Heimskringla or The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway by Snorri Sturlson (c.1179 1!"1# $riginally written in $l% Norse& a''.

1!!( ).*.& by the 'oet an% historian Snorri Sturlson. This electronic e%ition was e%ite%& 'roofe%& an% 're'are% by *ouglas +. Killings (*eTroyes,)$-.C$.#& )'ril 199/. 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 1231)2324S N$T35 The 6Heimskringla6 of Snorri Sturlason is a collection of sagas concerning the 7arious rulers of Norway& from about ).*. 8(9 to the year ).*. 1177. The Sagas co7ere% in this work are the following5 1. !. :. ". (. /. 7. 8. 9. 19. 11. 1!. 1:. 1". 1(. Half%an the +lack Saga Haral% Harfager4s Saga Hakon the ;oo%4s Saga Saga of King Haral% ;rafel% an% of 3arl Hakon Son of Sigur% King $laf Tryg7ason4s Saga Saga of $laf Haral%son (St. $laf# Saga of .agnus the ;oo% Saga of Haral% Har%ra%e Saga of $laf Kyrre .agnus +arefoot4s Saga Saga of Sigur% the Crusa%er an% His +rothers 3ystein an% $laf Saga of .agnus the +lin% an% of Haral% ;ille Saga of Sigur%& <nge& an% 3ystein& the Sons of Haral% Saga of Hakon Her%ebrei% (6Hakon the +roa% Shoul%ere%6# .agnus 3rlingson4s Saga

=hile scholars an% historians continue to %ebate the historical accuracy of Sturlason4s work& the 6Heimskringla6 is still consi%ere% an im'ortant original source for information on the >iking )ge& a 'erio% which Sturlason co7ers almost in its entirety.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 123?)C3 $? SN$223 ST@2-)S$N. <n this book < ha7e ha% ol% stories written %own& as < ha7e hear% them tol% by intelligent 'eo'le& concerning chiefs who ha7e ha7e hel% %ominion in the northern countries& an% who s'oke the *anish tongueA an% also concerning some of their family branches& accor%ing to what has been tol% me. Some of this is foun% in ancient family registers& in which the 'e%igrees of kings an% other 'ersonages of high birth are reckone% u'& an% 'art is written %own after ol% songs an% balla%s which our forefathers ha% for their amusement. Now& although we cannot Bust say what truth there may be in these& yet we ha7e the certainty that ol% an% wise men hel% them to be true. ThBo%olf of H7in was the skal% of Haral% Harfager& an% he com'ose% a 'oem for King 2ogn7al% the .ountain high& which is calle% 6Cnglingatal.6 This 2ogn7al% was a son of $laf ;eirsta%alf& the brother of King Half%an the +lack. <n this 'oem thirty of his forefathers are reckone% u'& an% the %eath an% burial 'lace of each are gi7en. He begins with ?Bolner& a son of Cng7efrey& whom the Swe%es& long after his time& worshi''e% an% sacrifice% to& an% from whom the race or family of the Cnglings take their name. 3y7in% Skal%as'iller also reckone% u' the ancestors of 3arl Hakon the ;reat in a 'oem calle% 6HaleygBatal6& com'ose% about HakonA an% therein he mentions Saeming& a son of Cng7efrey& an% he likewise tells of the %eath an% funeral rites of each. The li7es an% times of the Cngling race were written from ThBo%olf4s relation enlarge% afterwar%s by the accounts of intelligent 'eo'le. )s to funeral rites& the earliest age is calle% the )ge of +urningA because all the %ea% were consume% by fire& an% o7er their ashes were raise% stan%ing stones. +ut after ?rey was burie% un%er a cairn at @'sala& many chiefs raise% cairns& as commonly as stones& to the memory of their relati7es. The )ge of Cairns began 'ro'erly in *enmark after *an .ilkillate ha% raise% for himself a burial cairn& an% or%ere% that he shoul% be burie% in it on his %eath& with his royal ornaments an% armour& his horse an% sa%%le furniture& an% other 7aluable goo%sA an% many of his %escen%ants followe% his eDam'le. +ut the burning of the %ea% continue%& long after that time& to be the custom of the Swe%es an% Northmen. <celan% was occu'ie% in the time that Haral% Harfager was the King of Norway. There were skal%s in Haral%4s court whose 'oems the 'eo'le know by heart e7en at the 'resent %ay& together with all the songs about the kings who ha7e rule% in Norway since his timeA an% we rest the foun%ations of our story 'rinci'ally u'on the songs which were sung in the 'resence of the chiefs themsel7es or of their sons& an% take all to be true that is foun% in such 'oems about their feats an% battles5 for although it be the fashion with skal%s to 'raise most those in whose 'resence they are stan%ing& yet no one woul% %are to relete to a chief what he& an% all those who hear%

it& knew to be a false an% imaginary& not a true account of his %ee%sA because that woul% be mockery& not 'raise. $? TH3 12<3ST )23 ?2$*3 The 'riest )re ?ro%e (the learne%#& a son of Thorgils the son of ;eller& was the first man in this country who wrote %own in the Norse language narrati7es of e7ents both ol% an% new. <n the beginning of his book he wrote 'rinci'ally about the first settlements in <celan%& the laws an% go7ernment& an% neDt of the lagmen& an% how long each ha% a%ministere% the lawA an% he reckone% the years at first& until the time when Christianity was intro%uce% into <celan%& an% afterwar%s reckone% from that to his own times. To this he a%%e% many other subBects& such as the li7es an% times of kings of Norway an% *enmark& an% also of 3nglan%A besi%e accounts of great e7ents which ha7e taken 'lace in this country itself. His narrati7es are consi%ere% by many men of knowle%ge to be the most remarkable of allA because he was a man of goo% un%erstan%ing& an% so ol% that his birth was as far back as the year after Haral% Sigur%son4s fall. He wrote& as he himself says& the li7es an% times of the kings of Norway from the re'ort of $% Kolson& a gran%son of Hal of Si%a. $% again took his information from Thorgeir )fra%skol& who was an intelligent man& an% so ol% that when 3arl Hakon the ;reat was kille% he was %welling at Ni%arnes the same 'lace at which King $laf Tryg7ason afterwar%s lai% the foun%ation of the merchant town of Ni%aros (i.e.& Thron%hBem# which is now there. The 'riest )re came& when se7en years ol%& to Hauka%al to Hal Thorarinson& an% was there fourteen years. Hal was a man of great knowle%ge an% of eDcellent memoryA an% he coul% e7en remember being ba'tiEe%& when he was three years ol%& by the 'riest Thanghran%& the year before Christianity was establishe% by law in <celan%. )re was twel7e years of age when +isho' <sleif %ie%& an% at his %eath eighty years ha% ela'se% since the fall of $laf Tryg7ason. Hal %ie% nine years later than +isho' <sleif& an% ha% attaine% nearly the age of ninety four years. Hal ha% tra%e% between the two countries& an% ha% enBoye% intercourse with King $laf the Saint& by which he ha% gaine% greatly in re'utation& an% he ha% become well acFuainte% with the king%om of Norway. He ha% fiDe% his resi%ence in Hauka%al when he was thirty years of age& an% he ha% %welt there siDty four years& as )re tells us. Teit& a son of +isho' <sleif& was fostere% in the house of Hal at Hauka%al& an% afterwar%s %welt there himself. He taught )re the 'riest& an% ga7e him information about many circumstances which )re afterwar%s wrote %own. )re also got many a 'iece of information from Thuri%& a %aughter of the go%e Snorre. She was wise an% intelligent& an% remembere% her father Snorre& who was nearly thirty fi7e years of age when Christianity was intro%uce% into <celan%& an% %ie% a year after King $laf the Saint4s fall. So it is not won%erful that )re the 'riest ha% goo% information about ancient e7ents both here in <celan%& an% abroa%& being a man anDious for information& intelligent an% of eDcellent memory& an% ha7ing besi%es learne% much from ol% intelligent 'ersons. +ut the songs seem to me most reliable if they are sung correctly& an% Bu%iciously inter'rete%.

H)-?*)N TH3 +-)CK S);). 123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS. $f this saga there are other 7ersions foun% in 6?agrskinna6 an% in 6?lateyBarbok6. The 6?lateyBarbok6 7ersion is to a great eDtent a co'y of Snorre. The story about Half%an4s %ream is foun% both in 6?agrskinna6 an% in 6?lateyBarbok6. The 'robability is that both Snorre an% the author of 6?agrskinna6 must ha7e transcribe% the same original teDt. 3%.

1. H)-?*)N ?<;HTS =<TH ;)N*)-? )N* S<;T2C;. Half%an was a year ol% when his father was kille%& an% his mother )sa set off imme%iately with him westwar%s to )g%er& an% set herself there in the king%om which her father Haral% ha% 'ossesse%. Half%an grew u' there& an% soon became stout an% strongA an%& by reason of his black hair& was calle% Half%an the +lack. =hen he was eighteen years ol% he took his king%om in )g%er& an% went imme%iately to >estfol%& where he %i7i%e% that king%om& as before relate%& with his brother $laf. The same autumn he went with an army to >ingulmark against King ;an%alf. They ha% many battles& an% sometimes one& sometimes the other gaine% the 7ictoryA but at last they agree% that Half%an shoul% ha7e half of >ingulmark& as his father ;u%ro% ha% ha% it before. Then King Half%an 'rocee%e% to 2aumarike& an% sub%ue% it. King Sigtryg& son of King 3ystein& who then ha% his resi%ence in He%emark& an% who ha% sub%ue% 2aumarike before& ha7ing hear% of this& came out with his army against King Half%an& an% there was great battle& in which King Half%an was 7ictoriousA an% Bust as King Sigtryg an% his troo's were turning about to fly& an arrow struck him un%er the left arm& an% he fell %ea%. Half%an then lai% the whole of 2aumarike un%er his 'ower. King 3ystein4s secon% son& King Sigtryg4s brother& was also calle% 3ystein& an% was then king in He%emark. )s soon as Half%an ha% returne% to >estfol%& King 3ystein went out with his army to 2aumarike& an% lai% the whole country in subBection to him

!. +)TT-3 +3T=33N H)-?*)N )N* 3CST3<N. =hen King Half%an hear% of these %isturbances in 2aumarike& he again gathere% his army togetherA an% went out against King 3ystein. ) battle took 'lace between them& an% Half%an gaine% the 7ictory& an% 3ystein fle% u' to He%emark& 'ursue% by Half%an. )nother battle took 'lace& in which Half%an was again 7ictoriousA an% 3ystein fle% northwar%s& u' into the *ales to the herse ;u%bran%. There he was strengthene% with new 'eo'le& an% in winter he went towar%s He%emark& an% met Half%an the +lack u'on a large islan% which lies in the .Bosen lake. There a great battle was fought& an% many 'eo'le on both si%es were slain& but Half%an won the 7ictory. There fell ;uthorm& the son of the herse

;u%bran%& who was one of the finest men in the @'lan%s. Then 3ystein fle% north u' the 7alley& an% sent his relation Hal7ar% Skalk to King Half%an to beg for 'eace. $n consi%eration of their relationshi'& King Half%an ga7e King 3ystein half of He%emark& which he an% his relations ha% hel% beforeA but ke't to himself Thoten& an% the %istrict calle% -an%. He likewise a''ro'riate% to himself Ha%elan%& an% thus became a mighty king.

:. H)-?*)N4S .)22<);3 Half%an the +lack got a wife calle% 2agnhil%& a %aughter of Haral% ;ulskeg (;ol%bear%#& who was a king in Sogn. They ha% a son& to whom Haral% ga7e his own nameA an% the boy was brought u' in Sogn& by his mother4s father& King Haral%. Now when this Haral% ha% li7e% out his %ays nearly& an% was become weak& ha7ing no son& he ga7e his %ominions to his %aughter4s son Haral%& an% ga7e him his title of kingA an% he %ie% soon after. The same winter his %aughter 2agnhil% %ie%A an% the following s'ring the young Haral% fell sick an% %ie% at ten years of age. )s soon as Half%an the +lack hear% of his son4s %eath& he took the roa% northwar%s to Sogn with a great force& an% was well recei7e%. He claime% the heritage an% %ominion after his sonA an% no o''osition being ma%e& he took the whole king%om. 3arl )tle .Bo7e (the Slen%er#& who was a frien% of King Half%an& came to him from ;aularA an% the king set him o7er the Sogn %istrict& to Bu%ge in the country accor%ing to the country4s laws& an% collect scat u'on the king4s account. Thereafter King Half%an 'rocee%e% to his king%om in the @'lan%s.

". H)-?*)N4S ST2<?3 =<TH ;)N*)-?4S S$NS. <n autumn& King Half%an 'rocee%e% to >ingulmark. $ne night when he was there in guest Fuarters& it ha''ene% that about mi%night a man came to him who ha% been on the watch on horseback& an% tol% him a war force was come near to the house. The king instantly got u'& or%ere% his men to arm themsel7es& an% went out of the house an% %rew them u' in battle or%er. )t the same moment& ;an%alf4s sons& Hysing an% Helsing& ma%e their a''earance with a large army. There was a great battleA but Half%an being o7er'owere% by the numbers of 'eo'le fle% to the forest& lea7ing many of his men on this s'ot. His foster father& $l7er S'ake (the =ise#& fell here. The 'eo'le now came in swarms to King Half%an& an% he a%7ance% to seek ;an%alf4s sons. They met at 3i%& near -ake $ieren& an% fought there. Hysing an% Helsing fell& an% their brother Hake sa7e% himself by flight. King Half%an then took 'ossession of the whole of >ingulmark& an% Hake fle% to )lfheimar.

(. H)-?*)N4S .)22<);3 =<TH HG$2T4S *)@;HT32. Sigur% HBort was the name of a king in 2ingerike& who was stouter

an% stronger than any other man& an% his eFual coul% not be seen for a han%some a''earance. His father was Helge H7asse (the Shar'#A an% his mother was )slaug& a %aughter of Sigur% the worm eye%& who again was a son of 2agnar -o%brok. <t is tol% of Sigur% that when he was only twel7e years ol% he kille% in single combat the berserk Hil%ebran%& an% ele7en others of his comra%esA an% many are the %ee%s of manhoo% tol% of him in a long saga about his feats. Sigur% ha% two chil%ren& one of whom was a %aughter& calle% 2agnhil%& then twenty years of age& an% an eDcellent brisk girl. Her brother ;uthorm was a youth. <t is relate% in regar% to Sigur%4s %eath that he ha% a custom of ri%ing out Fuite alone in the uninhabite% forest to hunt the wil% beasts that are hurtful to man& an% he was always 7ery eager at this s'ort. $ne %ay he ro%e out into the forest as usual& an% when he ha% ri%%en a long way he came out at a 'iece of cleare% lan% near to Ha%elan%. There the berserk Hake came against him with thirty men& an% they fought. Sigur% HBort fell there& after killing twel7e of Hake4s menA an% Hake himself lost one han%& an% ha% three other woun%s. Then Hake an% his men ro%e to Sigur%4s house& where they took his %aughter 2agnhil% an% her brother ;uthorm& an% carrie% them& with much 'ro'erty an% 7aluable articles& home to Ha%elan%& where Hake ha% many great farms. He or%ere% a feast to be 're'are%& inten%ing to hol% his we%%ing with 2agnhil%A but the time 'asse% on account of his woun%s& which heale% slowlyA an% the berserk Hake of Ha%elan% ha% to kee' his be%& on account of his woun%s& all the autumn an% beginning of winter. Now King Half%an was in He%emark at the Cule entertainments when he hear% this newsA an% one morning early& when the king was %resse%& he calle% to him Harek ;an%& an% tol% him to go o7er to Ha%elan%& an% bring him 2agnhil%& Sigur% HBort4s %aughter. Harek got rea%y with a hun%re% men& an% ma%e his Bourney so that they came o7er the lake to Hake4s house in the grey of the morning& an% beset all the %oors an% stairs of the 'laces where the house ser7ants sle't. Then they broke into the slee'ing room where Hake sle't& took 2agnhil%& with her brother ;uthorm& an% all the goo%s that were there& an% set fire to the house ser7ants4 'lace& an% burnt all the 'eo'le in it. Then they co7ere% o7er a magnificent waggon& 'lace% 2agnhil% an% ;uthorm in it& an% %ro7e %own u'on the ice. Hake got u' an% went after them a whileA but when he came to the ice on the lake& he turne% his swor% hilt to the groun% an% let himself fall u'on the 'oint& so that the swor% went through him. He was burie% un%er a moun% on the banks of the lake. =hen King Half%an& who was 7ery Fuick of sight& saw the 'arty returning o7er the froEen lake& an% with a co7ere% waggon& he knew that their erran% was accom'lishe% accor%ing to his %esire. Thereu'on he or%ere% the tables to be set out& an% sent 'eo'le all roun% in the neighbourhoo% to in7ite 'lenty of guestsA an% the same %ay there was a goo% feast which was also Half%an4s marriage feast with 2agnhil%& who became a great Fueen. 2agnhil%4s mother was Thorny& a %aughter of Klakharal% king in Gutlan%& an% a sister of Thrye *annebo% who was marrie% to the *anish king& ;orm the $l%& who then rule% o7er the *anish %ominions.

/. $? 2);NH<-*4S *23)..

2agnhil%& who was wise an% intelligent& %reamt great %reams. She %reamt& for one& that she was stan%ing out in her herb gar%en& an% she took a thorn out of her shiftA but while she was hol%ing the thorn in her han% it grew so that it became a great tree& one en% of which struck itself %own into the earth& an% it became firmly roote%A an% the other en% of the tree raise% itself so high in the air that she coul% scarcely see o7er it& an% it became also won%erfully thick. The un%er 'art of the tree was re% with bloo%& but the stem u'war%s was beautifully green an% the branches white as snow. There were many an% great limbs to the tree& some high u'& others low %ownA an% so 7ast were the tree4s branches that they seeme% to her to co7er all Norway& an% e7en much more.

7. $? H)-?*)N4S *23).. King Half%an ne7er ha% %reams& which a''eare% to him an eDtraor%inary circumstanceA an% he tol% it to a man calle% Thorleif S'ake (the =ise#& an% aske% him what his a%7ice was about it. Thorleif sai% that what he himself %i%& when he wante% to ha7e any re7elation by %ream& was to take his slee' in a swine sty& an% then it ne7er faile% that he ha% %reams. The king %i% so& an% the following %ream was re7eale% to him. He thought he ha% the most beautiful hair& which was all in ringletsA some so long as to fall u'on the groun%& some reaching to the mi%%le of his legs& some to his knees& some to his loins or the mi%%le of his si%es& some to his neck& an% some were only as knots s'ringing from his hea%. These ringlets were of 7arious coloursA but one ringlet sur'asse% all the others in beauty& lustre& an% siEe. This %ream he tol% to Thorleif& who inter'rete% it thus5 There shoul% be a great 'osterity from him& an% his %escen%ants shoul% rule o7er countries with great& but not all with eFually great& honourA but one of his race shoul% be more celebrate% than all the others. <t was the o'inion of 'eo'le that this ringlet betokene% King $laf the Saint. King Half%an was a wise man& a man of truth an% u'rightness who ma%e laws& obser7e% them himself& an% oblige% others to obser7e them. )n% that 7iolence shoul% not come in 'lace of the laws& he himself fiDe% the number of criminal acts in law& an% the com'ensations& mulcts& or 'enalties& for each case& accor%ing to e7ery one4s birth an% %ignity (1#. Hueen 2agnhil% ga7e birth to a son& an% water him& an% the name of Haral% gi7en him& an% he remarkably han%some. )s he grew u' he became feats& an% showe% also a goo% un%erstan%ing. by his mother& but less so by his father. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The 'enalty& com'ensation& or manbo% for e7ery inBury& %ue the 'arty inBure%& or to his family an% neDt of kin if the was 'oure% o7er soon grew stout an% 7ery eD'ert at all He was much belo7e%

inBury was the %eath or 'reme%itate% mur%er of the 'arty& a''ears to ha7e been fiDe% for e7ery rank an% con%ition& from the mur%er of the king %own to the maiming or beating a man4s cattle or his sla7e. ) man for whom no com'ensation was %ue was a %ishonore% 'erson& or an outlaw. <t a''ears to ha7e been o'tional with the inBure% 'arty& or his kin if he ha% been kille%& to take the mulct or com'ensation& or to refuse it& an% wait for an o''ortunity of taking 7engeance for the inBury on the 'arty who inflicte% it& or on his kin. ) 'art of each mulct or com'ensation was %ue to the kingA an%& these fines or 'enalties a''ear to ha7e constitute% a great 'ro'ortion of the king4s re7enues& an% to ha7e been settle% in the Things hel% in e7ery %istrict for a%ministering the law with the lagman. -.

8. H)-?*)N4S .3)T >)N<SH3S )T ) ?3)ST King Half%an was at a Cule feast in Ha%elan%& where a won%erful thing ha''ene% one Cule e7ening. =hen the great number of guests assemble% were going to sit %own to table& all the meat an% all the ale %isa''eare% from the table. The king sat alone 7ery confuse% in min%A all the others set off& each to his home& in consternation. That the king might come to some certainty about what ha% occasione% this e7ent& he or%ere% a ?in to be seiEe% who was 'articularly knowing& an% trie% to force him to %isclose the truthA but howe7er much he torture% the man& he got nothing out of him. The ?in sought hel' 'articularly from Haral%& the king4s son& an% Haral% begge% for mercy for him& but in 7ain. Then Haral% let him esca'e against the king4s will& an% accom'anie% the man himself. $n their Bourney they came to a 'lace where the man4s chief ha% a great feast& an% it a''ears they were well recei7e% there. =hen they ha% been there until s'ring& the chief sai%& 6Thy father took it much amiss that in winter < took some 'ro7isions from him& now < will re'ay it to thee by a Boyful 'iece of news5 thy father is %ea%A an% now thou shalt return home& an% take 'ossession of the whole king%om which he ha%& an% with it thou shalt lay the whole king%om of Norway un%er thee.6

9. H)-?*)N S *3)TH. Half%an the +lack was %ri7ing from a feast in Ha%elan%& an% it so ha''ene% that his roa% lay o7er the lake calle% 2an%. <t was in s'ring& an% there was a great thaw. They %ro7e across the bight calle% 2ykins7ik& where in winter there ha% been a 'on% broken in the ice for cattle to %rink at& an% where the %ung ha% fallen u'on the ice the thaw ha% eaten it into holes. Now as the king %ro7e o7er it the ice broke& an% King Half%an an% many with him 'erishe%. He was then forty years ol%. He ha% been one of the most fortunate kings in res'ect of goo% seasons. The 'eo'le thought so much of him& that when his %eath was known an% his bo%y was floate% to 2ingerike to bury it there& the 'eo'le of most conseFuence from 2aumarike& >estfol%& an% He%emark came to meet it. )ll %esire% to take the bo%y with them to bury it in

their own %istrict& an% they thought that those who got it woul% ha7e goo% cro's to eD'ect. )t last it was agree% to %i7i%e the bo%y into four 'arts. The hea% was lai% in a moun% at Stein in 2ingerike& an% each of the others took his 'art home an% lai% it in a moun%A an% these ha7e since been calle% Half%an4s .oun%s.

H)2)-* H)2?);324S S);). 1. H)2)-*4S ST2<?3 =<TH H)K3 )N* H<S ?)TH32 ;)N*)-?. Haral% (1# was but ten years ol% when he succee%e% his father (Half%an the +lack#. He became a stout& strong& an% comely man& an% withal 'ru%ent an% manly. His mother4s brother& ;uthorm& was lea%er of the hir%& at the hea% of the go7ernment& an% comman%er (Ihertogi4# of the army. )fter Half%an the +lack4s %eath& many chiefs co7ete% the %ominions he ha% left. )mong these King ;an%alf was the firstA then Hogne an% ?ro%e& sons of 3ystein& king of He%emarkA an% also Hogne Karuson came from 2ingerike. Hake& the son of ;an%alf& began with an eD'e%ition of :99 men against >estfol%& marche% by the main roa% through some 7alleys& an% eD'ecte% to come su%%enly u'on King Haral%A while his father ;an%alf sat at home with his army& an% 're'are% to cross o7er the fior% into >estfol%. =hen *uke ;uthorm hear% of this he gathere% an army& an% marche% u' the country with King Haral% against Hake. They met in a 7alley& in which they fought a great battle& an% King Haral% was 7ictoriousA an% there fell King Hake an% most of his 'eo'le. The 'lace has since been calle% Haka%ale. Then King Haral% an% *uke ;uthorm turne% back& but they foun% King ;an%alf ha% come to >estfol%. The two armies marche% against each other& an% met& an% ha% a great battleA an% it en%e% in King ;an%alf flying& after lea7ing most of his men %ea% on the s'ot& an% in that state he came back to his king%om. Now when the sons of King 3ystein in He%emark hear% the news& they eD'ecte% the war woul% come u'on them& an% they sent a message to Hogne Karuson an% to Herse ;u%bran%& an% a''ointe% a meeting with them at 2ingsaker in He%emark. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The first twenty cha'ters of this saga refer to Haral%4s youth an% his conFuest of Norway. This 'ortion of the saga is of great im'ortance to the <celan%ers& as the settlement of their <sle was a result of Haral%4s wars. The secon% 'art of the saga (cha's. !1 "/# treats of the %is'utes between Haral%4s sons& of the Barls of $rkney& an% of the Barls of .ore. =ith this saga we enter the %omain of history. 3%.

!. K<N; H)2)-* $>32C$.3S ?<>3 K<N;S. )fter the battle King Haral% an% ;uthorm turne% back& an% went with all the men they coul% gather through the forests towar%s the @'lan%s. They foun% out where the @'lan% kings ha% a''ointe%

their meeting 'lace& an% came there about the time of mi%night& without the watchmen obser7ing them until their army was before the %oor of the house in which Hogne Karuson was& as well as that in which ;u%bran% sle't. They set fire to both housesA but King 3ystein4s two sons sli''e% out with their men& an% fought for a while& until both Hogne an% ?ro%e fell. )fter the fall of these four chiefs& King Haral%& by his relation ;uthorm4s success an% 'owers& sub%ue% He%emark& 2ingerike& ;u%bran%s%al& Ha%elan%& Thoten& 2aumarike& an% the whole northern 'art of >ingulmark. King Haral% an% ;uthorm ha% thereafter war with King ;an%alf& an% fought se7eral battles with himA an% in the last of them King ;an%alf was slain& an% King Haral% took the whole of his king%om as far south as the ri7er 2aum.

:. $? ;C*)& *)@;HT32 $? 3<2<3. King Haral% sent his men to a girl calle% ;y%a& %aughter of King 3irik of Hor%alan%& who was brought u' as foster chil% in the house of a great bon%e in >al%res. The king wante% her for his concubineA for she was a remarkably han%some girl& but of high s'irit withal. Now when the messengers came there& an% %eli7ere% their erran% to the girl& she answere%& that she woul% not throw herself away e7en to take a king for her husban%& who ha% no greater king%om to rule o7er than a few %istricts. 6)n% methinks&6 sai% she& 6it is won%erful that no king here in Norway will make the whole country subBect to him& in the same way as ;orm the $l% %i% in *enmark& or 3irik at @'sala.6 The messengers thought her answer was %rea%fully haughty& an% aske% what she thought woul% come of such an answerA for Haral% was so mighty a man& that his in7itation was goo% enough for her. +ut although she ha% re'lie% to their erran% %ifferently from what they wishe%& they saw no chance& on this occasion& of taking her with them against her willA so they 're'are% to return. =hen they were rea%y& an% the 'eo'le followe% them out& ;y%a sai% to the messengers& 6Now tell to King Haral% these my wor%s. < will only agree to be his 1awful wife u'on the con%ition that he shall first& for my sake& subBect to himself the whole of Norway& so that he may rule o7er that king%om as freely an% fully as King 3irik o7er the Swe%ish %ominions& or King ;orm o7er *enmarkA for only then& methinks& can he be calle% the king of a 'eo'le.6

". K<N; H)2)-*4S >$=. Now came the messengers back to King Haral%& bringing him the wor%s of the girl& an% saying she was so bol% an% foolish that she well %eser7e% that the king shoul% sen% a greater troo' of 'eo'le for her& an% inflict on her some %isgrace. Then answere% the king& 6This girl has not s'oken or %one so much amiss that she shoul% be 'unishe%& but rather she shoul% be thanke% for her wor%s. She has remin%e% me&6 sai% he& 6of something which it a''ears to me won%erful < %i% not think of before. )n% now&6 a%%e% he& 6< make the solemn 7ow& an% take ;o% to witness& who ma%e me an% rules o7er all things& that ne7er shall < cli' or

comb my hair until < ha7e sub%ue% the whole of Norway& with scat (1#& an% %uties& an% %omainsA or if not& ha7e %ie% in the attem't.6 ;uthorm thanke% the king warmly for his 7owA a%%ing& that it was royal work to fulfil royal wor%s. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Scat was a lan% taD& 'ai% to the king in money& malt& meal& or flesh meat& from all lan%s& an% was a%Bu%ge% by the Thing to each king u'on his accession& an% being 'ro'ose% an% acce'te% as king.

(. TH3 +)TT-3 <N $2K)*)-. )fter this the two relations gather together a great force& an% 're'are for an eD'e%ition to the @'lan%s& an% northwar%s u' the 7alley (;u%bran%s%al#& an% north o7er *o7refBel%A an% when the king came %own to the inhabite% lan% he or%ere% all the men to be kille%& an% e7erything wi%e aroun% to be %eli7ere% to the flames. )n% when the 'eo'le came to know this& they fle% e7ery one where he coul%A some %own the country to $rka%al& some to ;aular%al& some to the forests. +ut some begge% for 'eace& an% obtaine% it& on con%ition of Boining the king an% becoming his men. He met no o''osition until he came to $rka%al. There a crow% of 'eo'le ha% assemble%& an% he ha% his first battle with a king calle% ;ryting. Haral% won the 7ictory& an% King ;ryting was ma%e 'risoner& an% most of his 'eo'le kille%. He took ser7ice himself un%er the king& an% swore fi%elity to him. Thereafer all the 'eo'le in $rka%al %istrict went un%er King Haral%& an% became his men.

/. K<N; H)2)-* S -)=S ?$2 -)N* 12$132TC. King Haral% ma%e this law o7er all the lan%s he conFuere%& that all the u%al 'ro'erty shoul% belong to himA an% that the bon%es& both great an% small& shoul% 'ay him lan% %ues for their 'ossessions. $7er e7ery %istrict he set an earl to Bu%ge accor%ing to the law of the lan% an% to Bustice& an% also to collect the lan% %ues an% the finesA an% for this each earl recei7e% a thir% 'art of the %ues& an% ser7ices& an% fines& for the su''ort of his table an% other eD'enses. 3ach earl ha% un%er him four or more herses& each of whom ha% an estate of twenty marks yearly income bestowe% on him an% was boun% to su''ort twenty men at arms& an% the earl siDty men& at their own eD'enses. The king ha% increase% the lan% %ues an% bur%ens so much& that each of his earls ha% greater 'ower an% income than the kings ha% beforeA an% when that became known at Thron%hBem& many great men Boine% the king an% took his ser7ice.

7. +)TT-3 <N ;)@-)2*)-. <t is tol% that 3arl Hakon ;rBotgar%son came to King Haral% from

CrBar& an% brought a great crow% of men to his ser7ice. Then King Haral% went into ;aular%al& an% ha% a great battle& in which he slew two kings& an% conFuere% their %ominionsA an% these were ;aular%al %istrict an% Strin% %istrict. He ga7e 3arl Hakon Strin% %istrict to rule o7er as earl. King Haral% then 'rocee%e% to StBora%al& an% ha% a thir% battle& in which he gaine% the 7ictory& an% took that %istrict also. There u'on the Thron%hBem 'eo'le assemble%& an% four kings met together with their troo's. The one rule% o7er >era%al& the secon% o7er Skaun& thir% o7er the S'arbyggBa %istrict& an% the fourth o7er 3yin <%re (<n%eroen#A an% this latter ha% also 3yna %istrict. These four kings marche% with their men against King Haral%& but he won the battleA an% some of these kings fell& an% some fle%. <n all& King Haral% fought at the least eight battles& an% slew eight kings& in the Thron%hBem %istrict& an% lai% the whole of it un%er him.

8. H)2)-* S3<J3S N)@.@*)- *<ST2<CT. North in Naumu%al were two brothers& kings& Herlaug an% HrollaugA an% they ha% been for three summers raising a moun% or tomb of stone an% lime an% of woo%. Gust as the work was finishe%& the brothers got the news that King Haral% was coming u'on them with his army. Then King Herlaug ha% a great Fuantity of meat an% %rink brought into the moun%& an% went into it himself& with ele7en com'anions& an% or%ere% the moun% to be co7ere% u'. King Hrollaug& on the contrary& went u'on the summit of the moun%& on which the kings were wont to sit& an% ma%e a throne to be erecte%& u'on which he seate% himself. Then he or%ere% feather be%s to be lai% u'on the bench below& on which the earls were wont to be seate%& an% threw himself %own from his high seat or throne into the earl4s seat& gi7ing himself the title of earl. Now Hrollaug went to meet King Haral%& ga7e u' to him his whole king%om& offere% to enter into his ser7ice& an% tol% him his whole 'rocee%ing. Then took King Haral% a swor%& fastene% it to Hrollaug4s belt& boun% a shiel% to his neck& an% ma%e him thereu'on an earl& an% le% him to his earl4s seatA an% therewith ga7e him the %istrict Naumu%al& an% set him as earl o7er it (().*. 8//##. (1# 3N*N$T3S5 (1# +efore writing was in general use& this symbolical way of 'erforming all im'ortant legal acts a''ears to ha7e entere% into the Buris'ru%ence of all sa7age nationsA an% accor%ing to ;ibbon& cha'. ""& 6the Buris'ru%ence of the first 2omans eDhibite% the scenes of a 'antomimeA the wor%s were a%a'te% to the gestures& an% the slightest error or neglect in the forms of 'rocee%ing was sufficient to annul the substance of the fairest claims.6 3%.

9. K<N; H)2)-*4S H$.3 )??)<2S. King Haral% then returne% to Thron%hBem& where he %welt %uring the winter& an% always afterwar%s calle% it his home. He fiDe%

here his hea% resi%ence& which is calle% -a%e. This winter he took to wife )sa& a %aughter of 3arl Hakon ;rBotgar%son& who then stoo% in great fa7our an% honour with the king. <n s'ring the king fitte% out his shi's. <n winter he ha% cause% a great frigate (a %ragon# to be built& an% ha% it fitte% out in the most s'len%i% way& an% brought his house troo's an% his berserks on boar%. The forecastle men were 'icke% men& for they ha% the king4s banner. ?rom the stem to the mi% hol% was calle% rausn& or the fore %efenceA an% there were the berserks. Such men only were recei7e% into King Haral%4s house troo' as were remarkable for strength& courage& an% all kin%s of %eDterityA an% they alone got 'lace in his shi'& for he ha% a goo% choice of house troo's from the best men of e7ery %istrict. King Haral% ha% a great army& many large shi's& an% many men of might followe% him. Hornklofe& in his 'oem calle% 6;lym%ra'a6& tells of thisA an% also that King Haral% ha% a battle with the 'eo'le of $rka%al& at $'%al forest& before he went u'on this eD'e%ition. 6$4er the broa% heath the bowstrings twang& =hile high in air the arrows sang. The iron shower %ri7es to flight The foeman from the bloo%y fight. The war%er of great $%in4s shrine& The fair haire% son of $%in4s line& 2aises the 7oice which gi7es the cheer& ?irst in the track of wolf or bear. His master 7oice %ri7es them along To Hel a %estine%& trembling throngA )n% Nok7e4s shi'& with glancing si%es& .ust fly to the wil% ocean4s ti%es. .ust fly before the king who lea%s Norse aDe men on their ocean stee%s.6

19. +)TT-3 )T S$-SK3King Haral% mo7e% out with his army from Thron%hBem& an% went southwar%s to .ore. Hunthiof was the name of the king who rule% o7er the %istrict of .ore. Sol7e Klofe was the name of his son& an% both were great warriors. King Nok7e& who rule% o7er 2aums%al& was the brother of Sol7e4s mother. Those chiefs gathere% a great force when they hear% of King Haral%& an% came against him. They met at Solskel& an% there was a great battle& which was gaine% by King Haral% ().*. 8/7#. Hornklofe tells of this battle5 6Thus %i% the hero known to fame& The lea%er of the shiel%s& whose name Strikes e7ery heart with %ire %ismay& -aunch forth his war shi's to the fray. Two kings he foughtA but little strife =as nee%e% to cut short their life. ) clang of arms by the sea shore& )n% the shiel%s4 soun% was hear% no more.6 The two kings were slain& but Sol7e esca'e% by flightA an% King

Haral% lai% both %istricts un%er his 'ower. He staye% here long in summer to establish law an% or%er for the country 'eo'le& an% set men to rule them& an% kee' them faithful to himA an% in autumn he 're'are% to return northwar%s to Thron%hBem. 2agn7al% 3arl of .ore& a son of 3ystein ;lumra& ha% the summer before become one of Haral%4s menA an% the king set him as chief o7er these two %istricts& North .ore an% 2aums%alA strengthene% him both with men of might an% bon%es& an% ga7e him the hel' of shi's to %efen% the coast against enemies. He was calle% 2agn7al% the .ighty& or the =iseA an% 'eo'le say both names suite% him well. King Haral% came back to Thron%hBem about winter.

11. ?)-- $? K<N;S )2N><* )N* )@*+G$2N. The following s'ring ().*. 8/8# King Haral% raise% a great force in Thron%hBem& an% ga7e out that he woul% 'rocee% to South .ore. Sol7e Klofe ha% 'asse% the winter in his shi's of war& 'lun%ering in North .ore& an% ha% kille% many of King Haral%4s menA 'illaging some 'laces& burning others& an% making great ra7ageA but sometimes he ha% been& %uring the winter& with his frien% King )rn7i% in South .ore. Now when he hear% that King Haral% was come with shi's an% a great army& he gathere% 'eo'le& an% was strong in men at armsA for many thought they ha% to take 7engeance of King Haral%. Sol7e Klofe went southwar%s to ?ir%afylke (the ?Bor% %istrict#& which King )u%bBorn rule% o7er& to ask him to hel'& an% Boin his force to King )rn7i%4s an% his own. 6?or&6 sai% he& 6it is now clear that we all ha7e but one course to takeA an% that is to rise& all as one man& against King Haral%& for we ha7e strength enough& an% fate must %eci%e the 7ictoryA for as to the other con%ition of becoming his ser7ants& that is no con%ition for us& who are not less noble than Haral%. .y father thought it better to fall in battle for his king%om& than to go willingly into King Haral%4s ser7ice& or not to abi%e the chance of wea'ons like the Naumu%al kings.6 King Sol7e4s s'eech was such that King )u%bBorn 'romise% his hel'& an% gathere% a great force together an% went with it to King )rn7i%& an% they ha% a great army. Now& they got news that King Haral% was come from the north& an% they met within Solskel. )n% it was the custom to lash the shi's together& stem to stemA so it was %one now. King Haral% lai% his shi' against King )rn7i%4s& an% there was the shar'est fight& an% many men fell on both si%es. )t last King Haral% was raging with anger& an% went forwar% to the fore %eck& an% slew so %rea%fully that all the forecastle men of )rn7i%4s shi' were %ri7en aft of the mast& an% some fell. Thereu'on Haral% boar%e% the shi'& an% King )rn7i%4s men trie% to sa7e themsel7es by flight& an% he himself was slain in his shi'. King )u%bBorn also fellA but Sol7e fle%. So says Hornklofe5 6)gainst the hero4s shiel% in 7ain The arrow storm fierce 'ours its rain. The king stan%s on the bloo% staine% %eck& Tram'ling on many a stout foe4s neckA )n% high abo7e the %inning stoun% $f helm an% aDe& an% ringing soun%

$f bla%e an% shiel%& an% ra7en4s cry& <s hear% his shout of I>ictoryK46 $f King Haral%4s men& fell his earls )sgaut an% )sbBorn& together with his brothers in law& ;rBotgar% an% Herlaug& the sons of 3arl Hakon of -a%e. Sol7e became afterwar%s a great sea king& an% often %i% great %amage in King Haral%4s %ominions.

1!. K<N; >3.@N* +@2NT T$ *3)TH. )fter this battle ().*. 8/8# King Haral% sub%ue% South .oreA but >emun%& King )u%bBorn4s brother& still ha% ?ir%afylke. <t was now late in har7est& an% King Haral%4s men ga7e him the counsel not to 'rocee% south war%s roun% Sta%. Then King Haral% set 3arl 2agn7al% o7er South an% North .ore an% also 2aums%al& an% he ha% many 'eo'le about him. King Haral% returne% to Thron%hBem. The same winter ().*. 8/9# 2agn7al% went o7er 3i%& an% southwar%s to the ?Bor% %istrict. There he hear% news of King >emun%& an% came by night to a 'lace calle% Naust%al& where King >emun% was li7ing in guest Fuarters. 3arl 2agn7al% surroun%e% the house in which they were Fuartere%& an% burnt the king in it& together with ninety men. The came +er%lukare to 3arl 2agn7al% with a com'lete arme% long shi'& an% they both returne% to .ore. The earl took all the shi's >emun% ha%& an% all the goo%s he coul% get hol% of. +er%lukare 'rocee%e% north to Thron%hBem to King Haral%& an% became his manA an% %rea%ful berserk he was.

1:. *3)TH $? 3)2-S H)K$N& )N* )T-3 .G$>3. The following s'ring ().*. 8/9# King Haral% went southwar%s with his fleet along the coast& an% sub%ue% ?ir%afylke. Then he saile% eastwar% along the lan% until he came to >ikA but he left 3arl Hakon ;rBotgar%son behin%& an% set him o7er the ?Bor% %istrict. 3arl Hakon sent wor% to 3arl )tle .Bo7e that he shoul% lea7e Sogn %istrict& an% be earl o7er ;aular %istrict& as he ha% been before& alleging that King Haral% ha% gi7en Sogn %istrict to him. 3arl )tle sent wor% that he woul% kee' both Sogn %istrict an% ;aular %istrict& until he met King Haral%. The two earls Fuarrele% about this so long& that both gathere% troo's. They met at ?ialar& in Sta7anger fior%& an% ha% a great battle& in which 3arl Hakon fell& an% 3arl )tle got a mortal woun%& an% his men carrie% him to the islan% of )tley& where he %ie%. So says 3y7in% Skal%as'iller5 6He who stoo% a roote% oak& @nshaken by the swor%sman4s stroke& )mi%st the whiE of arrows slain& Has fallen u'on ?Balar4s 'lain. There& by the ocean4s rocky shore& The wa7es are staine% with the re% gore $f stout 3arl Hakon ;rBotgar%4s son& )n% of bra7e warriors many a one.6

1". H)2)-* )N* TH3 S=3*<SH K<N; 3<2<K. King Haral% came with his fleet eastwar% to >iken an% lan%e% at Tunsberg& which was then a tra%ing town. He ha% then been four years in Thron%hBem& an% in all that time ha% not been in >iken. Here he hear% the news that 3irik 3ymun%son& king of Swe%en& ha% lai% un%er him >ermalan%& an% was taking scat or lan% taD from all the forest settlersA an% also that he calle% the whole country north to S7inasun%& an% west along the sea& =est ;autlan%A an% which altogether he reckone% to his king%om& an% took lan% taD from it. $7er this country he ha% set an earl& by name Hrane ;auEke& who ha% the earl%om between S7inasun% an% the ;aut ri7er& an% was a mighty earl. )n% it was tol% to King Haral% that the Swe%ish king sai% he woul% not rest until he ha% as great a king%om in >iken as Sigur% Hring& or his son 2agnar -o%brok& ha% 'ossesse%A an% that was 2aumarike an% >estfol%& all the way to the isle ;renmar& an% also >ingulmark& an% all that lay south of it. <n all these %istricts many chiefs& an% many other 'eo'le& ha% gi7en obe%ience to the Swe%ish king. King Haral% was 7ery angry at this& an% summone% the bon%es to a Thing at ?ol%& where he lai% an accusation against them for treason towar%s him. Some bon%es %efen%e% themsel7es from the accusation& some 'ai% fines& some were 'unishe%. He went thus through the whole %istrict %uring the summer& an% in har7est he %i% the same in 2aumarike& an% lai% the two %istricts un%er his 'ower. Towar%s winter he hear% that 3irik king of Swe%en was& with his court& going about in >ermalan% in guest Fuarters.

1(. H)2)-* )T ) ?3)ST $? TH3 13)S)NT )K3. King Haral% takes his way across the 3i% forest eastwar%& an% comes out in >ermalan%& where he also or%ers feasts to be 're'are% for himself. There was a man by name )ke& who was the greatest of the bon%es of >ermalan%& 7ery rich& an% at that time 7ery age%. He sent men to King Haral%& an% in7ite% him to a feast& an% the king 'romise% to come on the %ay a''ointe%. )ke in7ite% also King 3irik to a feast& an% a''ointe% the same %ay. )ke ha% a great feasting hall& but it was ol%A an% he ma%e a new hall& not less than the ol% one& an% ha% it ornamente% in the most s'len%i% way. The new hall he ha% hung with new hangings& but the ol% ha% only its ol% ornaments. Now when the kings came to the feast& King 3irik with his court was taken into the ol% hallA but Haral% with his followers into the new. The same %ifference was in all the table furniture& an% King 3irik an% his men ha% the ol% fashione% 7essels an% horns& but all gil%e% an% s'len%i%A while King Haral% an% his men ha% entirely new 7essels an% horns a%orne% with gol%& all with car7e% figures& an% shining like glassA an% both com'anies ha% the best of liFuor. )ke the bon%e ha% formerly been King Half%an the +lack s man. Now when %aylight came& an% the feast was Fuite en%e%& an% the kings ma%e themsel7es rea%y for their Bourney& an% the horses were sa%%le%& came )ke before King Haral%& lea%ing in his han% his son @bbe& a boy of twel7e years of age& an% sai%& 6<f the goo%will < ha7e

shown to thee& sire& in my feast& be worth thy frien%shi'& show it hereafter to my son. < gi7e him to thee now for thy ser7ice.6 The king thanke% him with many agreeable wor%s for his frien%ly entertainment& an% 'romise% him his full frien%shi' in return. Then )ke brought out great 'resents& which he ga7e to the king& an% they ga7e each other thereafter the 'arting kiss. )ke went neDt to the Swe%ish king& who was %resse% an% rea%y for the roa%& but not in the best humour. )ke ga7e to him also goo% an% 7aluable giftsA but the king answere% only with few wor%s& an% mounte% his horse. )ke followe% the king on the roa% an% talke% with him. The roa% le% through a woo% which was near to the houseA an% when )ke came to the woo%& the king sai% to him& 6How was it that thou ma%est such a %ifference between me an% King Haral% as to gi7e him the best of e7erything& although thou knowest thou art my manL6 6< think6 answere% )ke& 6that there faile% in it nothing& king& either to you or to your atten%ants& in frien%ly entertainment at this feast. +ut that all the utensils for your %rinking were ol%& was because you are now ol%A but King Haral% is in the bloom of youth& an% therefore < ga7e him the new things. )n% as to my being thy man& thou art Bust as much my man.6 $n this the king out with his swor%& an% ga7e )ke his %eathwoun%. King Haral% was rea%y now also to mount his horse& an% %esire% that )ke shoul% be calle%. The 'eo'le went to seek himA an% some ran u' the roa% that King 3irik ha% taken& an% foun% )ke there %ea%. They came back& an% tol% the news to King Haral%& an% he bi%s his men to be u'& an% a7enge )ke the bon%e. )n% away ro%e he an% his men the way King 3irik ha% taken& until they came in sight of each other. 3ach for himself ro%e as har% as he coul%& until 3irik came into the woo% which %i7i%es ;autlan% an% >ermalan%. There King Haral% wheels about& an% returns to >ermalan%& an% lays the country un%er him& an% kills King 3irik4s men wheresoe7er he can fin% them. <n winter King Haral% returne% to 2aumarike& an% %welt there a while.

1/. H)2)-*4S G$@2N3C T$ T@NS+32;. King Haral% went out in winter to his shi's at Tunsberg& rigge% them& an% saile% away eastwar% o7er the fior%& an% subBecte% all >ingulmark to his %ominion. )ll winter he was out with his shi's& an% marau%e% in 2anrikeA so says ThorbBorn Hornklofe5 6The Norseman4s king is on the sea& Tho4 bitter wintry col% it be. $n the wil% wa7es his Cule kee's he. =hen our brisk king can get his way& He4ll no more by the firesi%e stay Than the young sunA he makes us 'lay The game of the bright sun go% ?rey. +ut the soft Swe%e lo7es well the fire The well stuffe% couch& the %oway glo7e& )n% from the hearth seat will not mo7e.6 The ;autlan%ers gathere% 'eo'le together all o7er the country.

17. TH3 +)TT-3 <N ;)@T-)N*. <n s'ring& when the ice was breaking u'& the ;autlan%ers %ro7e stakes into the ;aut ri7er to hin%er King Haral% with his shi's from coming to the lan%. +ut King Haral% lai% his shi's alongsi%e the stakes& an% 'lun%ere% the country& an% burnt all aroun%A so says Horn klofe5 6The king who fin%s a %ainty feast& ?or battle bir% an% 'rowling beast& Has won in war the southern lan% That lies along the ocean4s stran%. The lea%er of the helmets& he =ho lea%s his shi's o4er the %ark sea& Haral%& whose high rigge% masts a''ear -ike antlere% fronts of the wil% %eer& Has lai% his shi's close alongsi%e $f the foe4s 'iles with %aring 'ri%e.6 )fterwar%s the ;autlan%ers came %own to the stran% with a great army& an% ga7e battle to King Haral%& an% great was the fall of men. +ut it was King Haral% who gaine% the %ay. Thus says Hornklofe5 6=histles the battle aDe in its swing $4er hea% the whiEEing Ba7elins sing& Helmet an% shiel% an% hauberk ringA The air song of the lance is lou%& The arrows 'i'e in %arkening clou%A Through helm an% mail the foemen feel The blue e%ge of our king4s goo% steel =ho can withstan% our gallant kingL The ;autlan% men their flight must wing.6

18. H2)N3 ;)@JK34S *3)TH. King Haral% went far an% wi%e through ;autlan%& an% many were the battles he fought there on both si%es of the ri7er& an% in general he was 7ictorious. <n one of these battles fell Hrane ;auEkeA an% then the king took his whole lan% north of the ri7er an% west of the >eneren& an% also >ermalan%. )n% after he turne% back there from& he set *uke ;uthorm as chief to %efen% the country& an% left a great force with him. King Haral% himself went first to the @'lan%s& where he remaine% a while& an% then 'rocee%e% northwar%s o7er the *o7refBel% to Thron%hBem& where he %welt for a long time. Haral% began to ha7e chil%ren. +y )sa he ha% four sons. The el%est was ;uthorm. Half%an the +lack an% Half%an the =hite were twins. Sigfro% was the fourth. They were all brought u' in Thron%hBem with all honour.

19. +)TT-3 <N H)?32S?G$2*.

News came in from the south lan% that the 'eo'le of Hor%alan% an% 2ogalan%& )g%er an% Thelemark& were gathering& an% bringing together shi's an% wea'ons& an% a great bo%y of men. The lea%ers of this were 3irik king of Hor%alan%A Sulke king of 2ogalan%& an% his brother 3arl Sote5 KBot7e the 2ich& king of )g%er& an% his son Thor HaklangA an% from Thelemark two brothers& Hroal% Hryg an% Ha% the Har%. Now when Haral% got certain news of this& he assemble% his forces& set his shi's on the water& ma%e himself rea%y with his men& an% set out southwar%s along the coast& gathering many 'eo'le from e7ery %istrict. King 3irik hear% of this when he same south of Sta%A an% ha7ing assemble% all the men he coul% eD'ect& he 'rocee%e% southwar%s to meet the force which he knew was coming to his hel' from the east. The whole met together north of Ga%ar& an% went into HafersfBor%& where King Haral% was waiting with his forces. ) great battle began& which was both har% an% longA but at last King Haral% gaine% the %ay. There King 3irik fell& an% King Sulke& with his brother 3arl Sote. Thor Haklang& who was a great berserk& ha% lai% his shi' against King Haral%4s& an% there was abo7e all measure a %es'erate attack& until Thor Haklang fell& an% his whole shi' was cleare% of men. Then King KBot7e fle% to a little isle outsi%e& on which there was a goo% 'lace of strength. Thereafter all his men fle%& some to their shi's& some u' to the lan%A an% the latter ran southwar%s o7er the country of Ga%ar. So says Hornklofe& 7iE.5 6Has the news reache% youL ha7e you hear% $f the great fight at HafersfBor%& +etween our noble king bra7e Haral% )n% King KBot7e rich in gol%L The foeman came from out the 3ast& Keen for the fray as for a feast. ) gallant sight it was to see Their fleet swee' o4er the %ark blue sea5 3ach war shi'& with its threatening throat $f %ragon fierce or ra7enous brute (1# ;rim ga'ing from the 'rowA its wales ;littering with burnishe% shiel%s& (!# like scales <ts crew of u%al men of war& =hose snow white targets shone from far )n% many a maile% s'earman stout ?rom the =est countries roun% about& 3nglish an% Scotch& a foreign host& )n% swor%amen from the far ?rench coast. )n% as the foemen4s shi's %rew near& The %rea%ful %in you well might hear Sa7age berserks roaring ma%& )n% cham'ions fierce in wolf skins cla%& (:# Howling like wol7esA an% clanking Bar $f many a mail cla% man of war. Thus the foe cameA but our bra7e king Taught them to fly as fast again. ?or when he saw their force come o4er& He launche% his war shi's from the shore. $n the %ee' sea he launche% his fleet )n% bol%ly rowe% the foe to meet. ?ierce was the shock& an% lou% the clang

$f shiel%s& until the fierce Haklang& The foeman4s famous berserk& fell. Then from our men burst forth the yell $f 7ictory& an% the King of ;ol% Coul% not withstan% our Haral% bol%& +ut fle% before his flaky locks ?or shelter to the islan% rocks. )ll in the bottom of the shi's The woun%e% lay& in ghastly hea'sA +acks u' an% faces %own they lay @n%er the row seats stowe% awayA )n% many a warrior4s shiel%& < ween .ight on the warrior4s back be seen& To shiel% him as he fle% amain ?rom the fierce stone storm4s 'elting rain. The mountain folk& as <47e hear% say& Ne4er sto''e% as they ran from the fray& Till they ha% crosse% the Ga%ar sea& )n% reache% their homes so keen each soul To %rown his fright in the mea% bowl.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The war shi's were calle% %ragons& from being %ecorate% with the hea% of a %ragon& ser'ent& or other wil% animalA an% the wor% 6%raco6 was a%o'te% in the -atin of the .i%%le )ges to %enote a shi' of war of the larger class. The snekke was the cutter or smaller war shi'. -. (!# The shiel%s were hung o7er the si%e rails of the shi's. -. (:# The wolf skin 'elts were nearly as goo% as armour against the swor%.

!9. H)2)-* S@123.3 S$>323<;N <N N$2=)C. )fter this battle King Haral% met no o''osition in Norway& for all his o''onents an% greatest enemies were cut off. +ut some& an% they were a great multitu%e& fle% out of the country& an% thereby great %istricts were 'eo'le%. Gemtalan% an% HelsingBalan% were 'eo'le% then& although some Norwegians ha% alrea%y set u' their habitation there. <n the %iscontent that King Haral% seiEe% on the lan%s of Norway& the out countries of <celan% an% the ?arey <sles were %isco7ere% an% 'eo'le%. The Northmen ha% also a great resort to HBaltlan% (Shetlan% <sles# an% many men left Norway& flying the country on account of King Haral%& an% went on 7iking cruises into the =est sea. <n winter they were in the $rkney <slan%s an% Hebri%esA but marau%e% in summer in Norway& an% %i% great %amage. .any& howe7er& were the mighty men who took ser7ice un%er King Haral%& an% became his men& an% %welt in the lan% with him.

!1. H)2)-*4S .)22<);3 )N* H<S CH<-*23N.

=hen King Haral% ha% now become sole king o7er all Norway& he remembere% what that 'rou% girl ha% sai% to himA so he sent men to her& an% ha% her brought to him& an% took her to his be%. )n% these were their chil%ren5 )lof she was the el%estA then was their son HrorekA then Sigtryg& ?ro%e& an% Thorgils. King Haral% ha% many wi7es an% many chil%ren. )mong them he ha% one wife& who was calle% 2agnhil% the .ighty& a %aughter of King 3irik& from Gutlan%A an% by her he ha% a son& 3irik +loo% aDe. He was also marrie% to S7anhil%& a %aughter of 3arl 3ysteinA an% their sons were $laf ;eirsta%aalf& +Born an% 2agnar 2ykkil. -astly& King Haral% marrie% )shil%& a %aughter of Hring *agson& u' in 2ingerikeA an% their chil%ren were& *ag& Hring& ;u%ro% Skiria& an% <ngiger%. <t is tol% that King Haral% 'ut away nine wi7es when he marrie% 2agnhil% the .ighty. So says Hornklofe5 6Haral%& of noblest race the hea%& ) *anish wife took to his be%A )n% out of %oors nine wi7es he thrust& The mothers of the 'rinces first. =ho 4mong Holmrygians hol% comman%& )n% those who rule in Hor%alan%. )n% then he 'acke% from out the 'lace The chil%ren born of Holge4s race.6 King Haral%4s chil%ren were all fostere% an% brought u' by their relations on the mother4s si%e. ;uthorm the *uke ha% 'oure% water o7er King Haral%4s el%est son an% ha% gi7en him his own name. He set the chil% u'on his knee& an% was his foster father& an% took him with himself eastwar% to >iken& an% there he was brought u' in the house of ;uthorm. ;uthorm rule% the whole lan% in >iken an% the @'lan%s& when King Haral% was absent.

!!. K<N; H)2)-*4S >$C);3 T$ TH3 =3ST. King Haral% hear% that the 7ikings& who were in the =est sea in winter& 'lun%ere% far an% wi%e in the mi%%le 'art of NorwayA an% therefore e7ery summer he ma%e an eD'e%ition to search the isles an% out skerries (1# on the coast. =heresoe7er the 7ikings hear% of him they all took to flight& an% most of them out into the o'en ocean. )t last the king grew weary of this work& an% therefore one summer he saile% with his fleet right out into the =est sea. ?irst he came to HBaltlan% (Shetlan%#& an% he slew all the 7ikings who coul% not sa7e themsel7es by flight. Then King Haral% saile% southwar%s& to the $rkney <slan%s& an% cleare% them all of 7ikings. Thereafter he 'rocee%e% to the Su%reys (Hebri%es#& 'lun%ere% there& an% slew many 7ikings who formerly ha% ha% men at arms un%er them. .any a battle was fought& an% King Haral% was always 7ictorious. He then 'lun%ere% far an% wi%e in Scotlan% itself& an% ha% a battle there. =hen he was come westwar% as far as the <sle of .an& the re'ort of his eD'loits on the lan% ha% gone before himA for all the inhabitants ha% fle% o7er to Scotlan%& an% the islan% was left entirely bare both of 'eo'le an% goo%s& so that King Haral% an% his men ma%e no booty when they lan%e%. So says Hornklofe5

6The wise& the noble king& great =hose han% so freely scatters gol%& -e% many a northern shiel% to war )gainst the town u'on the shore. The wol7es soon gathere% on the san% $f that sea shoreA for Haral%4s han% The Scottish army %ro7e away& )n% on the coast left wol7es a 'rey.6 <n this war fell <7ar& a son of 2agn7al%& 3arl of .oreA an% King Haral% ga7e 2agn7al%& as a com'ensation for the loss& the $rkney an% Shetlan% isles& when he saile% from the =estA but 2agn7al% imme%iately ga7e both these countries to his brother Sigur%& who remaine% behin% themA an% King Haral%& before sailing eastwar%& ga7e Sigur% the earl%om of them. Thorstein the 2e%& a son of $laf the =hite an% of )u% the =ealthy& entere% into 'artnershi' with himA an% after 'lun%ering in Scotlan%& they sub%ue% Caithness an% Sutherlan%& as far as 3kkBalsbakke. 3arl Sigur% kille% .elbri%ge Tooth& a Scotch earl& an% hung his hea% to his stirru' leatherA but the calf of his leg were scratche% by the teeth& which were sticking out from the hea%& an% the woun% cause% inflammation in his leg& of which the earl %ie%& an% he was lai% in a moun% at 3kkBalsbakke. His son ;uthorm rule% o7er these countries for about a year thereafter& an% %ie% without chil%ren. .any 7ikings& both *anes an% Northmen& set themsel7es %own then in those countries. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Skerries are the uninhabite% %ry or halt ti%e rocks of a coast. -.

!:. H)2)-* H)S H<S H)<2 C-<113*. )fter King Haral% ha% sub%ue% the whole lan%& he was one %ay at a feast in .ore& gi7en by 3arl 2agn7al%. Then King Haral% went into a bath& an% ha% his hair %resse%. 3arl 2agn7al% now cut his hair& which ha% been uncut an% uncombe% for ten yearsA an% therefore the king ha% been calle% -ufa (i.e.& with rough matte% hair#. +ut then 3arl 2agn7al% ga7e him the %istinguishing name Haral% Harfager (i.e.& fair hair#A an% all who saw him agree% that there was the greatest truth in the surname& for he ha% the most beautiful an% abun%ant hea% of hair.

!". 2$-? ;)N;32 *2<>3N <NT$ +)N<SH.3NT. 3arl 2agn7al% was King Haral%4s %earest frien%& an% the king ha% the greatest regar% for him. He was marrie% to Hil%& a %aughter of 2olf Nefia& an% their sons were 2olf an% Thorer. 3arl 2agn7al% ha% also three sons by concubines& the one calle% Halla%& the secon% 3inar& the thir% HrollaugA an% all three were grown men when their brothers born in marriage were still chil%ren 2olf became a great 7iking& an% was of so stout a growth

that no horse coul% carry him& an% wheresoe7er he went he must go on footA an% therefore he was calle% 2olf ;anger. He 'lun%ere% much in the 3ast sea. $ne summer& as he was coming from the eastwar% on a 7iking4s eD'e%ition to the coast of >iken& he lan%e% there an% ma%e a cattle foray. )s King Haral% ha''ene%& Bust at that time& to be in >iken& he hear% of it& an% was in a great rageA for he ha% forbi%& by the greatest 'unishment& the 'lun%ering within the boun%s of the country. The king assemble% a Thing& an% ha% 2olf %eclare% an outlaw o7er all Norway. =hen 2olf4s mother& Hil% hear% of it she hastene% to the king& an% entreate% 'eace for 2olfA but the king was so enrage% that here entreaty was of no a7ail. Then Hil% s'ake these lines5 6Think4st thou& King Haral%& in thy anger& To %ri7e away my bra7e 2olf ;anger -ike a ma% wolf& from out the lan%L =hy& Haral%& raise thy mighty han%L =hy banish Nefia4s gallant name son& The brother of bra7e u%al menL =hy is thy cruelty so fellL +ethink thee& monarch& it is ill =ith such a wolf at wolf to 'lay& =ho& %ri7en to the wil% woo%s away .ay make the king4s best %eer his 'rey.6 2olf ;anger went afterwar%s o7er sea to the =est to the Hebri%es& or Su%reysA an% at last farther west to >allan%& where he 'lun%ere% an% sub%ue% for himself a great earl%om& which he 'eo'le% with Northmen& from which that lan% is calle% Norman%y. 2olf ;anger4s son was =illiam& father to 2ichar%& an% gran%father to another 2ichar%& who was the father of 2obert -ongs'ear& an% gran%father of =illiam the +astar%& from whom all the following 3nglish kings are %escen%e%. ?rom 2olf ;anger also are %escen%e% the earls in Norman%y. Hueen 2agnhil% the .ighty li7e% three years after she came to NorwayA an%& after her %eath& her son an% King Haral%4s was taken to the herse Thorer Hroal%son& an% 3irik was fostere% by him.

!(. $? TH3 ?<N S>)S3 )N* K<N; H)2)-*. King Haral%& one winter& went about in guest Fuarters in the @'lan%s& an% ha% or%ere% a Christmas feast to be 're'are% for him at the farm Tho'tar. $n Christmas e7e came S7ase to the %oor& Bust as the king went to table& an% sent a message to the king to ask if he woul% go out with him. The king was angry at such a message& an% the man who ha% brought it in took out with him a re'ly of the king4s %is'leasure. +ut S7ase& notwithstan%ing& %esire% that his message shoul% be %eli7ere% a secon% timeA a%%ing to it& that he was the ?in whose hut the king ha% 'romise% to 7isit& an% which stoo% on the other si%e of the ri%ge. Now the king went out& an% 'romise% to go with him& an% went o7er the ri%ge to his hut& although some of his men %issua%e% him. There stoo% Snaefri%& the %aughter of S7ase& a most beautiful girlA an% she fille% a cu' of mea% for the king. +ut he took hol% both of the cu' an% of her han%. <mme%iately it was as if a hot fire

went through his bo%yA an% he wante% that 7ery night to take her to his be%. +ut S7ase sai% that shoul% not be unless by main force& if he %i% not first make her his lawful wife. Now King Haral% ma%e Snaefri% his lawful wife& an% lo7e% her so 'assionately that he forgot his king%om& an% all that belonge% to his high %ignity. They ha% four sons5 the one was Sigur% HriseA the others Half%an Haleg& ;u%ro% -Bome an% 2agn7al% 2ettilbeine. Thereafter Snaefri% %ie%A but her cor'se ne7er change%& but was as fresh an% re% as when she li7e%. The king sat always besi%e her& an% thought she woul% come to life again. )n% so it went on for three years that he was sorrowing o7er her %eath& an% the 'eo'le o7er his %elusion. )t last Thorleif the =ise succee%e%& by his 'ru%ence& in curing him of his %elusion by accosting him thus5 6<t is nowise won%erful& king& that thou grie7est o7er so beautiful an% noble a wife& an% bestowest costly co7erlets an% be%s of %own on her cor'se& as she %esire%A but these honours fall short of what is %ue& as she still lies in the same clothes. <t woul% be more suitable to raise her& an% change her %ress.6 )s soon as the bo%y was raise% in the be% all sorts of corru'tion an% foul smells came from it& an% it was necessary in all haste to gather a 'ile of woo% an% burn itA but before this coul% be %one the bo%y turne% blue& an% worms& toa%s& newts& 'a%%ocks& an% all sorts of ugly re'tiles came out of it& an% it sank into ashes. Now the king came to his un%erstan%ing again& threw the ma%ness out of his min%& an% after that %ay rule% his king%om as before. He was strengthene% an% ma%e Boyful by his subBects& an% his subBects by him an% the country by both.

!/. $? THG$*$-? $? H><N& TH3 SK)-*. )fter King Haral% ha% eD'erience% the cunning of the ?in woman& he was so angry that he %ro7e from him the sons he ha% with her& an% woul% not suffer them before his eyes. +ut one of them& ;u%ro% -Bome& went to his foster father ThBo%olf of H7in& an% aske% him to go to the king& who was then in the @'lan%sA for ThBo%olf was a great frien% of the king. )n% so they went& an% came to the king4s house late in the e7ening& an% sat %own together unnotice% near the %oor. The king walke% u' an% %own the floor casting his eye along the benchesA for he ha% a feast in the house& an% the mea% was Bust miDe%. The king then murmure% out these lines5 6Tell me& ye age% gray haire% heroes& =ho ha7e come here to seek re'ose& =herefore must < so many kee' $f such a set& who& one an% all& 2ight %early lo7e their souls to stee'& ?rom morn till night& in the mea% bowlL6 Then ThBo%olf re'lies5 6) certain wealthy chief& < think& =oul% gla%ly ha7e ha% more to %rink =ith him& u'on one bloo%y %ay& =hen crowns were cracke% in our swor% 'lay.6

ThBo%olf then took off his hat& an% the king recognise% him& an% ga7e him a frien%ly rece'tion. ThBo%olf then begge% the king not to cast off his sonsA 6for they woul% with great 'leasure ha7e taken a better family %escent u'on the mother4s si%e& if the king ha% gi7en it to them.6 The king assente%& an% tol% him to take ;u%ro% with him as formerlyA an% he sent Half%an an% Sigur% to 2ingerike& an% 2agn7al% to Ha%alan%& an% all was %one as the king or%ere%. They grew u' to be 7ery cle7er men& 7ery eD'ert in all eDercises. <n these times King Haral% sat in 'eace in the lan%& an% the lan% enBoye% Fuietness an% goo% cro's.

!7. $? 3)2- T$2?3<N)24S $+T)<N<N; $2KN3C. =hen 3arl 2agn7al% in .ore hear% of the %eath of his brother 3arl Sigur%& an% that the 7ikings were in 'ossession of the country& he sent his son Halla% westwar%& who took the title of earl to begin with& an% ha% many men at arms with him. =hen he arri7e% at the $rkney <slan%s& he establishe% himself in the countryA but both in har7est& winter& an% s'ring& the 7ikings cruise% about the isles 'lun%ering the hea%lan%s& an% committing %e're%ations on the coast. Then 3arl Halla% grew tire% of the business& resigne% his earl%om& took u' again his rights as an allo%ial owner& an% afterwar%s returne% eastwar% into Norway. =hen 3arl 2agn7al% hear% of this he was ill 'lease% with Halla%& an% sai% his son were 7ery unlike their ancestors. Then sai% 3inar& 6< ha7e enBoye% but little honour among you& an% ha7e little affection here to lose5 now if you will gi7e me force enough& < will go west to the islan%s& an% 'romise you what at any rate will 'lease you that you shall ne7er see me again.6 3arl 2agn7al% re'lie%& that he woul% be gla% if he ne7er came backA 6?or there is little ho'e&6 sai% he& 6that thou will e7er be an honour to thy frien%s& as all thy kin on thy mother4s si%e are born sla7es.6 3arl 2agn7al% ga7e 3inar a 7essel com'letely eFui''e%& an% he saile% with it into the =est sea in har7est. =hen he came to the $rkney <sles& two 7ikings& Thorer Treskeg an% Kalf Skurfa& were in his way with two 7essels. He attacke% them instantly& gaine% the battle& an% slew the two 7ikings. Then this was sung5 6Then ga7e he Treskeg to the trolls& Torfeinar slew Skurfa.6 He was calle% Torfeinar& because he cut 'eat for fuel& there being no firewoo%& as in $rkney there are no woo%s. He afterwar%s was earl o7er the islan%s& an% was a mighty man. He was ugly& an% blin% of an eye& yet 7ery shar' sighte% withal.

!8. K<N; 3<2<K 3C.@N*S$N4S *3)TH. *uke ;uthorm %welt 'rinci'ally at Tunsberg& an% go7erne% the whole of >iken when the king was not there. He %efen%e% the lan%& which& at that time& was much 'lun%ere% by the 7ikings.

There were %isturbances also u' in ;autlan% as long as King 3irik 3ymun%son li7e%A but he %ie% when King Haral% Harfager ha% been ten years king of all Norway.

!9.;@TH$2.4S *3)TH <N T@NS+32;. )fter 3irik& his son +Born was king of S7ithBo% for fifty years. He was father of 3irik the >ictorious& an% of $laf the father of StyrbBorn. ;uthorm %ie% on a be% of sickness at Tunsberg& an% King Haral% ga7e his son ;uthorm the go7ernment of that 'art of his %ominions an% ma%e him chief of it.

:9. 3)2- 2);N>)-* +@2NT <N H<S H$@S3. =hen King Haral% was forty years of age many of his sons were well a%7ance%& an% in%ee% they all came early to strength an% manhoo%. )n% now they began to take it ill that the king woul% not gi7e them any 'art of the king%om& but 'ut earls into e7ery %istrictA for they thought earls were of inferior birth to them. Then Half%an Haleg an% ;u%ro% -Bome set off one s'ring with a great force& an% came su%%enly u'on 3arl 2agn7al%& earl of .ore& an% surroun%e% the house in which he was& an% burnt him an% siDty men in it. Thereafter Half%an took three long shi's& an% fitte% them out& an% saile% into the =est seaA but ;u%ro% set himself %own in the lan% which 2agn7al% formerly ha%. Now when King Haral% hear% this he set out with a great force against ;u%ro%& who ha% no other way left but to surren%er& an% he was sent to )g%er. King Haral% then set 3arl 2agn7al%4s son Thorer o7er .ore& an% ga7e him his %aughter )lof& calle% )rbot& in marriage. 3arl Thorer& calle% the Silent& got the same territory his father 3arl 2agn7al% ha% 'ossesse%.

:1. H)-?*)N H)-3;4S *3)TH. Half%an Haleg came 7ery uneD'ecte%ly to $rkney& an% 3arl 3inar imme%iately fle%A but came back soon after about har7est time& unnotice% by Half%an. They met an% after a short battle Half%an fle% the same night. 3inar an% his men lay all night without tents& an% when it was light in the morning they searche% the whole islan% an% kille% e7ery man they coul% lay hol% of. Then 3inar sai% 6=hat is that < see u'on the isle of 2inanseyL <s it a man or a bir%L Sometimes it raises itself u'& an% sometimes lies %own again.6 They went to it& an% foun% it was Half%an Haleg& an% took him 'risoner. 3arl 3inar sang the following song the e7ening before he went into this battle5 6=here is the s'ear of HrollaugL where <s stout 2olf ;anger4s bloo%y s'earK < see them notA yet ne7er fear&

?or 3inar will not 7engeance s'are )gainst his father4s mur%erers& though Hrollaug an% 2olf are somewhat slow& )n% silent Thorer sits a%% %reams )t home& besi%e the mea% bowl4s streams.6 Thereafter 3arl 3inar went u' to Half%an& an% cut a s'rea% eagle u'on his back& by striking his swor% through his back into his belly& %i7i%ing his ribs from the backbone %own to his loins& an% tearing out his lungsA an% so Half%an was kille%. 3inar then sang5 6?or 2agn7al%4s %eath my swor% is re%5 $f 7engeance it cannot be sai% That 3inar4s share is left uns'e%. So now& bra7e boys& let4s raise a moun%& Hea' stones an% gra7el on the groun% $4er Half%an4s cor'se5 this is the way =e Norsemen our scat %uties 'ay.6 Then 3arl 3inar took 'ossession of the $rkney <sles as before. Now when these ti%ings came to Norway& Half%an4s brothers took it much to heart& an% thought that his %eath %eman%e% 7engeanceA an% many were of the same o'inion. =hen 3inar hear% this& he sang5 6.any a stout u%al man& < know& Has cause to wish my hea% lai% lowA )n% many an angry u%al knife =oul% gla%ly %rink of 3ina4s life. +ut ere they lay 3arl 3inar low& 3re this stout heart betrays its cause& ?ull many a heart will writhe& we know& <n the wolf4s fangs& or eagle4s claws.6

:!. H)2)-* )N* 3<N)2 23C$NC<-3*. King Haral% now or%ere% a le7y& an% gathere% a great force& with which he 'rocee%e% westwar% to $rkneyA an% when 3arl 3inar hear% that King Haral% was come& he fle% o7er to Caithness. He ma%e the following 7erses on this occasion5 6.any a bear%e% man must roam& )n eDile from his house an% home& ?or cow or horseA but Half%an4s gore <s re% on 2inansey4s wil% shore. ) nobler %ee% on Haral%4s shiel% The arm of one who ne4er will yiel% Has left a scar. -et 'easants %rea% The 7engeance of the Norsemen4s hea%5 < reck not of his wrath& but sing& I*o thy worstK < %efy thee& kingK

46

.en an% messages& howe7er& 'asse% between the king an% the earl& an% at last it came to a conferenceA an% when they met the earl

submitte% the case altogether to the king4s %ecision& an% the king con%emne% the earl 3inar an% the $rkney 'eo'le to 'ay a fine of siDty marks of gol%. )s the bon%es thought this was too hea7y for them to 'ay& the earl offere% to 'ay the whole if they woul% surren%er their u%al lan%s to him. This they all agree% to %o5 the 'oor because they ha% but little 'ieces of lan%A the rich because they coul% re%eem their u%al rights again when they like%. Thus the earl 'ai% the whole fine to the king& who returne% in har7est to Norway. The earls for a long time afterwar%s 'ossesse% all the u%al lan%s in $rkney& until Sigur% son of Hlo%7er ga7e back the u%al rights.

::. *3)TH $? ;@TH$2. )N* H)-?*)N TH3 =H<T3. =hile King Haral%4s son ;uthorm ha% the %efence of >iken& he saile% outsi%e of the islan%s on the coast& an% came in by one of the mouths of the tributaries of the ;aut ri7er. =hen he lay there Sol7e Klofe came u'on him& an% imme%iately ga7e him battle& an% ;uthorm fell. Half%an the =hite an% Half%an the +lack went out on an eD'e%ition& an% 'lun%ere% in the 3ast sea& an% ha% a battle in 3istlan%& where Half%an the =hite fell.

:". .)22<);3 $? 3<2<K. 3irik& Haral%4s son& was fostere% in the house of the herse Thorer& son of Hroal%& in the ?Bor% %istrict. He was the most belo7e% an% honoure% by King Haral% of all his sons. =hen 3irik was twel7e years ol%& King Haral% ga7e him fi7e long shi's& with which he went on an eD'e%ition& first in the +alticA then southwar%s to *enmark& ?rieslan%& an% SaDlan%A on which eD'e%ition he 'asse% four years. He then saile% out into the =est sea an% 'lun%ere% in Scotlan%& +retlan%& <relan%& an% >allan%& an% 'asse% four years more in this way. Then he saile% north to ?inmark& an% all the way to +Barmalan%& where he ha% many a battle& an% won many a 7ictory. =hen he came back to ?inmark& his men foun% a girl in a -a'lan% hut& whose eFual for beauty they ne7er ha% seen. She sai% her name was ;unhil%& an% that her father %welt in Halogalan%& an% was calle% $Eur Tote. 6< am here&6 she sai%& 6to learn sorcery from two of the most knowing ?ins in all ?inmark& who are now out hunting. They both want me in marriage. They are so skilful that they can hunt out traces either u'on the froEen or the thawe% earth& like %ogsA an% they can run so swiftly on skees that neither man nor beast can come near them in s'ee%. They hit whate7er they take aim at& an% thus kill e7ery man who comes near them. =hen they are angry the 7ery earth turns away in terror& an% whate7er li7ing thing they look u'on then falls %ea%. Now ye must not come in their wayA but < will hi%e you here in the hut& an% ye must try to get them kille%.6 They agree% to it& an% she hi% them& an% then took a leather bag& in which they thought there were ashes which she took in her han%& an% strewe% both outsi%e an% insi%e of the hut. Shortly after the ?ins came home& an% aske% who ha% been thereA an% she answere%& 6Nobo%y has been here.6 6That is won%erful&6

sai% they& 6we followe% the traces close to the hut& an% can fin% none after that.6 Then they kin%le% a fire& an% ma%e rea%y their meat& an% ;unhil% 're'are% her be%. <t ha% so ha''ene% that ;unhil% ha% sle't the three nights before& but the ?ins ha% watche% the one u'on the other& being Bealous of each other. 6Now&6 she sai% to the ?ins& 6come here& an% lie %own one on each si%e of me.6 $n which they were 7ery gla% to %o so. She lai% an arm roun% the neck of each an% they went to slee' %irectly. She rouse% them u'A but they fell to slee' again instantly& an% so soun%ly the she scarcely coul% waken them. She e7en raise% them u' in the be%& an% still they sle't. Thereu'on she too two great seal skin bags& an% 'ut their hea%s in them& an% tie% them fast un%er their armsA an% then she ga7e a wink to the kingMs men. They run forth with their wea'ons& kill the two ?ins& an% %rag them out of the hut. That same night came such a %rea%ful thun%er storm that the coul% not stir. NeDt morning they came to the shi'& taking ;unhil% with them& an% 'resente% her to 3irik. 3irik an% his followers then saile% southwar%s to Halogalan% an% he sent wor% to $Eur Tote& the girl4s father& to meet him. 3irik sai% he woul% take his %aughter in marriage& to which $Eur Tote consente%& an% 3irik took ;unhil% an% went southwar%s with her ().*. 9!!#.

:(. H)2)-* *<><*3S H<S K<N;*$.. =hen King Haral% was fifty years of age many of his sons were grown u'& an% some were %ea%. .any of them committe% acts of great 7iolence in the country& an% were in %iscor% among themsel7es. They %ro7e some of the king4s earls out of their 'ro'erties& an% e7en kille% some of them. Then the king calle% together a numerous Thing in the south 'art of the country& an% summone% to it all the 'eo'le of the @'lan%s. )t this Thing he ga7e to all his sons the title of king& an% ma%e a law that his %escen%ants in the male line shoul% each succee% to the kingly title an% %ignityA but his %escen%ants by the female si%e only to that of earl. )n% he %i7i%e% the country among them thus5 >ingulmark& 2aumarike& >estfol% an% Thelamark& he bestowe% on $laf& +Born& Sigtryg& ?ro%e& an% Thorgils. He%emark an% ;u%bran%s%al he ga7e to *ag& Hring& an% 2agnar. To Snaefri%4s sons he ga7e 2ingerike& Ha%elan%& Thoten& an% the lan%s thereto belonging. His son ;uthorm& as before mentione%& he ha% set o7er the country from ;lommen to S7inasun% an% 2anrike. He ha% set him to %efen% the country to the 3ast& as before has been written. King Haral% himself generally %welt in the mi%%le of the country& an% Hrorek an% ;u%ro% were generally with his court& an% ha% great estates in Hor%alan% an% in Sogn. King 3irik was also with his father King Haral%A an% the king lo7e% an% regar%e% him the most of all his sons& an% ga7e him Halogalan% an% North .ore& an% 2aums%al. North in Thron%hBem he ga7e Half%an the +lack& Half%an the =hite& an% Sigro% lan% to rule o7er. <n each of these %istricts he ga7e his sons the one half of his re7enues& together with the right to sit on a high seat& a ste' higher than earls& but a ste' lower than his own high seat. His king4s seat each of his sons wante% for himself after his %eath& but he himself %estine% it for 3irik. The Thron%hBem 'eo'le wante%

Half%an the +lack to succee% to it. The 'eo'le of >iken& an% the @'lan%s& wante% those un%er whom they li7e%. )n% thereu'on new Fuarrels arose among the brothersA an% because they thought their %ominions too little& they %ro7e about in 'iratical eD'e%itions. <n this way& as before relate%& ;uthorm fell at the mouth of the ;aut ri7er& slain by Sol7e KlofeA u'on which $laf took the king%om he ha% 'ossesse%. Half%an the =hite fell in 3istlan%& Half%an Haleg in $rkney. King Haral% ga7e shi's of war to Thorgils an% ?ro%e& with which they went westwar% on a 7iking cruise& an% 'lun%ere% in Scotlan%& <relan%& an% +retlan%. They were the first of the Northmen who took *ublin. <t is sai% that ?ro%e got 'oisone% %rink thereA but Thorgils was a long time king o7er *ublin& until he fell into a snare of the <rish& an% was kille%.

:/. *3)TH $? 2);N>)-* 23TT<-+3<N3. 3irik +loo% aDe eD'ecte% to be hea% king o7er all his brothers an% King Haral% inten%e% he shoul% be soA an% the father an% son li7e% long together. 2agn7al% 2ettilbeine go7erne% Ha%alan%& an% allowe% himself to be instructe% in the arts of witchcraft& an% became an area warlock. Now King Haral% was a hater of all witchcraft. There was a warlock in Hor%alan% calle% >itgeirA an% when the king sent a message to him that he shoul% gi7e u' his art of witchcraft& he re'lie% in this 7erse5 6The ?rom =hen King %anger surely is not great wiEar%s born of mean estate& Haral%4s son in Ha%elan%& 2agn7al%& to the art lays han%.6

+ut when King Haral% hear% this& King 3irik +loo% aDe went by his or%ers to the @'lan%s& an% came to Ha%elan% an% burne% his brother 2agn7al% in a house& along with eighty other warlocksA which work was much 'raise%.

:7. *3)TH $? ;@*2$* -G$.3. ;u%ro% -Bome was in winter on a frien%ly 7isit to his foster father ThBo%olf in H7in& an% ha% a well manne% shi'& with which he wante% to go north to 2ogalan%. <t was blowing a hea7y storm at the timeA but ;u%ro% was bent on sailing& an% woul% not consent to wait. ThBo%olf sang thus5 6=ait& ;u%ro%& till the storm is 'ast& -oose not thy long shi' while the blast Howls o7er hea% so furiously& Trust not thy long shi' to the sea& -oose not thy long shi' from the shoreA Hark to the ocean4s angry roarK See how the 7ery stones are tost +y raging wa7es high on the coastK Stay& ;u%ro%& till the tem'est4s o4er

*ee' runs the sea off the Ga%ar4s shore.6 ;u%ro% set off in s'ite of what ThBo%olf coul% say5 an% when they came off the Ga%ar the 7essel sunk with them& an% all on boar% were lost.

:8. K<N; +G$2N K)@1.)N4S *3)TH. King Haral%4s son& +Born& rule% o7er >estfol% at that time& an% generally li7e% at Tunsberg& an% went but little on war eD'e%itions. Tunsberg at that time was much freFuente% by merchant 7essels& both from >iken an% the north country& an% also from the south& from *enmark& an% SaDlan%. King +Born ha% also merchant shi's on 7oyages to other lan%s& by which he 'rocure% for himself costly articles& an% such things as he thought nee%fulA an% therefore his brothers calle% him ?arman (the Seaman#& an% Kau'man (the Cha'man#. +Born was a man of sense an% un%erstan%ing& an% 'romise% to become a goo% ruler. He ma%e a goo% an% suitable marriage& an% ha% a son by his wife& who was name% ;u%ro%. 3irik +loo% aDe came from his +altic cruise with shi's of war& an% a great force& an% reFuire% his brother +Born to %eli7er to him King Haral%4s share of the scat an% incomes of >estfol%. +ut it ha% always been the custom before& that +Born himself either %eli7ere% the money into the king4s han%s& or sent men of his own with itA an% therefore he woul% continue with the ol% custom& an% woul% not %eli7er the money. 3irik again wante% 'ro7isions& tents& an% liFuor. The brothers Fuarrelle% about thisA but 3irik got nothing an% left the town. +Born went also out of the town towar%s e7ening u' to Saeheim. <n the night 3irik came back after +Born& an% came to Saeheim Bust as +Born an% his men were seate% at table %rinking. 3irik surroun%e% the house in which they wereA but +Born with his men went out an% fought. +Born& an% many men with him& fell. 3irik& on the other han%& got a great booty& an% 'rocee%e% northwar%s. +ut this work was taken 7ery ill by the 'eo'le of >iken& an% 3irik was much %islike% for itA an% the re'ort went that King $laf woul% a7enge his brother +Born& whene7er o''ortunity offere%. King +Born lies in the moun% of ?armanshaug at Saeheim.

:9. 23C$NC<-<)T<$N $? TH3 K<N;S. King 3irik went in winter northwar%s to .ore& an% was at a feast in Sol7e& within the 'oint )g%anesA an% when Half%an the +lack hear% of it he set out with his men& an% surroun%e% the house in which they were. 3irik sle't in a room which stoo% %etache% by itself& an% he esca'e% into the forest with four othersA but Half%an an% his men burnt the main house& with all the 'eo'le who were in it. =ith this news 3irik came to King Haral%& who was 7ery wroth at it& an% assemble% a great force against the Thron%hBem 'eo'le. =hen Half%an the +lack hear% this he le7ie% shi's an% men& so that he ha% a great force& an% 'rocee%e% with it to Sta%& within ThorsbBerg. King Haral% lay with his men at 2einsletta. Now 'eo'le went between them& an% among others a

cle7er man calle% ;uthorm Sin%re& who was then in Half%an the +lack4s army& but ha% been formerly in the ser7ice of King Haral%& an% was a great frien% of both. ;uthorm was a great skal%& an% ha% once com'ose% a song both about the father an% the son& for which they ha% offere% him a rewar%. +ut he woul% take nothingA but only aske% that& some %ay or other& they shoul% grant him any reFuest he shoul% make& which they 'romise% to %o. Now he 'resente% himself to King Haral%& brought wor%s of 'eace between them& an% ma%e the reFuest to them both that they shou1% be reconcile%. So highly %i% the king esteem him& that in conseFuence of his reFuest they were reconcile%. .any other able men 'romote% this business as well as heA an% it was so settle% that Half%an shoul% retain the whole of his king%om as he ha% it before& an% shoul% let his brother 3irik sit in 'eace. )fter this e7ent Gorun& the skal% mai%& com'ose% some 7erses in 6Sen%ibit6 (6The +iting .essage6#5 6< know that Haral% ?airhair Knew the %ark %ee% of Half%an. To Haral% Half%an seeme% )ngry an% cruel.6

"9. +<2TH $? H)K$N TH3 ;$$*. 3arl Hakon ;rBotgar%son of Hla%er ha% the whole rule o7er Thron%hBem when King Haral% was anywhere away in the countryA an% Hakon stoo% higher with the king than any in the country of Thron%hBem. )fter Hakon4s %eath his son Sigur% succee%e% to his 'ower in Thron%hBem& an% was the earl& an% ha% his mansion at Hla%er. King Haral%4s sons& Half%an the +lack an% Sigro%& who ha% been before in the house of his father 3arl Hakon& continue% to be brought u' in his house. The sons of Haral% an% Sigur% were about the same age. 3arl Sigur% was one of the wisest men of his time& an% marrie% +erglBot& a %aughter of 3arl Thorer the SilentA an% her mother was )lof )rbot& a %aughter of Haral% Harfager. =hen King Haral% began to grow ol% he generally %welt on some of his great farms in Hor%alan%A namely& )lrekssta%er or Saeheim& ?itBar& @tstein& or $g7al%snes in the islan% Kormt. =hen Haral% was se7enty years of age he begat a son with a girl calle% Thora .osterstang& because her family came from .oster. She was %escen%e% from goo% 'eo'le& being connecte% with Kare ()slakson# of Hor%alan%A an% was moreo7er a 7ery stout an% remarkably han%some girl. She was calle% the king4s ser7ant girlA for at that time many were subBect to ser7ice to the king who were of goo% birth& both men an% women. Then it was the custom& with 'eo'le of consi%eration& to choose with great care the man who shoul% 'our water o7er their chil%ren& an% gi7e them a name. Now when the time came that Thora& who was then at .oster& eD'ecte% her confinement& she woul% to King Haral%& who was then li7ing at SaeheimA an% she went northwar%s in a shi' belonging to 3arl Sigur%. They lay at night close to the lan%A an% there Thora brought forth a chil% u'on the lan%& u' among the rocks& close to the shi'4s gangway& an% it was a man chil%. 3arl Sigur% 'oure% water o7er him& an% calle% him Hakon& after his own father& Hakon earl of Hla%er. The boy soon grew han%some& large

in siEe& an% 7ery like his father King Haral%. King Haral% let him follow his mother& an% they were both in the king4s house as long as he was an infant.

"1. K<N; )TH3-ST)N4S .3SS);3 )t this time a king calle% )ethelstan ha% taken the King%om of 3nglan%. He was calle% 7ictorious an% faithful. He sent men to Norway to King Haral%& with the erran% that the messengers shoul% 'resent him with a swor%& with the hilt an% han%le gilt& an% also the whole sheath a%orne% with gol% an% sil7er& an% set with 'recious Bewels. The ambassa%or 'resente% the swor% hilt to the king& saying& 6Here is a swor% which King )thelstan sen%s thee& with the reFuest that thou wilt acce't it.6 The king took the swor% by the han%leA whereu'on the ambassa%or sai%& 6Now thou hast taken the swor% accor%ing to our king4s %esire& an% therefore art thou his subBect as thou hast taken his swor%.6 King Haral% saw now that this was an insult& for he woul% be subBect to no man. +ut he remembere% it was his rule& whene7er anything raise% his anger& to collect himself& an% let his 'assion run off& an% then take the matter into consi%eration coolly. Now he %i% so& an% consulte% his frien%s& who all ga7e him the a%7ice to let the ambassa%ors& in the first 'lace& go home in safety.

"!. H)@K4S G$@2N3C T$ 3N;-)N*. The following summer King Haral% sent a shi' westwar% to 3nglan%& an% ga7e the comman% of it to Hauk Habrok. He was a great warrior& an% 7ery %ear to the king. <nto his han%s he ga7e his son Hakon. Hank 'rocee%e% westwar% tn 3nglan%& an% foun% King )thelstan in -on%on& where there was Bust at the time a great feast an% entertainment. =hen they came to the hall& Hauk tol% his men how they shoul% con%uct themsel7esA namely& that he who went first in shoul% go last out& an% all shoul% stan% in a row at the table& at eFual %istance from each otherA an% each shoul% ha7e his swor% at his left si%e& but shoul% fasten his cloak so that his swor% shoul% not be seen. Then they went into the hall& thirty in number. Hauk went u' to the king an% salute% him& an% the king ba%e him welcome. Then Hauk took the chil% Hakon& an% set it on the king4s knee. The king looks at the boy& an% asks Hauk what the meaning of this is. Hauk re'lies& 6Heral% the king bi%s thee foster his ser7ant girl4s chil%.6 The king was in great anger& an% seiEe% a swor% which lay besi%e him& an% %rew it& as if he was going to kill the chil%. Hauk says& 6Thou hast borne him on thy knee& an% thou canst mur%er him if thou wiltA but thou wilt not make an en% of all King Haral%4s sons by so %oing.6 $n that Hauk went out with all his men& an% took the way %irect to his shi'& an% 'ut to sea& for they were rea%y& an% came back to King Haral%. The king was highly 'lease% with thisA for it is the common obser7ation of all 'eo'le& that the man who fosters another4s chil%ren is of less consi%eration than the other. ?rom these transactions between the two kings& it

a''ears that each wante% to be hel% greater than the otherA but in truth there was no inBury& to the %ignity of either& for each was the u''er king in his own king%om till his %ying %ay.

":. H)K$N& TH3 ?$ST32 S$N $? )TH3-ST)N& <S +)1T<J3*. King )thelstan ha% Hakon ba'tiEe%& an% brought u' in the right faith& an% in goo% habits& an% all sorts of goo% manners& an% he lo7e% Hakon abo7e all his relationsA an% Hakon was belo7e% by all men. He was henceforth calle% )thelstan4s foster son. He was an accom'lishe% skal%& an% he was larger& stronger an% more beautiful than other menA he was a man of un%erstan%ing an% eloFuence& an% also a goo% Christian. King )thelstan ga7e Hakon a swor%& of which the hilt an% han%le were gol%& an% the bla%e still betterA for with it Hakon cut %own a mill stone to the centre eye& an% the swor% thereafter was calle% the Huernbite (1#. +etter swor% ne7er came into Norway& an% Hakon carrie% it to his %ying %ay. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Huern is the name of the small han% mill stones still foun% in use among the cottars in $rkney& Shetlan%& an% the Hebri%es. This swor% is mentione% in the Counger 3%%a. There were many eDcellent swor%s in the ol%en time& an% many of them ha% 'ro'er names.

"". 3<2<K +2$@;HT T$ TH3 S$>323<;NTC. =hen King Haral% was eighty years of age ().*. 9:9# he became 7ery hea7y& an% unable to tra7el through the country& or %o the business of a king. Then he brought his son 3irik to his high seat& an% ga7e him the 'ower an% comman% o7er the whole lan%. Now when King Haral%4s other sons hear% this& King Half%an the +lack also took a king4s high seat& an% took all Thron%hBem lan%& with the consent of all the 'eo'le& un%er his rule as u''er king. )fter the %eath of +Born the Cha'man& his brother $laf took the comman% o7er >estfol%& an% took +Born4s son& ;u%ro%& as his foster chil%. $laf4s son was calle% Tryg7eA an% the two foster brothers were about the same age& an% were ho'eful an% cle7er. Tryg7e& es'ecially& was remarkable as a stout an% strong man. Now when the 'eo'le of >iken hear% that those of Hor%alan% ha% taken 3irik as u''er king& they %i% the same& an% ma%e $laf the u''er king in >iken& which king%om he retaine%. 3irik %i% not like this at all. Two years after this& Half%an the +lack %ie% su%%enly at a feast in Thron%hBem an% the general re'ort was that ;unhil% ha% bribe% a witch to gi7e him a %eath %rink. Thereafter the Thron%hBem 'eo'le took Sigro% to be their king.

"(. K<N; H)2)-*4S *3)TH.

King Haral% li7e% three years after he ga7e 3irik the su'reme authority o7er his king%om& an% li7e% mostly on his great farms which he 'ossesse%& some in 2ogalan%& an% some in Hor%alan%. 3irik an% ;unhil% ha% a son on whom King Haral% 'oure% water& an% ga7e him his own name& an% the 'romise that he shoul% be king after his father 3irik. King Haral% marrie% most of his %aughters within the country to his earls& an% from them many great families are %escen%e%. Haral% %ie% on a be% of sickness in Hogalan% ().*. 9::#& an% was burie% un%er a moun% at Haugar in Karmtsun%. <n Haugesun% is a church& now stan%ingA an% not far from the churchyar%& at the north west si%e& is King Haral% Harfager4s moun%A but his gra7e stone stan%s west of the church& an% is thirteen feet an% a half high& an% two ells broa%. $ne stone was set at hea% an% one at the feetA on the to' lay the slab& an% below on both si%es were lai% small stones. The gra7e& moun%& an% stone& are there to the 'resent %ay. Haral% Harfager was& accor%ing to the re'ort of menMof knowle%ge& or remarkably han%some a''earance& great an% strong& an% 7ery generous an% affable to his men. He was a great warrior in his youthA an% 'eo'le think that this was foretol% by his mother4s %ream before his birth& as the lowest 'art of the tree she %reamt of was re% as bloo%. The stem again was green an% beautiful& which betokene% his flourishing king%omA an% that the tree was white at the to' showe% that he shoul% reach a grey haire% ol% age. The branches an% twigs showe% forth his 'osterity& s'rea% o7er the whole lan%A for of his race& e7er since. Norway has always ha% kings.

"/. TH3 *3)TH $? $-)? )N* $? S<;2$*. King 3irik took all the re7enues ().*. 9:"#& which the king ha% in the mi%%le of the country& the neDt winter after King Haral%4s %ecease. +ut $laf took all the re7enues eastwar% in >iken& an% their brother Sigro% all that of the Thron%hBem country. 3irik was 7ery ill 'lease% with thisA an% the re'ort went that he woul% attem't with force to get the sole so7ereignty o7er the country& in the same way as his father ha% gi7en it to him. Now when $laf an% Sigro% hear% this& messengers 'asse% between themA an% after a''ointing a meeting 'lace& Sigro% went eastwar% in s'ring to >iken& an% he an% his brother $laf met at Tunsberg& an% remaine% there a while. The same s'ring ().*. 9:"#& King 3irik le7ie% a great force& an% shi's an% steere% towar%s >iken. He got such a strong stea%y gale that he saile% night an% %ay& an% came faster than the news of him. =hen he came to Tunsberg& $laf an% Sigro%& with their forces& went out of the town a little eastwar% to a ri%ge& where they %rew u' their men in battle or%erA but as 3irik ha% many more men he won the battle. +oth brothers& $laf an% Sigro%& fell thereA an% both their gra7e moun%s are u'on the ri%ge where they fell. Then King 3irik went through >iken& an% sub%ue% it& an% remaine% far into summer. ;u%ro% an% Tryg7e fle% to the @'lan%s. 3irik was a stout han%some man& strong& an% 7ery manly& a great an% fortunate man of warA but ba% min%e%& gruff& unfrien%ly& an% silent. ;unhil%& his wife& was the most beautiful of women& cle7er& with much knowle%ge& an% li7elyA but a 7ery false 'erson& an% 7ery cruel in %is'osition. The

chil%ren of King 3irik an% ;unhil% were& ;amle& the ol%estA then ;uthorm& Haral%& 2agnfro%& 2agnhil%& 3rling& ;u%ro%& an% Sigur% Sle7a. )ll were han%some& an% of manly a''earance (1#. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# $f 3irik& his wife& an% chil%ren& see the following sagas.

H)K$N TH3 ;$$*4S S);). 123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS. $f 3irik +loo% aDe4s fi7e years4 reign Snorre has no se'arate saga. He a''ears not to ha7e been belo7e% by the 'eo'le an% his Fueen ;unhil% seems to ha7e ha% a ba% influence on him. $ther accounts of Hakon may be foun% in 6?agrskinna6 (cha's. !( :"#& 6)gri'6& 6Historia6& 6Nor7egiae6& an% in 6ThBo%rek6 (cha'. "#. The rea%er is also referre% to 6SaDo6& 63gla6& 6-aD%aela6& 6Kormaks Saga6& 6;isle Surssons Saga6& 6Halfre%4s Saga6& 6?loamanna Saga6& 6>iga ;lum4s Saga6& an% to 6-an%namabok6. Skal% mentione% in SBarekson& ;uthorm Skal%as'iller. <n this e'och by 3gil this Saga are5 ;lum ;eirason& Thor% Sin%re& Kormak $gmun%son& an% 3y7in% the 63gla6 are foun% many 'oems belonging to Skallagrimson.

