sigurd Slembe at a Thing.
+
+{the church of Saint Olaf} Page 153, line 7. Ruins of the church of
+Saint Olaf are to be found under the present Town Hall on the northern
+side of Kongens Gade, in Trondhjem.
+
+{relics of King Olaf} Page 153, line 20. They were moved thither from
+St. Clement's church.
+  [Marker printed at end of sentence.]
+
+{church of Saint Gregory} Page 153, line 23. This church was west of the
+church of Saint Olaf, on the north side of the present Kongens Gade,
+where the Savings Bank now stands.
+
+{eight or nine long-ships, and nigh upon five hundred men} Page 155,
+line 13. That is to say, 600.
+
+{the King's-House down by the river} Page 156, line 10. 'The
+King's-House down by the river' was the new King's-House which Harald
+had built east of the church of Saint Mary.
+
+{Guthorm Gunhildson} Page 158, line 11. The son of Ketil Calf and
+Gunnhild (mentioned on page 154).
+
+{said to be nephew} Page 162, line 32. Asmund's father was Biorn Ulfson,
+the brother of Harald (died 1049).
+
+{King Margad} Page 166, line 35. Margad (in Irish Eachmargach)
+Rognvaldson was the King of Dublin in 1035-1038 and 1046-1052.
+
+{St. Olafmas} Page 167, line 26. July 28, 1052.
+
+{there} Page 168, line 11. _I.e._ in the Cathedral.
+
+{Oslo} Page 170, line 20. On the site of part of the present city of
+Christiania.
+
+{bussa-ship} Page 171, line 34. A '_Bussa_' was a particular kind of
+large ship, broad in the beam, especially a war-ship.
+
+{......} Page 172, line 2. _Svirar_, see note on page 91, line 33.
+
+{one hundred and fifty} Page 174, line 8. That is to say, 180.
+
+{three hundred} Page 174, line 13. 360 ships.
+
+{Leidra} Page 176, line 1. Later Leire, near Roskilde in Zealand.
+
+{Vandrad} Page 178, line 21. _I.e._, one who is in distress.
+
+{two hundred men} Page 182, line 34. That is to say, 240.
+
+{Queen Gyda} Page 190, line 29. Her name was Eadgitha; Gyda was her
+mother's name. The sons of Earl Godwin were Harald, Tosti, Svein (died
+1052), and Gyrd. Harald was the _eldest_ son. Morcar, or Morkere, and
+Walthiof were not Earl Godwin's sons; Morcar was the son of Ćlfrik of
+Mercia, and from 1065 was Earl of Northumberland; Walthiof was the son
+of the Danish Earl Siward of Northumberland (died 1055).
+
+{driven out to sea} Page 191, line 6. At Ponthieu, where the Count took
+him prisoner. William released him and had him brought to Rouen. It is
+not historical that Harald held undue intercourse with William's wife.
+William made use of Harald's compulsory sojourn to make him swear
+allegiance to him, and affiance him to his daughter.
+
+{St. Paul's Church} Page 192, line 11. Unhistorical. The church referred
+to is St. Paul's in London, but Edward died and was buried at
+Winchester, where Harald was likewise crowned.
+
+{to guard the treasure of the King} Page 192, line 18. This is
+unhistorical. Tosti had been Earl of Northumberland since 1055, but was
+driven away by the Northumbrians in October 1065 and fled to Flanders,
+so that he was not in England at the time of Edward's death. Harald was
+Earl of Wessex and the most powerful man in the land.
+
+{the 13th day} Page 192, line 28. _I.e._, the thirteenth day of
+Christmas, January 6.
+
+{more than other earls} Page 193, line 11. Not historical, see page 192,
+line 18.
+
+{Thingmanna-host} Page 195, line 20. The name of King Canute's Danish
+guard, instituted 1018.
+
+{Solundir} Page 196, line 3. The Sulen Islands outside Sognefjord.
+
+{two hundred} Page 196, line 16. That is to say, 240.
+
+{Earl Morcar} Page 199, line 20. Unhistorical. Morkere, or Morcar,
+escaped later and joined Harald the son of (Earl) Godwin.
+
+{Olaf the Mighty is} Page 199, line 27. Part of the refrain which runs
+as follows: 'Olaf the Mighty is-- the very greatest chief-- born under
+the sun.'
+
+{the Wednesday} Page 200, line 9. September 20 (1066).
+
+{Stanford Bridge} Page 200, line 21. Now Stamford Bridge across the
+Derwent. Snorri thought that Stamford was situated nearer York than it
+really is.
+
+{the Sunday} Page 200, line 27. September 24.
+
+{a Thing in the city} Page 201, line 2. This is incorrect. The Thing was
+to be held at Stamford Bridge and Harald was to be given there hostages
+from the whole of Yorkshire. It was for this reason that the battle
+occurred there.
+
+{the Monday} Page 201, line 11. September 25 (1066).
+
+{the horsemen} Page 202, line 32. Legends referring to the battle of
+Hastings (October 14, 1066) are incorporated in this and the following
+narrative. It was the Norwegians who fought on horseback, and who used
+the expedient of pretended flight against the English, and not the
+reverse: the latter had no horse.
+
+{she fell and straightway died} Page 208, line 19. Quite unhistorical.
+
+{Svein} Page 208, line 34. Svein was killed in 1052.
+
+{the fall of King Harald Sigurdson} Page 209, line 4. October 14, 1066.
+
+{thereafter he was beheaded} Page 209, line 24. Walthiof submitted to
+William immediately after the battle, and became in 1070 Earl of
+Northumberland. In 1074 he took part in a plot against William and,
+although he made a timely confession of it, was beheaded outside
+Winchester in 1075.
+  [Marker printed after following sentence.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+           *       *       *       *
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Errors and Anomalies
+
+  "whithersoever"
+    _occasionally printed "withersoever"_
+
+  ye relics of King Olaf
+    _text unchanged_
+  no power would the horsemen have over us
+    _text reads "Norsemen"_
+
+  Hyphenated Words:
+  To the war-gathering on the longships
+    _hyphen missing in original; normal form is "long-ships"_
+  When the fore-castle men on the 'Serpent' saw this
+  leap over-board each on his own side
+    _hyphens in original; normal forms are "forecastle" and "overboard"_
+
+  Punctuation:
+  Thorstein the White of Oprostad,
+    _text has period (full stop) for comma_
+  After the death of King Harald Sigurdson,
+    _text has hyphen for comma_
+  and choose them tent-places.'
+    _close quote missing_
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Sagas of Olaf Tryggvason and of
+Harald The Tyrant (Harald Haardraade), by Snorri Sturluson
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SAGAS OF OLAF TRYGGVASON ***
+
+***** This file should be named 22093-8.txt or 22093-8.zip *****
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