<n 6?agrskinna6 is foun% a 'oem (not gi7en by Snorre# which ;unhil% (his wife# ha% ma%e on King 3irik after his %eath& telling how $%in welcome% him to >alhal. The author or skal% who com'ose% it is not known& but it is consi%ere% to be one of the gems of ol% Norse 'oetry& an% we here Fuote it in >igfusson4s translation in his 6Cor'us 1oeticum6& 7ol. i. ''. !/9& !/1. ;u%bran% >igfusson has fille% u' a few ga's from 6Hakonarmat6& the 'oem at the en% of this Saga. =e ha7e change% >igfusson4s orthogra'hy of names& an% brought them into harmony with the s'elling use% in this work5 3%. 6$%in wakes in the morning an% cries& as he o'ens his eyes& with his %ream still fresh in his min%5 I=hat %reams are theseL < thought < arose before %aybreak to make >alhal rea%y for a host of slain. < woke u' the host of the chosen. < ba%e them ri%e u' to strew the benches& an% to till u' the beer 7ats& an% < ba%e 7alkyries to bear the wine& as if a king were coming. < look for the coming of some noble chiefs from the earth& wherefore my heart is gla%.4 6+rage& $%in4s counsellor& now wakes& as a great %in is hear% without& an% calls out5 I=hat is that thun%eringL as if a thousan% men or some great host were tram'ing on the walls an% the benches are creaking withal as if +al%er was coming back to the ball of $%inL4

6$%in answers5 ISurely thou s'eakest foolishly& goo% +rage& although thou art 7ery wise. <t thun%ers for 3irik the king& that is coming to the hall of $%in.4 6Then turning to his heroes& he cries5 ISigmun% an% SinfBotle& rise in haste an% go forth to meet the 'rinceK +i% him in if it be 3irik& for it is he whom < look for.4 6Sigmun% answers5 I=hy lookest thou more for 3irik& the king& to $%in4s hall& than for other kingsL4 6$%in answers5 I+ecause he has re%%ene% his bran%& an% borne his bloo%y swor% in many a lan%.4 6Huoth Sigmun%5 I=hy %i%st thou rob him& the chosen king of 7ictory then& seeing thou thoughtest him so bra7eL4 6$%in answere%5 I+ecause it is not surely to be known& when the grey wolf shall come u'on the seat of the go%.4 S3C$N* SC3N3. =ithout >alhal. Sigmun% an% SinfBotle go outsi%e the hall an% meet 3irik. 6Huoth Sigmun%5 IHail to thee& 3irik& be welcome here& an% come into the hall& thou gallant kingK Now < will ask thee& what kings are these that follow thee from the clash of the swor% e%gesL4 63irik answers5 IThey are fi7e kingsA < will tell thee all their namesA < myself am the siDth (the names followe% in the song& whereof the rest is lost.# 6?agrskinna6 says 6Hakonarmal6 was the mo%el of this 'oem.

1. H)K$N CH$S3N K<N;. Hakon& )thelstan4s foster son& was in 3nglan% at the time ().*. 9:"# he hear% of his father King Haral%4s %eath& an% he imme%iately ma%e himself rea%y to %e'art. King )thelstan ga7e him men& an% a choice of goo% shi's& an% fitte% him out for his Bourney most eDcellently. <n har7est time he came to Norway& where he hear% of the %eath of his brothers& an% that King 3irik was then in >iken. Then Hakon saile% northwar%s to Thron%hBem& where he went to Sigur% earl of Hla%er who was the ablest man in Norway. He ga7e Hakon a goo% rece'tionA an% they ma%e a league with each other& by which Hakon 'romise% great 'ower to Sigur% if he was ma%e king. They assemble% then a numerous Thing& an% Sigur% the earl recommen%e% Hakon4s cause to the Thing& an% 'ro'ose% him to the bon%es as king. Then Hakon himself stoo% u' an% s'okeA an% the 'eo'le sai% to each other& two an% two& as they hear% him& 6Heral% Harfager is come again& grown an% young.6 The beginning of Hakon4s s'eech was& that he offere% himself to the bon%es as king& an% %esire% from them the title of king& an% ai% an% forces to %efen% the king%om. He 'romise%& on the other

han%& to make all the bon%es u%al hol%ers& an% gi7e e7ery man u%al rights to the lan% he li7e% on. This s'eech met such Boyful a''lause& that the whole 'ublic crie% an% shoute% that they woul% take him to be king. )n% so it was that the Thron%hBem 'eo'le took Hakon& who was then fifteen years ol%& for kingA an% he took a court or bo%yguar%& an% ser7ants& an% 'rocee%e% through the country. The news reache% the @'lan%s that the 'eo'le in Thron%hBem ha% taken to themsel7es a king& who in e7ery res'ect was like King Haral% Harfager& with the %ifference& that Haral% ha% ma%e all the 'eo'le of the lan% 7assals& an% unfreeA but this Hakon wishe% well to e7ery man& an% offere% the bon%es to gi7e them their u%al rights again& which Haral% ha% taken from them. )ll were reBoice% at this news& an% it 'asse% from mouth to mouth& it flew& like fire in %ry grass& through the whole lan%& an% eastwar% to the lan%4s en%. .any bon%es came from the @'lan%s to meet King Hakon. Some sent messengers& some tokensA an% all to the same effect that his men they woul% be5 an% the king recei7e% all thankfully.

!. K<N; H)K$N4S 12$;23SS TH2$@;H TH3 C$@NT2C. 3arly in winter (9:(#& the king went to the @'lan%s& an% summone% the 'eo'le to a ThingA an% there streame% all to him who coul% come. He was 'roclaime% king at e7ery ThingA an% then he 'rocee%e% eastwar% to >iken& where his brother4s sons& Tryg7e an% ;u%ro%& an% many others& came unto him& an% com'laine% of the sorrow an% e7il his brother 3irik ha% wrought. The hatre% to King 3irik grew more an% more& the more liking all men took to King HakonA an% they got more bol%ness to say what they thought. King Hakon ga7e Tryg7e an% ;u%ro% the title of kings& an% the %ominions which King Haral% ha% bestowe% on their fathers. Tryg7e got 2anrike an% >ingulmark& an% ;u%ro%& >estfol%A but as they were young& an% in the years of chil%hoo%& he a''ointe% able men to rule the lan% for them. He ga7e them the country on the same con%itions as it ha% been gi7en before& that they shoul% ha7e half of the scat an% re7enues with him. Towar%s s'ring King Hakon returne% north& o7er the @'lan%s& to Thron%hBem.

:. 3<2<K4S *31)2T@23 ?2$. TH3 C$@NT2C. King Hakon& early in s'ring& collecte% a great army at Thron%hBem& an% fitte% out shi's. The 'eo'le of >iken also ha% a great force on foot& an% inten%e% to Boin Hakon. King 3irik also le7ie% 'eo'le in the mi%%le of the countryA but it went ba%ly with him to gather 'eo'le& for the lea%ing men left him& an% went o7er to Hakon. )s he saw himself not nearly strong enough to o''ose Hakon& he saile% ().*. 9:(# out to the =est sea with such men as woul% follow him. He first saile% to $rkney& an% took many 'eo'le with him from that countryA an% then went south towar%s 3nglan%& 'lun%ering in Scotlan%& an% in the north 'arts of 3nglan%& where7er he coul% lan%. )thelstan& the king of 3nglan%& sent a message to 3irik& offering him %ominions un%er him in 3nglan%A saying that King Haral% his father was a goo%

frien% of King )thelstan& an% therefore he woul% %o kin%ly towar%s his sons. .essengers 'asse% between the two kingsA an% it came to an agreement that King 3irik shoul% take Northumberlan% as a fief from King )thelstan& an% which lan% he shoul% %efen% against the *anes or other 7ikings. 3irik shoul% let himself be ba'tiEe%& together with his wife an% chil%ren& an% all the 'eo'le who ha% followe% him. 3irik acce'te% this offer& an% was ba'tiEe%& an% a%o'te% the right faith. Northumberlan% is calle% a fifth 'art of 3nglan%. 3irik ha% his resi%ence at Cork& where -o%brok4s sons& it was sai%& ha% formerly been& an% Northumberlan% was 'rinci'ally inhabite% by Northmen. Since -o%brok4s sons ha% taken the country& *anes an% Northmen often 'lun%ere% there& when the 'ower of the lan% was out of their han%s. .any names of 'laces in the country are NorwegianA as ;rimsby& Haukfliot& an% many others.

". 3<2<K4S *3)TH. King 3irik ha% many 'eo'le about him& for he ke't many Northmen who ha% come with him from the 3astA an% also many of his frien%s ha% Boine% him from Norway. +ut as he ha% little lan%& he went on a cruise e7ery summer& an% 'lun%ere% in Scotlan%& the Hebri%es& <relan%& an% +retlan%& by which he gathere% 'ro'erty. King )thelstan %ie% on a sick be%& after a reign of fourteen years& eight wee%s& an% three %ays. )fter him his brother Gatmun% was king of 3nglan%& an% he was no frien% to the Northmen. King 3irik& also& was in no great fa7our with himA an% the wor% went about that King Gatmun% woul% set another chief o7er Northumberlan%. Now when King 3irik hear% this& he set off on a 7iking cruise to the westwar%A an% from the $rkneys took with him the 3arls )rnkel an% 3rlen%& the sons of 3arl Torfeinar. Then he saile% to the Hebri%es& where there were many 7ikings an% troo' kings& who Boine% their men to his. =ith all this force he steere% to <relan% first& where he took with him all the men he coul%& an% then to +retlan%& an% 'lun%ere%A an% saile% thereafter south to 3nglan%& an% marau%e% there as elsewhere. The 'eo'le fle% before him where7er he a''eare%. )s King 3irik was a bol% warrior& an% ha% a great force& he truste% so much to his 'eo'le that he 'enetrate% far inlan% in the country& following an% 'lun%ering the fugiti7es. King Gatmun% ha% set a king& who was calle% $laf& to %efen% the lan%A an% he gathere% an innumerable mass of 'eo'le& with whom he marche% against King 3irik. ) %rea%fu1 battle ensue%& in which many 3nglishmen fellA but for one who fell came three in his 'lace out of the country behin%& an% when e7ening came on the loss of men turne% on the si%e of the Northmen& an% many 'eo'le fell. Towar%s the en% of the %ay& King 3irik an% fi7e kings with him fell. Three of them were ;uthorm an% his two sons& <7ar an% Harek5 there fell& also& Sigur% an% 2agn7al%A an% with them Torfeinar4s two sons& )rnkel an% 3rlen%. +esi%es these& there was a great slaughter of NorthmenA an% those who esca'e% went to Northumberlan%& an% brought the news to ;unhil% an% her sons ().*. 9"1#.

(. ;@NH<-* )N* H32 S$NS. =hen ;unhil% an% her sons knew for certain that King 3irik ha% fallen& after ha7ing 'lun%ere% the lan% of the King of 3nglan%& they thought there was no 'eace to be eD'ecte% for themA an% they ma%e themsel7es rea%y to %e'art from Northumberlan%& with all the shi's King 3irik ha% left& an% all the men who woul% go with them. They took also all the loose 'ro'erty& an% goo%s which they ha% gathere% 'artly as taDes in 3nglan%& 'artly as booty on their eD'e%itions. =ith their army they first steere% northwar% to $rkney& where Thorfin HausaklBufer was earl& a son of Torfeinar& an% took u' their station there for a time. 3irik4s sons sub%ue% these islan%s an% HBaltlan%& took scat for themsel7es& an% stai% there all the winterA but went on 7iking cruises in summer to the =est& an% 'lun%ere% in Scotlan% an% <relan%. )bout this ;lum ;eirason sings5 6The hero who knows well to ri%e The sea horse o4er the foamingti%e& He who in boyhoo% wil% ro%e o4er The seaman4s horse to Skanea4s shore. )n% showe% the *anes his galley4s bow& 2ight nobly scours the ocean now. $n Scotlan%4s coast he lights the bran% $f flaming warA with conFuering han% *ri7es many a Scottish warrior tall To the bright seats in $%in4s hall. The fire s'ark& by the fien% of war ?anne% to a flame& soon s'rea%s afar. Crow%s trembling fly& the southern foes ?all thick beneath the hero4s blows5 The hero4s bla%e %ri's re% with gore& Staining the green swar% on the shore.6

/. +)TT-3 <N G@T-)N*. =hen King 3irik ha% left the country& King Hakon& )thelstan4s foster son& sub%ue% the whole of Norway. The first winter ().*. 9:/# he 7isite% the western 'arts& an% then went north& an% settle% in Thron%hBem. +ut as no 'eace coul% be reasonably looke% for so long as King 3irik with his forces coul% come to Norway from the =est sea& he set himself with his men at arms in the mi%%le of the country& in the ?Bor% %istrict& or in Sogn& or Hor%alan%& or 2ogalan%. Hakon 'lace% Sigur% earl of Hla%er o7er the whole Throra%hBem %istrict& as he an% his father ha% before ha% it un%er Haral% Harfager. =hen King Hakon hear% of his brother 3irik4s %eath& an% also that his sons ha% no footing in 3nglan%& he thought there was not much to fear from them& an% he went with his troo's one summer eastwar% to >iken. )t that time the *anes 'lun%ere% often in >iken& an% wrought much e7il thereA but when they hear% that King Hakon was come with a great army& they got out of the way& to Hallan%A an% those who were nearest to King Hakon went out to sea& an% o7er to Gotlan% (Gutlan%#. =hen the king hear% of this& he saile% after them with all his army. $n arri7ing in Gutlan% he 'lun%ere% all

roun%A an% when the country 'eo'le hear% of it& they assemble% in a great bo%y& an% %etermine% to %efen% their lan%& an% fight. There was a great battleA an% King Hakon fought so bol%ly& that he went forwar% before his banner without helmet or coat of mail. King Hakon won the 7ictory& an% %ro7e the fugiti7es far u' the country. So says ;uthorm Sin%re& in his song of Hakon5 6?urrowing the %ee' blue sea with oars& The king 'ursues to Gutlan%4s shores. They metA an% in the battle storm $f clashing shiel%s& full many a form $f goo%ly warrior on the 'lain& ?ull many a cor'se by Hakon slain& ;lutte% the ra7ens& who from far& Scenting the banFuet feast of war& Came in black flocks to Gutlan%4s 'lains To %rink the bloo% wine from the 7eins.6

7. +)TT-3 <N 3C2)2S@N* (TH3 S$@N*#. Then Hakon steere% southwar%s with his fleet to seek the 7ikings& an% so on to Sealan%. He rowe% with two cutters into the 3yrarsun%& where he foun% ele7en 7iking shi's& an% instantly attacke% them. <t en%e% in his gaining the 7ictory& an% clearing the 7iking shi's of all their men. So says ;uthorm Sin%re5 6Hakon the +ra7e& whose skill all know To ben% in battle storm the bow& 2ushe% o4er the wa7es to Sealan%4s tongue& His two war shi's with gilt shiel%s hung& )n% cleare% the %ecks with his blue swor% That rules the fate of war& on boar% 3le7en shi's of the >in%lan% men. ?amous is Hakon4s name since then.6

8. K<N; H)K$N4S 3N13*<T<$N T$ *3N.)2K. Thereafter King Hakon carrie% war far an% wi%e in Sealan%A 'lun%ering some& slaying others& taking some 'risoners of war& taking ransom from others& an% all without o''osition. Then Hakon 'rocee%e% along the coast of Skane& 'illaging e7erywhere& le7ying taDes an% ransome from the country& an% killing all 7ikings& both *anish an% >in%ish. He then went eastwar%s to the %istrict of ;autlan%& marau%e% there& an% took great ransom from the country. So says ;uthorm Sin%re5 6Hakon& who mi%st the battle shock Stan%s like a firmly roote% oak& Sub%ue% all Sealan% with the swor%5 ?rom >in%lan% 7ikings the sea bor% $f Scania swe'tA an%& with the shiel% $f $%in cla%& ma%e ;autlan% yiel% ) ransom of the ru%%y gol%&

=hich Hakon to his war men bol% ;a7e with free han%& who in his feu% )gainst the arrow storm ha% stoo%.6 King Hakon returne% back in autumn with his army an% an immense bootyA an% remaine% all the winter ().*. 9"/# in >iken to %efen% it against the *anes an% ;autlan%ers& if they shoul% attack it.

9. $? K<N; T2C;>3. <n the same winter King Tryg7e $lafson returne% from a 7iking cruise in the =est sea& ha7ing before ra7age% in <relan% an% Scotlan%. <n s'ring ().*. 9"/# King Hakon went north& an% set his brother4s son& King Tryg7e& o7er >iken to %efen% that country against enemies. He ga7e him also in 'ro'erty all that he coul% reconFuer of the country in *enmark& which the summer before King Hakon ha% subBecte% to 'ayment of scat to him. So says ;uthorm5 6King Hakon& whose shar' swor% %yes re% The bright steel ca' on many a hea%& Has set a warrior bra7e an% stout The foreign foeman to kee' out& To kee' that green lan% safe from war =hich black Night bore to %warf )nnar (1#. ?or many a carle whose tra%e4s to wiel% The battle aDe& an% swing the shiel%& $n the swan4s ocean skates has come& <n white winge% shi's& across the foam& )cross the sea& from far <relan%& To war against the Norseman4s lan%.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The %warf )nnar was the husban% of Night& an% 3arth was their %aughter. -.

19. $? ;@NH<-* S S$NS. King Haral% ;ormson rule% o7er *enmark at that time. He took it much amiss that King Hakon ha% ma%e war in his %ominions& an% the re'ort went that he woul% take re7engeA but this %i% not take 'lace so soon. =hen ;unhil% an% her sons hear% there was enmity between *enmark an% Norway& they began to turn their course from the =est. They marrie% King 3irik4s %aughter& 2agnhil%& to )rnfin& a son of Thorfin HausaklBuferA an% as soon as 3irik4s sons went away& Thorfin took the earl%om again o7er the $rkney <slan%s. ;amle 3irikson was somewhat ol%er than the other brothers& but still he was not a grown man. =hen ;unhil% an% her sons came from the westwar% to *enmark& they were well recei7e% by King Haral%. He ga7e them great fiefs in his king%om& so that they coul% maintain themsel7es an% their men 7ery well. He also took Haral% 3irikson to be his foster son& set him on his knee&

an% thereafter he was brought u' at the *anish king4s court. Some of 3irik4s sons went out on 7iking eD'e%itions as soon as they were ol% enough& an% gathere% 'ro'erty& ra7aging all aroun% in the 3ast sea. They grew u' Fuickly to be han%some men& an% far beyon% their years in strength an% 'erfection. ;lum ;eirason tells of one of them in the ;rafel% song5 6<47e hear% that& on the 3astlan% coast& ;reat 7ictories were won an% lost. The king& whose han% is e7er grace% =ith gift to skal%& his banner 'lace% $n& an% still onA while& mi%st the 'lay $f swor%s& sung shar' his goo% swor%4s sway )s strong in arm as free of gol%& He thinn4% the ranks of warriors bol%.6 Then 3irik4s sons turne% northwar%s with their troo's to >iken an% marau%e% thereA but King Tryg7e ke't troo's on foot with which he met them& an% they ha% many a battle& in which the 7ictory was sometimes on one si%e& an% sometimes on the other. Sometimes 3irik4s sons 'lun%ere% in >iken& an% sometimes Tryg7e in Sealan% an% Hallan%.

11.

K<N; H)K$N )S ) -)= ;<>32.

)s long as Hakon was king in Norway& there was goo% 'eace between the bon%es an% merchantsA so that none %i% harm either to the life or goo%s of the other. ;oo% seasons also there were& both by sea an% lan%. King Hakon was of a remarkably cheerful %is'osition& cle7er in wor%s& an% 7ery con%escen%ing. He was a man of great un%erstan%ing also& an% bestowe% attention on law gi7ing. He ga7e out the ;ula thing4s laws on the a%7ice of Thorleif S'ake (the =ise#A also the ?rosta thing4s laws on the a%7ice of 3arl Sigur%& an% of other Thron%hBem men of wis%om. 3i%si7a thing laws were first establishe% in the country by Half%an the +lack& as has before been written.

1!. TH3 +<2TH $? 3)2- H)K$N TH3 ;23)T. King Hakon ke't Cule at Thron%hBem& an% 3arl Sigur% ha% ma%e a feast for him at Hla%er. The night of the first %ay of Cule the earl4s wife& +erglBot& was brought to be% of a boy chil%& which afterwar%s King Hakon 'oure% water o7er& an% ga7e him his own name. The boy grew u'& an% became in his %ay a mighty an% able man& an% was earl after his father& who was King Hakon4s %earest frien%.

1:. $? 3CST3<N TH3 +)*. 3ystein& a king of the @'lan%s& whom some calle% the ;reat& an% some the +a%& once on a time ma%e war in Thron%hBem& an% sub%ue%

3yna %istrict an% S'arbyggia %istrict& an% set his own son $nun% o7er themA but the Thron%hBem 'eo'le kille% him. Then King 3ystein ma%e another inroa% into Thron%hBem& an% ra7age% the lan% far an% wi%e& an% sub%ue% it. He then offere% the 'eo'le either his sla7e& who was calle% Thorer ?aDe& or his %og& whose name was Saur& to be their king. They 'referre% the %og& as they thought they woul% sooner get ri% of him. Now the %og was& by witchcraft& gifte% with three men4s wis%omA an% when he barke%& he s'oke one wor% an% barke% two. ) collar an% chain of gol% an% sil7er were ma%e for him& an% his courtiers carrie% him on their shoul%ers when the weather or ways were foul. ) throne was erecte% for him& an% he sat u'on a high 'lace& as kings are use% to sit. He %welt on 3yin <%re (<%re <sle#& an% ha% his mansion in a 'lace now calle% Saurshaug. <t is tol% that the occasion of his %eath was that the wol7es one %ay broke into his fol%& an% his courtiers stirre% him u' to %efen% his cattleA but when he ran %own from his moun%& an% attacke% the wol7es& they tore him into 'ieces. .any other eDtraor%inary things were %one by this King 3ystein against the Thron%hBem 'eo'le& an% in conseFuence of this 'ersecution an% trouble& many chiefs an% 'eo'le fle% an% left their u%al 'ro'erties.

1". G).T)-)N* )N* H3-S<N;G)-)N*. Ketil Gamte& a son of 3arl $nun% of S'arabu& went eastwar% across the mountain ri%ge& an% with him a great multitu%e& who took all their farm stock an% goo%s with them. They cleare% the woo%s& an% establishe% large farms& an% settle% the country afterwar%s calle% Gamtalan%. Thorer Helsing& Ketil4s gran%son& on account of a mur%er& ran away from Gamtalan% an% fle% eastwar% through the forest& an% settle% there. .any 'eo'le followe%& an% that country& which eDten%s eastwar% %own to the seacoast& was calle% HelsingBalan%A an% its eastern 'arts are inhabite% by Swe%es. Now when Haral% Harfager took 'ossession of the whole country many 'eo'le fle% before him& both 'eo'le of Thron%hBem an% of Naumu%al %istrictsA an% thus new settlers came to Gamtalan%& an% some all the way to HelsingBalan%. The HelsingBalan% 'eo'le tra7elle% into S7ithio% for their merchan%ise& an% thus became altogether subBects of that country. The Gamtalan% 'eo'le& again& were in a manner between the two countriesA an% nobo%y care% about them& until Hakon entere% into frien%ly intercourse with Gamtalan%& an% ma%e frien%s of the more 'owerful 'eo'le. Then they resorte% to him& an% 'romise% him obe%ience an% 'ayment of taDes& an% became his subBectsA for they saw nothing but what was goo% in him& an% being of Norwegian race they woul% rather stan% un%er his royal authority than un%er the king of Swe%en5 an% he ga7e them laws& an% rights to their lan%. )ll the 'eo'le of HelsingBalan% %i% the same& that is& all who were of Norwegian race& from the other si%e of the great mountain ri%ge.

1(. H)K$N S123)*S CH2<ST<)N<TC.

King Hakon was a goo% Christian when he came to NorwayA but as the whole country was heathen& with much heathenish sacrifice& an% as many great 'eo'le& as well as the fa7our of the common 'eo'le& were to be conciliate%& he resol7e% to 'ractice his Christianity in 'ri7ate. +ut he ke't Sun%ays& an% the ?ri%ay fasts& an% some token of the greatest holy %ays. He ma%e a law that the festi7al of Cule shoul% begin at the same time as Christian 'eo'le hel% it& an% that e7ery man& un%er 'enalty& shoul% brew a meal of malt into ale& an% therewith kee' the Cule holy as long as it laste%. +efore him& the beginning of Cule& or the slaughter night& was the night of mi% winter (*ec. 1"#& an% Cule was ke't for three %ays thereafter. <t was his intent& as soon as he ha% set himself fast in the lan%& an% ha% subBecte% the whole to his 'ower& to intro%uce Christianity. He went to work first by enticing to Christianity the men who were %earest to himA an% many& out of frien%shi' to him& allowe% themsel7es to be ba'tiEe%& an% some lai% asi%e sacrifices. He %welt long in the Thron%hBem %istrict& for the strength of the country lay thereA an% when he thought that& by the su''ort of some 'owerful 'eo'le there& he coul% set u' Christianity he sent a message to 3nglan% for a bisho' an% other teachersA an% when they arri7e% in Norway& Hakon ma%e it known that he woul% 'roclaim Christianity o7er all the lan%. The 'eo'le of .ore an% 2aums%al referre% the matter to the 'eo'le of Thron%hBem. King Hakon then ha% se7eral churches consecrate%& an% 'ut 'riests into themA an% when he came to Thron%hBem he summone% the bon%es to a Thing& an% in7ite% them to acce't Christianity. They ga7e an answer to the effect that they woul% %efer the matter until the ?rosta thing& at which there woul% be men from e7ery %istrict of the Thron%hBem country& an% then they woul% gi7e their %etermination u'on this %ifficult matter.

1/. )+$@T S)C2<?<C3S. Sigur%& earl of Hla%er& was one of the greatest men for sacrifices& an% so ha% Hakon his father beenA an% Sigur% always 'resi%e% on account of the king at all the festi7als of sacrifice in the Thron%hBem country. <t was an ol% custom& that when there was to be sacrifice all the bon%es shoul% come to the s'ot where the tem'le stoo% an% bring with them all that they reFuire% while the festi7al of the sacrifice laste%. To this festi7al all the men brought ale with themA an% all kin%s of cattle& as well as horses& were slaughtere%& an% all the bloo% that came from them was calle% 6hlaut6& an% the 7essels in which it was collecte% were calle% hlaut 7essels. Hlaut sta7es were ma%e& like s'rinkling brushes& with which the whole of the altars an% the tem'le walls& both outsi%e an% insi%e& were s'rinkle% o7er& an% also the 'eo'le were s'rinkle% with the bloo%A but the flesh was boile% into sa7oury meat for those 'resent. The fire was in the mi%%le of the floor of the tem'le& an% o7er it hung the kettles& an% the full goblets were han%e% across the fireA an% he who ma%e the feast& an% was a chief& blesse% the full goblets& an% all the meat of the sacrifice. )n% first $%in4s goblet was em'tie% for 7ictory an% 'ower to his kingA thereafter& Nior%4s an% ?reyBa4s goblets for 'eace an% a goo% season. Then it was the custom of

many to em'ty the brage goblet (1#A an% then the guests em'tie% a goblet to the memory of %e'arte% frien%s& calle% the remembrance goblet. Sigur% the earl was an o'en han%e% man& who %i% what was 7ery much celebrate%A namely& he ma%e a great sacrifice festi7al at Hla%er of which he 'ai% all the eD'enses. Kormak $gmun%son sings of it in his balla% of Sigur%5 6$f cu' or 'latter nee% has none The guest who seeks the generous one& Sigur% the ;enerous& who can trace His lineage from the giant raceA ?or Sigur%4s han% is bounteous& free& The guar%ian of the tem'les he. He lo7es the go%s& his liberal han% Scatters his swor%4s gains o4er the lan% 6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The brage goblet& o7er which 7ows were ma%e.

-.

17. TH3 ?2$ST) TH<N;. King Hakon came to the ?rosta thing& at which a 7ast multitu%e of 'eo'le were assemble%. )n% when the Thing was seate%& the king s'oke to the 'eo'le& an% began his s'eech with saying& it was his message an% entreaty to the bon%es an% househol%ing men& both great an% small& an% to the whole 'ublic in general& young an% ol%& rich an% 'oor& women as well as men& that they shoul% all allow themsel7es to be ba'tiEe%& an% shoul% belie7e in one ;o%& an% in Christ the son of .ary an% refrain from all sacrifices an% heathen go%sA an% shoul% kee' holy the se7enth %ay& an% abstain from all work on it& an% kee' a fast on the se7enth %ay. )s soon as the king ha% 'ro'ose% this to the bon%es& great was the murmur an% noise among the crow%. They com'laine% that the king wante% to take their labour an% their ol% faith from them& an% the lan% coul% not be culti7ate% in that way. The labouring men an% sla7es thought that they coul% not work if they %i% not get meatA an% they sai% it was the character of King Hakon& an% his father& an% all the family& to be generous enough with their money& but s'aring with their %iet. )sbBorn of .e%alhus in the ;aular%al stoo% u'& an% answere% thus to the king4s 'ro'osal5 6=e bon%es& King Hakon& when we electe% thee to be our king& an% got back our u%al rights at the Thing hel% in Thron%hBem& thought we ha% got into hea7enA but now we %on4t know whether we ha7e really got back our free%om& or whether thou wishest to make 7assa1s of us again by this eDtraor%inary 'ro'osal that we shoul% aban%on the ancient faith which our fathers an% forefathers ha7e hel% from the ol%est times& in the times when the %ea% were burnt& as well as since that they are lai% un%er moun%s& an% which& although they were bra7er than the 'eo'le of our %ays& has ser7e% us as a faith to the 'resent time. =e ha7e also hel% thee so %ear& that we ha7e allowe% thee to rule an% gi7e law an% right to all the country. )n% e7en now we bon%es will unanimously hol% by the law which thou gi7est us here in the ?rosta thing& an% to

which we ha7e also gi7en our assentA an% we will follow thee& an% ha7e thee for our king& as long as there is a li7ing man among us bon%es here in this Thing assemble%. +ut thou& king& must use some mo%eration towar%s us& an% only reFuire from us such things as we can obey thee in& an% are not im'ossible for us. <f& howe7er& thou wilt take u' this matter with a high han%& an% wilt try thy 'ower an% strength against us& we bon%es ha7e resol7e% among oursel7es to 'art with thee& an% to take to oursel7es some other chief& who will so con%uct himself towar%s us that we can freely an% safely enBoy that faith that suits our own inclinations. Now& king& thou must choose one or other of these con%itions before the Thing is en%e%.6 The bon%es ga7e lou% a''lause to this s'eech& an% sai% it eD'resse% their will& an% they woul% stan% or fall by what ha% been s'oken. =hen silence was again restore%& 3arl Sigur% sai%& 6<t is King Hakon4s will to gi7e way to you& the bon%es& an% ne7er to se'arate himself from your frien%shi'.6 The bon%es re'lie%& that it was their %esire that the king shoul% offer a sacrifice for 'eace an% a goo% year& as his father was want to %oA an% thereu'on the noise an% tumult cease%& an% the Thing was conclu%e%. 3arl Sigur% s'oke to the king afterwar%s& an% a%7ise% him not to refuse altogether to %o as the 'eo'le %esire%& saying there was nothing else for it but to gi7e way to the will of the bon%esA 6for it is& as thou hast hear% thyself& the will an% earnest %esire of the hea% 'eo'le& as well as of the multitu%e. Hereafter we may fin% a goo% way to manage it.6 )n% in this resolution the king an% earl agree% ().*. 9(9#.

18. K<N; H)K$N $??32S S)C2<?<C3S. The har7est thereafter& towar%s the winter season& there was a festi7al of sacrifice at Hla%er& an% the king came to it. <t ha% always been his custom before& when he was 'resent at a 'lace where there was sacrifice& to take his meals in a little house by himself& or with some few of his menA but the bon%es grumble% that he %i% not seat himself in his high seat at these the most Boyous of the meetings of the 'eo'le. The earl sai% that the king shoul% %o so this time. The king accor%ingly sat u'on his high seat. Now when the first full goblet was fille%& 3arl Sigur% s'oke some wor%s o7er it& blesse% it in $%in4s name& an% %rank to the king out of the hornA an% the king then took it& an% ma%e the sign of the cross o7er it. Then sai% Kar of ;ryting& 6=hat %oes the king mean by %oing soL =ill he not sacrificeL6 3arl Sigur% re'lies& 6The king is %oing what all of you %o& who trust to your 'ower an% strength. He is blessing the full goblet in the name of Thor& by making the sign of his hammer o7er it before he %rinks it.6 $n this there was Fuietness for the e7ening. The neDt %ay& when the 'eo'le sat %own to table& the bon%es 'resse% the king strongly to eat of horse flesh (1#A an% as he woul% on no account %o so& they wante% him to %rink of the sou'A an% as he woul% not %o this& they insiste% he shoul% at least taste the gra7yA an% on his refusal they were going to lay han%s on him. 3arl Sigur% came an% ma%e 'eace among them& by asking the king to hol% his mouth o7er the han%le of the kettle&

u'on which the fat smoke of the boile% horse flesh ha% settle% itselfA an% the king first lai% a linen cloth o7er the han%le& an% then ga'e% o7er it& an% returne% to the high seatA but neither 'arty was satisfie% with this. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# This eating of horse flesh at these religious festi7als was consi%ere% the most %irect 'roof of 'aganism in the following times& an% was 'unishe% by %eath or mutilation by Saint $laf. <t was a ceremony a''arently commemorati7e of their )siatic origin an% ancestors.

19. ?3)ST $? TH3 S)C2<?<C3 )T .$23. The winter thereafter the king 're'are% a Cule feast in .ore& an% eight chiefs resol7e% with each other to meet at it. ?our of them were from without the Thron%hBem %istrict namely& Kar of ;ryting& )sbBorn of .e%alhus& Thorberg of >arnes& an% $rm from -BoDaA an% from the Thron%hBem %istrict& +otolf of $l7ishaug& Narfe of Staf in >era%al& Thran% Hak from 3gg& an% Thorer Skeg from Husaby in 3yin <%re. These eight men boun% themsel7es& the four first to root out Christianity in Norway& an% the four others to oblige the king to offer sacrifice to the go%s. The four first went in four shi's southwar%s to .ore& an% kille% three 'riests& an% burnt three churches& an% then they returne%. Now& when King Hakon an% 3arl Sigur% came to .ore with their court& the bon%es assemble% in great numbersA an% imme%iately& on the first %ay of the feast& the bon%es insiste% har% with the king that he shoul% offer sacrifice& an% threatene% him with 7iolence if he refuse%. 3arl Sigur% trie% to make 'eace between them& an% brought it so far that the king took some bits of horse li7er& an% em'tie% all the goblets the bon%es fille% for him without the sign of the crossA but as soon as the feast was o7er& the king an% the earl returne% to Hla%er. The king was 7ery ill 'lease%& an% ma%e himself rea%y to lea7e Thron%hBem forthwith with all his 'eo'leA saying that the neDt time he came to Thron%hBem& he woul% come with such strength of men at arms that he woul% re'ay the bon%es for their enmity towar%s him. 3arl Sigur% entreate% the king not to take it amiss of the bon%esA a%%ing& that it was not wise to threaten them& or to make war u'on the 'eo'le within the country& an% es'ecially in the Thron%hBem %istrict& where the strength of the lan% layA but the king was so enrage% that he woul% not listen to a wor% from anybo%y. He went out from Thron%hBem& an% 'rocee%e% south to .ore& where he remaine% the rest of the winter& an% on to the s'ring season ().*. 9(9#A an% when summer came he assemble% men& an% the re'ort was that he inten%e% with this army to attack the Thron%hBem 'eo'le.

!9. +)TT-3 )T $;>)-*SN3S. +ut Bust as the king ha% embarke% with a great force of troo's&

the news was brought him from the south of the country& that King 3irik4s sons ha% come from *enmark to >iken an% ha% %ri7en King Tryg7e $lafson from his shi's at Sotanes& an% then ha% 'lun%ere% far an% wi%e aroun% in >iken& an% that many ha% submitte% to them. Now when King Hakon hear% this news& he thought that hel' was nee%e%A an% he sent wor% to 3arl Sigur%& an% to the other chiefs from whom he coul% eD'ect hel'& to hasten to his assistance. Sigur% the earl came accor%ingly with a great bo%y of men& among whom were all the Thron%hBem 'eo'le who ha% set u'on him the har%est to offer sacrificeA an% all ma%e their 'eace with the king& by the earl4s 'ersuasion. Now King Hakon saile% south along the coastA an% when he came south as far as Sta%& he hear% that 3irik4s sons were come to North )g%er. Then they a%7ance% against each other& an% met at Kormt. +oth 'arties left their shi's there& an% ga7e battle at $g7al%snes. +oth 'arties ha% a great force& an% it was a great battle. King Hakon went forwar% bra7ely& an% King ;uthorm 3irikson met him with his troo'& an% they eDchange% blows with each other. ;uthorm fell& an% his stan%ar% was cut %own. .any 'eo'le fell aroun% him. The army of 3irik4s sons then took flight to their shi's an% rowe% away with the loss of many a man. So says ;uthorm Sin%re5 6The king4s 7oice wake% the silent host =ho sle't besi%e the wil% sea coast& )n% ba%e the song of s'ear an% swor% $7er the battle 'lain be hear%. =here heroes4 shiel%s the lou%est rang& =here lou%est was the swor% bla%e4s clang& +y the sea shore at Kormt Soun%& Hakon felle% ;uthorm to the groun%.6 Now King Hakon returne% to his shi's& an% 'ursue% ;unhil%4s sons. )n% both 'arties saile% all they coul% sail& until they came to 3ast )%ger& from whence 3irik4s sons set out to sea& an% southwar%s for Gutlan% ().*. 9(9#. ;uthorm Sin%re s'eaks of it in his song5 6)n% ;uthorm4s brothers too& who know So skilfully to ben% the bow& The conFuering han% must also feel $f Hakon& go% of the bright steel& The sun go%& whose bright rays& that %art ?lame like& are swor%s that 'ierce the heart. =ell < remember how the King Hakon& the battle4s life an% s'ring& $4er the wi%e ocean cleare% away 3irik4s bra7e sons. They %urst not stay& +ut roun% their shi's4 si%es hung their shiel%s )n% fle% across the blue sea fiel%s.6 King Hakon returne% then northwar%s to Norway& but 3irik4s sons remaine% a long time in *enmark.

!1. K<N; H)K$N4S -)=S.

King Hakon after this battle ma%e a law& that all inhabite% lan% o7er the whole country along the sea coast& an% as far back from it as the salmon swims u' in the ri7ers& shoul% be %i7i%e% into shi' raths accor%ing to the %istrictsA an% it was fiDe% by law how many shi's there shoul% be from each %istrict& an% how great each shoul% be& when the whole 'eo'le were calle% out on ser7ice. ?or this outfit the whole inhabitants shoul% be boun% whene7er a foreign army came to the country. =ith this came also the or%er that beacons shoul% be erecte% u'on the hills& so that e7ery man coul% see from the one to the otherA an% it is tol% that a war signal coul% thus be gi7en in se7en %ays& from the most southerly beacon to the most northerly Thing seat in Halogalan%

!!. C$NC32N<N; 3<2<K4S S$NS. 3irik4s sons 'lun%ere% much on the +altic coasts an% sometimes& as before relate%& in NorwayA but so long as Hakon rule% o7er Norway there was in general goo% 'eace& an% goo% seasons& an% he was the most belo7e% of kings. =hen Hakon ha% reigne% about twenty years in Norway ().*. 9("#& 3irik4s sons came from *enmark with a 'owerful army& of which a great 'art consiste% of the 'eo'le who ha% followe% them on their eD'e%itionsA but a still greater army of *anes ha% been 'lace% at their %is'osal by King Haral% ;ormson. They saile% with a fair win% from >en%il& an% came to )g%erA an% then saile% northwar%s& night an% %ay& along the coast. +ut the beacons were not fire%& because it ha% been usual to look for them lighte% from the east onwar%s& an% nobo%y ha% obser7e% them from the east coastA an% besi%es King Hakon ha% set hea7y 'enalties for gi7ing false alarm& by lighting the beacons without occasion. The reason of this was& that shi's of war an% 7ikings cruise% about an% 'lun%ere% among the outlying islan%s& an% the country 'eo'le took them for 3irik4s sons& an% lighte% the beacons& an% set the whole country in trouble an% %rea% of war. Sometimes& no %oubt& the sons of 3irik were thereA but ha7ing only their own troo's& an% no *anish army with them& they returne% to *enmarkA an% sometimes these were other 7ikings. King Hakon was 7ery angry at this& because it cost both trouble an% money to no 'ur'ose. The bon%es also suffere% by these false alarms when they were gi7en uselesslyA an% thus it ha''ene% that no news of this eD'e%ition of 3irik4s sons circulate% through the lan% until they ha% come as far north as @lfasun%& where they lay for se7en %ays. Then s'ies set off across 3i% an% northwar%s to .ore. King Hakon was at that time in the islan% ?re%e& in North .ore& at a 'lace calle% +irkistran%& where he ha% a %welling house& an% ha% no troo's with him& only his bo%yguar% or court& an% the neighbouring bon%es he ha% in7ite% to his house.

!:. $? 3;<- @-S32K. The s'ies came to King Hakon& an% tol% him that 3irik4s sons& with a great army& lay Bust to the south of Sta%. Then he calle% together the most un%erstan%ing of the men about him& an% aske%

their o'inion& whether he shoul% fight with 3irik4s sons& although they ha% such a great multitu%e with them& or shoul% set off northwar%s to gather together more men. Now there was a bon%e there& by name 3gil @lserk& who was a 7ery ol% man& but in former %ays ha% been strong an% stout beyon% most men& an% a har%y man at arms withal& ha7ing long carrie% King Haral% Harfager4s banner. 3gil answere% thus to the king4s s'eech& 6< was in se7eral battles with thy father Haral% the king& an% he ga7e battle sometimes with many& sometimes with few 'eo'leA but he always came off with 7ictory. Ne7er %i% < hear him ask counsel of his frien%s whether he shoul% fly an% neither shalt thou get any such counsel from us& kingA but as we know we ha7e a bra7e lea%er& thou shalt get a trusty following from us.6 .any others agree% with this s'eech& an% the king himself %eclare% he was most incline% to fight with such strength as they coul% gather. <t was so %etermine%. The king s'lit u' a war arrow& which he sent off in all %irections& an% by that token a number of men was collecte% in all haste. Then sai% 3gil @lserk& 6)t one time the 'eace ha% laste% so long < was afrai% < might come to %ie the %eath of ol% age (1#& within %oors u'on a be% of straw& although < woul% rather fall in battle following my chief. )n% now it may so turn out in the en% as < wishe% it to be.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# <n all the sagas of this 'agan time& the %ying on a be% of sickness is mentione% as a kin% of %erogatory en% of a man of any celebrity. -. !". +)TT-3 )T ?23*)2+32;.

3irik4s sons saile% northwar%s aroun% Sta%A as soon as the win% suite%A an% when they ha% 'asse% it& an% hear% where King Hakon was& they saile% to meet him. King Hakon ha% nine shi's& with which he lay un%er ?re%arberg in ?eeysun%A an% 3irik4s sons ha% twenty shi's& with which they brought u' on the south si%e of the same ca'e& in ?eeysun%. King Hakon sent them a message& asking them to go u'on the lan%A an% telling them that he ha% he%ge% in with haEel boughs a 'lace of combat at 2astarkalf& where there is a flat large fiel%& at the foot of a long an% rather low ri%ge. Then 3irik4s sons left their shi's& an% went northwar%s o7er the neck of lan% within ?re%arberg& an% onwar% to 2astarkalf. Then 3gil aske% King Hakon to gi7e him ten men with ten banners& an% the king %i% so. Then 3gil went with his men un%er the ri%geA but King Hakon went out u'on the o'en fiel% with his army& an% set u' his banner& an% %rew u' his army& saying& 6-et us %raw u' in a long line& that they may not surroun% us& as they ha7e the most men.6 )n% so it was %oneA an% there was a se7ere battle& an% a 7ery shar' attack. Then 3gil @lserk set u' the ten banners he ha% with him& an% 'lace% the men who carrie% them so that they shoul% go as near the summit of the ri%ge as 'ossible& an% lea7ing a s'ace between each of them. They went so near the summit that the banners coul% be seen o7er it& an% mo7e% on as if they were coming behin% the army of 3irik4s sons. Now when the men who stoo% u''ermost in the line of the troo's of 3irik4s sons saw so many flying banners a%7ancing high o7er the e%ge of the

ri%ge& they su''ose% a great force must be following& who woul% come behin% their army& an% between them an% their shi's. They ma%e each other acFuainte% with what was going on in a lou% shout& an% the whole took to flightA an% when the king saw it& they fle% with the rest. King Hakon now 'ushes on briskly with his 'eo'le& 'ursuing the flying& an% killing many.

(. $? K<N; ;).-3. =hen ;amle 3irikson came u' the ri%ge of the hill he turne% roun%& an% he obser7e% that not more 'eo'le were following than his men ha% been engage% with alrea%y& an% he saw it was but a stratagem of warA so he or%ere% the war horns to be blown& his banner to be set u'& an% he 'ut his men in battle or%er. $n this& all his Northmen stoo%& an% turne% with him& but the *anes fle% to the shi'sA an% when King Hakon an% his men came thither& there was again shar' conflictA but now Hakon ha% most 'eo'le. )t last the 3irik4s sons4 force fle%& an% took the roa% south about the hillA but a 'art of their army retreate% u'on the hill southwar%s& followe% by King Hakon. There is a flat fiel% east of the ri%ge which runs westwar% along the range of hills& an% is boun%e% on its west si%e by a stee' ri%ge. ;amle4s men retreate% towar%s this groun%A but Hakon followe% so closely that he kille% some& an% others ran west o7er the ri%ge& an% were kille% on that si%e of it. King Hakon %i% not 'art with them till the last man of them was kille%.

!/. K<N; ;).-3 )N* @-S32K ?)--. ;amle 3irikson fle% from the ri%ge %own u'on the 'lain to the south of the hill. There he turne% himself again& an% waite% until more 'eo'le gathere% to him. )ll his brothers& an% many troo's of their men& assemble% there. 3gil @lserk was in front& an% in a%7ance of Hakon4s men& an% ma%e a stout attack. He an% King ;amle eDchange% blows with each other& an% King ;amle got a grie7ous woun%A but 3gil fell& an% many 'eo'le with him. Then came Hakon the king with the troo's which ha% followe% him& an% a new battle began. King Hakon 'ushe% on& cutting %own men on both si%es of him& an% killing the one u'on the to' of the other. So sings ;uthorm Sin%re5 6Scare% by the shar' swor%4s singing soun%& +ran%ishe% in air& the foe ga7e groun%. The bol%est warrior cannot stan% +efore King Hakon4s conFueringhan%A )n% the king4s banner e7er %ies =here the s'ear forests thickest rise. )ltho4 the king ha% gaine% of ol% 3nough of ?reyBa4s tears of gol% (1#& He s'are% himself no more than tho4 He4% ha% no well fille% 'urse to show.6 =hen 3irik4s sons saw their men falling all roun%& they turne%

an% fle% to their shi'sA but those who ha% sought the shi's before ha% 'ushe% off some of them from the lan%& while some of them were still haule% u' an% on the stran%. Now the sons of 3irik an% their men 'lunge% into the sea& an% betook themsel7es to swimming. ;amle 3irikson was %rowne%A but the other sons of 3irik reache% their shi's& an% set sail with what men remaine%. They steere% southwar%s to *enmark& where they sto''e% a while& 7ery ill satisfie% with their eD'e%ition. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# ?reyBa4s husban% was $%A an% her tears& when she we't at the long absence of her husban%& were tears of gol%. $%4s wife4s tears is the skal%4s eD'ression here for gol% un%erstoo%& no %oubt& as rea%ily as any allusion to 1lutus woul% con7ey the eFui7alent meaning in mo%ern 'oetry. -.

!7. 3;<- @-S32K4S +@2<)- ;2$@N*. King Hakon took all the shi's of the sons of 3irik that ha% been left u'on the stran%& an% ha% them %rawn Fuite u'& an% brought on the lan%. Then he or%ere% that 3gil @lserk& an% all the men of his army who ha% fallen& shoul% be lai% in the shi's& an% co7ere% entirely o7er with earth an% stones. King Hakon ma%e many of the shi's to be %rawn u' to the fiel% of battle& an% the hillocks o7er them are to be seen to the 'resent %ay a little to the south of ?re%arberg. )t the time when King Hakon was kille%& when ;lum ;eirason& in his song& boaste% of King Hakon4s fall& 3y7in% Skal%as'iller com'ose% these 7erses on this battle5 6$ur %auntless king with ;amle4s gore S'rinkle% his bright swor% o4er an% o4er5 S'rinkle% the gag that hol%s the mouth $f the fell %emon ?enriswolf (1#. 1rou% swelle% our warriors4 hearts when he *ro7e 3irik4s sons out to the sea& =ith all their ;uatlan% host5 but now $ur warriors wee' Hakon lies lowK6 High stan%ing stones mark 3gil @slerk s gra7e. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The ?enriswolf. one of the chil%ren of -oke. begotten with a giantess& was chaine% to a rock& an% gagge% by a swor% 'lace% in his mouth& to 're7ent him %e7ouring mankin%. ?enriswolf4s gag is a skal%ic eD'ression for a swor%. -.

!8. N3=S $? =)2 C$.3S T$ K<N; H)K$N. =hen King Hakon& )thelstan4s foster son& ha% been king for twenty siD years after his brother 3irik ha% left the country& it ha''ene% ().*. 9/9# that he was at a feast in Hor%alan% in the

house at ?itBar on the islan% Stor%& an% he ha% with him at the feast his court an% many of the 'easants. )n% Bust as the king was seate% at the su''er table& his watchmen who were outsi%e obser7e% many shi's coming sailing along from the south& an% not 7ery far from the islan%. Now& sai% the one to the other& they shoul% inform the king that they thought an arme% force was coming against themA but none thought it a%7isable to be the bearer of an alarm of war to the king& as he ha% set hea7y 'enalties on those who raise% such alarms falsely& yet they thought it unsuitable that the king shoul% remain in ignorance of what they saw. Then one of them went into the room an% aske% 3y7in% ?inson to come out as fast as 'ossible& for it was 7ery nee%ful. 3y7in% imme%iately came out an% went to where he coul% see the shi's& an% saw %irectly that a great army was on the wayA an% he returne% in all haste into the room& an%& 'lacing himself before the kin%& sai%& 6Short is the hour for acting& an% long the hour for feasting.6 The king cast his eyes u'on him& an% sai%& 6=hat now is in the wayL6 3y7in% sai% 6@' kingK the a7engers are at han%K 3irik4s bol% sons a''roach the lan%K The Gu%gment of the swor% they cra7e )gainst their foe. Thy wrath < bra7eA Tho4 well < know 4tis no light thing To bring war ti%ings to the king )n% tell him 4tis no time to rest. @'K gir% your armour to your breast5 Thy honour4s %earer than my lifeA Therefore < say& u' to the strifeK6 Then sai% the king& 6Thou art too bra7e a fellow& 3y7in%& to bring us any false alarm of war.6 The others all sai% it was a true re'ort. The king or%ere% the tables to be remo7e%& an% then he went out to look at the shi'sA an% when it coul% be clearly seen that these were shi's of war& the king aske% his men what resolution they shoul% take whether to gi7e battle with the men they ha%& or go on boar% shi' an% sail away northwar%s along the lan%. 6?or it is easy to see&6 sai% he& 6that we must now fight against a much greater force than we e7er ha% against us beforeA although we thought Bust the same the last time we fought against ;unhil%4s sons.6 No one was in a hurry to gi7e an answer to the kingA but at last 3y7in% re'lie% to the king4s s'eech5 6Thou who in the battle 'lain Hast often 'oure% the shar' s'ear rainK <ll it beseems our warriors bra7e To fly u'on the ocean wa7e5 To fly u'on the blue wa7e north& =hen Haral% from the south comes forth& =ith many a shi' ri%ing in 'ri%e @'on the foaming ocean ti%eA =ith many a shi' an% southern 7iking& -et us take shiel% in han%& bra7e kingK6 The king re'lie%& 6Thy counsel& 3y7in%& is manly& an% after my own heartA but < will hear the o'inion of others u'on this matter.6 Now as the king4s men thought they %iscerne% what way

the king was incline% to take& they answere% that they woul% rather fall bra7ely an% like men& than fly before the *anesA a%%ing& that they ha% often gaine% the 7ictory against greater o%%s of numbers. The king thanke% them for their resolution& an% ba%e them arm themsel7esA an% all the men %i% so. The king 'ut on his armour& an% gir%e% on his swor% K7ernbit& an% 'ut a gilt helmet u'on his hea%& an% took a s'ear (KesBa# in his han%& an% a shiel% by his si%e. He then %rew u' his courtmen an% the bon%es in one bo%y& an% set u' his banner.

!9. TH3 )2.).3NT $? 3<2<K4S S$NS. )fter ;amle4s %eath King Haral%& 3irik4s son& was the chief of the brothers& an% he ha% a great army with him from *enmark. <n their army were also their mother4s brothers& 3y7in% SkreyBa& an% )lf )skman& both strong an% able men& an% great man slayers. The sons of 3irik brought u' with their shi's off the islan%& an% it is sai% that their force was not less than siD to one& so much stronger in men were 3irik4s sons.

:9. K<N; H)K$N4S +)TT-3 )22)C. =hen King Hakon ha% %rawn u' his men& it is tol% of him that he threw off his armour before the battle began. So sings 3y7in% Skal%as'iller& in Hakmarmal5 6They foun% +lorn4s brother bol% @n%er his banner as of ol%& 2ea%y for battle. ?oes a%7ance& The front rank raise the shining lance5 )n% now begins the bloo%y frayK NowK now begins Hil%4s wil% 'layK $ur noble king& whose name strikes fear <nto each *anish heart& whose s'ear Has single han%e% s'ilt the bloo% $f many a *anish noble& stoo% +eneath his helmet4s eagle wing )mi%st his guar%sA but the bra7e king Scorne% to wear armour& while his men +are% nake% breasts against the rain $f s'ear an% arrow& his breast 'late rung )gainst the stonesA an%& blithe an% gay& He rushe% into the thickest fray. =ith gol%en helm& an% nake% breast& +ra7e Hakon 'laye% at slaughter4s feast.6 King Hakon selecte% willingly such men for his guar% or court men as were %istinguishe% for their strength an% bra7ery& as his father King Haral% also use% to %oA an% among these was Thoralf Skolmson the Strong& who went on one si%e of the king. He ha% helmet an% shiel%& s'ear an% swor%A an% his swor% was calle% by the name of ?ootbrea%th. <t was sai% that Thoralf an% King Hakon were eFual in strength. Thor% SBarekson s'eaks of it in the 'oem

he com'ose% concerning Thoralf5 6The king4s men went with merry wor%s To the shar' clash of shiel%s an% flame swor%s& =hen these wil% ro7ers of the sea )t ?itlar fought. Stout Thoralf he NeDt to the Northmen4s hero came& Scattering wi%e roun% the battle flame ?or in the storm of shiel%s not one >enture% like him with bra7e Hakon.6 =hen both lines met there was a har% combat& an% much bloo%she%. The combatants threw their s'ears an% then %rew their swor%s. Then King Hakon& an% Thoralf with him& went in a%7ance of the banner& cutting %own on both si%es of them. So says 3y7in% Skal%as'iller5 6The bo%y coats of nake% steel& The wo7en iron coats of mail& -ike water fly before the swing $f Hakon4s swor% the cham'ion king. )bout each ;otlan% war man4s hea% Helm s'lits& like ice beneath the trea%& Clo7en by the aDe or shar' swor%bla%e& The bra7e king& foremost in the fight& *yes crimson re% the s'otless white $f his bright shiel% with foemen4s gore. )mi%st the battle4s wil% u'roar& =il% 'ealing roun% from shore to shore.6

:1. ?)-- $? SK23CG) )N* )SK.)N. King Hakon was 7ery cons'icuous among other men& an% also when the sun shone his helmet glance%& an% thereby many wea'ons were %irecte% at him. Then 3y7in% ?inson took a hat an% 'ut it o7er the king4s helmet. Now 3y7in% SkreyBa calle% out& 6*oes the king of the Norsemen hi%e himself& or has he fle%L =here is now the gol%en helmetL6 Then 3y7in%& an% his brother )lf with him& 'ushe% on like fools or ma%men. King Hakon shoute% to 3y7in%& 6Come on as thou art coming& an% thou shalt fin% the king of the Norsemen.6 So says 3y7in% Skal%as'iller5 6The raiser of the storm of shiel%s& The conFueror in battle fiel%s& Hakon the bra7e& the warrior4s frien%& =ho scatters gol% with liberal han%& Hear% SkreyBa4s taunt& an% saw him rush& )mi%st the shar' s'ears4 thickest 'ush& )n% lou%ly shoute% in re'ly I<f thou wilt for the 7ictory try& The Norseman4s king thou soon shall fin%K Hol% onwar%s& frien%K Hast thou a min%K6 <t was also but a short s'ace of time before 3y7in% %i% come u' swinging his swor%& an% ma%e a cut at the kingA but Thoralf

thrust his shiel% so har% against 3y7in% the shock. Now the king takes his swor% han%s& an% hewe% 3y7in% through helm an% to the shoul%ers. Thoralf also slew )lf Skal%as'iller5

that he tottere% with K7ernbit with both hea%& an% clo7e him %own )skman. So says 3y7in%

6=ith both his han%s the gallant king Swung roun% his swor%& an% to the chin Clo7e 3y7in% %own5 his faithless mail )gainst it coul% no more a7ail& Than the thin 'lank against the shock =hen the shi'4s si%e beats on the rock. +y his bright swor% with gol%en haft Thro4 helm& an% hea%& an% hair& was cleft The *anish cham'ionA an% amain& =ith terror smitten& fle% his men.6 )fter this fall of the two brothers& King Hakon 'resse% on so har% that all men ga7e way before his assault. Now fear came o7er the army of 3irik4s sons& an% the men began to flyA an% King Hakon& who was at the hea% of his men& 'resse% on the flying& an% hewe% %own oft an% har%. Then flew an arrow& one of the kin% calle% 6flein6& into Hakon4s arm& into the muscles below the shoul%erA an% it is sai% by many 'eo'le that ;unhil%4s shoe boy& whose name was Kis'ing& ran out an% forwar%s ami%st the confusion of arms& calle% out 6.ake room for the king killer&6 an% shot King Hakon with the flein. $thers again say that nobo%y coul% tell who shot the king& which is in%ee% the most likelyA for s'ears& arrows& an% all kin%s of missiles flew as thick as a snow %rift. .any of the 'eo'le of 3irik4s sons were kille%& both on the fiel% of battle an% on the way to the shi's& an% also on the stran%& an% many threw themsel7es into the water. .any also& among whom were 3irik4s sons& got on boar% their shi's& an% rowe% away as fast as they coul%& an% Hakon4s men after them. So says Thor% SBarekson5 6The wolf. the mur%erer& an% the thief& ?le% from before the 'eo'le4s chief5 ?ew breakers of the 'eace grew ol% @n%er the Northmen4s king so bol%. =hen gallant Hakon lost his life +lack was the %ay& an% %ire the strife. <t was ba% work for ;unhil%4s sons& -ea%ing their 'ack of Hungry *anes ?rom out the south& to ha7e to fly& )n% many a bon%e lea7e to %ie& -eaning his hea7y woun%e% hea% $n the oar bench for feather be%. Thoralf was nearest to the si%e $f gallant Hakon in the ti%e $f battleA his the swor% that best Car7e% out the ra7en4s bloo%y feast5 )mi%st the hea's of foemen slain He was name% bra7est on the 'lain.6

:!. H)K$N4S *3)TH. =hen King Hakon came out to his shi' he ha% his woun% boun% u'A but the bloo% ran from it so much an% so constantly& that it coul% not be sto''e%A an% when the %ay was %rawing to an en% his strength began to lea7e him. Then he tol% his men that he wante% to go northwar%s to his house at )lrekssta%erA but when he came north& as far as Hakonarhella Hill& they 'ut in towar%s the lan%& for by this time the king was almost lifeless. Then he calle% his frien%s aroun% him& an% tol% them what he wishe% to be %one with regar% to his king%om. He ha% only one chil%& a %aughter& calle% Thora& an% ha% no son. Now he tol% them to sen% a message to 3irik4s sons& that they shoul% be kings o7er the countryA but aske% them to hol% his frien%s in res'ect an% honour. 6)n% if fate&6 a%%e% he& 6shoul% 'rolong my life& < will& at any rate& lea7e the country& an% go to a Christian lan%& an% %o 'enance for what < ha7e %one against ;o%A but shoul% < %ie in heathen lan%& gi7e me any burial you think fit.6 Shortly afterwar%s Hakon eD'ire%& at the little hill on the shore si%e at which he was born. So great was the sorrow o7er Hakon4s %eath& that he was lamente% both by frien%s an% enemiesA an% they sai% that ne7er again woul% Norway see such a king. His frien%s remo7e% his bo%y to Saeheim& in North Hor%alan%& an% ma%e a great moun%& in which they lai% the king in full armour an% in his best clothes& but with no other goo%s. They s'oke o7er his gra7e& as heathen 'eo'le are use% to %o& an% wishe% him in >alhal. 3y7in% Skal%as'iller com'ose% a 'oem on the %eath of King Hakon& an% on how well he was recei7e% in >alhal. The 'oem is calle% 6Hakonarmal65 6<n $%in4s hall an em'ty 'lace Stan%s for a king of Cng7e4s raceA I;o& my 7alkyries&4 $%in sai%& I;o forth& my angels of the %ea%& ;on%ul an% Skogul& to the 'lain *renche% with the battle4s bloo%y rain& )n% to the %ying Hakon tell& Here in >alhal shall he %well.4 6)t Stor%& so late a lonely shore& =as hear% the battle4s wil% u'roarA The lightning of the flashing swor% +urne% fiercely at the shore of Stor%. ?rom le7elle% halber% an% s'earhea% -ife bloo% was %ro''ing fast an% re%A )n% the keen arrows4 biting sleet @'on the shore at Stor% fast beat. 6@'on the thun%ering clou% of shiel% ?lashe% bright the swor% storm o4er the fiel%A )n% on the 'late mail rattle% lou% The arrow shower4s rushing clou%& <n $%in4s tem'est weather& there Swift whistling through the angry airA )n% the s'ear torrents swe't away 2anks of bra7e men from light of %ay.

6=ith batter4% shiel%& an% bloo% smear4% swor% Slits one besi%e the shore of Stor%& =ith armour crushe% an% gashe% sits he& ) grim an% ghastly sight to seeA )n% roun% about in sorrow stan% The warriors of his gallant ban%5 +ecause the king of *ags4 ol% race <n $%in4s hall must fill a 'lace. 6Then u' s'ake ;on%ul& stan%ing near 2esting u'on her long ash s'ear& IHakonK the go%s4 cause 'ros'ers well& )n% thou in $%in4s halls shalt %wellK4 The king besi%e the shore of Stor% The s'eech of the 7alkyrie hear%& =ho sat there on his coal black stee%& =ith shiel% on arm an% helm on hea%. 6Thoughtful& sai% Hakon& ITell me why 2uler of battles& 7ictory <s so %ealt out on Stor%4s re% 'lainL Ha7e we not well %eser7e% to gainL4 I)n% is it not as well %ealt outL4 Sai% ;on%ul. IHearest thou not the shoutL The fiel% is cleare% the foemen run The %ay is ours the battle wonK4 6Then Skogul sai%& I.y coal black stee%& Home to the go%s < now must s'ee%& To their green home& to tell the ti%ing That Hakon4s self is thither ri%ing.4 To Hermo% an% to +rage then Sai% $%in& IHere& the first of men& +ra7e Hakon comes& the Norsemen4s king& ;o forth& my welcome to him bring.4 6?resh from the battle fiel% came in& *ri''ing with bloo%& the Norsemen4a king. I.ethinks&4 sai% he& great $%in4s will <s harsh& an% bo%es me further illA Thy son from off the fiel% to %ay ?rom 7ictory to snatch awayK4 +ut $%in sai%& I+e thine the Boy >alhal gi7es& my own bra7e boyK4 6)n% +rage sai%& I3ight brothers here =elcome thee to >alhal4s cheer& To %rain the cu'& or fights re'eat =here Hakon 3irik4s earls beat.4 Huoth the stout king& 4)n% shall my gear& Helm& swor%& an% mail coat& aDe an% s'ear& +e still at han%K 4Tis goo% to hol% ?ast by our trusty frien%s of ol%.4 6=ell was it seen that Hakon still Ha% sa7e% the tem'les from all ill (1#A ?or the whole council of the go%s

=elcome% the king to their abo%es. Ha''y the %ay when men are born -ike Hakon& who all base things scorn. =in from the bra7e an% honoure% name& )n% %ie ami%st an en%less fame. 6Sooner shall ?enriswolf %e7our The race of man from shore to shore& Than such a grace to kingly crown )s gallant Hakon want renown. -ife& lan%& frien%s& riches& all will fly& )n% we in sla7ery shall sigh. +ut Hakon in the blesse% abo%es ?or e7er li7es with the bright go%s.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Hakon& although a Christian& a''ears to ha7e fa7oure% the ol% religion& an% s'are% the tem'les of $%in& an% therefore a 'lace in >alhal is assigne% him. -.

S);) $? K<N; H)2)-* ;2)?3-* )N* $? 3)2- H)K$N S$N $? S<;@2*. 123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS This saga might be calle% ;unhil%4s Saga& as she is the chief 'erson in it. The reign of King Haral% an% 3arl Hakon is more fully %escribe% in the neDt saga& that is& $laf Tryg7ason4s. $ther literature on this e'och5 6)gri'6 (cha'. 8#& 6Historia Nor7egia6& ('. 1!#& 6ThBo%rek6 (cha'. (#& 6SaDo6 (''. "79 "8!#& 63gla6 (cha's. 81& 8!#& 6?loamanna6 (cha'. 1!#& 6?areyinga6 (cha's. !& "& 19#& 6Halfre%4s Saga6 (cha'. !#& 6Hor% ;rimkelsons Saga6 (cha's. 1:& 18#& 6Kormak6 (cha's. 19 !7#& 6-aD%aela6 (cha's. 19 !1#& 6NBala6 (cha's& : /#. The skal%s of this saga are5 ;lum ;eirason& Kormak )gmun%son& 3y7in% Skal%as'iller& an% 3inar Helgason Skalaglam.

1. ;$>32N.3NT $? TH3 S$NS $? 3<2<K. =hen King Hakon was kille%& the sons of 3irik took the so7ereignty of Norway. Haral%& who was the ol%est of the li7ing brothers& was o7er them in %ignity. Their mother ;unhil%& who was calle% the King mother& miDe% herself much in the affairs of the country. There were many chiefs in the lan% at that time. There was Tryg7e $lafson in the 3astlan%& ;u%ro% +Bornson in >estfol%& Sigur% earl of Hla%er in the Thron%hBem lan%A but ;unhil%4s sons hel% the mi%%le of the country the first winter. There went messages an% ambassa%ors between ;unhil%4s sons an% Tryg7e an% ;u%ro%& an% all was settle% u'on the footing that they

shoul% hol% from ;unhil%4s sons the same 'art of the country which they formerly ha% hel% un%er King Hakon. ) man calle% ;lum ;eirason& who was King Haral%4s skal%& an% was a 7ery bra7e man& ma%e this song u'on King Hakon4s %eath5 6;amle is a7enge% by Haral%K ;reat is thy %ee%& thou cham'ion bol%K The rumour of it came to me <n %istant lan%s beyon% the sea& How Haral% ga7e King Hakon4s bloo% To $%in4s ra7ens for their foo%.6 This song was much fa7oure%. =hen 3y7in% ?inson hear% of it he com'ose% the song which was gi7en before& 7iE.5 6$ur %auntless king with ;amle4s gore S'rinkle% his bright swor% o4er an% o4er&6 Oc. This song also was much fa7oure%& an% was s'rea% wi%ely abroa%A an% when King Haral% came to hear of it& he lai% a charge against 37yin% affecting his lifeA but frien%s ma%e u' the Fuarrel& on the con%ition that 3y7in% shoul% in future be Haral%4s skal%& as he ha% formerly been King Hakon4s. There was also some relationshi' between them& as ;unhil%& 3y7in%4s mother& was a %aughter of 3arl Half%an& an% her mother was <ngibBorg& a %aughter of Haral% Harfager. Thereafter 3y7in% ma%e a song about King Haral%5 6;uar%ian of Norway& well we know Thy heart faile% not when from the bow The 'iercing arrow hail shar' rang $n shiel% an% breast 'late& an% the clang $f swor% resoun%e% in the 'ress $f battle& like the s'litting iceA ?or Haral%& wil% wolf of the woo%& .ust %rink his fill of foeman4s bloo%.6 ;unhil%4s sons resi%e% mostly in the mi%%le of the country& for they %i% not think it safe for them to %well among the 'eo'le of Thron%hBem or of >iken& where King Hakon4s best frien%s li7e%A an% also in both 'laces there were many 'owerful men. 1ro'osals of agreement then 'asse% between ;unhil%Ms sons an% 3arl Sigur%& Por they got no scat from the Thron%hBem countryA an% at last an agreement was conclu%e% between the kings an% the earl& an% confirme% by oath. 3arl Sigur% was to get the same 'ower in the Thron%hBem lan% which he ha% 'ossesse% un%er King Hakon& an% on that they consi%ere% themsel7es at 'eace. )ll ;unhil%4s sons ha% the character of being 'enuriousA an% it was sai% they hi% their money in the groun%. 3y7in% Skal%as'iller ma%e a song about this5 6.ain mast of battleK Haral% bol%K <n Hakon4s %ays the skal% wore gol% @'on his falcon4s seatA he wore 2olf Krake4s see%& the yellow ore Sown by him as he fle% away& The a7enger )%ils4 s'ee% to stay.

The gol% cro' grows u'on the 'lainA +ut ?ro%e4s girls so gay (1# in 7ain ;rin% out the gol%en meal& while those =ho rule o4er Norway4s realm like foes& <n mother earth4s ol% bosom hi%e The wealth which Hakon far an% wi%e Scattere% with generous han%5 the sun Shone in the %ays of that great one& $n the gol% ban% of ?ulla4s brow&(!# $n gol% ringe% han%s that ben% the bow& $n the skal%4s han%A but of the ray $f bright gol%& glancing like the s'ray $f sun lit wa7es& no skal% now sings +urie% are gol%en chains an% rings.6 Now when King Haral% hear% this song& he sent a message to 3y7in% to come to him& an% when 3y7in% came ma%e a charge against him of being unfaithful. 6)n% it ill becomes thee&6 sai% the king& 6to be my enemy& as thou hast entere% into my ser7ice.6 3y7in% then ma%e these 7erses5 6$ne lor% < ha% before thee& Haral%K $ne %ear lo7e% lor%K Now am < ol%& )n% %o not wish to change again& To that lo7e% lor%& through strife an% 'ain& ?aithful < stoo%A still true to Hakon& To my goo% king& an% him alone. +ut now <4m ol% an% useless grown& .y han%s are em'ty& wealth is flownA < am but fir for a short s'ace <n thy court hall to fill a 'lace.6 +ut King Haral% force% 3y7in% to submit himself to his clemency. 3y7in% ha% a great gol% ring& which was calle% .ol%e& that ha% been %ug u' out of the earth long since. This ring the King sai% he must ha7e as the mulet for the offenceA an% there was no hel' for it. Then 3y7in% sang5 6< go across the ocean foam& Swift skating to my <celan% home @'on the ocean skates& fast %ri7en +y gales by Thurse4s witch fire gi7en. ?or from the falcon bearing han% Haral% has 'lucke% the gol% snake ban% .y father wore by lawless might Has taken what is mine by right.6 3y7in% went homeA but it is not tol% that he e7er came near the king again. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# .enBa an% ?enBa were strong girls of the giant race& whom ?ro%e bought in Swe%en to grin% gol% an% goo% luck to himA an% their meal means gol%. -. (!# ?ulla was one of ?rig4s atten%ants& who wore a gol% ban% on the forehea%& an% the figure means gol%& that the sun

shone on gol% rings on the han%s of the skal%s in Hakon4s %ays. -.

!. CH2<ST<)N<TC $? ;@NH<-*4S S$NS. ;unhil%4s sons embrace% Christianity in 3nglan%& as tol% beforeA but when they came to rule o7er Norway they ma%e no 'rogress in s'rea%ing Christianity only they 'ulle% %own the tem'les of the i%ols& an% cast away the sacrifices where they ha% it in their 'ower& an% raise% great animosity by %oing so. The goo% cro's of the country were soon waste% in their %ays& because there were many kings& an% each ha% his court about him. They ha% therefore great eD'enses& an% were 7ery gree%y. +esi%es& they only obser7e% those laws of King Hakon which suite% themsel7es. They were& howe7er& all of them remarkably han%some men stout& strong& an% eD'ert in all eDercises. So says ;lum ;eirason& in the 7erses he com'ose% about Haral%& ;unhil%4s son5 6The foeman4s terror& Haral% bol%& Ha% gaine% enough of yellow gol%A Ha% Heim%al4s teeth (1# enough in store& )n% un%erstoo% twel7e arts or more.6 The brothers sometimes went out on eD'e%itions together& an% sometimes each on his own account. They were fierce& but bra7e an% acti7eA an% great warriors& an% 7ery successful. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Heim%al was one of the go%s& whose horse was calle% ;ol% to'A an% the horse4s teeth were of gol%.

:. C$@NC<-S +C ;@NH<-* )N* H32 S$NS. ;unhil% the King mother& an% her sons& often met& an% talke% together u'on the go7ernment of the country. $nce ;unhil% aske% her sons what they inten%e% to %o with their king%om of Thron%hBem. 6Ce ha7e the title of king& as your forefathers ha% before youA but ye ha7e little lan% or 'eo'le& an% there are many to %i7i%e with. <n the 3ast& at >iken& there are Tryg7e an% ;u%ro%A an% they ha7e some right& from relationshi'& to their go7ernments. There is besi%es 3arl Sigur% ruling o7er the whole Thron%hBem countryA an% no reason can < see why ye let so large a king%om be rule% by an earl& an% not by yoursel7es. <t a''ears won%erful to me that ye go e7ery summer u'on 7iking cruises against other lan%s& an% allow an earl within the country to take your father4s heritage from you. Cour gran%father& whose name you bear& King Haral%& thought it but a small matter to take an earl4s life an% lan% when he sub%ue% all Norway& an% hel% it un%er him to ol% age.6 Haral% re'lie%& 6<t is not so easy& mother& to cut off 3arl

Sigur% as to slay a ki% or a calf. 3arl Sigur% is of high birth& 'owerful in relations& 'o'ular& an% 'ru%entA an% < think if the Thron%hBem 'eo'le knew for certain there was enmity between us& they woul% all take his si%e& an% we coul% eD'ect only e7il from them. < %on4t think it woul% be safe for any of us brothers to fall into the han%s of the Thron%hBem 'eo'le.6 Then sai% ;unhil%& 6=e shall go to work another way& an% not 'ut oursel7es forwar%. Haral% an% 3rling shall come in har7est to North .ore& an% there < shall meet you& an% we shall consult together what is to be %one.6 This was %one.

". ;@NH<-*4S S$NS )N* ;2G$T;)2*. 3arl Sigur% ha% a brother calle% ;rBotgar%& who was much younger& an% much less res'ecte%A in fact& was hel% in no title of honour. He ha% many 'eo'le& howe7er& about him& an% in summer went on 7iking cruises& an% gathere% to himself 'ro'erty. Now King Haral% sent messengers to Thron%hBem with offers of frien%shi'& an% with 'resents. The messengers %eclare% that King Haral% was willing to be on the same frien%ly terms with the earl that King Hakon ha% beenA a%%ing& that they wishe% the earl to come to King Haral%& that their frien%shi' might be 'ut on a firm footing. The 3arl Sigur% recei7e% well the king4s messengers an% frien%ly message& but sai% that on account of his many affairs he coul% not come to the king. He sent many frien%ly gifts& an% many gla% an% grateful wor%s to the king& in return for his frien%shi'. =ith this re'ly the messengers set off& an% went to ;rBotgar%& for whom they ha% the same message& an% brought him goo% 'resents& an% offere% him King Haral%4s frien%shi'& an% in7ite% him to 7isit the king. ;rBotgar% 'romise% to come an% at the a''ointe% time he 'ai% a 7isit to King Haral% an% ;unhil%& an% was recei7e% in the most frien%ly manner. They treate% him on the most intimate footing& so that ;rBotgar% ha% access to their 'ri7ate consultations an% secret councils. )t last the con7ersation& by an un%erstan%ing between the king an% Fueen& was turne% u'on 3arl Sigur%A an% they s'oke to ;rBotgar% about the earl ha7ing ke't him so long in obscurity& an% aske% him if he woul% not Boin the king4s brothers in an attack on the earl. <f he woul% Boin with them& the king 'romise% ;rBotgar% that he shoul% be his earl& an% ha7e the same go7ernment that Sigur% ha%. <t came so far that a secret agreement was ma%e between them& that ;rBotgar% shoul% s'y out the most fa7ourable o''ortunity of attacking by sur'rise 3arl Sigur%& an% shoul% gi7e King Haral% notice of it. )fter this agreement ;rBotgar% returne% home with many goo% 'resents from the king.

(. S<;@2* +@2NT <N ) H$@S3 <N STG$2)*)3arl Sigur% went in har7est into StBora%al to guest Fuarters& an% from thence went to $glo to a feast. The earl usually ha% many 'eo'le about him& for he %i% not trust the kingA but now& after frien%ly messages ha% 'asse% between the king an% him& he ha% no

great following of 'eo'le with him. Then ;rBotgar% sent wor% to the king that he coul% ne7er eD'ect a better o''ortunity to fall u'on 3arl Sigur%A an% imme%iately& that 7ery e7ening& Haral% an% 3rling saile% into Thron%hBem fBor% with se7eral shi's an% many 'eo'le. They saile% all night by starlight& an% ;rBotgar% came out to meet them. -ate in the night they came to $glo& where 3arl Sigur% was at the feast& an% set fire to the houseA an% burnt the house& the earl& an% all his men. )s soon as it was %aylight& they set out through the fBor%& an% south to .ore& where they remaine% a long time.

/. H<ST$2C $? H)K$N& S<;@2*4S S$N. Hakon& the son of 3arl Sigur%& was u' in the interior of the Thron%hBem country when he hear% this news. ;reat was the tumult through all the Thron%hBem lan%& an% e7ery 7essel that coul% swim was 'ut into the waterA an% as soon as the 'eo'le were gathere% together they took 3arl Sigur%4s son Hakon to be their earl an% the lea%er of the troo's& an% the whole bo%y steere% out of Thron%hBem fBor%. =hen ;unhil%4s sons hear% of this& they set off southwar%s to 2aums%al an% South .oreA an% both 'arties ke't eye on each other by their s'ies. 3arl Sigur% was kille% two years after the fall of King Hakon ().*. 9/!#. So says 3y7in% Skal%as'iller in the 6HaleygBatal65 6)t $glo. as <47e hear%& 3arl Sigur% =as burnt to %eath by Norway4s lor%& Sigur%& who once on Ha%%ing4s gra7e ) feast to $%in4s ra7ens ga7e. <n $glo4s hall& ami%st the feast& =hen bowls went roun% an% ale flowe% fast& He 'erishe%5 Haral% lit the fire =hich burnt to %eath the son of Tyr.6 3arl Hakan& with the hel' of his frien%s& maintaine% himself in the Thron%hBem country for three yearsA an% %uring that time ().*. 9/: 9/(# ;unhil%4s sons got no re7enues from it. Hakon ha% many a battle with ;unhil%4s sons& an% many a man lost his life on both si%es. $f this 3inar Skalaglam s'eaks in his lay& calle% 6>ellekla&6 which he com'ose% about 3arl Hakon5 6The shar' bow shooter on the sea S'rea% wi%e his fleet& for well lo7e% he The battle storm5 well lo7e% the earl His battle banner to unfurl& $4er the well tram'le% battle fiel% He raise% the re% moon of his shiel%A )n% often %are% King 3irik4s son To try the fray with the 3arl Hakon.6 )n% he also says 6=ho is the man who4ll %are to say That Sigur%4s son a7oi%s the frayL He gluts the ra7en he ne4er fears

The arrow4s song or flight of s'ears& =ith thun%ering swor% he storms in war& )s $%in %rea%fulA or from far He makes the arrow shower fly To swell the sail of 7ictory. The 7ictory was %early bought& )n% many a 7iking fight was fought +efore the swinger of the swor% =as of the eastern country lor%.6 )n% 3inar tells also how 3arl Hakon a7enge% his father4s mur%erer5 6< 'raise the man& my hero he& =ho in his goo% shi' ro7es the sea& -ike bir% of 'rey& intent to win 2e% 7engeance for his slaughtere% kin. ?rom his blue swor% the iron rain That freeEes life 'oure% %own amain $n him who took his father4s life& $n him an% his men in the strife. To $%in many a soul was %ri7en& To $%in many a rich gift gi7en. -ou% rage% the storm on battle fiel% )De rang on helm& an% swor% on shiel%.6 The frien%s on both si%es at last lai% themsel7es between& an% brought 'ro'osals of 'eaceA for the bon%es suffere% by this strife an% war in the lan%. )t last it was brought to this& by the a%7ice of 'ru%ent men& that 3arl Hakon shoul% ha7e the same 'ower in the Thron%hBem lan% which his father 3arl Sigur% ha% enBoye%A an% the kings& on the other han%& shoul% ha7e the same %ominion as King Hakon ha%5 an% this agreement was settle% with the fullest 'romises of fi%elity to it. )fterwar%s a great frien%shi' arose between 3arl Hakon an% ;unhil%& although they sometimes attem'te% to %ecei7e each other. )n% thus matters stoo% for three years longer ().*. 9// 9/8#& in which time 3arl Hakon sat Fuietly in his %ominions.

7. $? H)2)-* ;2)?3-*. King Hakon ha% generally his seat in Hor%alan% an% 2ogalan%& an% also his brothersA but 7ery often& also& they went to Har%anger. $ne summer it ha''ene% that a 7essel came from <celan% belonging to <celan%ers& an% loa%e% with skins an% 'eltry. They saile% to Har%anger& where they hear% the greatest number of 'eo'le assemble%A but when the folks came to %eal with them& nobo%y woul% buy their skins. Then the steersman went to King Haral%& whom he ha% been acFuainte% with before& an% com'laine% of his ill luck. The king 'romise% to 7isit him& an% %i% so. King Haral% was 7ery con%escen%ing& an% full of fun. He came with a fully manne% boat& looke% at the skins& an% then sai% to the steersman& 6=ilt thou gi7e me a 'resent of one of these gray skinsL6 6=illingly&6 sai% the steersman& 6if it were e7er so many.6 $n this the king wra''e% himself u' in a gray skin& an%

went back to his boatA but before they rowe% away from the shi'& e7ery man in his suite bought such another skin as the king wore for himself. <n a few %ays so many 'eo'le came to buy skins& that not half of them coul% be ser7e% with what they wante%A an% thereafter the king was calle% Haral% ;rafel% (;rayskin#.

8. 3)2- 3<2<K4S +<2TH. 3arl Hakon came one winter to the @'lan%s to a feast& an% it so ha''ene% that he ha% intercourse with a girl of mean birth. Some time after the girl ha% to 're'are for her confinement& an% she bore a chil%& a boy& who ha% water 'oure% on him& an% was name% 3irik. The mother carrie% the boy to 3arl Hakon& an% sai% that he was the father. The earl 'lace% him to be brought u' with a man calle% Thorleif the =ise& who %welt in .e%al%al& an% was a rich an% 'owerful man& an% a great frien% of the earl. 3irik ga7e ho'es 7ery early that he woul% become an able man& was han%some in countenance& an% stout an% strong for a chil%A but the earl %i% not 'ay much attention to him. The earl himself was one of the han%somest men in countenance& not tall& but 7ery strong& an% well 'ractise% in all kin%s of eDercisesA an% witha1 'ru%ent& of goo% un%erstan%ing& an% a %ea%ly man at arms.

9. K<N; T2C;>3 $-)?S$N4S .@2*32. <t ha''ene% one har7est ().*. 9/!# that 3arl Hakon& on a Bourney in the @'lan%s& came to He%emarkA an% King Tryg7e $lafson an% King ;u%ro% +Bornson met him there& an% *ale ;u%bran% also came to the meeting. They ha% agree% to meet& an% they talke% together long by themsel7esA but so much only was known of their business& that they were to be frien%s of each other. They 'arte%& an% each went home to his own king%om. ;unhil% an% her sons came to hear of this meeting& an% they sus'ecte% it must ha7e been to lay a treasonable 'lot against the kingsA an% they often talke% of this among themsel7es. =hen s'ring ().*. 9/:# began to set in& King Haral% an% his brother King ;u%ro% 'roclaime% that they were to make a 7iking cruise& as usual& either in the =est sea& or the +altic. The 'eo'le accor%ingly assemble%& launche% the shi's into the sea& an% ma%e themsel7es rea%y to sail. =hen they were %rinking the farewell ale& an% they %rank bra7ely& much an% many things were talke% o7er at the %rink table& an%& among other things& were com'arisons between %ifferent men& an% at last between the kings themsel7es. $ne sai% that King Haral% eDcelle% his brothers by far& an% in e7ery way. $n this King ;u%ro% was 7ery angry& an% sai% that he was in no res'ect behin% Haral%& an% was rea%y to 'ro7e it. <nstantly both 'arties were so inflame% that they challenge% each other to battle& an% ran to their arms. +ut some of the guests who were less %runk& an% ha% more un%erstan%ing& came between them& an% Fuiete% themA an% each went to his shi'& but nobo%y eD'ecte% that they woul% all sail together. ;u%ro% saile% east war% along the lan%& an% Haral% went out to sea& saying he woul% go to the westwar%A but when he came outsi%e of the islan%s he

steere% east along the coast& outsi%e of the rocks an% isles. ;u%ro%& again& saile% insi%e& through the usual channel& to >iken& an% eastwar%s to ?ol%en. He then sent a message to King Tryg7e to meet him& that they might make a cruise together in summer in the +altic to 'lun%er. Tryg7e acce'te% willingly& an% as a frien%& the in7itationA an% as hear% King ;u%ro% ha% but few 'eo'le with him& he came to meet him with a single boat. They met at >eggen& to the east of SotanesA but Bust as they were come to the meeting 'lace& ;u%ro%4s men ran u' an% kille% King Tryg7e an% twel7e men. He lies burie% at a 'lace calle% Tryg7e4s Cairn ().*. 9/:#.

19. K<N; ;@*2$*4S ?)--. King Haral% saile% far outsi%e of the rocks an% islesA but set his course to >iken& an% came in the night time to Tunsberg& an% hear% that ;u%ro% +Bornson was at a feast a little way u' the country. Then King Haral% set out imme%iately with his followers& came in the night& an% surroun%e% the house. King ;u%ro% +Bornson went out with his 'eo'leA but after a short resistance he fell& an% many men with him. Then King Haral% Boine% his brother King ;u%ro%& an% they sub%ue% all >iken.

11. $? H)2)-* ;23NSK3. King ;u%ro% +Bornson ha% ma%e a goo% an% suitable marriage& an% ha% by his wife a son calle% Haral%& who ha% been sent to be fostere% to ;renlan% to a len%erman calle% Hroe the =hite. Hroe4s son& calle% Hrane >i%forle (the ?ar tra7elle%#& was Haral%4s foster brother& an% about the same age. )fter his father ;u%ro%4s fall& Haral%& who was calle% ;renske& fle% to the @'lan%s& an% with him his foster brother Hrane& an% a few 'eo'le. Haral% stai% a while there among his relationsA but as 3irik4s sons sought after e7ery man who interfere% with them& an% es'ecially those who might o''ose them& Haral% ;renske4s frien%s an% relations a%7ise% him to lea7e the country. Haral% therefore went eastwar% into S7ithBo%& an% sought shi'mates& that he might enter into com'any with those who went out a cruising to gather 'ro'erty. Haral% became in this way a remarkably able man. There was a man in S7ithBo% at that time calle% Toste& one of the most 'owerful an% cle7er in the lan% among those who ha% no high name or %ignityA an% he was a great warrior& who ha% been often in battle& an% was therefore calle% Skoglar Toste. Haral% ;renske came into his com'any& an% cruise% with Toste in summerA an% where7er Haral% came he was well thought of by e7ery one. <n the winter Haral%& after 'assing two years in the @'lan%s& took u' his abo%e with Toste& an% li7e% fi7e years with him. Toste ha% a %aughter& who was both young an% han%some& but she was 'rou% an% high min%e%. She was calle% Sigri%& an% was afterwar%s marrie% to the Swe%ish king& 3irik the >ictorious& an% ha% a son by him& calle% $laf the Swe%e& who was afterwar%s king of S7ithBo%. King 3irik %ie% in a sick be% at @'sala ten years after the %eath of StyrbBorn.

1!. 3)2- H)K$N4S ?3@*S. ;unhil%4s sons le7ie% a great army in >iken ().*. 9/:#& an% saile% along the lan% northwar%s& collecting 'eo'le an% shi's on the way out of e7ery %istrict. They then ma%e known their intent& to 'rocee% northwar%s with their army against 3arl Hakon in Thron%hBem. =hen 3arl Hakon hear% this news& he also collecte% men& an% fitte% out shi'sA an% when he hear% what an o7erwhelming force ;unhil%4s sons ha% with them& he steere% south with his fleet to .ore& 'illaging where7er he came& an% killing many 'eo'le. He then sent the whole of the bon%e army back to Thron%hBemA but he himself& with his men at arms& 'rocee%e% by both the %istricts of .ore an% 2aums%al& an% ha% his s'ies out to the south of Sta% to s'y the army of ;unhil%4s sonsA an% when he hear% they were come into the ?Bor%s& an% were waiting for a fair win% to sail northwar%s roun% Sta%& 3arl Hakon set out to sea from the north si%e of Sta%& so far that his sails coul% not be seen from the lan%& an% then saile% eastwar% on a line with the coast& an% came to *enmark& from whence he saile% into the +altic& an% 'illage% there %uring the summer. ;unhil%4s sons con%ucte% their army north to Thron%hBem& an% remaine% there the whole summer collecting the scat an% %uties. +ut when summer was a%7ance% they left Sigur% Slefa an% ;u%ron behin%A an% the other brothers returne% eastwar% with the le7ie% army they ha% taken u' in summer.

1:. $? 3)2- H)K$N )N* ;@NH<-*4S S$NS. 3arl Hakon& towar%s har7est ().*. 9/:#& saile% into the +othnian ;ulf to HelsingBalan%& %rew his shi's u' there on the beach& an% took the lan% ways through HelsingBalan% an% Gamtalan%& an% so eastwar%s roun% the %i7i%ing ri%ge (the KBol& or keel of the country#& an% %own into the Thron%hBem %istrict. .any 'eo'le streame% towar%s him& an% he fitte% out shi's. =hen the sons of ;unhil% hear% of this they got on boar% their shi's& an% saile% out of the ?Bor%A an% 3arl Hakon came to his seat at Hla%er& an% remaine% there all winter. The sons of ;unhil%& on the other han%& occu'ie% .oreA an% they an% the earl attacke% each other in turns& killing each other4s 'eo'le. 3arl Hakon ke't his %ominions of Thron%hBem& an% was there generally in the winterA but in summer he sometimes went to HelsingBalan%& where he went on boar% of his shi's an% saile% with them %own into the +altic& an% 'lun%ere% thereA an% sometimes he remaine% in Thron%hBem& an% ke't an army on foot& so that ;unhil%4s sons coul% get no hol% northwar%s of Sta%.

1". S<;@2* S-3?)4S .@2*32. $ne summer Haral% ;rayskin with his troo's went north to +Barmalan%& where be foraye%& an% fought a great battle with the

inhabitants on the banks of the >ina (*wina#. King Haral% gaine% the 7ictory& kille% many 'eo'le& 'lun%ere% an% waste% an% burne% far an% wi%e in the lan%& an% ma%e enormous booty. ;lum ;eirason tells of it thus5 6< saw the hero Haral% chase =ith bloo%y swor% +Barme4s race5 They fly before him through the night& )ll by their burning city4s light. $n *wina4s bank& at Haral%4s wor%& )rose the storm of s'ear an% swor%. <n such a wil% war cruise as this& ;reat woul% he be who coul% bring 'eace.6 King Sigur% Slefa came to the Herse Kly'4s house. Kly' was a son of Thor%& an% a gran%son of Hor%akare& an% was a man of 'ower an% great family. He was not at homeA but his wife )lof gi7e a goo% rece'tion to the king& an% ma%e a great feast at which there was much %rinking. )lof was a %aughter of )sbBorn& an% sister to Garnskegge& north in CrBar. )sbBorn4s brother was calle% Hrei%ar& who was father to Styrkar& whose son was 3in%ri%e& father of 3inar Tambaskielfer. <n the night the king went to be% to )lof against her will& an% then set out on his Bourney. The har7est thereafter& King Haral% an% his brother King Sigur% Slefa went to >ors& an% summone% the bon%es to a Thing. There the bon%es fell on them& an% woul% ha7e kille% them& but they esca'e% an% took %ifferent roa%s. King Haral% went to Har%anger& but King Sigur% to )lreksta%er. Now when the Herse Kly' hear% of this& he an% his relations assemble% to attack the kingA an% >emun% >olubrBot (1# was chief of their troo'. Now when they came to the house they attacke% the king& an% Herse Kly'& it is sai%& ran him through with his swor% an% kille% himA but instantly Kly' was kille% on the s'ot by 3rling ;amle ().*. 9/(#. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# >olubrBotr. -iterally 6the one who breaks the 7ala6& that is& breaks the skulls of witches.

1(. ;2G$T;)2*4S ?)--. King Haral% ;rafel% an% his brother King ;u%ro% gathere% together a great army in the east country& with which they set out northwar%s to Thron%hBem ().*. 9/8#. =hen 3arl Hakon hear% of it he collecte% men& an% set out to .ore& where he 'lun%ere%. There his father4s brother& ;rBotgar%& ha% the comman% an% %efence of the country on account of ;unhil%4s sons& an% he assemble% an army by or%er of the kings. 3arl Hakon a%7ance% to meet him& an% ga7e him battleA an% there fell ;rBotgar% an% two other earls& an% many a man besi%es. So says 3inar Skalaglam5 6The helm crown4% Hakon& bra7e as stout& )gain has 'ut his foes to rout. The bowl runs o4er with $%in4s mea%& (1# That fires the skal% when mighty %ee%

Has to be sung. 3arl Hakon4s swor%& <n single combat& as <47e hear%& Three sons of earls from this one fray To %well with $%in %ro7e away.6 (!# Thereafter 3arl Hakon went out to sea& an% saile% outsi%e the coast& an% came to *enmark. He went to the *anish King& Haral% ;ormson& an% was well recei7e% by him& an% stai% with him all winter ().*. 9/9#. )t that time there was also with the *anish king a man calle% Haral%& a son of Knut ;ormson& an% a brother4s son of King Haral%. He was lately come home from a long 7iking cruise& on which he ha% gathere% great riches& an% therefore he was calle% ;ol% Haral%. He thought he ha% a goo% chance of coming to the *anish king%om. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# $%in4s mea%& calle% +o%n& was the bloo% or mea% the sons of +rage& the go% of 'oets& %rank to ins'ire them. -. (!# To %well with $%in& 7iE. slew them. -.

1/. K<N; 32-<N;4S ?)--. King Haral% ;rafel% an% his brothers 'rocee%e% northwar%s to Thron%hBem& where they met no o''osition. They le7ie% the scat %uties& an% all other re7enues& an% lai% hea7y 'enalties u'on the bon%esA for the kings ha% for a long time recei7e% but little income from Thron%hBem& because 3arl Hakon was there with many troo's& an% was at 7ariance with these kings. <n autumn ().*. 9/8# King Haral% went south with the greater 'art of the men at arms& but King 3rlin remaine% behin% with his men. He raise% great contributions from the bon%es& an% 'resse% se7erely on themA at which the bon%es murmure% greatly& an% submitte% to their losses with im'atience. <n winter they gathere% together in a great force to go against King 3rling& Bust as he was at a feastA an% they ga7e battle to him& an% he with the most of his men fell ().*. 9/9#.

17. TH3 S3)S$NS <N N$2=)C )T TH<S T<.3. =hile ;unhil%4s sons reigne% in Norway the seasons were always ba%& an% the longer they reigne% the worse were the cro'sA an% the bon%es lai% the blame on them. They were 7ery gree%y& an% use% the bon%es harshly. <t came at length to be so ba% that fish& as well as corn& were wanting. <n Halogalan% there was the greatest famine an% %istressA for scarcely any corn grew& an% e7en snow was lying& an% the cattle were boun% in the byres (1# all o7er the country until mi%summer. 3y7in% Skal%as'iller %escribes it in his 'oem& as he came outsi%e of his house an% foun% a thick snow%rift at that season5 6Tis mi%summer& yet %ee' snows rest $n $%in4s mother4s froEen breast5

-ike -a'lan%ers& our cattle kin% <n stall or stable we must bin%.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# +yres Q gar%s or farms.

18. TH3 <C3-)N*32S )N* 3C><N* TH3 SK)-*. 3y7in% com'ose% a 'oem about the 'eo'le of <celan%& for which they rewar%e% him by each bon%e gi7ing him three sil7er 'ennies& of full weight an% white in the fracture. )n% when the sil7er was brought together at the )lthing& the 'eo'le resol7e% to ha7e it 'urifie%& an% ma%e into a row of clas'sA an% after the workmanshi' of the sil7er was 'ai%& the row of clas's was 7alue% at fifty marks. This they sent to 3y7in%A but 3y7in% was oblige% to se'arate the clas's from each other& an% sell them to buy foo% for his househol%. +ut the same s'ring a shoal of herrings set in u'on the fishing groun% beyon% the coast si%e& an% 3y7in% manne% a shi'4s boat with his house ser7ants an% cottars& an% rowe% to where the herrings were come& an% sang5 6Now let the stee% of ocean boun% $4er the North Sea with %ashing soun%5 -et nimble tern an% screaming gull ?ly roun% an% roun% our net is full. ?ain woul% < know if ?ortune sen%s ) like 'ro7ision to my frien%s. =elcome 'ro7ision 4tis& < wot& That the whale %ri7es to our cook4s 'ot.6 So entirely were his mo7able goo%s eDhauste%& that he was oblige% to sell his arrows to buy herrings& or other meat for his table5 6$ur arms an% ornaments of gol% To buy us foo% we gla%ly sol%5 The arrows of the bow ga7e we ?or the bright arrows of the sea.6 (1# 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Herrings& from their swift %arting along& are calle% the arrows of the sea.

K<N; $-)? T2C;>)S$N4S S);). 123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS. Hitherto the narrati7e has been more or less fragmentary. =ith $laf Tryg7ason4s Saga reliable history begins& an% the narration is full an% connecte%. The story of Hakon the earl is

incor'orate% in this saga. )ccounts of $laf Tryg7ason may be foun% in $% the .onk4s legen%ary saga& in 'arts of 6)gri'6& 6Historia Nor7egiae6& an% in ThBo%rek. <celan%ic works on this e'och are5 63gla6& 63yrbyggBa6& 6?inboga6& 6?loamanna6& 6?aereyinga6& 6Hallfre%ar Saga6& 6Ha7ar%ar Saga6& 6)re4s <slen%inga bok6& 6Kristni Saga6& 6-aD%aela6& 6-Bos7etninga6& 6NBala6& 6$rkneyinga6& 6>iga ;lums Saga6& an% 6>iga Styrs Saga6. The skal%s Fuote% are5 ;lum ;eirason& 3y7in% ?inson& Skal%as'iller& 3inar Skalaglam& Tin% Halkelson& 3yBolf *a%askal%& Hallarstein& Halfre% >an%rae%askal%& Hal%or @kristne& Skule Thorsteinson& an% Thor% Kolbeinson.

1. $-)? T2C;>)S$N4S +<2TH. King Tryg7e $lafson ha% marrie% a wife who was calle% )stri%. She was a %aughter of 3irik +Bo%askalle& a great man& who %welt at $'rusta%er. +ut after Tryg7e4s %eath ().*. 9/:# )stri% fle%& an% 'ri7ately took with her all the loose 'ro'erty she coul%. Her foster father& Thorolf -usarskeg& followe% her& an% ne7er left herA an% others of her faithful followers s'ie% about to %isco7er her enemies& an% where they were. )stri% was 'regnant with a chil% of King Tryg7e& an% she went to a lake& an% conceale% herself in a holm or small islan% in it with a few men. Here her chil% was born& an% it was a boyA an% water was 'oure% o7er it& an% it was calle% $laf after the gran%father. )stri% remaine% all summer here in concealmentA but when the nights became %ark& an% the %ay began to shorten an% the weather to be col%& she was oblige% to take to the lan%& along with Thorolf an% a few other men. They %i% not seek for houses unless in the night time& when they came to them secretlyA an% they s'oke to nobo%y. $ne e7ening& towar%s %ark& they came to $'rusta%er& where )stri%4s father 3irik %welt& an% 'ri7ately sent a man to 3irik to tell himA an% 3irik took them to an out house& an% s'rea% a table for them with the best of foo%. =hen )stri% ha% been here a short time her tra7elling atten%ants left her& an% none remaine%& behin% with her but two ser7ant girls& her chil% $laf& Thorolf -usarskeg& an% his son Thorgils& who was siD years ol%A an% they remaine% all winter ().*. 9/"#.

!. $? ;@NH<-* S S$NS. )fter Tryg7e $lafson4s mur%er& Haral% ;rafel% an% his brother ;u%ro% went to the farm which he owne%A but )stri% was gone& an% they coul% learn no ti%ings of her. ) loose re'ort came to their ears that she was 'regnant to King Tryg7eA but they soon went away northwar%s& as before relate%. )s soon as they met their mother ;unhil% they tol% her all that ha% taken 'lace. She inFuire% 'articularly about )stri%& an% they tol% her the re'ort they ha% hear%A but as ;unhil%4s sons the same har7est an% winter

after ha% bickerings with 3arl Hakon& as before relate%& they %i% not seek after )stri% an% her son that winter.

:. )ST2<*4S G$@2N3C. The s'ring after ().*. 9/"# ;unhil% sent s'ies to the @'lan%s& an% all the way %own to >iken& to s'y what they coul% about )stri%A an% her men came back& an% coul% only tell her that )stri% must be with her father 3irik& an% it was 'robable was bringing u' her infant& the son of Tryg7e. Then ;unhil%& without %elay& sent off men well furnishe% with arms an% horses& an% in all a troo' of thirtyA an% as their lea%er she sent a 'articular frien% of her own& a 'owerful man calle% Hakon. Her or%ers were to go to $'rusta%er& to 3irik& an% take King Tryg7e4s son from thence& an% bring the chil% to herA an% with these or%ers the men went out. Now when they were come to the neighbourhoo% of $'rusta%er& some of 3irik4s frien%s obser7e% the troo' of tra7ellers& an% about the close of the %ay brought him wor% of their a''roach. 3irik imme%iately& in the night& ma%e 're'aration for )stri%4s flight& ga7e her goo% gui%es& an% sen% her away eastwar% to S7ithBo%& to his goo% frien% Hakon ;amle& who was a 'owerful man there. -ong before %ay they %e'arte%& an% towar%s e7ening they reache% a %omain calle% Skaun. Here they saw a large mansion& towar%s which they went& an% begge% a night4s lo%ging. ?or the sake of concealment they were cla% in mean clothing. There %welt here a bon%e calle% +Born 3iterk7eisa& who was 7ery rich& but 7ery inhos'itable. He %ro7e them awayA an% therefore& towar%s %ark& they went to another %omain close by that was calle% >i%ar. Thorstein was the name of the bon%eA an% he ga7e them lo%ging& an% took goo% care of them& so that they sle't well& an% were well entertaine%. 3arly that morning ;unhil%4s men ha% come to $'rusta%er& an% inFuire% for )stri% an% her son. )s 3irik tol% them she was not there& they searche% the whole house& an% remaine% till late in the %ay before they got any news of )stri%. Then they ro%e after her the way she ha% taken& an% late at night they came to +Born 3iterk7eisa in Skaun& an% took u' their Fuarters there. Hakon aske% +Born if he knew anything about )stri%& an% he sai% some 'eo'le ha% been there in the e7ening wanting lo%gingsA 6but < %ro7e them away& an% < su''ose they ha7e gone to some of the neighbouring houses.6 Thorstein4s labourer was coming from the forest& ha7ing left his work at nightfall& an% calle% in at +Born4s house because it was in his wayA an% fin%ing there were guests come to the house& an% learning their business& he comes to Thorstein an% tells him of it. )s about a thir% 'art of the night was still remaining& Thorstein wakens his guests an% or%ers them in an angry 7oice to go about their businessA but as soon as they were out of the house u'on the roa%& Thorstein tells them that ;unhil%4s messengers were at +Born4s house& an% are u'on the trace of them. They entreat of him to hel' them& an% he ga7e them a gui%e an% some 'ro7isions. He con%ucte% them through a forest to a lake& in which there was an islet o7ergrown with ree%s. They wa%e% out to the islet& an% hi% themsel7es among the ree%s. 3arly in the morning Hakon ro%e away from +Born4s into the townshi'& an% where7er he came he aske% after )stri%A an%

when he came to Thorstein4s he aske% if she ha% been there. He sai% that some 'eo'le ha% been thereA but as soon as it was %aylight they ha% set off again& eastwar%s& to the forest. Hakon ma%e Thorstein go along with them& as he knew all the roa%s an% hi%ing 'laces. Thorstein went with themA but when they were come into the woo%s& he le% them right across the way )stri% ha% taken. They went about an% about the whole %ay to no 'ur'ose& as they coul% fin% no trace of her& so they turne% back to tell ;unhil% the en% of their tra7el. )stri% an% her frien%s 'rocee%e% on their Bourney& an% came to S7ithBo%& to Hakon ;amle (the $l%#& where she an% her son remaine% a long time& an% ha% frien%ly welcome.

". H)K$N4S 3.+)SSC T$ S=3*3N. =hen ;unhil%& the mother of the kings& hear% that )stri% an% her son $laf were in the king%om of S7ithBo%& she again sent Hakon& with a goo% atten%ance& eastwar%& to 3irik king of Swe%en& with 'resents an% messages of frien%shi'. The ambassa%ors were well recei7e% an% well treate%. Hakon& after a time& %isclose% his erran% to the king& saying that ;unhil% ha% sent him with the reFuest that the king woul% assist him in getting hol% of $laf Tryg7ason& to con%uct him to Norway& where ;unhil% woul% bring him u'. The king ga7e Hakon 'eo'le with him& an% he ro%e with them to Hakon the $l%& where Hakon %esire%& with many frien%ly eD'ressions& that $laf shoul% go with him. Hakon the $l% returne% a frien%ly answer& saying that it %e'en%e% entirely u'on $laf4s mother. +ut )stri% woul% on no account listen to the 'ro'osalA an% the messengers ha% to return as they came& an% to tell King 3irik how the matter stoo%. The ambassa%ors then 're'are% to return home& an% aske% the king for some assistance to take the boy& whether Hakon the $l% woul% or not. The king ga7e them again some atten%antsA an% when they came to Hakon the $l%& they again aske% for the boy& an% on his refusal to %eli7er him they use% high wor%s an% threatene% 7iolence. +ut one of the sla7es& +uste by name& attacke% Hakon& an% was going to kill himA an% they barely esca'e% from the thralls without a cu%gelling& an% 'rocee%e% home to Norway to tell ;unhil% their ill success& an% that they ha% only seen $laf.

(. $? S<;@2* 3<2<KS$N. )stri% ha% a brother calle% Sigur%& a son of 3irik +Bo%askalle& who ha% long been abroa% in ;ar%arike (2ussia# with King >al%emar& an% was there in great consi%eration. )stri% ha% now a great inclination to tra7el to her brother there. Hakon the $l% ga7e her goo% atten%ants& an% what was nee%ful for the Bourney& an% she set out with some merchants. She ha% then been two years ().*. 9/( 9//# with Hakon the $l%& an% $laf was three years of age. )s they saile% out into the +altic& they were ca'ture% by 7ikings of 3istlan%& who ma%e booty both of the 'eo'le an% goo%s& killing some& an% %i7i%ing others as sla7es. $laf was se'arate% from his mother& an% an 3istlan% man calle% Klerkon got him as

his share along with Thorolf an% Thorgils. Klerkon thought that Thorolf was too ol% for a sla7e& an% that there was not much work to be got out of him& so he kille% himA but took the boys with him& an% sol% them to a man calle% Klerk for a stout an% goo% ram. ) thir% man& calle% 2eas& bought $laf for a goo% cloak. 2eas ha% a wife calle% 2ekon& an% a son by her whose name was 2ekone. $laf was long with them& was treate% well& an% was much belo7e% by the 'eo'le. $laf was siD years in 3istlan% in this banishment ().*. 987 97!#.

/. $-)? <S S3T ?233 <N 3<ST-)N*. Sigur%& the son of 3irik ()stri%4s brother#& came into 3istlan% from No7goro%& on King >al%emar4s business to collect the king4s taDes an% rents. Sigur% came as a man of conseFuence& with many followers an% great magnificence. <n the market 'lace he ha''ene% to obser7e a remarkably han%some boyA an% as he coul% %istinguish that he was a foreigner& he aske% him his name an% family. He answere% him& that his name was $lafA that he was a son of Tryg7e $lafsonA an% )stri%& a %aughter of 3irik +Bo%askalle& was his mother. Then Sigur% knew that the boy was his sister4s son& an% aske% him how he came there. $laf tol% him minutely all his a%7entures& an% Sigur% tol% him to follow him to the 'easant 2eas. =hen he came there he bought both the boys& $laf an% Thorgils& an% took them with him to Holmgar%. +ut& for the first& he ma%e nothing known of $laf4s relationshi' to him& but treate% him well.

7. K-32K$N K<--3* +C $-)?. $laf Tryg7ason was one %ay in the market 'lace& where there was a great number of 'eo'le. He recogniEe% Klerkon again& who ha% kille% his foster father Thorolf -usarskeg. $laf ha% a little aDe in his han%& an% with it he clo7e Klerkon4s skull %own to the brain& an% ran home to his lo%ging& an% tol% his frien% Sigur% what he ha% %one. Sigur% imme%iately took $laf to Hueen )llogia4s house& tol% her what ha% ha''ene%& an% begge% her to 'rotect the boy. She re'lie%& that the boy a''eare% far too comely to allow him to be slainA an% she or%ere% her 'eo'le to be %rawn out fully arme%. <n Holmgar% the sacre%ness of 'eace is so res'ecte%& that it is law there to slay whoe7er 'uts a man to %eath eDce't by Bu%gment of lawA an%& accor%ing to this law an% usage& the whole 'eo'le storme% an% sought after the boy. <t was re'orte% that he was in the Hueen4s house& an% that there was a number of arme% men there. =hen this was tol% to the king& he went there with his 'eo'le& but woul% allow no bloo%she%. <t was settle% at last in 'eace& that the king shoul% name the fine for the mur%erA an% the Fueen 'ai% it. $laf remaine% afterwar%s with the Fueen& an% was much belo7e%. <t is a law at Holmgar%& that no man of royal %escent shall stay there without the king4s 'ermission. Sigur% therefore tol% the Fueen of what family $laf was& an% for what reason he ha% come to 2ussiaA namely& that he coul% not remain with safety in his own country5 an% begge% her

to s'eak to the king about it. She %i% so& an% begge% the king to hel' a king4s son whose fate ha% been so har%A an% in conseFuence of her entreaty the king 'romise% to assist him& an% accor%ingly he recei7e% $laf into his court& an% treate% him nobly& an% as a king4s son. $laf was nine years ol% when he came to 2ussia& an% he remaine% nine years more ().*. 978 981# with King >al%emar. $laf was the han%somest of men& 7ery stout an% strong& an% in all bo%ily eDercises he eDcelle% e7ery Northman that e7er was hear% of.

8. $? H)K$N 3)2- $? H-)*32. 3arl Hakon& Sigur%4s son& was with the *anish king& Haral% ;ormson& the winter after he ha% fle% from Norway before ;unhil%4s sons. *uring the winter ().*. 9/9# the earl ha% so much care an% sorrow that he took to be%& an% 'asse% many slee'less nights& an% ate an% %rank no more than was nee%ful to su''ort his strength. Then he sent a 'ri7ate message to his frien%s north in Thron%hBem& an% 'ro'ose% to them that they shoul% kill King 3rling& if they ha% an o''ortunityA a%%ing& that he woul% come to them in summer. The same winter the Thron%hBem 'eo'le accor%ingly& as before relate%& kille% King 3rling. There was great frien%shi' between 3arl Hakon an% ;ol% Haral%& an% Haral% tol% Hakon all his intentions. He tol% him that he was tire% of a shi' life& an% wante% to settle on the lan%A an% aske% Hakon if he thought his brother King Haral% woul% agree to %i7i%e the king%om with him if he aske% it. 6< think&6 re'lie% Hakon& 6that the *anish king woul% not %eny thy rightA but the best way to know is to s'eak to the king himself. < know for certain so much& that you will not get a king%om if you %on4t ask for it.6 Soon after this con7ersation ;ol% Haral% s'oke to the king about the matter& in the 'resence of many great men who were frien%s to bothA an% ;ol% Haral% aske% King Haral% to %i7i%e the king%om with him in two eFual 'arts& to which his royal birth an% the custom of the *anish monarchy ga7e him right. The king was highly incense% at this %eman%& an% sai% that no man ha% aske% his father ;orm to be king o7er half of *enmark& nor yet his gran%father King Hor%aknut& or Sigur% $rm& or 2agnar -o%brokA an% he was so eDas'erate% an% angry& that nobo%y 7enture% to s'eak of it to him.

9. $? ;$-* H)2)-*. ;ol% Haral% was now worse off than beforeA for he ha% got no king%om& an% ha% got the king4s anger by 'ro'osing it. He went as usual to his frien% Hakon& an% com'laine% to him of his fate& an% aske% for goo% a%7ice& an% if he coul% hel' him to get his share of the king%omA saying that he woul% rather try force& an% the chance of war& than gi7e it u'. Hakon a%7ise% him not to s'eak to any man so that this shoul% be knownA 6for&6 sai% he& 6it concerns thy life5 an% rather consi%er with thyself what thou art man enough to un%ertakeA for to

accom'lish such a 'ur'ose reFuires a bol% an% firm man& who will neither stick at goo% nor e7il to %o that which is inten%e%A for to take u' great resolutions& an% then to lay them asi%e& woul% only en% in %ishonour.6 ;o1% Haral% re'lies 6< will so carry on what < begin& that < will not hesitate to kill Haral% with my own han%s& if < can come thereby to the king%om he %enies me& an% which is mine by right.6 )n% so they se'arate%. Now King Haral% comes also to 3arl Hakon& an% tells him the %eman% on his king%om which ;ol% Haral% ha% ma%e& an% also his answer& an% that he woul% u'on no account consent to %iminish his king%om. 6)n% if ;ol% Haral% 'ersists in his %eman%& < will ha7e no hesitation in ha7ing him kille%A for < will not trust him if he %oes not renounce it.6 The earl answere%& 6.y thoughts are& that Haral% has carrie% his %eman% so far that he cannot now let it %ro'& an% < eD'ect nothing but war in the lan%A an% that he will be able to gather a great force& because his father was so belo7e%. )n% then it woul% be a great enormity if you were to kill your relationA for& as things now stan%& all men woul% say that he was innocent. +ut < am far from saying& or a%7ising& that you shoul% make yourself a smaller king than your father ;orm was& who in many ways enlarge%& but ne7er %iminishe% his king%om.6 The king re'lies& 6=hat then is your a%7ice& if < am neither to %i7i%e my king%om& nor to get ri% of my fright an% %angerL6 6-et us meet again in a few %ays&6 sai% 3arl Hakon& 6an% < will then ha7e consi%ere% the matter well& an% will gi7e you my a%7ice u'on it.6 The king then went away with his 'eo'le.

19. C$@NC<-S H3-* +C H)K$N )N* H)2)-*. 3arl Hakon ha% now great reflection& an% many o'inions to weigh& an% he let only 7ery few be in the house with him. <n a few %ays King Haral% came again to the earl to s'eak with him& an% ask if he ha% yet consi%ere% fully the matter they ha% been talking of. 6< ha7e&6 sai% the earl& 6consi%ere% it night an% %ay e7er since& an% fin% it most a%7isable that you retain an% rule o7er the whole of your king%om Bust as your father left itA but that you obtain for your relation Haral% another king%om& that he also may enBoy honour an% %ignity.6 6=hat kin% of king%om is that&6 sai% the king& 6which < can gi7e to Haral%& that < may 'ossess *enmark entireL6 6<t is Norway&6 sai% the earl. 6The kings who are there are o''ressi7e to the 'eo'le of the country& so that e7ery man is

against them who has taD or ser7ice to 'ay.6 The king re'lies& 6Norway is a large country& an% the 'eo'le fierce& an% not goo% to attack with a foreign army. =e foun% that sufficiently when Hakon %efen%e% that countryA for we lost many 'eo'le& an% gaine% no 7ictory. +esi%es& Haral% the son of 3irik is my foster son& an% has sat on my knee.6 The earl answers& 6< ha7e long known that you ha7e hel'e% ;unhil%4s sons with your force& an% a ba% return you ha7e got for itA but we shall get at Norway much more easily than by fighting for it with all the *anish force. Sen% a message to your foster son Haral%& 3irik4s son& an% offer him the lan%s an% fiefs which ;unhil%4s sons hel% before in *enmark. )''oint him a meeting& an% ;ol% Haral% will soon conFuer for himself a king%om in Norway from Haral% ;rafel%.6 The king re'lies& that it woul% be calle% a ba% business to %ecei7e his own foster son. 6The *anes&6 answere% the earl& 6will rather say that it was better to kill a Norwegian 7iking than a *anish& an% your own brother4s son.6 They s'oke so long o7er the matter& that they agree% on it.

11. H)2)-* ;$2.S$N4S .3SS);3 T$ N$2=)C. Thereafter ;ol% Haral% ha% a conference with 3arl HakonA an% the earl tol% him he ha% now a%7ance% his business so far& that there was ho'e a king%om might stan% o'en for him in Norway. 6=e can then continue&6 sai% he& 6our ancient frien%shi'& an% < can be of the greatest use to you in Norway. Take first that king%om. King Haral% is now 7ery ol%& an% has but one son& an% cares but little about him& as he is but the son of a concubine.6 The 3arl talke% so long to ;ol% Haral% that the 'roBect 'lease% him wellA an% the king& the earl& an% ;ol% Haral% often talke% o7er the business together. The *anish king then sent messengers north to Norway to Haral% ;rafel%& an% fitte% them out magnificently for their Bourney. They were well recei7e% by Haral%. The messengers tol% him that 3arl Hakon was in *enmark& but was lying %angerously sick& an% almost out of his senses. They then %eli7ere% from Haral%& the *anish king& the in7itation to Haral% ;rafel%& his foster son& to come to him an% recei7e in7estiture of the fiefs he an% his brothers before him ha% formerly hel% in *enmarkA an% a''ointing a meeting in Gutlan%. Haral% ;rafel% lai% the matter before his mother an% other frien%s. Their o'inions were %i7i%e%. Some thought that the eD'e%ition was not without its %anger& on account of the men with whom they ha% to %ealA but the most were in haste to begin the Bourney& for at that time there was such a famine in Norway that the kings coul% scarcely fee% their men at armsA an% on this account the ?Bor%& on which the kings resi%e%& usually got the name of Har%anger (Har%acre#. <n *enmark& on the other han%&

there ha% been tolerably goo% cro'sA so that 'eo'le thought that if King Haral% got fiefs& an% something to rule o7er there they woul% get some assistance. <t was therefore conclu%e%& before the messengers returne%& that Haral% shoul% tra7el to *enmark to the *anish king in summer& an% acce't the con%itions King Haral% offere%.

1!. T23)CH32C $? H)2)-* )N* H)K$N. Haral% ;rafel% went to *enmark in the summer ().*. 9/9# with three long shi'sA an% Herse )rinbBorn& from the ?Bor% %istrict& comman%e% one of them. King Haral% saile% from >iken o7er to -imfBor% in Gutlan%& an% lan%e% at the narrow neck of lan% where the *anish king was eD'ecte%. Now when ;ol% Haral% hear% of this& he saile% there with nine shi's which he ha% fitte% out before for a 7iking cruise. 3arl Hakon ha% also his war force on footA namely& twel7e large shi's& all rea%y& with which he 'ro'ose% to make an eD'e%ition. =hen ;ol% Haral% ha% %e'arte% 3arl Hakon says to the king& 6Now < %on4t know if we are not sailing on an eD'e%ition& an% yet are to 'ay the 'enalty of not ha7ing Boine% it. ;ol% Haral% may kill Haral% ;rafel%& an% get the king%om of NorwayA but you must not think he will be true to you& although you %o hel' him to so much 'ower& for he tol% me in winter that he woul% take your life if he coul% fin% o''ortunity to %o so. Now < will win Norway for you& an% kill ;ol% Haral%& if you will 'romise me a goo% con%ition un%er you. < will be your earlA swear an oath of fi%elity to you& an%& with your hel'& conFuer all Norway for youA hol% the country un%er your ruleA 'ay you the scat an% taDesA an% you will be a greater king than your father& as you will ha7e two king%oms un%er you.6 The king an% the earl agree% u'on this& an% Hakon set off to seek ;ol% Haral%.

1:. *3)TH $? H)2)-* ;2)?3-*. ;ol% Haral% came to the neck of lan% at -imfBor%& an% imme%iately challenge% Haral% ;rafel% to battleA an% although Haral% ha% fewer men& he went imme%iately on the lan%& 're'are% for battle& an% %rew u' his troo's. +efore the lines came together Haral% ;rafel% urge% on his men& an% tol% them to %raw their swor%s. He himself a%7ance% the foremost of the troo'& hewing %own on each si%e. So says ;lum ;eirason& in ;rafel%4s lay5 6+ra7e were thy wor%s in battlefiel%& Thou stainer of the snow white shiel%K Thou gallant war go%K =ith thy 7oice Thou coul%st the %ying man reBoice5 The cheer of Haral% coul% im'art Courage an% life to e7ery heart. =hile swinging high the bloo% smeare% swor%& +y arm an% 7oice we knew our lor%.6 There fell Haral% ;rafel%. So says ;lum ;eirason5

6$n -imfBor%4s stran%& by the ti%e4s flow& Stern ?ate has lai% King Haral% lowA The gallant 7iking cruiser he =ho lo7e% the isle encircling sea. The generous ruler of the lan% ?ell at the narrow -imfBor% stran%. 3ntice% by Hakon4s cunning s'eech To his %eath be% on -imfBor%4s beach.6 The most of King Haral%4s men fell with him. Herse )rinbBorn. There also fell

This ha''ene% fifteen years after the %eath of Hakon& )thelstan4s foster son& an% thirteen years after that of Sigur% earl of Hla%er. The 'riest )re ?ro%e says that 3arl Hakon was thirteen years earl o7er his father4s %ominions in Thron%hBem %istrict before the fall of Haral% ;rafel%A but& for the last siD years of Haral% ;rafel%4s life& )re ?ro%e says the 3arl Hakon an% ;unhil%4s sons fought against each other& an% %ro7e each other out of the lan% by turns.

1". ;$-* H)2)-*4S *3)TH. Soon after Haral% ;rafel%4s fall& 3arl Hakon came u' to ;ol% Haral%& an% the earl imme%iately ga7e battle to Haral%. Hakon gaine% the 7ictory& an% Haral% was ma%e 'risonerA but Hakon ha% him imme%iately hange% on a gallows. Hakon then went to the *anish king& an% no %oubt easily settle% with him for the killing his relati7e ;ol% Haral%.

1(. *<><S<$N $? TH3 C$@NT2C. Soon after King Haral% ;ormson or%ere% a le7y of men o7er all his king%om& an% saile% with /99 shi's (1#. There were with him 3arl Hakon& Haral% ;renske& a son of King ;u%ro%& an% many other great men who ha% fle% from their u%al estates in Norway on account of ;unhil%4s sons. The *anish king saile% with his fleet from the south to >iken& where all the 'eo'le of the country surren%ere% to him. =hen he came to Tunsberg swarms of 'eo'le Boine% himA an% King Haral% ga7e to 3arl Hakon the comman% of all the men who came to him in Norway& an% ga7e him the go7ernment o7er 2ogalan%& Hor%alan%& Sogn& ?Bor% %istrict& South .ore& 2aums%al& an% North .ore. These se7en %istricts ga7e King Haral% to 3arl Hakon to rule o7er& with the same rights as Haral% Harfager ga7e with them to his sonsA only with the %ifference& that Hakon shoul% there& as well as in Thron%hBem& ha7e the king4s lan% estates an% lan% taD& an% use the king4s money an% goo%s accor%ing to his necessities whene7er there was war in the country. King Haral% also ga7e Haral% ;renske >ingulmark& >estfol%& an% )g%er all the way to -i%an%isnes (the NaEe#& together with the title of kingA an% let him ha7e these %ominions with the same rights as his family in former times ha% hel% them& an% as Haral% Harfager ha% gi7en with them to his sons. Haral% ;renske was then eighteen

years ol%& an% he became afterwar%s a celebrate% man. Haral% king of *enmark returne% home thereafter with all his army. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# i.e.& 7!9 shi's& as they were counte% by long hun%re%s& 199Q1!9.

1/. ;@NH<-*4S S$NS -3)>3 TH3 C$@NT2C. 3arl Hakon 'rocee%e% northwar%s along the coast with his forceA an% when ;unhil% an% her sons got the ti%ings they 'rocee%e% to gather troo's& but were ill off for men. Then they took the same resolution as before& to sail out to sea with such men as woul% follow them away to the westwar% ().*. 9/9#. They came first to the $rkney <slan%s& an% remaine% there a while. There were in $rkney then the 3arls Hlo%7er. )rnfi%& -Bot& an% Skule& the sons of Thorfin HausaklBufer. 3arl Hakon now brought all the country un%er him& an% remaine% all winter ().*. 979# in Thron%hBem. 3inar Skalaglam s'eaks of his conFuests in 6>ellekla65 6Norway4s great watchman& Haral%& now .ay bin% the silk snoo% on his brow Se7en 'ro7inces he seiEe%. The realm 1ros'ers with Hakon at the helm.6 )s Hakon the earl 'rocee%e% this summer along the coast subBecting all the 'eo'le to him& he or%ere% that o7er all his %ominions the tem'les an% sacrifices shoul% be restore%& an% continue% as of ol%. So it is sai% in the 6>ellekla65 6Hakon the earl& so goo% an% wise& -et all the ancient tem'les riseA Thor4s tem'les raise% with fostering han% That ha% been ruine% through the lan%. His 7aliant cham'ions& who were slain $n battle fiel%s across the main& To Thor& the thun%er go%& may tell How for the go%s all turns out well. The har%y warrior now once more $ffers the sacrifice of goreA The shiel% bearer in -oke4s game <n7okes once more great $%in4s name. The green earth gla%ly yiel%s her store& )s she was wont in %ays of yore& Since the bra7e breaker of the s'ears The holy shrines again u'rears. The earl has conFuere% with strong han% )ll that lies north of >iken lan%5 <n battle storm& an% iron rain Hakon s'rea%s wi%e his swor%4s %omain.6 The first winter that Hakon rule% o7er Norway the herrings set in

e7erywhere ri'ene% to therefore& sowe%& an%

through the fBor%s to the lan%& an% the seasons a goo% cro' all that ha% been sown. The 'eo'le& lai% in see% for the neDt year& an% got their lan%s ha% ho'e of goo% times.

17. H)K$N4S +)TT-3 =<TH 2);N?23*. King 2agnfre% an% King ;u%ro%& both sons of ;unhil% an% 3irik& were now the only sons of ;unhil% remaining in life. So says ;lum ;eirason in ;rafel%4s lay5 6=hen in the battle4s bloo%y strife The swor% took noble Haral%4s life& Half of my fortunes with him fell5 +ut his two brothers& < know well& .y loss woul% soon re'air& shoul% they )gain in Norway bear the sway& )n% to their 'romises shoul% stan%& <f they return to rule the lan%.6 2agnfre% began his course in the s'ring after he ha% been a year in the $rkney <slan%s. He saile% from thence to Norway& an% ha% with him fine troo's& an% large shi's. =hen he came to Norway he learnt that 3arl Hakon was in Thron%hBemA therefore he steere% northwar%s aroun% Sta%& an% 'lun%ere% in South .ore. Some 'eo'le submitte% to himA for it often ha''ens& when 'arties of arme% men scour o7er a country& that those who are nearest the %anger seek hel' where they think it may be eD'ecte%. )s soon as 3arl Hakon hear% the news of %isturbance in .ore& he fitte% out shi's& sent the war token through the lan%& ma%e rea%y in all haste& an% 'rocee%e% out of the fBor%. He ha% no %ifficulty in assembling men. 2agnfre% an% 3arl Hakon met at the north corner of .oreA an% Hakon& who ha% most men& but fewer shi's& began the battle. The combat was se7ere& but hea7iest on Hakon4s si%eA an% as the custom then was& they fought bow to bow& an% there was a current in the soun% which %ro7e all the shi's in u'on the lan%. The earl or%ere% to row with the oars to the lan% where lan%ing seeme% easiest. =hen the shi's were all groun%e%& the earl with all his men left them& an% %rew them u' so far that the enemy might not launch them %own again& an% then %rew u' his men on a grass fiel%& an% challenge% 2agnfre% to lan%. 2agnfre% an% his men lai% their 7essels in along the lan%& an% they shot at each other a long timeA but u'on the lan% 2agnfre% woul% not 7enture5 an% so they se'arate%. 2agnfre% saile% with his fleet southwar%s aroun% Sta%A for he was much afrai% the whole forces of the country woul% swarm aroun% Hakon. Hakon& on his 'art& was not incline% to try again a battle& for he thought the %ifference between their shi's in siEe was too greatA so in har7est he went north to Thron%hBem& an% stai% there all winter ().*. 971#. King 2agnfre% conseFuently ha% all the country south of Sta% at his mercyA namely& ?Bor% %istrict& Hor%alan%& Sogn& 2ogalan%A an% he ha% many 'eo'le about him all winter. =hen s'ring a''roache% he or%ere% out the 'eo'le an% collecte% a large force. +y going about the %istricts he got many men& shi's& an% warlike stores sent as he reFuire%.

18. +)TT-3 +3T=33N H)K$N )N* 2);N?23*. Towar%s s'ring 3arl Hakon or%ere% out all the men north in the countryA an% got many 'eo'le from Halogalan% an% Naumu%alA so that from +ry%a to Sta% he ha% men from all the sea coast. 1eo'le flocke% to him from all the Thron%hBem %istrict an% from 2aums%al. <t was sai% for certain that he ha% men from four great %istricts& an% that se7en earls followe% him& an% a matchless number of men. So it is sai% in the 6>ellekla65 6Hakon& %efen%er of the lan%& )rme% in the North his warrior ban% To Sogn4s ol% shore his force he le%& )n% from all Fuarters thither s'e% =ar shi's an% menA an% haste was ma%e +y the young go% of the swor% bla%e& The hero 7iking of the wa7e& His wi%e %omain from foes to sa7e. =ith shining keels se7en kings saile% on To meet this ra7en fee%ing one. =hen the clash came& the stunning soun% =as hear% in Norway4s farthest boun%A )n% sea borne cor'ses& floating far& +rought roun% the NaEe news from the war.6 3arl Hakon saile% then with his fleet southwar%s aroun% Sta%A an% when he hear% that King 2agnfre% with his army ha% gone towar%s Sogn& he turne% there also with his men to meet him5 an% there 2agnfre% an% Hakon met. Hakon came to the lan% with his shi's& marke% out a battle fiel% with haEel branches for King 2agnfre%& an% took groun% for his own men in it. So it is tol% in the 6>ellekla65 6<n the fierce battle 2agnfre% then .et the grim foe of >in%lan% menA )n% many a hero of great name ?ell in the shar' swor%4s bloo%y game. The wiel%er of fell Nar7e4s wea'on& The conFuering hero& 7aliant Hakon Ha% lai% his war shi's on the stran%& )n% range% his warriors on the lan%.6 There was a great battleA but 3arl Hakon& ha7ing by far the most 'eo'le& gaine% the 7ictory. <t took 'lace on the Thinganes& where Sogn an% Hor%alan% meet. King 2angfre% fle% to his shi's& after :99 of his men ha% fallen. So it is sai% in the 6>ellekla65 6Shar' was the battle strife& < ween& *ea%ly an% close it must ha7e been& +efore& u'on the bloo%y 'lain& Three hun%re% cor'ses of the slain =ere stretche% for the black ra7en4s 'reyA )n% when the conFuerors took their way

To the sea shore& they ha% to trea% $4er 'ile% u' hea's of foemen %ea%.6 )fter this battle King 2agnfre% fle% from NorwayA but 3arl Hakon restore% 'eace to the country& an% allowe% the great army which ha% followe% him in summer to return home to the north country& an% he himself remaine% in the south that har7est an% winter ().*. 97!#.

19. 3)2- H)K$N4S .)22<);3. 3arl Hakon marrie% a girl calle% Thora& a %aughter of the 'owerful Skage Sko'tason& an% 7ery beautiful she was. They ha% two sons& S7ein an% Heming& an% a %aughter calle% +erglBot who was afterwar%s marrie% to 3inar Tambaskielfer. 3arl Hakon was much a%%icte% to women& an% ha% many chil%renA among others a %aughter 2agnhil%& whom he marrie% to Sko'te Skagason& a brother of Thora. The 3arl lo7e% Thora so much that he hel% Thora4s family in higher res'ect than any other 'eo'le& an% Sko'te his brother in law in 'articularA an% he ga7e him many great fiefs in .ore. =hene7er they were on a cruise together& Sko'te must lay his shi' nearest to the earl4s& an% no other shi' was allowe% to come in between.

!9. *3)TH $? SK$1T3. $ne summer that 3arl Hakon was on a cruise& there was a shi' with him of which Thorleif S'ake (the =ise# was steersman. <n it was also 3irik& 3arl Hakon4s son& then about ten or ele7en years ol%. Now in the e7enings& as they came into harbour& 3irik woul% not allow any shi' but his to lie nearest to the earl4s. +ut when they came to the south& to .ore& they met Sko'te the earl4s brother in law& with a well manne% shi'A an% as they rowe% towar%s the fleet& Sko'te calle% out that Thorleif shoul% mo7e out of the harbour to make room for him& an% shoul% go to the roa%stea%. 3irik in haste took u' the matter& an% or%ere% Sko'te to go himself to the roa%stea%. =hen 3arl Hakon hear% that his son thought himself too great to gi7e 'lace to Sko'te& he calle% to them imme%iately that they shoul% haul out from their berth& threatening them with chastisement if they %i% not. =hen Thorleif hear% this& he or%ere% his men to sli' their lan% cable& an% they %i% soA an% Sko'te lai% his 7essel neDt to the earl4s as he use% to %o. =hen they came together& Sko'te brought the earl all the news he ha% gathere%& an% the earl communicate% to Sko'te all the news he ha% hear%A an% Sko'te was therefore calle% Ti%in%asko'te (the Newsman Sko'te#. The winter after ().*. 97:# 3irik was with his foster father Thorleif& an% early in s'ring he gathere% a crew of followers& an% Thorleif ga7e him a boat of fifteen benches of rowers& with shi' furniture& tents& an% shi' 'ro7isionsA an% 3irik set out from the fBor%& an% southwar%s to .ore. Ti%in%asko'te ha''ene% also to be going with a fully manne% boat of fifteen rowers4 benches from one of his farms to another& an% 3irik went against him to ha7e a battle. Sko'te was

slain& but 3irik grante% life to those of his men who were still on their legs. So says 3yBolf *a%askal% in the 6+an%a -ay65 6)t e7e the youth went out To meet the warrior stout To meet stout Sko'te he =hose war shi' ro7es the sea -ike force was on each si%e& +ut in the whirling ti%e The young wolf 3irik slew Sko'te& an% all his crew )n% he was a gallant one& *ear to the 3arl Hakon. @'& youth of steel har% breast No time hast thou to restK Thy ocean wings s'rea% wi%e S'ee% o4er the foaming ti%eK S'ee% on s'ee% on thy wayK ?or here thou canst not stay.6 3irik saile% along the lan% an% came to *enmark& an% went to King Haral% ;ormson& an% stai% with him all winter ().*. 97"#. <n s'ring the *anish king sent him north to Norway& an% ga7e him an earl%om& an% the go7ernment of >ingulmark an% 2aumarike& on the same terms as the small scat 'aying kings ha% formerly hel% these %omains. So says 3yBolf *a%askal%5 6South through ocean4s s'ray His %ragon flew away To ;ormson4s hall renowne%. =here the bowl goes bra7ely roun%. )n% the *anish king %i% 'lace This youth of noble race =here& shiel% an% swor% in han%& He woul% aye %efen% his lan%.6 3irik became afterwar%s a great chief.

!1. $-)? T2C;>)S$N4S G$@2N3C ?2$. 2@SS<). )ll this time $laf Tryg7ason was in ;ar%arike (2ussia#& an% highly esteeme% by King >al%emar& an% belo7e% by the Fueen. King >al%emar ma%e him chief o7er the men at arms whom he sent out to %efen% the lan%. So says Hallarstei% 6The hater of the niggar% ban%& The chief who lo7es the Northman4s lan%& =as only twel7e years ol% when he His 2ussian war shi's 'ut to sea. The wain that 'loughs the sea was then -oa%e% with war gear by his men =ith swor%s& an% s'ears& an% helms5 an% %ee' $ut to the sea his goo% shi's swee'.6 $laf ha% se7eral battles& an% was lucky as a lea%er of troo's.

He himself ke't a great many men at arms at his own eD'ense out of the 'ay the king ga7e him. $laf was 7ery generous to his men& an% therefore 7ery 'o'ular. +ut then it came to 'ass& what so often ha''ens when a foreigner is raise% to higher 'ower an% %ignity than men of the country& that many en7ie% him because he was so fa7oure% by the king& an% also not less so by the Fueen. They hinte% to the king that he shoul% take care not to make $laf too 'owerful& 6for such a man may be %angerous to you& if he were to allow himself to be use% for the 'ur'ose of %oing you or your king%om harmA for he is eDtremely eD'ert in all eDercises an% feats& an% 7ery 'o'ular. =e %o not& in%ee%& know what it is he can ha7e to talk of so often with the Fueen.6 <t was then the custom among great monarchs that the Fueen shoul% ha7e half of the court atten%ants& an% she su''orte% them at her own eD'ense out of the scat an% re7enue 'ro7i%e% for her for that 'ur'ose. <t was so also at the court of King >al%emar that the Fueen ha% an atten%ance as large as the king& an% they 7ie% with each other about the finest men& each wanting to ha7e such in their own ser7ice. <t so fell out that the king listene% to such s'eeches& an% became somewhat silent an% blunt towar%s $laf. =hen $laf obser7e% this& he tol% it to the FueenA an% also that he ha% a great %esire to tra7el to the Northern lan%& where his family formerly ha% 'ower an% king%oms& an% where it was most likely he woul% a%7ance himself. The Fueen wishe% him a 'ros'erous Bourney& an% sai% he woul% be foun% a bra7e man where7er he might be. $laf then ma%e rea%y& went on boar%& an% set out to sea in the +altic. )s he was coming from the east he ma%e the islan% of +orgun%arholm (+ornholm#& where he lan%e% an% 'lun%ere%. The country 'eo'le hastene% %own to the stran%& an% ga7e him battleA but $laf gaine% the 7ictory& an% a large booty.

!!. $-)? T2C;>)S$N4S .)22<);3. =hile $laf lay at +orgun%arholm there came on ba% weather& storm& an% a hea7y sea& so that his shi's coul% not lie thereA an% he saile% southwar%s un%er >in%lan%& where they foun% a goo% harbour. They con%ucte% themsel7es 7ery 'eacefully& an% remaine% some time. <n >in%lan% there was then a king calle% +uriEleif& who ha% three %aughters& ;eira& ;unhil%& an% )stri%. The king4s %aughter ;eira ha% the 'ower an% go7ernment in that 'art where $laf an% his 'eo'le lan%e%& an% *iDen was the name of the man who most usually a%7ise% Hueen ;eira. Now when they hear% that unknown 'eo'le were came to the country& who were of %istinguishe% a''earance& an% con%ucte% themsel7es 'eaceably& *iDen re'aire% to them with a message from Hueen ;eira& in7iting the strangers to take u' their winter abo%e with herA for the summer was almost s'ent& an% the weather was se7ere an% stormy. Now when *iDen came to the 'lace he soon saw that the lea%er was a %istinguishe% man& both from family an% 'ersonal a''earance& an% he tol% $laf the Fueen4s in7itation with the most kin%ly message. $laf willingly acce'te% the in7itation& an% went in har7est ().*. 98!# to Hueen ;eira. They like% each other eDcee%ingly& an% $laf courte% Hueen ;eiraA an% it was so settle%

that $laf marrie% her the same winter& an% was ruler& along with Hueen ;eira& o7er her %ominions. Halfre% >an%re%askal% tells of these matters in the lay he com'ose% about King $laf5 6=hy shoul% the %ee%s the hero %i% <n +ornholm an% the 3ast he hi%L His %ea%ly wea'on $laf bol% *ye% re%5 why shoul% not this be tol%L6

!:. 3)2- H)K$N 1)CS N$ SC)T. 3arl Hakon rule% o7er Norway& an% 'ai% no scatA because the *anish king ga7e him all the scat re7enue that belonge% to the king in Norway& for the eD'ense an% trouble he ha% in %efen%ing the country against ;unhil%4s sons.

!". H)2)-* $11$S3S CH2<ST<)N<TC. The 3m'eror $tta ($tto# was at that time in the SaDon country& an% sent a message to King Haral%& the *anish king& that he must take on the true faith an% be ba'tiEe%& he an% all his 'eo'le whom he rule%A 6otherwise&6 says the em'eror& 6we will march against him with an army.6 The *anish king or%ere% the lan% %efence to be fitte% out& *ana7irke (1# (the *anish wall# to be well fortifie%& an% his shi's of war rigge% out. He sent a message also to 3arl Hakon in Norway to come to him early in s'ring& an% with as many men as he coul% 'ossibly raise. <n s'ring ().*. 97(# 3arl Hakon le7ie% an army o7er the whole country which was 7ery numerous& an% with it he saile% to meet the *anish king. The king recei7e% him in the most honourable manner. .any other chiefs also Boine% the *anish king with their men& so that he ha% gathere% a 7ery large army. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# *ana7irke. The *anish work was a wall of earth& stones& an% woo%& with a %ee' %itch in front& an% a castle at e7ery hun%re% fathoms& between the ri7ers 3i%er an% Slien& constructe% by Haral% +latan% (+luetooth# to o''ose the 'rogress of Charlemagne. Some traces of it still eDist. -.

!(. $-)? T2C;>)S$N4S =)2 3N13*<T<$N. $laf Tryg7ason ha% been all winter ().*. 989# in >in%lan%& as before relate%& an% went the same winter to the baronies in >in%lan% which ha% formerly been un%er Hueen ;eira& but ha% with%rawn themsel7es from obe%ience an% 'ayment of taDes. There $laf ma%e war& kille% many 'eo'le& burnt out others& took much 'ro'erty& an% lai% all of them un%er subBection to him& an% then went back to his castle. 3arly in s'ring $laf rigge% out his

shi's an% set off to sea. He saile% to Skane an% ma%e a lan%ing. The 'eo'le of the country assemble%& an% ga7e him battleA but King $laf conFuere%& an% ma%e a great booty. He then saile% eastwar% to the islan% of ;otlan%& where he ca'ture% a merchant 7essel belonging to the 'eo'le of Gamtalan%. They ma%e a bra7e %efenceA but the en% of it was that $laf cleare% the %eck& kille% many of the men& an% took all the goo%s. He ha% a thir% battle in ;otlan%& in which he also gaine% the 7ictory& an% ma%e a great booty. So says Halfre% >an%re%askal%5 6The king& so fierce in battle fray& ?irst ma%e the >in%lan% men gi7e way5 The ;otlan%ers must tremble neDtA )n% Scania4s shores are sorely 7eDe% +y the shar' 'elting arrow shower The hero an% his warriors 'ourA )n% then the Gamtalan% men must fly& Scare% by his well known battle cry.6

!/. $TT) )N* H)K$N <N +)TT-3. The 3m'eror $tta assemble% a great army from SaDlan%& ?raklan%& ?rislan%& an% >in%lan%. King +uriEleif followe% him with a large army& an% in it was his son in law& $laf Tryg7ason. The em'eror ha% a great bo%y of horsemen& an% still greater of foot 'eo'le& an% a great army from Holstein. Haral%& the *anish king& sent 3arl Hakon with the army of Northmen that followe% him southwar%s to *ana7irke& to %efen% his king%om on that si%e. So it is tol% in the 6>ellekla65 6$7er the foaming salt sea s'ray The Norse sea horses took their way& 2acing across the ocean 'lain Southwar%s to *enmark4s green %omain. The gallant chief of Hor%alan% Sat at the helm with stea%y han%& <n casFue an% shiel%& his men to bring ?rom *o7re to his frien% the king. He steere% his war shi's o4er the wa7e To hel' the *anish king to sa7e .or%alf& who& with a gallant ban% =as hastening from the Gutes4 wil% lan%& )cross the forest frontier ru%e& =ith toil an% 'ain through the thick woo%. ;la% was the *anish king& < trow& =hen he saw Hakon4s galley4s 'row. The monarch straightway ga7e comman% To Hakon& with a steel cla% ban%& To man the *ane work4s ram'art stout& )n% kee' the foreign foemen out.6 The 3m'eror $tta came with his army from the south to *ana7irke& but 3arl Hakon %efen%e% the ram'art with his men. The *ane work (*ana7irke# was constructe% in this way5 Two fBor%s run into the lan%& one on each si%eA an% in the farthest bight of these

fBor%s the *anes ha% ma%e a great wall of stone& turf& an% timber& an% %ug a %ee' an% broa% %itch in front of it& an% ha% also built a castle o7er each gate of it. There was a har% battle there& of which the 6>ellekla6 s'eaks5 6Thick the storm of arrows flew& -ou% was the %in& black was the 7iew $f close array of shiel% an% s'ear $f >in%& an% ?rank& an% SaDon there. +ut little recke% our gallant menA )n% lou% the cry might be hear% then $f Norway4s bra7e sea ro7ing son 4$n 4gainst the foeK $nK -ea% us onK6 3arl Hakon %rew u' his 'eo'le in ranks u'on all the gate towers of the wall& but the greater 'art of them he ke't marching along the wall to make a %efence wheresoe7er an attack was threatene%. .any of the em'eror4s 'eo'le fell without making any im'ression on the fortification& so the em'eror turne% back without farther attem't at an assault on it. So it is sai% in the 6>ellekla65 6They who the eagle4s feast 'ro7i%e <n ranke% line fought si%e by si%e& 4;ainst lines of war men un%er shiel%sR Close 'acke% together on the fiel%s& 3arl Hakon %ri7e by %aring %ee%s The SaDons to their ocean stee%sA )n% the young hero sa7es from fall The *ana7irke the 'eo'le4s wall.6 )fter this battle 3arl Hakon went back to his shi's& an% inten%e% to sail home to NorwayA but he %i% not get a fa7ourable win%& an% lay for some time outsi%e at -imafBor%.

!7. H)2)-* )N* H)K$N )23 +)1T<J3*. The 3m'eror $tta turne% back with his troo's to Sles7ik& collecte% his shi's of war& an% crosse% the fBor% of Sle into Gutlan%. )s soon as the *anish king hear% of this he marche% his army against him& an% there was a battle& in which the em'eror at last got the 7ictory. The *anish king fle% to -imafBor% an% took refuge in the islan% .arsey. +y the hel' of me%iators who went between the king an% the em'eror& a truce an% a meeting between them were agree% on. The 3m'eror $tta an% the *anish king met u'on .arsey. There +isho' 1o''o instructe% King Haral% in the holy faithA he bore re% hot irons in his han%s& an% eDhibite% his unscorche% han%s to the king. Thereafter King Haral% allowe% himself to be ba'tiEe%& an% also the whole *anish army. King Haral%& while he was in .arsey& ha% sent a message to Hakon that he shoul% come to his succourA an% the earl ha% Bust reache% the islan% when the king ha% recei7e% ba'tism. The king sen%s wor% to the earl to come to him& an% when they met the king force% the earl to allow himself also to be ba'tiEe%. So 3arl Hakon an% all the men who were with him were ba'tiEe%A an% the king ga7e them 'riests an% other learne% men with them& an% or%ere% that the

earl shoul% make all the 'eo'le in Norway be ba'tiEe%. $n that they se'arate%A an% the earl went out to sea& there to wait for a win%.

!8. H)K$N 23N$@NC3S CH2<ST<)N<TC. =hen a win% came with which he thought he coul% get clear out to sea& he 'ut all the learne% men on shore again& an% set off to the oceanA but as the win% came roun% to the south west& an% at last to west& he saile% eastwar%& out through 3yrarsun%& ra7aging the lan% on both si%es. He then saile% eastwar% along Skane& 'lun%ering the country where7er he came. =hen he got east to the skerries of 3ast ;autlan%& he ran in an% lan%e%& an% ma%e a great bloo% sacrifice. There came two ra7ens flying which croake% lou%lyA an% now& thought the earl& the bloo% offering has been acce'te% by $%in& an% he thought goo% luck woul% be with him any %ay he like% to go to battle. Then he set fire to his shi's& lan%e% his men& an% went o7er all the country with arme% han%. 3arl $ttar& who rule% o7er ;autlan%& came against him& an% they hel% a great battle with each otherA but 3arl Hakon gaine% the %ay& an% 3arl $ttar an% a great 'art of his men were kille%. 3arl Hakon now %ro7e with fire an% swor% o7er both the ;autlan%s& until he came into NorwayA an% then he 'rocee%e% by lan% all the way north to Thron%hBem. The 6>ellekla6 tells about this5 6$n the silent battle fiel%& <n 7iking garb& with aDe an% shiel%& The warrior& stri%ing o4er the slain& )sks of the go%s I=hat %ays will gainL4 Two ra7ens& flying from the east& Come croaking to the bloo%y feast5 The warrior knows what they foreshow The %ays when ;autlan% bloo% will flow. ) 7iking feast 3arl Hakon ke't& The lan% with 7iking fury swe't& Harrying the lan% far from the shore =here foray ne4er was known before. -ea7ing the barren col% coast si%e& He rage% through ;autlan% far an% wi%e& -e% many a gol% %ecke% 7iking shiel% $4er many a 'eaceful inlan% fiel%. +o%ies on bo%ies $%in foun% Hea'e% high u'on each battle groun%5 The moor& as if by witchcraft4s 'ower& ;rows green& enriche% by bloo%y shower. No won%er that the go%s %elight To gi7e such luck in e7ery fight To Hakon4s men for he restores Their tem'les on our Norway shores.6

!9. TH3 3.132$2 $TT) 23T@2NS H$.3. The 3m'eror $tta went back to his king%om in the SaDon lan%& an%

'arte% in frien%shi' with the *anish king. <t is sai% that the 3m'eror $tta stoo% go%father to S7ein& King Haral%4s son& an% ga7e him his nameA so that he was ba'tiEe% $tta S7ein. King Haral% hel% fast by his Christianity to his %ying %ay. King +uriEleif went to >in%lan%& an% his son in law King $laf went with him. This battle is relate% also by Halfre% >an%re%askal% in his song on $laf5 6He who through the foaming surges His white winge% ocean coursers urges& Hewe% from the *anes& in armour %resse%& The iron bark off mail cla% breast.6

:9. $-)?4S G$@2N3C ?2$. ><N*-)N*. $laf Tryg7ason was three years in >in%lan% ().*. 98! 98"# when ;eira his Fueen fell sick& an% she %ie% of her illness. $laf felt his loss so great that he ha% no 'leasure in >in%lan% after it. He 'ro7i%e% himself& therefore& with warshi's& an% went out again a 'lun%ering& an% 'lun%ere% first in ?rislan%& neDt in SaDlan%& an% then all the way to ?laemingBalan% (?lan%ers#. So says Halfre% >an%re%askal%5 6$laf4s broa% aDe of shining steel ?or the shy wolf left many a meal. The ill sha'e% SaDon cor'ses lay Hea'e% u'& the witch wife4s horses4 (1# 'rey. She ri%es by night5 at 'ools of bloo%. =here ?rislan% men in %aylight stoo%& Her horses slake their thirst& an% fly $n to the fiel% where ?lemings lie. The ra7en frien% in $%in4s %ress $laf& who foes can well re'ress& -eft ?lemish flesh for many a meal =ith his broa% aDe of shining steel.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# 2a7ens were the witches4 horses.

-.

:1. K<N; $-)?4S ?$2)CS. Thereafter $laf Tryg7ason saile% to 3nglan%& an% ra7age% wi%e aroun% in the lan%. He saile% all the way north to Northumberlan%& where he 'lun%ere%A an% thence to Scotlan%& where he marau%e% far an% wi%e. Then he went to the Hebri%es& where he fought some battlesA an% then southwar%s to .an& where he also fought. He ra7age% far aroun% in <relan%& an% thence steere% to +retlan%& which he lai% waste with fire an% swor%& an% all the %istrict calle% Cumberlan%. He saile% westwar% from thence to >allan%& an% marau%e% there. =hen he left the west& inten%ing to sail to 3nglan%& he came to the islan%s calle% the

Scilly <sles& lying westwar% from 3nglan% in the ocean. tells Halfre% >an%raskal% of these e7ents5 The bra7e young king& who ne4er retreats& The 3nglishman in 3nglan% beats. *eath through Northumberlan% is s'rea% ?rom battleaDe an% broa% s'earhea%. Through Scotlan% with his s'ears he ri%esA To .an his glancing shi's he gui%es5 ?ee%ing the wol7es where4er he came& The young king %ro7e a bloo%y game. The gallant bowmen in the isles Slew foemen& who lay hea'e% in 'iles. The <rish fle% at $laf4s name ?le% from a young king seeking fame. <n +retlan%& an% in Cumberlan%& 1eo'le against him coul% not stan%5 Thick on the fiel%s their cor'ses lay& To ra7ens an% howling wol7es a 'rey.6

Thus

$laf Tryg7ason ha% been four years on this cruise ().*. 98( 988#& from the time he left >in%lan% till he came to the Scilly <slan%s.

:!. K<N; $-)? <S +)1T<J3*. =hile $laf Tryg7ason lay in the Scilly <sles he hear% of a seer& or fortune teller& on the islan%s& who coul% tell beforehan% things not yet %one& an% what he foretol% many belie7e% was really fulfille%. $laf became curious to try this man4s gift of 'ro'hecy. He therefore sent one of his men& who was the han%somest an% strongest& clothe% him magnificently& an% ba%e him say he was the kingA for $laf was known in all countries as han%somer& stronger& an% bra7er than all others& although& after he ha% left 2ussia& he retaine% no more of his name than that he was calle% $le& an% was 2ussian. Now when the messenger came to the fortune teller& an% ga7e himself out for the king& he got the answer& 6Thou art not the king& but < a%7ise thee to be faithful to thy king.6 )n% more he woul% not say to that man. The man returne%& an% tol% $laf& an% his %esire to meet the fortune teller was increase%A an% now he ha% no %oubt of his being really a fortune teller. $laf re'aire% himself to him& an%& entering into con7ersation& aske% him if he coul% foresee how it woul% go with him with regar% to his king%om& or of any other fortune he was to ha7e. The hermit re'lies in a holy s'irit of 'ro'hecy& 6Thou wilt become a renowne% king& an% %o celebrate% %ee%s. .any men wilt thou bring to faith an% ba'tism& an% both to thy own an% others4 goo%A an% that thou mayst ha7e no %oubt of the truth of this answer& listen to these tokens5 =hen thou comest to thy shi's many of thy 'eo'le will cons'ire against thee& an% then a battle will follow in which many of thy men will fall& an% thou wilt be woun%e% almost to %eath& an% carrie% u'on a shiel% to thy shi'A yet after se7en %ays thou shalt be well of thy woun%s& an% imme%iately thou shalt let thyself be ba'tiEe%.6 Soon after $laf went %own to his shi's& where he met some mutineers an% 'eo'le

who woul% %estroy him an% his men. ) fight took 'lace& an% the result was what the hermit ha% 're%icte%& that $laf was woun%e%& an% carrie% u'on a shiel% to his shi'& an% that his woun% was heale% in se7en %ays. Then $laf 'ercei7e% that the man ha% s'oken truth& that he was a true fortune teller& an% ha% the gift of 'ro'hecy. $laf went once more to the hermit& an% aske% 'articularly how he came to ha7e such wis%om in foreseeing things to be. The hermit re'lie%& that the Christian ;o% himself let him know all that he %esire%A an% he brought before $laf many great 'roofs of the 'ower of the )lmighty. <n conseFuence of this encouragement $laf agree% to let himself be ba'tiEe%& an% he an% all his followers were ba'tiEe% forthwith. He remaine% here a long time& took the true faith& an% got with him 'riests an% other learne% men.

::. $-)? .)22<3S ;C*). <n autumn ().*. 988# $laf saile% from Scilly to 3nglan%& where he 'ut into a harbour& but 'rocee%e% in a frien%ly wayA for 3nglan% was Christian& an% he himself ha% become Christian. )t this time a summons to a Thing went through the country& that all men shoul% come to hol% a Thing. Now when the Thing was assemble% a Fueen calle% ;y%a came to it& a sister of $laf K7aran& who was king of *ublin in <relan%. She ha% been marrie% to a great earl in 3nglan%& an% after his %eath she was at the hea% of his %ominions. <n her territory there was a man calle% )lf7ine& who was a great cham'ion an% single combat man. He ha% 'ai% his a%%resses to herA but she ga7e for answer& that she herself woul% choose whom of the men in her %ominions she woul% take in marriageA an% on that account the Thing was assemble%& that she might choose a husban%. )lf7ine came there %resse% out in his best clothes& an% there were many well %resse% men at the meeting. $laf ha% come there alsoA but ha% on his ba% weather clothes& an% a coarse o7er garment& an% stoo% with his 'eo'le a'art from the rest of the crow%. ;y%a went roun% an% looke% at each& to see if any a''eare% to her a suitable man. Now when she came to where $laf stoo% she looke% at him straight in the face& an% aske% 6what sort of man he wasL6 He sai%& 6< am calle% $leA an% < am a stranger here.6 ;y%a re'lies& 6=ilt thou ha7e me if < choose theeL6 6< will not say no to that&6 answere% heA an% he aske% what her name was& an% her family& an% %escent. 6< am calle% ;y%a&6 sai% sheA 6an% am %aughter of the king of <relan%& an% was marrie% in this country to an earl who rule% o7er this territory. Since his %eath < ha7e rule% o7er it& an% many ha7e courte% me& but none to whom < woul% choose to be marrie%.6 She was a young an% han%some woman. They afterwar%s talke% o7er the matter together& an% agree%& an% $laf an% ;y%a were betrothe%.

:". K<N; $-)? )N* )-?><N34S *@3-. )lf7ine was 7ery ill 'lease% with this. <t was the custom then in 3nglan%& if two stro7e for anything& to settle the matter by single combat (1#A an% now )lf7ine challenges $laf Tryg7ason to fight about this business. The time an% 'lace for the combat were settle%& an% that each shoul% ha7e twel7e men with him. =hen they met& $laf tol% his men to %o eDactly as they saw him %o. He ha% a large aDeA an% when )lf7ine was going to cut at him with his swor% he hewe% away the swor% out of his han%& an% with the neDt blow struck %own )lf7ine himself. He then boun% him fast. <t went in the same way with all )lf7ine4s men. They were beaten %own& boun%& an% carrie% to $laf4s lo%ging. Thereu'on he or%ere% )lf7ine to Fuit the country& an% ne7er a''ear in it againA an% $laf took all his 'ro'erty. $laf in this way got ;y%a in marriage& an% li7e% sometimes in 3nglan%& an% sometimes in <relan%. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Holm gang5 so calle% because the combatants went to a holm or uninhabite% isle to fight in Norway. -.

:(. K<N; $-)? ;3TS H<S *$; ><;3. =hile $laf was in <relan% he was once on an eD'e%ition which went by sea. )s they reFuire% to make a foray for 'ro7isions on the coast& some of his men lan%e%& an% %ro7e %own a large her% of cattle to the stran%. Now a 'easant came u'& an% entreate% $laf to gi7e him back the cows that belonge% to him. $laf tol% him to take his cows& if he coul% %istinguish themA 6but %on4t %elay our march.6 The 'easant ha% with him a large house %og& which he 'ut in among the her% of cattle& in which many hun%re% hea% of beasts were %ri7en together. The %og ran into the her%& an% %ro7e out eDactly the number which the 'easant ha% sai% he wante%A an% all were marke% with the same mark& which showe% that the %og knew the right beasts& an% was 7ery sagacious. $laf then aske% the 'easant if he woul% sell him the %og. 6< woul% rather gi7e him to you&6 sai% the 'easant. $laf imme%iately 'resente% him with a gol% ring in return& an% 'romise% him his frien%shi' in future. This %og was calle% >ige& an% was the 7ery best of %ogs& an% $laf owne% him long afterwar%s.

:/. H)2)-* ;$2.S$N S)<-S );)<NST <C3-)N*. The *anish king& Haral% ;ormson& hear% that 3arl Hakon ha% thrown off Christianity& an% ha% 'lun%ere% far an% wi%e in the *anish lan%. The *anish king le7ie% an army& with which he went to NorwayA an% when he came to the country which 3arl Hakon ha% to rule o7er he lai% waste the whole lan%& an% came with his fleet

to some islan%s calle% Solun%er. $nly fi7e houses were left stan%ing in -aera%alA but all the 'eo'le fle% u' to the mountains& an% into the forest& taking with them all the mo7eable goo%s they coul% carry with them. Then the *anish king 'ro'ose% to sail with his fleet to <celan%& to a7enge the mockery an% scorn all the <celan%ers ha% shown towar%s himA for they ha% ma%e a law in <celan%& that they shoul% make as many lam'oons against the *anish king as there were hea%lan%s in his countryA an% the reason was& because a 7essel which belonge% to certain <celan%ers was stran%e% in *enmark& an% the *anes took all the 'ro'erty& an% calle% it wreck. $ne of the king4s bailiffs calle% +irger was to blame for thisA but the lam'oons were ma%e against both. <n the lam'oons were the following lines5 6The gallant Haral% in the fiel% +etween his legs lets %ro' his shiel%A <nto a 'ony he was change%. )n% kicke% his shiel%& an% safely range%. )n% +irger& he who %wells in halls ?or safety built with four stone walls& That these might be a worthy 'air& =as change% into a 'ony mare.6

:7. H)2)-* S3N*S ) =)2-$CK T$ <C3-)N*. King Haral% tol% a warlock to hie to <celan% in some altere% sha'e& an% to try what he coul% learn there to tell him5 an% he set out in the sha'e of a whale. )n% when he came near to the lan% he went to the west si%e of <celan%& north aroun% the lan%& where he saw all the mountains an% hills full of guar%ian s'irits& some great& some small. =hen he came to >a'nafBor% he went in towar%s the lan%& inten%ing to go on shoreA but a huge %ragon rushe% %own the %ale against him with a train of ser'ents& 'a%%ocks& an% toa%s& that blew 'oison towar%s him. Then he turne% to go westwar% aroun% the lan% as far as 3yBafBor%& an% he went into the fBor%. Then a bir% flew against him& which was so great that its wings stretche% o7er the mountains on either si%e of the fBor%& an% many bir%s& great an% small& with it. Then he swam farther west& an% then south into +rei%afBor%. =hen he came into the fBor% a large grey bull ran against him& wa%ing into the sea& an% bellowing fearfully& an% he was followe% by a crow% of lan% s'irits. ?rom thence he went roun% by 2eykBanes& an% wante% to lan% at >ikarsskei%& but there came %own a hill giant against him with an iron staff in his han%s. He was a hea% higher than the mountains& an% many other giants followe% him. He then swam eastwar% along the lan%& an% there was nothing to see& he sai%& but san% an% 7ast %eserts& an%& without the skerries& high breaking surfA an% the ocean between the countries was so wi%e that a long shi' coul% not cross it. )t that time +ro%helge %welt in >a'nafBor%& 3yBolf >alger%son in 3yBafBor%& Thor% ;eller in +rei%afBor%& an% Thoro% ;o%e in $lfus. Then the *anish king turne% about with his fleet& an% saile% back to *enmark. Hakon the earl settle% habitations again in the country that ha% been lai% waste& an% 'ai% no scat as long as he li7e% to *enmark.

:8. H)2)-* ;$2.S$N4S *3)TH. S7ein& King Haral%4s son& who afterwar%s was calle% TBuguskeg (forke% bear%#& aske% his father King Haral% for a 'art of his king%omA but now& as before& Haral% woul% not listen to %i7i%ing the *anish %ominions& an% gi7ing him a king%om. S7ein collecte% shi's of war& an% ga7e out that he was going on a 7iking cruiseA but when all his men were assemble%& an% the Gomsborg 7iking 1alnatoke ha% come to his assistance he ran into Sealan% to <safBor%& where his father ha% been for some time with his shi's rea%y to 'rocee% on an eD'e%ition. S7ein instantly ga7e battle& an% the combat was se7ere. So many 'eo'le flew to assist King Haral%& that S7ein was o7er'owere% by numbers& an% fle%. +ut King Haral% recei7e% a woun% which en%e% in his %eath5 an% S7ein was chosen King of *enmark. )t this time Sig7al%e was earl o7er Gomsborg in >in%lan%. He was a son of King Strutharal%& who ha% rule% o7er Skane. Heming& an% Thorkel the Tall& were Sig7al%e4s brothers. +ue the Thick from +ornholm& an% Sigur% his brother& were also chiefs among the Gomsborg 7ikings5 an% also >agn& a son of )ke an% Thorgunna& an% a sister4s son of +ue an% Sigur%. 3arl Sig7al%e ha% taken King S7ein 'risoner& an% carrie% him to >in%lan%& to Gomsborg& where he ha% force% him to make 'eace with +uriEleif& the king of the >in%s& an% to take him as the 'eace maker between them. 3arl Sig7al%e was marrie% to )stri%& a %aughter of King +uriEleifA an% tol% King S7ein that if he %i% not acce't of his terms& he woul% %eli7er him into the han%s of the >in%s. The king knew that they woul% torture him to %eath& an% therefore agree% to acce't the earl4s me%iation. The earl %eli7ere% this Bu%gment between them that King S7ein shoul% marry ;unhil%& King +uriEleif4s %aughterA an% King +uriEleif again Thyre& a %aughter of Haral%& an% King S7ein4s sisterA but that each 'arty shoul% retain their own %ominions& an% there shoul% be 'eace between the countries. Then King S7ein returne% home to *enmark with his wife ;unhil%. Their sons were Haral% an% Knut (Canute# the ;reat. )t that time the *anes threatene% much to bring an army into Norway against 3arl Hakon.

:9. >$= $? TH3 G$.S+$2; ><K<N;S. King S7ein ma%e a magnificent feast& to which he in7ite% all the chiefs in his %ominionsA for he woul% gi7e the succession feast& or the heirshi' ale& after his father Haral%. ) short time before& Strutharal% in Skane& an% >esete in +ornholm& father to +ue the Thick an% to Sigur%& ha% %ie%A an% King S7ein sent wor% to the Gomsborg 7ikings that 3arl Sig7al%e an% +ue& an% their brothers& shoul% come to him& an% %rink the funeral ale for their fathers in the same feast the king was gi7ing. The Gomsborg 7ikings came to the festi7al with their bra7est men& forty shi's of them from >in%lan%& an% twenty shi's from Skane. ;reat was the multitu%e of 'eo'le assemble%. The first %ay of the feast& before King S7ein went u' into his father4s high seat& he %rank the bowl to his father4s memory& an% ma%e the solemn 7ow& that

before three winters were 'ast he woul% go o7er with his army to 3nglan%& an% either kill King )%alra% (3thelre%#& or chase him out of the country. This heirshi' bowl all who were at the feast %rank. Thereafter for the chiefs of the Gomsborg 7ikings was fille% an% %runk the largest horn to be foun%& an% of the strongest %rink. =hen that bowl was em'tie%& all men %rank Christ4s healthA an% again the fullest measure an% the strongest %rink were han%e% to the Gomsborg 7ikings. The thir% bowl was to the memory of Saint .ichael& which was %runk by all. Thereafter 3arl Sig7al%e em'tie% a remembrance bowl to his father4s honour& an% ma%e the solemn 7ow& that before three winters came to an en% he woul% go to Norway& an% either kill 3arl Hakon& or chase him out of the country. Thereu'on Thorkel the Tall& his brother& ma%e a solemn 7ow to follow his brother Sig7al%e to Norway& an% not flinch from the battle so long as Sig7al%e woul% fight there. Then +ue the Thick 7owe% to follow them to Norway& an% not flinch so long as the other Gomsborg 7ikings fought. )t last >agn )kason 7owe% that he woul% go with them to Norway& an% not return until he ha% slain Thorkel -eira& an% gone to be% to his %aughter <ngebBorg without her frien%s4 consent. .any other chiefs ma%e solemn 7ows about %ifferent things. Thus was the heirshi' ale %runk that %ay& but the neDt morning& when the Gomsborg 7ikings ha% sle't off their %rink& they thought they ha% s'oken more than enough. They hel% a meeting to consult how they shoul% 'rocee% with their un%ertaking& an% they %etermine% to fit out as s'ee%ily as 'ossible for the eD'e%itionA an% without %elay shi's an% men at arms were 're'are%& an% the news s'rea% Fuickly.

"9. 3<2<K )N* H)K$N .)K3 ) =)2 -3>C. =hen 3arl 3irik& the son of Hakon& who at that time was in 2aumarike& hear% the ti%ings& he imme%iately gathere% troo's& an% went to the @'lan%s& an% thence o7er the mountains to Thron%hBem& an% Boine% his father 3arl Hakon. Thor% Kolbeinson s'eaks of this in the lay of 3irik5 6News from the south are flying roun%A The bon%e comes with look 'rofoun%& +a% news of bloo%y battles bringing& $f steel cla% men& of wea'ons ringing. < hear that in the *anish lan% -ong si%e% shi's sli%e %own the stran%& )n%& floating with the rising ti%e& The ocean coursers soon will ri%e.6 The earls Hakon an% 3irik ha% war arrows s'lit u' an% sent roun% the Thron%hBem countryA an% %es'atche% messages to both the .ores& North .ore an% South .ore& an% to 2aums%al& an% also north to Naumu%al an% Halogalan%. They summone% all the country to 'ro7i%e both men an% shi's. So it is sai% in 3irik4s lay5 6The skal% must now a war song raise& The gallant acti7e youth must 'raise& =ho o4er the ocean4s fiel% s'rea%s forth Shi's& cutters& boats& from the far north.

His mighty fleet comes sailing by& The 'eo'le run to see them gli%e& .ast after mast& by the coast si%e.6 3arl Hakon set out imme%iately to the south& to .ore& to reconnoitre an% gather 'eo'leA an% 3arl 3irik gathere% an army from the north to follow.

"1. 3N13*<T<$N $? TH3 G$.S+$2; ><K<N;S. The Gomsborg 7ikings assemble% their fleet in -imafBor%& from whence they went to sea with siDty sail of 7essels. =hen they came un%er the coast of )g%er& they steere% northwar%s to 2ogalan% with their fleet& an% began to 'lun%er when they came into the earl4s territoryA an% so they saile% north along the coast& 'lun%ering an% burning. ) man& by name ;eirmun%& saile% in a light boat with a few men northwar%s to .ore& an% there he fell in with 3arl Hakon& stoo% before his %inner table& an% tol% the earl the ti%ings of an army from *enmark ha7ing come to the south en% of the lan%. The earl aske% if he ha% any certainty of it. Then ;eirmun% stretche% forth one arm& from which the han% was cut off& an% sai%& 6Here is the token that the enemy is in the lan%.6 Then the earl Fuestione% him 'articularly about this army. ;eirmun% says it consists of Gomsborg 7ikings& who ha7e kille% many 'eo'le& an% 'lun%ere% all aroun%. 6)n% hastily an% hotly they 'ushe% on&6 says he 6an% < eD'ect it will not be long before they are u'on you.6 $n this the earl ro%e into e7ery fBor%& going in along the one si%e of the lan% an% out at the other& collecting menA an% thus he %ro7e along night an% %ay. He sent s'ies out u'on the u''er ri%ges& an% also southwar%s into the ?Bor%sA an% he 'rocee%e% north to meet 3irik with his men. This a''ears from 3irik4s lay5 6The earl& well skille% in war to s'ee% $4er the wil% wa7e the 7iking stee%& Now launche% the high stems from the shore& =hich %eath to Sig7al%e4s 7ikings bore. 2ollers beneath the shi's4 keels crash& $ar bla%es lou% in the grey sea s'lash& )n% they who gi7e the ra7ens foo% 2ow fearless through the curling floo%.6 3irik hastene% southwar%s with his forces the shortest way he coul%.

"!. $? TH3 G$.S+$2; ><K<N;S. 3arl Sig7al%e steere% with his fleet northwar%s aroun% Sta%& an% came to the lan% at the Herey <sles. )lthough the 7ikings fell in with the country 'eo'le& the 'eo'le ne7er tol% the truth about what the earl was %oingA an% the 7ikings went on 'illaging an% laying waste. They lai% to their 7essels at the outer en% of Ho% <slan%& lan%e%& 'lun%ere%& an% %ro7e both men an% cattle %own to

the shi's& killing all the men able to bear arms. )s they were going back to their shi's& came a bon%e& walking near to +ue4s troo'& who sai% to them& 6Ce are not %oing like true warriors& to be %ri7ing cows an% cal7es %own to the stran%& while ye shoul% be gi7ing chase to the bear& since ye are coming near to the bear4s %en.6 6=hat says the ol% manL6 aske% some. about 3arl HakonL6 6Can he tell us anything

The 'easant re'lies& 6The earl went yester%ay into the HBorun%arfBor% with one or two shi's& certainly not more than three& an% then he ha% no news about you.6 +ue ran now with his 'eo'le in all haste %own to the shi's& lea7ing all the booty behin%. +ue sai%& 6-et us a7ail oursel7es now of this news we ha7e got of the earl& an% be the first to the 7ictory.6 =hen they came to their shi's they ro%e off from the lan%. 3arl Sig7al%e calle% to them& an% aske% what they were about. They re'lie%& 6The earl is in the fBor%A6 on which 3arl Sig7al%e with the whole fleet set off& an% rowe% north about the islan% Ho%.

":. +)TT-3 =<TH TH3 G$.S+$2; ><K<N;S. The earls Hakon an% 3irik lay in Halkels7ik& where all their forces were assemble%. They ha% 1(9 shi's& an% they ha% hear% that the Gomsborg 7ikings ha% come in from sea& an% lay at the islan% Ho%A an% they& in conseFuence& rowe% out to seek them. =hen they reache% a 'lace calle% HBorunga7ag they met each other& an% both si%es %rew u' their shi's in line for an attack. 3arl Sig7al%e4s banner was %is'laye% in the mi%st of his army& an% right against it 3arl Hakon arrange% his force for attack. 3arl Sig7al%e himself ha% !9 shi's& but 3arl Hakon ha% /9. <n 3arl4s army were these chiefs& Thorer HBort from Halogalan%& an% Styrkar from ;imsar. <n the wing of the o''osite array of the Gomsborg 7ikings was +ue the Thick& an% his brother Sigur%& with !9 shi's. )gainst him 3arl 3irik lai% himself with /9 shi'sA an% with him were these chiefs& ;u%bran% H7ite from the @'lan%s& an% Thorkel -eira from >iken. <n the other wing of the Gomsborg 7ikings4 array was >agn )kason with !9 shi'sA an% against him stoo% S7ein the son of Hakon& in whose %i7ision was Skegge of CrBar at @'haug& an% 2ogn7al% of )er7ik at Sta%& with /9 shi's. <t is tol% in the 3irik4s lay thus5 6The bon%e4s shi's along the coast Saile% on to meet the foemen4s hostA The stout earl4s shi's& with eagle flight& 2ushe% on the *anes in bloo%y fight. The *anish shi's& of court men full& =ere cleare% of men& an% many a hull =as %ri7ing em'ty on the main& =ith the warm cor'ses of the slain.6

3y7in% Skal%as'iller says also in the 6HaleygBa tal65 6Twas at the 'ee' of %ay& $ur bra7e earl le% the wayA His ocean horses boun%ing His war horns lou%ly soun%ingK No Boyful morn arose ?or Cng7e ?rey4s base foes These Christian islan% men =ishe% themsel7es home again.6 Then the fleets came together& an% one of the shar'est of conflicts began. .any fell on both si%es& but the most by far on Hakon4s si%eA for the Gomsborg 7ikings fought %es'erately& shar'ly& an% mur%erously& an% shot right through the shiel%s. So many s'ears were thrown against 3arl Hakon that his armour was altogether s'lit asun%er& an% he threw it off. So says Tin% Halkelson5 6The ring linke% coat of strongest mail Coul% not withstan% the iron hail& Though sewe% with care an% elbow bent& +y Norn (1#& on its strength intent. The fire of battle rage% aroun%& $%in4s steel shirt flew all unboun%K The earl his ring mail from him flung& <ts steel rings on the wet %eck rungA 1art of it fell into the sea& ) 'art was ke't& a 'roof to be How shar' an% thick the arrow flight )mong the sea stee%s in this fight.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Norn& one of the ?ates& stan%s here for women& whose business it was to sew the rings of iron u'on the cloth which ma%e these ring mail coats or shirts. The nee%les& although some of them were of gol%& a''ear to ha7e been without eyes& an% use% like shoemaker4s awls. -.

"". 3)2- S<;>)-*34S ?-<;HT. The Gomsborg 7ikings ha% larger an% higher si%e% shi'sA an% both 'arties fought %es'erately. >agn )kason lai% his shi' on boar% of S7ein 3arl Hakon4s son4s shi'& an% S7ein allowe% his shi' to gi7e way& an% was on the 'oint of flying. Then 3arl 3irik came u'& an% lai% his shi' alongsi%e of >agn& an% then >agn ga7e way& an% the shi's came to lie in the same 'osition as before. Thereu'on 3irik goes to the other wing& which ha% gone back a little& an% +ue ha% cut the ro'es& inten%ing to 'ursue them. Then 3irik lai% himself& boar% to boar%& alongsi%e of +ue4s shi'& an% there was a se7ere combat han% to han%. Two or three of 3irik4s shi's then lai% themsel7es u'on +ue4s single 7essel. ) thun%er storm came on at this moment& an% such a hea7y hail storm that e7ery hailstone weighe% a 'ennyweight. The 3arl Sig7al%e

cut his cable& turne% his shi' roun%& an% took flight. >agn )kason calle% to him not to flyA but as 3arl Sig7al%e 'ai% no attention to what he sai%& >agn threw his s'ear at him& an% hit the man at the helm. 3arl Sig7al%e rowe% away with :( shi's& lea7ing !( of his fleet behin%.

"(. +@3 TH2$=S H<.S3-? $>32+$)2*. Then 3arl Hakon lai% his shi' on the other si%e of +ue4s shi'& an% now came hea7y blows on +ue4s men. >igfus& a son of >igaglum& took u' an an7il with a shar' en%& which lay u'on the %eck& an% on which a man ha% wel%e% the hilt to his swor% Bust before& an% being a 7ery strong man cast the an7il with both han%s at the hea% of )slak Holmskalle& an% the en% of it went into his brains. +efore this no wea'on coul% woun% this )slak& who was +ue4s foster brother& an% forecastle comman%er& although he coul% woun% right an% left. )nother man among the strongest an% bra7est was Ha7ar% Hoggan%e. <n this attack 3irik4s men boar%e% +ue4s shi'& an% went aft to the Fuarter %eck where +ue stoo%. There Thorstein .i%lang cut at +ue across his nose& so that the nose'iece of his helmet was cut in two& an% he got a great woun%A but +ue& in turn& cut at Thorstein4s si%e& so that the swor% cut the man through. Then +ue lifte% u' two chests full of gol%& an% calle% alou%& 6$7erboar% all +ue s men&6 an% threw himself o7erboar% with his two chests. .any of his 'eo'le s'rang o7erboar% with him. Some fell in the shi'& for it was of no use to call for Fuarter. +ue4s shi' was cleare% of 'eo'le from stem to stern& an% afterwar%s all the others& the one after the other.

"/. ><K<N;S +$@N* T$;3TH32 <N $N3 CH)<N. 3arl 3irik then lai% himself alongsi%e of >agn4s shi'& an% there was a bra7e %efenceA but at last this shi' too was cleare%& an% >agn an% thirty men were taken 'risoners& an% boun%& an% brought to lan%. Then came u' Thorkel -eira& an% sai%& 6Thou ma%est a solemn 7ow& >agn& to kill me& but now it seems more likely that < will kill thee.6 >agn an% his men sat all u'on a log of woo% together. Thorkel ha% an aDe in his han%s& with which he cut at him who sat outmost on the log. >agn an% the other 'risoners were boun% so that a ro'e was fastene% on their feet& but they ha% their han%s free. $ne of them sai%& 6< will stick this cloak 'in that < ha7e in my han% into the earth& if it be so that < know anything& after my hea% is cut off.6 His hea% was cut off& but the cloak 'in fell from his han%. There sat also a 7ery han%some man with long hair& who twiste% his hair o7er his hea%& 'ut out his neck& an% sai%& 6*on4t make my hair bloo%y.6 ) man took the hair in his han%s an% hel% it fast. Thorkel hewe% with his aDeA but the 7iking twitche% his hea% so strongly that he who was hol%ing his hair fell forwar%s& an% the aDe cut off both his han%s& an% stuck fast in the earth. Then 3arl 3irik came u'& an% aske%& 6=ho is that han%some manL6

He re'lies& 6< am calle% Sigur%& an% am +ue4s son. the Gomsborg 7ikings %ea%L6 3irik says& 6Thou art certainly +oe4s son. life an% 'eaceL6

+ut are all

=ilt thou now take

6That %e'en%s&6 says he& 6u'on who it is that offers it.6 6He offers who has the 'ower to %o it 6That will <&6 says he& 6from his han%s.6 loosene% from him. 3arl 3irik.6 )n% now the ro'e was

Then sai% Thorkel -eira& 6)lthough thou shoul% gi7e all these men life an% 'eace& earl& >agn )kason shall ne7er come from this with life.6 )n% he ran at him with u'lifte% aDeA but the 7iking Skar%e swung himself in the ro'e& an% let himself fall Bust before Thorkel4s feet& so that Thorkel Pell o7er him& an% >agn caught the aDe an% ga7e Thorkel a %eath woun%. Then sai% the earl& 6>agn& wilt thou acce't lifeL6 6That < will&6 says he& 6if you gi7e it to all of us.6 6-oose them from the ro'e&6 sai% the earl& an% it was %one. 3ighteen were kille%& an% twel7e got their li7es.

"7. *3)TH $? ;<SS@2 $? >)-*32S. 3arl Hakon& an% many with him& were sitting u'on a 'iece of woo%& an% a bow string twange% from +ue4s shi'& an% the arrow struck ;issur from >al%ers& who was sitting neDt the earl& an% was clothe% s'len%i%ly. Thereu'on the 'eo'le went on boar%& an% foun% Ha7ar% Hoggan%e stan%ing on his knees at the shi'4s railing& for his feet ha% been cut off (1#& an% he ha% a bow in his han%. =hen they came on boar% the shi' Ha7ar% aske%& 6=ho fell by that shaftL6 They answere%& 6) man calle% ;issur.6 6Then my luck was less than < thought&6 sai% he. 6;reat enough was the misfortune&6 re'lie% theyA 6but thou shalt not make it greater.6 )n% they kille% him on the s'ot. The %ea% were then ransacke%& an% the booty brought all together to be %i7i%e%A an% there were twenty fi7e shi's of the Gomsborg 7ikings in the booty. So says Tin%5 6.any a 7iking4s bo%y lay *ea% on the %eck this bloo%y %ay& +efore they cut their sun %rie% ro'es& )n% in Fuick flight 'ut all their ho'es. He whom the ra7ens know afar Cleare% fi7e an% twenty shi's of war5 ) 'roof that in the furious fight

None can withstan% the Norsemen4s might.6 Then the army %is'erse%. 3arl Hakon went to Thron%hBem& an% was much %is'lease% that 3arl 3irik ha% gi7en Fuarter to >agn )kason. <t was sai% that at this battle 3arl Hakon ha% sacrifice% for 7ictory his son& young 3rling& to the go%sA an% instantly came the hailstorm& an% the %efeat an% slaughter of the Gomsborg 7ikings. 3arl 3irik went to the @'lan%s& an% eastwar% by that route to his own king%om& taking >agn )kason with him. 3arl 3irik marrie% >agn to <ngebBorg& a %aughter of Thorkel -eira& an% ga7e him a goo% shi' of war an% all belonging to it& an% a crewA an% they 'arte% the best of frien%s. Then >agn went home south to *enmark& an% became afterwar%s a man of great consi%eration& an% many great 'eo'le are %escen%e% from him. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# This tra%itionary tale of a warrior fighting on his knees after his legs were cut off& a''ears to ha7e been a 'o'ular i%ea among the Northmen& an% is relate% by their %escen%ants in the balla% oP Che7y Chase. -.

"8. K<N; H)2)-* ;23NSK34S *3)TH. Haral% ;renske& as before relate%& was king in >estfol%& an% was marrie% to )sta& a %aughter of ;u%bran% Kula. $ne summer ().*. 99"# Haral% ;renske ma%e an eD'e%ition to the +altic to gather 'ro'erty& an% he came to S7ithBo%. $laf the Swe%e was king there& a son of 3irik the >ictorious& an% Sigri%& a %aughter of Skoglartoste. Sigri% was then a wi%ow& an% ha% many an% great estates in S7ithBo%. =hen she hear% that her foster brother was come to the country a short %istance from her& she sent men to him to in7ite him to a feast. He %i% not neglect the in7itation& but came to her with a great atten%ance of his followers& an% was recei7e% in the most frien%ly way. He an% the Fueen sat in the high seat& an% %rank together towar%s the e7ening& an% all his men were entertaine% in the most hos'itable manner. )t night& when the king went to rest& a be% was 'ut u' for him with a hanging of fine linen aroun% it& an% with costly be%clothesA but in the lo%ging house there were few men. =hen the king was un%resse%& an% ha% gone to be%& the Fueen came to him& fille% a bowl herself for him to %rink& an% was 7ery gay& an% 'resse% to %rink. The king was %runk abo7e measure& an%& in%ee%& so were they both. Then he sle't& an% the Fueen went away& an% lai% herself %own also. Sigri% was a woman of the greatest un%erstan%ing& an% cle7er in many things. <n the morning there was also the most eDcellent entertainmentA but then it went on as usual when 'eo'le ha7e %runk too much& that neDt %ay they take care not to eDcee%. The Fueen was 7ery gay& an% she an% the king talke% of many things with each otherA among other things she 7alue% her 'ro'erty& an% the %ominions she ha% in S7ithBo%& as nothing less than his 'ro'erty in Norway. =ith that obser7ation the king was nowise 'lease%& an% he foun% no 'leasure in anything

after that& but ma%e himself rea%y for his Bourney in an ill humor. $n the other han%& the Fueen was remarkably gay& an% ma%e him many 'resents& an% followe% him out to the roa%. Now Haral% returne% about har7est to Norway& an% was at home all winterA but was 7ery silent an% cast %own. <n summer he went once more to the +altic with his shi's& an% steere% to S7ithBo%. He sent a message to Hueen Sigri% that he wishe% to ha7e a meeting with her an% she ro%e %own to meet him. They talke% together an% he soon brought out the 'ro'osal that she shoul% marry him. She re'lie%& that this was foolish talk for him& who was so well marrie% alrea%y that he might think himself well off. Haral% says& 6)sta is a goo% an% cle7er womanA but she is not so well born as < am.6 Sigri% re'lies& 6<t may be that thou art of higher birth& but < think she is now 'regnant with both your fortunes.6 They eDchange% but few wor%s more before the Fueen ro%e away. King Haral% was now %e'resse% in min%& an% 're'are% himself again to ri%e u' the country to meet Hueen Sigri%. .any of his 'eo'le %issua%e% himA but ne7ertheless he set off with a great atten%ance& an% came to the house in which the Fueen %welt. The same e7ening came another king& calle% >issa7al%& from ;ar%arike (2ussia#& likewise to 'ay his a%%resses to Hueen Sigri%. -o%ging was gi7en to both the kings& an% to all their 'eo'le& in a great ol% room of an out buil%ing& an% all the furniture was of the same characterA but there was no want of %rink in the e7ening& an% that so strong that all were %runk& an% the watch& both insi%e an% outsi%e& fell fast aslee'. Then Hueen Sigri% or%ere% an attack on them in the night& both with fire an% swor%. The house was burnt& with all who were in it an% those who sli''e% out were 'ut to the swor%. Sigri% sai% that she woul% make these small kings tire% of coming to court her. She was afterwar%s calle% Sigri% the Haughty (Storra%a#.

"9. +<2TH $? $-)?& S$N $? H)2)-* ;23NSK3. This ha''ene% the winter after the battle of the Gomsborg 7ikings at HBorunga7ag. =hen Haral% went u' the country after Sigri%& he left Hrane behin% with the shi's to look after the men. Now when Hrane hear% that Haral% was cut off& he returne% to Norway the shortest way he coul%& an% tol% the news. He re'aire% first to )sta& an% relate% to her all that ha% ha''ene% on the Bourney& an% also on what erran% Haral% ha% 7isite% Hueen Sigri%. =hen )sta got these ti%ings she set off %irectly to her father in the @'lan%s& who recei7e% her wellA but both were enrage% at the %esign which ha% been lai% in S7ithBo%& an% that King Haral% ha% inten%e% to set her in a single con%ition. <n summer ().*. 99(# )sta& ;u%bran%4s %aughter& was confine%& an% ha% a boy chil%& who ha% water 'oure% o7er him& an% was calle% $laf. Hrane himself 'oure% water o7er him& an% the chil% was brought u' at first in the house of ;u%bran% an% his mother )sta.

(9. )+$@T 3)2- H)K$N. 3arl Hakon rule% o7er the whole outer 'art of Norway that lies on

the sea& an% ha% thus siDteen %istricts un%er his sway. The arrangement intro%uce% by Haral% Harfager& that there shoul% be an earl in each %istrict& was afterwar% continue% for a long timeA an% thus 3arl Hakon ha% siDteen earls un%er him. So says the 6>ellekla65 6=ho before has e7er known SiDteen earls sub%ue% by oneL =ho has seen all Norway4s lan% ConFuere% by one bra7e hero4s han%L <t will be long in memory hel%& How Hakon rule% by swor% an% shiel%. =hen tales at the 7iking4s mast go roun%& His 'raise will e7ery mouth resoun%.6 =hile 3arl Hakon rule% o7er Norway there were goo% cro's in the lan%& an% 'eace was well 'reser7e% in the country among the bon%es. The 3arl& for the greater 'art of his lifetime& was therefore much belo7e% by the bon%esA but it ha''ene%& in the longer course of time& that the earl became 7ery intem'erate in his intercourse with women& an% e7en carrie% it so far that he ma%e the %aughters of 'eo'le of consi%eration be carrie% away an% brought home to himA an% after kee'ing them a week or two as concubines& he sent them home. He %rew u'on himself the in%ignation of me relations of these girlsA an% the bon%es began to murmur lou%ly& as the Thron%hBem 'eo'le ha7e the custom of %oing when anything goes against their Bu%gment.

(1. TH$232 K-)KK)4S G$@2N3C. 3arl Hakon& in the mean time& hears some whis'er that to the westwar%& o7er the NorPh sea& was a man calle% $le& who was looke% u'on as a king. ?rom the con7ersation of some 'eo'le& he fell u'on the sus'icion that he must be of the royal race of Norway. <t was& in%ee%& sai% that this $le was from 2ussiaA but the earl ha% hear% that Tryg7e $lafson ha% ha% a son calle% $laf& who in his infancy ha% gone east to ;ar%arike& an% ha% been brought u' by King >al%emar. The earl ha% carefully inFuire% about this man& an% ha% his sus'icion that he must be the same 'erson who ha% now come to these western countries. The earl ha% a 7ery goo% frien% calle% Thorer Klakka& who ha% been long u'on 7iking eD'e%itions& sometimes also u'on merchant 7oyagesA so that he was well acFuainte% all aroun%. This Thorer 3arl Hakon sen%s o7er the North sea& an% tol% him to make a merchant 7oyage to *ublin& many were in the habit of %oing& an% carefully to %isco7er who this $le was. 1ro7i%e% he got any certainty that he was $laf Tryg7ason& or any other of the Norwegian royal race& then Thorer shoul% en%ea7or to ensnare him by some %eceit& an% bring him into the earl4s 'ower.

(!. $-)? T2C;>)S$N C$.3S T$ N$2=)C. $n this Thorer sails westwar% to <relan%& an% hears that $le is

in *ublin with his wife4s father King $laf K7aran. Thorer& who was a 'lausible man& imme%iately got acFuainte% with $leA an% as they often met& an% ha% long con7ersations together& $le began to inFuire about news from Norway& an% abo7e all of the @'lan% kings an% great 'eo'le& which of them were in life& an% what %ominations they now ha%. He aske% also about 3arl Hakon& an% if he was much like% in the country. Thorer re'lies& that the earl is such a 'owerful man that no one %ares to s'eak otherwise than he woul% likeA but that comes from there being nobo%y else in the country to look to. 6Cet& to say the truth& < know it to be the min% of many bra7e men& an% of whole communities& that they woul% much rather see a king of Haral% Harfager4s race come to the king%om. +ut we know of no one suite% for this& es'ecially now that it is 'ro7e% how 7ain e7ery attack on 3arl Hakon must be.6 )s they often talke% together in the same strain& $laf %isclose% to Thorer his name an% family& an% aske% him his o'inion& an% whether he thought the bon%es woul% take him for their king if he were to a''ear in Norway. Thorer encourage% him 7ery eagerly to the enter'rise& an% 'raise% him an% his talents highly. Then $laf4s inclination to go to the heritage of his ancestors became strong. $laf saile% accor%ingly& accom'anie% by Thorer& with fi7e shi'sA first to the Hebri%es& an% from thence to the $rkneys. )t that time 3arl Sigur%& Hlo%7er4s son& lay in $smun%swall& in the islan% South 2onal%sa& with a shi' of war& on his way to Caithness. Gust at the same time $laf was sailing with his fleet from the westwar% to the islan%s& an% ran into the same harbour& because 1entlan% ?irth was not to be 'asse% at that ti%e. =hen the king was informe% that the earl was there& he ma%e him be calle%A an% when the earl came on boar% to s'eak with the king& after a few wor%s only ha% 'asse% between them& the king says the earl must allow himself to be ba'tiEe%& an% all the 'eo'le of the country also& or he shoul% be 'ut to %eath %irectlyA an% he assure% the earl he woul% lay waste the islan%s with fire an% swor%& if the 'eo'le %i% not a%o't Christianity. <n the 'osition the earl foun% himself& he 'referre% becoming Christian& an% he an% all who were with him were ba'tiEe%. )fterwar%s the earl took an oath to the king& went into his ser7ice& an% ga7e him his son& whose name was H7el' (=hel'#& or Hun%e (*og#& as an hostageA an% the king took H7el' to Norway with him. Thereafter $laf went out to sea to the eastwar%& an% ma%e the lan% at .orster <slan%& where he first touche% the groun% of Norway. He ha% high mass sung in a tent& an% afterwar%s on the s'ot a church was built. Thorer Klakka sai% now to the king& that the best 'lan for him woul% be not to make it known who he was& or to let any re'ort about him get abroa%A but to seek out 3arl Hakon as fast as 'ossible an% fall u'on him by sur'rise. King $laf %i% so& sailing northwar% %ay an% night& when win% 'ermitte%& an% %i% not let the 'eo'le of the country know who it was that was sailing in such haste. =hen he came north to )g%anes& he hear% that the earl was in the fBor%& an% was in %iscor% with the bon%es. $n hearing this& Thorer saw that things were going in a 7ery %ifferent way from what he eD'ecte%A for after the battle with the Gomsborg 7ikings all men in Norway were the most sincere frien%s of the earl on account of the 7ictory he ha% gaine%& an% of the 'eace an% security he ha% gi7en to the countryA an% now it unfortunately turns out that a great chief has come to the country at a time when the bon%es are in

arms against the earl.

(:. 3)2- H)K$N4S ?-<;HT. 3arl Hakon was at a feast in .e%alhus in ;aular%al an% his shi's lay out by >iggBa. There was a 'owerful bon%e& by name $rm -yrgBa& who %welt in +unes& who ha% a wife calle% ;u%run& a %aughter of +ergthor of -un%ar. She was calle% the -un%asolA for she was the most beautiful of women. The earl sent his sla7es to $rm& with the erran% that they shoul% bring $rm4s wife& ;u%run& to the earl. The thralls tell their erran%& an% $rm bi%s them first seat themsel7es to su''erA but before they ha% %one eating& many 'eo'le from the neighbourhoo%& to whom $rm ha% sent notice& ha% gathere% together5 an% now $rm %eclare% he woul% not sen% ;u%run with the messengers. ;u%run tol% the thralls to tell the earl that she woul% not come to him& unless he sent Thora of 2imul after her. Thora was a woman of great influence& an% one of the earl4s best belo7e%. The thralls say that they will come another time& an% both the bon%e an% his wife woul% be ma%e to re'ent of itA an% they %e'arte% with many threats. $rm& on the other han%& sent out a message token to all the neighbouring country& an% with it the message to attack 3arl Hakon with wea'ons an% kill him. He sent also a message to Hal%or in Sker%ingsste%Ba& who also sent out his message token. ) short time before& the earl ha% taken away the wife of a man calle% +rynBolf& an% there ha% 7ery nearly been an insurrection about that business. Ha7ing now again got this message token& the 'eo'le ma%e a general re7olt& an% set out all to .e%alhus. =hen the earl hear% of this& he left the house with his followers& an% conceale% himself in a %ee' glen& now calle% Garls%al (3arl4s *ale#. -ater in the %ay& the earl got news of the bon%es4 army. They ha% beset all the roa%sA but belie7e% the earl ha% esca'e% to his shi's& which his son 3rlen%& a remarkably han%some an% ho'eful young man& ha% the comman% of. =hen night came the earl %is'erse% his 'eo'le& an% or%ere% them to go through the forest roa%s into $rka%alA 6for nobo%y will molest you&6 sai% he& 6when < am not with you. Sen% a message to 3rlen% to sail out of the fBor%& an% meet me in .ore. <n the mean time < will conceal myself from the bon%es.6 Then the earl went his way with one thrall or sla7e& calle% Kark& atten%ing him. There was ice u'on the ;aul (the ri7er of ;aular%al#& an% the earl %ro7e his horse u'on it& an% left his coat lying u'on the ice. They then went to a hole& since calle% Garlshella (the 3arl4s Hole#& where they sle't. =hen Kark awoke he tol% his %ream& that a black threatening ma% ha% come into the hole& an% was angry that 'eo'le shoul% ha7e entere% itA an% that the man ha% sai%& 6@lle is %ea%.6 The earl sai% that his son 3rlen% must be kille%. Kark sle't again an% was again %isturbe% in his slee'A an% when he awoke he tol% his %ream& that the same man ha% again a''eare% to him& an% ba%e him tell the earl that all the soun%s were close%. ?rom this %ream the earl began to sus'ect that it betokene% a short life to him. They stoo% u'& an% went to the house of 2imul. The earl now sen%s Kark to Thora& an% begs of her to come secretly to him. She %i% so an% recei7e% the earl kin%ly an% he begge% her to conceal him for a few nights until

the army of the bon%es ha% %is'erse%. 6Here about my house&6 sai% she& 6you will be hunte% after& both insi%e an% outsi%eA for many know that < woul% willingly hel' you if < can. There is but one 'lace about the house where they coul% ne7er eD'ect to fin% such a man as you& an% that is the swine stye.6 =hen they came there the earl sai%& 6=ell& let it be ma%e rea%y for usA as to sa7e our life is the first an% foremost concern.6 The sla7e %ug a great hole in it& bore away the earth that he %ug out& an% lai% woo% o7er it. Thora brought the ti%ings to the earl that $laf Tryg7ason ha% come from sea into the fBor%& an% ha% kille% his son 3rlen%. Then the earl an% Kark both went into the hole. Thora co7ere% it with woo%& an% threw earth an% %ung o7er it& an% %ro7e the swine u'on the to' of it. The swine style was un%er a great stone.

(". 32-3N*4S *3)TH. $laf Tryg7ason came from sea into the fBor% with fi7e long shi's& an% 3rlen%& Hakon4s son& rowe% towar%s him with three shi's. =hen the 7essels came near to each other& 3rlen% sus'ecte% they might be enemies& an% turne% towar%s the lan%. =hen $laf an% his followers saw long shi's coming in haste out of the fBor%& an% rowing towar%s them& they thought 3arl Hakon must be hereA an% they 'ut out all oars to follow them. )s soon as 3rlen% an% his shi's got near the lan% they rowe% agroun% instantly& Bum'e% o7erboar%& an% took to the lan%A but at the same instant $laf4s shi' came u' with them. $laf saw a remarkably han%some man swimming in the water& an% lai% hol% of a tiller an% threw it at him. The tiller struck 3rlen%& the son of Hakon the earl& on the hea%& an% clo7e it to the brainA an% there left 3rlen% his life. $laf an% his 'eo'le kille% manyA but some esca'e%& an% some were ma%e 'risoners& an% got life an% free%om that they might go an% tell what ha% ha''ene%. They learne% then that the bon%es ha% %ri7en away 3arl Hakon& an% that he ha% fle%& an% his troo's were all %is'erse%.

((. 3)2- H)K$N4S *3)TH. The bon%es then met $laf& to the Boy of both& an% they ma%e an agreement together. The bon%es took $laf to be their king& an% resol7e%& one an% all& to seek out 3arl Hakon. They went u' ;aular%alA for it seeme% to them likely that if the earl was conceale% in any house it must be at 2imul& for Thora was his %earest frien% in that 7alley. They come u'& therefore& an% search e7erywhere& outsi%e an% insi%e the house& but coul% not fin% him. Then $laf hel% a House Thing (trusting#& or council out in the yar%& an% stoo% u'on a great stone which lay besi%e the swine stye& an% ma%e a s'eech to the 'eo'le& in which he 'romise% to enrich the man with rewar%s an% honours who shoul% kill the earl. This s'eech was hear% by the earl an% the thrall Kark. They ha% a light in their room. 6=hy art thou so 'ale&6 says the earl& 6an% now again black as

earthL

Thou hast not the intention to betray meL6

6+y no means&6 re'lies Kark. 6=e were born on the same night&6 says the earl& 6an% the time will be short between our %eaths.6 King $laf went away in the e7ening. =hen night came the earl ke't himself awake but Kark sle't& an% was %isturbe% in his slee'. The earl woke him& an% aske% him 6what he was %reaming ofL6 He answere%& 6< was at Hla%er an% $laf Tryg7ason was laying a gol% ring about my neck.6 The earl says& 6<t will be a re% ring $laf will lay about thy neck if he catches thee. Take care of thatK ?rom me thou shalt enBoy all that is goo%& therefore betray me not.6 They then ke't themsel7es awake bothA the one& as it were& watching u'on the other. +ut towar%s %ay the earl su%%enly %ro''e% aslee'A but his slee' was so unFuiet that he %rew his heels un%er him& an% raise% his neck& as if going to rise& an% screame% %rea%fully high. $n this Kark& %rea%fully alarme%& %rew a large knife out of his belt& stuck it in the earl4s throat& an% cut it across& an% kille% 3arl Hakon. Then Kark cut off the earl4s hea%& an% ran away. -ate in the %ay he came to Hla%er& where he %eli7ere% the earl4s hea% to King $laf& an% tol% all these circumstances of his own an% 3arl Hakon4s %oings. $laf ha% him taken out an% behea%e%.

(/. 3)2- H)K$N4S H3)*. King $laf& an% a 7ast number of bon%es with him& then went out to Ni%arholm& an% ha% with him the hea%s of 3arl Hakon an% Kark. This holm was use% then for a 'lace of eDecution of thie7es an% ill %oers& an% there stoo% a gallows on it. He ha% the hea%s of the earl an% of Kark hung u'on it& an% the whole army of the bon%es cast stones at them& screaming an% shouting that the one worthless fellow ha% followe% the other. They then sent u' to ;aular%al for the earl4s %ea% bo%y. So great was the enmity of the Thron%hBem 'eo'le against 3arl Hakon& that no man coul% 7enture to call him by any other name than Hakon the +a%A an% he was so calle% long after those %ays. Cet& sooth to say of 3arl Hakon& he was in many res'ects fitte% to be a chief5 first& because he was %escen%e% from a high raceA then because he ha% un%erstan%ing an% knowle%ge to %irect a go7ernmentA also manly courage in battle to gain 7ictories& an% goo% luck in killing his enemies. So says Thorleif 2au%fel%son5 6<n Norway4s lan% was ne7er known ) bra7er earl than the bra7e Hakon. )t sea& beneath the clear moon4s light& No bra7er man e4er sought to fight. Nine kings to $%in4s wi%e %omain

=ere sent& by Hakon4s right han% slainK So well the ra7en flocks were fe% So well the wol7es were fille% with %ea%K6 3arl Hakon was 7ery generousA but the greatest misfortunes atten%e% e7en such a chief at the en% of his %ays5 an% the great cause of this was that the time was come when heathen sacrifices an% i%olatrous worshi' were %oome% to fall& an% the holy faith an% goo% customs to come in their 'lace.

(7. $-)? T2C;>)S$N 3-3CT3* K<N;. $laf Tr7g7ason was chosen at Thron%hBem by the ;eneral Thing to be the king o7er the whole country& as Haral% Harfager ha% been. The whole 'ublic an% the 'eo'le throughout all the lan% woul% listen to nothing else than that $laf Tryg7ason shoul% be king. Then $laf went roun% the whole country& an% brought it un%er his rule& an% all the 'eo'le of Norway ga7e in their submissionA an% also the chiefs in the @'lan%s an% in >iken& who before ha% hel% their lan%s as fiefs from the *anish king& now became King $laf4s men& an% hel% their han%s from him. He went thus through the whole country %uring the first winter ().*. 99/# an% the following summer. 3arl 3irik& the son of 3arl Hakon& his brother S7ein& an% their frien%s an% relations& fle% out of the country& an% went east to Swe%en to King $laf the Swe%e& who ga7e them a goo% rece'tion. So says Thor% Kolbeinson5 6$ thou whom ba% men %ro7e away& )fter the bon%es by foul 'lay& Took Hakon4s lifeK ?ate will 'ursue These bloo%y wol7es& an% make them rue. =hen the host came from out the =est& -ike some tall stately war shi'4s mast& < saw the son of Tryg7e stan%& Sur7eying 'rou% his nati7e lan%.6 )n% again& 63irik has more u'on his min%& )gainst the new Norse king %esigne%& Than by his wor%s he seems to show )n% truly it may well be so. Stubborn an% stiff are Thron%hBem men& +ut Thron%hBem4s earl may come againA <n Swe%ish lan% he knows no rest ?ierce wrath is gathering in his breast.6

(8. -$*<N4S .)22<);3 -o%in was the name of a man from >iken who was rich an% of goo% family. He went often on merchant 7oyages& an% sometimes on 7iking cruises. <t ha''ene% one summer that he went on a merchant 7oyage with much merchan%ise in a shi' of his own. He

%irecte% his course first to 3istlan%& an% was there at a market in summer. To the 'lace at which the market was hel% many merchant goo%s were brought& an% also many thralls or sla7es for sale. There -o%in saw a woman who was to be sol% as a sla7e5 an% on looking at her he knew her to be )stri% 3irik4s %aughter& who ha% been marrie% to King Tryg7e. +ut now she was altogether unlike what she ha% been when he last saw herA for now she was 'ale& meagre in countenance& an% ill cla%. He went u' to her& an% aske% her how matters stoo% with her. She re'lie%& 6<t is hea7y to be tol%A for < ha7e been sol% as a sla7e& an% now again < am brought here for sale.6 )fter s'eaking together a little )stri% knew him& an% begge% him to buy herA an% bring her home to her frien%s. 6$n this con%ition&6 sai% he& 6< will bring thee home tn Norway& that thou wilt marry me.6 Now as )stri% stoo% in great nee%& an% moreo7er knew that -o%in was a man of high birth& rich& an% bra7e& she 'romise% to %o so for her ransom. -o%in accor%ingly bought )stri%& took her home to Norway with him& an% marrie% her with her frien%s4 consent. Their chil%ren were Thorkel Nefia& <ngeri%& an% <ngeger%. <ngebBorg an% )stri% were %aughters of )stri% by King Tryg7e. 3irik +Bo%askalle4s sons were Sigir%& Karlshofu%& Gostein& an% Thorkel *y%ril& who were all rich an% bra7e 'eo'le who ha% estates east in the country. <n >iken in the east %welt two brothers& rich an% of goo% %escentA one calle% Thorgeir& an% the other HyrningA an% they marrie% -o%in an% )stri%4s %aughters& <ngeri% an% <ngeger%.

(9. $-)? +)1T<J3S TH3 C$@NT2C $? ><K3N. =hen Haral% ;ormson& king of *enmark& ha% a%o'te% Christianity& he sent a message o7er all his king%om that all 'eo'le shoul% be ba'tiEe%& an% con7erte% to the true faith. He himself followe% his message& an% use% 'ower an% 7iolence where nothing else woul% %o. He sent two earls& @rguthrBot an% +rimilskBar& with many 'eo'le to Norway& to 'roclaim Christianity there. <n >iken& which stoo% %irectly un%er the king4s 'ower& this succee%e%& an% many were ba'tiEe% of the country folk. +ut when S7ein ?orke% bear%& imme%iately after his father King Haral%4s %eath& went out on war eD'e%itions in SaDlan%& ?rislan%& an% at last in 3nglan%& the Northmen who ha% taken u' Christianity returne% back to heathen sacrifices& Bust as beforeA an% the 'eo'le in the north of the country %i% the same. +ut now that $laf Tryg7ason was king of Norway& he remaine% long %uring the summer ().*. 99/# in >iken& where many of his relati7es an% some of his brothers in law were settle%& an% also many who ha% been great frien%s of his fatherA so that he was recei7e% with the greatest affection. $laf calle% together his mother4s brothers& his ste'father -o%in& an% his brothers in law Thorgeir an% Hyrning& to s'eak with them& an% to %isclose with the greatest care the business which he %esire% they themsel7es shoul% a''ro7e of& an% su''ort with all their 'owerA namely& the 'roclaiming Christianity o7er all his king%om. He woul%& he %eclare%& either bring it to this& that all Norway shoul% be Christian& or %ie. 6< shall make you all&6 sai% he& 6great an% mighty men in 'romoting this workA for < trust to you most& as bloo% relations or brothers in law.6 )ll agree% to %o what he aske%& an% to follow him in what he %esire%.

King $laf imme%iately ma%e it known to the 'ublic that he recommen%e% Christianity to all the 'eo'le in his king%om& which message was well recei7e% an% a''ro7e% of by those who ha% before gi7en him their 'romiseA an% these being the most 'owerful among the 'eo'le assemble%& the others followe% their eDam'le& an% all the inhabitants of the east 'art of >iken allowe% themsel7es to be ba'tiEe%. The king then went to the north 'art of >iken an% in7ite% e7ery man to acce't ChristianityA an% those who o''ose% him he 'unishe% se7erely& killing some& mutilating others& an% %ri7ing some into banishment. )t length he brought it so far& that all the king%om which his father King Tr7g7e ha% rule% o7er& an% also that of his relation Haral% ;renske& acce'te% of ChristianityA an% %uring that summer ().*. 99/# an% the following winter ().*. 997# all >iken was ma%e Christian.

/9. $? TH3 H$2*)-)N* 13$1-3. 3arly in s'ring ().*. 997# King $laf set out from >iken with a great force northwar%s to )g%er& an% 'roclaime% that e7ery man shoul% be ba'tiEe%. )n% thus the 'eo'le recei7e% Christianity& for nobo%y %are% o''ose the king4s will& wheresoe7er he came. <n Hor%alan%& howe7er& were many bol% an% great men of Hor%akare4s race. He& namely& ha% left four sons& the first Thorleif S'akeA the secon%& $gmun%& father of Thorolf Skialg& who was father of 3rling of SoleA the thir% was Thor% father of the Herse Kly' who kille% King Sigur% Slefa& ;unhil%4s sonA an% lastly& $lmo%& father of )skel& whose son was )slak ?itBaskalleA an% that family branch was the greatest an% most consi%ere% in Hor%alan%. Now when this family hear% the ba% ti%ings& that the king was coming along the country from the eastwar% with a great force& an% was breaking the ancient law of the 'eo'le& an% im'osing 'unishment an% har% con%itions on all who o''ose% him& the relati7es a''ointe% a meeting to take counsel with each other& for they knew the king woul% come %own u'on them at once5 an% they all resol7e% to a''ear in force at the ;ula Thing& there to hol% a conference with King $laf Tryg7ason.

/1. 2$;)-)N* +)1T<J3*. =hen King $laf came to 2ogalan%& he imme%iately summone% the 'eo'le to a ThingA an% when the bon%es recei7e% the message token for a Thing& they assemble% in great numbers well arme%. )fter they ha% come together& they resol7e% to choose three men& the best s'eakers of the whole& who shoul% answer King $laf& an% argue with the kingA an% es'ecially shoul% %ecline to acce't of anything against the ol% law& e7en if the king shoul% reFuire it of them. Now when the bon%es came to the Thing& an% the Thing was forme%& King $laf arose& an% at first s'oke goo% humore%ly to the 'eo'leA but they obser7e% he wante% them to acce't Christianity& with all his fine wor%s5 an% in the conclusion he let them know that those who shoul% s'eak against him& an% not submit to his 'ro'osal& must eD'ect his %is'leasure an% 'unishment& an% all the ill that it was in his 'ower to inflict.

=hen he ha% en%e% his s'eech& one of the bon%es stoo% u'& who was consi%ere% the most eloFuent& an% who ha% been chosen as the first who shoul% re'ly to King $laf. +ut when he woul% begin to s'eak such a cough seiEe% him& an% such a %ifficulty of breathing& that he coul% not bring out a wor%& an% ha% to sit %own again. Then another bon%e stoo% u'& resol7e% not to let an answer be wanting& although it ha% gone so ill with the former5 but he stammere% so that he coul% not get a wor% uttere%& an% all 'resent set u' a laughter& ami% which the bon%e sat %own again. )n% now the thir% stoo% u' to make a s'eech against King $laf4sA but when he began he became so hoarse an% husky in his throat& that nobo%y coul% hear a wor% he sai%& an% he also ha% to sit %own. There was none of the bon%es now to s'eak against the king& an% as nobo%y answere% him there was no o''ositionA an% it came to this& that all agree% to what the king ha% 'ro'ose%. )ll the 'eo'le of the Thing accor%ingly were ba'tiEe% before the Thing was %issol7e%.

/!. 32-<N; SKG)-;S$N4S =$$<N;. King $laf went with his men at arms to the ;ula ThingA for the bon%es ha% sent him wor% that they woul% re'ly there to his s'eech. =hen both 'arties ha% come to the Thing& the king %esire% first to ha7e a conference with the chief 'eo'le of the countryA an% when the meeting was numerous the king set forth his erran%& that he %esire% them& accor%ing to his 'ro'osal& to allow themsel7es to be ba'tiEe%. Then sai% $lmo% the $l%& 6=e relations ha7e consi%ere% together this matter& an% ha7e come to one resolution. <f thou thinkest& king& to force us who are relate% together to such things as to break our ol% law& or to bring us un%er thyself by any sort of 7iolence& then will we stan% against thee with all our might5 an% be the 7ictory to him to whom fate or%ains it. +ut if thou& king& wilt a%7ance our relations4 fortunes& then thou shalt ha7e lea7e to %o as thou %esirest& an% we will all ser7e thee with Eeal in thy 'ur'ose.6 The king re'lies& 6=hat %o you 'ro'ose for obtaining this agreementL6 Then answers $lmo%& 6The first is& that thou wilt gi7e thy sister )stri% in marriage to 3rling SkBalgson& our relation& whom we look u'on as the most ho'eful young man in all Norway.6 King $laf re'lie%& that this marriage a''eare% to him also 7ery suitableA 6as 3rling is a man of goo% birth& an% a goo% looking man in a''earance5 but )stri% herself must answer to this 'ro'osal.6 Thereu'on the king s'oke to his sister. She sai%& 6<t is but of little use that < am a king4s sister& an% a kingMs %aughter& if < must marry a man who has no high %ignity or office. < will rather wait a few years for a better match.6 Thus en%e% this conference.

/:. H$2*)-)N* +)1T<J3*. King $laf took a falcon that belonge% to )stri%& 'lucke% off all its feathers& an% then sent it to her. Then sai% )stri%& 6)ngry is my brother.6 )n% she stoo% u'& an% went to the king& who recei7e% her kin%ly& an% she sai% that she left it to the king to %etermine her marriage. 6< think&6 sai% the king& 6that < must ha7e 'ower enough in this lan% to raise any man < 'lease to high %ignity.6 Then the king or%ere% $lmo% an% 3rling to be calle% to a conference& an% all their relationsA an% the marriage was %etermine% u'on& an% )stri% betrothe% to 3rling. Thereafter the king hel% the Thing& an% recommen%e% Christianity to the bon%esA an% as $lmo%& an% 3rling& an% all their relations& took u'on themsel7es the most acti7e 'art in forwar%ing the king4s %esire& nobo%y %are% to s'eak against itA an% all the 'eo'le were ba'tiEe%& an% a%o'te% Christianity.

/". 32-<N; SKG)-;S$N4S =3**<N;. 3rling SkBalgson ha% his we%%ing in summer& an% a great many 'eo'le were assemble% at it. King $laf was also there& an% offere% 3rling an earl%om. 3rling re'lie% thus5 6)ll my relations ha7e been herses only& an% < will take no higher title than they ha7eA but this < will acce't from thee& king& that thou makest me the greatest of that title in the country.6 The king consente%A an% at his %e'arture the king in7este% his brother in law 3rling with all the lan% north of the SognefBor%& an% east to the -i%an%isnes& on the same terms as Haral% Harfager ha% gi7en lan% to his sons& as before relate%.

/(. 2)@.S*)- )N* ?G$2* *<ST2<CTS +)1T<J3*. The same har7est King $laf summone% the bon%es to a Thing of the four %istricts at *ragsei%& in Sta%5 an% there the 'eo'le from Sogn& the ?Bor% %istricts& South .ore& an% 2aums%al& were summone% to meet. King $laf came there with a great many 'eo'le who ha% followe% him from the eastwar%& an% also with those who ha% Boine% him from 2ogalan% an% Hor%alan%. =hen the king came to the Thing& he 'ro'ose% to them there& as elsewhere& ChristianityA an% as the king ha% such a 'owerful host with him& they were frightene%. The king offere% them two con%itions& either to acce't Christianity& or to fight. +ut the bon%es saw they were in no con%ition to fight the king& an% resol7e%& therefore& that all the 'eo'le shoul% agree to be ba'tiEe%. The king 'rocee%e% afterwar%s to North .ore& an% ba'tiEe% all that %istrict. He then saile% to Hla%er& in Thron%hBemA ha% the tem'le there raEe% to the groun%A took all the ornaments an% all 'ro'erty out of the tem'le& an% from the go%s in itA an% among other things the great gol% ring which 3arl Hakon ha% or%ere% to be ma%e& an% which hung in the %oor of the tem'leA an% then ha% the tem'le burnt. +ut when the bon%es hear% of this& they sent out a war arrow as a token through the whole %istrict& or%ering out a warlike force& an% inten%e% to meet the king with it. <n

the meantime King $laf saile% with a war force out of the fBor% along the coast northwar%& inten%ing to 'rocee% to Halogalan%& an% ba'tiEe there. =hen he came north to +Barnaurar& he hear% from Halogalan% that a force was assemble% there to %efen% the country against the king. The chiefs of this force were Harek of ThBotta& Thorer HBort from >agar& an% 3y7in% Kinrifa. Now when King $laf hear% this& he turne% about an% saile% southwar%s along the lan%A an% when he got south of Sta% 'rocee%e% at his leisure& an% came early in winter ().*. 998# all the way east to >iken.

//. $-)? 12$1$S3S .)22<);3 T$ H@33N S<;2<*. Hueen Sigri% in S7ithBo%& who ha% for surname the Haughty& sat in her mansion& an% %uring the same winter messengers went between King $laf an% Sigri% to 'ro'ose his courtshi' to her& an% she ha% no obBectionA an% the matter was fully an% fast resol7e% u'on. Thereu'on King $laf sent to Hueen Sigri% the great gol% ring he ha% taken from the tem'le %oor of Hla%er& which was consi%ere% a %istinguishe% ornament. The meeting for conclu%ing the business was a''ointe% to be in s'ring on the frontier& at the ;aut ri7er. Now the ring which King $laf ha% sent Hueen Sigri% was highly 'riEe% by all menA yet the Fueen4s gol% smiths& two brothers& who took the ring in their han%s& an% weighe% it& s'oke Fuietly to each other about it& an% in a manner that ma%e the Fueen call them to her& an% ask 6what they smile% atL6 +ut they woul% not say a wor%& an% she comman%e% them to say what it was they ha% %isco7ere%. Then they sai% the ring is false. @'on this she or%ere% the ring to be broken into 'ieces& an% it was foun% to be co''er insi%e. Then the Fueen was enrage%& an% sai% that $laf woul% %ecei7e her in more ways than this one. <n the same year ().*. 998# King $laf went into 2ingenke& an% there the 'eo'le also were ba'tiEe%.

/7. $-)? H)2)-*S$N +)1T<J3*. )sta& the %aughter of ;u%bran%& soon after the fall of Haral% ;renske marrie% again a man who was calle% Sigur% Syr& who was a king in 2ingerike. Sigur% was a son of Half%an& an% gran%son of Sigur% Hrise& who was a son of Haral% Harfager. $laf& the son of )sta an% Haral% ;renske& li7e% with )sta& an% was brought u' from chil%hoo% in the house of his ste'father& Sigur% Syr. Now when King $laf Tryg7ason came to 2ingerike to s'rea% Christianity& Sigur% Syr an% his wife allowe% themsel7es to be ba'tiEe%& along with $laf her sonA an% $laf Tryg7ason was go%father to $laf& the ste'son of Haral% ;renske. $laf was then three years ol%. $laf returne% from thence to >iken& where he remaine% all winter. He ha% now been three years king in Norway ().*. 998#.

/8. .33T<N; $? $-)? )N* S<;2<*. 3arly in s'ring ().*. 998# King $laf went eastwar%s to

Konungahella to the meeting with Hueen Sigri%A an% when they met the business was consi%ere% about which the winter before they ha% hel% communication& namely& their marriageA an% the business seeme% likely to be conclu%e%. +ut when $laf insiste% that Sigri% shoul% let herself be ba'tiEe%& she answere% thus5 6< must not 'art from the faith which < ha7e hel%& an% my forefathers before meA an%& on the other han%& < shall make no obBection to your belie7ing in the go% that 'leases you best.6 Then King $laf was enrage%& an% answere% in a 'assion& 6=hy shoul% < care to ha7e thee& an ol% fa%e% woman& an% a heathen Ba%eL6 an% therewith struck her in the face with his glo7e which he hel% in his han%s& rose u'& an% they 'arte%. Sigri% sai%& 6This may some %ay be thy %eath.6 The king set off to >iken& the Fueen to S7ithBo%.

/9. TH3 +@2N<N; $? =)2-$CKS. Then the king 'rocee%e% to Tunsberg& an% hel% a Thing& at which he %eclare% in a s'eech that all the men of whom it shoul% be known to a certainty that they %ealt with e7il s'irits& or in witchcraft& or were sorcerers& shoul% be banishe% forth of the lan%. Thereafter the king ha% all the neighborhoo% ransacke% after such 'eo'le& an% calle% them all before himA an% when they were brought to the Thing there was a man among them calle% 3y7in% Kel%a& a gran%son of 2agn7al% 2ettilbeine& Haral% Harfager4s son. 3y7in% was a sorcerer& an% 'articularly knowing in witchcraft. The king let all these men be seate% in one room& which was well a%orne%& an% ma%e a great feast for them& an% ga7e them strong %rink in 'lenty. Now when they were all 7ery %runk& he or%ere% the house be set on fire& an% it an% all the 'eo'le within it were consume%& all but 3y7in% Kel%a& who contri7e% to esca'e by the smoke hole in the roof. )n% when he ha% got a long way off& he met some 'eo'le on the roa% going to the king& an% he tol% them to tell the king that 3y7in% Kel%a ha% sli''e% away from the fire& an% woul% ne7er come again in King $laf4s 'ower& but woul% carry on his arts of witchcraft as much as e7er. =hen the 'eo'le came to the king with such a message from 3y7in%& the king was ill 'lease% that 3y7in% ha% esca'e% %eath.

79. 3C><N* K3-*)4S *3)TH. =hen s'ring ().*. 998# came King $laf went out to >iken& an% was on 7isits to his great farms. He sent notice o7er all >iken that he woul% call out an army in summer& an% 'rocee% to the north 'arts of the country. Then he went north to )g%erA an% when 3aster was a''roaching he took the roa% to 2ogalan% with :99 (Q:/9# men& an% came on 3aster e7ening north to $g7al%snes& in Kormt <slan%& where an 3aster feast was 're'are% for him. That same night came 3y7in% Kel%a to the islan% with a well manne% long shi'& of which the whole crew consiste% of sorcerers an% other %ealers with e7il s'irits. 3y7in% went from his shi' to the lan% with his followers& an% there they 'laye% many of their 'ranks of witchcraft. 3y7in% clothe% them with ca's of %arkness&

an% so thick a mist that the king an% his men coul% see nothing of themA but when they came near to the house at $g7al%snes& it became clear %ay. Then it went %ifferently from what 3y7in% ha% inten%e%5 for now there came Bust such a %arkness o7er him an% his comra%es in witchcraft as they ha% ma%e before& so that they coul% see no more from their eyes than from the back of their hea%s but went roun% an% roun% in a circle u'on the islan%. =hen the king4s watchman saw them going about& without knowing what 'eo'le these were& they tol% the king. Thereu'on he rose u' with his 'eo'le& 'ut on his clothes& an% when he saw 3y7in% with his men wan%ering about he or%ere% his men to arm& an% eDamine what folk these were. The king4s men %isco7ere% it was 3y7in%& took him an% all his com'any 'risoners& an% brought them to the king. 3y7in% now tol% all he ha% %one on his Bourney. Then the king or%ere% these all to be taken out to a skerry which was un%er water in floo% ti%e& an% there to be left boun%. 3y7in% an% all with him left their li7es on this rock& an% the skerry is still calle% Skrattasker.

71. $-)? )N* $*<N4S )11)2<T<$N. <t is relate% that once on a time King $laf was at a feast at this $g7al%snes& an% one e7enti%e there came to him an ol% man 7ery gifte% in wor%s& an% with a broa% brimme% hat u'on his hea%. He was one eye%& an% ha% something to tell of e7ery lan%. He entere% into con7ersation with the kingA an% as the king foun% much 'leasure in the guest4s s'eech& he aske% him concerning many things& to which the guest ga7e goo% answers5 an% the king sat u' late in the e7ening. )mong other things& the king aske% him if he knew who the $g7al% ha% been who ha% gi7en his name both to the ness an% to the house. The guest re'lie%& that this $g7al% was a king& an% a 7ery 7aliant man& an% that he ma%e great sacrifices to a cow which he ha% with him where7er he went& an% consi%ere% it goo% for his health to %rink her milk. This same King $g7al% ha% a battle with a king calle% >arin& in which battle $g7al% fell. He was burie% un%er a moun% close to the houseA 6an% there stan%s his stone o7er him& an% close to it his cow also is lai%.6 Such an% many other things& an% ancient e7ents& the king inFuire% after. Now& when the king ha% sat late into the night& the bisho' remin%e% him that it was time to go to be%& an% the king %i% so. +ut after the king was un%resse%& an% ha% lai% himself in be%& the guest sat u'on the foot stool before the be%& an% still s'oke long with the kingA for after one tale was en%e%& he still wante% a new one. Then the bisho' obser7e% to the king& it was time to go to slee'& an% the king %i% soA an% the guest went out. Soon after the king awoke& aske% for the guest& an% or%ere% him to be calle%& but the guest was not to be foun%. The morning after& the king or%ere% his cook an% cellar master to be calle%& an% aske% if any strange 'erson ha% been with them. They sai%& that as they were making rea%y the meat a man came to them& an% obser7e% that they were cooking 7ery 'oor meat for the king4s tableA whereu'on he ga7e them two thick an% fat 'ieces of beef& which they boile% with the rest of the meat. Then the king or%ere% that all the meat shoul% be thrown away& an% sai% this man can be no other than the $%in whom the heathens

ha7e so long worshi''e%A an% a%%e%& 6but $%in shall not %ecei7e us.6

7!. TH3 TH<N; <N TH2$N*HG3.. King $laf collecte% a great army in the east of the country towar%s summer& an% saile% with it north to Ni%aros in the Thron%hBem country. ?rom thence he sent a message token o7er all the fBor%& calling the 'eo'le of eight %ifferent %istricts to a ThingA but the bon%es change% the Thing token into a war tokenA an% calle% together all men& free an% unfree& in all the Thron%hBem lan%. Now when the king met the Thing& the whole 'eo'le came fully arme%. )fter the Thing was seate%& the king s'oke& an% in7ite% them to a%o't ChristianityA but he ha% only s'oken a short time when the bon%es calle% out to him to be silent& or they woul% attack him an% %ri7e him away. 6=e %i% so&6 sai% they& 6with Hakon foster son of )thelstan& when he brought us the same message& an% we hel% him in Fuite as much res'ect as we hol% thee.6 =hen King $laf saw how incense% the bon%es were& an% that they ha% such a war force that he coul% make no resistance& he turne% his s'eech as if he woul% gi7e way to the bon%es& an% sai%& 6< wish only to be in a goo% un%erstan%ing with you as of ol%A an% < will come to where ye hol% your greatest sacrifice festi7al& an% see your customs& an% thereafter we shall consi%er which to hol% by.6 )n% in this all agree%A an% as the king s'oke mil%ly an% frien%ly with the bon%es& their answer was a''ease%& an% their conference with the king went off 'eacefully. )t the close of it a mi%summer sacrifice was fiDe% to take 'lace in .aeren& an% all chiefs an% great bon%es to atten% it as usual. The king was to be at it.

7:. G)2NSK3;;3 $2 <2$N +3)2*. There was a great bon%e calle% Skegge& an% sometimes Garnskegge& or <ron +ear%& who %welt in @'haug in CrBar. He s'oke first at the Thing to $lafA an% was the foremost man of the bon%es in s'eaking against Christianity. The Thing was conclu%e% in this way for that time& the bon%es returne% home& an% the king went to Hla%er. 7". TH3 ?3)ST )T H-)*32. King $laf lay with his shi's in the ri7er Ni%& an% ha% thirty 7essels& which were manne% with many bra7e 'eo'leA but the king himself was often at Hla%er& with his court atten%ants. )s the time now was a''roaching at which the sacrifices shoul% be ma%e at .aeren& the king 're'are% a great feast at Hla%er& an% sent a message to the %istricts of Strin%& ;aular%al& an% out to $rka%al& to in7ite the chiefs an% other great bon%es. =hen the feast was rea%y& an% the chiefs assemble%& there was a han%some entertainment the first e7ening& at which 'lenty of liFuor went roun%. an% the guests were ma%e 7ery %runk. The night after they

all sle't in 'eace. The following morning& when the king was %resse%& he ha% the early mass sung before himA an% when the mass was o7er& or%ere% to soun% the trum'ets for a House Thing5 u'on which all his men left the shi's to come u' to the Thing. =hen the Thing was seate%& the king stoo% u'& an% s'oke thus5 6=e hel% a Thing at ?rosta& an% there < in7ite% the bon%es to allow themsel7es to be ba'tiEe%A but they& on the other han%& in7ite% me to offer sacrifice to their go%s& as King Hakon& )thelstan4s foster son& ha% %oneA an% thereafter it was agree% u'on between us that we shoul% meet at .aerin& an% there make a great sacrifice. Now if <& along with you& shall turn again to making sacrifice& then will < make the greatest of sacrifices that are in useA an% < will sacrifice men. +ut < will not select sla7es or malefactors for this& but will take the greatest men only to be offere% to the go%sA an% for this < select $rm -ygra of .e%alhus& Styrkar of ;imsar& Kar of ;ryting& )sbBorn Thorbergson of >arnes& $rm of -yDa& Hal%or of Sker%ingsste%BaA6 an% besi%es these he name% fi7e others of the 'rinci'al men. )ll these& he sai%& he woul% offer in sacrifice to the go%s for 'eace an% a fruitful seasonA an% or%ere% them to be lai% hol% of imme%iately. Now when the bon%es saw that they were not strong enough to make hea% against the king& they aske% for 'eace& an% submitte% wholly to the king4s 'leasure. So it was settle% that all the bon%es who ha% come there shoul% be ba'tiEe%& an% shoul% take an oath to the king to hol% by the right faith& an% to renounce sacrifice to the go%s. The king then ke't all these men as hostages who came to his feast& until they sent him their sons& brothers& or other near relations. 7(. $? TH3 TH<N; <N TH2$N*HG3.. King $laf went in with all his forces into the Thron%hBem countryA an% when he came to .aeren all among the chiefs of the Thron%hBem 'eo'le who were most o''ose% to Christianity were assemble%& an% ha% with them all the great bon%es who ha% before ma%e sacrifice at that 'lace. There was thus a greater multitu%e of bon%es than there ha% been at the ?rosta Thing. Now the king let the 'eo'le be summone% to the Thing& where both 'arties met arme%A an% when the Thing was seate% the king ma%e a s'eech& in which he tol% the 'eo'le to go o7er to Christianity. Garnskegge re'lies on the 'art of the bon%es& an% says that the will of the bon%es is now& as formerly& that the king shoul% not break their laws. 6=e want& king&6 sai% he& 6that thou shoul%st offer sacrifice& as other kings before thee ha7e %one.6 )ll the bon%es a''lau%e% his s'eech with a lou% shout& an% sai% they woul% ha7e all things accor%ing to what Skegge sai%. Then the king sai% he woul% go into the tem'le of their go%s with them& an% see what the 'ractices were when they sacrifice%. The bon%es thought well of this 'rocee%ing& an% both 'arties went to the tem'le.

7/. TH3 TH2$N*HG3. 13$1-3 +)1T<J3*. Now King $laf entere% into the tem'le with some few of his men an% a few bon%esA an% when the king came to where their go%s

were& Thor& as the most consi%ere% among their go%s& sat there a%orne% with gol% an% sil7er. The king lifte% u' his gol% inlai% aDe which he carrie% in his han%s& an% struck Thor so that the image rolle% %own from its seat. Then the king4s men turne% to an% threw %own all the go%s from their seatsA an% while the king was in the tem'le& Garnskegge was kille% outsi%e of the tem'le %oors& an% the king4s men %i% it. =hen the king came forth out of the tem'le he offere% the bon%es two con%itions& that all shoul% acce't of Christianity forthwith& or that they shoul% fight with him. +ut as Skegge was kille%& there was no lea%er in the bon%es4 army to raise the banner against King $lafA so they took the other con%ition& to surren%er to the king4s will an% obey his or%er. Then King $laf ha% all the 'eo'le 'resent ba'tiEe%& an% took hostages from them for their remaining true to ChristianityA an% he sent his men roun% to e7ery %istrict& an% no man in the Thron%hBem country o''ose% Christianity& but all 'eo'le took ba'tism.

77. ) T$=N <N TH3 TH2$N*HG3. C$@NT2C. King $laf with his 'eo'le went out to Ni%aros& an% ma%e houses on the flat si%e of the ri7er Ni%& which he raise% to be a merchant town& an% ga7e 'eo'le groun% to buil% houses u'on. The king4s house he ha% built Bust o''osite Ski'akrokA an% he trans'orte% thither& in har7est& all that was necessary for his winter resi%ence& an% ha% many 'eo'le about him there.

78. K<N; $-)?4S .)22<);3. King $laf a''ointe% a meeting with the relations of Garnskegge& an% offere% them the com'ensation or 'enalty for his bloo%she%A for there were many bol% men who ha% an interest in that business. Garnskegge ha% a %aughter calle% ;u%runA an% at last it was agree% u'on between the 'arties that the king shoul% take her in marriage. =hen the we%%ing %ay came King $laf an% ;u%run went to be% together. )s soon as ;u%run& the first night they lay together& thought the king was aslee'& she %rew a knife& with which she inten%e% to run him throughA but the king saw it& took the knife from her& got out of be%& an% went to his men& an% tol% them what ha% ha''ene%. ;u%run also took her clothes& an% went away along with all her men who ha% followe% her thither. ;u%run ne7er came into the king4s be% again.

79. +@<-*<N; $? TH3 SH<1 C2)N3. The same autumn ().*. 998# King $laf lai% the keel of a great long shi' out on the stran% at the ri7er Ni%. <t was a snekkBaA an% he em'loye% many car'enters u'on her& so that early in winter the 7essel was rea%y. <t ha% thirty benches for rowers& was high in stem an% stern& but was not broa%. The king calle% this shi' Tranen (the Crane#. )fter Garnskegge4s %eath his bo%y was

carrie% to CrBar& an% lies there in the Skegge moun% on )ustrat.

89. TH)N;+2)N* TH3 12<3ST ;$3S T$ <C3-)N*. =hen King $laf Tryg7ason ha% been two years king of Norway ().*. 997#& there was a SaDon 'riest in his house who was calle% Thangbran%& a 'assionate& ungo7ernable man& an% a great man slayerA but he was a goo% scholar& an% a cle7er man. The king woul% not ha7e him in his house u'on account of his mis%ee%sA but ga7e him the erran% to go to <celan%& an% bring that lan% to the Christian faith. The king ga7e him a merchant 7essel5 an%& as far as we know of this 7oyage of his& he lan%e% first in <celan% at )ustfBor% in the southern )l'tfBor%& an% 'asse% the winter in the house of Hal of Si%a. Thangbran% 'roclaime% Christianity in <celan%& an% on his 'ersuasion Hal an% all his house 'eo'le& an% many other chiefs& allowe% themsel7es to be ba'tiEe%A but there were many more who s'oke against it. Thor7al% >eile an% >eterli%e the skal% com'ose% a satire about Thangbran%A but he kille% them both outright. Thangbran% was two years in <celan%& an% was the %eath of three men before he left it.

81. $? S<;@2* )N* H)@K. There was a man calle% Sigur%& an% another calle% Hauk& both of Halogalan%& who often ma%e merchant 7oyages. $ne summer ().*. 998# they ha% ma%e a 7oyage westwar% to 3nglan%A an% when they came back to Norway they saile% northwar%s along the coast& an% at North .ore they met King $laf4s 'eo'le. =hen it was tol% the king that some Halogalan% 'eo'le were come who were heathen& he or%ere% the steersmen to be brought to him& an% he aske% them if they woul% consent to be ba'tiEe%A to which they re'lie%& no. The king s'oke with them in many ways& but to no 'ur'ose. He then threatene% them with %eath an% torture5 but they woul% not allow themsel7es to be mo7e%. He then ha% them lai% in irons& an% ke't them in chains in his house for some time& an% often con7erse% with them& but in 7ain. )t last one night they %isa''eare%& without any man being able to conBecture how they got away. +ut about har7est they came north to Harek of ThBotta& who recei7e% them kin%ly& an% with whom they sto''e% all winter ().*. 999#& an% were hos'itably entertaine%.

8!. $? H)23K $? THG$TT). <t ha''ene% one goo% weather %ay in s'ring ().*. 999# that Harek was at home in his house with only few 'eo'le& an% time hung hea7y on his han%s. Sigur% aske% him if he woul% row a little for amusement. Harek was willingA an% they went to the shore& an% %rew %own a siD oare% skiffA an% Sigur% took the mast an% rigging belonging to the boat out of the boat house& for they often use% to sail when they went for amusement on the water. Harek went out into the boat to hang the ru%%er. The brothers

Sigur% an% Hauk& who were 7ery strong men& were fully arme%& as they were use% to go about at home among the 'easants. +efore they went out to the boat they threw into her some butter kits an% a brea% chest& an% carrie% between them a great keg of ale. =hen they ha% rowe% a short way from the islan% the brothers hoiste% the sail& while Harek was seate% at the helmA an% they saile% away from the islan%. Then the two brothers went aft to where Harek the bon%e was sittingA an% Sigur% says to him& 6Now thou must choose one of these con%itions& first& that we brothers %irect this 7oyageA or& if not& that we bin% thee fast an% take the comman%A or& thir%& that we kill thee.6 Harek saw how matters stoo% with him. )s a single man& he was not better than one of those brothers& e7en if he ha% been as well arme%A so it a''eare% to him wisest to let them %etermine the course to steer& an% boun% himself by oath to abi%e by this con%ition. $n this Sigur% took the helm& an% steere% south along the lan%& the brothers taking 'articular care that they %i% not encounter 'eo'le. The win% was 7ery fa7ourableA an% they hel% on sailing along until they came south to Thron%hBem an% to Ni%aros& where they foun% the king. Then the king calle% Harek to him& an% in a conference %esire% him to be ba'tiEe%. Harek ma%e obBectionsA an% although the king an% Harek talke% o7er it many times& sometimes in the 'resence of other 'eo'le& an% sometimes alone& they coul% not agree u'on it. )t last the king says to Harek& 6Now thou mayst return home& an% < will %o thee no inBuryA 'artly because we are relate% together& an% 'artly that thou mayst not ha7e it to say that < caught thee by a trick5 but know for certain that < inten% to come north neDt summer to 7isit you Halogalan%ers& an% ye shall then see if < am not able to 'unish those who reBect Christianity.6 Harek was well 'lease% to get away as fast as he coul%. King $laf ga7e Harek a goo% boat of ten or twel7e 'air of oars& an% let it be fitte% out with the best of e7erything nee%fulA an% besi%es he ga7e Harek thirty men& all la%s of mettle& an% well a''ointe%.

8:. 3C><N* K<N2<?)4S *3)TH. Harek of ThBotta went away from the town as fast as he coul%A but Hauk an% Sigur% remaine% in the king4s house& an% both took ba'tism. Harek 'ursue% his 7oyage until he came to ThBotta. He sent imme%iately a message to his frien% 3y7in% Kinrifa& with the wor% that he ha% been with King $lafA but woul% not let himself be cowe% %own to acce't Christianity. The message at the same time informe% him that King $laf inten%e% coming to the north in summer against them& an% they must be at their 'osts to %efen% themsel7esA it also begge% 3y7in% to come an% 7isit him& the sooner the better. =hen this message was %eli7ere% to 3y7in%& he saw how 7ery necessary it was to %e7ise some counsel to a7oi% falling into the king4s han%s. He set out& therefore& in a light 7essel with a few han%s as fast as he coul%. =hen he came to ThBotta he was recei7e% by Harek in the most frien%ly way& an% they imme%iately entere% into con7ersation with each other behin% the house. =hen they ha% s'oken together but a short time& King $laf4s men& who ha% secretly followe% Harek to the north& came u'& an% took 3y7in% 'risoner& an% carrie% him away to their shi'.

They %i% not halt on their 7oyage until they came to Thron%hBem& an% 'resente% themsel7es to King $laf at Ni%aros. Then 3y7in% was brought u' to a conference with the king& who aske% him to allow himself to be ba'tiEe%& like other 'eo'leA but 3y7in% %eci%e%ly answere% he woul% not. The king still& with 'ersuasi7e wor%s& urge% him to acce't Christianity& an% both he an% the bisho' use% many suitable argumentsA but 3y7in% woul% not allow himself to be mo7e%. The king offere% him gifts an% great fiefs& but 3y7in% refuse% all. Then the king threatene% him with tortures an% %eath& but 3y7in% was stea%fast. Then the king or%ere% a 'an of glowing coals to be 'lace% u'on 3y7in%4s belly& which burst asun%er. 3y7in% crie%& 6Take away the 'an& an% < will say something before < %ie&6 which also was %one. The king sai%& 6=ilt thou now& 3y7in%& belie7e in ChristL6 6No&6 sai% 3y7in%& 6< can take no ba'tismA for < am an e7il s'irit 'ut into a man4s bo%y by the sorcery of ?ins because in no other way coul% my father an% mother ha7e a chil%.6 =ith that %ie% 3y7in%& who ha% been one of the greatest sorcerers.

8". H)-$;)-)N* .)*3 CH2<ST<)N. The s'ring after ().*. 999# King $laf fitte% out an% manne% his shi's& an% comman%e% himself his shi' the Crane. He ha% many an% smart 'eo'le with himA an% when he was rea%y& he saile% northwar%s with his fleet 'ast +ry%a& an% to Halogalan%. =heresoe7er he came to the lan%& or to the islan%s& he hel% a Thing& an% tol% the 'eo'le to acce't the right faith& an% to be ba'tiEe%. No man %are% to say anything against it& an% the whole country he 'asse% through was ma%e Christian. King $laf was a guest in the house of Harek of ThBotta& who was ba'tiEe% with all his 'eo'le. )t 'arting the king ga7e Harek goo% 'resentsA an% he entere% into the king4s ser7ice& an% got fiefs& an% the 'ri7ileges of len%sman from the king.

8(. TH$232 HG$2T4S *3)TH. There was a bon%e& by name 2au% the Strong& who %welt in ;o%ey in Salten fBor%. 2au% was a 7ery rich man& who ha% many house ser7antsA an% likewise was a 'owerful man& who ha% many ?ins in his ser7ice when he wante% them. 2au% was a great i%olater& an% 7ery skillful in witchcraft& an% was a great frien% of Thorer HBort& before s'oken of. +oth were great chiefs. Now when they hear% that King $laf was coming with a great force from the south to Halogalan%& they gathere% together an army& or%ere% out shi's& an% they too ha% a great force on foot. 2au% ha% a large shi' with a gil%e% hea% forme% like a %ragon& which shi' ha% thirty rowing benches& an% e7en for that kin% of shi' was 7ery large. Thorer HBort ha% also a large shi'. These men saile% southwar%s with their shi's against King $laf& an% as soon as they met ga7e battle. ) great battle there was& an% a great fall of menA but 'rinci'ally on the si%e of the Halogalan%ers& whose shi's were cleare% of men& so that a great terror came u'on them. 2au% ro%e with his %ragon out to sea& an% set sail. 2au% ha% always a

fair win% wheresoe7er he wishe% to sail& which came from his arts of witchcraftA an%& to make a short story& he came home to ;o%ey. Thorer HBort fle% from the shi's u' to the lan%5 but King $laf lan%e% 'eo'le& followe% those who fle%& an% kille% them. @sually the king was the foremost in such skirmishes& an% was so now. =hen the king saw where Thorer HBort& who was Fuicker on foot than any man& was running to& he ran after him with his %og >ige. The king sai%& 6>igeK >igeK Catch the %eer.6 >ige ran straight in u'on himA on which Thorer halte%& an% the king threw a s'ear at him. Thorer struck with his swor% at the %og& an% ga7e him a great woun%A but at the same moment the king4s s'ear flew un%er Thorer4s arm& an% went through an% through him& an% came out at his other si%e. There Thorer left his lifeA but >ige was carrie% to the shi's.

8/. K<N; $-)?4S >$C);3 T$ ;$*3C. King $laf ga7e life an% free%om to all the men who aske% it an% agree% to become Christian. King $laf saile% with his fleet northwar%s along the coast& an% ba'tiEe% all the 'eo'le among whom he cameA an% when he came north to Salten fBor%& he inten%e% to sail into it to look for 2au%& but a %rea%ful tem'est an% storm was raging in the fBor%. They lay there a whole week& in which the same weather was raging within the fBor%& while without there was a fine brisk win% only& fair for 'rocee%ing north along the lan%. Then the king continue% his 7oyage north to $m%& where all the 'eo'le submitte% to Christianity. Then the king turne% about an% saile% to the south againA but when he came to the north si%e of Salten fBor%& the same tem'est was blowing& an% the sea ran high out from the fBor%& an% the same kin% of storm 're7aile% for se7eral %ays while the king was lying there. Then the king a''lie% to +isho' Sigur%& an% aske% him if he knew any counsel about itA an% the bisho' sai% he woul% try if ;o% woul% gi7e him 'ower to conFuer these arts of the *e7il.

87. $? 2)@*4S +3<N; T$2T@23*. +isho' Sigur% took all his mass robes an% went forwar% to the bow of the king4s shi'A or%ere% ta'ers to be lighte%& an% incense to be brought out. Then he set the crucifiD u'on the stem of the 7essel& rea% the 37angelist an% many 'rayers& bes'rinkle% the whole shi' with holy water& an% then or%ere% the shi' tent to be stowe% away& an% to row into the fBor%. The king or%ere% all the other shi's to follow him. Now when all was rea%y on boar% the Crane to row& she went into the fBor% without the rowers fin%ing any win%A an% the sea was curle% about their keel track like as in a calm& so Fuiet an% still was the waterA yet on each si%e of them the wa7es were lashing u' so high that they hi% the sight of the mountains. )n% so the one shi' followe% the other in the smooth sea trackA an% they 'rocee%e% this way the whole %ay an% night& until they reache% ;o%ey. Now when they came to 2au%4s house his great shi'& the %ragon& was afloat close to the lan%. King $laf went u' to the house imme%iately with his 'eo'leA ma%e

an attack on the loft in which 2au% was slee'ing& an% broke it o'en. The men rushe% in5 2au% was taken an% boun%& an% of the 'eo'le with him some were kille% an% some ma%e 'risoners. Then the king4s men went to a lo%ging in which 2au%4s house ser7ants sle't& an% kille% some& boun% others& an% beat others. Then the king or%ere% 2au% to be brought before him& an% offere% him ba'tism. 6)n%&6 says the king& 6< will not take thy 'ro'erty from thee& but rather be thy frien%& if thou wilt make thyself worthy to be so.6 2au% eDclaime% with all his might against the 'ro'osal& saying he woul% ne7er belie7e in Christ& an% making his scoff of ;o%. Then the king was wroth& an% sai% 2au% shoul% %ie the worst of %eaths. )n% the king or%ere% him to be boun% to a beam of woo%& with his face u''ermost& an% a roun% 'in of woo% set between his teeth to force his mouth o'en. Then the king or%ere% an a%%er to be stuck into the mouth of himA but the ser'ent woul% not go into his mouth& but shrunk back when 2au% breathe% against it. Now the king or%ere% a hollow branch of an angelica root to be stuck into 2au%4s mouthA others say the king 'ut his horn into his mouth& an% force% the ser'ent to go in by hol%ing a re% hot iron before the o'ening. So the ser'ent cre't into the mouth of 2au% an% %own his throat& an% gnawe% its way out of his si%eA an% thus 2au% 'erishe%. King $laf took here much gol% an% sil7er& an% other 'ro'erty of wea'ons& an% many sorts of 'recious effectsA an% all the men who were with 2au% he either ha% ba'tiEe%& or if they refuse% ha% them kille% or torture%. Then the king took the %ragonshi' which 2au% ha% owne%& an% steere% it himselfA for it was a much larger an% han%somer 7essel than the Crane. <n front it ha% a %ragon4s hea%& an% aft a crook& which turne% u'& an% en%e% with the figure of the %ragon4s tail. The car7e% work on each si%e of the stem an% stern was gil%e%. This shi' the king calle% the Ser'ent. =hen the sails were hoiste% they re'resente%& as it were& the %ragon4s wingsA an% the shi' was the han%somest in all Norway. The islan%s on which 2au% %welt were calle% ;ylling an% HaeringA but the whole islan%s together were calle% ;o%ey <sles& an% the current between the isles an% the mainlan% the ;o%ey Stream. King $laf ba'tiEe% the whole 'eo'le of the fBor%& an% then saile% southwar%s along the lan%A an% on this 7oyage ha''ene% much an% 7arious things& which are set %own in tales an% sagas& namely& how witches an% e7il s'irits tormente% his men& an% sometimes himselfA but we will rather write about what occurre% when King $laf ma%e Norway Christian& or in the other countries in which he a%7ance% Christianity. The same autumn $laf with his fleet returne% to Thron%hBem& an% lan%e% at Ni%aros& where he took u' his winter abo%e. =hat < am now going to write about concerns the <celan%ers.

88. $? TH3 <C3-)N*32S. KBartan $lafson& a son4s son of Hoskul%& an% a %aughter4s son of 3gil Skallagrimson& came the same autumn ().*. 999# from <celan% to Ni%aros& an% he was consi%ere% to be the most agreeable an% ho'eful man of any born in <celan%. There was also Hal%or& a son of ;u%mun% of .o%ru7ellerA an% Kolbein& a son of Thor%& ?rey4s go%e& an% a brother4s son of +rennufloseA together with S7erting&

a son of the go%e 2unolf. )ll these were heathensA an% besi%es them there were many more& some men of 'ower& others common men of no 'ro'erty. There came also from <celan% consi%erable 'eo'le& who& by Thangbran%4s hel'& ha% been ma%e ChristiansA namely& ;issur the white& a son of Teit KetilbBornsonA an% his mother was )lof& %aughter of herse +o%7ar& who was the son of >ikingakare. +o%7ar4s brother was Sigur%& father of 3irik +Bo%askalle& whose %aughter )stri% was King $laf4s mother. HBalte SkeggBason was the name of another <celan% man& who was marrie% to >ilborg& ;issur the =hite4s %aughter. HBalte was also a ChristianA an% King $laf was 7ery frien%ly to his relations ;issur an% HBalte& who li7e with him. +ut the <celan% men who %irecte% the shi's& an% were heathens& trie% to sail away as soon as the king came to the town of Ni%aros& for they were tol% the king force% all men to become ChristiansA but the win% came stiff against them& an% %ro7e them back to Ni%arholm. They who %irecte% the shi's were Thorarin NefBulson& the skal% Halfre% $ttarson& +ran% the ;enerous& an% Thorleik& +ran%4s son. <t was tol% the king that there were <celan%ers with shi's there& an% all were heathen& an% wante% to fly from a meeting with the king. Then the king sent them a message forbi%%ing them to sail& an% or%ering them to bring their shi's u' to the town& which they %i%& but without %ischarging the cargoes. (They carrie% on their %ealings an% hel% a market at the king4s 'ier. <n s'ring they trie% three times to sli' away& but ne7er succee%e%A so they continue% lying at the king4s 'ier. <t ha''ene% one fine %ay that many set out to swim for amusement& an% among them was a man who %istinguishe% himself abo7e the others in all bo%ily eDercises. KBartan challenge% Halfre% >an%re%askal% to try himself in swimming against this man& but he %ecline% it. 6Then will < make a trial&6 sai% KBartan& casting off his clothes& an% s'ringing into the water. Then he set after the man& seiEes hol% of his foot& an% %i7es with him un%er water. They come u' again& an% without s'eaking a wor% %i7e again& an% are much longer un%er water than the first time. They come u' again& an% without saying a wor% %i7e a thir% time& until KBartan thought it was time to come u' again& which& howe7er& he coul% in no way accom'lish& which showe% sufficiently the %ifference in their strength. They were un%er water so long that KBartan was almost %rowne%. They then came u'& an% swam to lan%. This Northman aske% what the <celan%er4s name was. KBartan tells his name. He says& 6Thou art a goo% swimmerA but art thou eD'ert also in other eDercisesL6 KBartan re'lie%& that such eD'ertness was of no great 7alue. The Northman asks& 6=hy %ost thou not inFuire of me such things as < ha7e aske% thee aboutL6 KBartan re'lies& 6<t is all one to me who thou art& or what thy name is.6 6Then will <&6 says he& 6tell thee5 < am $laf Tryg7ason.6 He aske% KBartan much about <celan%& which he answere% generally& an% wante% to with%raw as hastily as he coul%A but the king sai%&

6Here is a cloak which < will gi7e thee& KBartan.6 took the cloak with many thanks.#6 (1#

)n% KBartan

3N*N$T3S5 (1# The 'art inclu%e% in 'arenthesis is not foun% in the original teDt of 6Heimskringla6& but taken from 6Co%eD ?risianus6.

89. +)1T<S. $? TH3 <C3-)N*32S. =hen .ichaelmas came& the king ha% high mass sung with great s'len%our. The <celan%ers went there& listening to the fine singing an% the soun% of the bellsA an% when they came back to their shi's e7ery man tol% his o'inion of the Christian man4s worshi'. KBartan eD'resse% his 'leasure at it& but most of the others scoffe% at itA an% it went accor%ing to the 'ro7erb& 6the king ha% many ears&6 for this was tol% to the king. He sent imme%iately that 7ery %ay a message to KBartan to come to him. KBartan went with some men& an% the king recei7e% him kin%ly. KBartan was a 7ery stout an% han%some man& an% of rea%y an% agreeable s'eech. )fter the king an% KBartan ha% con7erse% a little& the king aske% him to a%o't Christianity. KBartan re'lies& that he woul% not say no to that& if he thereby obtaine% the king4s frien%shi'A an% as the king 'romise% him the fullest frien%shi'& they were soon agree%. The neDt %ay KBartan was ba'tiEe%& together with his relation +olle Thorlakson& an% all their fellow tra7elers. KBartan an% +olle were the king4s guests as long as they were in their white ba'tismal clothes& an% the king ha% much kin%ness for them. =here7er they came they were looke% u'on as 'eo'le of %istinction.

99. H)-?23* >)N*23*)SK)-* +)1T<J3*. )s King $laf one %ay was walking in the street some men met him& an% he who went the foremost salute% the king. The king aske% the man his name& an% he calle% himself Halfre%. 6)rt thou the skal%L6 sai% the king. 6< can com'ose 'oetry&6 re'lie% he. 6=ilt thou then a%o't Christianity& an% come into my ser7iceL6 aske% the king. 6<f < am ba'tiEe%&6 re'lies he& 6it must be on one con%ition& that thou thyself art my go%fatherA for no other will < ha7e.6 The king re'lies& 6That < will %o.6 )n% Halfre% was ba'tiEe%& the king hol%ing him %uring the ba'tism. )fterwar%s the king sai%& 6=ilt thou enter into my ser7iceL6

Halfre% re'lie%& 6< was formerly in 3arl Hakon4s courtA but now < will neither enter into thine nor into any other ser7ice& unless thou 'romise me it shall ne7er be my lot to be %ri7en away from thee.6 6<t has been re'orte% to me&6 sai% the king& 6that thou are neither so 'ru%ent nor so obe%ient as to fulfil my comman%s.6 6<n that case&6 re'lie% Halfre%& 6'ut me to %eath.6 6Thou art a skal% who com'oses %ifficulties&6 says the kingA 6but into my ser7ice& Halfre%& thou shalt be recei7e%.6 Halfre% says& 6if < am to be name% the com'oser of %ifficulties& what cost thou gi7e me& king& on my name %ayL6 The king ga7e him a swor% without a scabbar%& an% sai%& 6Now com'ose me a song u'on this swor%& an% let the wor% swor% be in e7ery line of the stro'he.6 Halfre% sang thus5 6This swor% of swor%s is my rewar%. ?or him who knows to wiel% a swor%& )n% with his swor% to ser7e his lor%& Cet wants a swor%& his lot is har%. < woul% < ha% my goo% lor%4s lea7e ?or this goo% swor% a sheath to choose5 <4m worth three swor%s when men use& +ut for the swor% sheath now < grie7e.6 Then the king ga7e him the scabbar%& obser7ing that the wor% swor% was wanting in one line of his stro'he. 6+ut there instea% are three swor%s in one of the lines&6 says Halfre%. 6That is true&6 re'lies the king. $ut of Halfre%4s lays we ha7e taken the most of the true an% faithful accounts that are here relate% about $laf Tryg7ason.

91. TH)N;+2)N* 23T@2NS ?2$. <C3-)N*. The same har7est ().*. 999# Thangbran% the 'riest came back from <celan% to King $laf& an% tol% the ill success of his BourneyA namely& that the <celan%ers ha% ma%e lam'oons about himA an% that some e7en sought to kill him& an% there was little ho'e of that country e7er being ma%e Christian. King $laf was so enrage% at this& that he or%ere% all the <celan%ers to be assemble% by soun% of horn& an% was going to kill all who were in the town& but KBartan& ;issur& an% HBalte& with the other <celan%ers who ha% become Christians& went to him& an% sai%& 6King& thou must not fail from thy wor% that howe7er much any man may irritate thee& thou wilt forgi7e him if he turn from heathenism an% become Christian. )ll the <celan%ers here are willing to be ba'tiEe%A an% through them we may fin% means to bring Christianity into <celan%5 for there are many amongst them& sons of consi%erable 'eo'le in <celan%& whose frien%s can a%7ance the causeA but the 'riest Thangbran% 'rocee%e% there as he %i% here in the court& with 7iolence an% manslaughter& an% such con%uct the 'eo'le there

woul% not submit to.6 The king harkene% to those remonstrancesA an% all the <celan% men who were there were ba'tiEe%.

9!. $? K<N; $-)?4S ?3)TS. King $laf was more eD'ert in all eDercises than any man in Norway whose memory is 'reser7e% to us in sagasA an% he was stronger an% more agile than most men& an% many stories are written %own about it. $ne is that he ascen%e% the Smalsarhorn& an% fiDe% his shiel% u'on the 7ery 'eak. )nother is& that one of his followers ha% climbe% u' the 'eak after him& until he came to where he coul% neither get u' nor %ownA but the king came to his hel'& climbe% u' to him& took him un%er his arm& an% bore him to the flat groun%. King $laf coul% run across the oars outsi%e of the 7essel while his men were rowing the Ser'ent. He coul% 'lay with three %aggers& so that one was always in the air& an% he took the one falling by the han%le. He coul% walk all roun% u'on the shi'4s rails& coul% strike an% cut eFually well with both han%s& an% coul% cast two s'ears at once. King $laf was a 7ery merry frolicsome manA gay an% socialA was 7ery 7iolent in all res'ectsA was 7ery generousA was 7ery finical in his %ress& but in battle he eDcee%e% all in bra7ery. He was %istinguishe% for cruelty when he was enrage%& an% torture% many of his enemies. Some he burnt in fireA some he ha% torn in 'ieces by ma% %ogsA some he ha% mutilate%& or cast %own from high 'reci'ices. $n this account his frien%s were attache% to him warmly& an% his enemies feare% him greatlyA an% thus he ma%e such a fortunate a%7ance in his un%ertakings& for some obeye% his will out of the frien%liest Eeal& an% others out of %rea%.

9:. +)1T<S. $? -3<? 3<2<KS$N. -eif& a son of 3irik the 2e%& who first settle% in ;reenlan%& came this summer ().*. 999# from ;reenlan% to NorwayA an% as he met King $laf he a%o'te% Christianity& an% 'asse% the winter ().*. 1999# with the king.

9". ?)-- $? K<N; ;@*2$*. ;u%ro%& a son of 3irik +loo%aDe an% ;unhil%& ha% been ra7aging in the west countries e7er since he fle% from Norway before the 3arl Hakon. +ut the summer before mentione% ().*. 999#& where King $laf Tryg7ason ha% rule% four years o7er Norway& ;u%ro% came to the country& an% ha% many shi's of war with him. He ha% saile% from 3nglan%A an% when he thought himself near to the Norway coast& he steere% south along the lan%& to the Fuarter where it was least likely King $laf woul% be. ;u%ro% saile% in this way south to >ikenA an% as soon as he came to the lan% he began to 'lun%er& to subBect the 'eo'le to him& an% to %eman% that they shoul% acce't of him as king. Now as the country 'eo'le saw that a great army was come u'on them& they %esire% 'eace an% terms.

They offere% King ;u%ro% to sen% a Thing message o7er all the country& an% to acce't of him at the Thing as king& rather than suffer from his armyA but they %esire% %elay until a fiDe% %ay& while the token of the Thing4s assembling was going roun% through the lan%. The king %eman%e% maintenance %uring the time this %elay laste%. The bon%es 'referre% entertaining the king as a guest& by turns& as long as he reFuire% itA an% the king acce'te% of the 'ro'osal to go about with some of his men as a guest from 'lace to 'lace in the lan%& while others of his men remaine% to guar% the shi's. =hen King $laf4s relations& Hyrning an% Thorgeir& hear% of this& they gathere% men& fitte% out shi's& an% went northwar%s to >iken. They came in the night with their men to a 'lace at which King ;u%ro% was li7ing as a guest& an% attacke% him with fire an% wea'onsA an% there King ;u%ro% fell& an% most of his followers. $f those who were with his shi's some were kille%& some sli''e% away an% fle% to great %istancesA an% now were all the sons of 3irik an% ;unhil% %ea%.

9(. +@<-*<N; $? TH3 SH<1 -$N; S3213NT. The winter after& King $laf came from Halogalan% ().*. 1999#& he ha% a great 7essel built at Hla%hamrar& which was larger than any shi' in the country& an% of which the beam knees are still to be seen. The length of keel that reste% u'on the grass was se7enty four ells. Thorberg Skafhog was the man4s name who was the master buil%er of the shi'A but there were many others besi%es& some to fell woo%& some to sha'e it& some to make nails& some to carry timberA an% all that was use% was of the best. The shi' was both long an% broa% an% high si%e%& an% strongly timbere%. =hile they were 'lanking the shi'& it ha''ene% that Thorberg ha% to go home to his farm u'on some urgent businessA an% as he remaine% there a long time& the shi' was 'lanke% u' on both si%es when he came back. <n the e7ening the king went out& an% Thorberg with him& to see how the 7essel looke%& an% e7erybo%y sai% that ne7er was seen so large an% so beautiful a shi' of war. Then the king returne% to the town. 3arly neDt morning the king returns again to the shi'& an% Thorberg with him. The car'enters were there before them& but all were stan%ing i%le with their arms across. The king aske%& 6what was the matterL6 They sai% the shi' was %estroye%A for somebo%y ha% gone from& stem to stern& an% cut one %ee' notch after the other %own the one si%e of the 'lanking. =hen the king came nearer he saw it was so& an% sai%& with an oath& 6The man shall %ie who has thus %estroye% the 7essel out of en7y& if he can be %isco7ere%& an% < shall bestow a great rewar% on whoe7er fin%s him out.6 6< can tell you& king&6 sai% Thorberg& 6who has %one this 'iece of work.6 6< %on4t think&6 re'lies the king& 6that any one is so likely to fin% it out as thou art.6 Thorberg says& 6< will tell you& king& who %i% it. myself.6 < %i% it

The king says& 6Thou must restore it all to the same con%ition as before& or thy life shall 'ay for it.6 Then Thorberg went an% chi''e% the 'lanks until the %ee' notches were all smoothe% an% ma%e e7en with the restA an% the king an% all 'resent %eclare% that the shi' was much han%somer on the si%e of the hull which Thorberg& ha% chi''e%& an% ba%e him sha'e the other si%e in the same wayA an% ga7e him great thanks for the im'ro7ement. )fterwar%s Thorberg was the master buil%er of the shi' until she was entirely finishe%. The shi' was a %ragon& built after the one the king ha% ca'ture% in Halogalan%A but this shi' was far larger& an% more carefully 'ut together in all her 'arts. The king calle% this shi' Ser'ent the -ong& an% the other Ser'ent the Short. The long Ser'ent ha% thirty four benches for rowers. The hea% an% the arche% tail were both gilt& an% the bulwarks were as high as in sea going shi's. This shi' was the best an% most costly shi' e7er ma%e in Norway.

9/. 3)2- 3<2<K& TH3 S$N $? H)K$N. 3arl 3irik& the son of 3arl Hakon& an% his brothers& with many other 7aliant men their relations& ha% left the country after 3arl Hakon4s fall. 3arl 3irik went eastwar%s to S7ithBo%& to $laf& the Swe%ish king& an% he an% his 'eo'le were well recei7e%. King $laf ga7e the earl 'eace an% free%om in the lan%& an% great fiefsA so that he coul% su''ort himself an% his men well. Thor% Kolbeinson s'eaks of this in the 7erses before gi7en. .any 'eo'le who fle% from the country on account of King $laf Tryg7ason came out of Norway to 3arl 3irikA an% the earl resol7e% to fit out shi's an% go a cruising& in or%er to get 'ro'erty for himself an% his 'eo'le. ?irst he steere% to ;otlan%& an% lay there long in summer watching for merchant 7essels sailing towar%s the lan%& or for 7ikings. Sometimes he lan%e% an% ra7age% all roun% u'on the sea coasts. So it is tol% in the 6+an%a %ra'a65 63irik& as we ha7e lately hear%& Has wake% the song of shiel% an% swor% Has wake% the slumbering storm of shiel%s @'on the 7ikings4 water fiel%s5 ?rom ;otlan%4s lonely shore has gone ?ar u' the lan%& an% battles won5 )n% o4er the sea his name is s'rea%& To frien%s a shiel%& to foes a %rea%.6 )fterwar%s 3arl 3irik saile% south to >in%lan%& an% at Stauren foun% some 7iking shi's& an% ga7e them battle. 3irik gaine% the 7ictory& an% slew the 7ikings. So it is tol% in the 6+an%a %ra'a65 63arl 3irik& he who stoutly wiel%s The battle aDe in storm of shiel%s& =ith his long shi's sur'rise% the foe )t Stauren& an% their strength lai% low

.any a cor'se floats roun% the shoreA The stran% with %ea% is stu%%e% o4er5 The ra7en tears their sea bleache% skins The lan% thri7es well when 3irik wins.6

97. 3<2<K4S ?$2)C $N TH3 +)-T<C C$)STS. 3arl 3irik saile% back to Swe%en in autumn& an% stai% there all winter ().*. 997#A but in the s'ring fitte% out his war force again& an% saile% u' the +altic. =hen he came to >al%emar4s %ominions he began to 'lun%er an% kill the inhabitants& an% burn the %wellings e7erywhere as he came along& an% to lay waste the country. He came to )l%eigiuburg& an% besiege% it until he took the castleA an% he kille% many 'eo'le& broke %own an% burne% the castle& an% then carrie% %estruction all aroun% far an% wi%e in ;ar%arike. So it is tol% in the 6+an%a %ra'a65 6The generous earl& bra7e an% bol%& =ho scatters his bright shining gol%& 3irik with fire scattering han%& =aste% the 2ussian monarch4s lan%& =ith arrow shower& an% storm of war& =aste% the lan% of >al%emar. )l%eiga burns& an% 3irik4s might Scours through all 2ussia by its light.6 3arl 3irik was fi7e years in all on this forayA an% when he returne% from ;ar%arike he ra7age% all )%alsysla an% 3ysysla& an% took there four 7iking shi's from the *anes an% kille% e7ery man on boar%. So it is tol% in the 6+an%a %ra'a65 6)mong the isles flies roun% the wor%& That 3irik4s bloo% %e7ouring swor% Has flashe% like fire in the soun%& )n% waste% all the lan% aroun%. )n% 3irik too& the bol% in fight& Has broken %own the robber might $f four great 7ikings& an% has slain )ll of the crew nor s'are% one *ane. <n ;autlan% he has seiEe% the town& <n Syssels harrie% u' an% %ownA )n% all the 'eo'le in %ismay ?le% to the forests far away. +y lan% or sea& in fiel% or wa7e& =hat can withstan% this earl bra7eL )ll fly before his fiery han% ;o% sa7e the earl& an% kee' the lan%.6 =hen 3irik ha% been a year in Swe%en he went o7er to *enmark ().*. 99/# to King S7ein TBuguskeg& the *anish king& an% courte% his %aughter ;y%a. The 'ro'osal was acce'te%& an% 3arl 3irik marrie% ;y%aA an% a year after ().*. 997# they ha% a son& who was calle% Hakon. 3arl 3irik was in the winter in *enmark& or sometimes in Swe%enA but in summer he went a cruising.

98. K<N; S>3<N4S .)22<);3. The *anish king& S7ein TBuguskeg& was marrie% to ;unhil%& a %aughter of +uriEleif& king of the >in%s. +ut in the times we ha7e Bust been s'eaking of it ha''ene% that Hueen ;unhil% fell sick an% %ie%. Soon after King S7ein marrie% Sigri% the Haughty& a %aughter of Skoglartoste& an% mother of the Swe%ish king $lafA an% by means of this relationshi' there was great frien%shi' between the kings an% 3arl 3irik& Hakon4s son.

99. K<N; +@2<J-3<?4S .)22<);3. +uriEleif& the king of the >in%s& com'laine% to his relation 3arl Sig7al%e& that the agreement was broken which Sig7al%e ha% ma%e between King S7ein an% King +uriEleif& by which +uriEleif was to get in marriage Thyre& Haral%4s %aughter& a sister of King S7ein5 but that marriage ha% not 'rocee%e%& for Thyre ha% gi7en 'ositi7e no to the 'ro'osal to marry her to an ol% an% heathen king. 6Now&6 sai% King +uriEleif to 3arl Sig7al%e& 6< must ha7e the 'romise fulfille%.6 )n% he tol% 3arl Sig7al%e to go to *enmark& an% bring him Thyre as his Fueen. 3arl Sig7al%e loses no time& but goes to King S7ein of *enmark& eD'lains to him the caseA an% brings it so far by his 'ersuasion& that the king %eli7ere% his sister Thyre into his han%s. =ith her went some female atten%ants& an% her foster father& by name $Eur )gason& a man of great 'ower& an% some other 'eo'le. <n the agreement between the king an% the earl& it was settle% that Thyre shoul% ha7e in 'ro'erty the 'ossessions which Hueen ;unhil% ha% enBoye% in >in%lan%& besi%es other great 'ro'erties as bri%e gifts. Thyre we't sorely& an% went 7ery unwillingly. =hen the earl came to >in%lan%& +uriEleif hel% his we%%ing with Hueen Thyre& an% recei7e% her in marriageA bus as long as she was among heathens she woul% neither eat nor %rink with them& an% this laste% for se7en %ays.

199. $-)? ;3TS THC23 <N .)22<);3. <t ha''ene% one night that Hueen Thyre an% $Eur ran away in the %ark& an% into the woo%s& an%& to be short in our story& came at last to *enmark. +ut here Thyre %i% not %are to remain& knowing that if her brother King S7ein hear% of her& he woul% sen% her back %irectly to >in%lan%. She went on& therefore& secretly to Norway& an% ne7er staye% her Bourney until she fell in with King $laf& by whom she was kin%ly recei7e%. Thyre relate% to the king her sorrows& an% entreate% his a%7ice in her nee%& an% 'rotection in his king%om. Thyre was a well s'oken woman& an% the king ha% 'leasure in her con7ersation. He saw she was a han%some woman& an% it came into his min% that she woul% be a goo% matchA so he turns the con7ersation that way& an% asks if she will marry him. Now& as she saw that her situation was such that she coul% not hel' herself& an% consi%ere% what a luck it was for her to marry

so celebrate% a man& she ba%e him to %is'ose himself of her han% an% fateA an%& after nearer con7ersation& King $laf took Thyre in marriage. This we%%ing was hel% in har7est after the king returne% from Halogalan% ().*. 999#& an% King $laf an% Hueen Thyre remaine% all winter ().*. 1999# at Ni%aros. The following s'ring Hueen Thyre com'laine% often to King $laf& an% we't bitterly o7er it& that she who ha% so great 'ro'erty in >in%lan% ha% no goo%s or 'ossessions here in the country that were suitable for a FueenA an% sometimes she woul% entreat the king with fine wor%s to get her 'ro'erty restore% to her& an% saying that King +uriEleif was so great a frien% of King $laf that he woul% not %eny King $laf anything if they were to meet. +ut when King $laf4s frien%s hear% of such s'eeches& they %issua%e% him from any such eD'e%ition. <t is relate% at the king one %ay early in s'ring was walking in the street& an% met a man in the market with many& an%& for that early season& remarkably large angelica roots. The king took a great stalk of the angelica in his han%& an% went home to Hueen Thyre4s lo%ging. Thyre sat in her room wee'ing as the king came in. The king sai%& 6Set here& Fueen& is a great angelica stalk& which < gi7e thee.6 She threw it away& an% sai%& 6) greater 'resent Haral% ;ormson ga7e to my motherA an% he was not afrai% to go out of the lan% an% take his own. That was shown when he came here to Norway& an% lai% waste the greater 'art of the lan%& an% seiEe% on all the scat an% re7enuesA an% thou %arest not go across the *anish %ominions for this brother of mine& King S7ein.6 )s she s'oke thus& King $laf s'rang u'& an% answere% with lou% oath& 6Ne7er %i% < fear thy brother King S7einA an% if we meet he shall gi7e way before meK6

191. $-)?4S -3>C ?$2 =)2. Soon after the king con7oke% a Thing in the town& an% 'roclaime% to all the 'ublic& that in summer woul% go abroa% u'on an eD'e%ition out of the country& an% woul% raise both shi's an% men from e7ery %istrictA an% at the same time fiDe% how many shi's woul% ha7e from the whole Thron%hBem fBor%. Then he sent his message token south an% north& both along the sea coast an% u' in the interior of the country& to let an army be gathere%. The king or%ere% the -ong Ser'ent to be 'ut into the water& along with all his other shi's both small an% great. He himself steere% the -ong Ser'ent. =hen the crews were taken out for the shi's& they were so carefully selecte% that no man on boar% the -ong Ser'ent was ol%er than siDty or younger than twenty years& an% all were men %istinguishe% for strength an% courage. Those who were $laf4s bo%yguar% were in 'articular chosen men& both of the nati7es an% of foreigners& an% the bol%est an% strongest.

19!. C23= $N +$)2* $? TH3 -$N; S3213NT. @lf the 2e% was the name of the man who bore King $laf4s banner& an% was in the forecastle of the -ong Ser'entA an% with him was

KolbBorn the marshal& Thorstein @Dafot& an% >ikar of Tiun%alan%& a brother of )rnliot ;elline. +y the bulkhea% neDt the forecastle were >ak 2aumason from ;aut 2i7er& +erse the Strong& )n Skyte from Gamtalan%& Thran% the Strong from Thelamork& an% his brother @thyrmer. +esi%es these were& of Halogalan% men& Thran% SkBalge an% $gmun% San%e& Hlo%7er -ange from Salt7ik& an% Harek H7asseA together with these Thron%hBem men Ketil the High& Thorfin 3isle& Ha7ar% an% his brothers from $rka%al. The following were in the fore hol%5 +Born from Stu%la& +ork from the fBor%s. Thorgrim ThBo%olfson from H7in& )sbBorn an% $rm& Thor% from NBar%arlog& Thorstein the =hite from $'rusta%ar& )rnor from .ore& Halstein an% Hauk from the ?Bor% %istrict& 3y7in% Snak& +ergthor +estil& Halkel from ?ialer& $laf *reng& )rnfin from Sogn& Sigur% +il%& 3inar from Hor%alan%& an% ?in& an% Ketil from 2ogalan% an% ;rBotgar% the +risk. The following were in the hol% neDt the mast5 3inar Tambaskelfer& who was not reckone% as fully eD'erience%& being only eighteen years ol%A Thorstein Hlifarson& Thorolf& <7ar Smetta& an% $rm Skogarnef. .any other 7aliant men were in the Ser'ent& although we cannot tell all their names. <n e7ery half %i7ision of the hol% were eight men& an% each an% all chosen menA an% in the fore hol% were thirty men. <t was a common saying among 'eo'le& that the -ong Ser'ent4s crew was as %istinguishe% for bra7ery& strength& an% %aring& among other men& as the -ong Ser'ent was %istinguishe% among other shi's. Thorkel NefBa& the king4s brother& comman%e% the Short Ser'entA an% Thorkel *y%ril an% Gostein& the king4s mother4s brothers& ha% the CraneA an% both these shi's were well manne%. King $laf ha% ele7en large shi's from Thron%hBem& besi%es 7essels with twenty rowers4 benches& smaller 7essels& an% 'ro7ision 7essels.

19:. <C3-)N* +)1T<J3*. =hen King $laf ha% nearly rigge% out his fleet in Ni%aros& he a''ointe% men o7er the Thron%hBem country in all %istricts an% communities. He also sent to <celan% ;issur the =hite an% HBalte SkeggBason& to 'roclaim Christianity thereA an% sent with them a 'riest calle% Thormo%& along with se7eral men in holy or%ers. +ut he retaine% with him& as hostages& four <celan%ers whom he thought the most im'ortantA namely& KBartan $lafson& Hal%or ;u%mun%son& Kolbein Thor%son& an% S7erting 2unolfson. $f ;issur an% HBalte4s 'rogress& it is relate% that they came to <celan% before the )lthing& an% went to the ThingA an% in that Thing Christianity was intro%uce% by law into <celan%& an% in the course of the summer all the 'eo'le were ba'tiEe% ().*. 1999#.

19". ;233N-)N* +)1T<J3* The same s'ring King $laf also sent -eif 3irikson ().*. 1999# to ;reenlan% to 'roclaim Christianity there& an% -eif went there that summer. <n the ocean he took u' the crew of a shi' which ha% been lost& an% who were clinging to the wreck. He also foun% >inlan% the ;oo%A arri7e% about har7est in ;reenlan%A an% ha% with him for it a 'riest an% other teachers& with whom he went to

+rattahil% to lo%ge with his father 3irik. 1eo'le calle% him afterwar%s -eif the -ucky5 but his father 3irik sai% that his luck an% ill luck balance% each otherA for if -eif ha% sa7e% a wreck in the ocean& he ha% brought a hurtful 'erson with him to ;reenlan%& an% that was the 'riest.

19(. 2);N>)-* S3N*S .3SS3N;32S T$ $-)?. The winter after King $laf ha% ba'tiEe% Halogalan%& he an% Hueen Thyre were in Ni%arosA an% the summer before Hueen Thyre ha% brought King $laf a boy chil%& which was both stout an% 'romising& an% was calle% Haral%& after its mother4s father. The king an% Fueen lo7e% the infant eDcee%ingly& an% reBoice% in the ho'e that it woul% grow u' an% inherit after its fatherA but it li7e% barely a year after its birth& which both took much to heart. <n that winter were many <celan%ers an% other cle7er men in King $laf4s house& as before relate%. His sister <ngebBorg& Tryg7e4s %aughter& King $laf4s sister& was also at the court at that time. She was beautiful in a''earance& mo%est an% frank with the 'eo'le& ha% a stea%y manly Bu%gment& an% was belo7e% of all. She was 7ery fon% of the <celan%ers who were there& but most of KBartan $lafson& for he ha% been longer than the others in the king4s houseA an% he foun% it always amusing to con7erse with her& for she ha% both un%erstan%ing an% cle7erness in talk. The king was always gay an% full of mirth in his intercourse with 'eo'leA an% often aske% about the manners of the great men an% chiefs in the neighbouring countries& when strangers from *enmark or Swe%en came to see him. The summer before Halfre% >an%re%askal% ha% come from ;autlan%& where he ha% been with 3arl 2agn7al%& @lf4s son& who ha% lately come to the go7ernment of =est ;autlan%. @lf& 2agn7al%4s father& was a brother of Sigur% the HaughtyA so that King $laf the Swe%e an% 3arl 2agn7al% were brother4s an% sister4s chil%ren. Halfre% tol% $laf many things about the earl5 he sai% he was an able chief& eDcellently fitte% for go7erning& generous with money& bra7e an% stea%y in frien%shi'. Halfre% sai% also the earl %esire% much the frien%shi' of King $laf& an% ha% s'oken of making court <ngebBorg& Tryg7e4s %aughter. The same winter came ambassa%ors from ;autlan%& an% fell in with King $laf in the north& in Ni%aros& an% brought the message which Halfre% ha% s'oken of& that the earl %esire% to be King $laf4s entire frien%& an% wishe% to become his brother in law by obtaining his sister <ngebBorg in marriage. Therewith the ambassa%ors lai% before the king sufficient tokens in 'roof that in reality they came from the earl on this erran%. The king listene% with a''robation to their s'eechA but sai% that <ngebBorg must %etermine on his assent to the marriage. The king then talke% to his sister about the matter& an% aske% her o'inion about it. She answere% to this effect& 6< ha7e been with you for some time& an% you ha7e shown brotherly care an% ten%er res'ect for me e7er since you came to the country. < will agree therefore to your 'ro'osal about my marriage& 'ro7i%e% that you %o not marry me to a heathen man.6 The king sai% it shoul% be as she wishe%. The king then s'oke to the ambassa%orsA an% it was settle% before they %e'arte% that in summer 3arl 2agn7al% shoul% meet the king in the

east 'arts of the country& to enter into the fullest frien%shi' with each other& an% when they met they woul% settle about the marriage. =ith this re'ly the earl4s messengers went westwar%& an% King $laf remaine% all winter in Ni%aros in great s'len%our& an% with many 'eo'le about him.

19/. $-)? S3N*S 3N13*<T<$N T$ ><N*-)N*. King $laf 'rocee%e% in summer with his shi's an% men southwar%s along the lan% (an% 'ast Sta%. =ith him were Hueen Thyre an% <ngebBorg& Tryg7eis %aughter& the king4s sister#. .any of his frien%s also Boine% him& an% other 'ersons of conseFuence who ha% 're'are% themsel7es to tra7el with the king. The first man among these was his brother in law& 3rling SkBalgson& who ha% with him a large shi' of thirty benches of rowers& an% which was in e7ery res'ect well eFui't. His brothers in law Hyrning an% Thorgeir also Boine% him& each of whom for himself steere% a large 7esselA an% many other 'owerful men besi%es followe% him. (=ith all this war force he saile% southwar%s along the lan%A but when he came south as far as 2ogalan% he sto''e% there& for 3rling SkBalgson ha% 're'are% for him a s'len%i% feast at Sole. There 3arl 2agn7al%& @lf4s son& from ;autlan%& came to meet the king& an% to settle the business which ha% been 'ro'ose% An winter in the messages between them& namely& the marriage with <ngebBorg the king4s sister. $laf recei7e% him kin%lyA an% when the matter came to be s'oken of& the king sai% he woul% kee' his wor%& an% marry his sister <ngebBorg to him& 'ro7i%e% he woul% acce't the true faith& an% make all his subBects he rule% o7er in his lan% be ba'tiEe%A The earl agree% to this& an% he an% all his followers were ba'tiEe%. Now was the feast enlarge% that 3rling ha% 're'are%& for the earl hel% his we%%ing there with <ngebBorg the king4s sister. King $laf ha% now marrie% off all his sisters. The earl& with <ngebBorg& set out on his way homeA an% the king sent learne% men with him to ba'tiEe the 'eo'le in ;autlan%& an% to teach them the right faith an% morals. The king an% the earl 'arte% in the greatest frien%shi'.#

197. $-)?4S 3N13*<T<$N ><N*-)N*. ()fter his sister <ngebBorg4s we%%ing& the king ma%e rea%y in all haste to lea7e the country with his army& which was both great an% ma%e u' of fine men.# =hen he left the lan% an% saile% southwar%s he ha% siDty shi's of war& with which he saile% 'ast *enmark& an% in through the Soun%& an% on to >in%lan%. He a''ointe% a meeting with King +uriEleifA an% when the kings met& they s'oke about the 'ro'erty which King $laf %eman%e%& an% the conference went off 'eaceably& as a goo% account was gi7en of the 'ro'erties which King $laf thought himself entitle% to there. He 'asse% here much of the summer& an% foun% many of his ol% frien%s.

198. C$NS1<2)CC );)<NST K<N; $-)?. The *anish king& S7ein TBuguskeg& was marrie%& as before relate%& to Sigri% the Haughty. Sigri% was King $laf Tryg7ason4s greatest enemyA the cause of which& as before sai%& was that King $laf ha% broken off with her& an% ha% struck her in the face. She urge% King S7ein much to gi7e battle to King $laf Tryg7asonA saying that he ha% reason enough& as $laf ha% marrie% his sister Thyre without his lea7e& 6an% that your 're%ecessors woul% not ha7e submitte% to.6 Such 'ersuasions Sigri% ha% often in her mouthA an% at last she brought it so far that S7ein resol7e% firmly on %oing so. 3arly in s'ring King S7ein sent messengers eastwar% into S7ithBo%& to his son in law $laf& the Swe%ish king& an% to 3arl 3irikA an% informe% them that King $laf of Norway was le7ying men for an eD'e%ition& an% inten%e% in summer to go to >in%lan%. To this news the *anish king a%%e% an in7itation to the Swe%ish king an% 3arl 3irik to meet King S7ein with an army& so that all together they might make an attackA on King $laf Tryg7ason. The Swe%ish king an% 3arl 3irik were rea%y enough for this& an% imme%iately assemble% a great fleet an% an army through all S7ithBo%& with which they saile% southwar%s to *enmark& an% arri7e% there after King $laf Tryg7ason ha% saile% to the eastwar%. Hal%or the @nchristian tells of this in his lay on 3arl 3irik5 6The king sub%uer raise% a host $f warriors on the Swe%ish coast. The bra7e went southwar%s to the fight& =ho lo7e the swor% storm4s gleaming lightA The bra7e& who fill the wil% wolf4s mouth& ?ollowe% bol% 3irik to the southA The bra7e& who s'ort in bloo% each one =ith the bol% earl to sea is gone.6 The Swe%ish king an% 3arl 3irik saile% to meet the *anish king& an% they ha% all& when together& an immense force.

199. 3)2- S<;>)-*34S T23)CH32$@S 1-)NS. )t the same time that king S7ein sent a message to S7ithBo% for an army& he sent 3arl Sig7al%e to >in%lan% to s'y out King $laf Tryg7ason4s 'rocee%ings& an% to bring it about by cunning %e7ices that King S7ein an% King $laf shoul% fall in with each other. So Sig7al%e sets out to go to >in%lan%. ?irst& he came to Gomsborg& an% then he sought out King $laf Tryg7ason. There was much frien%shi' in their con7ersation& an% the earl got himself into great fa7our with the king. )stri%& the 3arl4s wife& King +uriEleif4s %aughter& was a great frien% of King $laf Tryg7ason& 'articularly on account of the connection which ha% been between them when $laf was marrie% to her sister ;eira. 3arl Sig7al%e was a 'ru%ent& rea%y min%e% manA an% as he ha% got a 7oice in King $laf4s council& he 'ut him off much from sailing homewar%s& fin%ing 7arious reasons for %elay. $laf4s 'eo'le were in the highest %egree %issatisfie% with thisA for the men were anDious to get home& an% they lay rea%y to sail& waiting only for a win%.

)t last 3arl Sig7al%e got a secret message from *enmark that the Swe%ish king4s army was arri7e% from the east& an% that 3arl 3irik4s also was rea%yA an% that all these chiefs ha% resol7e% to sail eastwar%s to >in%lan%& an% wait for King $laf at an islan% which is calle% S7ol%. They also %esire% the earl to contri7e matters so that they shoul% meet King $laf there.

119. K<N; $-)?4S >$C);3 ?2$. ><N*-)N*. There came first a flying re'ort to >in%lan% that the *anish king& S7ein& ha% fitte% out an armyA an% it was soon whis'ere% that he inten%e% to attack King $laf. +ut 3arl Sig7al%e says to King $laf& 6<t ne7er can be King S7ein4s intention to 7enture with the *anish force alone& to gi7e battle to thee with such a 'owerful armyA but if thou hast any sus'icion that e7il is on foot& < will follow thee with my force (at that time it was consi%ere% a great matter to ha7e Gomsborg 7ikings with an army#& an% < will gi7e thee ele7en well manne% shi's.6 The king acce'te% this offerA an% as the light breeEe of win% that came was fa7ourable& he or%ere% the shi's to get un%er weigh& an% the war horns to soun% the %e'arture. The sails were hoiste% an% all the small 7essels& sailing fastest& got out to sea before the others. The earl& who saile% nearest to the king4s shi'& calle% to those on boar% to tell the king to sail in his keel track5 6?or < know where the water is %ee'est between the islan%s an% in the soun%s& an% these large shi's reFuire the %ee'est.6 Then the earl saile% first with his ele7en shi's& an% the king followe% with his large shi's& also ele7en in numberA but the whole of the rest of the fleet saile% out to sea. Now when 3arl Sig7al%e came sailing close un%er the islan% S7ol%& a skiff rowe% out to inform the earl that the *anish king4s army was lying in the harbour before them. Then the earl or%ere% the sails of his 7essels to be struck& an% they rowe% in un%er the islan%. Hal%or the @nchristian says5 6?rom out the south bol% Tryg7e4s son =ith one an% se7enty shi's came on& To %ye his swor% in bloo%y fight& )gainst the *anish foeman4s might. +ut the false earl the king betraye%A )n% treacherous Sig7al%e& it is sai%& *eserte% from King $laf4s fleet& )n% basely fle%& the *anes to meet.6 <t is sai% here that King $laf an% 3arl Sig7al%e ha% se7enty sail of 7essels5 an% one more& when they saile% from the south.

111. C$NS@-T)T<$N $? TH3 K<N;S. The *anish King S7ein& the Swe%ish King $laf& an% 3arl 3irik& were there with all their forces (1999#. The weather being fine an% clear sunshine& all these chiefs& with a great suite& went out on the isle to see the 7essels sailing out at sea& an% many

of them crow%e% togetherA an% they saw among them one large an% glancing shi'. The two kings sai%& 6That is a large an% 7ery beautiful 7essel5 that will be the -ong Ser'ent.6 3arl 3irik re'lie%& 6That is not the -ong Ser'ent.6 )n% he was rightA for it was the shi' belonging to 3in%ri%e of ;imsar. Soon after they saw another 7essel coming sailing along much larger than the firstA then says King S7ein& 6$laf Tryg7ason must be afrai%& for he %oes not 7enture to sail with the figure hea% of the %ragon u'on his shi'.6 Says 3arl 3irik& 6That is not the king4s shi' yetA for < know that shi' by the coloure% stri'es of cloth in her sail. That is 3rling Skialgson4s. -et him sailA for it is the better for us that the shi' is away from $laf4s fleet& so well eFui't as she is.6 Soon after they saw an% knew 3arl Sig7al%e4s shi's& which turne% in an% lai% themsel7es un%er the islan%. Then they saw three shi's coming along un%er sail& an% one of them 7ery large. King S7ein or%ere% his men to go to their shi's& 6for there comes the -ong Ser'ent.6 3arl 3irik says& 6.any other great an% stately 7essels ha7e they besi%es the -ong Ser'ent. -et us wait a little.6 Then sai% many& 63arl 3irik will not fight an% a7enge his fatherA an% it is a great shame that it shoul% be tol% that we lay here with so great a force& an% allowe% King $laf to sail out to sea before our eyes.6 +ut when they ha% s'oken thus for a short time& they saw four shi's coming sailing along& of which one ha% a large %ragon hea% richly gilt. Then King S7ein stoo% u' an% sai%& 6That %ragon shall carry me this e7ening high& for < shall steer it.6 Then sai% many& 6The -ong Ser'ent is in%ee% a won%erfully large an% beautiful 7essel& an% it shows a great min% to ha7e built such a shi'.6 3arl 3irik sai% so lou% that se7eral 'ersons hear% him& 6<f King $laf ha% no ether 7essels but only that one& King S7ein woul% ne7er take it from him with the *anish force alone.6 Thereafter all the 'eo'le rushe% on boar% their shi's& took %own the tents& an% in all haste ma%e rea%y for battle. =hile the chiefs were s'eaking among themsel7es as abo7e relate%& they saw three 7ery large shi's coming sailing along& an% at last after them a fourth& an% that was the -ong Ser'ent. $f the large shi's which ha% gone before& an% which they ha% taken for the -ong Ser'ent& the first was the CraneA the one after that was the Short Ser'entA an% when they really& saw the -ong Ser'ent& all knew& an% nobo%y ha% a wor% to say against it& that it must be $laf Tryg7ason who was sailing in such a 7esselA an% they went to their shi's to arm for the fight.

)n agreement ha% been conclu%e% among the chiefs& King S7ein& King $laf the Swe%e& an% 3arl 3irik& that they shoul% %i7i%e Norway among them in three 'arts& in case they succee%e% against $laf Tryg7asonA but that he of the chiefs who shoul% first boar% the Ser'ent shoul% ha7e her& an% all the booty foun% in her& an% each shoul% ha7e the shi's he cleare% for himself. 3arl 3irik ha% a large shi' of war which he use% u'on his 7iking eD'e%itionsA an% there was an iron bear% or comb abo7e on both si%es of the stem& an% below it a thick iron 'late as broa% as the combs& which went %own Fuite to the gunnel.

11!. $? K<N; $-)?4S 13$1-3. =hen 3arl Sig7al%e with his 7essels rowe% in un%er the islan%& Thorkel *y%ril of the Crane& an% the other shi' comman%ers who saile% with him& saw that he turne% his shi's towar%s the isle& an% thereu'on let fall the sails& an% rowe% after him& calling out& an% asking why he saile% that way. The 3arl answere%& that he was waiting for king $laf& as he feare% there were enemies in the water. They lay u'on their oars until Thorkel Nefia came u' with the Short Ser'ent an% the three shi's which followe% him. =hen they tol% them the same they too struck sail& an% let the shi's %ri7e& waiting for king $laf. +ut when the king saile% in towar%s the isle& the whole enemies4 fleet came rowing within them out to the Soun%. =hen they saw this they begge% the king to hol% on his way& an% not risk battle with so great a force. The king re'lie%& high on the Fuarter %eck where he stoo%& 6Strike the sailsA ne7er shall men of mine think of flight. < ne7er fle% from battle. -et ;o% %is'ose of my life& but flight < shall ne7er take.6 <t was %one as the king comman%e%. Halfre% tells of it thus5 6)n% far an% wi%e the saying bol% $f the bra7e warrior shall be tol%. The king& in many a fray well trie%& To his bra7e cham'ions roun% him crie%& I.y men shall ne7er learn from me ?rom the %ark wea'on clou% to flee.4 Nor were the bra7e wor%s s'oken then ?orgotten by his faithful men.6

11:. $-)?4S SH<1S 1231)23* ?$2 +)TT-3. King $laf or%ere% the war horns to soun% for all his shi's to close u' to each other. The king4s shi' lay in the mi%%le of the line& an% on one si%e lay the -ittle Ser'ent& an% on the other the CraneA an% as they ma%e fast the stems together (1#& the -ong Ser'ent4s stem an% the short Ser'ent4s were ma%e fast togetherA but when the king saw it he calle% out to his men& an% or%ere% them to lay the larger shi' more in a%7ance& so that its stern shoul% not lie so far behin% in the fleet.

Then says @lf the 2e%& 6<f the -ong Ser'ent is to lie as much more ahea% of the other shi's as she is longer than them& we shall ha7e har% work of it here on the forecastle.6 The king re'lies& 6< %i% not think < ha% a forecastle man afrai% as well as re%.6 Says @lf& 6*efen% thou the Fuarter%eck as < shall the forecastle.6 The king ha% a bow in his han%s& an% lai% an arrow on the string& an% aime% at @lf. @lf sai%& 6Shoot another way& king& where it is more nee%ful5 my work is thy gain.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The mo%e of fighting in sea battles a''ears& from this an% many other %escri'tions& to ha7e been for each 'arty to bin% together the stems an% sterns of their own shi's& forming them thus into a com'act bo%y as soon aa the fleets came within fighting %istance& or within s'ears4 throw. They a''ear to ha7e fought 'rinci'ally from the forecastlesA an% to ha7e use% gra''ling irons for %ragging a 7essel out of the line& or within boar%ing %istance. -.

11". $? K<N; $-)?. King $laf stoo% on the Ser'ent4s Fuarter%eck& high o7er the others. He ha% a gilt shiel%& an% a helmet inlai% with gol%A o7er his armour he ha% a short re% coat& an% was easy to be %istinguishe% from other men. =hen King $laf saw that the scattere% forces of the enemy gathere% themsel7es together un%er the banners of their shi's& he aske%& 6=ho is the chief of the force right o''osite to usL6 He was answere%& that it was King S7ein with the *anish army. The king re'lies& 6=e are not afrai% of these soft *anes& for there is no bra7ery in themA but who are the troo's on the right of the *anesL6 He was answere%& that it was King $laf with the Swe%ish forces. 6+etter it were&6 says King $laf& 6for these Swe%es to be sitting at home killing their sacrifices& than to be 7enturing un%er our wea'ons from the -ong Ser'ent. +ut who owns the large shi's on the larboar% si%e of the *anesL6 6That is 3arl 3irik Hakonson&6 say they. The king re'lies& 6He& methinks& has goo% reason for meeting usA an% we may eD'ect the shar'est conflict with these men& for they are Norsemen like oursel7es.6

11(. TH3 +)TT-3 +3;<NS. The kings now lai% out their oars& an% 're'are% to attack ().*. 1999#. King S7ein lai% his shi' against the -ong Ser'ent. $utsi%e of him $laf the Swe%e lai% himself& an% set his shi'4s stern against the outermost shi' of King $laf4s lineA an% on the other si%e lay 3arl 3irik. Then a har% combat began. 3arl Sig7al%e hel% back with the oars on his shi's& an% %i% not Boin the fray. So says Skule Thorsteinson& who at that time was with 3arl 3irik5 6< followe% Sig7al%e in my youth& )n% gallant 3irik& an% in truth The4 now < am grown stiff an% ol%& <n the s'ear song < once was bol%. =here arrows whistle% on the shore $f S7ol% fBor% my shiel% < bore& )n% stoo% ami%st the lou%est clash =hen swor%s on shiel%s ma%e fearful crash.6 )n% Halfre% also sings thus5 6<n truth < think the gallant king& .i%st such a foemen4s gathering& =oul% be the better of some score $f his tight Thron%hBem la%s& or moreA ?or many a chief has run away& )n% left our bra7e king in the fray& Two great kings4 'ower to withstan%& )n% one great earl4s& with his small ban%& The king who %ares such mighty %ee% ) hero for his skal% woul% nee%.6

11/. ?-<;HT $? S>3<N )N* $-)? TH3 S=3*3. This battle was one of the se7erest tol% of& an% many were the 'eo'le slain. The forecastle men of the -ong Ser'ent& the -ittle Ser'ent& an% the Crane& threw gra''lings an% stem chains into King S7ein4s shi'& an% use% their wea'ons well against the 'eo'le stan%ing below them& for they cleare% the %ecks of all the shi's they coul% lay fast hol% ofA an% King S7ein& an% all the men who esca'e%& fle% to other 7essels& an% lai% themsel7es out of bow shot. <t went with this force Bust as King $laf Tryg7ason ha% foreseen. Then King $laf the Swe%e lai% himself in their 'laceA but when he came near the great shi's it went with him as with them& for he lost many men an% some shi's& an% was oblige% to get away. +ut 3arl 3irik lai% his shi' si%e by si%e with the outermost of King $laf4s shi's& thinne% it of men& cut the cables& an% let it %ri7e. Then he lai% alongsi%e of the neDt& an% fought until he ha% cleare% it of men also. Now all the 'eo'le who were in the smaller shi's began to run into the larger& an% the earl cut them loose as fast as he cleare% them of

men. The *anes an% Swe%es lai% themsel7es now out of shooting %istance all aroun% $laf4s shi'A but 3arl 3irik lay always close alongsi%e of the shi's& an% use% hi% swor%s an% battle aDes& an% as fast as 'eo'le fell in his 7essel others& *anes an% Swe%es& came in their 'lace. So says Hal%or& the @nchristian5 6Shar' was the clang of shiel% an% swor%& )n% shrill the song of s'ears on boar%& )n% whistling arrows thickly flew )gainst the Ser'ent4s gallant crew. )n% still fresh foemen& it is sai%& 3arl 3irik to her long si%e le%A =hole armies of his *anes an% Swe%es& =iel%ing on high their blue swor% bla%es.6 Then the fight became most se7ere& an% many 'eo'le fell. +ut at last it came to this& that all King $laf Tryg7ason4s shi's were cleare% of men eDce't the -ong Ser'ent& on boar% of which all who coul% still carry their arms were gathere%. Then 3arl 3irik lay with his shi' by the si%e of the Ser'ent& an% the fight went on with battle aDe an% swor%. So says Hal%or5 6Har% 'resse% on e7ery si%e by foes& The Ser'ent reels beneath the blowsA Crash go the shiel%s aroun% the bowK +reast 'lates an% breasts 'ierce% thro4 an% throK <n the swor% storm the Holm besi%e& The earl4s shi' lay alongsi%e The king4s -ong Ser'ent of the sea ?ate ga7e the earl the 7ictory.6

117. $? 3)2- 3<2<K. 3arl 3irik was in the forehol% of his shi'& where a co7er of shiel%s (1# ha% been set u'. <n the fight& both hewing wea'ons& swor%& an% aDe& an% the thrust of s'ears ha% been use%A an% all that coul% be use% as wea'on for casting was cast. Some use% bows& some threw s'ears with the han%. So many wea'ons were cast into the Ser'ent& an% so thick flew s'ears an% arrows& that the shiel%s coul% scarcely recei7e them& for on all si%es the Ser'ent was surroun%e% by war shi's. Then King $laf4s men became so ma% with rage& that they ran on boar% of the enemies shi's& to get at the 'eo'le with stroke of swor% an% kill themA but many %i% not lay themsel7es so near the Ser'ent& in or%er to esca'e the close encounter with battle aDe or swor%A an% thus the most of $laf4s men went o7erboar% an% sank un%er their wea'ons& thinking they were fighting on 'lain groun%. So says Halfre%5 6The %aring la%s shrink not from %eathA $4erboar% they lea'& an% sink beneath The Ser'ent4s keel5 all arme% they lea'& )n% %own they sink fi7e fathoms %ee'. The foe was %aunte% at the cheersA The king& who still the Ser'ent steers& <n such a strait beset with foes

=ante% but some more la%s like those.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# +oth in lan% an% sea fights the comman%ers a''ear to ha7e been 'rotecte% from missile wea'ons& stones& arrows& s'ears& by a shiel%burg5 that is& by a 'arty of men bearing shiel%s surroun%ing them in such a way that the shiel%s were a 'ara'et& co7ering those within the circle. The 2omans ha% a similar military arrangement of shiel%s in sieges the testu%o. -.

118. $? 3<N)2 T).+)2SK3->32. 3inar Tambarskel7er& one of the shar'est of bowshooters& stoo% by the mast& an% shot with his bow. 3inar shot an arrow at 3arl 3irik& which hit the tiller en% Bust abo7e the earl4s hea% so har% that it entere% the woo% u' to the arrow shaft. The earl looke% that way& an% aske% if they knew who ha% shotA an% at the same moment another arrow flew between his han% an% his si%e& an% into the stuffing of the chief4s stool& so that the barb stoo% far out on the other si%e. Then sai% the earl to a man calle% ?in& but some say he was of ?in (-a'lan%er# race& an% was a su'erior archer& 6Shoot that tall man by the mast.6 ?in shotA an% the arrow hit the mi%%le of 3inar4s bow Bust at the moment that 3inar was %rawing it& an% the bow was s'lit in two 'arts. 6=hat is that.6crie% King $laf& 6that broke with such a noiseL6 6Norway& king& from thy han%s&6 crie% 3inar. 6NoK not Fuite so much as that&6 says the kingA 6take my bow& an% shoot&6 flinging the bow to him. 3inar took the bow& an% %rew it o7er the hea% of the arrow. 6Too weak& too weak&6 sai% he& 6for the bow of a mighty kingK6 an%& throwing the bow asi%e& he took swor% an% shiel%& an% fought >aliantly.

119. $-)? ;<>3S H<S .3N SH)21 S=$2*S. The king stoo% on the gangways of the -ong Ser'ent. an% shot the greater 'art of the %ayA sometimes with the bow& sometimes with the s'ear& an% always throwing two s'ears at once. He looke% %own o7er the shi'4s si%es& an% saw that his men struck briskly with their swor%s& an% yet woun%e% but sel%om. Then he calle% alou%& 6=hy %o ye strike so gently that ye sel%om cutL6 $ne among the 'eo'le answere%& 6The swor%s are blunt an% full of notches.6 Then the king went %own into the forehol%& o'ene% the chest un%er the throne& an% took out many shar' swor%s& which he han%e% to his menA but as he stretche% %own his right han% with them& some obser7e% that bloo% was running %own un%er his steel glo7e& but no one knew where he was woun%e%.

1!9. TH3 S3213NT +$)2*3*. *es'erate was the %efence in the Ser'ent& an% there was the hea7iest %estruction of men %one by the forecastle crew& an% those of the forehol%& for in both 'laces the men were chosen men& an% the shi' was highest& but in the mi%%le of the shi' the 'eo'le were thinne%. Now when 3arl 3irik saw there were but few 'eo'le remaining besi%e the shi'4s mast& he %etermine% to boar%A an% he entere% the Ser'ent with four others. Then came Hyrning& the king4s brother in law& an% some others against him& an% there was the most se7ere combatA an% at last the earl was force% to lea' back on boar% his own shi' again& an% some who ha% accom'anie% him were kille%& an% others woun%e%. Thor% Kolbeinson allu%es to this5 6$n $%in4s %eck& all wet with bloo%& The helm a%orne% hero stoo%A )n% gallant Hyrning honour gaine%& Clearing all roun% with swor% %ee' staine%. The high mountain 'eaks shall fall& 3re men forget this to recall.6 Now the fight became hot in%ee%& an% many men fell on boar% the Ser'entA an% the men on boar% of her began to be thinne% off& an% the %efence to be weaker. The earl resol7e% to boar% the Ser'ent again& an% again he met with a warm rece'tion. =hen the forecastle men of the Ser'ent saw what he was %oing& they went aft an% ma%e a %es'erate fightA but so many men of the Ser'ent ha% fallen& that the shi'4s si%es were in many 'laces Fuite bare of %efen%ersA an% the earl4s men 'oure% in all aroun% into the 7essel& an% all the men who were still able to %efen% the shi' crow%e% aft to the king& an% arraye% themsel7es for his %efence. So says Hal%or the @nchristian5 63irik cheers on his men& I$n to the charge againK4 The gallant few $f $laf4s crew .ust refuge take $n the Fuarter %eck. )roun% the king They stan% in ringA Their shiel%s enclose The king from foes& )n% the few who still remain ?ight ma%ly& but in 7ain. 3irik cheers on his men I$n to the charge againK46

1!1. TH3 S3213NT4S *3CKS C-3)23*. KolbBorn the marshal& who ha% on clothes an% arms like the kings&

an% was a remarkably stout an% han%some man& went u' to king on the Fuarter %eck. The battle was still going on fiercely e7en in the forehol% (1#. +ut as many of the earl4s men ha% now got into the Ser'ent as coul% fin% room& an% his shi's lay all roun% her& an% few were the 'eo'le left in the Ser'ent for %efence against so great a forceA an% in a short time most of the Ser'ent4s men fell& bra7e an% stout though they were. King $laf an% KolbBorn the marshal both s'rang o7erboar%& each on his own si%e of the shi'A but the earl4s men ha% lai% out boats aroun% the Ser'ent& an% kille% those who lea'e% o7erboar%. Now when the king ha% s'rung o7erboar%& they trie% to seiEe him with their han%s& an% bring him to 3arl 3irikA but King $laf threw his shiel% o7er his hea%& an% sank beneath the waters. KolbBorn hel% his shiel% behin% him to 'rotect himself from the s'ears cast at him from the shi's which lay roun% the Ser'ent& an% he fell so u'on his shiel% that it came un%er him& so that he coul% not sink so Fuickly. He was thus taken an% brought into a boat& an% they su''ose% he was the king. He was brought before the earlA an% when the earl saw it was KolbBorn& an% not the king& he ga7e him his life. )t the same moment all of King $laf4s men who were in life s'rang o7erboar% from the Ser'entA an% Thorkel Nefia& the king4s brother& was the last of all the men who s'rang o7erboar%. <t is thus tol% concerning the king by Halfre%5 6The Ser'ent an% the Crane -ay wrecks u'on the main. $n his swor% he cast a glance& =ith it he saw no chance. To his marshal& who of yore .any a war chance ha% come o4er& He s'oke a wor% then %rew in breath& )n% s'rang to his %ee' sea %eath.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# ?rom the occasional %escri'tions of 7essels in this an% other battles& it may be inferre% that e7en the -ong Ser'ent& %escribe% in the 9(tb cha'ter as of 1(9 feet of keel was only %ocke% fore an% aftA the thirty four benches for rowers occu'ying the o'en area in the mi%%le& an% 'robably gangways running along the si%e for communicating from the Fuarter %eck to the forcastle. -.

1!!. 231$2T ).$N; TH3 13$1-3. 3arl Sig7al%e. as before relate%& came from >in%lan%& in com'any with King $laf& with ten shi'sA but the ele7enth shi' was manne% with the men of )stri%& the king4s %aughter& the wife of 3arl Sig7al%e. Now when King $laf s'rang o7erboar%& the whole army raise% a shout of 7ictoryA an% then 3arl Sig7al%e an% his men 'ut their oars in the water an% rowe% towar%s the battle. Hal%or the @nchristian tells of it thus5 6Then first the >in%lan% 7essels came <nto the fight with little fameA

The fight still lingere% on the wa7e& Tho4 ho'e was gone with $laf bra7e. =ar& like a full fe% ra7enous beast& Still o'e% her grim Baws for the feast. The few who stoo% now Fuickly fle%& =hen the shout tol% I$laf is %ea%K46 +ut the >in%lan% cutter& in which )stri%4s men were& rowe% back to >in%lan%A an% the re'ort went imme%iately abroa% an% was tol% by many& that King $laf ha% cast off his coat of mail un%er water& an% ha% swum& %i7ing un%er the longshi's& until he came to the >in%lan% cutter& an% that )stri%4s men ha% con7eye% him to >in%lan%5 an% many tales ha7e been ma%e since about the a%7entures of $laf the king. Halfre% s'eaks thus about it5 6*oes $laf li7eL or is he %ea%L Has he the hungry ra7ens fe%L < scarcely know what < shoul% say& ?or many tell the tale each way. This < can say& nor fear to lie& That he was woun%e% grie7ously So woun%e% in this bloo%y strife& He scarce coul% come away with life.6 +ut howe7er this may ha7e been& King $laf Tryg7ason ne7er came back again to his king%om of Norway. Halfre% >an%re%askal% s'eaks also thus about it5 6The witness who re'orts this thing $f Tryg7ason& our gallant king& $nce ser7e% the king& an% truth shoul% tell& ?or $laf hate% lies like hell. <f $laf 4sca'e% from this swor% thing& =orse fate& < fear& befel our king Than 'eo'le guess& or e4er can know& ?or he was hemm4% in by the foe. ?rom the far east some news is rife $f king sore woun%e% sa7ing lifeA His %eath& too sure& lea7es me no care ?or cobweb rumours in the air. <t ne7er was the will of fate That $laf from such 'erilous strait Shoul% 4sca'e with lifeK this truth may grie7e I=hat 'eo'le wish they soon belie7e.46

1!:. $? 3)2- 3<2<K& TH3 S$N $? H)K$N. +y this 7ictory 3arl 3irik Hakonson became owner of the -ong Ser'ent& an% ma%e a great booty besi%esA an% he steere% the Ser'ent from the battle. So says Hal%or5 6$laf& with glittering helmet crowne%& Ha% steere% the Ser'ent through the Soun%A )n% 'eo'le %resse% their boats& an% cheere% )s $laf4s fleet in s'len%our steere%.

+ut the %escen%ent of great Heming& =hose race tells many a gallant sea king& His blue swor% in re% life bloo% staine%& )n% bra7ely $laf4s long shi' gaine%.6 S7ein& a son of 3arl Hakon& an% 3arl 3irik4s brother& was engage% at this time to marry Holmfri%& a %aughter of King $laf the Swe%ish king. Now when S7ein the *anish king& $laf the Swe%ish king& an% 3arl 3irik %i7i%e% the king%om of Norway between them& King $laf got four %istricts in the Thron%hBem country& an% also the %istricts of .ore an% 2aums%alA an% in the east 'art of the lan% he got 2anrike& from the ;aut ri7er to S7inasun%. $laf ga7e these %ominions into 3arl S7ein4s han%s& on the same con%itions as the sub kings or earls ha% hel% them formerly from the u''er king of the country. 3arl 3irik got four %istricts in the Thron%hBem country& an% Halogalan%& Naumu%al& the ?Bor% %istricts& Sogn& Hor%alan%& 2ogalan%& an% North )g%er& all the way to the NaEe. So says Thor% Kolbeinson5 6)ll chiefs within our lan% $n 3irik4s si%e now stan%5 3rling alone& < know 2emains 3arl 3irik4s foe. )ll 'raise our generous earl& He gi7es& an% is no churl5 )ll men are well content ?ate such a chief has sent. ?rom >eiga to )g%er they& =ell 'lease%& the earl obeyA )n% all will by him stan%& To guar% the Norsemen4s lan%. )n% now the news is s'rea% That mighty S7ein is %ea%& )n% luck is gone from those =ho were the Norsemen4s foes.6 The *anish king S7ein retaine% >iken as he ha% hel% it before& but he ga7e 2aumarike an% He%emark to 3arl 3irik. S7ein Hakonson got the title of earl from $laf the Swe%ish king. S7ein was one of the han%somest men e7er seen. The earls 3irik an% S7ein both allowe% themsel7es to be ba'tiEe%& an% took u' the true faithA but as long as they rule% in Norway they allowe% e7ery one to %o as he 'lease% in hol%ing by his Christianity. +ut& on the other han%& they hel% fast by the ol% laws& an% all the ol% rights an% customs of the lan%& an% were eDcellent men an% goo% rulers. 3arl 3irik ha% most to say of the two brothers in all matters of go7ernment.

S);) $? $-)? H)2)-*S$N. (1# 123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS. $laf Haral%son the Saint4s Saga is the longest& the most im'ortant& an% the most finishe% of all the sagas in

6Heimskringla6. The life of $laf will be foun% treate% more or less freely in 6)gri'6& in 6Historia Nor7egiae6& in 6ThBo%rek the .onk6& in the legen%ary saga& an% in 6?agrskinna6. $ther ol% Norse literature relating to this e'och5 )re4s 6<slen%ingabok6& 6-an%nama6& 6Kristni Saga6& 6+isku'a sogur6& 6NBala6& 6;unlaugs Saga6& 6$rmstungu6& 6+Barnar Saga Hit%aelaka''a6& 6Hallfre%ar Thattr >an%rae%askal%e6& 63yrbyggia6& 6>iga Styrs Saga6& 6-aD%aela6& 6?ostbrae%ra6& 6;retla6& 6-ios7etninga6& 6?aereyinga6& 6$rkneyinga6. $laf Haral%son was born 99(& went as a 7iking at the age of twel7e& 1997A 7isite% 3nglan%& one summer an% three winters& 1999 191!A in ?rance two summers an% one winter& 191! 191:A s'ent the winter in Norman%y& 191"A returne% to Norway an% was recogniEe% as King& )'ril :& 191(A fle% from Norway the winter of 19!8 19!9A fell at Stiklesta%& Guly !9 (or )ugust :1#& 19:9. Skal%s Fuote% in this saga are5 $ttar S7arte& Sig7at Skal%& Thor% Kolbeinson& +erse Torfason& +rynBolf& )rnor Garlaskal%& Thor% Siarekson& Harek& Thorarin -oftunga& Hal7ar% Hareksblese& +Barne ;ulbraskal%& Gokul +ar%son& Thormo% Kolbrunarskal%& ;issur& Thorfin .un& Hofgar%aref. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# King $laf the Saint reigne% from about the year 191( to 19:9. The %eath of King $laf Tryg7ason was in the year 19995 an% 3arl 3irik hel% the go7ernment for the *anish an% Swe%ish kings about fifteen years. -.

1. $? S)<NT $-)?4S +2<N;<N; @1. $laf& Haral% ;renske4s son& was brought u' by his ste'father Sigur% Syr an% his mother )sta. Hrane the ?ar tra7elle% li7e% in the house of )sta& an% fostere% this $laf Haral%son. $laf came early to manhoo%& was han%some in countenance& mi%%le siEe% in growth& an% was e7en when 7ery young of goo% un%erstan%ing an% rea%y s'eech. Sigur% his ste'father was a careful househol%er& who ke't his 'eo'le closely to their work& an% often went about himself to ins'ect his corn rigs an% mea%owlan%& the cattle& an% also the smith work& or whatsoe7er his 'eo'le ha% on han% to %o.

!. $? $-)? )N* K<N; S<;@2* SC2. <t ha''ene% one %ay that King Sigur% wante% to ri%e from home& but there was nobo%y about the houseA so he tol% his ste'son $laf to sa%%le his horse. $laf went to the goats4 'en& took out the he goat that was the largest& le% him forth& an% 'ut the king4s sa%%le on him& an% then went in an% tol% King Sigur% he ha% sa%%le% his ri%ing horse. Now when King Sigur% came out an% saw what $laf ha% %one& he sai% 6<t is easy to see that thou wilt little regar% my or%ersA an% thy mother will think it right that

< or%er thee to %o nothing that is against thy own inclination. < see well enough that we are of %ifferent %is'ositions& an% that thou art far more 'rou% than < am.6 $laf answere% little& but went his way laughing.

:. $? 2<N; $-)?4S )CC$.1-<SH.3NTS. =hen $laf Haral%son grew u' he was not tall& but mi%%le siEe% in height& although 7ery thick& an% of goo% strength. He ha% light brown hair& an% a broa% face& which was white an% re%. He ha% 'articularly fine eyes& which were beautiful an% 'iercing& so that one was afrai% to look him in the face when he was angry. $laf was 7ery eD'ert in all bo%ily eDercises& un%erstoo% well to han%le his bow& an% was %istinguishe% 'articularly in throwing his s'ear by han%5 he was a great swimmer& an% 7ery han%y& an% 7ery eDact an% knowing in all kin%s of smithwork& whether he himself or others ma%e the thing. He was %istinct an% acute in con7ersation& an% was soon 'erfect in un%erstan%ing an% strength. He was belo7e% by his frien%s an% acFuaintances& eager in his amusements& an% one who always like% to be the first& as it was suitable he shoul% be from his birth an% %ignity. He was calle% $laf the ;reat.

". K<N; $-)?4S =)2 3N13*<T<$N. $laf Haral%son was twel7e years ol% when he& for the first time& went on boar% a shi' of war ().*. 1997#. His mother )sta got Hrane& who was calle% the foster father of kings& to comman% a shi' of war an% take $laf un%er his chargeA for Hrane ha% often been on war eD'e%itions. =hen $laf in this way got a shi' an% men& the crew ga7e him the title of kingA for it was the custom that those comman%ers of troo's who were of kingly %escent& on going out u'on a 7iking cruise& recei7e% the title of king imme%iately although they ha% no lan% or king%om. Hrane sat at the helmA an% some say that $laf himself was but a common rower& although he was king of the men at arms. They steere% east along the lan%& an% came first to *enmark. So says $ttar S7arte& in his lay which he ma%e about King $laf5 6Coung was the king when from his home He first began in shi's to roam& His ocean stee% to ri%e To *enmark o4er the ti%e. =ell eDercise% art thou in truth <n manhoo%4s earnest work& bra7e youthK $ut from the %istant north .ighty hast thou come forth.6 Towar%s autumn he saile% eastwar% to the Swe%ish %ominions& an% there harrie% an% burnt all the country roun%A for he thought he ha% goo% cause of hostility against the Swe%es& as they kille% his father Haral%. $ttar S7arte says %istinctly that he came from the east& out by way of *enmark5

6Thy shi' from shore to shore& =ith many a well 'lie% car& )cross the +altic foam is %ancing. Shiel%s& an% s'ears& an% helms glancingK Hoist high the swelling sail To catch the freshening galeK There4s foo% for the ra7en flight =here thy sail winge% shi' shall lightA Thy lan%ing trea% The 'eo'le %rea%A )n% the wolf howls for a feast $n the shore si%e in the east.6

(. $-)?4S ?<2ST +)TT-3. The same autumn $laf ha% his first battle at Sotasker& which lies in the Swe%ish skerry circle. He fought there with some 7ikings& whose lea%er was Sote. $laf ha% much fewer men& but his shi's were larger& an% he ha% his shi's between some blin% rocks& which ma%e it %ifficult for the 7ikings to get alongsi%eA an% $laf4s men threw gra''ling irons into the shi's which came nearest& %rew them u' to their own 7essels& an% cleare% them of men. The 7ikings took to flight after losing many men. Sig7at the skal% tells of this fight in the lay in which he reckons u' King $laf4s battles5 6They launch his shi' where wa7es are foaming To the sea shore +oth mast an% oar& )n% sent his o4er the seas a roaming. =here %i% the sea king first %raw bloo%L <n the battle shock )t Sote4s rockA The wol7es howl o7er their fresh foo%.6

/. ?$2)C <N S><THG$*. King $laf steere% thereafter eastwar%s to S7ithBo%& an% into the -ag (the .aelar lake#& an% ra7age% the lan% on both si%es. He saile% all the way u' to Sigtuna& an% lai% his shi's close to the ol% Sigtuna. The Swe%es say the stone hea's are still to be seen which $laf ha% lai% un%er the en%s of the gangways from the shore to the shi's. =hen autumn was a%7ance%& $laf Haral%son hear% that $laf the Swe%ish king was assembling an army& an% also that he ha% lai% iron chains across Stoksun% (the channel between the .aelar lake an% the sea#& an% ha% lai% troo's thereA for the Swe%ish king thought that $laf Haral%son woul% be ke't in there till frost came& an% he thought little of $laf4s force knowing he ha% but few 'eo'le. Now when King $laf Haral%son came to Stoksun% he coul% not get through& as there was a castle west of the soun%& an% men at arms lay on the southA an% he hear% that the Swe%ish king was come there with a great army an% many shi's.

He therefore %ug a canal across the flat lan% )gnafit out to the sea. $7er all S7ithBo% all the running waters fall into the .aelar lakeA but the only outlet of it to the sea is so small that many ri7ers are wi%er& an% when much rain or snow falls the water rushes in a great cataract out by Stoksun%& an% the lake rises high an% floo%s the lan%. <t fell hea7y rain Bust at this timeA an% as the canal was %ug out to the sea& the water an% stream rushe% into it. Then $laf ha% all the ru%%ers unshi''e% an% hoiste% all sail aloft. <t was blowing a strong breeEe astern& an% they steere% with their oars& an% the shi's came in a rush o7er all the shallows& an% got into the sea without any %amage. Now went the Swe%es to their king& $laf& an% tol% him that $laf the ;reat ha% sli''e% out to seaA on which the king was enrage% against those who shoul% ha7e watche% that $laf %i% not get away. This 'assage has since been calle% King4s Soun%A but large 7essels cannot 'ass through it& unless the waters are 7ery high. Some relate that the Swe%es were aware that $laf ha% cut across the tongue of lan%& an% that the water was falling out that wayA an% they flocke% to it with the intention to hin%er $laf from getting away& but the water un%ermine% the banks on each si%e so that they fell in with the 'eo'le& an% many were %rowne%5 but the Swe%es contra%ict this as a false re'ort& an% %eny the loss of 'eo'le. The king saile% to ;otlan% in har7est& an% 're'are% to 'lun%erA but the ;otlan%ers assemble%& an% sent men to the king& offering him a scat. The king foun% this woul% suit him& an% he recei7e% the scat& an% remaine% there all winter. So says $ttar S7arte5 6Thou seaman 'rinceK thy men are 'ai%5 The scat on ;otlan%ers is lai%A Coung man or ol% To our seamen bol% .ust 'ay& to sa7e his hea%5 The Cngling 'rinces fle%& 3ys7ssel 'eo'le ble%A =ho can4t %efen% the wealth they ha7e .ust %ie& or share with the ro7er bra7e.6

7. TH3 S3C$N* +)TT-3. <t is relate% here that King $laf& when s'ring set in& saile% east to 3ysyssel& an% lan%e% an% 'lun%ere%A the 3ysyssel men came %own to the stran% an% gra7e him battle. King $laf gaine% the 7ictory& 'ursue% those who fle%& an% lai% waste the lan% with fire an% swor%. <t is tol% that when King $laf first came to 3ys7ssel they offere% him scat& an% when the scat was to be brought %own to the stran% the king came to meet it with an arme% force& an% that was not what the bon%es there eD'ecte%A for they ha% brought no scat& but only their wea'ons with which they fought against the king& as before relate%. So says Sig7at the skal%5 6=ith much %eceit an% bustle To the heath of 3ysyssel The bon%es brought the king&

To get scat at their wea'on thing. +ut $laf was too wise To be taken by sur'riseA Their legs scarce bore them off $4er the common test enough.6

8. TH3 TH<2* +)TT-3. )fter this they saile% to ?inlan% an% 'lun%ere% there& an% went u' the country. )ll the 'eo'le fle% to the forest& an% they ha% em'tie% their houses of all househol% goo%s. The king went far u' the country& an% through some woo%s& an% came to some %wellings in a 7alley calle% Her%aler& where& howe7er& they ma%e but small booty& an% saw no 'eo'leA an% as it was getting late in the %ay& the king turne% back to his shi's. Now when they came into the woo%s again 'eo'le rushe% u'on them from all Fuarters& an% ma%e a se7ere attack. The king tol% his men to co7er themsel7es with their shiel%s& but before they got out of the woo%s he lost many 'eo'le& an% many were woun%e%A but at last& late in the e7ening& he got to the shi's. The ?inlan%ers conBure% u' in the night& by their witchcraft& a %rea%ful storm an% ba% weather on the seaA but the king or%ere% the anchors to be weighe% an% sail hoiste%& an% beat off all night to the outsi%e of the lan%. The king4s luck 're7aile% more than the ?inlan%ers4 witchcraftA for he ha% the luck to beat roun% the +alagar%4s si%e in the night. an% so got out to sea. +ut the ?innish army 'rocee%e% on lan%& making the same 'rogress as the king ma%e with his shi's. So says Sig7at5 6The thir% fight was at Her%aler& where The men of ?inlan% met in war The hero of the royal race& =ith ringing swor% bla%es face to face. $ff +alagar%4s shore the wa7es 2an hollowA but the sea king sa7es His har% 'resse% shi'& an% gains the lee $f the east coast through the wil% sea.6

9. TH3 ?$@2TH +)TT-3 <N S@*32><K. King $laf saile% from thence to *enmark& where he met Thorkel the Tall& brother of 3arl Sig7al%e& an% went into 'artnershi' with himA for he was Bust rea%y to set out on a cruise. They saile% southwar%s to the Gutlan% coast& to a 'lace calle% Su%er7ik& where they o7ercame many 7iking shi's. The 7ikings& who usually ha7e many 'eo'le to comman%& gi7e themsel7es the title of kings& although they ha7e no lan%s to rule o7er. King $laf went into battle with them& an% it was se7ereA but King $laf gaine% the 7ictory& an% a great booty. So says Sig7at5 6HarkK harkK The war shout Through Su%er7ik rings& )n% the 7ikings bring out

To fight the two kings. ;reat honour& <4m tol%& =on these 7ikings so bol%5 +ut their bol% fight was 7ain& ?or the two bra7e kings gain.6

19. TH3 ?<?TH +)TT-3 <N ?2<3S-)N*. King $laf saile% from thence south to ?rieslan%& an% lay un%er the stran% of Kinlima in %rea%ful weather. The king lan%e% with his menA but the 'eo'le of the country ro%e %own to the stran% against them& an% he fought them. So says Sig7at5 6@n%er Kinlima4s cliff& This battle is the fifth. The bra7e sea ro7ers stan% )ll on the glittering san%A )n% %own the horsemen ri%e To the e%ge of the ri''ling ti%e5 +ut $laf taught the 'easant ban% To know the weight of a 7iking4s han%.6

11. *3)TH $? K<N; S>3<N ?$2K3* +3)2*. The king saile% from thence westwar% to 3nglan%. <t was then the case that the *anish king& S7ein ?orke% +ear%& was at that time in 3nglan% with a *anish army& an% ha% been fiDe% there for some time& an% ha% seiEe% u'on King 3thelre%4s king%om. The *anes ha% s'rea% themsel7es so wi%ely o7er 3nglan%& that it was come so far that King 3thelre% ha% %e'arte% from the country& an% ha% gone south to >allan%. The same autumn that King $laf came to 3nglan%& it ha''ene% that King S7ein %ie% su%%enly in the night in his be%A an% it is sai% by 3nglishmen that 3%mun% the Saint kille% him& in the same way that the holy .ercurius ha% kille% the a'ostate Gulian. =hen 3thelre%& the king of the 3nglish& hear% this in ?lan%ers& he returne% %irectly to 3nglan%A an% no sooner was he come back& than he sent an in7itation to all the men who woul% enter into his 'ay& to Boin him in reco7ering the country. Then many 'eo'le flocke% to himA an% among others& came King $laf with a great troo' of Northmen to his ai%. They steere% first to -on%on& an% saile% into the Thames with their fleetA but the *anes ha% a castle within. $n the other si%e of the ri7er is a great tra%ing 'lace& which is calle% Su%7irke. There the *anes ha% raise% a great work& %ug large %itches& an% within ha% built a bulwark of stone& timber& an% turf& where they ha% statione% a strong army. King 3thelre% or%ere% a great assaultA but the *anes %efen%e% themsel7es bra7ely& an% King 3thelre% coul% make nothing of it. +etween the castle an% Southwark (Su%7irke# there was a bri%ge& so broa% that two wagons coul% 'ass each other u'on it. $n the bri%ge were raise% barrica%es& both towers an% woo%en 'ara'ets& in the %irection of the ri7er& which were nearly breast highA an% un%er the bri%ge were 'iles %ri7en into the bottom of the ri7er. Now when the

attack was ma%e the troo's stoo% on the bri%ge e7erywhere& an% %efen%e% themsel7es. King 3thelre% was 7ery anDious to get 'ossession of the bri%ge& an% he calle% together all the chiefs to consult how they shoul% get the bri%ge broken %own. Then sai% King $laf he woul% attem't to lay his fleet alongsi%e of it& if the other shi's woul% %o the same. <t was then %etermine% in this council that they shoul% lay their war forces un%er the bri%geA an% each ma%e himself rea%y with shi's an% men.

1!. TH3 S<NTH +)TT-3. King $laf or%ere% great 'latforms of floating woo% to be tie% together with haEel ban%s& an% for this he took %own ol% housesA an% with these& as a roof& he co7ere% o7er his shi's so wi%ely& that it reache% o7er the shi's4 si%es. @n%er this screen he set 'illars so high an% stout& that there both was room for swinging their swor%s& an% the roofs were strong enough to withstan% the stones cast %own u'on them. Now when the fleet an% men were rea%y& they ro%e u' along the ri7erA but when they came near the bri%ge& there were cast %own u'on them so many stones an% missile wea'ons& such as arrows an% s'ears& that neither helmet nor shiel% coul% hol% out against itA an% the shi's themsel7es were so greatly %amage%& that many retreate% out of it. +ut King $laf& an% the Northmen4s fleet with him& rowe% Fuite u' un%er the bri%ge& lai% their cables aroun% the 'iles which su''orte% it& an% then rowe% off with all the shi's as har% as they coul% %own the stream. The 'iles were thus shaken in the bottom& an% were loosene% un%er the bri%ge. Now as the arme% troo's stoo% thick of men u'on the bri%ge& an% there were likewise many hea's of stones an% other wea'ons u'on it& an% the 'iles un%er it being loosene% an% broken& the bri%ge ga7e wayA an% a great 'art of the men u'on it fell into the ri7er& an% all the ethers fle%& some into the castle& some into Southwark. Thereafter Southwark was storme% an% taken. Now when the 'eo'le in the castle saw that the ri7er Thames was mastere%& an% that they coul% not hin%er the 'assage of shi's u' into the country& they became afrai%& surren%ere% the tower& an% took 3thelre% to be their king. So says $ttar S7arte5 6-on%on +ri%ge is broken %own. ;ol% is won& an% bright renown. Shiel%s resoun%ing& =ar horns soun%ing& Hil% is shouting in the %inK )rrows singing& .ail coats ringing $%in makes our $laf winK6 )n% he also com'ose% these5 6King 3thelre% has foun% a frien%5 +ra7e $laf will his throne %efen% <n bloo%y fight .aintain his right& =in back his lan%

=ith bloo% re% han%& )n% 3%mun%4s son u'on his throne re'lace 3%mun%& the star of e7ery royal raceK6 Sig7at also relates as follows5 6)t -on%on +ri%ge stout $laf ga7e $%in4s law to his war men bra7e ITo win or %ieK4 )n% their foemen fly. Some by the %yke si%e refuge gain Some in their tents on Southwark 'lainK The siDth attack +rought 7ictory back.6

1:. TH3 S3>3NTH +)TT-3. King $laf 'asse% all the winter with King 3thelre%& an% ha% a great battle at Hringmara Heath in @lfkel4s lan%& the %omain which @lfkel Snilling at that time hel%A an% here again the king was 7ictorious. So says Sig7at the skal%5 6To @lfkel4s lan% came $laf bol%& ) se7enth swor% thing he woul% hol%. The race of 3lla fille% the 'lain ?ew of them sle't at home againK Hringmara heath =as a be% of %eath5 Harfager4s heir *ealt slaughter there.6 )n% $ttar sings of this battle thus5 6?rom Hringmara fiel% The chime of war& Swor% striking shiel%& 2ings from afar. The li7ing flyA The %ea% 'ile% high The moor enrichA 2e% runs the %itch.6 The country far aroun% was then brought in subBection to King 3thelre%5 but the Thingmen (1# an% the *anes hel% many castles& besi%es a great 'art of the country. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Thing men were hire% men at armsA calle% Thing men 'robably from being men abo7e the class of thralls or unfree men& an% entitle% to a''ear at Things& as being u%al born to lan% at home.

1". 3<;HTH )N* N<NTH +)TT-3S $? $-)?. King $laf was comman%er of all the forces when they went against CanterburyA an% they fought there until they took the town& killing many 'eo'le an% burning the castle. So says $ttar S7arte5 6)ll in the grey of morn +roa% Canterbury4s force%. +lack smoke from house roofs borne Hi%es fire that %oes its worstA )n% many a man lai% low +y the battle aDe4s blow& =ake% by the Norsemen4s cries& Scarce ha% time to rub his eyes.6 Sig7at reckons this King $laf4s eighth battle5 6$f this eighth battle < can tell How it was fought& an% what befell& The castle tower =ith all his 'ower He coul% not take& Nor woul% forsake. The 1erthmen fought& Nor Fuarter soughtA +y %eath or flight They left the fight. $laf coul% not this earl stout ?rom Canterbury Fuite %ri7e out.6 )t this time King $laf was entruste% with the whole lan% %efence of 3nglan%& an% he saile% roun% the lan% with his shi's of =ar. He lai% his shi's at lan% at NyBamo%a& where the troo's of the Thingmen were& an% ga7e them battle an% gaine% the 7ictory. So says Sig7at the skal%5 6The youthful king staine% re% the hair $f )ngeln men& an% %ye% his s'ear )t New'ort in their hearts4 %ark bloo%5 )n% where the *anes the thickest stoo% =here the shrill storm roun% $laf4s hea% $f s'ear an% arrow thickest fle%. There thickest lay the Thingmen %ea%K Nine battles now of $laf bol%& +attle by battle& < ha7e tol%.6 King $laf then scoure% all o7er the country& taking scat of the 'eo'le an% 'lun%ering where it was refuse%. So says $ttar5 6The 3nglish race coul% not resist thee& =ith money thou ma%est them assist theeA @ns'aringly thou ma%est them 'ay ) scat to thee in e7ery wayA .oney& if money coul% be got ;oo%s& cattle& househol% gear& if not. Thy gathere% s'oil& borne to the stran%&

=as the best wealth of 3nglish lan%.6 $laf remaine% here for three years ().*. 1919 191!#.

1(. TH3 T3NTH +)TT-3. The thir% year King 3thelre% %ie%& an% his sons 3%mun% an% 3%war% took the go7ernment ().*. 191!#. Then $laf saile% southwar%s out to sea& an% ha% a battle at HringsfBor%& an% took a castle situate% at Holar& where 7ikings resorte%& an% burnt the castle. So says Sig7at the skal%5 6$f the tenth battle now < tell& =here it was fought& an% what befell. @' on the hill in HringsfBor% fair ) robber nest hung in the air5 The 'eo'le followe% our bra7e chief& )n% raEe% the tower of the 7iking thief. Such rock an% tower& such roosting 'lace& =as ne4er since hel% by the ro7ing race.6

1/. 3-3>3NTH& T=3-?TH )N* TH<2T33NTH +)TT-3S. Then King $laf 'rocee%e% westwar%s to ;rislu'ollar& an% fought there with 7ikings at =illiamsbyA an% there also King $laf gaine% the 7ictory. So says Sig7at5 6The ele7enth battle now < tell& =here it was fought& an% what befell. )t ;rislu'ol our young fir4s name $4erto''e% the forest trees in fame5 +ra7e $laf4s name nought else was hear% +ut $laf4s name& an% arm& an% swor%. $f three great earls& < ha7e hear% say& His swor% crushe% helm an% hea% that %ay.6 NeDt he fought westwar% on ?etlafBor%& as Sig7at tells5 6The twelfth fight was at ?etlafBor%& =here $laf4s honour seeking swor% ;a7e the wil% wolf4s %e7ouring teeth ) feast of warriors %oome% to %eath.6 ?rom thence King $laf saile% southwar%s to SelBu'ollar& where he ha% a battle. He took there a castle calle% ;un7al%sborg& which was 7ery large an% ol%. He also ma%e 'risoner the earl who rule% o7er the castle an% who was calle% ;eirfin. )fter a conference with the men of the castle& he lai% a scat u'on the town an% earl& as ransom& of twel7e thousan% gol% shillings5 which was also 'ai% by those on whom it was im'ose%. So says Sig7at5 6The thirteenth battle now < tell& =here it was fought& an% what befell.

<n SelBu'ol was fought the fray& )n% many %i% not sur7i7e the %ay. The king went early to the shore& To ;un7al%sborg4s ol% castle towerA )n% a rich earl was taken there& =hose name was ;eri%in& < am sure.6

17. ?$@2T33NTH +)TT-3 )N* $-)?4S *23).. Thereafter King $laf steere% with his fleet westwar% to Karlsar& an% tarrie% there an% ha% a fight. )n% while King $laf was lying in Karlsa ri7er waiting a win%& an% inten%ing to sail u' to Nor7asun%& an% then on to the lan% of Gerusalem& he %reamt a remarkable %ream that there came to him a great an% im'ortant man& but of a terrible a''earance withal& who s'oke to him& an% tol% him to gi7e u' his 'ur'ose of 'rocee%ing to that lan%. 62eturn back to thy u%al& for thou shalt be king o7er Norway for e7er.6 He inter'rete% this %ream to mean that he shoul% be king o7er the country& an% his 'osterity after him for a long time.

18. ?<?T33NTH +)TT-3. )fter this a''earance to him he turne% about& an% came to 1oitou& where he 'lun%ere% an% burnt a merchant town calle% >arran%e. $f this $ttar s'eaks5 6$ur young king& blythe an% gay& <s foremost in the fray5 1oitou he 'lun%ers& Tusklan% burns& He fights an% wins where4er he turns.6 )n% also Sig7at says5 6The Norsemen4s king is on his cruise& His blue steel staining& 2ich booty gaining& )n% all men trembling at the news. The Norsemen4s kings u' on the -oire5 2ich 1artheney <n ashes layA ?ar inlan% reache% the Norsemen4s s'ear.6

19. $? TH3 3)2-S $? 2$@3N. King $laf ha% been two summers an% one winter in the west in >allan% on this cruiseA an% thirteen years ha% now 'asse% since the fall of King $laf Tryg7ason. *uring this time earls ha% rule% o7er NorwayA first Hakon4s sons 3irik an% S7ein& an% afterwar%s 3irik4s sons Hakon an% S7ein. Hakon was a sister4s son of King Canute& the son of S7ein. *uring this time there were two earls in >allan%& =illiam an% 2obertA their father was

2ichar% earl of 2ouen. They rule% o7er Norman%y. Their sister was Hueen 3mma& whom the 3nglish king 3thelre% ha% marrie%A an% their sons were 3%mun%& 3%war% the ;oo%& 3%wy& an% 3%gar. 2ichar% the earl of 2ouen was a son of 2ichar% the son of =illiam -ong S'ear& who was the son of 2olf ;anger& the earl who first conFuere% Norman%yA an% he again was a son of 2agn7al% the .ighty& earl of .ore& as before relate%. ?rom 2olf ;anger are %escen%e% the earls of 2ouen& who ha7e long reckone% themsel7es of kin to the chiefs in Norway& an% hol% them in such res'ect that they always were the greatest frien%s of the NorthmenA an% e7ery Northman foun% a frien%ly country in Norman%y& if he reFuire% it. To Norman%y King $laf came in autumn ().*. 191:#& an% remaine% all winter ().*. 191"# in the ri7er Seine in goo% 'eace an% Fuiet.

!9. $? 3<N)2 T).+)SK3-?32. )fter $laf Tryg7ason4s fall& 3arl 3irik ga7e 'eace to 3inar Tambaskelfer& the son of 3in%ri%e StyrkarsonA an% 3inar went north with the earl to Norway. <t is sai% that 3inar was the strongest man an% the best archer that e7er was in Norway. His shooting was shar' beyon% all othersA for with a blunt arrow he shot through a raw& soft oD hi%e& hanging o7er a beam. He was better than any man at running on snow shoes& was a great man at all eDercises& was of high family& an% rich. The earls 3irik an% S7ein marrie% their sister +ergliot to 3inar. Their son was name% 3in%ri%e. The earls ga7e 3inar great fiefs in $rka%al& so that he was one of the most 'owerful an% able men in the Thron%hBem country& an% was also a great frien% of the earls& an% a great su''ort an% ai% to them.

!1. $? 32-<N; SK<)-;S$N. =hen $laf Tryg7ason rule% o7er Norway& he ga7e his brother in law 3rling half of the lan% scat& an% royal re7enues between the NaEe an% Sogn. His other sister he marrie% to the 3arl 2agn7al% @lfson& who long rule% o7er =est ;autlan%. 2agn7al%4s father& @lf& was a brother of Sigri% the Haughty& the mother of $laf the Swe%ish king. 3arl 3irik was ill 'lease% that 3rling Skialgson ha% so large a %ominion& an% he took to himself all the king4s estates& which King $laf ha% gi7en to 3rling. +ut 3rling le7ie%& as before& all the lan% scat in 2ogalan%A an% thus the inhabitants ha% often to 'ay him the lan% scat& otherwise he lai% waste their lan%. The earl ma%e little of the business& for no bailiff of his coul% li7e there& an% the earl coul% only come there in guest Fuarters& when he ha% a great many 'eo'le with him. So says Sig7at5 6$laf the king Thought the bon%e 3rling ) man who woul% grace His own royal race. $ne sister the king

;a7e the bon%e 3rlingA )n% one to an earl& )n% she sa7e% him in 'eril.6 3arl 3irik %i% not 7enture to fight with 3rling& because he ha% 7ery 'owerful an% 7ery many frien%s& an% was himself rich an% 'o'ular& an% ke't always as many retainers about him as if he hel% a king4s court. 3rling 7as often out in summer on 'lun%ering eD'e%itions& an% 'rocure% for himself means of li7ingA for he continue% his usual way of high an% s'len%i% li7ing& although now he ha% fewer an% less con7enient fiefs than in the time of his brother in law King $laf Tryg7ason. 3rling was one of the han%somest& largest& an% strongest menA a better warrior than any otherA an% in all eDercises he was like King $laf himself. He was& besi%es& a man of un%erstan%ing& Bealous in e7erything he un%ertook& an% a %ea%ly man at arms. Sig7at talks thus of him5 6No earl or baron& young or ol%& .atch with this bon%e bra7e can hol%. .il% was bra7e 3rling& all men say& =hen not engage% in bloo%y fray5 His courage he ke't hi% until The fight began& then foremost still 3rling was seen in war4s wil% game& )n% famous still is 3rling4s name.6 <t was a common saying among the 'eo'le& that 3rling ha% been the most 7aliant who e7er hel% lan%s un%er a king in Norway. 3rlings an% )stri% s chil%ren were these )slak& Skialg& Sigur%& -o%in& Thorer& an% 2agnhil%& who was marrie% to Thorberg )rnason. 3rling ha% always with him ninety free born men or more& an% both winter an% summer it was the custom in his house to %rink at the mi% %ay meal accor%ing to a measure (1#& but at the night meal there was no measure in %rinking. =hen the earl was in the neighbourhoo% he ha% !99 (!# men or more. He ne7er went to sea with less than a fully manne% shi' of twenty benches of rowers. 3rling ha% also a shi' of thirty two benches of rowers& which was besi%es& 7ery large for that siEe. an% which he use% in 7iking cruises& or on an eD'e%itionA an% in it there were !99 men at the 7ery least. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# There were sil7er stu%s in a row from the rim to the bottom of the %rinking born or cu'A an% as it went roun% each %rank till the stu% a''eare% abo7e the liFuor. This was %rinking by measure. -. (!# <.e.& !"9.

!!. $? TH3 H32S3 32-<N; SK<)-;S$N. 3rling ha% always at home on his farm thirty sla7es& besi%es other ser7ing 'eo'le. He ga7e his sla7es a certain %ay4s workA but after it he ga7e them leisure& an% lea7e that each shoul%

work in the twilight an% at night for himself& an% as he 'lease%. He ga7e them arable lan% to sow corn in& an% let them a''ly their cro's to their own use. He lai% u'on each a certain Fuantity of labour to work themsel7es free by %oing itA an% there were many who bought their free%om in this way in one year& or in the secon% year& an% all who ha% any luck coul% make themsel7es free within three years. =ith this money he bought other sla7es5 an% to some of his free% 'eo'le he showe% how to work in the herring fishery& to others he showe% some useful han%icraftA an% some cleare% his outfiel%s an% set u' houses. He hel'e% all to 'ros'erity.

!:. $? 3)2- 3<2<K. =hen 3arl 3irik ha% rule% o7er Norway for twel7e years. there came a message to him from his brother in law King Canute& the *anish king& that he shoul% go with him on an eD'e%ition westwar% to 3nglan%A for 3irik was 7ery celebrate% for his cam'aigns& as he ha% gaine% the 7ictory in the two har%est engagements which ha% e7er been fought in the north countries. The one was that in which the 3arls Hakon an% 3irik fought with the Gomsborg 7ikingsA the other that in which 3arl 3irik fought with King $laf Tryg7ason. Thor% Kolbeinson s'eaks of this5 6) song of 'raise )gain < raise. To the earl bol% The wor% is tol%& That Knut the +ra7e His ai% woul% cra7eA The earl& < knew& To frien% stan%s true.6 The earl woul% not slee' u'on the message of the king& but saile% imme%iately out of the country& lea7ing behin% his son 3arl Hakon to take care of NorwayA an%& as he was but se7enteen years of age& 3inar Tambaskelfer was to be at his han% to rule the country for him. 3irik met King Canute in 3nglan%& an% was with him when he took the castle of -on%on. 3arl 3irik ha% a battle also to the westwar% of the castle of -on%on& an% kille% @lfkel Snilling. So says Thor% Kolbeinson5 6=est of -on%on town we 'asse%& )n% our ocean stee%s ma%e fast& )n% a bloo%y fight begin& 3ng1an%4s lan%s to lose or win. +lue swor% an% shining s'ear -ai% @lfkel4s %ea% cor'se there& $ur Thingmen hear the war shower soun%ing $ur grey arrows from their shiel%s reboun%ing.6 3arl 3irik was a winter in 3nglan%& an% ha% many battles there. The following autumn he inten%e% to make a 'ilgrimage to 2ome&

but he %ie% in 3nglan% of a bloo%y fluD.

!". TH3 .@2*32 $? 3*.@N*. King Canute came to 3nglan% the summer that King 3thelre% %ie%& an% ha% many battles with 3thelre%4s sons& in which the 7ictory was sometimes on one si%e& sometimes on the other. Then King Canute took Hueen 3mma in marriageA an% their chil%ren were Haral%& Har%acanute& an% ;unhil%. King Canute then ma%e an agreement with King 3%mun%& that each of them shoul% ha7e a half of 3nglan%. <n the same month Henry Strion mur%ere% King 3%mun%. King Canute then %ro7e all 3thelre%4s sons out of 3nglan%. So says Sig7at5 6Now all the sons of 3thelre% =ere either fallen& or ha% fle%5 Some slain by Canute& some they say& To sa7e their li7es ha% run away.6

!(. $-)? )N* 3TH3-23*4S S$NS. King 3thelre%4s sons came to 2ouen in >allan% from 3nglan%& to their mother4s brother& the same summer that King $laf Haral%son came from the west from his 7iking cruise& an% they were all %uring the winter in Norman%y together. They ma%e an agreement with each other that King $laf shoul% ha7e Northumberlan%& if they coul% succee% in taking 3nglan% from the *anes. Therefore about har7est& $laf sent his foster father Hrane to 3nglan% to collect men at armsA an% 3thelre%4s sons sent tokens to their frien%s an% relations with him. King $laf& besi%es& ga7e him much money with him to attract 'eo'le to them. Hrane was all winter in 3nglan%& an% got 'romises from many 'owerful men of fi%elity& as the 'eo'le of the country woul% rather ha7e nati7e kings o7er themA but the *anish 'ower ha% become so great in 3nglan%& that all the 'eo'le were brought un%er their %ominion.

!/. +)TT-3 $? K<N; $-)?. <n s'ring ().*. 191"# King $laf an% King 3thelre%4s sons set out together to the west& an% came to a 'lace in 3nglan% calle% Gungufur%a& where they lan%e% with their army an% mo7e% forwar% against the castle. .any men were there who ha% 'romise% them their ai%. They took the castleA an% kille% many 'eo'le. Now when King Canute4s men hear% of this they assemble% an army& an% were soon in such force that 3thelre%4s sons coul% not stan% against itA an% they saw no other way left but to return to 2ouen. Then King $laf se'arate% from them& an% woul% not go back to >allan%& but saile% northwar%s along 3nglan%& all the way to Northumberlan%& where he 'ut into a ha7en at a 'lace calle% >al%eA an% in a battle there with the towns'eo'le an% merchants he gaine% the 7ictory& an% a great booty.

!7. $-)?4S 3N13*<T<$N T$ N$2=)C. King $laf left his long shi's there behin%& but ma%e rea%y two shi's of bur%enA an% ha% with him !!9 men in them& well arme%& an% chosen 'eo'le. He saile% out to sea northwar%s in har7est& but encountere% a tremen%ous storm an% they were in %anger of being lostA but as they ha% a chosen crew& an% the king s luck with them& all went on well. So says $ttar5 6$laf& great stem of kings& is bra7e +ol% in the fight& bol% on the wa7e. No thought of fear Thy heart comes near. @n%aunte%& 4mi%st the roaring floo%& ?irm at his 'ost each shi'man stoo%A )n% thy two shi's stout The gale stoo% out.6 )n% further he says5 6Thou able chiefK with thy fearless crew Thou meetest& with skill an% courage true& The wil% sea4s wrath $n thy ocean 'ath. Though wa7es mast high were breaking roun%. Thou fin%est the mi%%le of Norway4s groun%& =ith helm in han% $n Saela4s stran%.6 <t is relate% here that King $laf came from the sea to the 7ery mi%%le of NorwayA an% the isle is calle% Saela where they lan%e%& an% is outsi%e of Sta%. King $laf sai% he thought it must be a lucky %ay for them& since they ha% lan%e% at Saela in NorwayA an% obser7e% it was a goo% omen that it so ha''ene%. )s they were going u' in the isle& the king sli''e% with one foot in a 'lace where there was clay& but su''orte% himself with the other foot. Then sai% he 6The king falls.6 6Nay&6 re'lies Hrane& 6thou %i%st not fall& king& but set fast foot in the soil.6 The king laughe% thereat& an% sai%& 6<t may be so if ;o% will.6 They went %own again thereafter to their shi's& an% saile% to @lfasun%& where they hear% that 3arl Hakon was south in Sogn& an% was eD'ecte% north as soon as win% allowe% with a single shi'.

!8. H)K$N T)K3N 12<S$N32 +C $-)?. King $laf steere% his shi's within the or%inary shi's4 course when he came abreast of ?Baler %istrict& an% ran into Sau%ungssun%. There he lai% his two 7essels one on each si%e of the soun%. with a thick cable between them. )t the same moment Hakon& 3arl 3irik4s son& came rowing into the soun% with a manne% shi'A an% as they thought these were but two merchant 7essels that were lying in the soun%& they rowe% between them. Then $laf

an% his men %raw the cable u' right un%er Hakon4s shi'4s keel an% win% it u' with the ca'stan. )s soon as the 7essel4s course was sto''e% her stern was lifte% u'& an% her bow 'lunge% %ownA so that the water came in at her fore en% an% o7er both si%es& an% she u'set. King $laf4s 'eo'le took 3arl Hakon an% all his men whom they coul% get hol% of out of the water& an% ma%e them 'risonersA but some they kille% with stones an% other wea'ons& an% some were %rowne%. So says $ttar5 6The black ra7ens wa%e <n the bloo% from thy bla%e. Coung Hakon so gay& =ith his shi'& is thy 'rey5 His shi'& with its gear& Thou hast ta4enA an% art here& Thy forefather4s lan% ?rom the earl to %eman%.6 3arl Hakon was le% u' to the king4s shi'. He was the han%somest man that coul% be seen. He ha% long hair& as fine as silk& boun% about his bea% with a gol% ornament. =hen he sat %own in the fore hol%& the king sai% to him& 6<t is not false what is sai% of your family& that ye are han%some 'eo'le to look atA but now your luck has %eserte% you.6 Hakon the earl re'lie%& 6<t has always been the case that success is changeableA an% there is no luck in the matter. <t has gone with your family as with mine& to ha7e by turns the better lot. < am little beyon% chil%hoo% in yearsA an% at any rate we coul% not ha7e %efen%e% oursel7es& as we %i% not eD'ect any attack on the way. <t may turn out better with us another time.6 Then sai% King $laf& 6*ost thou not a''rehen% that thou art in that con%ition that& hereafter& there can be neither 7ictory nor %efeat for theeL6 The earl re'lies& 6That is what thou only canst %etermine& king& accor%ing to thy 'leasure.6 $laf says& 6=hat wilt thou gi7e me& earl& if for this time < let thee go& whole an% unhurtL6 The earl asks what he woul% take. 6Nothing&6 says the king& 6eDce't that thou shalt lea7e the country& gi7e u' thy king%om& an% take an oath that thou shalt ne7er go into battle against me.6 The earl answere%& that he woul% %o so. )n% now 3arl Hakon took the oath that he woul% ne7er fight against $laf& or seek to %efen% Norway against him& or attack himA an% King $laf thereu'on ga7e him an% all his men life an% 'eace. The earl got back the shi' which ha% brought him there& an% he an% his men rowe% their way. Thus says Sig7at of him5 6<n ol% Sau%ungs soun%

The king 3arl Hakon foun%& =ho little thought that there ) foeman was so near. The best an% fairest youth 3arl Hakon was in truth& That s'eaks the *anish tongue& )n% of the race of great Hakon.6

!9. H)K$N4S *31)2T@23 ?2$. N$2=)C. )fter this ().*. 191"# the earl ma%e rea%y as fast as 'ossible to lea7e the country an% sail o7er to 3nglan%. He met King Canute& his mother4s brother& there& an% tol% him all that ha% taken 'lace between him an% King $laf. King Canute recei7e% him remarkably well& 'lace% him in his court in his own house& an% ga7e him great 'ower in his king%om. 3arl Hakon %welt a long time with King Canute. *uring the time S7ein an% Hakon rule% o7er Norway& a reconciliation with 3rling Skialgson was effecte%& an% secure% by )slak& 3rling4s son& marrying ;unhil%& 3arl S7ein4s %aughterA an% the father an% son& 3rling an% )slak& retaine% all the fiefs which King $laf Tryg7ason ha% gi7en to 3rling. Thus 3rling became a firm frien% of the earl4s& an% their mutual frien%shi' was confirme% by oath.

:9. )ST) 23C3<>3S H32 S$N $-)?. King $laf went now eastwar% along the lan%& hol%ing Things with the bon%es all o7er the country. .any went willingly with himA but some& who were 3arl S7ein4s frien%s or relations& s'oke against him. Therefore King $laf saile% in all haste eastwar% to >ikenA went in there with his shi'sA set them on the lan%A an% 'rocee%e% u' the country& in or%er to meet his ste'father& Sigur% Syr. =hen he came to >estfol% he was recei7e% in a frien%ly way by many who ha% been his father4s frien%s or acFuaintancesA an% also there an% in ?ol%en were many of his family. <n autumn ().*. 191"# he 'rocee%e% u' the country to his ste'father King Sigur%4s& an% came there one %ay 7ery early. )s $laf was coming near to the house& some of the ser7ants ran beforehan% to the house& an% into the room. $laf4s mother& )sta& was sitting in the room& an% aroun% her some of her girls. =hen the ser7ants tol% her of King $laf4s a''roach& an% that he might soon be eD'ecte%& )sta stoo% u' %irectly& an% or%ere% the men an% girls to 'ut e7erything in the best or%er. She or%ere% four girls to bring out all that belonge% to the %ecoration of the room an% 'ut it in or%er with hangings an% benches. Two fellows brought straw for the floor& two brought forwar% four cornere% tables an% the %rinking Bugs& two bore out 7ictuals an% 'lace% the meat on the table& two she sent away from the house to 'rocure in the greatest haste all that was nee%e%& an% two carrie% in the aleA an% all the other ser7ing men an% girls went outsi%e of the house. .essengers went to seek King Sigur% where7er he might be& an% brought to him his %ress clothes& an% his horse with gilt sa%%le& an% his bri%le& which was gilt an% set with 'recious

stones. ?our men she sent off to the four Fuarters of the country to in7ite all the great 'eo'le to a feast& which she 're'are% as a reBoicing for her son4s return. )ll who were before in the house she ma%e to %ress themsel7es with the best they ha%& an% lent clothes to those who ha% none suitable.

:1. K<N; S<;@2*4S *23SS. King Sigur% Syr was stan%ing in his corn fiel% when the messengers came to him an% brought him the news& an% also tol% him all that )sta was %oing at home in the house. He ha% many 'eo'le on his farm. Some were then shearing corn& some boun% it together& some %ro7e it to the buil%ing& some unloa%e% it an% 'ut it in stack or barnA but the king& an% two men with him& went sometimes into the fiel%& sometimes to the 'lace where the corn was 'ut into the barn. His %ress& it is tol%& was this5 he ha% a blue kirtle an% blue breechesA shoes which were lace% about the legsA a grey cloak& an% a grey wi%e brimme% hatA a 7eil before his faceA a staff in his han% with a gilt sil7er hea% on it an% a sil7er ring aroun% it. $f Sigur%4s li7ing an% %is'osition it is relate% that he was a 7ery gain making man who atten%e% carefully to his cattle an% husban%ry& an% manage% his housekee'ing himself. He was nowise gi7en to 'om'& an% was rather taciturn. +ut he was a man of the best un%erstan%ing in Norway& an% also eDcessi7ely wealthy in mo7able 'ro'erty. 1eaceful he was& an% nowise haughty. His wife )sta was generous an% high min%e%. Their chil%ren were& ;uthorm& the el%estA then ;unhil%A the neDt Half%an& <ngeri%& an% Haral%. The messengers sai% to Sigur%& 6)sta tol% us to bring thee wor% how much it lay at her heart that thou shoul%st on this occasion com'ort thyself in the fashion of great men& an% show a %is'osition more akin to Haral% Harfager4s race than to thy mother4s father4s& Hrane Thin nose& or 3arl Nerei% the $l%& although they too were 7ery wise men.6 The king re'lies& 6The news ye bring me is weighty& an% ye bring it forwar% in great heat. )lrea%y before now )sta has been taken u' much with 'eo'le who were not so near to herA an% < see she is still of the same %is'osition. She takes this u' with great warmthA but can she lea% her son out of the business with the same s'len%our she is lea%ing him into itL <f it is to 'rocee% so methinks they who miD themsel7es u' in it regar% little 'ro'erty or life. ?or this man& King $laf& goes against a great su'eriority of 'owerA an% the wrath of the *anish an% Swe%ish kings lies at the foot of his %etermination& if he 7entures to go against them.6

:!. $? TH3 ?3)ST. =hen the king ha% sai% this he sat %own& an% ma%e them take off his shoes& an% 'ut cor%u7an boots on& to which he boun% his gol% s'urs. Then he 'ut off his cloak an% coat& an% %resse% himself in his finest clothes& with a scarlet cloak o7er allA gir%e% on his swor%& set a gil%e% helmet u'on his hea%& an% mounte% his horse. He sent his labouring 'eo'le out to the neighbourhoo%&

an% gathere% to him thirty well clothe% men& an% ro%e home with them. )s they ro%e u' to the house& an% were near the room& they saw on the other si%e of the house the banners of $laf coming wa7ingA an% there was he himself& with about 199 men all well eFui''e%. 1eo'le were gathere% o7er all u'on the house to's. King Sigur% imme%iately salute% his ste'son from horseback in a frien%ly way& an% in7ite% him an% his men to come in an% %rink a cu' with him. )sta& on the contrary& went u' an% kisse% her son& an% in7ite% him to stay with herA an% lan%& an% 'eo'le& an% all the goo% she coul% %o for him stoo% at his ser7ice. King $laf thanke% her kin%ly for her in7itation. Then she took him by the han%& an% le% him into the room to the high seat. King Sigur% got men to take charge of their clothes& an% gi7e their horses cornA an% then he himself went to his high seat& an% the feast was ma%e with the greatest s'len%our.

::. C$N>32S)T<$N $? $-)? )N* S<;@2*. King $laf ha% not been long here before he one %ay calle% his ste'father King Sigur%& his mother )sta& an% his foster father Hrane to a conference an% consultation. $laf began thus5 6<t has so ha''ene%&6 sai% he& 6as is well known to you& that < ha7e returne% to this country after a 7ery long soBourn in foreign 'arts& %uring all which time < an% my men ha7e ha% nothing for our su''ort but what we ca'ture% in war& for which we ha7e often haEar%e% both life an% soul5 for many an innocent man ha7e we %e'ri7e% of his 'ro'erty& an% some of their li7esA an% foreigners are now sitting in the 'ossessions which my father& his father& an% their forefathers for a long series of generations owne%& an% to which < ha7e u%al right. They ha7e not been content with this& but ha7e taken to themsel7es also the 'ro'erties of all our relations who are %escen%e% from Haral% Harfager. To some they ha7e left little& to others nothing at all. Now < will %isclose to you what < ha7e long conceale% in my own min%& that < inten% to take the heritage of my forefathersA but < will not wait u'on the *anish or Swe%ish king to su''licate the least thing from them& although they for the time call that their 'ro'erty which was Haral% Harfager4s heritage. To say the truth& < inten% rather to seek my 'atrimony with battle aDe an% swor%& an% that with the hel' of all my frien%s an% relations& an% of those who in this business will take my si%e. )n% in this matter < will so lay han% to the work that one of two things shall ha''en& either < shall lay all this king%om un%er my rule which they got into their han%s by the slaughter of my kinsman $laf Tryg7ason& or < shall fall here u'on my inheritance in the lan% of my fathers. Now < eD'ect of thee& Sigur%& my ste'father& as well as other men here in the country who ha7e u%al right of succession to the king%om& accor%ing to the law ma%e by King Haral% Harfager& that nothing shall be of such im'ortance to you as to 're7ent you from throwing off the %isgrace from our family of being slow at su''orting the man who comes forwar% to raise u' again our race. +ut whether ye show any manhoo% in this affair or not& < know the inclination of the 'eo'le well& that all want to be free from the sla7ery of foreign masters& an% will gi7e ai% an% strength to the attem't. < ha7e not 'ro'ose% this

matter to any before thee& because < know thou art a man of un%erstan%ing& an% can best Bu%ge how this my 'ur'ose shall be brought forwar% in the beginning& an% whether we shall& in all Fuietness& talk about it to a few 'ersons& or instantly %eclare it to the 'eo'le at large. < ha7e alrea%y shown my teeth by taking 'risoner the 3arl Hakon& who has now left the country& an% gi7en me& un%er oath& the 'art of the king%om which he ha% beforeA an% < think it will be easier to ha7e 3arl S7ein alone to %eal with& than if both were %efen%ing the country against us.6 King Sigur% answers& 6<t is no small affair& King $laf& thou hast in thy min%A an% thy 'ur'ose comes more& methinks& from hasty 'ri%e than from 'ru%ence. +ut it may be there is a wi%e %ifference between my humble ways an% the high thoughts thou hastA for whilst yet in thy chil%hoo% thou wast full always of ambition an% %esire of comman%& an% now thou art eD'erience% in battles& an% hast forme% thyself u'on the manner of foreign chiefs. < know therefore well& that as thou hast taken this into thy hea%& it is useless to %issua%e thee from itA an% also it is not to be %enie% that it goes to the heart of all who ha7e courage in them& that the whole Harfager race an% king%om shoul% go to the groun%. +ut < will not bin% myself by any 'romise& before < know the 7iews an% intentions of other @'lan% kingsA but thou hast %one well in letting me know thy 'ur'ose& before %eclaring it 'ublicly to the 'eo'le. < will 'romise thee& howe7er& my interest with the kings& an% other chiefs& an% country 'eo'leA an% also& King $laf& all my 'ro'erty stan%s to thy ai%& an% to strengthen thee. +ut we will only 'ro%uce the matter to the community so soon as we see some 'rogress& an% eD'ect some strength to this un%ertakingA for thou canst easily 'ercei7e that it is a %aring measure to enter into strife with $laf the Swe%ish king& an% Canute& who is king both of *enmark an% 3nglan%A an% thou reFuirest great su''ort un%er thee& if it is to succee%. <t is not unlikely& in my o'inion& that thou wilt get goo% su''ort from the 'eo'le& as the commonalty always lo7es what is newA an% it went so before& when $laf Tryg7ason came here to the country& that all reBoice% at it& although he %i% not long enBoy the king%om.6 =hen the consultation ha% 'rocee%e% so far& )sta took u' the wor%. 6?or my 'art& my son& < am reBoice% at thy arri7al& but much more at thy a%7ancing thy honour. < will s'are nothing for that 'ur'ose that stan%s in my 'ower& although it be but little hel' that can be eD'ecte% from me. +ut if a choice coul% be ma%e& < woul% rather that thou shoul%st be the su'reme king of Norway& e7en if thou shoul%st not sit longer in thy king%om than $laf Tryg7ason %i%& than that thou shoul%st not be a greater king than Sigur% Syr is& an% %ie the %eath of ol% age.6 =ith this the conference close%. King $laf remaine% here a while with all his men. King Sigur% entertaine% them& %ay about& the one %ay with fish an% milk& the other %ay with flesh meat an% ale.

:". K<N;S <N TH3 @1-)N* *<ST2<CTS. )t that time there were many kings in the @'lan%s who ha%

%istricts to rule o7er& an% the most of them were %escen%e% from Haral% Harfager. <n He%emark two brothers rule% Hrorek an% 2ingA in ;u%bran%s%al& ;u%ro%A an% there was also a king in 2aumarikeA an% one ha% Ha%alan% an% ThotenA an% in >al%ers also there was a king. =ith these %istrict kings Sigur% ha% a meeting u' in Ha%alan%& an% $laf Haral%son also met with them. To these %istrict kings whom Sigur% ha% assemble% he set forth his ste'son $laf4s 'ur'ose& an% aske% their ai%& both of men an% in counsel an% consentA an% re'resente% to them how necessary it was to cast off the yoke which the *anes an% Swe%es ha% lai% u'on them. He sai% that there was now a man before them who coul% hea% such an enter'riseA an% he recounte% the many bra7e actions which $laf ha% achie7e% u'on his war eD'e%itions. Then King Hrorek says& 6True it is that Haral% Harfager4s king%om has gone to %ecay& none of his race being su'reme king o7er Norway. +ut the 'eo'le here in the country ha7e eD'erience% many things. =hen King Hakon& )thelstan4s foster son& was king& all were contentA but when ;unhil%4s sons rule% o7er the country& all were so weary of their tyranny an% inBustice that they woul% rather ha7e foreign men as kings& an% be themsel7es more their own rulersA for the foreign kings were usually abroa% an% care% little about the customs of the 'eo'le if the scat they lai% on the country was 'ai%. =hen enmity arose between the *anish king Haral% an% 3arl Hakon& the Gomsborg 7ikings ma%e an eD'e%ition against NorwayA then the whole 'eo'le arose& an% threw the hostilities from themsel7esA an% thereafter the 'eo'le encourage% 3arl Hakon to kee' the country& an% %efen% it with swor% an% s'ear against the *anish king. +ut when he ha% set himself fast in the king%om with the hel' of the 'eo'le& he became so har% an% o7erbearing towar%s the country folks& that they woul% no longer suffer him. The Thron%hBem 'eo'le kille% him& an% raise% to the kingly 'ower $laf Tryg7ason& who was of the u%al succession to the king%om& an% in all res'ects well fitte% to be a chief. The whole country4s %esire was to make him su'reme king& an% raise again the king%om which Haral% Harfager ha% ma%e for himself. +ut when King $laf thought himself Fuite firmly seate% in his king%om& no man coul% rule his own concerns for him. =ith us small kings he was so unreasonable& as to take to himself not only all the scat an% %uties which Haral% Harfager ha% le7ie% from us& but a great %eal more. The 'eo'le at last ha% so little free%om un%er him& that it was not allowe% to e7ery man to belie7e in what go% he 'lease%. Now since he has been taken away we ha7e ke't frien%ly with the *anish kingA ha7e recei7e% great hel' from him when we ha7e ha% any occasion for itA an% ha7e been allowe% to rule oursel7es& an% li7e in 'eace an% Fuiet in the inlan% country& an% without any o7erbur%en. < am therefore content that things be as they are& for < %o not see what better rights < am to enBoy by one of my relations ruling o7er the countryA an% if < am to be no better off& < will take no 'art in the affair.6 Then sai% King 2ing& his brother& 6< will also %eclare my o'inion that it is better for me& if < hol% the same 'ower an% 'ro'erty as now& that my relati7e is king o7er Norway& rather than a foreign chief& so that our family may again raise its hea% in the lan%. <t is& besi%es& my o'inion about this man $laf& that his

fate an% luck must %etermine whether he is to obtain the king%om or notA an% if he succee% in making himself su'reme king& then he will be the best off who has best %eser7e% his frien%shi'. )t 'resent he has in no res'ect greater 'ower than any of usA nay& in%ee%& he has lessA as we ha7e lan%s an% king%oms to rule o7er& an% he has nothing& an% we are eFually entitle% by the u%al right to the king%om as he is himself. Now& if we will be his men& gi7e him our ai%& allow him to take the highest %ignity in the country& an% stan% by him with our strength& how shoul% he not rewar% us well& an% hol% it in remembrance to our great a%7antage& if he be the honourable man < belie7e him to be& an% all say he isL Therefore let us Boin the a%7enture& say <& an% bin% oursel7es in frien%shi' with him.6 Then the others& one after the other& stoo% u' an% s'okeA an% the conclusion was& that the most of them %etermine% to enter into a league with King $laf. He 'romise% them his 'erfect frien%shi'& an% that he woul% hol% by an% im'ro7e the country4s laws an% rights& if he became su'reme king of Norway. This league was confirme% by oath.

:(. $-)? ;3TS TH3 T<T-3 $? K<N; ?2$. TH3 TH<N;. Thereafter the kings summone% a Thing& an% there King $laf set forth this %etermination to all the 'eo'le& an% his %eman% on the kingly 'ower. He %esires that the bon%es shoul% recei7e him as kingA an% 'romises& on the other han%& to allow them to retain their ancient laws& an% to %efen% the lan% from foreign masters an% chiefs. $n this 'oint he s'oke well& an% longA an% he got great 'raise for his s'eech. Then the kings rose an% s'oke& the one after the other& an% su''orte% his cause& an% this message to the 'eo'le. )t last it came to this& that King $laf was 'roclaime% king o7er the whole country& an% the king%om a%Bu%ge% to him accor%ing to law in the @'lan%s ().*. 191"#.

:/. K<N; $-)? T2)>3-S <N TH3 @1-)N*S. King $laf began imme%iately his 'rogress through the country& a''ointing feasts before him where7er there were royal farms. ?irst he tra7elle% roun% in Ha%alan%& an% then he 'rocee%e% north to ;u%bran%s%al. )n% now it went as King Sigur% Syr ha% foretol%& that 'eo'le streame% to him from all FuartersA an% he %i% not a''ear to ha7e nee% for half of them& for he ha% nearly :99 men. +ut the entertainments bes'oken %i% not half ser7eA for it ha% been the custom that kings went about in guest Fuarters in the @'lan%s with /9 or 79 men only& an% ne7er with more than 199 men. The king therefore hastene% o7er the country& only sto''ing one night at the same 'lace. =hen he came north to *o7refiel%& he arrange% his Bourney so that he came o7er the mountain an% %own u'on the north si%e of it& an% then came to $'%al& where he remaine% all night. )fterwar%s he 'rocee%e% through $'%al forest& an% came out at .e%al%al& where he 'roclaime% a Thing& an% summone% the bon%es to meet him at it. The king ma%e a

s'eech to the Thing& an% aske% the bon%es to acce't him as kingA an% 'romise%& on his 'art& the laws an% rights which King $laf Tryg7ason ha% offere% them. The bon%es ha% no strength to make o''osition to the kingA so the result was that they recei7e% him as king& an% confirme% it by oath5 but they sent wor% to $rka%al an% Skaun of all that they knew concerning $laf4s 'rocee%ings.

:7. -3>C );)<NST $-)? <N TH2$N*HG3.. 3inar Tambaskelfer ha% a farm an% house at Husaby in SkaunA an% now when he got news of $laf4s 'rocee%ings& he imme%iately s'lit u' a war arrow& an% sent it out as a token to the four Fuarters north& south& east& west& to call together all free an% unfree men in full eFui'ment of war5 therewith the message& that they were to %efen% the lan% against King $laf. The message stick went to $rka%al& an% thence to ;aular%al& where the whole war force was to assemble.

:8. $-)?4S 12$;23SS <N TH2$N*HG3.. King $laf 'rocee%e% with his men %own into $rka%al& an% a%7ance% in 'eace an% with all gentlenessA but when he came to ;riotar he met the assemble% bon%es& amounting to more than 799 men. Then the king arraye% his army& for he thought the bon%es were to gi7e battle. =hen the bon%es saw this& they also began to 'ut their men in or%erA but it went on 7ery slowly& for they ha% not agree% beforehan% who among them shoul% be comman%er. Now when King $laf saw there was confusion among the bon%es& he sent to them Thorer ;u%bran%sonA an% when he came he tol% them King $laf %i% not want to fight them& but name% twel7e of the ablest men in their flock of 'eo'le& who were %esire% to come to King $laf. The bon%es agree% to thisA an% the twel7e men went o7er a rising groun% which is there& an% came to the 'lace where the king4s army stoo% in array. The king sai% to them& 6Ce bon%es ha7e %one well to gi7e me an o''ortunity to s'eak with you& for now < will eD'lain to you my erran% here to the Thron%hBem country. ?irst < must tell you& what ye alrea%y must ha7e hear%& that 3arl Hakon an% < met in summerA an% the issue of our meeting was& that he ga7e me the whole king%om he 'ossesse% in the Thron%hBem country& which& as ye know& consists of $rka%al& ;aular%al& Strin%& an% 3yna %istrict. )s a 'roof of this& < ha7e here with me the 7ery men who were 'resent& an% saw the earl4s an% my own han%s gi7en u'on it& an% hear% the wor% an% oath& an% witnesse% the agreement the earl ma%e with me. Now < offer you 'eace an% law& the same as King $laf Tryg7ason offere% before me.6 The king s'oke well& an% longA an% en%e% by 'ro'osing to the bon%es two con%itions either to go into his ser7ice an% be subBect to him& or to fight him. Thereu'on the twel7e bon%es went back to their 'eo'le& an% tol% the issue of their erran%& an% consi%ere% with the 'eo'le what they shoul% resol7e u'on. )lthough they %iscusse% the matter backwar%s an% forwar%s for a while& they 'referre% at last to submit to the kingA an% it was

confirme% by the oath of the bon%es. The king now 'rocee%e% on his Bourney& an% the bon%es ma%e feasts for him. The king then 'rocee%e% to the sea coast& an% got shi'sA an% among others he got a long shi' of twenty benches of rowers from ;unnar of ;elminA another shi' of twenty benches he got from -o%en of >iggiaA an% three shi's of twenty benches from the farm of )ngrar on the ness which farm 3arl Hakon ha% 'ossesse%& but a stewar% manage% it for him& by name +ar% =hite. The king ha%& besi%es& four or fi7e boatsA an% with these 7essels he went in all haste into the fBor% of Thron%hBem.

:9. $? 3)2- S>3<N4S 12$C33*<N;S. 3arl S7ein was at that time far u' in the Thron%hBem fBor% at Steinker& which at that time was a merchant town& an% was there 're'aring for the yule festi7al ().*. 191(#. =hen 3inar Tambaskelfer hear% that the $rka%al 'eo'le ha% submitte% to King $laf& he sent men to 3arl S7ein to bring him the ti%ings. They went first to Ni%aros& an% took a rowing boat which belonge% to 3inar& with which they went out into the fBor%& an% came one %ay late in the e7ening to Steinker& where they brought to the earl the news about all King $laf4s 'rocee%ings. The earl owne% a long shi'& which was lying afloat an% rigge% Bust outsi%e the town5 an% imme%iately& in the e7ening& he or%ere% all his mo7able goo%s& his 'eo'le4s clothes& an% also meat an% %rink& as much as the 7essel coul% carry& to be 'ut on boar%& rowe% imme%iately out in the night time& an% came with %aybreak to Skarnsun%. There he saw King $laf rowing in with his fleet into the fBor%. The earl turne% towar%s the lan% within .asar7ik& where there was a thick woo%& an% lay so near the rocks that the lea7es an% branches hung o7er the 7essel. They cut %own some large trees& which they lai% o7er the Fuarter on the sea si%e& so that the shi' coul% not be seen for lea7es& es'ecially as it was scarcely clear %aylight when the king came rowing 'ast them. The weather was calm& an% the king rowe% in among the islan%sA an% when the king4s fleet was out of sight the earl rowe% out of the fBor%& an% on to ?rosta& where his king%om lay& an% there he lan%e%.

"9. 3)2- S>3<N4S )N* 3<N)24S C$NS@-T)T<$NS. 3arl S7ein sent men out to ;aular%al to his brother in law& 3inar TambaskelferA an% when 3inar came the earl tol% him how it ha% been with him an% King $laf& an% that now he woul% assemble men to go out against King $laf& an% fight him. 3inar answers& 6=e shoul% go to work cautiously& an% fin% out what King $laf inten%s %oingA an% not let him hear anything concerning us but that we are Fuiet. <t may ha''en that if he hears nothing about our assembling 'eo'le& he may sit Fuietly where he is in Steinker all the CuleA for there is 'lenty 're'are% for him for the Cule feast5 but if he hears we are assembling men& he will set right out of the fBor% with his 7essels& an% we shall not get hol% of him.6 3inar4s a%7ice was

takenA an% the earl went to StBora%al& into guest Fuarters among the bon%es. =hen King $laf came to Steinker he collecte% all the meat 're'are% for the Cule feast& an% ma%e it be 'ut on boar%& 'rocure% some trans'ort 7essels& took meat an% %rink with him& an% got rea%y to sail as fast as 'ossible& an% went out all the way to Ni%aros. Here King $laf Tryg7ason ha% lai% the foun%ation of a merchant town& an% ha% built a king4s house5 but before that Ni%aros was only a single house& as before relate%. =hen 3arl 3irik came to the country& he a''lie% all his attention to his house of -a%e& where his father ha% ha% his main resi%ence& an% he neglecte% the houses which $laf ha% erecte% at the Ni%A so that some were fallen %own& an% those which stoo% were scarcely habitable. King $laf went now with his shi's u' the Ni%& ma%e all the houses to be 'ut in or%er %irectly that were still stan%ing& an% built anew those that ha% fallen %own& an% em'loye% in this work a great many 'eo'le. Then he ha% all the meat an% %rink brought on shore to the houses& an% 're'are% to hol% Cule thereA so 3arl S7ein an% 3inar ha% to fall u'on some other 'lan.

"1. $? S<;>)T TH3 SK)-*. There was an <celan% man calle% Thor% Sig7al%askal%& who ha% been long with 3arl Sig7al%e& an% afterwar%s with the earl4s brother& Thorkel the TallA but after the earl4s %eath Thor% ha% become a merchant. He met King $laf on his 7iking cruise in the west& an% entere% into his ser7ice& an% followe% him afterwar%s. He was with the king when the inci%ents abo7e relate% took 'lace. Thor% ha% a son calle% Sig7at fostere% in the house of Thorkel at )'a7atn& in <celan%. =hen he was nearly a grown man he went out of the country with some merchantsA an% the shi' came in autumn to the Thron%hBem country& an% the crew lo%ge% in the here% (%istrict#. The same winter King $laf came to Thron%hBem& as Bust now relate% by us. Now when Sig7at hear% that his father Thor% was with the king& he went to him& an% staye% a while with him. Sig7at was a goo% skal% at an early age. He ma%e a lay in honour of King $laf& an% aske% the king to listen to it. The king sai% he %i% not want 'oems com'ose% about him& an% sai% he %i% not un%erstan% the skal%4s craft. Then Sig7at sang5 62i%er of %ark blue ocean4s stee%sK )llow one skal% to sing thy %ee%sA )n% listen to the song of one =ho can sing well& if any can. ?or shoul% the king %es'ise all others& )n% show no fa7our to my brothers& Cet < may all men4s fa7our claim& =ho sing& still of our great king4s fame.6 King $laf ga7e Sig7at as a rewar% for his 7erse a gol% ring that weighe% half a mark& an% Sig7at was ma%e one of King $laf4s court men. Then Sig7at sang5 6< willingly recei7e this swor%

+y lan% or sea& on shore& on boar%& < trust that < shall e7er be =orthy the swor% recei7e% from thee. ) faithful follower thou hast boun% ) generous master < ha7e foun%A .aster an% ser7ant both ha7e ma%e Gust what best suits them by this tra%e.6 3arl S7ein ha%& accor%ing to custom& taken one half of the harbour %ues from the <celan% shi' tra%ers about autumn ().*. 191"#A for the 3arls 3irik an% Hakon ha% always taken one half of these an% all other re7enues in the Thron%hBem country. Now when King $laf came there& he sent his men to %eman% that half of the taD from the <celan% tra%ersA an% they went u' to the king4s house an% aske% Sig7at to hel' them. He went to the king& an% sang5 6.y 'rayer& < trust& will not be 7ain No gol% by it ha7e < to gain5 )ll that the king himself here wins <s not re% gol%& but a few skins. it is not right that these 'oor men Their harbour %ues shoul% 'ay again. That they 'ai% once < know is trueA 2emit& great king& what scarce is %ue.6

"!. $? 3)2- S>3<N. 3arl S7ein an% 3inar Tambaskelfer gathere% a large arme% force& with which they came by the u''er roa% into ;aular%al& an% so %own to Ni%aros& with nearly !999 men. King $laf4s men were out u'on the ;aular ri%ge& an% ha% a guar% on horseback. They became aware that a force was coming %own the ;aular%al& an% they brought wor% of it to the king about mi%night. The king got u' imme%iately& or%ere% the 'eo'le to be wakene%& an% they went on boar% of the shi's& bearing all their clothes an% arms on boar%& an% all that they coul% take with them& an% then rowe% out of the ri7er. Then came the earl4s men to the town at the same moment& took all the Christmas 'ro7ision& an% set fire to the houses. King $laf went out of the fBor% %own to $rka%al& an% there lan%e% the men from their shi's. ?rom $rka%al they went u' to the mountains& an% o7er the mountains eastwar%s into ;u%bran%s%al. <n the lines com'ose% about Kleng +rusason& it is sai% that 3arl 3irik burne% the town of Ni%aros5 6The king4s half finishe% hall& 2afters& root& an% all& <s burne% %own by the ri7er4s si%eA The flame s'rea%s o4er the city wi%e.6

":. $? K<N; $-)?. King $laf went southwar%s through ;u%bran%s%al& an% thence out to

He%emark. <n the %e'th of winter ().*. 191(# he went about in guest FuartersA but when s'ring returne% he collecte% men& an% went to >iken. He ha% with him many 'eo'le from He%emark& whom the kings ha% gi7en himA an% also many 'owerful 'eo'le from among the bon%es Boine% him& among whom Ketil Kalf from 2inganes. He ha% also 'eo'le from 2aumarike. His ste'father& Sigur% Syr& ga7e him the hel' also of a great bo%y of men. They went %own from thence to the coast& an% ma%e rea%y to 'ut to sea from >iken. The fleet& which was manne% with many fine fellows& went out then to Tunsberg.

"". $? 3)2- S>3<N4S ?$2C3S. )fter Cule ().*. 191(# 3arl S7ein gathers all the men of the Thron%hBem country& 'roclaims a le7y for an eD'e%ition& an% fits out shi's. )t that time there were in the Thron%hBem country a great number of len%ermenA an% many of them were so 'owerful an% well born& that they %escen%e% from earls& or e7en from the royal race& which in a short course of generations reckone% to Haral% Harfager& an% they were also 7ery rich. These len%ermen were of great hel' to the kings or earls who rule% the lan%A for it was as if the len%erman ha% the bon%e 'eo'le of each %istrict in his 'ower. 3arl S7ein being a goo% frien% of the len%ermen& it was easy for him to collect 'eo'le. His brother in law& 3inar Tambaskelfer& was on his si%e& an% with him many other len%ermenA an% among them many& both len%ermen an% bon%es& who the winter before ha% taken the oath of fi%elity to King $laf. =hen they were rea%y for sea they went %irectly out of the fBor%& steering south along the lan%& an% %rawing men from e7ery %istrict. =hen they came farther south& abreast of 2ogalan%& 3rling Skialgson came to meet them& with many 'eo'le an% many len%ermen with him. Now they steere% eastwar% with their whole fleet to >iken& an% 3arl S7ein ran in there towar%s the en% of 3aster. The earl steere% his fleet to ;renmar& an% ran into NesBar ().*. 191(#.

"(. K<N; $-)? S ?$2C3S. King $laf steere% his fleet out from >iken& until the two fleets were not far from each other& an% they got news of each other the Satur%ay before 1alm Sun%ay. King $laf himself ha% a shi' calle% the Carl4s Hea%& on the bow of which a king4s hea% was car7e% out& an% he himself ha% car7e% it. This hea% was use% long after in Norway on shi's which kings steere% themsel7es.

"/. K<N; $-)?4S S133CH. )s soon as %ay %awne% on Sun%ay morning& King $laf got u'& 'ut on his clothes& went to the lan%& an% or%ere% to soun% the signal for the whole army to come on shore. Then he ma%e a s'eech to the troo's& an% tol% the whole assembly that he ha% hear% there was but a short %istance between them an% 3arl S7ein. 6Now&6

sai% he& 6we shall make rea%yA for it can be but a short time until we meet. -et the 'eo'le arm& an% e7ery man be at the 'ost that has been a''ointe% him& so that all may be rea%y when < or%er the signal to soun% for casting off from the lan%. Then let us row off at onceA an% so that none go on before the rest of the shi's& an% none lag behin% when < row out of the harbour5 for we cannot tell if we shall fin% the earl where he was lying& or if he has come out to meet us. =hen we %o meet& an% the battle begins& let 'eo'le be alert to bring all our shi's in close or%er& an% rea%y to bin% them together. -et us s'are oursel7es in the beginning& an% take care of our wea'ons& that we %o not cast them into the sea& or shoot them away in the air to no 'ur'ose. +ut when the fight becomes hot an% the shi's are boun% together& then let each man show what is in him of manly s'irit.6

"7. $? TH3 +)TT-3 )T N3SG)2. King $laf ha% in his shi' 199 men arme% in coats of ring mail& an% in foreign helmets. The most of his men ha% white shiel%s& on which the holy cross was giltA but some ha% 'ainte% it in blue or re%. He ha% also ha% the cross 'ainte% in front on all the helmets& in a 'ale colour. He ha% a white banner on which was a ser'ent figure%. He or%ere% a mass to be rea% before him& went on boar% shi'& an% or%ere% his 'eo'le to refresh themsel7es with meat an% %rink. He then or%ere% the war horns to soun% to battle& to lea7e the harbour& an% row off to seek the earl. Now when they came to the harbour where the earl ha% lain& the earl4s men were arme%& an% beginning to row out of the harbourA but when they saw the king4s fleet coming they began to bin% the shi's together& to set u' their banners& an% to make rea%y for the fight. =hen King $laf saw this he hastene% the rowing& lai% his shi' alongsi%e the earl4s& an% the battle began. So says Sig7at the skal%5 6+ol%ly the king %i% then 'ursue 3arl S7ein& nor let him out of 7iew. The bloo% ran %own the rein%eer4s flank $f each sea king his 7essel4s 'lank. Nor %i% the earl4s stout warriors s'are <n battle brunt the swor% an% s'ear. 3arl S7ein his shi's of war 'ushe% on& )n% lashe% their stout stems one to one.6 <t is sai% that King $laf brought his shi's into battle while S7ein was still lying in the harbour. Sig7at the skal% was himself in the fightA an% in summer& Bust after the battle& he com'ose% a lay& which is calle% the 6NesBar Song6& in which he tells 'articularly the circumstances5 6<n the fierce fight 4tis known how near The scorner of the ice col% s'ear -ai% the Charles4 hea% the earl on boar%& )ll eastwar% of the )g%er fBor%.6 Then was the conflict eDcee%ingly shar'& an% it was long before

it coul% be seen how it was to go in the en%. .any fell on both si%es& an% many were the woun%e%. So says Sig7at5 6No urging %i% the earl reFuire& .i%st s'ear an% swor% the battle4s fireA No urging %i% the bra7e king nee% The ra7ens in this shiel% storm to fee%. $f limb lo''ing enough was there& )n% ghastly woun%s of swor% an% s'ear. Ne7er& < think& was rougher 'lay Than both the armies ha% that %ay.6 The earl ha% most men& but the king ha% a chosen shi'& who ha% followe% him in all his warsA an%& were so eDcellently eFui''e%& as before relate%& ha% a coat of ring mail& so that he coul% not be says Sig7at5 6$ur la%s& broa% shoul%ere%& tall& an% hale& *rew on their col% shirts of ring mail. Soon swor% on swor% was shrilly ringing& )n% in the air the s'ears were singing. @n%er our helms we hi% our hair& ?or thick flew arrows through the air. 2ight gla% was < our gallant crew& Steel cla% from hea% to foot& to 7iew.6 crew in his besi%es& they that each man woun%e%. So

"8. 3)2- S>3<N4S ?-<;HT. =hen the men began to fall on boar% the earl4s shi's& an% many a''eare% woun%e%& so that the si%es of the 7essels were but thinly beset with men& the crew of King $laf 're'are% to boar%. Their banner was brought u' to the shi' that was nearest the earl4s& an% the king himself followe% the banner. So says Sig7at5 6I$n with the kingK4 his banners wa7ing5 I$n with the kingK4 the s'ears he4s bra7ingK I$n& steel cla% menK an% storm the %eck& Sli''ery with bloo% an% strewe% with wreck. ) %ifferent work ye ha7e to share& His banner in war storm to bear& ?rom your fair girl4s& who roun% the hall +rings the full mea% bowl to us all.46 Now was the se7erest fighting. .any of S7ein4s men fell& an% some s'rang o7erboar%. So says Sig7at5 6<nto the shi' our bra7e la%s s'ring& $n shiel% an% helm their re% bla%es ringA The air resoun%s with stroke on stroke& The shiel%s are cleft& the helms are broke. The woun%e% bon%e o4er the si%e ?alls shrieking in the bloo% staine% ti%e The %eck is cleare% with wil% u'roar

The %ea% crew float about the shore.6 )n% also these lines5 6The shiel%s we brought from home were white& Now they are re% staine% in the fight5 This work was fit for those who wore 2inge% coats of mail their breasts before. =here for the foe blunte% the best swor% < saw our young king climb on boar%. He storme% the firstA we followe% him The war bir%s now in bloo% may swim.6 Now %efeat began to come %own u'on the earl4s men. The king4s men 'resse% u'on the earl4s shi' an% entere% itA but when the earl saw how it was going& he calle% out to his forecastle men to cut the cables an% cast the shi' loose& which they %i%. Then the king4s men threw gra''lings o7er the timber hea%s of the shi'& an% so hel% her fast to their ownA but the earl or%ere% the timber hea%s to be cut away& which was %one. So says Sig7at5 6The earl& his noble shi' to sa7e& To cut the 'osts lou% or%er ga7e. The shi' esca'e%5 our gree%y eyes Ha% looke% on her as a clear 'riEe. The earl esca'e%A but ere he fle% =e feaste% $%in4s fowls with %ea%5 =ith many a goo%ly cor'se that floate% 2oun% our shi'4s stern his bir%s were bloate%.6 3inar Tambaskelfer ha% lai% his shi' right alongsi%e the earl4s. They threw an anchor o7er the bows of the earl4s shi'& an% thus towe% her away& an% they sli''e% out of the fBor% together. Thereafter the whole of the earl4s fleet took to flight& an% rowe% out of the fBor%. The skal% +erse Torfason was on the forecastle of the earl4s shi'A an% as it was gli%ing 'ast the king4s fleet& King $laf calle% out to him for he knew +erse& who was %istinguishe% as a remarkably han%some man& always well eFui''e% in clothes an% arms 6?arewell& +erseK6 He re'lie%& 6?arewell& kingK6 So says +erse himself& in a 'oem he com'ose% when he fell into King $laf4s 'ower& an% was lai% in 'rison an% in fetters on boar% a shi'5 6$laf the +ra7e ) Ifarewell4 ga7e& (No time was there to 'arley long&# To me who knows the art of song. The skal% was fain I?arewell4 again <n the same terms back to sen% The rule in arms to foe or frien%. 3arl S7ein4s %istress < well can guess& =hen flight he was com'elle% to take5 His fortunes < will ne4er forsake& Though < lie here <n chains a year&

<n thy great 7essel all forlorn& To crouch to thee < still will scorn5 < still will say& No mil%er sway Than from thy foe this lan% e4er knew5 To him& my early frien%& <4m true.6

"9. 3)2- S>3<N -3)>3S TH3 C$@NT2C. Now some of the earl4s men fle% u' the country& some surren%ere% at %iscretionA but S7ein an% his followers rowe% out of the fBor%& an% the chiefs lai% their 7essels together to talk with each other& for the earl wante% counsel from his len%ermen. 3rling Skialgson a%7ise% that they shoul% sail north& collect 'eo'le& an% fight King $laf againA but as they ha% lost many 'eo'le& the most were of o'inion that the earl shoul% lea7e the country& an% re'air to his brother in law the Swe%ish King& an% strengthen himself there with men. 3inar Tambaskelfer a''ro7e% also of that a%7ice& as they ha% no 'ower to hol% battle against $laf. So they %ischarge% their fleet. The earl saile% across ?ol%en& an% with him 3inar Tambaskelfer. 3rling Skialgson again& an% likewise many other len%ermen who woul% not aban%on their u%al 'ossessions& went north to their homesA an% 3rling ha% many 'eo'le that summer about him.

(9. $-)?4S )N* S<;@2*4S C$NS@-T)T<$N. =hen King $laf an% his men saw that the earl ha% gathere% his shi's together& Sigur% Syr was in haste for 'ursuing the earl& an% letting steel %eci%e their cause. +ut King $laf re'lies& that he woul% first see what the earl inten%e% %oing whether he woul% kee' his force together or %ischarge his fleet. Sigur% Syr sai%& 6<t is for thee& king& to comman%A but&6 he a%%s& 6< fear& from thy %is'osition an% wilfulness& that thou wilt some %ay be betraye% by trusting to those great 'eo'le& for they are accustome% of ol% to bi% %efiance to their so7ereigns.6 There was no attack ma%e& for it was soon seen that the earl4s fleet was %is'ersing. Then King $laf ransacke% the slain& an% remaine% there some %ays to %i7i%e the booty. )t that time Sig7at ma%e these 7erses5 6The tale < tell is true To their homes returne% but few $f S7ein4s men who came to meet King $laf4s gallant fleet. ?rom the North these warmen came To try the bloo%y game& $n the wa7es their cor'ses borne Show the game that Sun%ay morn. The Thron%hBem girls so fair Their Beers& < think& will s'are& ?or the king4s force was but small That em'tie% Thron%hBem4s hall.

+ut if they will ha7e their Beer& They may ask their sweethearts %ear& =hy they ha7e returne% shorn =ho went to shear that Sun%ay morn.6 )n% also these5 6Now will the king4s 'ower rise& ?or the @'lan% men still 'riEe The king who o4er the sea Steers to bloo%y 7ictory. 3arl S7einK thou now wilt know That our la%s can make bloo% flow That the He%emarkers hale Can %o more than ta' goo% ale.6 King $laf ga7e his ste'father King Sigur% Syr& an% the other chiefs who ha% assiste% him& han%some 'resents at 'arting. He ga7e Ketil of 2inganes a yacht of fifteen benches of rowers& which Ketil brought u' the 2aum ri7er an% into the .Bosen lake.

(1. $? K<N; $-)?. King $laf sent s'ies out to trace the earl4s %oings ().*. 191(#A an% when he foun% that the earl ha% left the country he saile% out west& an% to >iken& where many 'eo'le came to him. )t the Thing there he was taken as king& an% so he 'rocee%e% all the way to the NaEeA an% when he hear% that 3rling Skialgson ha% gathere% a large force& he %i% not tarry in North )g%er& but saile% with a stea%y fair win% to the Thron%hBem countryA for there it a''eare% to him was the greatest strength of the lan%& if he coul% sub%ue it for himself while the earl was abroa%. =hen $laf came to Thron%hBem there was no o''osition& an% he was electe% there to be king. <n har7est ().*. 191(# he took his seat in the town of Ni%aros& an% collecte% the nee%ful winter 'ro7ision ().*. 191/#. He built a king4s house& an% raise% Clement4s church on the s'ot on which it now stan%s. He 'arcelle% out buil%ing groun%& which he ga7e to bon%es& merchants& or others who he thought woul% buil%. There he sat %own with many men at arms aroun% himA for he 'ut no great confi%ence in the Thron%hBem 'eo'le& if the earl shoul% return to the country. The 'eo'le of the interior of the Thron%hBem country showe% this clearly& for he got no lan% scat from them.

(!. 1-)N $? S>3<N )N* TH3 S=3*<SH K<N;. 3arl S7ein went first to S7ithBo% to his brother in law $laf the Swe%ish king& tol% him all that ha% ha''ene% between him an% $laf the Thick& an% aske% his a%7ice about what he shoul% now un%ertake. The king sai% that the earl shoul% stay with him if he like%& an% get such a 'ortion of his king%om to rule o7er as shoul% seem to him sufficientA 6or otherwise&6 says he& 6< will gi7e thee hel' of forces to conFuer the country again from $laf.6

The earl chose the latterA for all those among his men who ha% great 'ossessions in Norway& which was the case with many who were with him& were anDious to get backA an% in the council they hel% about this& it was resol7e% that in winter they shoul% take the lan% way o7er HelsingBalan% an% Gamtalan%& an% so %own into the Thron%hBem lan%A for the earl reckone% most u'on the faithful hel' an% strength of the Thron%hBem 'eo'le of the interior as soon as he shoul% a''ear there. <n the meantime& howe7er& it was %etermine% to take a cruise in summer in the +altic to gather 'ro'erty.

(:. 3)2- S>3<N4S *3)TH. 3arl S7ein went eastwar% with his forces to 2ussia& an% 'asse% the summer ().*. 191(# in marau%ing thereA but on the a''roach of autumn returne% with his shi's to S7ithBo%. There he fell into a sickness& which 'ro7e% fatal. )fter the earl4s %eath some of the 'eo'le who ha% followe% him remaine% in S7ithBo%A others went to HelsingBalan%& thence to Gamtalan%& an% so from the east o7er the %i7i%ing ri%ge of the country to the Thron%hBem %istrict& where they tol% all that ha% ha''ene% u'on their Bourney5 an% thus the truth of 3arl S7ein4s %eath was known ().*. 191/#.

(". $? TH3 TH2$N*HG3. 13$1-3. 3inar Tambaskelfer& an% the 'eo'le who ha% followe% him went in winter to the Swe%ish king& an% were recei7e% in a frien%ly manner. There were also among them many who ha% followe% the earl. The Swe%ish king took it much amiss that $laf the Thick ha% set himself %own in his scat lan%s& an% %ri7en the earl out of them& an% therefore he threatene% the king with his hea7iest 7engeance when o''ortunity offere%. He sai% that $laf ought not to ha7e ha% the 'resum'tion to take the %ominions which the earl ha% hel% of himA an% all the Swe%ish king4s men agree% with him. +ut the Thron%hBem 'eo'le& when they hear% for certain that the earl was %ea%. an% coul% not be eD'ecte% back to Norway& turne% all to obe%ience to King $laf. .any came from the interior of the Thron%hBem country& an% became King $laf4s menA others sent wor% an% tokens that they woul% ser7ice him. Then& in autumn& he went into the interior of Thron%hBem& an% hel% Things with the bon%es& an% was recei7e% as king in each %istrict. He returne% to Ni%aros& an% brought there all the king4s scat an% re7enue& an% ha% his winter seat 'ro7i%e% there ().*. 191/#.

((. $? K<N; $-)?4S H$@S3H$-*. King $laf built a king4s house in Ni%aros& an% in it was a large room for his court& with %oors at both en%s. The king4s high seat was in the mi%%le of the roomA an% within sat his court bisho'& ;rimkel& an% neDt him his other 'riestsA without them sat his counsellorsA an% in the other high seat o''osite to the king

sat his marshal& +Born& an% neDt to him his 'ursui7ants. =hen 'eo'le of im'ortance came to him& they also ha% a seat of honour. The ale was %runk by the fire light. He %i7i%e% the ser7ice among his men after the fashion of other kings. He ha% in his house siDty court men an% thirty 'ursui7antsA an% to them he ga7e 'ay an% certain regulations. He ha% also thirty house ser7ants to %o the nee%ful work about the house& an% 'rocure what was reFuire%. He ha%& besi%es& many sla7es. )t the house were many outbuil%ings& in which the court men sle't. There was also a large room& in which the king hel% his court meetings.

(/. $? K<N; $-)?4S H)+<TS. <t was King $laf4s custom to rise betimes in the morning& 'ut on his clothes& wash his han%s& an% then go to the church an% hear the matins an% morning mass. Thereafter he went to the Thing meeting& to bring 'eo'le to agreement with each other& or to talk of one or the other matter that a''eare% to him necessary. He in7ite% to him great an% small who were known to be men of un%erstan%ing. He often ma%e them recite to him the laws which Hakon )thelstan4s foster son ha% ma%e for Thron%hBemA an% after consi%ering them with those men of un%erstan%ing& he or%ere% laws a%%ing to or taking from those establishe% before. +ut Christian 'ri7ileges he settle% accor%ing to the a%7ice of +isho' ;rimbel an% other learne% 'riestsA an% bent his whole min% to u'rooting heathenism& an% ol% customs which he thought contrary to Christianity. )n% he succee%e% so far that the bon%es acce'te% of the laws which the king 'ro'ose%. So says Sig7at5 6The king& who at the helm gui%es His warlike shi' through clashing ti%es& Now gi7es one law for all the lan% ) hea7enly law& which long will stan%.6 King $laf was a goo% an% 7ery gentle man& of little s'eech& an% o'en han%e% although gree%y of money. Sig7at the skal%& as before relate%& was in King $laf4s house& an% se7eral <celan% men. The king aske% 'articularly how Christianity was obser7e% in <celan%& an% it a''eare% to him to be 7ery far from where it ought to beA for& as to obser7ing Christian 'ractices& it was tol% the king that it was 'ermitte% there to eat horse flesh& to eD'ose infants as heathens %o& besi%es many other things contrary to Christianity. They also tol% the king about many 'rinci'al men who were then in <celan%. Ska'te Thoro%son was then the lagman of the country. He inFuire% also of those who were best acFuainte% with it about the state of 'eo'le in other %istant countriesA an% his inFuiries turne% 'rinci'ally on how Christianity was obser7e% in the $rkney& Shetlan%& an% ?arey <slan%s5 an%& as far as he coul% learn& it was far from being as he coul% ha7e wishe%. Such con7ersation was usually carrie% on by himA or else he s'oke about the laws an% rights of the country.

(7. K<N; $-)?4S .3SS3N;32S. The same winter ().*. 191/# came messengers from the Swe%ish king& $laf the Swe%e& out of S7ithBo%5 an% their lea%ers were two brothers& Thorgaut Skar%e an% )sgaut the bailiffA an% they& ha% twenty four men with them& when they came from the eastwar%& o7er the ri%ge of the country %own into >era%al& they summone% a Thing of the bon%es& talke% to them& an% %eman%e% of them scat an% %uties u'on account of the king of Swe%en. +ut the bon%es& after consulting with each other& %etermine% only to 'ay the scat which the Swe%ish king reFuire% in so far as King $laf reFuire% none u'on his account& but refuse% to 'ay scat to both. The messengers 'rocee%e% farther %own the 7alleyA but recei7e% at e7ery Thing they hel% the same answer& an% no money. They went forwar% to Skaun& hel% a Thing there& an% %eman%e% scatA but it went there as before. Then they came to StBora%al& an% summone% a Thing& but the bon%es woul% not come to it. Now the messengers saw that their business was a failureA an% Thorgaut 'ro'ose% that they shoul% turn about& an% go eastwar% again. 6< %o not think&6 says )sgaut& 6that we ha7e 'erforme% the king4s erran% unless we go to King $laf the Thick& since the bon%es refer the matter to him.6 He was their comman%erA so they 'rocee%e% to the town (Ni%aros#& an% took lo%ging there. The %ay after they 'resente% themsel7es to the king& Bust as he was seate% at table& salute% him& an% sai% they came with a message of the Swe%ish king. The king tol% them to come to him neDt %ay. NeDt %ay the king& ha7ing hear% mass& went to his Thing house& or%ere% the messengers of the Swe%ish king to be calle%& an% tol% them to 'ro%uce their message. Then Thorgaut s'oke& an% tol% first what his erran% was& an% neDt how the Thron%hBem 'eo'le of the interior ha% re'lie% to itA an% aske% the king4s %ecision on the business& that they might know what result their erran% there was to ha7e. The king answers& 6=hile the earls rule% o7er the country& it was not to be won%ere% at if the country 'eo'le thought themsel7es boun% to obey them& as they were at least of the royal race of the king%om. +ut it woul% ha7e been more Bust if those earls ha% gi7en assistance an% ser7ice to the kings who ha% a right to the country& rather than to foreign kings& or to stir u' o''osition to their lawful kings& %e'ri7ing them of their lan% an% king%om. =ith regar% to $laf the Swe%e& who calls himself entitle% to the king%om of Norway& <& who in fact am so entitle%& can see no groun% for his claimA but well remember the skaith an% %amage we ha7e suffere% from him an% his relations.6 Then says )sgaut. 6<t is not won%erful that thou art calle% $laf the Thick& seeing thou answerest so haughtily to such a 'rince4s message& an% canst not see clearly how hea7y the king4s wrath will be for thee to su''ort& as many ha7e eD'erience% who ha% greater strength than thou a''earest to ha7e. +ut if thou wishest to kee' hol% of thy king%om& it will be best for thee to come to the king& an% be his manA an% we shall beg him to gi7e thee this king%om in fief un%er him.6 The king re'lies with all gentleness& 6< will gi7e thee an a%7ice& )sgaut& in return. ;o back to the east again to thy king& an% tell him that early in s'ring < will make myself rea%y& an% will 'rocee% eastwar% to the ancient frontier that %i7i%e%

formerly the king%om of the kings of Norway from Swe%en. There he may come if he likes& that we may conclu%e a 'eace with each otherA an% each of us will retain the king%om to which he is born.6 Now the messengers turne% back to their lo%ging& an% 're'are% for their %e'arture& an% the king went to table. The messengers came back soon after to the king4s houseA but the %oorkee'ers saw it& an% re'orte% it to the king& who tol% them not to let the messengers in. 6< will not s'eak with them&6 sai% he. Then the messengers went off& an% Thorgaut sai% he woul% now return home with his menA but )sgaut insiste% still that he woul% go forwar% with the king4s erran%5 so they se'arate%. Thorgaut 'rocee%e% accor%ingly through Strin%A but )sgaut went into ;aular%al an% $rka%al& an% inten%e% 'rocee%ing southwar%s to .ore& to %eli7er his king4s message. =hen King $laf came to the knowle%ge of this he sent out his 'ursui7ants after them& who foun% them at the ness in Stein& boun% their han%s behin% their backs& an% le% them %own to the 'oint calle% ;aularas& where they raise% a gallows& an% hange% them so that they coul% be seen by those who tra7elle% the usual sea way out of the fBor%. Thorgaut hear% this news before he ha% tra7elle% far on his way home through the Thron%hBem countryA an% he hastene% on his Bourney until he came to the Swe%ish king& an% tol% him how it ha% gone with them. The king was highly enrage% when he hear% the account of itA an% he ha% no lack of high wor%s.

(8. $-)? )N* 32-<N; 23C$NC<-3*. The s'ring thereafter ().*. 191/# King $laf Haral%son calls out an army from the Thron%hBem lan%& an% makes rea%y to 'rocee% eastwar%. Some of the <celan% tra%ers were then rea%y to sail from Norway. =ith them King $laf sent wor% an% token to HBalte SkeggBason& an% summone% him to come to him& an% at the same time sent a 7erbal message to Ska'te the lagman& an% other men who 'rinci'ally took 'art in the lawgi7ing of <celan%& to take out of the law whate7er a''eare% contrary to Christianity. He sent& besi%es& a message of frien%shi' to the 'eo'le in general. The king then 'rocee%e% southwar%s himself along the coast& sto''ing at e7ery %istrict& an% hol%ing Things with the bon%esA an% in each Thing he or%ere% the Christian law to be rea%& together with the message of sal7ation thereunto belonging& an% with which many ill customs an% much heathenism were swe't away at once among the common 'eo'le5 for the earls ha% ke't well the ol% laws an% rights of the countryA but with res'ect to kee'ing Christianity& they ha% allowe% e7ery man to %o as he like%. <t was thus come so far that the 'eo'le were ba'tiEe% in the most 'laces on the sea coast& but the most of them were ignorant of Christian law. <n the u''er en%s of the 7alleys& an% in the habitations among the mountains& the greater 'art of the 'eo'le were heathenA for when the common man is left to himself& the faith he has been taught in his chil%hoo% is that which has the strongest hol% o7er his inclination. +ut the king threatene% the most 7iolent 'rocee%ings against great or small& who& after the king4s message& woul% not a%o't Christianity. <n the meantime $laf was

'roclaime% king in e7ery -aw Thing in the country& an% no man s'oke against him. =hile he lay in Karmtsun% messengers went between him an% 3rling SkBalgson& who en%ea7oure% to make 'eace between themA an% the meeting was a''ointe% in =hitings <sle. =hen they met they s'oke with each other about agreement togetherA but 3rling foun% something else than he eD'ecte% in the con7ersation5 for when he insiste% on ha7ing all the fiefs which $laf Tryg7ason& an% afterwar%s the 3arls S7ein an% Hakon& ha% gi7en him& an% on that con%ition woul% be his man an% %utiful frien%& the king answere%& 6<t a''ears to me& 3rling& that it woul% be no ba% bargain for thee to get as great fiefs from me for thy ai% an% frien%shi' as thou ha%st from 3arl 3irik& a man who ha% %one thee the greatest inBury by the bloo%she% of thy menA but e7en if < let thee remain the greatest len%erman in Norway& < will bestow my fiefs accor%ing to my own will& an% not act as if ye len%ermen ha% u%al right to my ancestor4s heritage& an% < was oblige% to buy your ser7ices with manifol% rewar%s.6 3rling ha% no %is'osition to sue for e7en the smallest thingA an% he saw that the king was not easily %ealt with. He saw also that he ha% only two con%itions before him5 the one was to make no agreement with the king& an% stan% by the conseFuencesA the other to lea7e it entirely to the king4s 'leasure. )lthough it was much against his inclination& he chose the latter& an% merely sai% to the king& 6The ser7ice will be the most useful to thee which < gi7e with a free will.6 )n% thus their conference en%e%. 3rling4s relations an% frien%s came to him afterwar%s& an% a%7ise% him to gi7e way& an% 'rocee% with more 'ru%ence an% less 'ri%e. 6Thou wilt still&6 they sai%& 6be the most im'ortant an% most res'ecte% len%erman in Norway& both on account of thy own an% thy relations4 abilities an% great wealth.6 3rling foun% that this was 'ru%ent a%7ice& an% that they who ga7e it %i% so with a goo% intention& an% he followe% it accor%ingly. 3rling went into the king4s ser7ice on such con%itions as the king himself shoul% %etermine an% 'lease. Thereafter they se'arate% in some sha'e reconcile%& an% $laf went his way eastwar% along the coast ().*. 191/#.

(9. 3<-<? $? ;)@T-)N*4S .@2*32. )s soon as it was re'orte% that $laf ha% come to >iken& the *anes who ha% offices un%er the *anish king set off for *enmark& without waiting for King $laf. +ut King $laf saile% in along >iken& hol%ing Things with the bon%es. )ll the 'eo'le of the country submitte% to him& an% thereafter he took all the king4s taDes& an% remaine% the summer ().*. 191/# in >iken. He then saile% east from Tunsberg across the fBor%& an% all the way east to S7inasun%. There the Swe%ish king4s %ominions begin& an% he ha% set officers o7er this countryA namely& 3ilif ;autske o7er the north 'art& an% Hroe Skialge o7er the east 'art& all the way to the ;aut ri7er. Hroe ha% family frien%s on both si%es of the ri7er& an% also great farms on Hising <slan%& an% was besi%es a mighty an% 7ery rich man. 3ilif was also of great family& an% 7ery wealthy. Now when King $laf came to 2anrike he summone% the 'eo'le to a Thing& an% all who %welt on the sea coast or in the out islan%s came to him. Now when the Thing was seate% the

king4s marshal& +Born& hel% a s'eech to them& in which he tol% the bon%es to recei7e $laf as their king& in the same way as ha% been %one in all other 'arts of Norway. Then stoo% u' a bol% bon%e by name +rynBolf @lfal%e& an% sai%& 6=e bon%es know where the %i7ision boun%aries between the Norway an% *anish an% Swe%ish kings4 lan%s ha7e stoo% by rights in ol% timesA namely& that the ;aut ri7er %i7i%e% their lan%s between the >ener lake an% the seaA but towar%s the north the forests until 3i% forest& an% from thence the ri%ge of the country all north to ?inmark. =e know& also& that by turns they ha7e ma%e inroa%s u'on each other4s territories& an% that the Swe%es ha7e long ha% 'ower all the way to S7inasun%. +ut& sooth to say& < know that it is the inclination of many rather to ser7e the king of Norway& but they %are notA for the Swe%ish king4s %ominions surroun% us& both eastwar%& southwar%s& an% also u' the countryA an% besi%es& it may be eD'ecte% that the king of Norway must soon go to the north& where the strength of his king%om lies& an% then we ha7e no 'ower to withstan% the ;autlan%ers. Now it is for the king to gi7e us goo% counsel& for we ha7e great %esire to be his men.6 )fter the Thing& in the e7ening& +rynBolf was in the king4s tent& an% the %ay after likewise& an% they ha% much 'ri7ate con7ersation together. Then the king 'rocee%e% eastwar%s along >iken. Now when 3ilif hear% of his arri7al& he sent out s'ies to %isco7er what he was aboutA but he himself& with thirty men& ke't himself high u' in the habitations among the hills& where he ha% gathere% together bon%es. .any of the bon%es came to King $laf& but some sent frien%ly messages to him. 1eo'le went between King $laf an% 3ilif& an% they entreate% each se'arately to hol% a Thing meeting between themsel7es& an% make 'eace in one way or another. They tol% 3ilif that they might eD'ect 7iolent treatment from King $laf if they o''ose% his or%ersA but 'romise% 3ilif he shoul% not want men. <t was %etermine% that they shoul% come %own from the high country& an% hol% a thing with the bon%es an% the king. King $laf thereu'on sent the chief of his 'ursui7ants& Thorer -ange& with siD men& to +rynBolf. They were eFui''e% with their coats of mail un%er their cloaks& an% their hats o7er their helmets. The following %ay the bon%es came in crow%s %own with 3ilifA an% in his suite was +rynBolf& an% with him Thorer. The king lai% his shi's close to a rocky knoll that stuck out into the sea& an% u'on it the king went with his 'eo'le& an% sat %own. +elow was a flat fiel%& on which the bon%es4 force wasA but 3ilif4s men were %rawn u'& forming a shiel% fence before him. +Born the marshal s'oke long an% cle7erly u'on the king4s account& an% when he sat %own 3ilif arose to s'eakA but at the same moment Thorer -ange rose& %rew his swor%& an% struck 3ilif on the neck& so that his hea% flew off. Then the whole bon%e force starte% u'A but the ;autlan% men set off in full flight an% Thorer with his 'eo'le kille% se7eral of them. Now when the crow% was settle% again& an% the noise o7er the king stoo% u'& an% tol% the bon%es to seat themsel7es. They %i% so& an% then much was s'oken. The en% of it was that they submitte% to the king& an% 'romise% fi%elity to himA an% he& on the other han%& 'romise% not to %esert them& but to remain at han% until the %iscor% between him an% the Swe%ish $laf was settle% in one way or other. King $laf then brought the whole northern %istrict un%er his 'ower& an% went in summer eastwar% as far as the ;aut ri7er& an% got all the king4s scat among the

islan%s. +ut when summer ().*. 191/# was %rawing towar%s an en% he returne% north to >iken& an% saile% u' the 2aum ri7er to a waterfall calle% Sar'. $n the north si%e of the fall& a 'oint of lan% Buts out into the ri7er. There the king or%ere% a ram'art to be built right across the ness& of stone& turf& an% woo%& an% a %itch to be %ug in front of itA so that it was a large earthen fort or burgh& which he ma%e a merchant town of. He ha% a king4s house 'ut u'& an% or%ere% the buil%ing of .ary church. He also lai% out 'lans for other houses& an% got 'eo'le to buil% on them. <n har7est ().*. 191/# he let e7erything be gathere% there that was useful for his winter resi%ence ().*. 1917#& an% sat there with a great many 'eo'le& an% the rest he Fuartere% in the neighbouring %istricts. The king 'rohibite% all eD'orts from >iken to ;autlan% of herrings an% salt& which the ;autlan% 'eo'le coul% ill %o without. This year the king hel% a great Cule feast& to which he in7ite% many great bon%es.

/9. TH3 H<ST$2C $? 3C><N* @2)2H$2N. There was a man calle% 3y7in% @rarhorn& who was a great man& of high birth& who ha% his %escent from the 3ast )g%er country. 37ery summer he went out on a 7iking cruise& sometimes to the =est sea& sometimes to the +altic& sometimes south to ?lan%ers& an% ha% a well arme% cutter (snekkia# of twenty benches of rowers. He ha% been also at NesBar& an% gi7en his ai% to the kingA an% when they se'arate% the king 'romise% him his fa7our& an% 3y7in%& again& 'romise% to come to the king4s ai% whene7er he was reFuire%. This winter ().*. 1917# 3y7in% was at the Cule feast of the king& an% recei7e% goo%ly gifts from him. +rynBolf @lfal%e was also with the king& an% he recei7e% a Cule 'resent from the king of a gol% mounte% swor%& an% also a farm calle% >ettalan%& which is a 7ery large hea% farm of the %istrict. +rynBolf com'ose% a song about these gifts& of which the refrain was 6The song fame% hero to my han% ;a7e a goo% swor%& an% >ettalan%.6 The king afterwar%s ga7e him the title of -en%erman& an% +rynBolf was e7er after the king4s greatest frien%.

/1. TH2)N* =H<T34S .@2*32. This winter ().*. 1917# Thran% =hite from Thron%hBem went east to Gamtalan%& to take u' scat u'on account of King $laf. +ut when he ha% collecte% the scat he was sur'rise% by men of the Swe%ish king& who kille% him an% his men& twel7e in all& an% brought the scat to the Swe%ish king. King $laf was 7ery ill 'lease% when he hear% this news.

/!. CH2<ST<)N<TC 12$C-)<.3* <N ><K3N.

King $laf ma%e Christian law to be 'roclaime% in >iken& in the same way as in the North country. <t succee%e% well& because the 'eo'le of >iken were better acFuainte% with the Christian customs than the 'eo'le in the northA for& both winter an% summer& there were many merchants in >iken& both *anish an% SaDon. The 'eo'le of >iken& also& ha% much tra%ing intercourse with 3nglan%& an% SaDony& an% ?lan%ers& an% *enmarkA an% some ha% been on 7iking eD'e%itions& an% ha% ha% their winter abo%e in Christian lan%s.

/:. H2$34S ?)--. )bout s'ring time ().*. 1917# King $laf sent a message that 3y7in% @rarhorn shoul% come to himA an% they s'ake together in 'ri7ate for a long time. Thereafter 3y7in% ma%e himself rea%y for a 7iking cruise. He saile% south towar%s >iken& an% brought u' at the 3ikreys <sles without Hising <sle. There he hear% that Hroe Skialge ha% gone northwar%s towar%s $r%ost& an% ha% there ma%e a le7y of men an% goo%s on account of the Swe%ish king& an% was eD'ecte% from the north. 3y7in% rowe% in by Haugasun%& an% Hroe came rowing from the north& an% they met in the soun% an% fought. Hroe fell there& with nearly thirty menA an% 3y7in% took all the goo%s Hroe ha% with him. 3y7in% then 'rocee%e% to the +altic& an% was all summer on a 7iking cruise.

/". ?)-- $? ;@*-3<K )N* TH$2;)@T. There was a man calle% ;u%leik ;erske& who came originally from )g%er. He was a great merchant& who went far an% wi%e by sea& was 7ery rich& an% %ro7e a tra%e with 7arious countries. He often went east to ;ar%arike (2ussia#& an% therefore was calle% ;u%leik ;erske (the 2ussian#. This s'ring ().*. 1917# ;u%leik fitte% out his shi'& an% inten%e% to go east in summer to 2ussia. King $laf sent a message to him that he wante% to s'eak to himA an% when ;u%leik came to the king he tol% him he woul% go in 'artnershi' with him& an% tol% him to 'urchase some costly articles which were %ifficult to be ha% in this country. ;u%leik sai% that it shoul% be accor%ing to the king4s %esire. The king or%ere% as much money to be %eli7ere% to ;u%leik as he thought sufficient& an% then ;u%leik set out for the +altic. They lay in a soun% in ;otlan%A an% there it ha''ene%& as it often %oes& that 'eo'le cannot kee' their own secrets& an% the 'eo'le of the country came to know that in this shi' was $laf the Thick4s 'artner. ;u%leik went in summer eastwar%s to No7goro%& where he bought fine an% costly clothes& which he inten%e% for the king as a state %ressA an% also 'recious furs& an% remarkably s'len%i% table utensils. <n autumn ().*. 1917#& as ;u%leik was returning from the east& he met a contrary win%& an% lay for a long time at the islan% 3ylan%. There came Thorgaut Skar%e& who in autumn ha% hear% of ;u%leik4s course& in a long shi' against him& an% ga7e him battle. They fought long& an% ;u%leik an% his 'eo'le %efen%e% themsel7es for a long timeA but the numbers against them were great& an% ;u%leik an% many of his shi'4s crew fell& an% a

great many of them were woun%e%. Thorgaut took all their goo%s& an% King $laf4s& an% he an% his comra%es %i7i%e% the booty among them eFuallyA but he sai% the Swe%ish king ought to ha7e the 'recious articles of King $laf& as these& he sai%& shoul% be consi%ere% as 'art of the scat %ue to him from Norway. Thereafter Thorgaut 'rocee%e% east to S7ithBo%. These ti%ings were soon knownA an% as 3y7in% @rarhorn came soon after to 3ylan%& he hear% the news& an% saile% east after Thorgaut an% his troo'& an% o7ertook them among the Swe%ish isles on the coast& an% ga7e battle. There Thorgaut an% the most of his men were kille%& an% the rest s'rang o7erboar%. 3y7in% took all the goo%s an% all the costly articles of King $laf which they ha% ca'ture% from ;u%leik& an% went with these back to Norway in autumn& an% %eli7ere% to King $laf his 'recious wares. The king thanke% him in the most frien%ly way for his 'rocee%ing& an% 'romise% him anew his fa7our an% frien%shi'. )t this time $laf ha% been three years king o7er Norway ().*. 191( 1917#.

/(. .33T<N; $? $-)? )N* 2);N>)-*. The same summer ().*. 1917# King $laf or%ere% a le7y& an% went out eastwar%s to the ;aut ri7er& where he lay a great 'art of the summer. .essages were 'assing between King $laf& 3arl 2agn7al%& an% the earl4s wife& <ngebBorg& the %aughter of Tryg7e. She was 7ery Eealous about gi7ing King $laf of Norway e7ery kin% of hel'& an% ma%e it a matter of her %ee'est interest. ?or this there were two causes. She ha% a great frien%shi' for King $lafA an% also she coul% ne7er forget that the Swe%ish king ha% been one at the %eath of her brother& $laf Tryg7asonA an% also that he& on that account only& ha% any 'resence to rule o7er Norway. The earl& by her 'ersuasion& turne% much towar%s frien%shi' with King $lafA an% it 'rocee%e% so far that the earl an% the king a''ointe% a meeting& an% met at the ;aut ri7er. They talke% together of many things& but es'ecially of the Norwegian an% Swe%ish kings4 relations with each otherA both agreeing& as was the truth also& that it was the greatest loss& both to the 'eo'le of >iken an% of ;autlan%& that there was no 'eace for tra%e between the two countriesA an% at last both agree% u'on a 'eace& an% still stan% of arms between them until neDt summerA an% they 'arte% with mutual gifts an% frien%ly s'eeches.

//. K<N; $-)? TH3 S=3*3. The king thereu'on returne% north to >iken& an% ha% all the royal re7enues u' to the ;aut ri7erA an% all the 'eo'le of the country there ha% submitte% to him. King $laf the Swe%e ha% so great a hatre% of $laf Haral%son& that no man %are% to call him by his right name in the king4s hearing. They calle% him the thick manA an% ne7er name% him without some har% by name.

/7. )CC$@NT $? TH3<2 23C$NC<-<)T<$N.

The bon%es in >iken s'oke with each other about there being nothing for it but that the kings shoul% make 'eace an% a league with each other& an% insiste% u'on it that they were ba%ly use% by the kings going to warA but nobo%y was so bol% as to bring these murmurs before the king. )t last they begge% +Born the marshal to bring this matter before the king& an% entreat him to sen% messengers to the Swe%ish king to offer 'eace on his si%e. +Born was %isincline% to %o this& an% 'ut it off from himself with eDcusesA but on the entreaties of many of his frien%s& he 'romise% at last to s'eak of it to the kingA but %eclare%& at the same time& that he knew it woul% be taken 7ery ill by the king to 'ro'ose that he shoul% gi7e way in anything to the Swe%ish king. The same summer ().*. 1917# HBalte SkeggBason came o7er to Norway from <celan%& accor%ing to the message sent him by King $laf& an% went %irectly to the king. He was well recei7e% by the king& who tol% him to lo%ge in his house& an% ga7e him a seat besi%e +Born the marshal& an% HBalte became his comra%e at table. There was goo% fellowshi' imme%iately between them. $nce& when King $laf ha% assemble% the 'eo'le an% bon%es to consult u'on the goo% of the country& +Born the marshal sai%& 6=hat think you& king& of the strife that is between the Swe%ish king an% youL .any 'eo'le ha7e fallen on both si%es& without its being at all more %etermine% than before what each of you shall ha7e of the king%om. Cou ha7e now been sitting in >iken one winter an% two summers& an% the whole country to the north is lying behin% your back unseenA an% the men who ha7e 'ro'erty or u%al rights in the north are weary of sitting here. Now it is the wish of the len%ermen& of your other 'eo'le& an% of the bon%es that this shoul% come to an en%. There is now a truce& agreement& an% 'eace with the earl& an% the =est ;autlan% 'eo'le who are nearest to usA an% it a''ears to the 'eo'le it woul% be best that you sent messengers to the Swe%ish king to offer a reconciliation on your si%eA an%& without %oubt& many who are about the Swe%ish king will su''ort the 'ro'osal& for it is a common gain for those who %well in both countries& both here an% there.6 This s'eech of +Born4s recei7e% great a''lause. Then the king sai%& 6<t is fair& +Born& that the a%7ice thou hast gi7en shoul% be carrie% out by thyself. Thou shalt un%ertake this embassy thyself& an% enBoy the goo% of it& if thou hast a%7ise% wellA an% if it in7ol7e any man in %anger& thou hast in7ol7e% thyself in it. .oreo7er& it belongs to thy office to %eclare to the multitu%e what < wish to ha7e tol%.6 Then the king stoo% u'& went to the church& an% ha% high mass sung before himA an% thereafter went to table. The following %ay HBalte sai% to +Born& 6=hy art thou so melancholy& manL )rt thou sick& or art thou angry at any oneL6 +Born tells HBalte his con7ersation with the king& an% says it is a 7ery %angerous erran%. HBalte says& 6<t is their lot who follow kings that they high honours& an% are more res'ecte% than other men& but often in %anger of their li7es5 an% they must un%erstan% bear both 'arts of their lot. The king4s luck is greatA enBoy stan% how to an% much

honour will be gaine% by this business& if it succee%.6 +Born answere%& 6Since thou makest so light of this business in thy s'eech& wilt thou go with meL The king has 'romise% that < shall ha7e com'anions with me on the Bourney.6 6Certainly&6 says HBalteA 6< will follow thee& if thou wilt5 for ne7er again shall < fall in with such a comra%e if we 'art.6

/8. G$@2N3C $? +G$2N TH3 .)2SH)-. ) few %ays afterwar%s. when the king was at a Thing meeting& +Born came with ele7en others. He says to the king that they were now rea%y to 'rocee% on their mission& an% that their horses stoo% sa%%le% at the %oor. 6)n% now&6 says he& 6< woul% know with what erran% < am to go& or what or%ers thou gi7est us.6 The king re'lies& 6Ce shall carry these my wor%s to the Swe%ish king that < will establish 'eace between our countries u' to the frontier which $laf Tryg7ason ha% before meA an% each shall bin% himself faithfully not to tres'ass o7er it. +ut with regar% to the loss of 'eo'le& no man must mention it if 'eace there is to beA for the Swe%ish king cannot with money 'ay for the men the Swe%es ha7e %e'ri7e% us of.6 Thereu'on the king rose& an% went out with +Born an% his followersA an% he took a gol% mounte% swor% an% a gol% ring& an% sai%& in han%ing o7er the swor% to +Born& 6This < gi7e thee5 it was gi7en to me in summer by 3arl 2agn7al%. To him ye shall goA an% bring him wor% from me to a%7ance your erran% with his counsel an% strength. This thy erran% < will think well fulfille% if thou hearest the Swe%ish king4s own wor%s& be they yea or nay5 an% this gol% ring thou shalt gi7e 3arl 2agn7al%. These are tokens (1# he must know well.6 HBalte went u' to the king& salute% him& an% sai%& 6=e nee% much& king& that thy luck atten% usA6 an% wishe% that they might meet again in goo% health. The king aske% where HBalte was going. 6=ith +Born&6 sai% he. The king sai%& 6<t will assist much to the goo% success of the Bourney that thou goest too& for thy goo% fortune has often been 'ro7e%A an% be assure% that < shall wish that all my luck& if that be of any weight& may atten% thee an% thy com'any.6 +Born an% his followers ro%e their way& an% came to 3arl 2agn7al%4s court& where they were well recei7e%. +Born was a celebrate% an% generally known man& known by sight an% s'eech to all who ha% e7er seen King $lafA for at e7ery Thing& +Born stoo% u' an% tol% the king4s message. <ngebBorg& the earl4s wife& went u' to HBalte an% looke% at him. She recogniEe% him& for she was li7ing with her brother $laf Tryg7ason when HBalte was there5 an% she knew how to reckon u' the relationshi' between

King $laf an% >ilborg& the wife of HBalteA for 3irik +Bo%askalle father of )stri%& King $laf Tryg7ason4s mother& an% +o%7ar father of $laf& mother of ;issur =hite the father of >ilborg& were brother4s sons of the len%erman >ikingakare of >ors. They enBoye% here goo% entertainment. $ne %ay +Born entere% into con7ersation with the earl an% <ngebBorg& in which he set forth his erran%& an% 'ro%uce% to the earl his tokens. The earl re'lies& 6=hat hast thou %one& +Born& that the king wishes thy %eathL ?or& so far from thy erran% ha7ing any success& < %o not think a man can be foun% who coul% s'eak these wor%s to the Swe%ish king without incurring wrath an% 'unishment. King $laf& king of Swe%en& is too 'rou% for any man to s'eak to him on anything he is angry at.6 Then +Born says& 6Nothing has ha''ene% to me that King $laf is offen%e% atA but many of his %is'osition act both for themsel7es an% others& in a way that only men who are %aring can succee% in. +ut as yet all his 'lans ha7e ha% goo% success& an% < think this will turn out well tooA so < assure you& earl& that < will actually tra7el to the Swe%ish king& an% not turn back before < ha7e brought to his ears e7ery wor% that King $laf tol% me to say to him& unless %eath 're7ent me& or that < am in bon%s& an% cannot 'erform my erran%A an% this < must %o& whether you gi7e any ai% or no ai% to me in fulfilling the king4s wishes.6 Then sai% <ngebGorg& 6< will soon %eclare my o'inion. < think& earl& thou must turn all thy attention to su''orting King $laf the king of Norway4s %esire that this message be lai% before the Swe%ish king& in whate7er way he may answer it. )lthough the Swe%ish king4s anger shoul% be incurre%& an% our 'ower an% 'ro'erty be at stake& yet will < rather run the risk& than that it shoul% be sai% the message of King $laf was neglecte% from fear of the Swe%ish king. Thou hast that birth& strength of relations& an% other means& that here in the Swe%ish lan% it is free to thee to tell thy min%& if it be right an% worthy of being hear%& whether it be listene% to by few or many& great or little 'eo'le& or by the king himself.6 The earl re'lies& 6<t is known to e7ery one how thou urgest me5 it may be& accor%ing to thy counsel& that < shoul% 'romise the king4s men to follow them& so that they may get their erran% lai% before the Swe%ish king& whether he take it ill or take it well. +ut < will ha7e my own counsel followe%& an% will not run hastily into +Born4s or any other man4s measures& in such a highly im'ortant matter. <t is my will that ye all remain here with me& so long as < think it necessary for the 'ur'ose of rightly forwar%ing this mission.6 Now as the earl ha% thus gi7en them to un%erstan% that he woul% su''ort them in the business& +Born thanke% him most kin%ly& an% with the assurance that his a%7ice shoul% rule them altogether. Thereafter +Born an% his fellow tra7ellers remaine% 7ery long in the earl4s house. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# +efore writing was a common accom'lishment in courts& the

only way of accre%iting a s'ecial messenger between kings an% great men was by gi7ing the messenger a tokenA that is. some article well known by the 'erson recei7ing the message to be the 'ro'erty of an% 7alue% by the 'erson sen%ing it.

/9. C$N>32S)T<$N $? +G$2N )N* <N;3+G$2;. <ngebBorg was 'articularly kin% to themA an% +Born often s'oke with her about the matter& an% was ill at ease that their Bourney was so long %elaye%. HBalte an% the others often s'oke together also about the matterA an% HBalte sai%A 6< will go to the king if ye likeA for < am not a man of Norway& an% the Swe%es can ha7e nothing to say to me. < ha7e hear% that there are <celan% men in the king4s house who are my acFuaintances& an% are well treate%A namely& the skal%s ;issur +lack an% $ttar +lack. ?rom them < shall get out what < can about the Swe%ish kingA an% if the business will really be so %ifficult as it now a''ears& or if there be any other way of 'romoting it& < can easily %e7ise some erran% that may a''ear suitable for me.6 This counsel a''eare% to +Born an% <ngebBorg to be the wisest& an% they resol7e% u'on it among themsel7es. <ngebBorg 'ut HBalte in a 'osition to tra7elA ga7e him two ;autlan% men with him& an% or%ere% them to follow him& an% assist him with their ser7ice& an% also to go where7er he might ha7e occasion to sen% them. +esi%es& <ngebBorg ga7e him twenty marks of weighe% sil7er money for tra7elling eD'enses& an% sent wor% an% token by him to the Swe%ish king $laf4s %aughter& <ngeger%& that she shoul% gi7e all her assistance to HBalte4s business& whene7er he shoul% fin% himself un%er the necessity of cra7ing her hel'. HBalte set off as soon as he was rea%y. =hen he came to King $laf he soon foun% the skal%s ;issur an% $ttar& an% they were 7ery gla% at his coming. =ithout %elay they went to the king& an% tol% him that a man was come who was their countryman& an% one of the most consi%erable in their nati7e lan%& an% reFueste% the king to recei7e him well. The king tol% them to take HBalte an% his fellow tra7ellers into their com'any an% Fuarters. Now when HBalte ha% resi%e% there a short time& an% got acFuainte% with 'eo'le& he was much res'ecte% by e7erybo%y. The skal%s were often in the king4s house& for they were well s'oken menA an% often in the %aytime they sat in front of the king4s high seat& an% HBalte& to whom they 'ai% the highest res'ect in all things& by their si%e. He became thus known to the king& who willingly entere% into con7ersation with him& an% hear% from him news about <celan%.

79. $? S<;>)T TH3 SK)-*. <t ha''ene% that before +Born set out from home he the skal%& who at that time was with King $laf& to on his Bourney. <t was a Bourney for which 'eo'le inclination. There was& howe7er& great frien%shi' an% Sig7at. Then Sig7at sang5 aske% Sig7at accom'any him ha% no great between +Born

6=ith the king4s marshals all ha7e <& <n %ays gone by& -i7e% Boyously& =ith all who on the king atten%& )n% knee before him humbly ben%& +Born& thou oft hast ta4en my 'art 1lea%e% with art& )n% touche% the heart. +BornK bra7e stainer of the swor%& Thou art my frien% < trust thy wor%.6 =hile they were ri%ing u' to ;autlan%& Sig7at ma%e these 7erses5 6*own the ?Bor% swee' win% an% rain& $ur stout shi'4s sails an% tackle strainA =et to the skin. =e4re soun% within& )n% gaily o4er the wa7es are %ancing& $ur sea stee% o4er the wa7es high 'rancingK Through -ister sea ?lying all freeA $ff from the win% with swelling sail& =e merrily scu% before the gale& )n% reach the soun% =here we were boun%. )n% now our shi'& so gay an% gran%& ;li%es 'ast the green an% lo7ely lan%& )n% at the isle .oors for a while. $ur horse hoofs now lea7e hasty 'rintA =e ri%e of ease there4s scanty stint <n heat an% haste $4er ;autlan%4s waste5 Though in a hurry to be marrie%& The king can4t say that we ha7e tarrie%.6 $ne e7ening late they were ri%ing through ;autlan%& an% Sig7at ma%e these 7erses5 6The weary horse will at nightfall ;allo' right well to reach his stallA =hen night meets %ay& with hasty hoof He 'lies the roa% to reach a roof. ?ar from the *anes& we now may ri%e Safely by stream or mountain si%eA +ut& in this twilight& in some %itch The horse an% ri%er both may 'itch.6 They ro%e through the merchant town of Skara& an% %own the street to the earl4s house. He sang5 6The shy sweet girls& from win%ow high <n won%er 'ee' at the s'arks that fly ?rom our horses heels& as %own the street $f the earl4s town we ri%e so fleet.

S'ur onK that e7ery 'retty lass .ay hear our horse hoofs as we 'ass Clatter u'on the stones so har%& )n% echo roun% the 'a7e% court yar%.6

71. HG)-T3 SK3;;G)S$N =H<-3 H3 =)S <N S><TH<$*. $ne %ay HBalte& an% the skal%s with him& went before the king& an% he began thus5 6<t has so ha''ene%& king& as is known to you& that < ha7e come here after a long an% %ifficult BourneyA but when < ha% once crosse% the ocean an% hear% of your greatness& it a''eare% to me unwise to go back without ha7ing seen you in your s'len%our an% glory. Now it is a law between <celan% an% Norway& that <celan% men 'ay lan%ing %ue when they come into Norway& but while < was coming across the sea < took myself all the lan%ing %ues from my shi'4s 'eo'leA but knowing that thou ha7e the greatest right to all the 'ower in Norway& < hastene% hither to %eli7er to you the lan%ing %ues.6 =ith this he showe% the sil7er to the king& an% lai% ten marks of sil7er in ;issur +lack4s la'. The king re'lies& 6?ew ha7e brought us any such %ues from Norway for some timeA an% now& HBalte& < will return you my warmest thanks for ha7ing gi7en yourself so much trouble to bring us the lan%ing %ues& rather than 'ay them to our enemies. +ut < will that thou shoul%st take this money from me as a gift& an% with it my frien%shi'.6 HBalte thanke% the king with many wor%s& an% from that %ay set himself in great fa7our with the king& an% often s'oke with himA for the king thought& what was true& that he was a man of much un%erstan%ing an% eloFuence. Now HBalte tol% ;issur an% $ttar that he was sent with tokens to the king4s %aughter <ngeger%& to obtain her 'rotection an% frien%shi'A an% he begge% of them to 'rocure him some o''ortunity to s'eak with her. They answere%& that this was an easy thing to %oA an% went one %ay to her house& where she sat at the %rinking table with many men. She recei7e% the skal%s in a frien%ly manner& for they were known to her. HBalte brought her a salutation from the earl4s wife& <ngebBorgA an% sai% she ha% sent him here to obtain frien%ly hel' an% succour from her& an% in 'roof whereof 'ro%uce% his tokens. The king4s %aughter recei7e% him also kin%ly& an% sai% he shoul% be welcome to her frien%shi'. They sat there till late in the %ay %rinking. The king4s %aughter ma%e HBalte tell her much news& an% in7ite% him to come often an% con7erse with her. He %i% so5 came there often& an% s'oke with the king4s %aughterA an% at last entruste% her with the 'ur'ose of +Born4s an% his comra%e4s Bourney& an% aske% her how she thought the Swe%ish king woul% recei7e the 'ro'osal that there shoul% be a reconciliation between the kings. The king4s %aughter re'lie%& that& in her o'inion& it woul% be a useless attem't to 'ro'ose to the king any reconciliation with $laf the ThickA for the king was so enrage% against him& that he woul% not suffer his name to be mentione% before him. <t ha''ene% one %ay that HBalte was sitting with the king an% talking to him& an% the king was 7ery merry an% %runk.

Then HBalte sai%& 6.anifol% s'len%our an% gran%eur ha7e < seen hereA an% < ha7e now witnesse% with my eyes what < ha7e often hear% of& that no monarch in the north is so magnificent5 but it is 7ery 7eDatious that we who come so far to 7isit it ha7e a roa% so long an% troublesome& both on account of the great ocean& but more es'ecially because it is not safe to tra7el through Norway for those who are coming here in a frien%ly %is'osition. +ut why is there no one to bring 'ro'osals for a 'eace between you an% King $laf the ThickL < hear% much in Norway& an% in west ;autlan%& of the general %esire that this 'eace shoul% ha7e taken 'laceA an% it has been tol% me for truth& as the Norway king4s wor%s& that he earnestly %esires to be reconcile% to youA an% the reason < know is& that he feels how much less his 'ower is than yours. <t is e7en sai% that he inten%s to 'ay his court to your %aughter <ngeger%A an% that woul% lea% to a useful 'eace& for < ha7e hear% from 'eo'le of cre%it that he is a remarkably %istinguishe% man.6 The king answers. 6Thou must not s'eak thus& HBalteA but for this time < will not take it amiss of thee& as thou %ost not know what 'eo'le ha7e to a7oi% here. That fat fellow shall not be calle% king in my court& an% there is by no means the stuff in him that 'eo'le talk of5 an% thou must see thyself that such a connection is not suitableA for < am the tenth king in @'sala who& relation after relation& has been sole monarch o7er the Swe%ish& an% many other great lan%s& an% all ha7e been the su'erior kings o7er other kings in the northern countries. +ut Norway is little inhabite%& an% the inhabitants are scattere%. There ha7e only been small kings thereA an% although Haral% Harfager was the greatest king in that country& an% stro7e against the small kings& an% sub%ue% them& yet he knew so well his 'osition that he %i% not co7et the Swe%ish %ominions& an% therefore the Swe%ish kings let him sit in 'eace& es'ecially as there was relationshi' between them. Thereafter& while Hakon )thelstan4s foster son was in Norway he sat in 'eace& until he began to marau% in ;autlan% an% *enmarkA on which a war force came u'on him& an% took from him both life an% lan%. ;unhil%4s sons also were cut off when they became %isobe%ient to the *anish kingsA an% Haral% ;ormson Boine% Norway to his own %ominions& an% ma%e it subBect to scat to him. )n% we reckon Haral% ;ormson to be of less 'ower an% consi%eration than the @'sala kings& for our relation StyrbBorn sub%ue% him& an% Haral% became his manA an% yet 3irik the >ictorious& my father& rose o7er StyrbBorn4s hea% when it came to a trial between them. =hen $laf Tryg7ason came to Norway an% 'roclaime% himself king& we woul% not 'ermit it& but we went with King S7ein& an% cut him offA an% thus we ha7e a''ro'riate% Norway& as thou hast not hear%& an% with no less right than if < ha% gaine% it in battle& an% by conFuering the kings who rule% it before. Now thou canst well su''ose& as a man of sense& that < will not let sli' the king%om of Norway for this thick fellow. <t is won%erful he %oes not remember how narrowly he ma%e his esca'e& when we ha% 'enne% him in in the .alar lake. )lthough he sli''e% away with life from thence& he ought& methinks& to ha7e something else in his min% than to hol% out against us Swe%es. Now& HBalte& thou must ne7er again o'en thy mouth in my 'resence on such a subBect.6

HBalte saw sufficiently that there was no ho'e of the king4s listening to any 'ro'osal of a 'eace& an% %esiste% from s'eaking of it& an% turne% the con7ersation to something else. =hen HBalte& afterwar%s& came into %iscourse with the king4s %aughter <ngeger%& he tells her his con7ersation with the king. She tol% him she eD'ecte% such an answer from the king. HBalte begge% of her to say a goo% wor% to the king about the matter& but she thought the king woul% listen as little to what she sai%5 6+ut s'eak about it < will& if thou reFuirest it.6 HBalte assure% her he woul% be thankful for the attem't. $ne %ay the king4s %aughter <ngeger% ha% a con7ersation with her father $lafA an% as she foun% her father was in a 'articularly goo% humour& she sai%& 6=hat is now thy intention with regar% to the strife with $laf the ThickL There are many who com'lain about it& ha7ing lost their 'ro'erty by itA others ha7e lost their relations by the Northmen& an% all their 'eace an% FuietA so that none of your men see any harm that can be %one to Norway. <t woul% be a ba% counsel if thou sought the %ominion o7er NorwayA for it is a 'oor country& %ifficult to come at& an% the 'eo'le %angerous5 for the men there will rather ha7e any other for their king than thee. <f < might a%7ise& thou woul%st let go all thoughts about Norway& an% not %esire $laf4s heritageA an% rather turn thyself to the king%oms in the 3ast country& which thy forefathers the former Swe%ish kings ha%& an% which our relation StyrbBorn lately sub%ue%& an% let the thick $laf 'ossess the heritage of his forefathers an% make 'eace with him.6 The king re'lies in a rage& 6<t is thy counsel& <ngeger%& that < shoul% let sli' the king%om of Norway& an% gi7e thee in marriage to this thick $laf. No&6 says he& 6something else shall first take 'lace. 2ather than that& < shall& at the @'sala Thing in winter& issue a 'roclamation to all Swe%es& that the whole 'eo'le shall assemble for an eD'e%ition& an% go to their shi's before the ice is off the watersA an% < will 'rocee% to Norway& an% lay waste the lan% with fire an% swor%& an% burn e7erything& to 'unish them for their want of fi%elity.6 The king was so ma% with rage that nobo%y 7enture% to say a wor%& an% she went away. HBalte& who was watching for her& imme%iately went to her an% aske% how her erran% to the king ha% turne% out. She answere%& it turne% out as she ha% eD'ecte%A that none coul% 7enture to 'ut in a wor% with the kingA but& on the contrary& he ha% use% threatsA an% she begge% HBalte ne7er to s'eak of the matter again before the king. )s HBalte an% <ngeger% s'oke together often& $laf the Thick was often the subBect& an% he tol% her about him an% his mannersA an% HBalte 'raise% the king of Norway what he coul%& but sai% no more than was the truth& an% she coul% well 'ercei7e it. $nce& in a con7ersation& HBalte sai% to her& 6.ay < be 'ermitte%& %aughter of the king& to tell thee what lies in my min%L6 6S'eak freely&6 says sheA 6but so that < alone can hear it.6 6Then&6 sai% HBalte& 6what woul% be thy answer& if the Norway king $laf sent messengers to thee with the erran% to 'ro'ose marriage to theeL6

She blushe%& an% answere% slowly but gently& 6< ha7e not ma%e u' my min% to answer to thatA but if $laf be in all res'ects so 'erfect as thou tellest me& < coul% wish for no other husban%A unless& in%ee%& thou hast gil%e% him o7er with thy 'raise more than sufficiently.6 HBalte re'lie%& that he ha% in no res'ect s'oken better of the king than was true. They often s'oke together on the same subBect. <ngeger% begge% HBalte to be cautious not to mention it to any other 'erson& for the king woul% be enrage% against him if it came to his knowle%ge. HBalte only s'oke of it to the skal%s ;issur an% $ttar& who thought it was the most ha''y 'lan& if it coul% but be carrie% into effect. $ttar& who was a man of great 'ower of con7ersation& an% much belo7e% in the court& soon brought u' the subBect before the king4s %aughter& an% recounte% to her& as HBalte ha% %one& all King $laf4s eDcellent Fualities. $ften s'oke HBalte an% the others about himA an% now that HBalte knew the result of his mission& he sent those ;autlan% men away who ha% accom'anie% him& an% let them return to the earl with letters (1# which the king4s %aughter <ngeger% sent to the earl an% <ngebBorg. HBalte also let them gi7e a hint to the earl about the con7ersation he ha% ha% with <ngeger%& an% her answer thereto5 an% the messengers came with it to the earl a little before Cule. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# This seems the first notice we ha7e in the sagas of written letters being sent instea% of tokens an% 7erbal messages. -.

7!. $-)?4S G$@2N3C T$ TH3 @1-)N*S. =hen King $laf ha% %es'atche% +Born an% his followers to ;autlan%& he sent other 'eo'le also to the @'lan%s& with the erran% that they shoul% ha7e guest Fuarters 're'are% for him& as he inten%e% that winter ().*. 1918# to li7e as guest in the @'lan%sA for it ha% been the custom of former kings to make a 'rogress in guest Fuarters e7ery thir% year in the @'lan%s. <n autumn he began his 'rogress from Sar'sborg& an% went first to >ingulmark. He or%ere% his 'rogress so that he came first to lo%ge in the neighbourhoo% of the forest habitations& an% summone% to him all the men of the habitations who %welt at the greatest %istance from the hea% habitations of the %istrictA an% he inFuire% 'articularly how it stoo% with their Christianity& an%& where im'ro7ement was nee%ful& he taught them the right customs. <f any there were who woul% not renounce heathen ways& he took the matter so Eealously that he %ro7e some out of the country& mutilate% others of han%s or feet& or stung their eyes outA hung u' some& cut %own some with the swor%A but let none go un'unishe% who woul% not ser7e ;o%. He went thus through the whole %istrict& s'aring neither great nor small. He ga7e them teachers& an% 'lace% these as thickly in the country as he saw nee%ful. <n this manner he went about in that %istrict& an% ha% :99 %ea%ly men at arms with himA an% then 'rocee%e% to 2aumarike.

He soon 'ercei7e% that Christianity was thri7ing less the farther he 'rocee%e% into the interior of the country. He went forwar% e7erywhere in the same way& con7erting all the 'eo'le to the right faith& an% se7erely 'unishing all who woul% not listen to his wor%.

7:.T23)CH32C $? TH3 @1-)N* K<N;S. Now when the king who at that time rule% in 2aumarike hear% of this& he thought it was a 7ery ba% affairA for e7ery %ay came men to him& both great an% small& who tol% him what was %oing. Therefore this king resol7e% to go u' to He%emark& an% consult King Hrorek& who was the most eminent for un%erstan%ing of the kings who at that time were in the country. Now when these kings s'oke with each other& they agree% to sen% a message to ;u%ro%& the 7alley king north in the ;u%bran%s%al& an% likewise to the king who was in Ha%alan%& an% bi% them to come to He%emark& to meet Hrorek an% the other kings there. They %i% not s'are their tra7ellingA for fi7e kings met in He%emark& at a 'lace calle% 2ingsaker. 2ing& King Hrorek4s brother& was the fifth of these kings. The kings ha% first a 'ri7ate conference together& in which he who came from 2aumarike first took u' the wor%& an% tol% of King $laf4s 'rocee%ings& an% of the %isturbance he was causing both by killing an% mutilating 'eo'le. Some he %ro7e out of the country& some he %e'ri7e% of their offices or 'ro'erty if they s'oke anything against himA an%& besi%es& he was tra7elling o7er the country with a great army& not with the number of 'eo'le fiDe% by law for a royal 'rogress in guest Fuarters. He a%%e%& that he ha% fle% hither u'on account of this %isturbance& an% many 'owerful 'eo'le with him ha% fle% from their u%al 'ro'erties in 2aumarike. 6+ut although as yet the e7il is nearest to us& it will be but a short time before ye will also be eD'ose% to itA therefore it is best that we all consi%er together what resolution we shall take.6 =hen he ha% en%e% his s'eech& Hrorek was %esire% to s'eakA an% he sai%& 6Now is the %ay come that < foretol% when we ha% ha% our meeting at Ha%alan%& an% ye were all so eager to raise $laf o7er our hea%sA namely& that as soon as he was the su'reme master of the country we woul% fin% it har% to hol% him by the horns. =e ha7e but two things now to %o5 the one is& to go all of us to him& an% let him %o with us as he likes& which < think is the best thing we can %oA or the other is& to rise against him before he has gone farther through the country. )lthough he has :99 or "99 men& that is not too great a force for us to meet& if we are only all in mo7ement together5 but& in general& there is less success an% a%7antage to be gaine% when se7eral of eFual strength are Boine% together& than when one alone stan%s at the hea% of his own forceA therefore it is my a%7ice& that we %o not 7enture to try our luck against $laf Haral%son.6 Thereafter each of the kings s'oke accor%ing to his own min% some %issua%ing from going out against King $laf& others urging itA an% no %etermination was come to& as each ha% his own reasons to 'ro%uce.

Then ;u%ro%& the 7alley king& took u' the wor%& an% s'oke5 6<t a''ears won%erful to me& that ye make such a long roun%about in coming to a resolutionA an% 'robably ye are frightene% for him. =e are here fi7e kings& an% none of less high birth than $laf. =e ga7e him the strength to fight with 3arl S7ein& an% with our forces he has brought the country un%er his 'ower. +ut if he gru%ges each of us the little king%om he ha% before& an% threatens us with tortures& or gi7es us ill wor%s& then& say < for myself& that < will with%raw myself from the king4s sla7eryA an% < %o not call him a man among you who is afrai% to cut him off& if he come into your han%s here u' in He%emark. )n% this < can tell you& that we shall ne7er bear our hea%s in safety while $laf is in life.6 )fter this encouragement they all agree% to his %etermination. Then sai% Hrorek& 6=ith regar% to this %etermination& it a''ears to me necessary to make our agreement so strong that no one shall fail in his 'romise to the other. Therefore& if ye %etermine u'on attacking $laf at a fiDe% time& when he comes here to He%emark& < will not trust much to you if some are north in the 7alleys& others u' in He%emarkA but if our resolution is to come to anything& we must remain here assemble% together %ay an% night.6 This the kings agree% to& an% ke't themsel7es there all assemble%& or%ering a feast to be 'ro7i%e% for them at 2ingsaker& an% %rank there a cu' to successA sen%ing out s'ies to 2aumarike& an% when one set came in sen%ing out others& so that %ay an% night they ha% intelligence of $laf4s 'rocee%ings& an% of the numbers of his men. King $laf went about in 2aumarike in guest Fuarters& an% altogether in the way before relate%A but as the 'ro7ision of the guest Fuarter was not always sufficient& u'on account of his numerous followers& he lai% it u'on the bon%es to gi7e a%%itional contributions where7er he foun% it necessary to stay. <n some 'laces he staye% longer& in others& shorter than was fiDe%A an% his Bourney %own to the lake .iosen was shorter than ha% been fiDe% on. The kings& after taking their resolution& sent out message tokens& an% summone% all the len%ermen an% 'owerful bon%es from all the %istricts thereaboutA an% when they ha% assemble% the kings ha% a 'ri7ate meeting with them& an% ma%e their %etermination known& setting a %ay for gathering together an% carrying it into effectA an% it was settle% among them that each of the kings shoul% ha7e :99 (1# men. Then they sent away the len%ermen to gather the 'eo'le& an% meet all at the a''ointe% 'lace. The most a''ro7e% of the measureA but it ha''ene% here& as it usually %oes& that e7ery one has some frien% e7en among his enemies. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# <.e.& :/9.

7". .@T<-)T<N; $? TH3 @1-)N* K<N;S. Ketil of 2inganes was at this meeting. Now when he came home in

the e7ening he took his su''er& 'ut on his clothes& an% went %own with his house ser7ants to the lakeA took a light 7essel which he ha%& the same that King $laf ha% ma%e him a 'resent of& an% launche% it on the water. They foun% in the boat house e7erything rea%y to their han%sA betook themsel7es to their oars& an% rowe% out into the lake. Ketil ha% forty well arme% men with him& an% came early in the morning to the en% of the lake. He set off imme%iately with twenty men& lea7ing the other twenty to look after the shi'. King $laf was at that time at 3i%& in the u''er en% of 2aumarike. Thither Ketil arri7e% Bust as the king was coming from matins. The king recei7e% Ketil kin%ly. He sai% he must s'eak with the king in all hasteA an% they ha% a 'ri7ate conference together. There Ketil tells the king the resolution which the kings ha% taken& an% their agreement& which he ha% come to the certain knowle%ge of. =hen the king learnt this he calle% his 'eo'le together& an% sent some out to collect ri%ing horses in the countryA others he sent %own to the lake to take all the rowing 7essels they coul% lay hol% of& an% kee' them for his use. Thereafter he went to the church& ha% mass sung before him& an% then sat %own to table. )fter his meal he got rea%y& an% hastene% %own to the lake& where the 7essels were coming to meet him. He himself went on boar% the light 7essel& an% as many men with him as it coul% stow& an% all the rest of his followers took such boats as they coul% get hol% ofA an% when it was getting late in the e7ening they set out from the lan%& in still an% calm weather. He rowe% u' the water with "99 men& an% came with them to 2ingsaker before %ay %awne%A an% the watchmen were not aware of the army before they were come into the 7ery court. Ketil knew well in what houses the kings sle't& an% the king ha% all these houses surroun%e% an% guar%e%& so that nobo%y coul% get outA an% so they stoo% till %aylight. The kings ha% not 'eo'le enough to make resistance& but were all taken 'risoners& an% le% before the king. Hrorek was an able but obstinate man& whose fi%elity the king coul% not trust to if he ma%e 'eace with himA therefore he or%ere% both his eyes to be 'unche% out& an% took him in that con%ition about with him. He or%ere% ;u%ro%4s tongue to be cut outA but 2ing an% two others he banishe% from Norway& un%er oath ne7er to return. $f the len%ermen an% bon%es who ha% actually taken 'art in the traitorous %esign& some he %ro7e out of the country& some he mutilate%& an% with others he ma%e 'eace. $ttar +lack tells of this5 6The gi7er of rings of gol%& The army lea%er bol%& <n 7engeance s'rings $n the He%emark kings. $laf the bol% an% great& 2e'ays their foul %eceit <n full re'ays Their treacherous ways. He %ri7es with steel cla% han% The small kings from the lan%& ;reater by far <n %ee% of war. The king who %welt most north Tongueless must wan%er forth5 )ll fly away

<n great %ismay. King $laf now rules o4er =hat fi7e kings rule% before. To 3i%4s ol% boun% 3Dten%s his groun%. No kings in %ays of yore 34er won so much before5 That this is so )ll Norsemen know.6 King $laf took 'ossession of the lan% these fi7e kings ha% 'ossesse%& an% took hostages from the len%ermen an% bon%es in it. He took money instea% of guest Fuarters from the country north of the 7alley %istrict& an% from He%emarkA an% then returne% to 2aumarike& an% so west to Ha%alan%. This winter ().*. 1918# his ste'father Sigur% Syr %ie%A an% King $laf went to 2ingerike& where his mother )sta ma%e a great feast for him. $laf alone bore the title of king now in Norway.

7(. K<N; $-)?4S H)-? +2$TH32S. <t is tol% that when King $laf was on his 7isit to his mother )sta& she brought out her chil%ren& an% showe% them to him. The king took his brother ;uthorm on the one knee& an% his brother Half%an on the other. The king looke% at ;uthorm& ma%e a wry face& an% 'reten%e% to be angry at them5 at which the boys were afrai%. Then )sta brought her youngest son& calle% Haral%& who was three years ol%& to him. The king ma%e a wry face at him alsoA but he looke% the king in the face without regar%ing it. The king took the boy by the hair& an% 'lucke% itA but the boy seiEe% the king4s whiskers& an% ga7e them a tug. 6Then&6 sai% the king& 6thou wilt be re7engeful& my frien%& some %ay.6 The following %ay the king was walking with his mother about the farm& an% they came to a 'laygroun%& where )sta4s sons& ;uthorm an% Half%an& were amusing themsel7es. They were buil%ing great houses an% barns in their 'lay& an% were su''osing them full of cattle an% shee'A an% close besi%e them& in a clay 'ool& Haral% was busy with chi's of woo%& sailing them& in his s'ort along the e%ge. The king aske% him what these wereA an% he answere%& these were his shi's of war. The king laughe%& an% sai%& 6The time may come& frien%& when thou wilt comman% shi's.6 Then the king calle% to him Half%an an% ;uthormA an% first he aske% ;uthorm& 6=hat woul%st thou like best to ha7eL6 6Corn lan%&6 re'lie% he. 6)n% how great woul%st thou like thy corn lan% to beL6 6< woul% ha7e the whole ness that goes out into the lake sown with corn e7ery summer.6 $n that ness there are ten farms. The king re'lies& 6There woul% be a great %eal of corn there.6 )n%& turning to Half%an& he aske%& 6)n% what woul%st thou like best to ha7eL6

6Cows&6 he re'lie%. 6How many woul%st thou like to ha7eL6 6=hen they went to the lake to be watere% < woul% ha7e so many& that they stoo% as tight roun% the lake as they coul% stan%.6 6That woul% be a great housekee'ing&6 sai% the kingA 6an% therein ye take after your father.6 Then the king says to Haral%& 6)n% what woul%st thou like best to ha7eL6 6House ser7ants.6 6)n% how many woul%st thou ha7eL6 6$hK so many < woul% like to ha7e as woul% eat u' my brother Half%an4s cows at a single meal.6 The king laughe%& an% sai% to )sta& 6Here& mother& thou art bringing u' a king.6 )n% more is not relate% of them on this occasion.

7/. TH3 *<><S<$N $? TH3 C$@NT2C. <n S7ithBo% it was the ol% custom& as long as heathenism 're7aile%& that the chief sacrifice took 'lace in ;oe month at @'sala. Then sacrifice was offere% for 'eace& an% 7ictory to the kingA an% thither came 'eo'le from all 'arts of S7ithBo%. )ll the Things of the Swe%es& also& were hel% there& an% markets& an% meetings for buying& which continue% for a week5 an% after Christianity was intro%uce% into S7ithBo%& the Things an% fairs were hel% there as before. )fter Christianity ha% taken root in S7ithBo%& an% the kings woul% no longer %well in @'sala& the market time was mo7e% to Can%lemas& an% it has since continue% so& an% it lasts only three %ays. There is then the Swe%ish Thing also& an% 'eo'le from all Fuarters come there. S7ithBo% is %i7i%e% into many 'arts. $ne 'art is =est ;autlan%& >ermalan%& an% the .arks& with what belongs to themA an% this 'art of the king%om is so large& that the bisho' who is set o7er it has 1199 churches un%er him. The other 'art is 3ast ;autlan%& where there is also a bisho'4s seat& to which the islan%s of ;otlan% an% 3ylan% belongA an% forming all together a still greater bisho'ric. <n S7ithBo% itself there is a 'art of the country calle% Su%ermanlan%& where there is also a bisho'ric. Then comes =estmanlan%& or ?iathrun%alan%& which is also a bisho'ric. The thir% 'ortion of S7ithBo% 'ro'er is calle% Tiun%alan%A the fourth )ttan%alan%A the fifth Sialan%& an% what belongs to it lies eastwar% along the coast. Tiun%alan% is the best an% most inhabite% 'art of S7ithBo%& un%er which the other king%oms stan%. There @'sala is situate%& the seat of the king an% archbisho'A an% from it @'sala au%r& or the %omain of the Swe%ish kings& takes its name. 3ach of these %i7isions of the country has its

-ag thing& an% its own laws in many 'arts. $7er each is a lagman& who rules 'rinci'ally in affairs of the bon%es5 for that becomes law which he& by his s'eech& %etermines them to make law5 an% if king& earl& or bisho' goes through the country& an% hol%s a Thing with the bon%es& the lagmen re'ly on account of the bon%es& an% they all follow their lagmenA so that e7en the most 'owerful men scarcely %are to come to their )l thing without regar%ing the bon%es4 an% lagmen4s law. )n% in all matters in which the laws %iffer from each other& @'sala law is the %irecting lawA an% the other lagmen are un%er the lagman who %wells in Tiun%alan%.

77. $? TH3 -);.)N TH$2;NC. <n Tiun%alan% there was a lagman who was calle% Thorgny& whose father was calle% Thorgny Thorgnyson. His forefathers ha% for a long course of years& an% %uring many kings4 times& been lagmen of Tiun%alan%. )t this time Thorgny was ol%& an% ha% a great court about him. He was consi%ere% one of the wisest men in Swe%en& an% was 3arl 2agn7al%4s relation an% foster father.

78. .33T<N; $? 2);N>)-* )N* <N;3;32*. Now we must go back in our story to the time when the men whom the king4s %aughter <ngeger% an% HBalte ha% sent from the east came to 3arl 2agn7al%. They relate their erran% to the earl an% his wife <ngebBorg& an% tell how the king4s %aughter ha% oft s'oken to the Swe%ish king about a 'eace between him an% King $laf the Thick& an% that she was a great frien% of King $lafA but that the Swe%ish king flew into a 'assion e7ery time she name% $laf& so that she ha% no ho'es of any 'eace. The 3arl tol% +Born the news he ha% recei7e% from the eastA but +Born ga7e the same re'ly& that he woul% not turn back until he ha% met the Swe%ish king& an% sai% the earl ha% 'romise% to go with him. Now the winter was 'assing fast& an% imme%iately after Cule the earl ma%e himself rea%y to tra7el with siDty men& among whom where the marshal +Born an% his com'anions. The earl 'rocee%e% eastwar% all the way to S7ithBo%A but when he came a little way into the country he sent his men before him to @'sala with a message to <ngeger% the king4s %aughter to come out to meet him at @llaraker& where she ha% a large farm. =hen the king4s %aughter got the earl4s message she ma%e herself rea%y imme%iately to tra7el with a large atten%ance& an% HBalte accom'anie% her. +ut before he took his %e'arture he went to King $laf& an% sai%& 6Continue always to be the most fortunate of monarchsK Such s'len%our as < ha7e seen about thee < ha7e in truth ne7er witnesse% elsewhere& an% wheresoe7er < come it shall not be conceale%. Now& king& may < entreat thy fa7our an% frien%shi' in time to comeL6 The king re'lies& 6=hy art thou in so great a haste& an% where art thou goingL6

HBalte re'lies& 6< am to ri%e out to @llaraker with <ngeger% thy %aughter.6 The king says& 6?arewell& then5 a man thou art of un%erstan%ing an% 'oliteness& an% well suite% to li7e with 'eo'le of rank.6 Thereu'on HBalte with%rew. The king4s %aughter <ngeger% ro%e to her farm in @llaraker& an% or%ere% a great feast to be 're'are% for the earl. =hen the earl arri7e% he was welcome% with gla%ness& an% he remaine% there se7eral %ays. The earl an% the king4s %aughter talke% much& an% of many things& but most about the Swe%ish an% Norwegian kingsA an% she tol% the earl that in her o'inion there was no ho'e of 'eace between them. Then sai% the earl& 6How woul%st thou like it& my cousin& if $laf king of Norway were to 'ay his a%%resses to theeL <t a''ears to us that it woul% contribute most towar%s a settle% 'eace if there was relationshi' establishe% between the kingsA but < woul% not su''ort such a matter if it were against thy inclination.6 She re'lies& 6.y father %is'oses of my han%A but among all my other relations thou art he whose a%7ice < woul% rather follow in weighty affairs. *ost thou think it woul% be a%7isableL6 The earl recommen%e% it to her strongly& an% reckone% u' many eDcellent achie7ements of King $laf4s. He tol% her& in 'articular& about what ha% lately been %oneA that King $laf in an hours time one morning ha% taken fi7e kings 'risoners& %e'ri7e% them all of their go7ernments& an% lai% their king%oms an% 'ro'erties un%er his own 'ower. .uch they talke% about the business& an% in all their con7ersations they 'erfectly agree% with each other. =hen the earl was rea%y he took lea7e& an% 'rocee%e% on his way& taking HBalte with him.

79. 2);N>)-* )N* TH$2;NC. 3arl 2agn7al% came towar%s e7ening one %ay to the house of -agman Thorgny. <t was a great an% stately mansion& an% many 'eo'le stoo% outsi%e& who recei7e% the earl kin%ly& an% took care of the horses an% baggage. The earl went into the room& where there was a number of 'eo'le. <n the high seat sat an ol% manA an% ne7er ha% +Born or his com'anions seen a man so stout. His bear% was so long that it lay u'on his knee& an% was s'rea% o7er his whole breastA an% the man& moreo7er& was han%some an% stately in a''earance. The earl went forwar% an% salute% him. Thorgny recei7e% him Boyfully an% kin%ly& an% ba%e him go to the seat he was accustome% to take. The earl seate% himself on the other si%e& o''osite Thorgny. They remaine% there some %ays before the earl %isclose% his erran%& an% then he aske% Thorgny to go with him into the con7ersing room. +Born an% his followers went there with the earl. Then the earl began& an% tol% how $laf king of Norway ha% sent these men hither to conclu%e a 'eaceful agreement. He showe% at great length what inBury it was of to the =est ;autlan% 'eo'le& that there was hostility between their

country an% Norway. He further relate% that $laf the king of Norway ha% sent ambassa%ors& who were here 'resent& an% to whom he ha% 'romise% he woul% atten% them to the Swe%ish kingA but he a%%e%& 6The Swe%ish king takes the matter so grie7ously& that he has uttere% menaces against those who entertain it. Now so it is& my foster father& that < %o not trust to myself in this matterA but am come on a 7isit to thee to get goo% counsel an% hel' from thee in the matter.6 Now when the earl ha% %one s'eaking Thorgny sat silent for a while& an% then took u' the wor%. 6Ce ha7e curious %is'ositions who are so ambitious of honour an% renown& an% yet ha7e no 'ru%ence or counsel in you when you get into any mischief. =hy %i% you not consi%er& before you ga7e your 'romise to this a%7enture& that you ha% no 'ower to stan% against King $lafL <n my o'inion it is not a less honourable con%ition to be in the number of bon%es an% ha7e one4s wor%s free& an% be able to say what one will& e7en if the king be 'resent. +ut < must go to the @'sala Thing& an% gi7e thee such hel' that without fear thou canst s'eak before the king what thou fin%est goo%.6 The earl thanke% him for the 'romise& remaine% with Thorgny& an% ro%e with him to the @'sala Thing. There was a great assemblage of 'eo'le at the Thing& an% King $laf was there with his court.

89. $? TH3 @1S)-) TH<N;. The first %ay the Thing sat& King $laf was seate% on a stool& an% his court stoo% in a circle aroun% him. 2ight o''osite to him sat 3arl 2agn7al% an% Thorgny in the Thing u'on one stool& an% before them the earl4s court an% Thorgny4s house 'eo'le. +ehin% their stool stoo% the bon%e community& all in a circle aroun% them. Some stoo% u'on hillocks an% heights& in or%er to hear the better. Now when the king4s messages& which are usually han%le% in the Things& were 'ro%uce% an% settle%& the marshal +Born rose besi%e the earl4s stool& an% sai% alou%& 6King $laf sen%s me here with the message that he will offer to the Swe%ish king 'eace& an% the frontiers that in ol% times were fiDe% between Norway an% S7ithBo%.6 He s'oke so lou% that the Swe%ish king coul% %istinctly hear himA but at first& when he hear% King $laf4s name s'oken& he thought the s'eaker ha% some message or business of his own to eDecuteA but when he hear% of 'eace& an% the frontiers between Norway an% S7ithBo%& he saw from what root it came& an% s'rang u'& an% calle% out that the man shoul% be silent& for that such s'eeches were useless. Thereu'on +Born sat %ownA an% when the noise ha% cease% 3arl 2agn7al% stoo% u' an% ma%e a s'eech. He s'oke of $laf the Thick4s message& an% 'ro'osal of 'eace to $laf the Swe%ish kingA an% that all the =est ;autlan% 'eo'le sent their entreaty to $laf that he woul% make 'eace with the king of Norway. He recounte% all the e7ils the =est ;autlan%ers were suffering un%erA that they must go without all the things from Norway which were necessary in their househol%sA an%& on the other han%& were eD'ose% to attack an% hostility whene7er the king of Norway gathere% an army an% ma%e an inroa% on them. The

earl a%%e%& that $laf the Norway king ha% sent men hither with the intent to obtain <ngeger% the king4s %aughter in marriage. =hen the earl ha% %one s'eaking $laf the Swe%ish king stoo% u' an% re'lie%& an% was altogether against listening to any 'ro'osals of 'eace& an% ma%e many an% hea7y re'roaches against the earl for his im'u%ence in entering into a 'eaceful truce with the thick fellow& an% making u' a 'eaceful frien%shi' with him& an% which in truth he consi%ere% treason against himself. He a%%e%& that it woul% be well %eser7e% if 3arl 2agn7al% were %ri7en out of the king%om. The earl ha%& in his o'inion& the influence of his wife <ngebBorg to thank for what might ha''enA an% it was the most im'ru%ent fancy he coul% ha7e fallen u'on to take u' with such a wife. The king s'oke long an% bitterly& turning his s'eech always against $laf the Thick. =hen he sat %own not a soun% was to be hear% at first.

81. TH$2;NC4S S133CH. Then Thorgny stoo% u'A an% when he arose all the bon%es stoo% u' who ha% before been sitting& an% rushe% together from all 'arts to listen to what -agman Thorgny woul% say. )t first there was a great %in of 'eo'le an% wea'onsA but when the noise was settle% into silent listening& Thorguy ma%e his s'eech. 6The %is'osition of Swe%ish kings is %ifferent now from what it has been formerly. .y gran%father Thorgny coul% well remember the @'sala king 3irik 3ymun%son& an% use% to say of him that when he was in his best years he went out e7ery summer on eD'e%itions to %ifferent countries& an% conFuere% for himself ?inlan%& KirBalalan%& Courlan%& 3sthonia& an% the eastern countries all aroun%A an% at the 'resent %ay the earth bulwarks& ram'arts& an% other great works which he ma%e are to be seen. )n%& more o7er& he was not so 'rou% that he woul% not listen to 'eo'le who ha% anything to say to him. .y father& again& was a long time with King +Born& an% was well acFuainte% with his ways an% manners. <n +Born4s lifetime his king%om stoo% in great 'ower& an% no kin% of want was felt& an% he was gay an% sociable with his frien%s. < also remember King 3irik the >ictorious& an% was with him on many a war eD'e%ition. He enlarge% the Swe%ish %ominion& an% %efen%e% it manfullyA an% it was also easy an% agreeable to communicate our o'inions to him. +ut the king we ha7e now got allows no man to 'resume to talk with him& unless it be what he %esires to hear. $n this alone he a''lies all his 'ower& while he allows his scat lan%s in other countries to go from him through laEiness an% weakness. He wants to ha7e the Norway king%om lai% un%er him& which no Swe%ish king before him e7er %esire%& an% therewith brings war an% %istress on many a man. Now it is our will& we bon%es& that thou King $laf make 'eace with the Norway king& $laf the Thick& an% marry thy %aughter <ngeger% to him. =ilt thou& howe7er& reconFuer the king%oms in the east countries which thy relations an% forefathers ha% there& we will all for that 'ur'ose follow thee to the war. +ut if thou wilt not %o as we %esire& we will now attack thee& an% 'ut thee to %eathA for we will no longer suffer law an% 'eace to be %isturbe%. So our forefathers went to work when they %rowne% fi7e kings in a morass at the

.ula thing& an% they were fille% with the same insu''ortable 'ri%e thou hast shown towar%s us. Now tell us& in all haste& what resolution thou wilt take.6 Then the whole 'ublic a''ro7e%& with clash of arms an% shouts& the lagman4s s'eech. The king stan%s u' an% says he will let things go accor%ing to the %esire of the bon%es. 6)ll Swe%ish kings&6 he sai%& 6ha7e %one so& an% ha7e allowe% the bon%es to rule in all accor%ing to their will.6 The murmur among the bon%es then came to an en%& an% the chiefs& the king& the earl& an% Thorgny talke% together& an% conclu%e% a truce an% reconciliation& on the 'art of the Swe%ish king& accor%ing to the terms which the king of Norway ha% 'ro'ose% by his ambassa%orsA an% it was resol7e% at the Thing that <ngeger%& the king4s %aughter& shoul% be marrie% to $laf Haral%son. The king left it to the earl to make the contract feast& an% ga7e him full 'owers to conclu%e this marriage affairA an% after this was settle% at the Thing& they se'arate%. =hen the earl returne% homewar%s& he an% the king4s %aughter <ngeger% ha% a meeting& at which they talke% between themsel7es o7er this matter. She sent $laf a long cloak of fine linen richly embroi%ere% with gol%& an% with silk 'oints. The earl returne% to ;autlan%& an% +Born with himA an% after staying with him a short time& +Born an% his com'any returne% to Norway. =hen he came to King $laf he tol% him the result of his erran%& an% the king returne% him many thanks for his con%uct& an% sai% +Born ha% ha% great success in bringing his erran% to so fa7ourabie a conclusion against such animosity.

8!. $? K<N; H2$23K4S T23)CH32C. $n the a''roach of s'ring ().*. 1918# King $laf went %own to the coast& ha% his shi's rigge% out& summone% troo's to him& an% 'rocee%e% in s'ring out from >iken to the NaEe& an% so north to Hor%alan%. He then sent messages to all the len%ermen& selecte% the most consi%erable men in each %istrict& an% ma%e the most s'len%i% 're'arations to meet his bri%e. The we%%ing feast was to be in autumn& at the ;aut ri7er& on the frontiers of the two countries. King $laf ha% with him the blin% king Hrorek. =hen his woun% was heale%& the king ga7e him two men to ser7e him& let him sit in the high seat by his si%e& an% ke't him in meat an% clothes in no res'ect Norse than he ha% ke't himself before. Hrorek was taciturn& an% answere% short an% cross when any one s'oke to him. <t was his custom to make his footboy& when he went out in the %aytime& lea% him away from 'eo'le& an% then to beat the la% until he ran away. He woul% then com'lain to King $laf that the la% woul% not ser7e him. The king change% his ser7ants& but it was as beforeA no ser7ant woul% hol% it out with King Hrorek. Then the king a''ointe% a man calle% S7ein to wait u'on an% ser7e King Hrorek. He was Hrorek4s relation& an% ha% formerly been in his ser7ice. Hrorek continue% with his habits of moroseness& an% of solitary walksA but when he an% S7ein were alone together& he was merry an% talkati7e. He use% to bring u' many things which ha% ha''ene% in former %ays when he was king. He allu%e%& too& to the man who ha%& in his former %ays& torn him from his king%om an% ha''iness& an% ma%e him li7e on alms. 6<t

is har%est of all&6 says he& 6that thou an% my other relations& who ought to be men of bra7ery& are so %egenerate% that thou wilt not a7enge the shame an% %isgrace brought u'on our race.6 Such %iscourse he often brought out. S7ein sai%& they ha% too great a 'ower to %eal with& while they themsel7es ha% but little means. Hrorek sai%& 6=hy shoul% we li7e longer as mutilate% men with %isgraceL <& a blin% man& may conFuer them as well as they conFuere% me when < was aslee'. Come then& let us kill this thick $laf. He is not afrai% for himself at 'resent. < will lay the 'lan& an% woul% not s'are my han%s if < coul% use them& but that < cannot by reason of my blin%nessA therefore thou must use the wea'ons against him& an% as soon as $laf is kille% < can see well enough that his 'ower must come into the han%s of his enemies& an% it may well be that < shall be king& an% thou shalt be my earl.6 So much 'ersuasion he use% that S7ein at last agree% to Boin in the %ee%. The 'lan was so lai% that when the king was rea%y to go to 7es'ers& S7ein stoo% on the threshol% with a %rawn %agger un%er his cloak. Now when the king came out of the room& it so ha''ene% that he walke% Fuicker than S7ein eD'ecte%A an% when he looke% the king in the face he grew 'ale& an% then white as a cor'se& an% his han% sank %own. The king obser7e% his terror an% sai%& 6=hat is this& S7einL =ilt thou betray meL6 S7ein threw %own his cloak an% %agger& an% fell at the king4s feet& saying& 6)ll is in ;o%s han%s an% thine& kingK6 The king or%ere% his men to seiEe S7ein& an% he was 'ut in irons. The king or%ere% Hrorek4s seat to be mo7e% to another bench. He ga7e S7ein his life& an% he left the country. The king a''ointe% a %ifferent lo%ging for Hrorek to slee' in from that in which he sle't himself& an% in which many of his court 'eo'le sle't. He set two of his court men& who ha% been long with him& an% whose fi%elity he ha% 'roof of& to atten% Hrorek %ay an% nightA but it is not sai% whether they were 'eo'le of high birth or not. King Hrorek4s moo% was 7ery %ifferent at %ifferent times. Sometimes he woul% sit silent for %ays together& so that no man coul% get a wor% out of himA an% sometimes he was so merry an% gay& that 'eo'le foun% a Boke in e7ery wor% he sai%. Sometimes his wor%s were 7ery bitter. He was sometimes in a moo% that he woul% %rink them all un%er the benches& an% ma%e all his neighbours %runkA but in general he %rank but little. King $laf ga7e him 'lenty of 'ocket money. =hen he went to his lo%gings he woul% often& before going to be%& ha7e some stou's of mea% brought in& which he ga7e to all the men in the house to %rink& so that he was much like%.

8:. $? -<TT-3 ?<N. There was a man from the @'lan%s calle% ?in the -ittle& an% some sai% of him that he was of ?innish (1# race. He was a remarkable little man& but so swift of foot that no horse coul% o7ertake him. He was a 'articularly well eDcercise% runner with snow shoes& an% shooter with the bow. He ha% long been in the ser7ice of King Hrorek& an% often em'loye% in erran%s of trust. He knew the roa%s in all the @'lan% hills& an% was well known to all the great 'eo'le. Now when King Hrorek was set un%er guar%s on the Bourney ?in woul% often sli' in among the men of the guar%& an%

followe%& in general& with the la%s an% ser7ing menA but as often as he coul% he waite% u'on Hrorek& an% entere% into con7ersation with him. The king& howe7er& only s'oke a wor% or two with him at a time& to 're7ent sus'icion. <n s'ring& when they came a little way beyon% >iken& ?in %isa''eare% from the army for some %ays& but came back& an% staye% with them a while. This ha''ene% often& without anyone obser7ing it 'articularlyA for there were many such hangers on with the army. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The -a'lan%ers are calle% ?ins <n Norway an% Swe%en.

-.

8". .@2*32 $? $-)?4S C$@2T .3N. King $laf came to Tunsberg before 3aster ().*. 1918#& an% remaine% there late in s'ring. .any merchant 7essels came to the town& both from SaDon lan% an% *enmark& an% from >iken& an% from the north 'arts of the country. There was a great assemblage of 'eo'leA an% as the times were goo%& there was many a %rinking meeting. <t ha''ene% one e7ening that King Hrorek came rather late to his lo%gingA an% as he ha% %runk a great %eal& he was remarkably merry. -ittle ?in came to him with a stou' of mea% with herbs in it& an% 7ery strong. The king ma%e e7ery one in the house %runk& until they fell aslee' each in his berth. ?in ha% gone away& an% a light was burning in the lo%ging. Hrorek wake% the men who usually followe% him& an% tol% them he wante% to go out into the yar%. They ha% a lantern with them& for outsi%e it was 'itch %ark. $ut in the yar% there was a large 'ri7y stan%ing u'on 'illars& an% a stair to go u' to it. =hile Hrorek an% his guar%s were in the yar% they hear% a man say& 6Cut %own that %e7ilA6 an% 'resently a crash& as if somebo%y fell. Hrorek sai%& 6These fellows must be %ea% %runk to be fighting with each other so5 run an% se'arate them.6 They rushe% outA but when they came out u'on the ste's both of them were kille%5 the man who went out the last was the first kille%. There were twel7e of Hrorek4s men there& an% among them Sigur% Hit& who ha% been his banner man& an% also little ?in. They %rew the %ea% bo%ies u' between the houses& took the king with them& ran out to a boat they ha% in rea%iness& an% rowe% away. Sig7at the skal% sle't in King $laf4s lo%gings. He got u' in the night& an% his footboy with him& an% went to the 'ri7y. +ut as they were returning& on going %own the stairs Sig7at4s foot sli''e%& an% he fell on his kneeA an% when he 'ut out his han%s he felt the stairs wet. 6< think&6 sai% he& laughing& 6the king must ha7e gi7en many of us tottering legs tonight.6 =hen they came into the house in which light was burning the footboy sai%& 6Ha7e you hurt yourself that you are all o7er so bloo%yL6 He re'lie%& 6< am not woun%e%& but something must ha7e ha''ene% here.6 Thereu'on he wakene% Thor% ?olason& who was stan%ar% bearer& an% his be%fellow. They went out with a light& an% soon foun% the bloo%. They trace% it& an% foun% the cor'ses& an% knew them. They saw also a great stum' of a tree in which clearly a gash ha% been cut& which& as was afterwar%s known& ha% been %one as a stratagem to entice those out who ha% been kille%. Sig7at an%

Thor% s'oke together an% agree% it was highly necessary to let the king know of this without %elay. They imme%iately sent a la% to the lo%ging where Hrorek ha% been. )ll the men in it were aslee'A but the king was gone. He wakene% the men who were in the house& an% tol% them what ha% ha''ene%. The men arose& an% ran out to the yar% where the bo%ies wereA but& howe7er nee%ful it a''eare% to be that the king shoul% know it& nobo%y %are% to waken him. Then sai% Sig7at to Thor%& 6=hat wilt thou rather %o& comra%e& waken the king& or tell him the ti%ingsL6 Thor% re'lies& 6< %o not %are to waken him& an% < woul% rather tell him the news.6 Then sai% Sig7at& 6There is minch of the night still to 'ass& an% before morning Hrorek may get himself conceale% in such a way that it may be %ifficult to fin% himA but as yet he cannot be 7ery far off& for the bo%ies are still warm. =e must ne7er let the %isgrace rest u'on us of concealing this treason from the king. ;o thou& u' to the lo%ging& an% wait for me there.6 Sig7at then went to the church& an% tol% the bell ringer to toll for the souls of the king4s court men& naming the men who were kille%. The bell ringer %i% as he was tol%. The king awoke at the ringing& sat u' in his be%& an% aske% if it was alrea%y the hours of matins. Thor% re'lies& 6<t is worse than that& for there has occurre% a 7ery im'ortant affair. Hrorek is fle%& an% two of the court men are kille%.6 The king aske% how this ha% taken 'lace& an% Thor% tol% him all he knew. The king got u' imme%iately& or%ere% to soun% the call for a meeting of the court& an% when the 'eo'le were assemble% he name% men to go out to e7ery Fuarter from the town& by sea an% lan%& to search for Hrorek. Thorer -ange took a boat& an% set off with thirty menA an% when %ay %awne% they saw two small boats before them in the channel& an% when they saw each other both 'arties rowe% as har% as they coul%. King Hrorek was there with thirty men. =hen they came Fuite close to each other Hrorek an% his men turne% towar%s the lan%& an% all s'rang on shore eDce't the king& who sat on the aft seat. He ba%e them farewell& an% wishe% they might meet each other again in better luck. )t the same moment Thorer with his com'any rowe% to the lan%. ?in the -ittle shot off an arrow& which hit Thorer in the mi%%le of the bo%y& an% was his %eathA an% Sigur% Hit& with his men& ran u' into the forest. Thorer4s men took his bo%y& an% trans'orte% it& together with Hrorek& to Tunsberg. King $laf un%ertook himself thereafter to look after King Hrorek& ma%e him be carefully guar%e%& an% took goo% care of his treason& for which reason he ha% a watch o7er him night an% %ay. King Hrorek thereafter was 7ery gay& an% nobo%y coul% obser7e but that he was in e7ery way well satisfie%.

8(. $? H2$23K4S )SS)@-T. <t ha''ene% on )scension %ay that King $laf went to high mass& an% the bisho' went in 'rocession aroun% the church& an% con%ucte% the kingA an% when they came back to the church the bisho' le% the king to his seat on the north si%e of the choir. There Hrorek sat neDt to the king& an% conceale% his countenance in his u''er cloak. =hen $laf ha% seate% himself Hrorek lai% his han% on the king4s shoul%er& an% felt it. 6Thou hast fine clothes on& cousin& to%ay&6 sai% he. King $laf re'lies& 6<t is a festi7al to%ay& in remembrance that Gesus Christ ascen%e% to hea7en from earth.6 King Hrorek says& 6< un%erstan% nothing about it so as to hol% in my min% what ye tell me about Christ. .uch of what ye tell me a''ears to me incre%ible& although many won%erful things may ha7e come to 'ass in ol% times.6 =hen the mass was finishe% $laf stoo% u'& hel% his han%s u' o7er his hea%& an% bowe% %own before the altar& so that his cloak hung %own behin% his shoul%ers. Then King Hrorek starte% u' hastily an% shar'ly& an% struck at the king with a long knife of the kin% calle% rytingA but the blow was recei7e% in the u''er cloak at the shoul%er& because the king was ben%ing himself forwar%s. The clothes were much cut& but the king was not woun%e%. =hen the king 'ercei7e% the attack he s'rang u'on the floorA an% Hrorek struck at him again with the knife& but %i% not reach him& an% sai%& 6)rt thou flying& $laf& from me& a blin% menL6 The king or%ere% his men to seiEe him an% lea% him out of the church& which was %one. )fter this attem't many hastene% to King $laf& an% a%7ise% that King Hrorek shoul% be kille%. 6<t is&6 sai% they& 6tem'ting your luck in the highest %egree& king& to kee' him with you& an% 'rotect him& whate7er mischief he may un%ertakeA for night an% %ay he thinks u'on taking your life. )n% if you sen% him away& we know no one who can watch him so that he will not in all 'robability esca'eA an% if once he gets loose he will assemble a great multitu%e& an% %o much e7il.6 The king re'lies& 6Cou say truly that many a one has suffere% %eath for less offence than Hrorek4sA but willingly < woul% not %arken the 7ictory < gaine% o7er the @'lan% kings& when in one morning hour < took fi7e kings 'risoners& an% got all their king%oms5 but yet& as they were my relations& < shoul% not be their mur%erer but u'on nee%. )s yet < can scarcely see whether Hrorek 'uts me in the necessity of killing him or not.6 <t was to feel if King $laf ha% armour on or not that Hrorek ha% lai% his han% on the king4s shoul%er.

8/. K<N; H2$23K4S G$@2N3C T$ <C3-)N*. There was an <celan% man& by name Thorarin Nefiulfson& who ha% his relations in the north of the country. He was not of high

birth& but 'articularly 'ru%ent& eloFuent& an% agreeable in con7ersation with 'eo'le of %istinction. He was also a far tra7elle% man& who ha% been long in foreign 'arts. Thorarin was a remarkably ugly man& 'rinci'ally because he ha% 7ery ungainly limbs. He ha% great ugly han%s& an% his feet were still uglier. Thorarin was in Tunsberg when this e7ent ha''ene% which has Bust been relate%& an% he was known to King $laf by their ha7ing ha% con7ersations together. Thorarin was Bust then %one with rigging out a merchant 7essel which he owne%& an% with which he inten%e% to go to <celan% in summer. King $laf ha% Thorarin with him as a guest for some %ays& an% con7erse% much with himA an% Thorarin e7en sle't in the king4s lo%gings. $ne morning early the king awoke while the others were still slee'ing. The sun ha% newly risen in the sky& an% there was much light within. The king saw that Thorarin ha% stretche% out one of his feet from un%er the be% clothes& an% he looke% at the foot a while. <n the meantime the others in the lo%ging awokeA an% the king sai% to Thorarin& 6< ha7e been awake for a while& an% ha7e seen a sight which was worth seeingA an% that is a man4s foot so ugly that < %o not think an uglier can be foun% in this merchant town.6 Thereu'on he tol% the others to look at it& an% see if it was not soA an% all agree% with the king. =hen Thorarin obser7e% what they were talking about& he sai%& 6There are few things for which you cannot fin% a match& an% that may be the case here.6 The king says& 6< woul% rather say that such another ugly foot cannot be foun% in the town& an% < woul% lay any wager u'on it.6 Then sai% Thorarin& 6< am willing to bet that < shall fin% an uglier foot still in the town.6 The king 6Then he who wins shall ha7e the right to get any %eman% from the other he chooses to make.6 6+e it so&6 sai% Thorarin. Thereu'on he stretches out his other foot from un%er the be% clothes& an% it was in no way han%somer than the other& an% moreo7er& wante% the little toe. 6There&6 sai% Thorarin& 6see now& king& my other foot& which is so much uglierA an%& besi%es& has no little toe. Now < ha7e won.6 The king re'lies& 6That other foot was so much uglier than this one by ha7ing fi7e ugly toes u'on it& an% this has only fourA an% now < ha7e won the choice of asking something from thee.6 6The so7ereign4s %ecision must be right&6 says ThorarinA 6but what %oes the king reFuire of meL6 6To take Hrorek&6 sai% the king& 6to ;reenlan%& an% %eli7er him to -eif 3irikson.6 Thorarin re'lies& 6< ha7e ne7er been in ;reenlan%.6 The king 6Thou& who art a far tra7elle% man& wilt now ha7e an o''ortunity of seeing ;reenlan%& if thou hast ne7er been there before.6 )t first Thorarin %i% not say much about itA but as the king

insiste% on his wish he %i% not entirely %ecline& but sai%& 6< will let you hear& king& what my %esire woul% ha7e been ha% < gaine% the wager. <t woul% ha7e been to be recei7e% into your bo%y of court menA an% if you will grant me that& < will be the more Eealous now in fulfilling your 'leasure.6 The king ga7e his consent& an% Thorarin was ma%e one of the court men. Then Thorarin rigge% out his 7essel& an% when he was rea%y he took on boar% King Hrorek. =hen Thorarin took lea7e of King $laf& he sai%& 6Shoul% it now turn out& king& as is not im'robable& an% often ha''ens& that we cannot effect the 7oyage to ;reenlan%& but must run for <celan% or other countries& how shall < get ri% of this king in a way that will be satisfactory to youL6 The king 6<f thou comest to <celan%& %eli7er him into the han%s of ;u%mun% 3yolfson& or of Ska'te& the lagman& or of some other chief who will recei7e my tokens an% message of frien%shi'. +ut if thou comest to other countries nearer to this& %o so with him that thou canst know with certainty that King Hrorek ne7er again shall a''ear in NorwayA but %o so only when thou seest no other way of %oing whatsoe7er.6 =hen Thorarin was rea%y for sea& an% got a win%& he saile% outsi%e of all the rocks an% islan%s& an% when he was to the north of the NaEe set right out into the ocean. He %i% not imme%iately get a goo% win%& but he a7oi%e% coming near the lan%. He saile% until he ma%e lan% which he knew& in the south 'art of <celan%& an% saile% west aroun% the lan% out into the ;reenlan% ocean. There he encountere% hea7y storms& an% %ro7e long about u'on the oceanA but when summer was coming to an en% he lan%e% again in <celan% in +rei%afBor%. Thorgils )rason (1# was the first man of any conseFuence who came to him. Thorarin brings him the king4s salutation& message& an% tokens& with which was the %esire about King Hrorek4s rece'tion. Thorgils recei7e% these in a frien%ly way& an% in7ite% King Hrorek to his house& where he staye% all winter. +ut he %i% not like being there& an% begge% that Thorgils woul% let him go to ;u%mun%A saying he ha% hear% some time or other that there in ;u%mun%4s house& was the most sum'tuous way of li7ing in <celan%& an% that it was inten%e% he shoul% be in ;u%mun%4s han%s. Thorgils let him ha7e his %esire& an% con%ucte% him with some men to ;u%mun% at .o%ru7eller. ;u%mun% recei7e% Hrorek kin%ly on account of the king4s message& an% he staye% there the neDt winter. He %i% not like being there eitherA an% then ;u%mun% ga7e him a habitation u'on a small farm calle% Kalfskin& where there were but few neighbours. There Hrorek 'asse% the thir% winter& an% sai% that since he ha% lai% %own his king%om he thought himself most comfortably situate% hereA for here he was most res'ecte% by all. The summer after Hrorek fell sick& an% %ie%A an% it is sai% he is the only king whose bones rest in <celan%. Thorarin Nefiulfson was afterwar%s for a long time u'on 7oyagesA but sometimes he was with King $laf. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Thorgils was the son of )re .arson& who 7isite% )merica

(>in%lan%#. Thorgils& who was still ali7e in the year 19!"& was note% for his kin%ness towar% all 'ersecute% 'ersons.

87. +)TT-3 <N @-?23KS ?G$2*. The summer that Thorarin went with Hrorek to <celan%& HBalte SkeggBason went also to <celan%& an% King $laf ga7e him many frien%ly gifts with him when they 'arte%. The same summer 3y7in% @rarhorn went on an eD'e%ition to the west sea& an% came in autumn to <relan%& to the <rish king Konofogor (1#. <n autumn 3inar earl of $rkney an% this <rish king met in @lfreks fBor%& an% there was a great battle& in which Konofogor gaine% the 7ictory& ha7ing many more 'eo'le. The earl fle% with a single shi' an% came back about autumn to $rkney& after losing most of his men an% all the booty they ha% ma%e. The earl was much %is'lease% with his eD'e%ition& an% threw the blame u'on the Northmen& who ha% been in the battle on the si%e of the <rish king& for making him lose the 7ictory. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Konofogor4s <rish name was Connor.

88. $-)? 1231)23S ?$2 H<S +2<*)- G$@2N3C. Now we begin again our story where we let it sli' at King $laf4s tra7elling to his bri%al& to recei7e his betrothe% <ngeger% the king4s %aughter. The king ha% a great bo%y of men with him& an% so chosen a bo%y that all the great 'eo'le he coul% lay hol% of followe% himA an% e7ery man of conseFuence ha% a chosen ban% of men with him %istinguishe% by birth or other Fualifications. The whole were well a''ointe%& an% eFui''e% in shi's& wea'ons& an% clothes. They steere% the fleet eastwar%s to KonungahellaA but when they arri7e% there they hear% nothing of the Swe%ish king an% none of his men ha% come there. King $laf remaine% a long time in summer ().*. 1918# at Konungahella& an% en%ea7ore% carefully to make out what 'eo'le sai% of the Swe%ish king4s mo7ements& or what were his %esignsA but no 'erson coul% tell him anything for certain about it. Then he sent men u' to ;autlan% to 3arl 2agn7al%& to ask him if he knew how it came to 'ass that the Swe%ish king %i% not come to the meeting agree% on. The earl re'lies& that he %i% not know. 6+ut as soon&6 sai% he& 6as < hear& < shall sen% some of my men to King $laf& to let him know if there be any other cause for the %elay than the multitu%e of affairsA as it often ha''ens that the Swe%ish king4s mo7ements are %elaye% by this more than he coul% ha7e eD'ecte%.6

89. $? TH3 S=3*<SH K<N;4S CH<-*23N. This Swe%ish king& $laf 3irikson& ha% first a concubine who was calle% 3%la& a %aughter of an earl of >in%lan%& who ha% been

ca'ture% in war& an% therefore was calle% the king4s sla7e girl. Their chil%ren were 3mun%& )stri%& Holmfri%.... They ha%& besi%es& a son& who was born the %ay before St. Gacob4s %ay. =hen the boy was to be christene% the bisho' calle% him Gacob& which the Swe%es %i% not like& as there ne7er ha% been a Swe%ish king calle% Gacob. )ll King $laf4s chil%ren were han%some in a''earance& an% cle7er from chil%hoo%. The Fueen was 'rou%& an% %i% not beha7e well towar%s her ste' chil%renA therefore the king sent his son 3mun% to >in%lan%& to be fostere% by his mother4s relations& where he for a long time neglecte% his Christianity. The king4s %aughter& )stri%& was brought u' in =est ;autlan%& in the house of a worthy man calle% 3gil. She was a 7ery lo7ely girl5 her wor%s came well into her con7ersationA she was merry& but mo%est& an% 7ery generous. =hen she was grown u' she was often in her father4s house& an% e7ery man thought well of her. King $laf was haughty an% harsh in his s'eech. He took 7ery ill the u'roar an% clamour the country 'eo'le ha% raise% against him at the @'sala Thing& as they ha% threatene% him with 7iolence& for which he lai% the chief blame on 3arl 2agn7al%. He ma%e no 're'aration for the bri%al& accor%ing to the agreement to marry his %aughter <ngeger% to $laf the king of Norway& an% to meet him on the bor%ers for that 'ur'ose. )s the summer a%7ance% many of his men were anDious to know what the kings intentions wereA whether to kee' to the agreement with King $laf& or break his wor%& an% with it the 'eace of the country. +ut no one was so bol% as to ask the king& although they com'laine% of it to <ngeger%& an% besought her to fin% out what the king inten%e%. She re'lie% 6< ha7e no inclination to s'eak to the king again about the matters between him an% King $lafA for he answere% me ill enough once before when < brought forwar% $laf4s name.6 <n the meantime <ngeger%& the king4s %aughter& took it to heart& became melancholy an% sorrowful an% yet 7ery curious to know what the king inten%e%. She ha% much sus'icion that he woul% not kee' his wor% an% 'romise to King $lafA for he a''eare% Fuite enrage% whene7er $laf the Thick4s name was in any way mentione%.

99. $? TH3 S=3*<SH K<N; $-)?4S H@NT<N;. $ne morning early the king ro%e out with his %ogs an% falcons& an% his men aroun% him. =hen they let sli' the falcons the king4s falcon kille% two black cocks in one flight& an% three in another. The %ogs ran an% brought the bir%s when they ha% fallen to the groun%. The king ran after them& took the game from them himself& was %elighte% with his s'ort& an% sai%& 6<t will be long before the most of you ha7e such success.6 They agree% in thisA a%%ing& that in their o'inion no king ha% such luck in hunting as he ha%. Then the king ro%e home with his followers in high s'irits. <ngeger%& the king4s %aughter& was Bust going out of her lo%ging when the king came ri%ing into the yar%& an% she turne% roun% an% salute% him. He salute% her in return& laughingA 'ro%uce% the bir%s& an% tol% her the success of his chase. 6*ost thou know of any king&6 sai% he& 6who ma%e so great a ca'ture in so short a timeL6

6<t is in%ee%&6 re'lie% she& 6a goo% morning4s hunting& to ha7e got fi7e black cocksA but it was a still better when& in one morning& the king of Norway& $laf& took fi7e kings& an% sub%ue% all their king%oms.6 =hen the king hear% this he s'rang from his horse& turne% to <ngeger%& an% sai%& 6Thou shalt know& <ngeger%& that howe7er great thy lo7e may be for this man& thou shalt ne7er get him& nor he get thee. < will marry thee to some chief with whom < can be in frien%shi'A but ne7er can < be a frien% of the man who has robbe% me of my king%om& an% %one me great mischief by marau%ing an% killing through the lan%.6 =ith that their con7ersation broke off& an% each went away.

91. $-)? TH3 N$2=)C K<N;4S C$@NS3-S. <ngeger%& the king4s %aughter& ha% now full certainty of King $laf4s intention& an% imme%iately sent men to =est ;autlan% to 3arl 2agn7al%& an% let him know how it stoo% with the Swe%ish king& an% that the agreement ma%e with the king of Norway was brokenA an% a%7ising the earl an% 'eo'le of =est ;autlan% to be u'on their guar%& as no 'eace from the 'eo'le of Norway was to be eD'ecte%. =hen the earl got this news he sent a message through all his king%om& an% tol% the 'eo'le to be cautious& an% 're'are% in case of war or 'illage from the si%e of Norway. He also sent men to King $laf the Thick& an% let him know the message he ha% recei7e%& an% likewise that he wishe% for himself to hol% 'eace an% frien%shi' with King $lafA an% therefore he begge% him not to 'illage in his king%om. =hen this message came to King $laf it ma%e him both angry an% sorryA an% for some %ays nobo%y got a wor% from him. He then hel% a House Thing with his men& an% in it +Born arose& an% first took the wor%. He began his s'eech by telling that he ha% 'rocee%e% eastwar% last winter to establish a 'eace& an% he tol% how kin%ly 3arl 2agn7al% ha% recei7e% himA an%& on the other han%& how crossly an% hea7ily the Swe%ish king ha% acce'te% the 'ro'osal. 6)n% the agreement&6 sai% he& 6which was ma%e& was ma%e more by means of the strength of the 'eo'le& the 'ower of Thorgny& an% the ai% of the earl& than by the king4s goo% will. Now& on these groun%s& we know for certain that it is the king who has cause% the breach of the agreementA therefore we ought by no means to make the earl suffer& for it is 'ro7e% that he is King $laf4s firm frien%.6 The king wishe% now to hear from the chiefs an% other lea%ers of troo's what course he shoul% a%o't. 6=hether shall we go against ;autlan%& an% marau% there with such men as we ha7e gotA or is there any other course that a''ears to you more a%7isableL6 He s'oke both long an% well. Thereafter many 'owerful men s'oke& an% all were at last agree% in %issua%ing from hostilities. They argue% thus5 6)lthough we are a numerous bo%y of men who are assemble% here& yet they are all only 'eo'le of weight an% 'owerA but& for a war eD'e%ition& young men who are in Fuest of 'ro'erty an% consi%eration are more suitable. <t is also the custom of 'eo'le of weight an% 'ower& when they go into battle or strife& to ha7e

many 'eo'le with them whom they can sen% out before them for their %efenceA for the men %o not fight worse who ha7e little 'ro'erty& but e7en better than those who are brought u' in the mi%st of wealth.6 )fter these consi%erations the king resol7e% to %ismiss this army from any eD'e%ition& an% to gi7e e7ery man lea7e to return homeA but 'roclaime%& at the same time& that neDt summer the 'eo'le o7er the whole country woul% be calle% out in a general le7y& to march imme%iately against the Swe%ish king& an% 'unish him for his want of faith. )ll thought well of this 'lan. Then the king returne% northwar%s to >iken& an% took his abo%e at Sar'sborg in autumn& an% or%ere% all things necessary for winter 'ro7ision to be collecte% thereA an% he remaine% there all winter ().*. 1919# with a great retinue.

9!. S<;>)T TH3 SK)-*4S G$@2N3C 3)ST=)2*S. 1eo'le talke% 7ariously about 3arl 2agn7al%A some sai% he was King $laf4s sincere frien%A others %i% not think this likely& an% thought it stoo% in his 'ower to warn the Swe%ish king to kee' his wor%& an% the agreement conclu%e% on between him an% King $laf. Sig7at the 'oet often eD'resse% himself in con7ersation as 3arl 2agn7al%4s great frien%& an% often s'oke of him to King $lafA an% he offere% to the king to tra7el to 3arl 2agn7al%4s an% s'y after the Swe%ish kings %oings& an% to attem't& if 'ossible& to get the settlement of the agreement. The king thought well of this 'lanA for he oft& an% with 'leasure& s'oke to his confi%ential frien%s about <ngeger%& the king4s %aughter. 3arly in winter ().*. 1919# Sig7at the skal%& with two com'anions& left Sar'sborg& an% 'rocee%e% eastwar%s o7er the moors to ;autlan%. +efore Sig7at an% King $laf 'arte% he com'ose% these 7erses5 6Sit ha''y in thy hall& $ kingK Till < come back& an% goo% news bring5 The skal% will bi% thee now farewell& Till he brings news well worth to tell. He wishes to the helme% hero Health& an% long life& an% a tull flow $f honour& riches. an% success )n%& 'arting& en%s his song with this. The farewell wor% is s'oken now PP The wor% that to the heart lies nearestA )n% yet& $ kingK before < go& $ne wor% on what < hol% the %earest& < fain woul% say& 6$K may ;o% sa7e To thee the bra7est of the bra7e& The lan%& which is thy right by birthK6 This is my %earest with on earth.6 Then they 'rocee%e% eastwar%s towar%s 3i%& an% ha% %ifficulty in crossing the ri7er in a little cobbleA but they esca'e%& though with %anger5 an% Sig7at sang5 6$n shore the craEy boat < %rew& =et to the skin& an% frightene% tooA ?or truly there was %anger thenA

The mocking hill el7es laughe% again. To see us in this cobble sailing& )n% all our sea skill una7ailing. +ut better %i% it en%& you see& Than any of us coul% foresee.6 Then they went through the 3i% forest& an% Sig7at sang5 6) hun%re% miles through 3i%4s ol% woo%& )n% %e7il an alehouse& ba% or goo%& ) hun%re% miles& an% tree an% sky =ere all that met the weary eye. =ith many a grumble& many a groan. ) hun%re% miles we tru%ge% right onA )n% e7ery king4s man of us bore $n each foot sole a blee%ing sore.6 They came then through ;autlan%& an% in the e7ening reache% a farm house calle% Hof. The %oor was bolte% so that they coul% not come inA an% the ser7ants tol% them it was a fast %ay& an% they coul% not get a%mittance. Sig7at sang5 6Now u' to Hof in haste < hie& )n% roun% the house an% yar% < 'ry. *oors are fast locke% but yet within& .ethinks& < hear some stir an% %in. < 'ee'& with nose close to the groun%. +elow the %oor& but small cheer foun%. .y trouble with few wor%s was 'ai% 6ITis holy time&4 the house folk% sai%. HeathensK to sho7e me thus awayK <4 the foul fien%4s claws may you all lay.6 Then they came to another farm& where the goo% wife was stan%ing at the %oor. an% tol% them not to come in& for they were busy with a sacrifice to the el7es. Sig7at sang of it thus5 6I.y 'oor la%& enter not& < 'rayK4 Thus to me %i% the ol% wife sayA I?or all of us are heathens here& )n% < for $%in4s wrath %o fear.4 The ugly witch %ro7e me away& -ike scare% wolf sneaking from his 'rey. =hen she tol% me that there within =as sacrifice to foul $%in.6 )nother e7ening& they came to three bon%es& all of them of the name of $l7er& who %ro7e them away. Sig7at sang5 6Three of one name& To their great shame& The tra7eller late *ro7e from their gateK Tra7ellers may come ?rom our 7iking home& @nbi%%en guests )t these $l7ers4 feasts.6

They went on farther that e7ening& an% came to a fourth bon%e& who was consi%ere% the most hos'itable man in the countryA but he %ro7e them away also. Then Sig7at sang5 6Then on < went to seek night4s rest ?rom one who was sai% to be the best& The kin%est host in the lan% aroun%& )n% there < ho'e% to ha7e Fuarters foun%. +ut& faith&4twas little use to tryA ?or not so much as raise an eye =oul% this huge wiel%er of the s'a%e5 <f he4s the hest& it must he sai% +a% is the best& an% the skal%4s 'raise Cannot be gi7en to churls like these. < almost wishe% that )sta4s son <n the 3i% forest ha% been one =hen we& his men& were e7en 'ut -o%ging to cra7e in a heathen4s hut. < knew not where the earl to fin%A ?our times %ri7en off by men unkin%& < wan%ere% now the whole night o4er& *ri7en like a %og from %oor to %oor.6 Now when they came to 3arl 2agn7al%4s the earl sai% they must ha7e ha% a se7ere Bourney. Then Sig7at sang5 6The message bearers of the king ?rom Norway came his wor%s to bringA )n% truly for their master they Har% work ha7e %one before to %ay. =e %i% not loiter on the roa%& +ut on we 'ushe% for thy abo%e5 Thy folk& in sooth& were not so kin% That we care% much to lag hehin%. +ut 3i% to rest safe we foun%& ?rom robbers free to the eastern boun%5 This 'raise to thee& great earl& is %ue The skal% says only what is true.6 3arl 2agn7al% ga7e Sig7at a gol% arm ring& an% a woman sai% 6he ha% not ma%e the Bourney with his black eyes for nothing.6 Sig7at sang5 6.y coal black eyes *ost thou %es'iseL They ha7e lighte% me )cross the sea To gain this gol%en 'riEe5 They ha7e lighte% me& Thy eyes to see& $4er <celan%4s main& $4er hill an% 'lain5 =here Nanna4s la% woul% fear to be They ha7e lighte% me.6 Sig7at was long entertaine% kin%ly an% well in the house of 3arl

2agn7al%. The earl hear% by letters& sent by <ngeger% the king4s %aughter& that ambassa%ors from King Garisleif were come from 2ussia to King $laf of S7ithBo% to ask his %aughter <ngeger% in marriage& an% that King $laf ha% gi7en them ho'es that he woul% agree to it. )bout the same time King $laf4s %aughter )stri% came to 3arl 2agn7al%4s court& an% a great feast was ma%e for her. Sig7at soon became acFuainte% by con7ersation with the king4s %aughter& an% she knew him by name an% family& for $ttar the skal%& Sig7at4s sister4s son& ha% long intimate acFuaintance with King $laf& the Swe%ish king. )mong other things talke% of& 3arl 2agn7al% aske% Sig7at if the king of Norway woul% not marry the king4s %aughter )stri%. 6<f he woul% %o that&6 sai% he& 6< think we nee% not ask the Swe%ish king for his consent.6 )stri%& the kings %aughter& sai% eDactly the same. Soon after Sig7at returns home& an% comes to King $laf at Sar'sborg a little before Cule. =hen Sig7at came home to King $laf he went into the hall& an%& looking aroun% on the walls& he sang5 6=hen our men their arms are taking The ra7en4s wings with gree% are shakingA =hen they come back to %rink in hall +ra7e s'oil they bring to %eck the wall Shiel%& helms& an% 'anEers (1#& all in row& Stri''e% in the fiel% from lifeless fow. <n truth no royal nail comes near Thy s'len%i% hall in 'recious gear.6 )fterwar%s Sig7at tol% of his Bourney& an% sang these 7erses5 6The king4s court guar%s %esire to hear )bout our Bourney an% our cheer& $ur shi's in autumn reach the soun%& +ut long the way to Swe%ish groun%. =ith Boyless weather& win% an% rain%& )n% 'inching col%& an% feet in 'ain =ith slee'& fatigue& an% want o''resse%& No songs ha% we we scarce ha% rest.6 )n% when he came into con7ersation with the king he sang5 6=hen first < met the earl < tol% How our king lo7e% a frien% so bol%A How in his heart he lo7e% a man =ith han% to %o& an% hea% to 'lan. Thou generous kingK with Eeal an% care < sought to a%7ance thy great affairA ?or messengers from 2ussian lan% Ha% come to ask <ngeger%4s han%. The earl& thy frien%& bi%s thee& who art So mil% an% generous of heart& His ser7ants all who here may come To cherish in thy royal homeA )n% thine who may come to the east <n 2agn7al%4s hall shall fin% a feast <n 2agn7al%4s house shall fin% a home

)t 2agn7al%4s court be still welcome. =hen first < came the 'eo'le4s min% <ncense% by 3irik4s son < fin%A )n% he refuse% the wish to meet& )lleging treachery an% %eceit. +ut < eD'laine% how it was here& ?or earl an% king& a%7antage clear =ith thee to hol% the strictest 'eace& )n% make all force an% foray cease. The earl is wise& an% un%erstan%s The nee% of 'eace for both the lan%sA )n% he entreats thee not to break The 'resent 'eace for 7engeance4s sakeK6 He imme%iately tells King $laf the news he ha% hear%A an% at first the king was much cast %own when he hear% of King Garisleif4s suit& an% he sai% he eD'ecte% nothing but e7il from King $lafA but wishe% he might be able to return it in such a way as $laf shoul% remember. ) while afterwar%s the king asks Sig7at about 7arious news from ;autlan%. Sig7at s'oke a great %eal about )stri%& the kings %aughterA how beautiful she was& how agreeable in her con7ersationA an% that all %eclare% she was in no res'ect behin% her sister <ngeger%. The king listene% with 'leasure to this. Then Sig7at tol% him the con7ersation he an% )stri% ha% ha% between themsel7es& an% the king was %elighte% at the i%ea. 6The Swe%ish king&6 sai% he& 6will scarcely think that < will %are to marry a %aughter of his without his consent.6 +ut this s'eech of his was not known generally. King $laf an% Sig7at the skal% often s'oke about it. The king inFuire% 'articularly of Sig7at what he knew about 3arl 2agn7al%& an% 6if he be truly our frien%&6 sai% the king. Sig7at sai% that the earl was King $laf4s best frien%& an% sang these 7erses5 6The mighty $laf shoul% not cease =ith him to hol% goo% terms an% 'eaceA ?or this goo% earl unwearie% shows He is thy frien% where all are foes. $f all who %well by the 3ast Sea So frien%ly no man is as he5 )t all their Things he takes thy 'art& )n% is thy firm frien%& han% an% heart.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The 1antEer

a com'lete suit of 'late armour.

9:. 2);N>)-* )N* )ST2)4S G$@2N3C. )fter Cule ().*. 1919#& Thor% Skotakol& a sister4s son of Sig7at& atten%e% by one of Sig7at4s footboys& who ha% been with Sig7at the autumn before in ;autlan%& went Fuite secretly from the court& an% 'rocee%e% to ;autlan%. =hen they came to 3arl 2agn7al%4s court& they 'ro%uce% the tokens which $laf himself ha% sent to the earl& that he might 'lace confi%ence in Thor%. =ithout %elay the earl ma%e himself rea%y for a Bourney& as %i%

)stri%& the king4s %aughterA an% the earl took with him 1!9 men& who were chosen both from among his courtmen an% the sons of great bon%es& an% who were carefully eFui''e% in all things& clothes& wea'ons& an% horses. Then they ro%e northwar%s to Sar'sborg& an% came there at Can%lemas.

9". $? K<N; $-)?4S .)22<);3. King $laf ha% 'ut all things in or%er in the best style. There were all sorts of liFuors of the best that coul% be got& an% all other 're'arations of the same Fuality. .any 'eo'le of conseFuence were summone% in from their resi%ences. =hen the earl arri7e% with his retinue the king recei7e% him 'articularly wellA an% the earl was shown to a large& goo%& an% remarkably well furnishe% house for his lo%gingA an% ser7ing men an% others were a''ointe% to wait on himA an% nothing was wanting& in any res'ect& that coul% grace a feast. Now when the entertainment ha% laste% some %ays& the king& the earl& an% )stri% ha% a conference togetherA an% the result of it was& that 3arl 2agn7al% contracte% )stri%& %aughter of the Swe%ish king $laf& to $laf king of Norway& with the same %owry which ha% before been settle% that her sister <ngeger% shoul% ha7e from home. King $laf& on his 'art& shoul% gi7e )stri% the same bri%e gift that ha% been inten%e% for her sister <ngeger%. Thereu'on an eke was ma%e to the feast& an% King $laf an% Hueen )stri%4s we%%ing was %runk in great festi7ity. 3arl 2agn7al% then returne% to ;autlan%& an% the king ga7e the earl many great an% goo% gifts at 'artingA an% they 'arte% the %earest of frien%s& which they continue% to be while they li7e%.

9(. TH3 );233.3NT +2$K3N +C $-)?. The s'ring ().*. 1919# thereafter came ambassa%ors from King Garisleif in No7goro% to S7ithBo%& to treat more 'articularly about the 'romise gi7en by King $laf the 'rece%ing summer to marry his %aughter <ngeger% to King Garisleif. King $laf tallie% about the business with <ngeger%& an% tol% her it was his 'leasure that she shoul% marry King Garisleif. She re'lie%. 6<f < marry King Garisleif& < must ha7e as my bri%e gift the town an% earl%om of -a%oga.6 The 2ussian ambassa%ors agree% to this& on the 'art of their so7ereign. Then sai% <ngeger%& 6<f < go east to 2ussia& < must choose the man in S7ithBo% whom < think most suitable to accom'any meA an% < must sti'ulate that he shall not ha7e any less title& or in any res'ect less %ignity& 'ri7ilege& an% consi%eration there& than he has& here.6 This the king an% the ambassa%ors agree% to& an% ga7e their han%s u'on it in confirmation of the con%ition. 6)n% who&6 aske% the king& 6is the man thou wilt take with thee as thy atten%antL6 6That man&6 she re'lie%& 6is my relation 3arl 2agn7al%.6

The king re'lies& 6< ha7e resol7e% to rewar% 3arl 2agn7al% in a %ifferent manner for his treason against his master in going to Norway with my %aughter& an% gi7ing her as a concubine to that fellow& who he knew was my greatest enemy. < shall hang him u' this summer.6 Then <ngeger% begge% her father to be true to the 'romise he ha% ma%e her& an% ha% confirme% by gi7ing his han% u'on it. +y her entreaties it was at last agree% that the king shoul% 'romise to let 3arl 2agn7al% go in 'eace from S7ithBo%& but that he shoul% ne7er again a''ear in the king4s 'resence& or come back to S7ithBo% while $laf reigne%. <ngeger% then sent messengers to the earl to bring him these ti%ings& an% to a''oint a 'lace of meeting. The earl imme%iately 're'are% for his BourneyA ro%e u' to 3ast ;autlan%A 'rocure% there a 7essel& an%& with his retinue& Boine% <ngeger%& an% they 'rocee%e% together eastwar% to 2ussia. There <ngeger% was marrie% to King GarisleifA an% their chil%ren were >al%emar& >issi7al%& an% Holte the +ol%. Hueen <ngeger% ga7e 3arl 2agn7al% the town of -a%oga& an% earl%om belonging to it. 3arl 2agn7al% was there a long time& an% was a celebrate% man. His sons an% <ngebBorg4s were 3arl @lf an% 3arl 3ilif.

9/. H<ST$2C $? TH3 -);.)N 3.@N*. There was a man calle% 3mun% of Skara& who was lagman of west ;autlan%& an% was a man of great un%erstan%ing an% eloFuence& an% of high birth& great connection& an% 7ery wealthyA but was consi%ere% %eceitful& an% not to be truste%. He was the most 'owerful man in =est ;autlan% after the earl was gone. The same s'ring ().*. 1919# that 3arl 2agn7al% left ;autlan% the ;autlan% 'eo'le hel% a Thing among themsel7es& an% often eD'resse% their anDiety to each other about what the Swe%ish king might %o. They hear% he was incense% because they ha% rather hel% in frien%shi' with the king of Norway than stri7en against himA an% he was also enrage% against those who ha% atten%e% his %aughter )stri% to Norway. Some 'ro'ose% to seek hel' an% su''ort from the king of Norway& an% to offer him their ser7icesA others %issua%e% from this measure& as =est ;autlan% ha% no strength to o''ose to the Swe%es. 6)n% the king of Norway&6 sai% they& 6is far from us& the chief strength of his country 7ery %istantA an% therefore let us first sen% men to the Swe%ish king to attem't to come to some reconciliation with him. <f that fail& we can still turn to the king of Norway.6 Then the bon%es aske% 3mun% to un%ertake this mission& to which he agree%A an% he 'rocee%e% with thirty men to 3ast ;autlan%& where there were many of his relations an% frien%s& who recei7e% him hos'itably. He con7erse% there with the most 'ru%ent men about this %ifficult businessA an% they were all unanimous on one 'oint& that the king4s treatment of them was against law an% reason. ?rom thence 3mun% went into S7ithBo%& an% con7erse% with many men of conseFuence& who all eD'resse% themsel7es in the same way. 3mun% continue% his Bourney thus& until one %ay& towar%s e7ening& he arri7e% at @'sala& where he an% his retinue took a goo% lo%ging& an% staye% there all night. The neDt %ay 3mun% waite% u'on the king& who was Bust then sitting in the Thing surroun%e% by many 'eo'le.

3mun% went before him& bent his knee& an% salute% him. The king looke% at him& salute% him& an% aske% him what news he brought. 3mun% re'lies& 6There is little news among us ;autlan%ersA but it a''ears to us a 'iece of remarkable news that the 'rou%& stu'i% )tte& in >ermalan%& whom we look u'on as a great s'ortsman& went u' to the forest in winter with his snow shoes an% his bow. )fter he ha% got as many furs in the mountains as fille% his han% sle%ge so full that he coul% scarcely %rag it& he returne% home from the woo%s. +ut on the way he saw a sFuirrel in the trees& an% shot at it& but %i% not hitA at which he was so angry& that he left the sle%ge to run after the sFuirrel5 but still the sFuirrel s'rang where the woo% was thickest& sometimes among the roots of the trees& sometimes in the branches& sometimes among the arms that stretch from tree to tree. =hen )tte shot at it the arrows flew too high or too low& an% the sFuirrel ne7er Bum'e% so that )tte coul% get a fair aim at him. He was so eager u'on this chase that he ran the whole %ay after the sFuirrel& an% yet coul% not get hol% of it. <t was now getting %arkA so he threw himself %own u'on the snow& as he was wont& an% lay there all night in a hea7y snow storm. NeDt %ay )tte got u' to look after his sle%ge& but ne7er %i% he fin% it againA an% so he returne% home. )n% this is the only news& king& < ha7e to tell.6 The king says& 6This is news of but little im'ortance& if it be all thou hast to tell.6 3rnun% re'lies& 6-ately something ha''ene% which may well be calle% news. ;aute Tofason went with fi7e warshi's out of the ;aut ri7er& an% when he was lying at the 3ikrey <sles there came fi7e large *anish merchant shi's there. ;aute an% his men imme%iately took four of the great 7essels& an% ma%e a great booty without the loss of a man5 but the fifth 7essel sli''e% out to sea& an% saile% away. ;aute ga7e chase with one shi'& an% at first came nearer to themA but as the win% increase%& the *anes got away. Then ;aute wante% to turn backA but a storm came on so that he lost his shi' at Hlesey& with all the goo%s& an% the greater 'art of his crew. <n the meantime his 'eo'le were waiting for him at the 3ikrey <sles5 but the *anes came o7er in fifteen merchant shi's& kille% them all& an% took all the booty they ha% ma%e. So but little luck ha% they with their gree% of 'lun%er.6 The king re'lie%. 6That is great news& an% worth being tol%A but what now is thy erran% hereL6 3mun% re'lies& 6< tra7el& sire& to obtain your Bu%gment in a %ifficult case& in which our law an% the @'sala law %o not agree.6 The king asks& 6=hat is thy a''eal caseL6 3mun% re'lies& 6There were two noble born men of eFual birth& but uneFual in 'ro'erty an% %is'osition. They Fuarrelle% about some lan%& an% %i% each other much %amageA but most was %one to him who was the more 'owerful of the two. This Fuarrel& howe7er& was settle%& an% Bu%ge% of at a ;eneral ThingA an% the Bu%gment was&

that the most 'owerful shoul% 'ay a com'ensation. +ut at the first 'ayment& instea% of 'aying a goose& he 'ai% a goslingA for an ol% swine he 'ai% a sucking 'igA an% for a mark of stam'e% gol% only a half mark& an% for the other half mark nothing but clay an% %irtA an%& moreo7er& threatene%& in the most 7iolent way& the 'eo'le whom he force% to recei7e such goo%s in 'ayment. Now& sire& what is your Bu%gmentL6 The king re'lies& 6He shall 'ay the full eFui7alent whom the Bu%gment or%ere% to %o so& an% that faithfullyA an% further& threefol% to his king5 an% if 'ayment be not ma%e within a year an% a %ay& he shall be cut off from all his 'ro'erty& his goo%s confiscate%& an% half go the king4s house& an% half to the other 'arty.6 3mun% took witnesses to this Bu%gment among the most consi%erable of the men who were 'resent& accor%ing to the laws which were hel% in the @'sala Thing. He then salute% the king& an% went his wayA an% other men brought their cases before the king& an% he sat late in the %ay u'on the cases of the 'eo'le. Now when the king came to table& he aske% where -agman 3mun% was. <t was answere%& he was home at his lo%gings. 6Then&6 sai% the king& 6go after him& an% tell him to be my guest to %ay.6 Thereafter the %ishes were borne inA then came the musicians with har's& fi%%les& an% musical instrumentsA an% lastly& the cu' bearers. The king was 'articularly merry& an% ha% many great 'eo'le at table with him& so that he thought little of 3mun%. The king %rank the whole %ay& an% sle't all the night afterA but in the morning the king awoke& an% recollecte% what 3mun% ha% sai% the %ay before5 an% when he ha% 'ut on his clothes& he let his wise men be summone% to himA for he ha% always twel7e of the wisest men who sat in Bu%gment with him& an% treate% the more %ifficult casesA an% that was no easy business& for the king was ill 'lease% if the Bu%gment was not accor%ing to Bustice& an% yet it was of no use to contra%ict him. <n this meeting the king or%ere% -agman 3mun% to be calle% before them. The messenger returne%& an% sai%& 6Sire& -agman 3mun% ro%e away yester%ay as soon as he ha% %ine%.6 6Then&6 sai% the king& 6tell me& ye goo% chiefs& what may ha7e been the meaning of that law case which 3mun% lai% before us yester%ayL6 They re'lie%& 6Cou must ha7e consi%ere% it yourself& if you think there was any other meaning un%er it than what he sai%.6 The king re'lie%& 6+y the two noble born men whom he s'oke of& who were at 7ariance& an% of whom one was more 'owerful than the other& an% who %i% each other %amage& he must ha7e meant us an% $laf the Thick.6 They answere%& 6<t is& sire& as you say.6 The king 6$ur case was Bu%ge% at the @'sala Thing. +ut what was his meaning when he sai% that ba% 'ayment was ma%eA namely& a gosling for a goose& a 'ig for a swine& an% clay an% %irt for half of the money instea% of gol%L6 )rn7i% the +lin% re'lie%& 6Sire& re% gol% an% clay are things

7ery unlikeA but the %ifference is still greater between king an% sla7e. Cou 'romise% $laf the Thick your %aughter <ngeger%& who& in all branches of her %escent& is born of kings& an% of the @'lan% Swe%ish race of kings& which is the most noble in the NorthA for it is trace% u' to the go%s themsel7es. +ut now $laf has got )stri%A an% although she is a king4s chil%& her mother was but a sla7e woman& an%& besi%es& of >in%ish race. ;reat %ifference& in%ee%& must there be between these kings& when the one takes thankfully such a matchA an% now it is e7i%ent& as might be eD'ecte%& that no Northman is to be 'lace% by the si%e of the @'sala kings. -et us all gi7e thanks that it has so turne% outA for the go%s ha7e long 'rotecte% their %escen%ants& although many now neglect this faith.6 There were three brothers5 )rn7i% the +lin%& who ha% a great un%erstan%ing& but was so weak sighte% that he was scarcely fit for warA the secon% was Thor7i% the Stammerer& who coul% not utter two wor%s together at one time& but was remarkably bol% an% courageousA the thir% was ?rey7i% the *eaf& who was har% of hearing. )ll these brothers were rich an% 'owerful men& of noble birth& great wis%om& an% all 7ery %ear to the king. Then sai% King $laf& 6=hat means that which 3mun% sai% about )tte the *ullL6 None ma%e any re'ly& but the one looke% at the other. 6S'eak freely&6 sai% the king. Then sai% Thor7i% the Stammerer& 6)tte gree%y Bealous %eceitful %ull.6 Fuarrel some

Then sai% the king& 6To whom are these wor%s of re'roach an% mockery a''lie%L6 ?rey7i% the *eaf re'lie%& 6=e will s'eak more clearly if we ha7e your 'ermission.6 The king 6S'eak freely& ?rey7i%& what you will.6

?rey7i% took u' the wor%& an% s'oke. 6.y brother Thor7i%& who is consi%ere% to be the wisest of us brothers& hol%s the wor%s IFuarrelsome& gree%y& Bealous& %ull&4 to be one an% the same thingA for it a''lies to him who is weary of 'eace& longs for small things without attaining them& while he lets great an% useful things 'ass away as they came. < am %eafA yet so lou% ha7e many s'oken out& that < can 'ercei7e that all men& both great an% small& take it ill that you ha7e not ke't your 'romise to the king of NorwayA an%& worse than that& that you broke the %ecision of the community as it was %eli7ere% at @'sala Thing. Cou nee% not fear either the king of Norway& or the king of *enmark& or any other& so long as the Swe%ish army will follow youA but if the 'eo'le of the country unanimously turn against you& we& your frien%s& see no counsel that can be of a%7antage to you.6 The king asks& 6=ho is the chief who %ares to betray the country

an% meL6 ?rey7i% re'lies& 6)ll Swe%es %esire to ha7e the ancient laws& an% their full rights. -ook but here& sire& how many chiefs are sitting in council with you. < think& in truth& we are but siD whom you call your councillors5 all the others& so far as < know& ha7e ri%%en forth through the %istricts to hol% Things with the 'eo'leA an% we will not conceal it from you& that the message token has gone forth to assemble a 2etribution thing (1#. )ll of us brothers ha7e been in7ite% to take 'art in the %ecisions of this council& but none of us will bear the name of traitor to the so7ereignA for that our father ne7er was.6 Then the king sai%& 6=hat council shall we take in this %angerous affair that is in our han%sL ;oo% chiefs gi7e me council& that < may kee' my king%om& an% the heritage of my forefathersA for < cannot enter into strife against the whole Swe%ish force.6 )rn7i% the +lin% re'lies& 6Sire& it is my a%7ice that you ri%e %own to )ros with such men as will follow youA take your shi' there an% go out into the .aeler lakeA summon all 'eo'le to meet youA 'rocee% no longer with haughtiness& but 'romise e7ery man the law an% rights of ol% establishe% in the countryA kee' back in this way the message token& for it cannot as yet& in so short a time ha7e tra7elle% far through the lan%. Sen%& then those of your men in whom you ha7e the most confi%ence to those who ha7e this business on han%& an% try if this u'roar can be a''ease%.6 The king says that he will a%o't this a%7ice. 6< will&6 says he& 6that ye brothers un%ertake this businessA for < trust to you the most among my men.6 Thor7i% the Stammerer sai%& 6< remain behin%. son& go with them& for that is necessary.6 -et Gacob& your

Then sai% ?rey7i%& 6-et us %o as Thor7i% says5 he will not lea7e you& an% < an% )rn7i% must tra7el.6 This counsel was followe%. $laf went to his shi's& an% set out into the .aelar lake& an% many 'eo'le came to him. The brothers )rn7i% an% ?rey7i% ro%e out to @llaraker& an% ha% with them the king4s son GacobA but they ke't it a secret that he was there. The brothers obser7e% that there was a great concourse an% war gathering& for the bon%es hel% the Thing night an% %ay. =hen )rn7i% an% ?rey7i% met their relations an% frien%s& they sai% they woul% Boin with the 'eo'leA an% many agree% to lea7e the management of the business in the han%s of the brothers. +ut all& as one man& %eclare% they woul% no longer ha7e King $laf o7er them& an% no longer suffer his unlawful 'rocee%ings& an% o7er weening 'ri%e which woul% not listen to any man4s remonstrances& e7en when the great chiefs s'oke the truth to him. =hen ?rey7i% obser7e% the heat of the 'eo'le& he saw in what a ba% situation the king4s cause was. He summone% the chiefs of the lan% to a meeting with him an% a%%resse% them thus5 6<t a''ears to me& that if we are to %e'ose $laf 3irikson from his king%om& we Swe%es of the @'lan%s shoul% be the lea%ing men in it5 for so it has always been& that the counsel which the @'lan%

chiefs ha7e resol7e% among themsel7es has always been followe% by the men of the rest of the country. $ur forefathers %i% not nee% to take a%7ice from the =est ;autlan%ers about the go7ernment of the Swe%es. Now we will not be so %egenerate as to nee% 3mun% to gi7e us counselA but let us& frien%s an% relations& unite oursel7es for the 'ur'ose of coming to a %etermination.6 )ll agree% to this& an% thought it was well sai%. Thereafter the 'eo'le Boine% this union which the @'lan% chiefs ma%e among themsel7es& an% ?rey7i% an% )rn7i% were chiefs of the whole assemblage. =hen 3mun% hear% this he sus'ecte% how the matter woul% en%& an% went to both the brothers to ha7e a con7ersation with them. Then ?rey7i% aske% 3mun%& 6=ho& in your o'inion& shoul% we take for king& in case $laf 3irikson4s %ays are at an en%L6 3mun% 6He whom we think best suite% to it& whether he be of the race of chiefs or not.6 ?rey7i% answers& 6=e @'lan%ers will not& in our time& ha7e the king%om go out of the ol% race of our ancestors& which has gi7en us kings for a long course of generations& so long as we ha7e so goo% a choice as now. King $laf has two sons& one of whom we will choose for king& although there is a great %ifference between them. The one is noble born& an% of Swe%ish race on both si%esA the other is a sla7e woman4s son& an% of >in%ish race on the mother4s si%e.6 This %ecision was recei7e% with lou% a''lause& an% all woul% ha7e Gacob for king. Then sai% 3mun%. 6Ce @'lan% Swe%es ha7e the 'ower this time to %eterminate the matterA but < will tell you what will ha''en5 some of those who now will listen to nothing but that the king%om remain in the ol% race will li7e to see the %ay when they will wish the king%om in another race& as being of more a%7antage.6 Thereu'on the brothers ?rey7i% an% )rn7i% le% the king4s son Gacob into the Thing& an% salute% him with the title of kingA an% the Swe%es ga7e him the name of $nun%& which he afterwar%s retaine% as long as he li7e%. He was then ten or twel7e years ol%. Thereafter King $nun% took a court& an% chose chiefs to be aroun% himA an% they ha% as many atten%ants in their suite as were thought necessary& so that he ga7e the whole assemblage of bon%es lea7e to return home. )fter that ambassa%ors went between the two kingsA an% at last they ha% a meeting& an% came to an agreement. $laf was to remain king o7er the country as long as he li7e%A but shoul% hol% 'eace an% be reconcile% with King $laf of Norway& an% also with all who ha% taken 'art in this business. $nun% shoul% also be king& an% ha7e a 'art of the lan%& such as the father an% son shoul% agree u'onA but shoul% be boun% to su''ort the bon%es in case King $laf %i% anything which the bon%es woul% not suffer. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# 2efsithing a Thing for 'unishment by 'enalty or %eath for crimes an% mis%emeanours. -.

97. .33T<N; $? 23C$NC<-<)T<$N +3T=33N TH3 K<N;S& )N* TH3<2 ;).3 )T *<C3. Thereafter ambassa%ors were sent to Norway to King $laf& with the erran% that he shoul% come with his retinue to a meeting at Konungahella with the Swe%ish kings& an% that the Swe%ish kings woul% there confirm their reconciliation. =hen King $laf hear% this message& he was willing& now as formerly& to enter into the agreement& an% 'rocee%e% to the a''ointe% 'lace. There the Swe%ish kings also cameA an% the relations& when they met& boun% themsel7es mutually to 'eace an% agreement. $laf the Swe%ish king was then remarkably mil% in manner& an% agreeable to talk with. Thorstein ?ro%e relates of this meeting& that there was an inhabite% %istrict in Hising which ha% sometimes belonge% to Norway& an% sometimes to ;autlan%. The kings came to the agreement between themsel7es that they woul% cast lots by the %ice to %etermine who shoul% ha7e this 'ro'erty& an% that he who threw the highest shoul% ha7e the %istrict. The Swe%ish king threw two siDes& an% sai% King $laf nee% scarcely throw. He re'lie%& while shaking the %ice in his han%& 6)lthough there be two siDes on the %ice& it woul% be easy& sire& for ;o% )lmighty to let them turn u' in my fa7our.6 Then he threw& an% ha% siDes also. Now the Swe%ish king threw again& an% ha% again two siDes. $laf king of Norway then threw& an% ha% siD u'on one %ice& an% the other s'lit in two& so as to make se7en eyes in all u'on itA an% the %istrict was a%Bu%ge% to the king of Norway. =e ha7e hear% nothing else of any interest that took 'lace at this meetingA an% the kings se'arate% the %earest of frien%s with each other.

98. $? $-)? $? N$2=)C& )?T32 TH3 .33T<N;. )fter the e7ents now relate% $laf returne% with his 'eo'le to >iken. He went first to Tunsberg& an% remaine% there a short time& an% then 'rocee%e% to the north of the country. <n har7est time he saile% north to Thron%hBem& an% ha% winter 'ro7ision lai% in there& an% remaine% there all winter ().*. 1999#. $laf Haral%son was now sole an% su'reme king of Norway& an% the whole of that so7ereignty& as Haral% Harfager ha% 'ossesse% it& an% ha% the a%7antage o7er that monarch of being the only king in the lan%. +y a 'eaceful agreement he ha% also reco7ere% that 'art of the country which $laf the Swe%ish king ha% before occu'ie%A an% that 'art of the country which the *anish king ha% got he retook by force& an% rule% o7er it as elsewhere in the country. The *anish king Canute rule% at that time both o7er *enmark an% 3nglan%A but he himself was in 3nglan% for the most 'art& an% set chiefs o7er the country in *enmark& without at that time making any claim u'on Norway.

99. H<ST$2C $? TH3 3)2-S $? $2KN3C.

<t is relate% that in the %ays of Haral% Harfager& the king of Norway& the islan%s of $rkney& which before ha% been only a resort for 7ikings& were settle% . The first earl in the $rkney <slan%s was calle% Sigur%& who was a son of 3ystein ;iumra& an% brother of 2agn7al% earl of .ore. )fter Sigur% his son ;uthorm was earl for one year. )fter him Torf 3inar& a son of 2agn7al%& took the earl%om& an% was long earl& an% was a man of great 'ower. Half%an Haleg& a son of Haral% Harfager& assaulte% Torf 3inar& an% %ro7e him from the $rkney <slan%sA but 3inar came back an% kille% Half%an in the islan% 2onal%sha. Thereafter King Haral% came with an army to the $rkney <slan%s. 3inar fle% to Scotlan%& an% King Haral% ma%e the 'eo'le of the $rkney <slan%s gi7e u' their u%al 'ro'erties& an% hol% them un%er oath from him. Thereafter the king an% earl were reconcile%& so that the earl became the king4s man& an% took the country as a fief from himA but that it shoul% 'ay no scat or feu %uty& as it was at that time much 'lun%ere% by 7ikings. The earl 'ai% the king siDty marks of gol%A an% then King Haral% went to 'lun%er in Scotlan%& as relate% in the 6;lym *ra'a6. )fter Torf 3inar& his sons )rnkel& 3rlen%& an% Thorfin HausaklBufer (1# rule% o7er these lan%s. <n their %ays came 3irik +loo% aDe from Norway& an% sub%ue% these earls. )rnkel an% 3rlen% fell in a war eD'e%itionA but Thorfin rule% the country long& an% became an ol% man. His sons were )rnfin& Ha7ar%& Hlo%7er& -iot& an% Skule. Their mother was ;rela%& a %aughter of 3arl *unga% of Caithness. Her mother was ;roa& a %aughter of Thorstein 2au%. <n the latter %ays of 3arl Thorfin came 3irik +loo% aDe4s sons& who ha% fle% from 3arl Hakon out of Norway& an% committe% great eDcesses in $rkney. 3arl Thorfin %ie% on a be% of sickness& an% his sons after him rule% o7er the country& an% there are many stories concerning them. Hlo%7er li7e% the longest of them& an% rule% alone o7er this country. His son was Sigur% the Thick& who took the earl%om after him& an% became a 'owerful man an% a great warrior. <n his %ays came $laf Tryg7ason from his 7iking eD'e%ition in the western ocean& with his troo's& lan%e% in $rkney an% took 3arl Sigur% 'risoner in South 2onal%sha& where he lay with one shi'. King $laf allowe% the earl to ransom his life by letting himself be ba'tiEe%& a%o'ting the true faith& becoming his man& an% intro%ucing Christianity into all the $rkney <slan%s. )s a hostage& King $laf took his son& who was calle% Hun%e or =hel'. Then $laf went to Norway& an% became kingA an% Hun%e was se7eral years with King $laf in Norway& an% %ie% there. )fter his %eath 3arl Sigur% showe% no obe%ience or fealty to King $laf. He marrie% a %aughter of the Scottish king .alcolm& an% their son was calle% Thorfin. 3arl Sigur% ha%& besi%es& ol%er sonsA namely& Sumarli%e& +ruse& an% 3inar 2angmun%. ?our or fi7e years after $laf Tryrg7ason4s fall 3arl Sigur% went to <relan%& lea7ing his el%est sons to rule the country& an% sen%ing Thorfin to his mother4s father& the Scottish king. $n this eD'e%ition 3arl Sigur% fell in +rian4s battle (l#. =hen the news was recei7e% in $rkney& the brothers Sumarli%e& +ruse& an% 3inar were chosen earls& an% the country was %i7i%e% into three 'arts among them. Thorfin Sigur%son was fi7e years ol% when 3arl Sigur% fell. =hen the Scottish king hear% of the earl4s %eath he ga7e his relation Thorfin Caithness an% Sutherlan%& with the title of earl& an% a''ointe% goo% men to rule the lan% for him. 3arl Thorfin was

ri'e in all strong& but to see that says )rnor&

ways as soon as he was grown u'5 he was stout an% uglyA an% as soon as he was a grown man it was easy he was a se7ere an% cruel but a 7ery cle7er man. So the earls4 skal%5

6@n%er the rim of hea7en no other& So young in years as 3inar4s brother& <n battle ha% a bra7er han%& $r stouter& to %efen% the lan%.6

3N*N$T3S5 (1# HausaklBufer the s'litter of skulls. -. (!# +rian4s battle is su''ose% to ha7e taken 'lace on the !:r% )'ril 191"& at Clontart& near *ublinA an% is known in <rish history as the battle of Clontarf& an% was one of the bloo%iest of the age. <t was fought between a 7iking calle% Sigtryg an% +rian king of .unster& who gaine% the 7ictory& but lost his life. -.

199. $? TH3 3)2-S 3<N)2 )N* +2@S3. The brothers 3inar an% +ruse were 7ery unlike in %is'osition. +ruse was a soft min%e%& 'eaceable man& sociable& eloFuent& an% of goo% un%erstan%ing. 3inar was obstinate& taciturn& an% %ullA but ambitious& gree%y of money& an% withal a great warrior. Sumarli%e& the el%est of the brothers& was in %is'osition like +ruse& an% li7e% not long& but %ie% in his be%. )fter his %eath Thorfin claime% his share of the $rkney <slan%s. 3inar re'lie%& that Thorfin ha% the %ominions which their father Sigur% ha% 'ossesse%& namely& Caithness an% Sutherlan%& which he insiste% were much larger than a thir% 'art of $rkneyA therefore he woul% not consent to Thorfin4s ha7ing any share. +ruse& on the other han%& was willing& he sai%& to %i7i%e with him. 6< %o not %esire&6 he sai%& 6more than the thir% 'art of the lan%& an% which of right belongs to me.6 Then 3inar took 'ossession of two 'arts of the country& by which he became a 'owerful man& surroun%e% by many followers. He was often in summer out on marau%ing eD'e%itions& an% calle% out great numbers of the 'eo'le to Boin himA but it went always un'leasantly with the %i7ision of the booty ma%e on his 7iking cruises. Then the bon%es grew weary of all these bur%ensA but 3arl 3inar hel% fast by them with se7erity& calling in all ser7ices lai% u'on the 'eo'le& an% allowing no o''osition from any manA for he was eDcessi7ely 'rou% an% o7erbearing. )n% now there came %earth an% scarcity in his lan%s& in conseFuence of the ser7ices an% money outlay eDacte% from the bon%esA while in the 'art of the country belonging to +ruse there were 'eace an% 'lenty& an% therefore he was the best belo7e% by the bon%es.

191. $? TH$2K3- ).@N*)S$N.

There was a rich an% 'owerful man who was calle% )mun%e& who %welt in Hrossey at San%7ik& in Hlau'an%anes. His son& calle% Thorkel& was one of the ablest men in the islan%s. )mun%e was a man of the best un%erstan%ing& an% most res'ecte% in $rkney. $ne s'ring 3arl 3inar 'roclaime% a le7y for an eD'e%ition& as usual. The bon%es murmure% greatly against it& an% a''lie% to )mun%e with the entreaty that he woul% interce%e with the earl for them. He re'lie%& that the earl was not a man who woul% listen to other 'eo'le& an% insiste% that it was of no use to make any entreaty to the earl about it. 6)s things now stan%& there is a goo% un%erstan%ing between me an% the earlA but& in my o'inion& there woul% be much %anger of our Fuarrelling& on account of our %ifferent %is'ositions an% 7iews on both si%esA therefore < will ha7e nothing to %o with it.6 They then a''lie% to Thorkel& who was also 7ery loath to interfere& but 'romise% at last to %o so& in conseFuence of the great entreaty of the 'eo'le. )mun%e thought he ha% gi7en his 'romise too hastily. Now when the earl hel% a Thing& Thorkel s'oke on account of the 'eo'le& an% entreate% the earl to s'are the 'eo'le from such hea7y bur%ens& recounting their necessitous con%ition. The earl re'lies fa7ourably& saying that he woul% take Thorkel4s a%7ice. 6< ha% inten%e% to go out from the country with siD shi's& but now < will only take three with meA but thou must not come again& Thorkel& with any such reFuest.6 The bon%es thanke% Thorkel for his assistance& an% the earl set out on a 7iking cruise& an% came back in autumn. The s'ring after& the earl ma%e the same le7y as usual& an% hel% a Thing with the bon%es. Then Thorkel again ma%e a s'eech& in which he entreate% the earl to s'are the 'eo'le. The earl now was angry& an% sai% the lot of the bon%es shoul% be ma%e worse in conseFuence of his intercessionA an% worke% himself u' into such a rage& that he 7owe% they shoul% not both come neDt s'ring to the Thing in a whole skin. Then the Thing was close%. =hen )mun%e hear% what the earl an% Thorkel ha% sai% at the Thing& he tol% Thorkel to lea7e the country& an% he went o7er to Caithness to 3arl Thorfin. Thorkel was afterwar%s a long time there& an% brought u' the earl in his youth& an% was on that account calle% Thorkel the ?ostererA an% he became a 7ery celebrate% man.

19!. TH3 );233.3NT $? TH3 3)2-S. There were many 'owerful men who fle% from their u%al 'ro'erties in $rkney on account of 3arl 3inar4s 7iolence& an% the most fle% o7er to Caithness to 3arl Thorfin5 but some fle% from the $rkney <slan%s to Norway& an% some to other countries. =hen 3arl Thorfin was grown u' he sent a message to his brother 3inar& an% %eman%e% the 'art of the %ominion which he thought belonge% to him in $rkneyA namely& a thir% of the islan%s. 3inar was nowise incline% to %iminish his 'ossessions. =hen Thorfin foun% this he collecte% a warforce in Caithness& an% 'rocee%e% to the islan%s. )s soon as 3arl 3inar hear% of this he collecte% 'eo'le& an% resol7e% to %efen% his country. 3arl +ruse also collecte% men& an% went out to meet them& an% bring about some agreement between them. )n agreement was at last conclu%e%& that Thorfin shoul% ha7e a thir% 'art of the islan%s& as of right belonging to him&

but that +ruse an% 3inar shoul% lay their two 'arts together& an% 3inar alone shoul% rule o7er themA but if the one %ie% before the other& the longest li7er shoul% inherit the whole. This agreement seeme% reasonable& as +ruse ha% a son calle% 2agn7al%& but 3inar ha% no son. 3arl Thorfin set men to rule o7er his lan% in $rkney& but he himself was generally in Caithness. 3arl 3inar was generally on 7iking eD'e%itions to <relan%& Scotlan%& an% +retlan%.

19:. 3C><N* @2)2H$2N4S .@2*32. $ne summer ().*. 1918# that 3arl 3inar marau%e% in <relan%& he fought in @lfreks fBor% with the <rish king Konofogor& as has been relate% before& an% suffere% there a great %efeat. The summer after this ().*. 1919# 3y7in% @rarhorn was coming from the west from <relan%& inten%ing to go to NorwayA but the weather was boisterous& an% the current against him& so he ran into $smun%wall& an% lay there win% boun% for some time. =hen 3arl 3inar hear% of this& he hastene% thither with many 'eo'le& took 3y7in% 'risoner& an% or%ere% him to be 'ut to %eath& but s'are% the li7es of most of his 'eo'le. <n autumn they 'rocee%e% to Norway to King $laf& an% tol% him 3y7in% was kille%. The king sai% little about it& but one coul% see that he consi%ere% it a great an% 7eDatious lossA for he %i% not usually say much if anything turne% out contrary to his wishes. 3arl Thorfin sent Thorkel ?osterer to the islan%s to gather in his scat. Now& as 3inar ga7e Thorkel the greatest blame for the %is'ute in which Thorfin ha% ma%e claim to the islan%s& Thorkel came su%%enly back to Caithness from $rkney& an% tol% 3arl Thorfin that he ha% learnt that 3arl 3inar woul% ha7e mur%ere% him if his frien%s an% relations ha% not gi7en him notice to esca'e. 6Now&6 says he& 6it is come so far between the earl an% me& that either some thing %ecisi7e between us must take 'lace if we meet& or < must remo7e to such a %istance that his 'ower will not reach me.6 The earl encourage% Thorkel much to go east to Norway to King $laf. 6Thou wilt be highly res'ecte%&6 says he& 6where7er thou comest among honourable menA an% < know so well thy %is'osition an% the earl4s& that it will not be long before ye come to eDtremities.6 Thereu'on Thorkel ma%e himself rea%y& an% 'rocee%e% in autumn to Norway& an% then to King $laf& with whom he staye% the whole winter ().*. 19!9#& an% was in high fa7our. The king often entere% into con7ersation with him& an% he thought& what was true& that Thorkel was a high min%e% man& of goo% un%erstan%ing. <n his con7ersations with Thorkel& the king foun% a great %ifference in his %escri'tion of the two earlsA for Thorkel was a great frien% of 3arl Thorfin& but ha% much to say against 3inar. 3arly in s'ring ().*. 19!9# the king sent a shi' west o7er the sea to 3arl Thorfin& with the in7itation to come east an% 7isit him in Norway. The earl %i% not %ecline the in7itation& for it was accom'anie% by assurances of frien%shi'.

19". 3)2- 3<N)24S .@2*32.

3arl Thorfin went east to Norway& an% came to King $laf& from whom he recei7e% a kin% rece'tion& an% staye% till late in the summer. =hen he was 're'aring to return westwar%s again& King $laf ma%e him a 'resent of a large an% fully rigge% long shi'. Thorkel the ?osterer Boine% com'any with the earl& who ga7e him the shi' which he brought with him from the west. The king an% the earl took lea7e of each other ten%erly. <n autumn 3arl Thorfin came to $rkney& an% when 3arl 3inar hear% of it he went on boar% his shi's with a numerous ban% of men. 3arl +ruse came u' to his two brothers& an% en%ea7oure% to me%iate between them& an% a 'eace was conclu%e% an% confirme% by oath. Thorkel ?osterer was to be in 'eace an% frien%shi' with 3arl 3inarA an% it was agree% that each of them shoul% gi7e a feast to the other& an% that the earl shoul% first be Thorkel4s guest at San%wick. =hen the earl came to the feast he was entertaine% in the best mannerA but the earl was not cheerful. There was a great room& in which there were %oors at each en%. The %ay the earl shoul% %e'art Thorkel was to accom'any him to the other feastA an% Thorkel sent men before& who shoul% eDamine the roa% they ha% to tra7el that %ay. The s'ies came back& an% sai% to Thorkel they ha% %isco7ere% three ambushes. 6)n% we think&6 sai% they& 6there is %eceit on foot.6 =hen Thorkel hear% this he lengthene% out his 're'arations for the Bourney& an% gathere% 'eo'le about him. The earl tol% him to get rea%y& as it was time to be on horseback. Thorkel answere%& that he ha% many things to 'ut in or%er first& an% went out an% in freFuently. There was a fire u'on the floor. )t last he went in at one %oor& followe% by an <celan% man from 3astfBor%& calle% Hal7ar%& who locke% the %oor after him. Thorkel went in between the fire an% the 'lace where the earl was sitting. The earl aske%& 6)rt thou rea%y at last& ThorkelL6 Thorkel answers& 6Now < am rea%yA6 an% struck the earl u'on the hea% so that he fell u'on the floor. Then sai% the <celan%er& 6< ne7er saw 'eo'le so foolish as not to %rag the earl out of the fireA6 an% took a stick& which he set un%er the earl4s neck& an% 'ut him u'right on the bench. Thorkel an% his two comra%es then went in all haste out of the other %oor o''osite to that by which they went in& an% Thorkel4s men were stan%ing without fully arme%. The earl4s men now went in& an% took hol% of the earl. He was alrea%y %ea%& so nobo%y thought of a7enging him5 an% also the whole was %one so FuicklyA for nobo%y eD'ecte% such a %ee% from Thorkel& an% all su''ose% that there really was& as before relate%& a frien%shi' fiDe% between the earl an% Thorkel. The most who were within were unarme%& an% they were 'artly Thorkel4s goo% frien%sA an% to this may be a%%e%& that fate ha% %ecree% a longer life to Thorkel. =hen Thorkel came out he ha% not fewer men with him than the earl4s troo'. Thorkel went to his shi'& an% the earl4s men went their way. The same %ay Thorkel saile% out eastwar%s into the sea. This ha''ene% after winterA but he came safely to Norway& went as fast as he coul% to $laf& an% was well recei7e% by him. The king eD'resse% his satisfaction at this %ee%& an% Thorkel was with him all winter ().*. 1991#.

19(. );233.3NT +3T=33N K<N; $-)? )N* 3)2- +2@S3. )fter 3arl 3inar4s fall +ruse took the 'art of the country which he ha% 'ossesse%A for it was known to many men on what con%itions 3inar an% +ruse ha% entere% into a 'artnershi'. )lthough Thorfin thought it woul% be more Bust that each of them ha% half of the islan%s& +ruse retaine% the two thir%s of the country that winter ().*. 19!1#. <n s'ring& howe7er& Thorfin 'ro%uce% his claim& an% %eman%e% the half of the countryA but +ruse woul% not consent. They hel% Things an% meetings about the businessA an% although their frien%s en%ea7oure% to settle it& Thorfin woul% not be content with less than the half of the islan%s& an% insiste% that +ruse& with his %is'osition& woul% ha7e enough e7en with a thir% 'art. +ruse re'lies& 6=hen < took my heritage after my father < was well satisfie% with a thir% 'art of the country& an% there was nobo%y to %is'ute it with meA an% now < ha7e succee%e% to another thir% in heritage after my brother& accor%ing to a lawful agreement between usA an% although < am not 'owerful enough to maintain a feu% against thee& my brother& < will seek some other way& rather than willingly renounce my 'ro'erty.6 =ith this their meeting en%e%. +ut +ruse saw that he ha% no strength to conten% against Thorfin& because Thorfin ha% both a greater %ominion an% also coul% ha7e ai% from his mother4s brother& the Scottish king. He resol7e%& therefore& to go out of the countryA an% he went eastwar% to King $laf& an% ha% with him his son 2agn7al%& then ten years ol%. =hen the earl came to the king he was well recei7e%. The earl now %eclare% his erran%& an% tol% the king the circumstances of the whole %is'ute between him an% his brother& an% aske% hel' to %efen% his king%om of $rkneyA 'romising& in return& the fullest frien%shi' towar%s King $laf. <n his answer& the king began with showing how Haral% Harfager ha% a''ro'riate% to himself all u%al rights in $rkney& an% that the earls& since that time& ha7e constantly hel% the country as a fief& not as their u%al 'ro'erty. 6)s a sufficient 'roof of which&6 sai% he& 6when 3irik +loo% aDe an% his sons were in $rkney the earls were subBect to themA an% also when my relation $laf Tryg7ason came there thy father& 3arl Sigur%& became his man. Now < ha7e taken heritage after King $laf& an% < will gi7e thee the con%ition to become my man an% then < will gi7e thee the islan%s as a fiefA an% we shall try if < cannot gi7e thee ai% that will he more to the 'ur'ose than Thorfin can get from the Scottish king. <f thou wilt not acce't of these terms& then will < win back my u%al 'ro'erty there in the =est& as our forefathers an% relations of ol% 'ossesse% it.6 The earl carefully consi%ere% this s'eech& lai% it before his frien%s& an% %eman%e% their a%7ice if he shoul% agree to it& an% enter into such terms with King $laf an% become his 7assal. 6+ut < %o not see what my lot will be at my %e'arture if < say noA for the king has clearly enough %eclare% his claim u'on $rkneyA an% from his great 'ower& an% our being in his han%s& it is easy for him to make our %estiny what he 'leases.6 )lthough the earl saw that there was much to be consi%ere% for an% against it he chose the con%ition to %eli7er himself an% his %ominion into the king4s 'ower. Thereu'on the king took the

earl4s 'ower& an% the go7ernment o7er all the earl4s lan%s& an% the earl became his 7assal un%er oath of fealty.

19/. TH3 3)2-4S );233.3NT T$ TH3 K<N;4S T32.S. Thorfin the earl hear% that his brother +ruse ha% gone east to King $laf to seek su''ort from himA but as Thorfin ha% been on a 7isit to King $laf before& an% ha% conclu%e% a frien%shi' with him& he thought his case woul% stan% well with the king& an% that many woul% su''ort itA but he belie7e% that many more woul% %o so if he went there himself. 3arl Thorfin resol7e%& therefore& to go east himself without %elayA an% he thought there woul% be so little %ifference between the time of his arri7al an% +ruse4s& that +ruse4s erran% coul% not be accom'lishe% before he came to King $laf. +ut it went otherwise than 3arl Thorfin ha% eD'ecte%A for when he came to the king the agreement between the king an% +ruse was alrea%y conclu%e% an% settle%& an% 3arl Thorfin %i% not know a wor% about +ruse4s ha7ing surren%ere% his u%al %omains until he came to King $laf. )s soon as 3arl Thorfin an% King $laf met& the king ma%e the same %eman% u'on the king%om of $rkney that he ha% %one to 3arl +ruse& an% reFuire% that Thorfin shoul% 7oluntarily %eli7er o7er to the king that 'art of the country which he ha% 'ossesse% hitherto. The earl answere% in a frien%ly an% res'ectful way& that the king4s frien%shi' lay near to his heart5 6)n% if you think& sire& that my hel' against other chiefs can be of use& you ha7e alrea%y e7ery claim to itA but < cannot be your 7essel for ser7ice& as < am an earl of the Scottish king& an% owe fealty to him.6 )s the king foun% that the earl& by his answer& %ecline% fulfilling the %eman% he ha% ma%e& he sai%& 63arl& if thou wilt not become my 7assal& there is another con%itionA namely& that < will 'lace o7er the $rkney <slan%s the man < 'lease& an% reFuire thy oath that thou wilt make no claim u'on these lan%s& but allow whoe7er < 'lace o7er them to sit in 'eace. <f thou wilt not acce't of either of these con%itions& he who is to rule o7er these lan%s may eD'ect hostility from thee& an% thou must not think it strange if like meet like in this business.6 The earl begge% of the king some time to consi%er the matter. The king %i% so& an% ga7e the earl time to take the counsel of his frien%s on the choosing one or other of these con%itions. Then the earl reFueste% a %elay until neDt summer& that he might go o7er the sea to the west& for his 'ro'er counsellors were all at home& an% he himself was but a chil% in res'ect of ageA but the king reFuire% that he shoul% now make his election of one or other of the con%itions. Thorkel ?osterer was then with the king& an% he 'ri7ately sent a 'erson to 3arl Thorfin& an% tol% him& whate7er his intentions might be& not to think of lea7ing $laf without being reconcile% with him& as he stoo% entirely in $laf4s 'ower. ?rom such hints the earl saw there was no other way than to let the king ha7e his own will. <t was no %oubt a har% con%ition to ha7e no ho'e of e7er regaining his 'aternal heritage& an% moreo7er to bin% himself by oath to allow those to enBoy in 'eace his %omain who ha% no here%itary right to itA but

seeing it was uncertain how he coul% get away& he resol7e% to submit to the king an% become his 7assal& as +ruse ha% %one. The king obser7e% that Thorfin was more high min%e%& an% less %is'ose% to suffer subBection than +ruse& an% therefore he truste% less to Thorfin than to +ruseA an% he consi%ere% also that Thorfin woul% trust to the ai% of the Scottish king& if he broke the agreement. The king also ha% %iscernment enough to 'ercei7e that +ruse& although slow to enter into an agreement& woul% 'romise nothing but what he inten%e% to kee'A but as to Thorfin when he ha% once ma%e u' his min% he went rea%ily into e7ery 'ro'osal an% ma%e no attem't to obtain any alteration of the king4s first con%itions5 therefore the king ha% his sus'icions that the earl woul% infringe the agreement.

197. 3)2- TH$2?<N4S *31)2T@23& )N* 23C$NC<-<)T<$N =<TH TH$2K3-. =hen the king ha% carefully consi%ere% the whole matter by himself& he or%ere% the signal to soun% for a ;eneral Thing& to which he calle% in the earls. Then sai% the king& 6< will now make known to the 'ublic our agreement with the $rkney earls. They ha7e now acknowle%ge% my right of 'ro'erty to $rkney an% Shetlan%& an% ha7e both become my 7assals& all which they ha7e confirme% by oathA an% now < will in7est them with these lan%s as a fief5 namely& +ruse with one thir% 'art an% Thorfin with one thir%& as they formerly enBoye% themA but the other thir% which 3inar 2angmun% ha%& < a%Bu%ge as fallen to my %omain& because he kille% 3y7in% @rarhorn& my court man& 'artner& an% %ear frien%A an% that 'art of the lan% < will manage as < think 'ro'er. < ha7e also my earls& to tell you it is my 'leasure that ye enter into an agreement with Thorkel )mun%ason for the mur%er of your brother 3inar& for < will take that business& if ye agree thereto& within my own Buris%iction.6 The earls agree% to this& as to e7erything else that the king 'ro'ose%. Thorkel came forwar%& an% surren%ere% to the king4s Bu%gment of the case& an% the Thing conclu%e%. King $laf awar%e% as great a 'enalty for 3arl 3inar4s mur%er as for three len%ermenA but as 3inar himself was the cause of the act& one thir% of the mulct fell to the groun%. Thereafter 3arl Thorfin aske% the king4s lea7e to %e'art& an% as soon as he obtaine% it ma%e rea%y for sea with all s'ee%. <t ha''ene% one %ay& when all was rea%y for the 7oyage& the earl sat in his shi' %rinkingA an% Thorkel )mun%ason came uneD'ecte%ly to him& lai% his hea% u'on the earl4s knee& an% ba%e him %o with him what he 'lease%. The earl aske% why he %i% so. 6=e are& you know& reconcile% men& accor%ing to the king4s %ecisionA so stan% u'& Thorkel.6 Thorkel re'lie%& 6The agreement which the king ma%e as between me an% +ruse stan%s goo%A but what regar%s the agreement with thee thou alone must %etermine. )lthough the king ma%e con%itions for my 'ro'erty an% safe resi%ence in $rkney& yet < know so well thy %is'osition that there is no going to the islan%s for me& unless < go there in 'eace with thee& 3arl ThorfinA an% therefore < am willing to 'romise ne7er to return to $rkney& whate7er the king may %esire.6

The earl remaine% silentA an% first& after a long 'ause& he sai%& 6<f thou wilt rather& Thorkel& that < shall Bu%ge between us than trust to the king4s Bu%gment& then let the beginning of our reconciliation be& that you go with me to the $rkney <slan%s& li7e with me& an% ne7er lea7e me but with my will& an% be boun% to %efen% my lan%& an% eDecute all that < want %one& as long as we both are in life.6 Thorkel re'lies& 6This shall be entirely at thy 'leasure& earl& as well as e7erything else in my 'ower.6 Then Thorkel went on& an% solemnly ratifie% this agreement. The earl sai% he woul% talk afterwar%s about the mulct of money& but took Thorkel4s oath u'on the con%itions. Thorkel imme%iately ma%e rea%y to accom'any the earl on his 7oyage. The earl set off as soon as all was rea%y& an% ne7er again were King $laf an% Thorfin together.

198. 3)2- +2@S34S *31)2T@23. 3arl +ruse remaine% behin%& an% took his time to get rea%y. +efore his %e'arture the king sent for him& an% sai%& 6<t a''ears to me& earl& that in thee < ha7e a man on the west si%e of the sea on whose fi%elity < can %e'en%A therefore < inten% to gi7e thee the two 'arts of the country which thou formerly ha%st to rule o7erA for < will not that thou shoul%st be a less 'owerful man after entering into my ser7ice than before5 but < will secure thy fi%elity by kee'ing thy son 2agn7al% with me. < see well enough that with two 'arts of the country an% my hel'& thou wilt be able to %efen% what is thy own against thy brother Thorfin.6 +ruse was thankful for getting two thir%s instea% of one thir% of the country& an% soon after he set out& an% came about autumn to $rkneyA but 2agn7al%& +ruse4s son& remaine% behin% in the 3ast with King $laf. 2agn7al% was one of the han%somest men that coul% be seen& his hair long& an% yellow as silkA an% he soon grew u'& stout an% tall& an% he was a 7ery able an% su'erb man& both of great un%erstan%ing an% 'olite manners. He was long with King $laf. $tter S7arte s'eaks of these affairs in the 'oem he com'ose% about King $laf5 6?rom Shetlan%& far off in the col% North Sea& Come chiefs who %esire to be subBect to thee5 No king so well known for his will& an% his might& To %efen% his own 'eo'le from scaith or unright. These isles of the =est mi%st the ocean4s wil% roar& Scarcely hear% the 7oice of their so7ereign beforeA $ur bra7est of so7ereigns before coul% scarce bring These islesmen so 'rou% to acknowle%ge their king.6

199. $? TH3 3)2-S TH$2?<N )N* +2@S3. The brothers Thorfin an% +ruse came west to $rkneyA an% +ruse took the two 'arts of the country un%er his rule& an% Thorfin the thir% 'art. Thorfin was usually in Caithness an% elsewhere in Scotlan%A but 'lace% men of his own o7er the islan%s. <t was

left to +ruse alone to %efen% the islan%s& which at that time were se7erely scourge% by 7ikingsA for the Northmen an% *anes went much on 7iking cruises in the west sea& an% freFuently touche% at $rkney on the way to or from the west& an% 'lun%ere%& an% took 'ro7isions an% cattle from the coast. +ruse often com'laine% of his brother Thorfin& that he ma%e no eFui'ment of war for the %efence of $rkney an% Shetlan%& yet le7ie% his share of the scat an% %uties. Then Thorfin offere% to him to eDchange& an% that +ruse shoul% ha7e one thir% an% Thorfin two thir%s of the lan%& but shoul% un%ertake the %efence of the lan%& for the whole. )lthough this eDchange %i% not take 'lace imme%iately& it is relate% in the saga of the earls that it was agree% u'on at lastA an% that Thorfin ha% two 'arts an% +ruse only one& when Canute the ;reat sub%ue% Norway an% King $laf fle% the country. 3arl Thorfin Sigur%son has been the ablest earl of these islan%s& an% has ha% the greatest %ominion of all the $rkney earlsA for he ha% un%er him $rkney& Shetlan%& an% the Hebu%es& besi%es 7ery great 'ossessions in Scotlan% an% <relan%. )rnor& the earls4 skal%& tells of his 'ossessions5 6?rom Thurso skerry to *ublin& )ll 'eo'le hol% with goo% Thorfin )ll 'eo'le lo7e his sway& )n% the generous chief obey.6 Thorfin was a 7ery great warrior. He came to the earl%om at fi7e years of age& rule% more than siDty years& an% %ie% in his be% about the last %ays of Haral% Sigur%son. +ut +ruse %ie% in the %ays of Canute the ;reat& a short time after the fall of Saint $laf.

119. $? H)23K $? THG$TT). Ha7ing now gone through this secon% story& we shall return to that which we left& at King $laf Haral%son ha7ing conclu%e% 'eace with King $laf the Swe%ish king& an% ha7ing the same summer gone north to Thron%hBem (1919#. He ha% then been king in Norway fi7e years ().*. 191( 1919#. <n har7est time he 're'are% to take his winter resi%ence at Ni%aros& an% he remaine% all winter there ().*. 19!9#. Thorkel the ?osterer& )mun%e4s son& as before relate%& was all that winter with him. King $laf inFuire% 7ery carefully how it stoo% with Christianity throughout the lan%& an% learnt that it was not obser7e% at all to the north of Halogalan%& an% was far from being obser7e% as it shoul% be in Naumu%al& an% the interior of Thron%hBem. There was a man by name Harek& a son of 3y7in% Skal%as'iller& who %welt in an islan% calle% ThBotta in Halogalan%. 3y7in% ha% not been a rich man& but was of high family an% high min%. <n ThBotta& at first& there %welt many small bon%esA but Harek began with buying a farm not 7ery large an% li7e% on it& an% in a few years he ha% got all the bon%es that were there before out of the wayA so that he ha% the whole islan%& an% built a large hea% mansion. He soon became 7ery richA for he was a 7ery 'ru%ent man& an% 7ery successful. He ha% long been greatly res'ecte% by the chiefsA an% being relate% to the kings of Norway& ha% been raise% by them to high

%ignities. Harek4s father4s mother ;unhil% was a %aughter of 3arl Half%an& an% <ngebBorg& Haral% Harfager4s %aughter. )t the time the circumstance ha''ene% which we are going to relate he was somewhat a%7ance% in years. Harek was the most res'ecte% man in Halogalan%& an% for a long time ha% the -a'lan% tra%e& an% %i% the king4s business in -a'lan%A sometimes alone& sometimes with others Boine% to him. He ha% not himself been to wait on King $laf& but messages ha% 'asse% between them& an% all was on the most frien%ly footing. This winter ().*. 19!9# that $laf was in Ni%aros& messengers 'asse% between the king an% Harek of ThBotta. Then the king ma%e it known that he inten%e% going north to Halogalan%& an% as far north as the lan%4s en%A but the 'eo'le of Halogalan% eD'ecte% no goo% from this eD'e%ition.

111. $? TH3 13$1-3 $? H)-$;)-)N*. $laf rigge% out fi7e shi's in s'ring ().*. 19!9#& an% ha% with him about :99 men. =hen he was rea%y for sea he set northwar%s along the lan%A an% when he came to Naumu%al %istrict he summone% the bon%es to a Thing& an% at e7ery Thing was acce'te% as king. He also ma%e the laws to be rea% there as elsewhere& by which the 'eo'le are comman%e% to obser7e ChristianityA an% he threatene% e7ery man with loss of life& an% limbs& an% 'ro'erty who woul% not subBect himself to Christian law. He inflicte% se7ere 'unishments on many men& great as well as small& an% left no %istrict until the 'eo'le ha% consente% to a%o't the holy faith. The most of the men of 'ower an% of the great bon%es ma%e feasts for the king& an% so he 'rocee%e% all the way north to Halogalan%. Harek of ThBotta also ma%e a feast for the king& at which there was a great multitu%e of guests& an% the feast was 7ery s'len%i%. Harek was ma%e len%erman& an% got the same 'ri7ileges he ha% enBoye% un%er the former chiefs of the country.

11!. $? )S.@N* ;2)NK3-S$N. There was a man calle% ;rankel& or ;ranketil& who was a rich bon%e& an% at this time rather a%7ance% in age. <n his youth he ha% been on 7iking cruises& an% ha% been a 'owerful fighterA for he 'ossesse% great rea%iness in all sorts of bo%ily eDercises. His son )smun% was eFual to his father in all these& an% in some& in%ee%& he eDcelle% him. There were many who sai% that with res'ect to comeliness& strength& an% bo%ily eD'ertness& he might be consi%ere% the thir% remarkably %istinguishe% for these that Norway ha% e7er 'ro%uce%. The first was Hakon )thelstan4s foster sonA the secon%& $laf Tryg7ason. ;rankel in7ite% King $laf to a feast& which was 7ery magnificentA an% at 'arting ;rankel 'resente% the king with many honourable gifts an% tokens of frien%shi'. The king in7ite% )smun%& with many 'ersuasions& to follow himA an% as )smun% coul% not %ecline the honours offere% him& he got rea%y to tra7el with the king& became his man& an% stoo% in high fa7our with him. The king remaine% in Halogalan% the greater 'art of the summer& went to all the Things& an% ba'tiEe% all the 'eo'le. Thorer Hun% %welt at that

time in the islan% +Barkey. He was the most 'owerful man in the North& an% also became one of $laf4s len%ermen. .any sons of great bon%es resol7e% also to follow King $laf from Halogalan%. Towar%s the en% of summer King $laf left the North& an% saile% back to Thron%hBem& an% lan%e% at Ni%aros& where he 'asse% the winter ().*. 19!1#. <t was then that Thorkel the ?osterer came from the =est from $rkney& after killing 3inar 2angmum%& as before relate%. This autumn corn was %ear in Thron%hBem& after a long course of goo% seasons& an% the farther north the %earer was the cornA but there was corn enough in the 3ast country& an% in the @'lan%s& an% it was of great hel' to the 'eo'le of Thron%hBem that many ha% ol% corn remaining besi%e them.

11:. $? TH3 S)C2<?<C3S $? TH3 TH2$N*HG3. 13$1-3. <n autumn the news was brought to King $laf that the bon%es ha% ha% a great feast on the first winter %ay4s e7e& at which there was a numerous atten%ance an% much %rinkingA an% it was tol% the king that all the remembrance cu's to the )sas& or ol% go%s& were blesse% accor%ing to the ol% heathen formsA an% it was a%%e%& that cattle an% horses ha% been slain& an% the altars s'rinkle% with their bloo%& an% the sacrifices accom'anie% with the 'rayer that was ma%e to obtain goo% seasons. <t was also re'orte% that all men saw clearly that the go%s were offen%e% at the Halogalan% 'eo'le turning Christian. Now when the king hear% this news he sent men into the Thron%hBem country& an% or%ere% se7eral bon%es& whose names he ga7e& to a''ear before him. There was a man calle% $l7er of 3ggBa& so calle% after his farm on which he li7e%. He was 'owerful& of great family& an% the hea% man of those who on account of the bon%es a''eare% before the king. Now& when they came to the king& he tol% them these accusationsA to which $l7er& on behalf of the bon%es& re'lie%& that they ha% ha% no other feasts that har7est than their usual entertainments& an% social meetings& an% frien%ly %rinking 'arties. 6+ut as to what may ha7e been tol% you of the wor%s which may ha7e fallen from us Thron%hBem 'eo'le in our %rinking 'arties& men of un%erstan%ing woul% take goo% care not to use such languageA but < cannot hin%er %runken or foolish 'eo'le4s talk.6 $l7er was a man of cle7er s'eech& an% bol% in what he sai%& an% %efen%e% the bon%es against such accusations. <n the en%& the king sai% the 'eo'le of the interior of Thorn%hBem must themsel7es gi7e the best testimony to their being in the right faith. The bon%es got lea7e to return home& an% set off as soon as they were rea%y.

11". $? TH3 S)C2<?<C3S +C TH3 13$1-3 $? TH3 <NT32<$2 $? TH3 TH2$N*HG3. *<ST2<CT. )fterwar%s& when winter was a%7ance%& it was tol% the king that the 'eo'le of the interior of Thron%hBem ha% assemble% in great number at .aerin& an% that there was a great sacrifice in the mi%%le of winter& at which they sacrifice% offerings for 'eace an% a goo% season. Now when the king knew this on goo% authority to be true& he sent men an% messages into the interior& an%

summone% the bon%es whom he thought of most un%erstan%ing into the town. The bon%es hel% a council among themsel7es about this messageA an% all those who ha% been u'on the same occasion in the beginning of winter were now 7ery unwilling to make the Bourney. $l7er& howe7er& at the %esire of all the bon%es& allowe% himself to be 'ersua%e%. =hen he came to the town he went imme%iately before the king& an% they talke% together. The king ma%e the same accusation against the bon%es& that they ha% hel% a mi% winter sacrifice. $l7er re'lies& that this accusation against the bon%es was false. 6=e ha%&6 sai% he& 6Cule feasts an% %rinking feasts wi%e aroun% in the %istrictsA an% the bon%es %o not 're'are their feasts so s'aringly& sire& that there is not much left o7er& which 'eo'le consume long afterwar%s. )t .aerin there is a great farm& with a large house on it& an% a great neighbourhoo% all aroun% it& an% it is the great %elight of the 'eo'le to %rink many together in com'any.6 The king sai% little in re'ly& but looke% angry& as he thought he knew the truth of the matter better than it was now re'resente%. He or%ere% the bon%es to return home. 6< shall some time or other&6 sai% he& 6come to the truth of what you are now concealing& an% in such a way that ye shall not be able to contra%ict it. +ut& howe7er& that may be& %o not try such things again.6 The bon%es returne% home& an% tol% the result of their Bourney& an% that the king was altogether enrage%.

11(. .@2*32 $? $->32 $? 3;;G). )t 3aster ().*. 19!1# the king hel% a feast& to which he ha% in7ite% many of the towns'eo'le as well as bon%es. )fter 3aster he or%ere% his shi's to be launche% into the water& oars an% tackle to be 'ut on boar%& %ecks to be lai% in the shi's& an% tilts (1# an% rigging to be set u'& an% to be lai% rea%y for sea at the 'iers. <mme%iately after 3aster he sent men into >era%al. There was a man calle% Thoral%e& who was the king4s bailiff& an% who manage% the king4s farm there at HaugA an% to him the king sent a message to come to him as Fuickly as 'ossible. Thoral%e %i% not %ecline the Bourney& but went imme%iately to the town with the messenger. The king calle% him in an% in a 'ri7ate con7ersation aske% him what truth there was in what ha% been tol% him of the 'rinci'les an% li7ing of the 'eo'le of the interior of Thron%hBem& an% if it really was so that they 'ractise% sacrifices to heathen go%s. 6< will&6 says the king& 6that thou %eclare to me the things as they are& an% as thou knowest to be trueA for it is thy %uty to tell me the truth& as thou art my man.6 Thoral%e re'lies& 6Sire& < will first tell you that < ha7e brought here to the town my two chil%ren& my wife& an% all my loose 'ro'erty that < coul% take with me& an% if thou %esirest to know the truth it shall be tol% accor%ing to thy comman%A but if < %eclare it& thou must take care of me an% mine.6 The king re'lies& 6Say only what is true on what < ask thee& an% < will take care that no e7il befall thee.6

Then sai% Thoral%e& 6<f < must say the truth& king& as it is& < must %eclare that in the interior of the Thron%hBem lan% almost all the 'eo'le are heathen in faith& although some of them are ba'tiEe%. <t is their custom to offer sacrifice in autumn for a goo% winter& a secon% at mi% winter& an% a thir% in summer. <n this the 'eo'le of 3yna& S'arby& >era%al& an% Skaun 'artake. There are twel7e men who 'resi%e o7er these sacrifice feastsA an% in s'ring it is $l7er who has to get the feast in or%er& an% he is now busy trans'orting to .aerin e7erything nee%ful for it.6 Now when the king ha% got to the truth with a certainty& he or%ere% the signal to be soun%e% for his men to assemble& an% for the men at arms to go on boar% shi'. He a''ointe% men to steer the shi's& an% lea%ers for the 'eo'le& an% or%ere% how the 'eo'le shoul% be %i7i%e% among the 7essels. )ll was got rea%y in haste& an% with fi7e shi's an% :99 men he steere% u' the fBor%. The win% was fa7ourable& the shi's saile% briskly before it& an% nobo%y coul% ha7e thought that the king woul% be so soon there. The king came in the night time to .aerin& an% imme%iately surroun%e% the house with a ring of arme% men. $l7er was taken& an% the king or%ere% him to be 'ut to %eath& an% many other men besi%es. Then the king took all the 'ro7ision for the feast& an% ha% it brought to his shi'sA an% also all the goo%s& both furniture& clothes& an% 7aluables& which the 'eo'le ha% brought there& an% %i7i%e% the booty among his men. The king also let all the bon%es he thought ha% the greatest 'art in the business be 'lun%ere% by his men at arms. Some were taken 'risoners an% lai% in irons& some ran away& an% many were robbe% of their goo%s. Thereafter the bon%es were summone% to a ThingA but because he ha% taken many 'owerful men 'risoners& an% hel% them in his 'ower& their frien%s an% relations resol7e% to 'romise obe%ience to the king& so that there was no insurrection against the king on this occasion. He thus brought the whole 'eo'le back to the right faith& ga7e them teachers& an% built an% consecrate% churches. The king let $l7er lie without fine 'ai% for his bloo%she%& an% all that he 'ossesse% was a%Bu%ge% to the kingA an% of the men he Bu%ge% the most guilty& some he or%ere% to be eDecute%& some he maime%& some he %ro7e out of the country& an% took fines from others. The king then returne% to Ni%aros. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The shi's a''ear to ha7e been %ecke% fore an% aft onlyA an% in the mi%%le& where the rowers sat& to ha7e ha% tilts or tents set u' at night to slee' un%er. -.

11/. $? TH3 S$NS $? )2N3. There was a man calle% )rne )rnmo%son& who was marrie% to Thora& Thorstein ;alge4s %aughter. Their chil%ren were Kalf& ?in& Thorberg& )mun%e& KolbBorn& )rnbBorn& an% )rne. Their %aughter& who was calle% 2agnhil%& was marrie% to Harek of ThBotta. )rne was a len%erman& 'owerful& an% of ability& an% a great frien% of King $laf. )t that time his sons Kalf an% ?in were with the king& an% in great fa7our. The wife whom $l7er of 3ggBa ha% left was young an% han%some& of great family& an% rich& so that he who

got her might be consi%ere% to ha7e ma%e an eDcellent marriageA an% her lan% was in the gift of the king. She an% $l7er ha% two sons& who were still in infancy. Kalf )rneson begge% of the king that he woul% gi7e him to wife the wi%ow of $l7erA an% out of frien%shi' the king agree% to it& an% with her he got all the 'ro'erty $l7er ha% 'ossesse%. The king at the same time ma%e him his len%erman& an% ga7e him an office in the interior of the Thron%hBem country. Kalf became a great chief& an% was a man of 7ery great un%erstan%ing.

117. K<N; $-)?4S G$@2N3C T$ TH3 @1-)N*S. =hen King $laf ha% been se7en years ().*. 191( 19!1# in Norway the earls Thorfin an% +ruse came to him& as before relate%& in the summer& from $rkney& an% he became master of their lan%. The same summer $laf went to North an% South .ore& an% in autumn to 2aums%al. He left his shi's there& an% came to the @'lan%s& an% to -esBar. Here he lai% hol% of all the best men& an% force% them& both at -esBar an% *o7re& either to recei7e Christianity or suffer %eath& if they were not so lucky as to esca'e. )fter they recei7e% Christianity& the king took their sons in his han%s as hostages for their fi%elity. The king staye% se7eral nights at a farm in -esBar calle% +oar& where he 'lace% 'riests. Then he 'rocee%e% o7er $rka%al an% -oro%al& an% came %own from the @'lan%s at a 'lace calle% Stafabrekka. There a ri7er runs along the 7alley& calle% the $tta& an% a beautiful hamlet& by name -oar& lies on both si%es of the ri7er& an% the king coul% see far %own o7er the whole neighbourhoo%. 6) 'ity it is&6 sai% the king& 6so beautiful a hamlet shoul% be burnt.6 )n% he 'rocee%e% %own the 7alley with his 'eo'le& an% was all night on a farm calle% Nes. The king took his lo%ging in a loft& where he sle't himselfA an% it stan%s to the 'resent %ay& without anything in it ha7ing been altere% since. The king was fi7e %ays there& an% summone% by message token the 'eo'le to a Thing& both for the %istricts of >agar& -ear& an% He%alA an% ga7e out the message along with the token& that they must either recei7e Christianity an% gi7e their sons as hostages& or see their habitations burnt. They came before the king& an% submitte% to his 'leasureA but some fle% south %own the 7alley.

118. TH3 ST$2C $? *)-3 ;@*+2)N*. There was a man calle% *ale ;u%bran%& who was like a king in the 7alley (;u%bran%s%al#& but was only herse in title. Sig7at the skal% com'are% him for wealth an% lan%e% 'ro'erty to 3rling SkBalgson. Sig7at sang thus concerning 3rling5 6< know but one who can com'are =ith 3rling for broa% lan%s an% gear ;u%bran% is he& whose wi%e %omains )re most like where some small king reigns. These two great bon%es& < woul% say& 3Fual each other e7ery way.

He lies who says that he can fin% $ne by the other left behin%.6 ;u%bran% ha% a son& who is here s'oken of. Now when ;u%bran% recei7e% the ti%ings that King $laf was come to -ear& an% oblige% 'eo'le to acce't Christianity& he sent out a message token& an% summone% all the men in the 7alley to meet him at a farm calle% Hun%thor'. )ll came& so that the number coul% not be tol%A for there is a lake in the neighbourhoo% calle% -augen& so that 'eo'le coul% come to the 'lace both by lan% an% by water. There ;u%bran% hel% a Thing with them& an% sai%& 6) man is come to -oar who is calle% $laf& an% will force u'on us another faith than what we ha% before& an% will break in 'ieces all our go%s. He says that he has a much greater an% more 'owerful go%A an% it is won%erful that the earth %oes not burst asun%er un%er him& or that our go% lets him go about un'unishe% when he %ares to talk such things. < know this for certain& that if we carry Thor& who has always stoo% by us& out of our tem'le that is stan%ing u'on this farm& $laf4s go% will melt away& an% he an% his men be ma%e nothing so soon as Thor looks u'on them.6 Then the bon%es all shoute% as one 'erson that $laf shoul% ne7er get away with life if he came to themA an% they thought he woul% ne7er %are to come farther south through the 7alley. They chose out 799 men to go northwar%s to +rei%a& to watch his mo7ements. The lea%er of this ban% was ;u%bran%4s son& eighteen years of age& an% with him were many other men of im'ortance. =hen they came to a farm calle% Hof they hear% of the kingA an% they remaine% three nights there. 1eo'le streame% to them from all 'arts& from -esBar& -oar& an% >agar& who %i% not wish to recei7e Christianity. The king an% +isho' Sigur% fiDe% teachers in -oaf an% in >agar. ?rom thence they went roun% >agarost& an% came %own into the 7alley at Sil& where they staye% all night& an% hear% the news that a great force of men were assemble% against them. The bon%es who were in +rei%a hear% also of the king4s arri7al& an% 're'are% for battle. )s soon as the king arose in the morning he 'ut on his armour& an% went southwar%s o7er the Sil 'lains& an% %i% not halt until he came to +rei%a& where he saw a great army rea%y for battle. Then the king %rew u' his troo's& ro%e himself at the hea% of them& an% began a s'eech to the bon%es& in which he in7ite% them to a%o't Christianity. They re'lie%& 6=e shall gi7e thee something else to %o to %ay than to be mocking usA6 an% raise% a general shout& striking also u'on their shiel%s with their wea'ons. Then the king4s men ran forwar% an% threw their s'earsA but the bon%es turne% roun% instantly an% fle%& so that only few men remaine% behin%. ;u%bran%4s son was taken 'risonerA but the king ga7e him his life& an% took him with him. The king was four %ays here. Then the king sai% to ;u%bran%4s son& 6;o home now to thy father& an% tell him < eD'ect to be with him soon.6 He went accor%ingly& an% tol% his father the news& that they ha% fallen in with the king& an% fought with himA but that their whole army& in the 7ery beginning& took flight. 6< was taken 'risoner&6 sai% he& 6but the king ga7e me my life an% liberty& an% tol% me to say to thee that he will soon be here. )n% now we ha7e not !99 men of the force we raise% against himA therefore < a%7ise thee& father& not to gi7e battle to that man.6

Says ;u%bran%& 6<t is easy to see that all courage has left thee& an% it was an unlucky hour ye went out to the fiel%. Thy 'rocee%ing will li7e long in the remembrance of 'eo'le& an% < see that thy fastening thy faith on the folly that man is going about with has brought u'on thee an% thy men so great a %isgrace.6 +ut the night after& ;u%bran% %reamt that there came to him a man surroun%e% by light& who brought great terror with him& an% sai% to him& 6Thy son ma%e no glorious eD'e%ition against King $lafA but still less honour wilt thou gather for thyself by hol%ing a battle with him. Thou with all thy 'eo'le wilt fallA wol7es will %rag thee& an% all thine& awayA ra7ens wilt tear thee in stri'es.6 )t this %rea%ful 7ision he was much afrai%& an% tells it to Thor% <stermage& who was chief o7er the 7alley. He re'lies& 6The 7ery same 7ision came to me.6 <n the morning they or%ere% the signal to soun% for a Thing& an% sai% that it a''eare% to them a%7isable to hol% a Thing with the man who ha% come from the north with this new teaching& to know if there was any truth in it. ;u%bran% then sai% to his son& 6;o thou& an% twel7e men with thee& to the king who ga7e thee thy life.6 He went straightway& an% foun% the king& an% lai% before him their erran%A namely& that the bon%es woul% hol% a Thing with him& an% make a truce between them an% him. The king was contentA an% they boun% themsel7es by faith an% law mutually to hol% the 'eace so long as the Thing laste%. )fter this was settle% the men returne% to ;u%bran% an% Thor%& an% tol% them there was ma%e a firm agreement for a truce. The king& after the battle with the son of ;u%bran%& ha% 'rocee%e% to -i%sta%& an% remaine% there for fi7e %ays5 afterwar%s he went out to meet the bon%es& an% hol% a Thing with them. $n that %ay there fell a hea7y rain. =hen the Thing was seate%& the king stoo% u' an% sai% that the 'eo'le in -esBar& -oaf& an% >agar ha% recei7e% Christianity& broken %own their houses of sacrifice& an% belie7e% now in the true ;o% who ha% ma%e hea7en an% earth an% knows all things. Thereu'on the king sat %own& an% ;u%bran% re'lies& 6=e know nothing of him whom thou s'eakest about. *ost thou call him ;o%& whom neither thou nor any one else can seeL +ut we ha7e a go% who call be seen e7ery %ay& although he is not out to %ay& because the weather is wet& an% he will a''ear to thee terrible an% 7ery gran%A an% < eD'ect that fear will miD with your 7ery bloo% when he comes into the Thing. +ut since thou sayest thy ;o% is so great& let him make it so that to morrow we ha7e a clou%y %ay but without rain& an% then let us meet again.6 The king accor%ingly returne% home to his lo%ging& taking ;u%bran%4s son as a hostageA but he ga7e them a man as hostage in eDchange. <n the e7ening the king aske% ;u%bran%4s son what like their go% was. He re'lie%& that he bore the likeness of ThorA ha% a hammer in his han%A was of great siEe& but hollow withinA an% ha% a high stan%& u'on which he stoo% when he was out. 6Neither gol% nor sil7er are wanting about him& an% e7ery %ay he recei7es four cakes of brea%& besi%es meat.6 They then went to be%& but the king watche% all night in 'rayer. =hen %ay %awne% the king went to mass& then to table& an% from thence to the Thing. The weather was such as ;u%bran% %esire%. Now the bisho' stoo% u' in his choir robes& with bisho'4s coif u'on his hea%&

an% bisho'4s staff in his han%s. He s'oke to the bon%es of the true faith& tol% the many won%erful acts of ;o%& an% conclu%e% his s'eech well. Thor% <stermage re'lies& 6.any things we are tol% of by this horne% man with the staff in his han% crooke% at the to' like a ram4s hornA but since ye say& comra%es& that your go% is so 'owerful& an% can %o so many won%ers& tell him to make it clear sunshine to morrow forenoon& an% then we shall meet here again& an% %o one of two things& either agree with you about this business& or fight you.6 )n% they se'arate% for the %ay.

119. *)-3 ;@*+2)N* <S +)1T<J3*. There was a man with King $laf calle% Kolbein Sterke (the strong#& who came from a family in the ?Bor% %istrict. @sually he was so eFui''e% that he was girt with a swor%& an% besi%es carrie% a great stake& otherwise calle% a club& in his han%s. The king tol% Kolbein to stan% nearest to him in the morningA an% ga7e or%ers to his 'eo'le to go %own in the night to where the shi's of the bon%es lay an% bore holes in them& an% to set loose their horses on the farms where they wereA all which was %one. Now the king was in 'rayer all the night& beseeching ;o% of His goo%ness an% mercy to release him from e7il. =hen mass was en%e%& an% morning was grey& the king went to the Thing. =hen he came there some bon%es ha% alrea%y arri7e%& an% they saw a great crow% coming along& an% bearing among them a huge man4s image glancing with gol% an% sil7er. =hen the bon%es who were at the Thing saw it they starte% u'& an% bowe% themsel7es %own before the ugly i%ol. Thereu'on it was set %own u'on the Thing fiel%A an% on the one si%e of it sat the bon%es& an% on the other the king an% his 'eo'le. Then *ale ;u%bran% stoo% u'& an% sai%& 6=here now& king& is thy go%L < think he will now carry his hea% lowerA an% neither thou& nor the man with the horn whom ye call bisho'& an% sits there besi%e thee& are so bol% to %ay as on the former %aysA for now our go%& who rules o7er all& is come& an% looks on you with an angry eyeA an% now < see well enough that ye are terrifie%& an% scarcely %are to raise your eyes. Throw away now all your o''osition& an% belie7e in the go% who has all your fate in his han%s.6 The king now whis'ers to Kolbein Sterke& without the bon%es 'ercei7ing it& 6<f it come so in the course of my s'eech that the bon%es look another way than towar%s their i%ol& strike him as har% as thou canst with thy club.6 The king then stoo% u' an% s'oke. 6.uch hast thou talke% to us this morning& an% greatly hast thou won%ere% that thou canst not see our ;o%A but we eD'ect that he will soon come to us. Thou woul%st frighten us with thy go%& who is both blin% an% %eaf& an% can neither sa7e himself nor others& an% cannot e7en mo7e about without being carrie%A but now < eD'ect it will be but a short time before he meets his fate5 for turn your eyes towar%s the

east&

behol% our ;o% a%7ancing in great light.6

The sun was rising& an% all turne% to look. )t that moment Kolbein ga7e their go% a stroke& so that the i%ol burst asun%erA an% there ran out of it mice as big almost as cats& an% re'tiles& an% a%%ers. The bon%es were so terrifie% that some fle% to their shi'sA but when they s'rang out u'on them they fille% with water& an% coul% not get away. $thers ran to their horses& but coul% not fin% them. The king then or%ere% the bon%es to be calle% together& saying he wante% to s'eak with themA on which the bon%es came back& an% the Thing was again seate%. The king rose u' an% sai%& 6< %o not un%erstan% what your noise an% running mean. Ce see yoursel7es what your go% can %o& the i%ol ye a%orne% with gol% an% sil7er& an% brought meat an% 'ro7isions to. Ce see now that the 'rotecting 'owers who use% it were the mice an% a%%ers& re'tiles an% 'a%%ocksA an% they %o ill who trust to such& an% will not aban%on this folly. Take now your gol% an% ornaments that are lying strewe% about on the grass& an% gi7e them to your wi7es an% %aughtersA but ne7er hang them hereafter u'on stock or stone. Here are now two con%itions between us to choose u'on& either acce't Christianity& or fight this 7ery %ayA an% the 7ictory be to them to whom the ;o% we worshi' gi7es it.6 Then *ale ;u%bran% stoo% u' an% sai%& 6=e ha7e sustaine% great %amage u'on our go%A but since he will not hel' us& we will belie7e in the ;o% thou belie7est in.6 Then all recei7e% Christianity. The bisho' ba'tiEe% ;u%bran% an% his son. King $laf an% +isho' Sigur% left behin% them teachers& an% they who met as enemies 'arte% as frien%sA an% ;u%bran% built a church in the 7alley.

1!9. H3*3.)2K +)1T<J3*. King $laf 'rocee%e% from thence to He%emark& an% ba'tiEe% thereA but as he ha% formerly carrie% away their kings as 'risoners& he %i% not 7enture himself& after such a %ee%& to go far into the country with few 'eo'le at that time& but a small 'art of He%emark was ba'tiEe%A but the king %i% not %esist from his eD'e%ition before he ha% intro%uce% Christianity o7er all He%emark& consecrate% churches& an% 'lace% teachers. He then went to Ha%alan% an% Thoten& im'ro7ing the customs of the 'eo'le& an% 'ersisting until all the country was ba'tiEe%. He then went to 2ingerike& where also all 'eo'le went o7er to Christianity. The 'eo'le of 2aumarike then hear% that $laf inten%e% coming to them& an% they gathere% a great force. They sai% among themsel7es that the Bourney $laf ha% ma%e among them the last time was not to be forgotten& an% he shoul% ne7er 'rocee% so again. The king& notwithstan%ing& 're'are% for the Bourney. Now when the king went u' into 2aumarike with his forces& the multitu%e of bon%es came against him at a ri7er calle% NitBaA an% the bon%es ha% a strong army& an% began the battle as soon as they metA but they soon fell short& an% took to flight. They

were force% by this battle into a better %is'osition& an% imme%iately recei7e% ChristianityA an% the king scoure% the whole %istrict& an% %i% not lea7e it until all the 'eo'le were ma%e Christians. He then went east to Soleys& an% ba'tiEe% that neighbourhoo%. The skal% $ttar +lack came to him there& an% begge% to be recei7e% among his men. $laf the Swe%ish king ha% %ie% the winter before ().*. 19!1#& an% $nun%& the son of $laf& was now the sole king o7er all Swe%en. King $laf returne%& when the winter ().*. 19!!# was far a%7ance%& to 2aumarike. There he assemble% a numerous Thing& at a 'lace where the 3i%s7ol% Things ha7e since been hel%. He ma%e a law& that the @'lan% 'eo'le shoul% resort to this Thing& an% that 3i%s7ol% laws shoul% be goo% through all the %istricts of the @'lan%s& an% wi%e aroun% in other Fuarters& which also has taken 'lace. )s s'ring was a%7ancing& he rigge% his shi's& an% went by sea to Tunsberg. He remaine% there %uring the s'ring& an% the time the town was most freFuente%& an% goo%s from other countries were brought to the town for sale. There ha% been a goo% year in >iken& an% tolerable as far north as Sta%A but it was a 7ery %ear time in all the country north of there.

1!1. 23C$NC<-<)T<$N $? TH3 K<N; )N* 3<N)2. <n s'ring ().*. 19!!# King $laf sent a message west to )g%er& an% north all the way to Hor%alan% an% 2ogalan%& 'rohibiting the eD'orting or selling of corn& malt& or mealA a%%ing& that he& as usual& woul% come there with his 'eo'le in guest Fuarters. The message went roun% all the %istrictsA but the king remaine% in >iken all summer& an% went east to the boun%ary of the country. 3inar Tambaskelfer ha% been with the Swe%ish king $laf since the %eath of his relation 3arl S7ein& an% ha%& as the khag4s man& recei7e% great fiefs from him. Now that the king was %ea%& 3inar ha% a great %esire to come into frien%shi' agreement with $lafA an% the same s'ring messages 'asse% between them about it. =hile the king was lying in the ;aut ri7er& 3inar Tambaskelfer came there with some menA an% after treating about an agreement& it was settle% that 3inar shoul% go north to Thron%hBem& an% there take 'ossession of all the lan%s an% 'ro'erty which +ergliot ha% recei7e% in %ower. Thereu'on 3inar took his way northA but the king remaine% behin% in >iken& an% remaine% long in Sar'sborg in autumn ().*. 19!!#& an% %uring the first 'art of winter.

1!!. 23C$NC<-<)T<$N $? TH3 K<N; )N* 32-<N;. 3rling SkBalgson hel% his %ominion so& that all north from Sogn -ake& an% east to the NaEe& the bon%es stoo% un%er himA an% although he ha% much smaller royal fiefs than formerly& still so great a %rea% of him 're7aile% that nobo%y %are% to %o anything against his will& so that the king thought his 'ower too great. There was a man calle% )slak ?itiaskalle& who was 'owerful an% of high birth. 3rling4s father SkBalg& an% )slak4s father )skel& were brother4s sons. )slak was a great frien% of King $laf& an% the king settle% him in South Hor%alan%& where he ga7e him a

great fief& an% great income& an% or%ere% him in no res'ect to gi7e way to 3rling. +ut this came to nothing when the king was not in the neighbourhoo%A for then 3rling woul% reign as he use% to %o& an% was not more humble because )slak woul% thrust himself forwar% as his eFual. )t last the strife went so far that )slak coul% not kee' his 'lace& but hastene% to King $laf& an% tol% him the circumstances between him an% 3rling. The king tol% )slak to remain with him until he shoul% meet 3rlingA an% sent a message to 3rling that he shoul% come to him in s'ring at Tunsberg. =hen they all arri7e% there they hel% a meeting at which the king sai% to him& 6<t is tol% me concerning thy go7ernment& 3rling& that no man from Sogn -ake to the NaEe can enBoy his free%om for theeA although there are many men there who consi%er themsel7es born to u%al rights& an% ha7e their 'ri7ileges like others born as they are. Now& here is your relation )slak& who a''ears to ha7e suffere% great incon7enience from your con%uctA an% < %o not know whether he himself is in fault& or whether he suffers because < ha7e 'lace% him to %efen% what is mineA an% although < name him& there are many others who ha7e brought the same com'laint before us& both among those who are 'lace% in office in our %istricts& an% among the bailiffs who ha7e our farms to manage& an% are oblige% to entertain me an% my 'eo'le.6 3rling re'lies to this& 6< will answer at once. < %eny altogether that < ha7e e7er inBure% )slak& or any one else& for being in your ser7iceA but this < will not %eny& that it is now& as it has long been& that each of us relations will willingly be greater than the other5 an%& moreo7er& < freely acknowle%ge that < am rea%y to bow my neck to thee& King $lafA but it is more %ifficult for me to stoo' before one who is of sla7e %escent in all his generation& although he is now your bailiff& or before others who are but eFual to him in %escent& although you bestow honours on them.6 Now the frien%s of both interfere%& an% entreate% that they woul% be reconcile%A saying& that the king ne7er coul% ha7e such 'owerful ai% as from 3rling& 6if he was your frien% entirely.6 $n the other han%& they re'resent to 3rling that he shoul% gi7e u' to the kingA for if he was in frien%shi' with the king& it woul% be easy to %o with all the others what he 'lease%. The meeting accor%ingly en%e% so that 3rling shoul% retain the fiefs he formerly ha%& an% e7ery com'laint the king ha% against 3rling shoul% be %ro''e%A but SkBalg& 3rling4s son& shoul% come to the king& an% remain in his 'ower. Then )slak returne% to his %ominions& an% the two were in some sort reconcile%. 3rling returne% home also to his %omains& an% followe% his own way of ruling them.

1!:. H323 +3;<NS TH3 ST$2C $? )S+G$2N S3-S+)N3. There was a man name% Sigur% Thoreson& a brother of Thorer Hun% of +Barkey <slan%. Sigur% was marrie% to Sigri% SkBalg4s %aughter& a sister of 3rling. Their son& calle% )sbBorn& became as he grew u' a 7ery able man. Sigur% %welt at $m% in Thran%arnes& an% was a 7ery rich an% res'ecte% man. He ha% not

gone into the king4s ser7iceA an% Thorer in so far ha% attaine% higher %ignity than his brother& that he was the king4s len%erman. +ut at home& on his farm& Sigur% stoo% in no res'ect behin% his brother in s'len%our an% magnificence. )s long as heathenism 're7aile%& Sigur% usually ha% three sacrifices e7ery year5 one on winter night4s e7e& one on mi% winter4s e7e& an% the thir% in summer. )lthough he ha% a%o'te% Christianity& he continue% the same custom with his feasts5 he ha%& namely& a great frien%ly entertainment at har7est timeA a Cule feast in winter& to which he in7ite% manyA the thir% feast he ha% about 3aster& to which also he in7ite% many guests. He continue% this fashion as long as he li7e%. Sigur% %ie% on a be% of sickness when )sbBorn was eighteen years ol%. He was the only heir of his father& an% he followe% his father4s custom of hol%ing three festi7als e7ery year. Soon after )sbBorn came to his heritage the course of seasons began to grow worse& an% the corn har7ests of the 'eo'le to failA but )sbBorn hel% his usual feasts& an% hel'e% himself by ha7ing ol% corn& an% an ol% 'ro7ision lai% u' of all that was useful. +ut when one year ha% 'asse% an% another came& an% the cro's were no better than the year before& Sigri% wishe% that some if not all of the feasts shoul% be gi7en u'. That )sbBorn woul% not consent to& but went roun% in har7est among his frien%s& buying corn where he coul% get it& an% some he recei7e% in 'resents. He thus ke't his feasts this winter alsoA but the s'ring after 'eo'le got but little see% into the groun%& for they ha% to buy the see% corn. Then Sigur% s'oke of %iminishing the number of their house ser7ants. That )sbBorn woul% not consent to& but hel% by the ol% fashion of the house in all things. <n summer ().*. 19!!# it a''eare% again that there woul% be a ba% year for cornA an% to this came the re'ort from the south that King $laf 'rohibite% all eD'ort of corn& malt& or meal from the southern to the northern 'arts of the country. Then )sbBorn 'ercei7e% that it woul% be %ifficult to 'rocure what was necessary for a house kee'ing& an% resol7e% to 'ut into the water a 7essel for carrying goo%s which he ha%& an% which was large enough to go to sea with. The shi' was goo%& all that belonge% to her was of the best& an% in the sails were stri'es of cloth of 7arious colours. )sbBorn ma%e himself rea%y for a 7oyage& an% 'ut to sea with twenty men. They saile% from the north in summerA an% nothing is tol% of their 7oyage until one %ay& about the time the %ays begin to shorten& they came to Karmtsun%& an% lan%e% at )ug7al%snes. @' in the islan% Karmt there is a large farm& not far from the sea& an% a large house u'on it calle% )ug7al%snes& which was a king4s house& with an eDcellent farm& which Thorer Sel& who was the king4s bailiff& ha% un%er his management. Thorer was a man of low birth& but ha% swung himself u' in the worl% as an acti7e manA an% he was 'olite in s'eech& showy in clothes& an% fon% of %istinction& an% not a't to gi7e way to others& in which he was su''orte% by the fa7our of the king. He was besi%es Fuick in s'eech& straightforwar%& an% free in con7ersation. )sbBorn& with his com'any& brought u' there for the nightA an% in the morning& when it was light& Thorer went %own to the 7essel with some men& an% inFuire% who comman%e% the s'len%i% shi'. )sbBorn name% his own an% his father4s name. Thorer asks where the 7oyage was inten%e% for& an% what was the erran%.

)sbBorn re'lies& that he wante% to buy corn an% maltA saying& as was true& that it was a 7ery %ear time north in the country. 6+ut we are tol% that here the seasons are goo%A an% wilt thou& farmer& sell us cornL < see that here are great corn stacks& an% it woul% be 7ery con7enient if we ha% not to tra7el farther.6 Thorer re'lies& 6< will gi7e thee the information that thou nee%st not go farther to buy corn& or tra7el about here in 2ogalan%A for < can tell thee that thou must turn about& an% not tra7el farther& for the king forbi%s carrying corn out of this to the north of the country. Sail back again& Halogalan%er& for that will be thy safest course.6 )sbBorn re'lies& 6<f it be so& bon%e& as thou sayest& that we can get no corn here to buy& < will& notwithstan%ing& go forwar% u'on my erran%& an% 7isit my family in Sole& an% see my relation 3rling4s habitation.6 Thorer5 6How near is thy relationshi' to 3rlingL6 )sbBorn5 6.y mother is his sister.6 Thorer5 6<t may be that < ha7e s'oken hee%lessly& if so be that thou art sister4s son of 3rling.6 Thereu'on )sbBorn an% his crew struck their tents& an% turne% the shi' to sea. Thorer calle% after them. 6) goo% 7oyage& an% come here again on your way back.6 )sbBorn 'romise% to %o so& saile% away& an% came in the e7ening to Ga%ar. )sbBorn went on shore with ten menA the other ten men watche% the shi'. =hen )sbBorn came to the house he was 7ery well recei7e%& an% 3rling was 7ery gla% to see him& 'lace% him besi%e himself& an% aske% him all the news in the north of the country. )sbBorn conceale% nothing of his business from himA an% 3rling sai% it ha''ene% unfortunately that the king ha% Bust forbi% the sale of corn. 6)n% < know no man here.6 says he& 6who has courage to break the king4s or%er& an% < fin% it %ifficult to kee' well with the king& so many are trying to break our frien%shi'.6 )sbBorn re'lies& 6<t is late before we learn the truth. <n my chil%hoo% < was taught that my mother was freeborn throughout her whole %escent& an% that 3rling of Sole was her bol%est relationA an% now < hear thee say that thou hast not the free%om& for the king4s sla7es here in Ga%ar& to %o with thy own corn what thou 'leasest.6 3rling looke% at him& smile% through his teeth& an% sai%& 6Ce Halogalan%ers know less of the king4s 'ower than we %o hereA but a bol% man thou mayst be at home in thy con7ersation. -et us now %rink& my frien%& an% we shall see tomorrow what can be %one in thy business.6 They %i% so& an% were 7ery merry all the e7ening. The following %ay 3rling an% )sbBorn talke% o7er the matter again& an% 3rling sai%. 6< ha7e foun% out a way for you to 'urchase corn& )sbBorn. <t is the same thing to you whoe7er is the seller.6 He answere% that he %i% not care of whom he bought the corn& if he got a goo%

right to his 'urchase. 3rling sai%. 6<t a''ears to me 'robable that my sla7es ha7e Fuite as much corn as you reFuire to buyA an% they are not subBect to law& or lan% regulation& like other men.6 )sbBorn agree% to the 'ro'osal. The sla7es were now s'oken to about the 'urchase& an% they brought forwar% corn an% malt& which they sol% to )sbBorn& so that he loa%e% his 7essel with what he wante%. =hen he was rea%y for sea 3rling followe% him on the roa%& ma%e him 'resents of frien%shi'& an% they took a kin% farewell of each other. )sbBorn got a goo% breeEe& lan%e% in the e7ening at Karmtsun%& near to )ug7al%snes& an% remaine% there for the night. Thorer Sel ha% hear% of )sbBorn4s 7oyage& an% also that his 7essel was %ee'ly la%en. Thorer summone% 'eo'le to him in the night& so that before %aylight he ha% siDty menA an% with these he went against )sbBorn as soon as it was light& an% went out to the shi' Bust as )sbBorn an% his men were 'utting on their clothes. )sbBorn salute% Thorer& an% Thorer aske% what kin% of goo%s )sbBorn ha% in the 7essel. He re'lie%& 6Corn an% malt.6 Thorer sai%& 6Then 3rling is %oing as he usually %oes& an% %es'ising the king4s or%ers& an% is unwearie% in o''osing him in all things& insomuch that it is won%erful the king suffers it.6 Thorer went on scol%ing in this way& an% when he was silent )sbBorn sai% that 3rling4s sla7es ha% owne% the corn. Thorer re'lie% hastily& that he %i% not regar% 3rling4s tricks. 6)n% now& )sbBorn& there is no hel' for itA ye must either go on shore& or we will throw you o7erboar%A for we will not be trouble% with you while we are %ischarging the cargo.6 )sbBorn saw that he ha% not men enough to resist ThorerA therefore he an% his 'eo'le lan%e%& an% Thorer took the whole cargo out of the 7essel. =hen the 7essel was %ischarge% Thorer went through the shi'& an% obser7e%. 6Ce Halogalan%ers ha7e goo% sails5 take the ol% sail of our 7essel an% gi7e it themA it is goo% enough for those who are sailing in a light 7essel.6 Thus the sails were eDchange%. =hen this was %one )sbBorn an% his comra%es saile% away north along the coast& an% %i% not sto' until they reache% home early in whiter. This eD'e%ition was talke% of far an% wi%e& an% )sbBorn ha% no trouble that winter in making feasts at home. Thorer Hun% in7ite% )sbBorn an% his mother& an% also all whom they 'lease% to take along with him& to a Cule feastA but )sbBorn sat at home& an% woul% not tra7el& an% it was to be seen that Thorer thought )sbBorn %es'ise% his in7itation& since he woul% not come. Thorer scoffe% much at )sbBorn4s 7oyage. 6Now&6 sai% he& 6it is e7i%ent that )sbBorn makes a great %ifference in his res'ect towar%s his relationsA for in summer he took the greatest trouble to 7isit his relation 3rling in Ga%ar& an% now will not take the trouble to come to me in the neDt house. < %on4t know if he thinks there may be a Thorer Sel in his way u'on e7ery holm.6 Such wor%s& an% the like sarcasms& )sbBorn hear% ofA an% 7ery ill satisfie% he was with his 7oyage& which ha% thus ma%e him a laughing stock to the country& an% he remaine% at home all winter& an% went to no feasts.

1!". .@2*32 $? TH$232 S3-. )sbBorn ha% a long shi' stan%ing in the noust (shi'she%#& an% it was a snekke (cutter# of twenty benchesA an% after Can%lemas (?ebruary !& 19!:#& he ha% the 7essel 'ut in the water& brought out all his furniture& an% rigge% her out. He then summone% to him his frien%s an% 'eo'le& so that he ha% nearly ninety men all well arme%. =hen he was rea%y for sea& an% got a win%& he saile% south along the coast& but as the win% %i% not suit& they a%7ance% but slowly. =hen they came farther south they steere% outsi%e the rocks& without the usual shi's4 channel& kee'ing to sea as much as it was 'ossible to %o so. Nothing is relate% of his 7oyage before the fifth %ay of 3aster ()'ril 18& 19!:#& when& about e7ening& they came on the outsi%e of Karmt <slan%. This islan% is so sha'e% that it is 7ery long& but not broa% at its wi%est 'artA an% without it lies the usual shi's4 channel. <t is thickly inhabite%A but where the islan% is eD'ose% to the ocean great tracts of it are unculti7ate%. )sbBorn an% his men lan%e% at a 'lace in the islan% that was uninhabite%. )fter they ha% set u' their shi' tents )sbBorn sai%& 6Now ye must remain here an% wait for me. < will go on lan% in the isle& an% s'y what news there may be which we know nothing of.6 )sbBorn ha% on mean clothes& a broa%brimme% hat& a fork in his han%& but ha% girt on his swor% un%er his clothes. He went u' to the lan%& an% in through the islan%A an% when he came u'on a hillock& from which he coul% see the house on )ug7al%snes& an% on as far as Karmtsun%& he saw 'eo'le in all Fuarters flocking together by lan% an% by sea& an% all going u' to the house of )ug7al%snes. This seeme% to him eDtraor%inaryA an% therefore he went u' Fuietly to a house close by& in which ser7ants were cooking meat. ?rom their con7ersation he %isco7ere% imme%iately that the king $laf ha% come there to a feast& an% that he ha% Bust sat %own to table. )sbBorn turne% then to the feasting room& an% when he came into the ante room one was going in an% another coming outA but nobo%y took notice of him. The hall %oor was o'en& an% he saw that Thorer Sel stoo% before the table of the high seat. <t was getting late in the e7ening& an% )sbBorn hear% 'eo'le ask Thorer what ha% taken 'lace between him an% )sbBornA an% Thorer ha% a long story about it& in which he e7i%ently %e'arte% from the truth. )mong other things he hear% a man say& 6How %i% )sbBorn beha7e when you %ischarge% his 7esselL6 Thorer re'lie%& 6=hen we were taking out the cargo he bore it tolerably& but not wellA an% when we took the sail from him he we't.6 =hen )sbBorn hear% this he su%%enly %rew his swor%& rushe% into the hall& an% cut at Thorer. The stroke took him in the neck& so that the hea% fell u'on the table before the king& an% the bo%y at his feet& an% the table cloth was soile% with bloo% from to' to bottom. The king or%ere% him to be seiEe% an% taken out. This was %one. They lai% han%s on )sbBorn& an% took him from the hall. The table furniture an% table cloths were remo7e%& an% also Thorer4s cor'se& an% all the bloo% wi'e% u'. The king was enrage% to the highestA but remaine% Fuiet in s'eech& as he always was when in anger.

1!(. $? SKG)-;& TH3 S$N $? 32-<N; SKG)-;S$N. SkBalg 3rlingson stoo% u'& went before the king& an% sai%& 6Now may it go& as it often %oes& that e7ery case will a%mit of alle7iation. < will 'ay thee the mulct for the bloo%she% on account of this man& so that he may retain life an% limbs. )ll the rest %etermine an% %o& king& accor%ing to thy 'leasure.6 The king re'lies& 6<s it not a matter of %eath& SkBalg& that a man break the 3aster 'eaceA an% in the neDt 'lace that he kills a man in the king4s lo%gingA an% in the thir% that he makes my feet his eDecution block& although that may a''ear a small matter to thee an% thy fatherL6 SkBalg re'lies& 6<t is ill %one& king& in as far as it %is'leases theeA but the %ee% is& otherwise& %one eDcellently well. +ut if the %ee% a''ear to thee so im'ortant& an% be so contrary to thy will& yet may < eD'ect something for my ser7ices from theeA an% certainly there are many who will say that thou %i%st well.6 The king re'lies& 6)lthough thou hast ma%e me greatly in%ebte% to thee& SkBalg& for thy ser7ices& yet < will not for thy sake break the law& or cast away my own %ignity.6 Then SkBalg turne% roun%& an% went out of the hall. Twel7e men who ha% come with SkBalg all followe% him& an% many others went out with him. SkBalg sai% to Thorarin Nefiulfson& 6<f thou wilt ha7e me for a frien%& take care that this man be not kille% before Sun%ay.6 Thereu'on SkBalg an% his men set off& took a rowing boat which he ha%& an% rowe% south as fast as they coul%& an% came to Ga%ar with the first glim'se of morning. They went u' instantly to the house& an% to the loft in which 3rling sle't. SkBalg rushe% so har% against the %oor that it burst asun%er at the nails. 3rling an% the others who were within starte% u'. He was in one s'ring u'on his legs& gras'e% his shiel% an% swor%& an% rushe% to the %oor& %eman%ing who was there. SkBalg name% himself& an% begs him to o'en the %oor. 3rling re'lies& 6<t was most likely to be thee who hast beha7e% so foolishlyA or is there any one who is 'ursuing theeL6 Thereu'on the %oor was unlocke%. Then sai% SkBalg& 6)lthough it a''ears to thee that < am so hasty& < su''ose our relation )sbBorn will not think my 'rocee%ings too FuickA for he sits in chains there in the north at )ug7al%snes& an% it woul% be but manly to hasten back an% stan% by him.6 The father an% son then ha% a con7ersation together& an% SkBalg relate% the whole circumstances of Thorer Sel4s mur%er.

1!/. $? TH$2)2<N N3?<@-?S$N. King $laf took his seat again when e7erything in the hall was 'ut in or%er& an% was enrage% beyon% measure. He aske% how it was with the mur%erer. He was answere%& that he was sitting out u'on the %oorste' un%er guar%.

The king says& 6=hy is he not 'ut to %eathL6 Thorarin Nefiulfson re'lies& 6Sire& woul% you not call it mur%er to kill a man in the night timeL6 The king answers& 61ut him in irons then& an% kill him in the morning.6 Then )sbBorn was lai% in chains& an% night. The %ay after the king hear% went to the Thing& where he sat till to mass he sai% to Thorarin& 6<s not the hea7ens that your frien% )sbBorn locke% u' in a house for the the morning mass& an% then high mass. )s he was going the sun high enough now in may be hange%L6 sai% by things in blesse% the man long till

Thorarin bowe% before the king& an% sai%& 6Sire& it was +isho' Sigur% on ?ri%ay last& that the King who has all his 'ower ha% to en%ure great tem'tation of s'iritA an% is he who rather imitates him& than those who con%emne% to %eath& or those who cause% his slaughter. <t is not tomorrow& an% that is a working %ay.6

The king looke% at him& an% sai%& 6Thou must take care then that he is not 'ut to %eath to %ayA but take him un%er thy charge& an% know for certain that thy own life shall answer for it if he esca'e in any way.6 Then the king went away. Thorarin went also to where )sbBorn lay in irons& took off his chains& an% brought him to a small room& where he ha% meat an% %rink set before him& an% tol% him what the king ha% %etermine% in case )sbBorn ran away. )sbBorn re'lies& that Thorarin nee% not be afrai% of him. Thorarin sat a long while with him %uring the %ay& an% sle't there all night. $n Satur%ay the king arose an% went to the early mass& an% from thence he went to the Thing& where a great many bon%es were assemble%& who ha% many com'laints to be %etermine%. The king sat there long in the %ay& an% it was late before the 'eo'le went to high mass. Thereafter the king went to table. =hen he ha% got meat he sat %rinking for a while& so that the tables were not remo7e%. Thorarin went out to the 'riest who ha% the church un%er his care& an% ga7e him two marks of sil7er to ring in the Sabbath as soon as the king4s table was taken away. =hen the king ha% %runk as much as he wishe% the tables were remo7e%. Then sai% the king& that it was now time for the sla7es to go to the mur%erer an% 'ut him to %eath. <n the same moment the bell rang in the Sabbath. Then Thorarin went before the king& an% sai%& 6The Sabbath 'eace this man must ha7e& although he has %one e7il.6 The king sai%& 6*o thou take care& Thorarin& that he %o not esca'e.6 The king then went to the church& an% atten%e% the 7es'er ser7ice& an% Thorarin sat the whole %ay with )sbBorn. $n Sun%ay the bisho' 7isite% )sbBorn& confesse% him& an% ga7e him or%ers to hear high mass. Thorarin then went to the king& an% aske% him to

a''oint men to guar% the mur%erer. 6< will now&6 he sai%& 6be free of this charge.6 The king thanke% him for his care& an% or%ere% men to watch o7er )sbBorn& who was again lai% in chains. =hen the 'eo'le went to high mass )sbBorn was le% to the church& an% he stoo% outsi%e of the church with his guar%A but the king an% all the 'eo'le stoo% in the church at mass.

1!7. 32-<N;4S 23C$NC<-<)T<$N =<TH K<N; $-)?. Now we must again take u' our story where we left it& that 3rling an% his son SkBalg hel% a council on this affair& an% accor%ing to the resolution of 3rling& an% of SkBalg an% his other sons& it was %etermine% to assemble a force an% sen% out message tokens. ) great multitu%e of 'eo'le accor%ingly came together. They got rea%y with all s'ee%& rigge% their shi's& an% when they reckone% u'on their force they foun% they ha% nearly 1(99 men. =ith this war force they set off& an% came on Sun%ay to )ug7al%snes on Karmt <slan%. They went straight u' to the house with all the men& an% arri7e% Bust as the Scri'ture lesson was rea%. They went %irectly to the church& took )sbBorn& an% broke off his chains. )t the tumult an% clash of arms all who were outsi%e of the church ran into itA but they who were in the church looke% all towar%s them& eDce't the king& who stoo% still& without looking aroun% him. 3rling an% his sons %rew u' their men on each si%e of the 'ath which le% from the church to the hall& an% 3rling with his sons stoo% neDt to the hall. =hen high mass was finishe% the king went imme%iately out of the church& an% first went through the o'en s'ace between the ranks %rawn u'& an% then his retinue& man by manA an% as he came to the %oor 3rling 'lace% himself before the %oor& bowe% to the king& an% salute% him. The king salute% him in return& an% 'raye% ;o% to hel' him. 3rling took u' the wor% first& an% sai%& 6.y relation& )sbBorn& it is re'orte% to me& has been guilty of mis%emeanor& kingA an% it is a great one& if he has %one anything that incurs your %is'leasure. Now < am come to entreat for him 'eace& an% such 'enalties as you yourself may %etermineA but that thereby he re%eem life an% limb& an% his remaining here in his nati7e lan%.6 The king re'lies& 6<t a''ears to me& 3rling& that thou thinkest the case of )sbBorn is now in thy own 'ower& an% < %o not therefore know why thou s'eakest now as if thou woul%st offer terms for him. < think thou hast %rawn together these forces because thou are %etermine% to settle what is between us.6 3rling re'lies& 6Thou only& king& shalt %etermine& an% %etermine so that we shall be reconcile%.6 The king5 6Thinkest thou& 3rling& to make me afrai%L )n% art thou come here in such force with that eD'ectationL No& that shall not beA an% if that be thy thought& < must in no way turn an% fly.6 3rling re'lies& 6Thou hast no occasion to remin% me how often < ha7e come to meet thee with fewer men than thou ha%st. +ut now < shall not conceal what lies in my min%& namely& that it is my

will that we now enter into a reconciliationA for otherwise < eD'ect we shall ne7er meet again.6 3rling was then as re% as bloo% in the face. Now +isho' Sigur% came forwar% to the king an% sai%& 6Sire& < entreat you on ;o% )lmighty4s account to be reconcile% with 3rling accor%ing to his offer& that the man shall retain life an% limb& but that thou shalt %etermine accor%ing to thy 'leasure all the other con%itions.6 The king re'lies& 6Cou will %etermine.6 Then sai% the bisho'& 63rling& %o thou gi7e security for )sbBorn& such as the king thinks sufficient& an% then lea7e the con%itions to the mercy of the king& an% lea7e all in his 'ower.6 3rling ga7e a surety to the king on his 'art& which he acce'te%. Thereu'on )sbBorn recei7e% his life an% safety& an% %eli7ere% himself into the king4s 'ower& an% kisse% his han%. 3rling then with%rew with his forces& without eDchanging salutation with the kingA an% the king went into the hall& followe% by )sbBorn. The king thereafter ma%e known the terms of reconciliation to be these5 6<n the first 'lace& )sbBorn& thou must submit to the law of the lan%& which comman%s that the man who kills a ser7ant of the king must un%ertake his ser7ice& if the king will. Now < will that thou shalt un%ertake the office of bailiff which Thorer Sel ha%& an% manage my estate here in )ug7al%snes.6 )sbBorn re'lies& that it shoul% be accor%ing to the king4s willA 6but < must first go home to my farm& an% 'ut things in or%er there.6 The king was satisfie% with this& an% 'rocee%e% to another guest Fuarter. )sbBorn ma%e himself rea%y with his comra%es& who all ke't themsel7es conceale% in a Fuiet creek %uring the time )sbBorn was away from them. They ha% ha% their s'ies out to learn how it went with him& an% woul% not %e'art without ha7ing some certain news of him.

1!8. $? TH$232 H@N* )N* )S+G$2N S3-S+)N3. )sbBorn then set out on his 7oyage& an% about s'ring ().*. 19!:# got home to his farm. )fter this eD'loit he was always calle% )sbBorn Selsbane. )sbBorn ha% not been long at home before he an% his relation Thorer met an% con7erse% together& an% Thorer aske% )sbBorn 'articularly all about his Bourney& an% about all the circumstances which ha% ha''ene% on the course of it. )sbBorn tol% e7erything as it ha% taken 'lace. Then sai% Thorer& 6Thou thinkest that thou hast well rubbe% out the %isgrace of ha7ing been 'lun%ere% in last har7est.6 6< think so&6 re'lies )sbBornA 6an% what is thy o'inion& cousinL6 6That < will soon tell thee&6 sai% Thorer. 6Thy first eD'e%ition to the south of the country was in%ee% 7ery %isgraceful& an% that

%isgrace has been re%eeme%A but this eD'e%ition is both a %isgrace to thee an% to thy family& if it en% in thy becoming the king4s sla7e& an% being 'ut on a footing with that worst of men& Thorer Sel. Show that thou art manly enough to sit here on thy own 'ro'erty& an% we thy relations shall so su''ort thee that thou wilt ne7er more come into such trouble.6 )sbBorn foun% this a%7ice much to his min%A an% before they 'arte% it was firmly& %etermine% that )sbBorn shoul% remain on his farm& an% not go back to the king or enter into his ser7ice. )n% he %i% so& an% sat Fuietly at home on his farm.

1!9. K<N; $-)? +)1T<J3S <N >$2S )N* >)-*32S. )fter King $laf an% 3rling SkBalgson ha% this meeting at )ug7al%snes& new %ifferences arose between them& an% increase% so much that they en%e% in 'erfect enmity. <n s'ring ().*. 19!:# the king 'rocee%e% to guest Fuarters in Hor%alan%& an% went u' also to >ors& because he hear% there was but little of the true faith among the 'eo'le there. He hel% a Thing with the bon%es at a 'lace calle% >ang& an% a number of bon%es came to it fully arme%. The king or%ere% them to a%o't ChristianityA but they challenge% him to battle& an% it 'rocee%e% so far that the men were %rawn u' on both si%es. +ut when it came to the 'oint such a fear entere% into the bloo% of the bon%es that none woul% a%7ance or comman%& an% they chose the 'art which was most to their a%7antageA namely& to obey the king an% recei7e ChristianityA an% before the king left them they were all ba'tiEe%. $ne %ay it ha''ene% that the king was ri%ing on his way a singing of 'salms& an% when he came right o''osite some hills he halte% an% sai%& 6.an after man shall relate these my wor%s& that < think it not a%7isable for any king of Norway to tra7el hereafter between these hills.6 )n% it is a saying among the 'eo'le that the most kings since that time ha7e a7oi%e% it. The king 'rocee%e% to $strarfBor%& an% came to his shi's& with which he went north to Sogn& an% ha% his li7ing in guest Fuarters there in summer ().*. 19!:#A when autumn a''roache% he turne% in towar%s the ?Bor% %istrict& an% went from thence to >al%ers& where the 'eo'le were still heathen. The king hastene% u' to the lake in >al%ers& came uneD'ecte%ly on the bon%es& seiEe% their 7essels& an% went on boar% of them with all his men. He then sent out message tokens& an% a''ointe% a Thing so near the lake that he coul% use the 7essels if he foun% he reFuire% them. The bon%es resorte% to the Thing in a great an% well arme% hostA an% when he comman%e% them to acce't Christianity the bon%es shoute% against him& tol% him to be silent& an% ma%e a great u'roar an% clashing of wea'ons. +ut when the king saw that they woul% not listen to what he woul% teach them& an% also that they ha% too great a force to conten% with& he turne% his %iscourse& an% aske% if there were 'eo'le at the Thing who ha% %is'utes with each other which they wishe% him to settle. <t was soon foun% by the con7ersation of the bon%es that they ha% many Fuarrels among themsel7es& although they ha% all Boine% in s'eaking against Christianity. =hen the bon%es began to set forth their own cases& each en%ea7ore% to get some u'on his si%e to su''ort himA

an% this laste% the whole %ay long until e7ening& when the Thing was conclu%e%. =hen the bon%es ha% hear% that the king ha% tra7elle% to >al%ers& an% was come into their neighborhoo%& they ha% sent out message tokens summoning the free an% the unfree to meet in arms& an% with this force they ha% a%7ance% against the kingA so that the neighbourhoo% all aroun% was left without 'eo'le. =hen the Thing was conclu%e% the bon%es still remaine% assemble%A an% when the king obser7e% this he went on boar% his shi's& rowe% in the night right across the water& lan%e% in the country there& an% began to 'lun%er an% burn. The %ay after the king4s men rowe% from one 'oint of lan% to another& an% o7er all the king or%ere% the habitations to be set on fire. Now when the bon%es who were assemble% saw what the king was %oing& namely& 'lun%ering an% burning& an% saw the smoke an% flame of their houses& they %is'erse%& an% each hastene% to his own home to see if he coul% fin% those he ha% left. )s soon as there came a %is'ersion among the crow%& the one sli''e% away after the other& until the whole multitu%e was %issol7e%. Then the king rowe% across the lake again& burning also on that si%e of the country. Now came the bon%es to him begging for mercy& an% offering to submit to him. He ga7e e7ery man who came to him 'eace if he %esire% it& an% restore% to him his goo%sA an% nobo%y refuse% to a%o't Christianity. The king then ha% the 'eo'le christene%& an% took hostages from the bon%es. He or%ere% churches to be built an% consecrate%& an% 'lace% teachers in them. He remaine% a long time here in autumn& an% ha% his shi's %rawn across the neck of lan% between the two lakes. The king %i% not go far from the si%es of the lakes into the country& for he %i% not much trust the bon%es. =hen the king thought that frost might be eD'ecte%& he went further u' the country& an% came to Thoten. )rnor& the earl4s skal%& tells how King $laf burnt in the @'lan%s& in the 'oem he com'ose% concerning the king4s brother King Haral%5 6)gainst the @'lan% 'eo'le wroth& $laf& to most so mil%& went forth5 The houses burning& )ll 'eo'le mourningA =ho coul% not fly Hung on gallows high. <t was& < think& in $laf4s race The @'lan% 'eo'le to o''ress.6 )fterwar%s King $laf went north through the 7alleys to *o7refiel%& an% %i% not halt until he reache% the Thron%hBem %istrict an% arri7e% at Ni%aros& where he ha% or%ere% winter 'ro7ision to be collecte%& an% remaine% all winter ().*. 19!"#. This was the tenth year of his reign.

1:9. $? 3<N)2 T).+)SK3-?32. The summer before 3inar Tambaskelfer left the country& an% went westwar% to 3nglan% ().*. 19!:#. There he met his relati7e 3arl Hakon& an% staye% some time with him. He then 7isite% King Canute& from whom he recei7e% great 'resents. 3inar then went south all the way to 2ome& an% came back the following summer

().*. 19!"#& an% returne% to his house an% lan%. 3inar %i% not meet this time.

King $laf an%

1:1. TH3 +<2TH $? K<N; .);N@S. There was a girl whose name was )lfhil%& an% who was usually calle% the king4s sla7e woman& although she was of goo% %escent. She was a remarkably han%some girl& an% li7e% in King $laf4s court. <t was re'orte% this s'ring that )lfhil% was with chil%& an% the king4s confi%ential frien%s knew that he was father of the chil%. <t ha''ene% one night that )lfhil% was taken ill& an% only few 'eo'le were at han%A namely& some women& 'riests& Sig7at the skal%& an% a few others. )lfhil% was so ill that she was nearly %ea%A an% when she was %eli7ere% of a man chil%& it was some time before they coul% %isco7er whether the chil% was in life. +ut when the infant %rew breath& although 7ery weak& the 'riest tol% Sig7at to hasten to the king& an% tell him of the e7ent. He re'lies& 6< %are not on any account waken the kingA for he has forbi% that any man shoul% break his slee' until he awakens of himself.6 The 'riest re'lies& 6<t is of necessity that this chil% be imme%iately ba'tiEe%& for it a''ears to me there is but little life in it.6 Sig7at sai%& 6< woul% rather 7enture to take u'on me to let thee ba'tiEe the chil%& than to awaken the kingA an% < will take it u'on myself if anything be amiss& an% will gi7e the chil% a name.6 They %i% soA an% the chil% was ba'tiEe%& an% got the name of .agnus. The neDt morning& when the king awoke an% ha% %resse% himself& the circumstance was tol% him. He or%ere% Sig7at to be calle%& an% sai%. 6How camest thou to be so bol% as to ha7e my chil% ba'tiEe% before < knew anything about itL6 Sig7at re'lies& 6+ecause < woul% rather gi7e two men to ;o% than one to the %e7il.6 The king 6=hat meanest thouL6

Sig7at 6The chil% was near %eath& an% must ha7e been the %e7il4s if it ha% %ie% as a heathen& an% now it is ;o%4s. )n% < knew besi%es that if thou shoul%st be so angry on this account that it affecte% my life& < woul% be ;o%4s also.6 The king aske%& 6+ut why %i%st thou call him .agnus& which is not a name of our raceL6 Sig7at 6< calle% him after King Carl .agnus& who& < knew& ha% been the best man in the worl%.6 Then sai% the king& 6Thou art a 7ery lucky man& Sig7atA but it is

not won%erful that luck shoul% accom'any un%erstan%ing. <t is only won%erful how it sometimes ha''ens that luck atten%s ignorant men& an% that foolish counsel turns out lucky.6 The king was o7erBoye% at the circumstance. The boy grew u'& an% ga7e goo% 'romise as he a%7ance% in age.

1:!. TH3 .@2*32 $? )S+G$2N S3-S+)N3. The same s'ring ().*. 19!"# the king ga7e into the han%s of )smun% ;rankelson the half of the sheriff%om of the %istrict of Halogalan%& which Harek of ThBotta ha% formerly hel%& 'artly in fief& 'artly for %efraying the king4s entertainment in guest Fuarters. )smun% ha% a shi' manne% with nearly thirty well arme% men. =hen )smun% came north he met Harek& an% tol% him what the king ha% %etermine% with regar% to the %istrict& an% 'ro%uce% to him the tokens of the king4s full 'owers. Harek sai%& 6The king ha% the right to gi7e the sheriff%om to whom he 'lease%A but the former so7ereigns ha% not been in use to %iminish our rights who are entitle% by birth to hol% 'owers from the king& an% to gi7e them into the han%s of the 'easants who ne7er before hel% such offices.6 +ut although it was e7i%ent that it was against Harek4s inclination& he allowe% )smun% to take the sheriff%om accor%ing to the king4s or%er. Then )smun% 'rocee%e% home to his father& staye% there a short time& an% then went north to Halogalan% to his sheriff%omA an% he came north to -angey <slan%& where there %welt two brothers calle% ;unstein an% Karle& both 7ery rich an% res'ectable men. ;unstein& the el%est of the brothers& was a goo% husban%man. Karle was a han%some man in a''earance& an% s'len%i% in his %ressA an% both were& in many res'ects& eD'ert in all feats. )smun% was well recei7e% by them& remaine% with them a while& an% collecte% such re7enues of his sheriff%om as he coul% get. Karle s'oke with )smun% of his wish to go south with him an% take ser7ice in the court of King $laf& to which )smun% encourage% him much& 'romising his influence with the king for obtaining for Karle such a situation as he %esire%A an% Karle accor%ingly accom'anie% )smun%. )smun% hear% that )sbBorn& who ha% kille% Thorer Sel& ha% gone to the market meeting of >agar with a large shi' of bur%en manne% with nearly twenty men& an% that he was now eD'ecte% from the south. )smun% an% his retinue 'rocee%e% on their way southwar%s along the coast with a contrary win%& but there was little of it. They saw some of the fleet for >agar sailing towar%s themA an% they 'ri7ately inFuire% of them about )sbBorn& an% were tol% he was u'on the way coming from the south. )smun% an% Karle were be%fellows& an% eDcellent frien%s. $ne %ay& as )smun% an% his 'eo'le were rowing through a soun%& a shi' of bur%en came sailing towar%s them. The shi' was easily known& ha7ing high bulwarks& was 'ainte% with white an% re% colours& an% coloure% cloth was wo7en in the sail. Karle sai% to )smun%& 6Thou hast often sai% thou wast curious to see )sbBorn who kille% Thorer SelA an% if < know one shi' from another& that is his which is coming sailing along.6 )smun% re'lies& 6+e so goo%& comra%e& an% tell me which is he when thou seest him.6

=hen the shi's came alongsi%e of each other& 6That is )sbBorn&6 sai% KarleA 6the man sitting at the helm in a blue cloak.6 )smun% re'lies& 6< shall make his blue cloak re%A6 threw a s'ear at )sbBorn& an% hit him in the mi%%le of the bo%y& so that it flew through an% through him& an% stuck fast in the u''er 'art of the stern 'ostA an% )sbBorn fell %own %ea% from the helm. Then each 7essel saile% on its course& an% )sbBorn4s bo%y was carrie% north to Thran%arnes. Then Sigri% sent a message to +Barkey <sle to Thorer Hun%& who came to her while they were& in the usual way& %ressing the cor'se of )sbBorn. =hen he returne% Sigri% ga7e 'resents to all her frien%s& an% followe% Thorer to his shi'A but before they 'arte% she sai%& 6<t has so fallen out& Thorer& that my son has suffere% by thy frien%ly counsel& but he %i% not retain life to rewar% thee for itA but although < ha7e not his ability yet will < show my goo% will. Here is a gift < gi7e thee& which < eD'ect thou wilt use. Here is the s'ear which went through )sbBorn my son& an% there is still bloo% u'on it& to remin% thee that it fits the woun% thou hast seen on the cor'se of thy brother4s son )sbBorn. <t woul% be a manly %ee%& if thou shoul%st throw this s'ear from thy han% so that it stoo% in $laf4s breastA an% this < can tell thee& that thou wilt be name% cowar% in e7ery man4s mouth& if thou %ost not a7enge )sbBorn.6 Thereu'on she turne% about& an% went her way. Thorer was so enrage% at her wor%s that he coul% not s'eak. He neither thought of casting the s'ear from him& nor took notice of the gangwayA so that he woul% ha7e fallen into the sea& if his men ha% not lai% hol% of him as he was going on boar% his shi'. <t was a feathere% s'earA not large& but the han%le was gol% mounte%. Now Thorer rowe% away with his 'eo'le& an% went home to +Barkey <sle. )smun% an% his com'anions also 'rocee%e% on their way until they came south to Thron%hBem& where they waite% on King $lafA an% )smun% relate% to the king all that ha% ha''ene% on the 7oyage. Karle became one of the king4s court men& an% the frien%shi' continue% between him an% )smun%. They %i% not kee' secret the wor%s that ha% 'asse% between )smun% an% Karle before )sbBorn was kille%A for they e7en tol% them to the king. +ut then it ha''ene%& accor%ing to the 'ro7erb& that e7ery one has a frien% in the mi%st of his enemies. There were some 'resent who took notice of the wor%s& an% they reache% Thorer Hun%4s ears.

1::. $? K<N; $-)?. =hen s'ring ().*. 19!"# was a%7ance% King $laf rigge% out his shi's& an% saile% southwar%s in summer along the lan%. He hel% Things with the bon%es on the way& settle% the law business of the 'eo'le& 'ut to rights the faith of the country& an% collecte% the king4s taDes where7er he came. <n autumn he 'rocee%e% south to the frontier of the countryA an% King $laf ha% now ma%e the 'eo'le Christians in all the great %istricts& an% e7erywhere& by laws& ha% intro%uce% or%er into the country. He ha% also& as before relate%& brought the $rkney <slan%s un%er his 'ower& an% by messages ha% ma%e many frien%s in <celan%& ;reenlan%& an% the ?arey <slan%s. King $laf ha% sent timber for buil%ing a church

to <celan%& of which a church was built u'on the Thing fiel% where the ;eneral Thing is hel%& an% ha% sent a bell for it& which is still there. This was after the <celan% 'eo'le ha% altere% their laws& an% intro%uce% Christianity& accor%ing to the wor% King $laf ha% sent them. )fter that time& many consi%erable 'ersons came from <celan%& an% entere% into King $laf4s ser7iceA as Thorkel 3yBolfson& an% Thorleif +ollason& Thor% Kolbeinson& Thor% +arkarson& Thorgeir Ha7arson& Thormo% Kalbrunar skal%. King $laf ha% sent many frien%ly 'resents to chief 'eo'le in <celan%A an% they in return sent him such things as they ha% which they thought most acce'table. @n%er this show of frien%shi' which the king ga7e <celan% were conceale% many things which afterwar%s a''eare%.

1:". K<N; $-)?4S .3SS);3 T$ <C3-)N*& )N* TH3 C$@NS3-S $? TH3 <C3-)N*32S. King $laf this summer ().*. 19!"# sent Thorarin Nefiulfson to <celan% on his erran%sA an% Thorarin went out of Thron%hBem fBor% along with the king& an% followe% him south to .ore. ?rom thence Thorarin went out to sea& an% got such a fa7ourable breeEe that after four %ays sail he lan%e% at the =estman <sles& in <celan%. He 'rocee%e% imme%iately to the )lthing& an% came Bust as the 'eo'le were u'on the -awhillock& to which he re'aire%. =hen the cases of the 'eo'le before the Thing ha% been %etermine% accor%ing to law& Thorarin Nefiulfson took u' the wor% as follows5 6=e 'arte% four %ays ago from King $laf Haral%son& who sen%s ;o% )lmighty4s an% his own salutation to all the chiefs an% 'rinci'al men of the lan%A as also to all the 'eo'le in general& men an% women& young an% ol%& rich an% 'oor. He also lets you know that he will be your so7ereign if ye will become his subBects& so that he an% you will be frien%s& assisting each other in all that is goo%.6 The 'eo'le re'lie% in a frien%ly way& that they woul% gla%ly be the king4s frien%s& if he woul% be a frien% of the 'eo'le of their country. Then Thorarin again took u' the wor%5 6This follows in a%%ition to the king4s message& that he will in frien%shi' %esire of the 'eo'le of the north %istrict that they gi7e him the islan%& or out rock& which lies at the mouth of 3yfBor%& an% is calle% ;rimsey& for which he will gi7e you from his country whate7er goo% the 'eo'le of the %istrict may %esire. He sen%s this message 'articularly to ;u%mun% of .o%ru7ellir to su''ort this matter& because he un%erstan%s that ;u%mun% has most influence in that Fuarter.6 ;u%mun% re'lies& 6.y inclination is greatly for King $laf4s frien%shi'& an% that < consi%er much more useful than the out rock he %esires. +ut the king has not hear% rightly if he think < ha7e more 'ower in this matter than any other& for the islan% is a common. =e& howe7er& who ha7e the most use of the isle& will hol% a meeting among oursel7es about it.6

Then the 'eo'le went to their tent housesA an% the Northlan% 'eo'le ha% a meeting among themsel7es& an% talke% o7er the business& an% e7ery one s'oke accor%ing to his Bu%gment. ;u%mun% su''orte% the matter& an% many others forme% their o'inions by his. Then some aske% why his brother 3inar %i% not s'eak on the subBect. 6=e think he has the clearest insight into most things.6 3inar answers& 6< ha7e sai% so little about the matter because nobo%y has aske% me about itA but if < may gi7e my o'inion& our countrymen might Bust as well make themsel7es at once liable to lan% scat to King $laf& an% submit to all his eDactions as he has them among his 'eo'le in NorwayA an% this hea7y bur%en we will lay not only u'on oursel7es& but on our sons& an% their sons& an% all our race& an% on all the community %welling an% li7ing in this lan%& which ne7er after will be free from this sla7ery. Now although this king is a goo% man& as < well belie7e him to be& yet it must be hereafter& when kings succee% each other& that some will be goo%. an% some ba%. Therefore if the 'eo'le of this country will 'reser7e the free%om they ha7e enBoye% since the lan% was first inhabite%& it is not a%7isable to gi7e the king the smallest s'ot to fasten himself u'on the country by& an% not to gi7e him any kin% of scat or ser7ice that can ha7e the a''earance of a %uty. $n the other han%& < think it 7ery 'ro'er that the 'eo'le sen% the king such frien%ly 'resents of hawks or horses& tents or sails& or such things which are suitable giftsA an% these are well a''lie% if they are re'ai% with frien%shi'. +ut as to ;rimsey <sle& < ha7e to say& that although nothing is %rawn from it that can ser7e for foo%& yet it coul% su''ort a great war force cruising from thence in long shi'sA an% then& < %oubt not& there woul% be %istress enough at e7ery 'oor 'easant4s %oor.6 =hen 3inar ha% thus eD'laine% the 'ro'er connection of the matter& the whole community were of one min% that such a thing shoul% not be 'ermitte%A an% Thorarin saw sufficiently well what the result of his erran% was to be.

1:(. TH3 )NS=32 $? TH3 <C3-)N*32S. The %ay following& Thorarin went again to the -awhill& an% brought forwar% his erran% in the following wor%s5 6King $laf sen%s his message to his frien%s here in the country& among whom he reckons ;u%mun% 3yBolfson& Snorre ;o%e& Thorkel 3yBolfson& Ska'te the lagman& an% Thorstein Halson& an% %esires them by me to come to him on a frien%ly 7isitA an% a%%s& that ye must not eDcuse yoursel7es& if you regar% his frien%shi' as worth anything.6 <n their answer they thanke% the king for his message an% a%%e%& that they woul% afterwar%s gi7e a re'ly to it by Thorarin when they ha% more closely consi%ere% the matter with their frien%s. The chiefs now weighe% the matter among themsel7es& an% each ga7e his own o'inion about the Bourney. Snorre an% Ska'te %issua%e% from such a %angerous 'rocee%ing with the 'eo'le of NorwayA namely& that all the men who ha% the most to say in the country shoul% at once lea7e <celan%. They a%%e%&

that from this message& an% from what 3inar ha% sai%& they ha% the sus'icion that the king inten%e% to use force an% strong measures against the <celan%ers if he rule% in the country. ;u%mun% an% Thorkel 3yBolfson insiste% much that they shoul% follow King $laf4s in7itation& an% calle% it a Bourney of honour. +ut when they ha% consi%ere% the matter on all si%es& it was at last resol7e% that they shoul% not tra7el themsel7es& but that each of them shoul% sen% in his 'lace a man whom they thought best suite% for it. )fter this %etermination the Thing was close%& an% there was no Bourney that summer. Thorarin ma%e two 7oyages that summer& an% about har7est was back again at King $laf4s& an% re'orte% the result of his mission& an% that some of the chiefs& or their sons& woul% come from <celan% accor%ing to his message.

1:/. $? TH3 13$1-3 $? TH3 ?)23C <S-)N*S. The same summer ().*. 19!"# there came from the ?arey <slan%s to Norway& on the king4s in7itation& ;ille the lagman& -eif $ssurson& Thoralf of *imun& an% many other bon%es4 sons. Thor% of ;ata ma%e himself rea%y for the 7oyageA but Bust as he was setting out he got a stroke of 'alsy& an% coul% not come& so he remaine% behin%. Now when the 'eo'le from the ?arey <sles arri7e% at King $laf4s& he calle% them to him to a conference& an% eD'laine% the 'ur'ose of the Bourney he ha% ma%e them take& namely& that he woul% ha7e scat from the ?arey <slan%s& an% also that the 'eo'le there shoul% be subBect to the laws which the king shoul% gi7e them. <n that meeting it a''eare% from the king4s wor%s that he woul% make the ?arey 'eo'le who ha% come answerable& an% woul% bin% them by oath to conclu%e this union. He also offere% to the men whom he thought the ablest to take them into his ser7ice& an% bestow honour an% frien%shi' on them. These ?arey men un%erstoo% the king4s wor%s so& that they must %rea% the turn the matter might take if they %i% not submit to all that the king %esire%. )lthough they hel% se7eral meetings about the business before it en%e%& the king4s %esire at last 're7aile%. -eif& ;ille& an% Thoralf went into the king4s ser7ice& an% became his courtmenA an% they& with all their tra7elling com'anions& swore the oath to King $laf& that the law an% lan% 'ri7ilege which he set them shoul% be obser7e% in the ?arey <slan%s& an% also the scat be le7ie% that he lai% u'on them. Thereafter the ?arey 'eo'le 're'are% for their return home& an% at their %e'arture the king ga7e those who ha% entere% into his ser7ice 'resents in testimony of his frien%shi'& an% they went their way. Now the king or%ere% a shi' to be rigge%& manne% it& an% sent men to the ?arey <slan%s to recei7e the scat from the inhabitants which they shoul% 'ay him. <t was late before they were rea%yA but they set off at last5 an% of their Bourney all that is to be tol% is& that they %i% not come back& an% no scat either& the following summerA for nobo%y ha% come to the ?arey <sles& an% no man ha% %eman%e% scat there.

1:7. $? TH3 .)22<);3 $? K3T<- )N* $? TH$2* T$ TH3 K<N;4S S<ST32S.

King $laf 'rocee%e% about har7est time to >iken& an% sent a message before him to the @'lan%s that they shoul% 're'are guest Fuarters for him& as he inten%e% to be there in winter. )fterwar%s he ma%e rea%y for his Bourney& an% went to the @'lan%s& an% remaine% the winter thereA going about in guest Fuarters& an% 'utting things to rights where he saw it nee%ful& a%7ancing also the cause of Christianity wheresoe7er it was reFuisite. <t ha''ene% while King $laf was in He%emark that Ketil Kalf of 2inganes courte% ;unhil%& a %aughter of Sigur% Syr an% of King $laf4s mother )sta. ;unhil% was a sister of King $laf& an% therefore it belonge% to the king to gi7e consent an% %etermination to the business. He took it in a frien%ly wayA for he know Ketil& that he was of high birth& wealthy& an% of goo% un%erstan%ing& an% a great chiefA an% also he ha% long been a great frien% of King $laf& as before relate%. )ll these circumstances in%uce% the king to a''ro7e of the match& an% so it was that Ketil got ;unhil%. King $laf was 'resent at the we%%ing. ?rom thence the king went north to ;u%bran%s%al& where he was entertaine% in guest Fuarters. There %welt a man& by name Thor% ;uthormson& on a farm calle% SteigA an% he was the most 'owerful man in the north en% of the 7alley. =hen Thor% an% the king met& Thor% ma%e 'ro'osals for <sri%& the %aughter of ;u%bran%& an% the sister of King $laf4s mother& as it belonge% to the king to gi7e consent. )fter the matter was consi%ere%& it was %etermine% that the marriage shoul% 'rocee%& an% Thor% got <sri%. )fterwar%s Thor% was the king4s faithful frien%& an% also many of Thor%4s relations an% frien%s& who followe% his footste's. ?rom thence King $laf returne% south through Thoten an% Ha%alan%& from thence to 2ingerike& an% so to >iken. <n s'ring ().*. 19!(# he went to Tunsberg& an% staye% there while there was the market meeting& an% a great resort of 'eo'le. He then ha% his 7essels rigge% out& an% ha% many 'eo'le about him.

1:8. $? TH3 <C3-)N*32S. The same summer ().*. 19!(# came Stein& a son of the lagman Ska'te& from <celan%& in com'liance with King $laf4s messageA an% with him Thoro%& a son of Snorre the go%e& an% ;eller& a son of Thorkel 3yBolfson& an% 3gil& a son of Hal of Si%a& brother of Thorstein Hal. ;u%mun% 3yBolfson ha% %ie% the winter before. These <celan% men re'aire% to King $laf as soon as they ha% o''ortunityA an% when they met the king they were well recei7e%& an% all were in his house. The same summer King $laf hear% that the shi' was missing which he ha% sent the summer before to the ?arey <slan%s after the scat& an% nobo%y knew what ha% become of it. The king fitte% out another shi'& manne% it& an% sent it to the ?arey <slan%s for the scat. They got un%er weigh& an% 'rocee%e% to seaA but as little was e7er hear% of this 7essel as of the former one& an% many conBectures were ma%e about what ha% become of them.

1:9. H323 +3;<NS TH3 ST$2C $? C)N@T3 TH3 ;23)T.

*uring this time Canute the ;reat& calle% by some Canute the $l%& was king of 3nglan% an% *enmark. Canute the ;reat was a son of S7ein Haral%son ?orke%bear%& whose forefathers& for a long course of generations& ha% rule% o7er *enmark. Haral% ;ormson& Canute4s gran%father& ha% conFuere% Norway after the fall of Haral% ;rafel%& ;unhil%4s son& ha% taken scat from it& an% ha% 'lace% 3arl Hakon the ;reat to %efen% the country. The *anish King& S7ein Haral%son& rule% also o7er Norway& an% 'lace% his son in law 3arl 3irik& the son of 3arl Hakon& to %efen% the country. The brothers 3irik an% S7ein& 3arl Hakon4s sons& rule% the lan% until 3arl 3irik went west to 3nglan%& on the in7itation of his brother in law Canute the ;reat& when he left behin% his son 3arl Hakon& sister4s son of Canute the ;reat& to go7ern Norway. +ut when $laf the Thick came first to Norway& as before relate%& he took 'risoner 3arl Hakon the son of 3irik& an% %e'ose% him from the king%om. Then Hakon 'rocee%e% to his mother4s brother& Canute the ;reat& an% ha% been with him constantly until the time to which here in our saga we ha7e now come. Canute the ;reat ha% conFuere% 3nglan% by blows an% wea'ons& an% ha% a long struggle before the 'eo'le of the lan% were sub%ue%. +ut when he ha% set himself 'erfectly firm in the go7ernment of the country& he remembere% that he also ha% right to a king%om which he ha% not brought un%er his authorityA an% that was Norway. He thought he ha% here%itary right to all NorwayA an% his sister4s son Hakon& who ha% hel% a 'art of it& a''eare% to him to ha7e lost it with %isgrace. The reason why Canute an% Hakon ha% remaine% Fuiet with res'ect to their claims u'on Norway was& that when King $laf Haral%son lan%e% in Norway the 'eo'le an% commonalty ran together in crow%s& an% woul% hear of nothing but that $laf shoul% be king o7er all the country& although some afterwar%s& who thought that the 'eo'le u'on account of his 'ower ha% no self go7ernment left to them& went out of the country. .any 'owerful men& or rich bon%es sons& ha% therefore gone to Canute the ;reat& an% 'reten%e% 7arious erran%sA an% e7ery one who came to Canute an% %esire% his frien%shi' was loa%e% with 'resents. =ith Canute& too& coul% be seen greater s'len%our an% 'om' than elsewhere& both with regar% to the multitu%e of 'eo'le who were %aily in atten%ance& an% also to the other magnificent things about the houses he owne% an% %welt in himself. Canute the ;reat %rew scat an% re7enue from the 'eo'le who were the richest of all in northern lan%sA an% in the same 'ro'ortion as he ha% greater re7enues than other kings& he also ma%e greater 'resents than other kings. <n his whole king%om 'eace was so well establishe%& that no man %are% break it. The 'eo'le of the country ke't the 'eace towar%s each other& an% ha% their ol% country law5 an% for this he was greatly celebrate% in all countries. )n% many of those who came from Norway re'resente% their har%shi's to 3arl Hakon& an% some e7en to King Canute himselfA an% that the Norway 'eo'le were rea%y to turn back to the go7ernment of King Canute& or 3arl Hakon& an% recei7e %eli7erance from them. This con7ersation suite% well the earl4s inclination& an% he carrie% it to the king& an% begge% of him to try if King $laf woul% not surren%er the king%om& or at least come to an agreement to %i7i%e itA an% many su''orte% the earl4s 7iews.

1"9. C)N@T34S .3SS);3 T$ K<N; $-)?. Canute the ;reat sent men from the =est& from 3nglan%& to Norway& an% eFui''e% them magnificently for the Bourney. They were bearers of the 3nglish king Canute4s letter an% seal. They came about s'ring ().*. 19!(# to the king of Norway& $laf Haral%son& in Tunsberg. Now when it was tol% the king that ambassa%ors ha% arri7e% from Canute the ;reat he was ill at ease& an% sai% that Canute ha% not sent messengers hither with any messages that coul% be of a%7antage to him or his 'eo'leA an% it was some %ays before the ambassa%ors coul% come before the king. +ut when they got 'ermission to s'eak to him they a''eare% before the king& an% ma%e known King Canute4s letter& an% their erran% which accom'anie% itA namely& 6that King Canute consi%ers all Norway as his 'ro'erty& an% insists that his forefathers before him ha7e 'ossesse% that king%omA but as King Canute offers 'eace to all countries& he will also offer 'eace to all here& if it can be so settle%& an% will not in7a%e Norway with his army if it can be a7oi%e%. Now if King $laf Haral%son wishes to remain king of Norway& he will come to King Canute& an% recei7e his king%om as a fief from him& become his 7assal& an% 'ay the scat which the earls before him formerly 'ai%.6 Thereu'on they 'resente% their letters& which containe% 'recisely the same con%itions. Then King $laf re'lies& 6< ha7e hear% say& by ol% stories& that the *anish king ;orm was consi%ere% but a small king of a few 'eo'le& for he rule% o7er *enmark aloneA but the kings who succee%e% him thought that was too little. <t has since come so far that King Canute rules o7er *enmark an% 3nglan%& an% has conFuere% for himself a great 'art of Scotlan%. Now he claims also my 'aternal heritage& an% will then show some mo%eration in his co7etousness. *oes he wish to rule o7er all the countries of the NorthL =ill he eat u' all the kail in 3nglan%L He shall %o so& an% re%uce that country to a %esert& before < lay my hea% in his han%s& or show him any other kin% of 7assalage. Now ye shall tell him these my wor%s& < will %efen% Norway with battle aDe an% swor% as long as life is gi7en me& an% will 'ay scat to no man for my king%om.6 )fter this answer King Canute4s ambassa%ors ma%e themsel7es rea%y for their Bourney home& an% were by no means reBoice% at the success of their erran%. Sig7at the skal% ha% been with King Canute& who ha% gi7en him a gol% ring that weighe% half a mark. The skal% +erse Skal%torfason was also there& an% to him King Canute ga7e two gol% rings& each weighing two marks& an% besi%es a swor% inlai% with gol%. Sig7at ma%e this song about it5 6=hen we came o4er the wa7e& you cub& =hen we came o4er the wa7e& To me one ring& to thee two rings& The mighty Canute ga7e5 $ne mark to me& ?our marks to thee& ) swor% too& fine an% bra7e.

Now ;o% knows well& )n% skal%s can tell& =hat Bustice here woul% cra7e.6 Sig7at the skal% was 7ery intimate with King Canute4s messengers& an% aske% them many Fuestions. They answere% all his inFuiries about their con7ersation with King $laf& an% the result of their message. They sai% the king listene% unwillingly to their 'ro'osals. 6)n% we %o not know&6 say they& 6to what he is trusting when he refuses becoming King Canute4s 7assal& an% going to him& which woul% be the best thing he coul% %oA for King Canute is so mil% that howe7er much a chief may ha7e %one against him& he is 'ar%one% if he only show himself obe%ient. <t is but lately that two kings came to him from the North& from ?ife in Scotlan%& an% he ga7e u' his wrath against them& an% allowe% them to retain all the lan%s they ha% 'ossesse% before& an% ga7e them besi%es 7ery 7aluable gifts.6 Then Sig7at sang5 6?rom the North lan%& the mi%st of ?ife& Two kings came begging 'eace an% lifeA Cra7ing from Canute life an% 'eace& .ay $laf4s goo% luck ne7er ceaseK .ay he& our gallant Norse king& ne7er +e brought& like these& his hea% to offer )s ransom to a li7ing man ?or the broa% lan%s his swor% has won.6 King Canute4s ambassa%ors 'rocee%e% on their way back& an% ha% a fa7ourable breeEe across the sea. They came to King Canute& an% tol% him the result of their erran%& an% King $laf4s last wor%s. King Canute re'lies& 6King $laf guesses wrong& if he thinks < shall eat u' all the kail in 3nglan%A for < will let him see that there is something else than kail un%er my ribs& an% col% kail it shall be for him.6 The same summer ().*. 19!(# )slak an% SkBalg& the sons of 3rling of Ga%ar& came from Norway to King Canute& an% were well recei7e%A for )slak was marrie% to Sigri%& a %aughter of 3arl S7ein Hakonson& an% she an% 3arl Hakon 3irikson were brothers4 chil%ren. King Canute ga7e these brothers great fiefs o7er there& an% they stoo% in great fa7our.

1"1. K<N; $-)?4S )--<)NC3 =<TH $N@N* TH3 K<N; $? S><THG$*. King $laf summone% to him all the len%ermen& an% ha% a great many 'eo'le about him this summer ().*. 19!(#& for a re'ort was abroa% that King Canute woul% come from 3nglan%. 1eo'le ha% hear% from merchant 7essels that Canute was assembling a great army in 3nglan%. =hen summer was a%7ance%& some affirme% an% others %enie% that the army woul% come. King $laf was all summer in >iken& an% ha% s'ies out to learn if Canute was come to *enmark. <n autumn ().*. 19!(# he sent messengers eastwar% to S7ithBo% to his brother in law King $nun%& an% let him know King Canute4s %eman% u'on NorwayA a%%ing& that& in his o'inion& if Canute sub%ue% Norway& King $nun% woul% not long enBoy the Swe%ish %ominions in 'eace. He thought it a%7isable& therefore& that they shoul% unite for their %efence. 6)n% then&6 sai% he& 6we

will ha7e strength enough to hol% out against Canute.6 King $nun% recei7e% King $laf4s message fa7ourably& an% re'lie% to it& that he for his 'art woul% make common cause with King $laf& so that each of them shoul% stan% by the one who first reFuire% hel' with all the strength of his king%om. <n these messages between them it was also %etermine% that they shoul% ha7e a meeting& an% consult with each other. The following winter ().*. 19!/# King $nun% inten%e% to tra7el across =est ;autlan%& an% King $laf ma%e 're'arations for taking his winter abo%e at Sar'sborg.

1"!. K<N; C)N@T34S ).+)SS)*$2S T$ $N@N* $? S><THG$*. <n autumn King Canute the ;reat came to *enmark& an% remaine% there all winter ().*. 19!/# with a numerous army. <t was tol% him that ambassa%ors with messages ha% been 'assing between the Swe%ish an% Norwegian kings& an% that some great 'lans must be concerting between them. <n winter King Canute sent messengers to S7ithBo%& to King $nun%& with great gifts an% messages of frien%shi'. He also tol% $nun% that he might sit altogether Fuiet in this strife between him an% $laf the ThickA 6for thou& $nun%&6 says he& 6an% thy king%om& shall be in 'eace as far as < am concerne%.6 =hen the ambassa%ors came to King $nun% they 'resente% the gifts which King Canute sent him& together with the frien%ly message. King $nun% %i% not hear their s'eech 7ery willingly& an% the ambassa%ors coul% obser7e that King $nun% was most incline% to a frien%shi' with King $laf. They returne% accor%ingly& an% tol% King Canute the result of their erran%& an% tol% him not to %e'en% much u'on the frien%shi' of King $nun%.

1":. TH3 3N13*<T<$N T$ +G)2.)-)N*. This winter ().*. 19!/# King $laf sat in Sar'sborg& an% was surroun%e% by a 7ery great army of 'eo'le. He sent the Halogalan%er Karle to the north country u'on his business. Karle went first to the @'lan%s& then across the *o7refiel%& an% came %own to Ni%aros& where he recei7e% as much money as he ha% the king4s or%er for& together with a goo% shi'& such as he thought suitable for the 7oyage which the king ha% or%ere% him u'onA an% that was to 'rocee% north to +Barmalan%. <t was settle% that the king shoul% be in 'artnershi' with Karle& an% each of them ha7e the half of the 'rofit. 3arly in s'ring Karle %irecte% his course to Halogalan%& where his brother ;unstein 're'are% to accom'any him& ha7ing his own merchant goo%s with him. There were about twenty fi7e men in the shi'A an% in s'ring they saile% north to ?inmark. =hen Thorer Hun% hear% this& he sent a man to the brothers with the 7erbal message that he inten%e% in summer to go to +Barmalan%& an% that he woul% sail with them& an% that they shoul% %i7i%e what booty they ma%e eFually between them. Karle sent him back the message that Thorer must ha7e twenty fi7e men as they ha%& an% they were willing to %i7i%e the booty that might be taken eFually& but not the merchant goo%s which each ha% for himself. =hen Thorer4s messenger came back he ha% 'ut a stout long shi' he owne% into the water& an% rigge% it& an% he

ha% 'ut eighty men on boar% of his house ser7ants. Thorer alone ha% the comman% o7er this crew& an% he alone ha% all the goo%s they might acFuire on the cruise. =hen Thorer was rea%y for sea he set out northwar%s along the coast& an% foun% Karle a little north of San%7er. They then 'rocee%e% with goo% win%. ;unstein sai% to his brother& as soon as they met Thorer& that in his o'inion Thorer was strongly manne%. 6< think&6 sai% he& 6we ha% better turn back than sail so entirely in Thorer4s 'ower& for < %o not trust him.6 Karle re'lies& 6< will not turn back& although if < ha% known when we were at home on -angey <sle that Thorer Hun% woul% Boin us on this 7oyage with so large a crew as he has& < woul% ha7e taken more han%s with us.6 The brothers s'oke about it to Thorer& an% aske% what was the meaning of his taking more 'eo'le with him than was agree% u'on between them. He re'lies& 6=e ha7e a large shi' which reFuires many han%s& an% methinks there cannot be too many bra7e la%s for so %angerous a cruise.6 They went in summer as fast in general as the 7essels coul% go. =hen the win% was light the shi' of the brothers saile% fastest& an% they se'arate%A but when the win% freshene% Thorer o7ertook them. They were sel%om together& but always in sight of each other. =hen they came to +Barmalan% they went straight to the merchant town& an% the market began. )ll who ha% money to 'ay with got fille% u' with goo%s. Thorer also got a number of furs& an% of bea7er an% sable skins. Karle ha% a consi%erable sum of money with him& with which he 'urchase% skins an% furs. =hen the fair was at an en% they went out of the >ina ri7er& an% then the truce of the country 'eo'le was also at an en%. =hen they came out of the ri7er they hel% a seaman4s council& an% Thorer aske% the crews if they woul% like to go on the lan% an% get booty. They re'lie%& that they woul% like it well enough& if they saw the booty before their eyes. Thorer re'lies& that there was booty to be got& if the 7oyage 'ro7e% fortunateA but that in all 'robability there woul% be %anger in the attem't. )ll sai% they woul% try& if there was any chance of booty. Thorer eD'laine%& that it was so establishe% in this lan%& that when a rich man %ie% all his mo7able goo%s were %i7i%e% between the %ea% man an% his heirs. He got the half 'art& or the thir% 'art& or sometimes less& an% that 'art was carrie% out into the forest an% burie%& sometimes un%er a moun%& sometimes in the earth& an% sometimes e7en a house was built o7er it. He tells them at the same time to get rea%y for this eD'e%ition at the fall of %ay. <t was resol7e% that one shoul% not %esert the other& an% none shoul% hol% back when the comman%er or%ere% them to come on boar% again. They now left 'eo'le behin% to take care of the shi's& an% went on lan%& where they foun% flat fiel%s at first& an% then great forests. Thorer went first& an% the brothers Karle an% ;unstein in rear. Thorer comman%e% the 'eo'le to obser7e the utmost silence. 6)n% let us 'eel the bark off the trees&6 says he& 6so that one tree mark can be seen from the other.6 They came to a large cleare% o'ening& where there was a high fence u'on which there was a gate that was locke%. SiD men of the country 'eo'le hel% watch e7ery night at this fence& two

at a time kee'ing guar%& each two for a thir% 'art of the night& when Thorer an% his men came to the fence the guar% ha% gone home& an% those who shoul% relie7e them ha% not yet come u'on guar%. Thorer went to the fence& stuck his aDe u' in it abo7e his hea%& haule% himself u' by it& an% so came o7er the fence& an% insi%e the gate. Karle ha% also come o7er the fence& an% to the insi%e of the gateA so that both came at once to the 'ort& took the bar away& an% o'ene% the 'ortA an% then the 'eo'le got in within the fence. Then sai% Thorer& 6=ithin this fence there is a moun% in which gol%& an% sil7er& an% earth are all miDe% together5 seiEe that. +ut within here stan%s the +Barmalan% 'eo'le4s go% Gomala5 let no one be so 'resum'tuous as to rob him.6 Thereu'on they went to the moun% an% took as much of the money as they coul% carry away in their clothes& with which& as might be eD'ecte%& much earth was miDe%. Thereafter Thorer sai% that the 'eo'le now shoul% retreat. 6)n% ye brothers& Karle an% ;unstein&6 says he& 6%o ye lea% the way& an% < will go last.6 They all went accor%ingly out of the gate5 but Thorer went back to Gomala& an% took a sil7er bowl that stoo% u'on his knee full of sil7er money. He 'ut the sil7er in his 'urse& an% 'ut his arm within the han%le of the bowl& an% so went out of the gate. The whole troo' ha% come without the fenceA but when they 'ercei7e% that Thorer ha% staye% behin%& Karle returne% to trace him& an% when they met u'on the 'ath Thorer ha% the sil7er bowl with him. Thereu'on Karle imme%iately ran to GomalaA an% obser7ing he ha% a thick gol% ornament hanging aroun% his neck& he lifte% his aDe& cut the string with which the ornament was tie% behin% his neck& an% the stroke was so strong that the hea% of Gomala rang with such a great soun% that they were all astonishe%. Karle seiEe% the ornament& an% they all hastene% away. +ut the moment the soun% was ma%e the watchmen came forwar% u'on the cleare% s'ace& an% blew their horns. <mme%iately the soun% of the loor (1# was hear% all aroun% from e7ery Fuarter& calling the 'eo'le together. They hastene% to the forest& an% rushe% into itA an% hear% the shouts an% cries on the other si%e of the +Barmalan% 'eo'le in 'ursuit. Thorer Hun% went the last of the whole troo'A an% before him went two men carrying a great sack between them& in which was something that was like ashes. Thorer took this in his han%& an% strewe% it u'on the foot'ath& an% sometimes o7er the 'eo'le. They came thus out of the woo%s& an% u'on the fiel%s& but hear% incessantly the +Barmalan% 'eo'le 'ursuing with shouts an% %rea%ful yells. The army of the +Barmalan% 'eo'le rushe% out after them u'on the fiel%& an% on both si%es of themA but neither the 'eo'le nor their wea'ons came so near as to %o them any harm5 from which they 'ercei7e% that the +Barmalan% 'eo'le %i% not see them. Now when they reache% their shi's Karle an% his brother went on boar%A for they were the foremost& an% Thorer was far behin% on the lan%. )s soon as Karle an% his men were on boar% they struck their tents& cast loose their lan% ro'es& hoiste% their sails& an% their shi' in all haste went to sea. Thorer an% his 'eo'le& on the other han%& %i% not get on so Fuickly& as their 7essel was hea7ier to manageA so that when they got un%er sail& Karle an% his 'eo'le were far off from lan%. +oth 7essels saile% across the =hite sea (;an%7ik# . The nights were clear& so that both shi's saile% night an% %ayA until one %ay& towar%s the time the %ay turns to shorten& Karle an% his 'eo'le took u' the lan% near an islan%& let %own the sail& cast anchor& an% waite%

until the slack ti%e set in& for there was a strong rost before them. Now Thorer came u'& an% lay at anchor there also. Thorer an% his 'eo'le then 'ut out a boat& went into it& an% rowe% to Karle4s shi'. Thorer came on boar%& an% the brothers salute% him. Thorer tol% Karle to gi7e him the ornament. 6< think&6 sai% he& 6that < ha7e best earne% the ornaments that ha7e been taken& for methinks ye ha7e to thank me for getting away without any loss of menA an% also < think thou& Karle& set us in the greatest fright.6 Karle re'lies& 6King $laf has the half 'art of all the goo%s < gather on this 7oyage& an% < inten% the ornament for him. ;o to him& if you like& an% it is 'ossible he will gi7e thee the ornament& although < took it from Gomala.6 Then Thorer insiste% that they shoul% go u'on the islan%& an% %i7i%e the booty. ;unstein says& 6<t is now the turn of the ti%e& an% it is time to sail.6 =hereu'on they began to raise their anchor. =hen Thorer saw that& he returne% to his boat an% rowe% to his own shi'. Karle an% his men ha% hoiste% sail& an% were come a long way before Thorer got un%er way. They now saile% so that the brothers were always in a%7ance& an% both 7essels ma%e all the haste they coul%. They saile% thus until they came to ;eirs7er& which is the first roa%stea% of the tra%ers to the North. They both came there towar%s e7ening& an% lay in the harbour near the lan%ing 'lace. Thorer4s shi' lay insi%e& an% the brothers4 the outsi%e 7essel in the 'ort. =hen Thorer ha% set u' his tents he went on shore& an% many of his men with him. They went to Karle4s shi'& which was well 'ro7i%e%. Thorer haile% the shi'& an% tol% the comman%ers to come on shoreA on which the brothers& an% some men with them& went on the lan%. Now Thorer began the same %iscourse& an% tol% them to bring the goo%s they got in booty to the lan% to ha7e them %i7i%e%. The brothers thought that was not necessary& until they ha% arri7e% at their own neighbourhoo%. Thorer sai% it was unusual not to %i7i%e booty but at their own home& an% thus to be left to the honour of other 'eo'le. They s'oke some wor%s about it& but coul% not agree. Then Thorer turne% awayA but ha% not gone far before he came back& an% tells his comra%es to wait there. Thereu'on he calls to Karle& an% says he wants to s'eak with him alone. Karle went to meet himA an% when he came near& Thorer struck at him with a s'ear& so that it went through him. 6There&6 sai% Thorer& 6now thou hast learnt to know a +Barkey <slan% man. < thought thou shoul%st feel )sbBorn4s s'ear.6 Karle %ie% instantly& an% Thorer with his 'eo'le went imme%iately on boar% their shi'. =hen ;unstein an% his men saw Karle fall they ran instantly to him& took his bo%y an% carrie% it on boar% their shi'& struck their tents& an% cast off from the 'ier& an% left the lan%. =hen Thorer an% his men saw this& they took %own their tents an% ma%e 're'arations to follow. +ut as they were hoisting the sail the fastenings to the mast broke in two& an% the sail fell %own across the shi'& which cause% a great %elay before they coul% hoist the sail again. ;unstein ha% alrea%y got a long way ahea% before Thorer4s shi' fetche% way& an% now they

use% both sails an% oars. ;unstein %i% the same. $n both si%es they ma%e great way %ay an% nightA but so that they %i% not gain much on each other& although when they came to the small soun%s among the islan%s ;unstein4s 7essel was lighter in turning. +ut Thorer4s shi' ma%e way u'on them& so that when they came u' to -engBu7ik& ;unstein turne% towar%s the lan%& an% with all his men ran u' into the country& an% left his shi'. ) little after Thorer came there with his shi'& s'rang u'on the lan% after them& an% 'ursue% them. There was a woman who hel'e% ;unstein to conceal himself& an% it is tol% that she was much acFuainte% with witchcraft. Thorer an% his men returne% to the 7essels& an% took all the goo%s out of ;unstein4s 7essel& an% 'ut on boar% stones in 'lace of the cargo& an% then haule% the shi' out into the fBor%& cut a hole in its bottom& an% sank it to the bottom. Thereafter Thorer& with his 'eo'le& returne% home to +Barkey <sle. ;unstein an% his 'eo'le 'rocee%e% in small boats at first& an% lay conceale% by %ay& until they ha% 'asse% +Barkey& an% ha% got beyon% Thorer4s %istrict. ;unstein went home first to -angey <sle for a short time& an% then 'rocee%e% south without any halt& until he came south to Thron%hBem& an% there foun% King $laf& to whom he tol% all that ha% ha''ene% on this +Barmalan% eD'e%ition. The king was ill 'lease% with the 7oyage& but tol% ;unstein to remain with him& 'romising to assist him when o''ortunity offere%. ;unstein took the in7itation with thanks& an% staye% with King $laf. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# -u%r the loor is a long tube or roll of birch bark use% as a horn by the her%boys in the mountains in Norway. -.

1"". .33T<N; $? K<N; $-)? )N* K<N; $N@N*. King $laf was& as before relate%& in Sar'sborg the winter ().*. 19!/# that King Canute was in *enmark. The Swe%ish king $nun% ro%e across =est ;autlan% the same winter& an% ha% thirty hun%re% (:/99# men with him. .en an% messages 'asse% between themA an% they agree% to meet in s'ring at Konungahella. The meeting ha% been 'ost'one%& because they wishe% to know before they met what King Canute inten%e% %oing. )s it was now a''roaching towar%s winter& King Canute ma%e rea%y to go o7er to 3nglan% with his forces& an% left his son Har%aknut to rule in *enmark& an% with him 3arl @lf& a son of Thorgils S'rakaleg. @lf was marrie% to )stri%& King S7ein4s %aughter& an% sister of Canute the ;reat. Their son S7ein was afterwar%s king of *enmark. 3arl @lf was a 7ery %istinguishe% man. =hen the kings $laf an% $nun% hear% that Canute the ;reat ha% gone west to 3nglan%& they hastene% to hol% their conference& an% met at Konungahella& on the ;aut ri7er. They ha% a Boyful meeting& an% ha% many frien%ly con7ersations& of which something might become known to the 'ublicA but they also s'ake often a great %eal between themsel7es& with none but themsel7es two 'resent& of which only some things afterwar%s were carrie% into effect& an% thus became known to e7ery one. )t 'arting the kings 'resente% each other with gifts& an% 'arte% the

best of frien%s. King $nun% went u' into ;autlan%& an% $laf northwar%s to >iken& an% afterwar%s to )g%er& an% thence northwar%s along the coast& but lay a long time at 3gersun% waiting a win%. Here he hear% that 3rling SkBalgson& an% the inhabitants of Ga%ar with him& ha% assemble% a large force. $ne %ay the king4s 'eo'le were talking among themsel7es whether the win% was south or south west& an% whether with that win% they coul% sail 'ast Ga%ar or not. The most sai% it was im'ossible to fetch roun%. Then answers Hal%or +rynBolfson& 6< am of o'inion that we woul% go roun% Ga%ar with this win% fast enough if 3rling SkBalgson ha% 're'are% a feast for us at Sole.6 Then King $laf or%ere% the tents to be struck& an% the 7essels to be haule% out& which was %one. They saile% the same %ay 'ast Ga%ar with the best win%& an% in the e7ening reache% Hirtingsey& from whence the king 'rocee%e% to Hor%alan%& an% was entertaine% there in guest Fuarters.

1"(. TH$2)-?4S .@2*32. The same summer ().*. 19!/# a shi' saile% from Norway to the ?arey <slan%s& with messengers carrying a 7erbal message from King $laf& that one of his court men& -eif $ssurson& or -agman ;ille& or Thoralf of *imun& shoul% come o7er to him from the ?arey <slan%s. Now when this message came to the ?arey <slan%s& an% was %eli7ere% to those whom it concerne%& they hel% a meeting among themsel7es& to consi%er what might lie un%er this message& an% they were all of o'inion that the king wante% to inFuire into the real state of the e7ent which some sai% ha% taken 'lace u'on the islan%sA namely& the failure an% %isa''earance of the former messengers of the king& an% the loss of the two shi's& of which not a man ha% been sa7e%. <t was resol7e% that Thoralf shoul% un%ertake the Bourney. He got himself rea%y& an% rigge% out a merchant 7essel belonging to himself& manne% with ten or twel7e men. =hen it was rea%y& waiting a win%& it ha''ene%& at )ustrey& in the house of Thran% of ;ata& that he went one fine %ay into the room where his brother4s two sons& Sigur% an% Thor%& sons of Thorlak& were lying u'on the benches in the room. ;aut the 2e% was also there& who was one of their relations an% a man of %istinction. Sigur% was the ol%est& an% their lea%er in all things. Thor% ha% a %istinguishe% name& an% was calle% Thor% the -ow& although in reality he was uncommonly tall& an% yet in 'ro'ortion more strong than large. Then Thran% sai%& 6How many things are change% in the course of a man4s lifeK =hen we were young& it was rare for young 'eo'le who were able to %o anything to sit or lie still u'on a fine %ay& an% our forefathers woul% scarcely ha7e belie7e% that Thoralf of *imun woul% be bol%er an% more acti7e than ye are. < belie7e the 7essel < ha7e stan%ing here in the boat house will be so ol% that it will rot un%er its coat of tar. Here are all the houses full of wool& which is neither use% nor sol%. <t shoul% not be so if < were a few winters younger.6 Sigur% s'rang u'& calle% u'on ;aut an% Thor%& an% sai% he woul% not en%ure Thran%4s scoffs. They went out to the houseser7ants& an% launche% the 7essel u'on the water& brought %own a cargo& an% loa%e% the shi'. They ha% no want of a cargo at home& an% the 7essel4s rigging was in goo% or%er& so

that in a few %ays they were rea%y for sea. There were ten or twel7e men in the 7essel. Thoralf4s shi' an% theirs ha% the same win%& an% they were generally in sight of each other. They came to the lan% at Herna in the e7ening& an% Sigur% with his 7essel lay outsi%e on the stran%& but so that there was not much %istance between the two shi's. <t ha''ene% towar%s e7ening& when it was %ark& that Bust as Thoralf an% his 'eo'le were 're'aring to go to be%& Thoralf an% another went on shore for a certain 'ur'ose. =hen they were rea%y& they 're'are% to return on boar%. The man who ha% accom'anie% Thoralf relate% afterwar%s this story& that a cloth was thrown o7er his hea%& an% that he was lifte% u' from the groun%& an% he hear% a great bustle. He was taken away& an% thrown hea% foremost %ownA but there was sea un%er him& an% he sank un%er the water. =hen he got to lan%& he went to the 'lace where he an% Thoralf ha% been 'arte%& an% there he foun% Thoralf with his hea% clo7en %own to his shoul%ers& an% %ea%. =hen the shi'4s 'eo'le hear% of it they carrie% the bo%y out to the shi'& an% let it remain there all night. King $laf was at that time in guest Fuarters at -ygra& an% thither they sent a message. Now a Thing was calle% by message token& an% the king came to the Thing. He ha% also or%ere% the ?arey 'eo'le of both 7essels to be summone%& an% they a''eare% at the Thing. Now when the Thing was seate%& the king stoo% u' an% sai%& 6Here an e7ent has ha''ene% which (an% it is well that it is so# is 7ery sel%om hear% of. Here has a goo% man been 'ut to %eath& without any cause. <s there any man u'on the Thing who can say who has %one itL6 Nobo%y coul% answer. 6Then&6 sai% the king& 6< cannot conceal my sus'icion that this %ee% has been %one by the ?arey 'eo'le themsel7es. <t a''ears to me that it has been %one in this way& that Sigur% Thorlakson has kille% the man& an% Thor% the -ow has cast his comra%e into the sea. < think& too& that the moti7es to this must ha7e been to hin%er Thoralf from telling about the mis%ee% of which he ha% informationA namely& the mur%er which < sus'ect was committe% u'on my messengers.6 =hen he ha% en%e% his s'eech& Sigur% Thorlakson stoo% u'& an% %esire% to be hear%. 6< ha7e ne7er before&6 sai% he& 6s'oken at a Thing& an% < %o not eD'ect to be looke% u'on as a man of rea%y wor%s. +ut < think there is sufficient necessity before me to re'ly something to this. < will 7enture to make a guess that the s'eech the king has ma%e comes from some man4s tongue who is of far less un%erstan%ing an% goo%ness than he is& an% has e7i%ently 'rocee%e% from those who are our enemies. <t is s'eaking im'robabilities to say that < coul% be Thoralf4s mur%ererA for he was my foster brother an% goo% frien%. Ha% the case been otherwise& an% ha% there been anything outstan%ing between me an% Thoralf& yet < am surely born with sufficient un%erstan%ing to ha7e %one this %ee% in the ?arey <slan%s& rather than here between your han%s& sire. +ut < am rea%y to clear myself& an% my whole shi'4s crew& of this act& an% to make oath accor%ing to what stan%s in your laws. $r& if ye fin% it more satisfactory& < offer to clear myself by the or%eal of hot ironA an% < wish& sire& that you may be 'resent yourself at the 'roof.6

=hen Sigur% ha% cease% to s'eak there were many who su''orte% his case& an% begge% the king that Sigur% might be allowe% to clear himself of this accusation. They thought that Sigur% ha% s'oken well& an% that the accusation against him might be untrue. The king re'lies& 6<t may be with regar% to this man 7ery %ifferently& an% if he is belie% in any res'ect he must be a goo% manA an% if not& he is the bol%est < ha7e e7er met with5 an% < belie7e this is the case& an% that he will bear witness to it himself.6 )t the %esire of the 'eo'le& the king took Sigur%4s obligation to take the iron or%ealA he shoul% come the following %ay to -ygra& where the bisho' shoul% 'resi%e at the or%ealA an% so the Thing close%. The king went back to -ygra& an% Sigur% an% his comra%es to their shi'. )s soon as it began to be %ark at night Sigur% sai% to his shi'4s 'eo'le. 6To say the truth& we ha7e come into a great misfortuneA for a great lie is got u' against us& an% this king is a %eceitful& crafty man. $ur fate is easy to be foreseen where he rulesA for first he ma%e Thoralf be slain& an% then ma%e us the mis%oers& without benefit of re%em'tion by fine. ?or him it is an easy matter to manage the iron or%eal& so that < fear he will come ill off who tries it against him. Now there is coming a brisk mountain breeEe& blowing right out of the soun% an% off the lan%A an% it is my a%7ice that we hoist our sail& an% set out to sea. -et Thran% himself come with his wool to market another summerA but if < get away& it is my o'inion < shall ne7er think of coming to Norway again.6 His comra%es thought the a%7ice goo%& hoiste% their sail& an% in the night time took to the o'en sea with all s'ee%. They %i% not sto' until they came to ?arey& an% home to ;ata. Thran% was ill 'lease% with their 7oyage& an% they %i% not answer him in a 7ery frien%ly wayA but they remaine% at home& howe7er& with Thran%. The morning after& King $laf hear% of Sigur%4s %e'arture& an% hea7y re'orts went roun% about this caseA an% there were many who belie7e% that the accusation against Sigur% was true& although they ha% %enie% an% o''ose% it before the king. King $laf s'oke but little about the matter& but seeme% to know of a certainty that the sus'icion he ha% taken u' was foun%e% in truth. The king afterwar%s 'rocee%e% in his 'rogress& taking u' his abo%e where it was 'ro7i%e% for him.

1"/. $? TH3 <C3-)N*32S. King $laf calle% before him the men who ha% come from <celan%& Thoro% Snorrason& ;eller Thorkelson& Stein Ska'tason& an% 3gil Halson& an% s'oke to them thus5 6Ce ha7e s'oken to me much in summer about making yoursel7es rea%y to return to <celan%& an% < ha7e ne7er gi7en you a %istinct answer. Now < will tell you what my intention is. Thee& ;eller& < 'ro'ose to allow to return& if thou wilt carry my message thereA but none of the other

<celan%ers who are now here may go to <celan% before < ha7e hear% how the message which thou& ;eller& shalt bring thither has been recei7e%.6 =hen the king ha% ma%e this resolution known& it a''eare% to those who ha% a great %esire to return& an% were thus forbi%%en& that they were unreasonably an% har%ly %ealt with& an% that they were 'lace% in the con%ition of unfree men. <n the meantime ;eller got rea%y for his Bourney& an% saile% in summer ().*. 19!/# to <celan%& taking with him the message he was to bring before the Thing the following summer ().*. 19!7#. The king4s message was& that he reFuire% the <celan%ers to a%o't the laws which he ha% set in Norway& also to 'ay him thane taD an% nose taD (1#A namely& a 'enny for e7ery nose& an% the 'enny at the rate of ten 'ennies to the yar% of wa%mal (!#. )t the same time he 'romise% them his frien%shi' if they acce'te%& an% threatene% them with all his 7engeance if they refuse% his 'ro'osals. The 'eo'le sat long in %eliberation on this businessA but at last they were unanimous in refusing all the taDes an% bur%ens which were %eman%e% of them. That summer ;eller returne% back from <celan% to Norway to King $laf& an% foun% him in autumn in the east in >iken& Bust as he ha% come from ;autlan%A of which < shall s'eak hereafter in this story of King $laf. Towar%s the en% of autumn King $laf re'aire% north to Thron%hBem& an% went with his 'eo'le to Ni%aros& where he or%ere% a winter resi%ence to be 're'are% for him. The winter ().*. 19!7# that he 'asse% here in the merchant town of Ni%aros was the thirteenth year of his reign. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Nefgil%i (nefQnose#& a nose taD or 'oll taD 'ayable to the king. This ancient 6nose taD6 was also im'ose% by the Norsemen on conFuere% countries& the 'enalty for %efaulters being the loss of their nose. (!# =a%mal was the coarse woollen cloth ma%e in <celan%& an% so generally use% for clothing that it was a measure of 7alue in the North& like money& for other commo%ities. -.

1"7. $? TH3 G).T)-)N* 13$1-3. There was once a man calle% Ketil Gamte& a son of 3arl $nun% of S'arby& in the Thron%hBem %istrict. He fle% o7er the ri%ge of mountains from 3ystein <llra%e& cleare% the forest& an% settle% the country now calle% the 'ro7ince of Gamtalan%. ) great many 'eo'le Boine% him from the Thron%hBem lan%& on account of the %isturbances thereA for this King 3ystein ha% lai% taDes on the Thron%hBem 'eo'le& an% set his %og& calle% Saur& to be king o7er them. Thorer Helsing was Ketil4s gran%son& an% he colonise% the 'ro7ince calle% HelsingBalan%& which is name% after him. =hen Haral% Harfager sub%ue% the king%om by force& many 'eo'le fle% out of the country from him& both Thron%hBem 'eo'le an% Naumu%al 'eo'le& an% thus new settlements were a%%e% to Gamtalan%A an% some settlers went e7en eastwar%s to HelsingBalan% an% %own to

the +altic coast& an% all became subBects of the Swe%ish king. =hile Hakon )thelstan4s foster son was o7er Norway there was 'eace& an% merchant traffic from Thron%hBem to Gamtalan%A an%& as he was an eDcellent king& the Gamtalan%ers came from the east to him& 'ai% him scat& an% he ga7e them laws an% a%ministere% Bustice. They woul% rather submit to his go7ernment than to the Swe%ish king4s& because they were of Norwegian raceA an% all the HelsingBalan% 'eo'le& who ha% their %escent from the north si%e of the mountain ri%ge& %i% the same. This continue% long after those times& until $laf the Thick an% the Swe%ish king $laf Fuarrelle% about the boun%aries. Then the Gamtalan% an% HelsingBalan% 'eo'le went back to the Swe%ish kingA an% then the forest of 3i% was the eastern boun%ary of the lan%& an% the mountain ri%ge& or keel of the country& the northern5 an% the Swe%ish king took scat of HelsingBalan%& an% also of Gamtalan%. Now& thought the king of Norway& $laf& in conseFuence of the agreement between him an% the Swe%ish king& the scat of Gamtalan% shoul% be 'ai% %ifferently than beforeA although it ha% long been establishe% that the Gamtalan% 'eo'le 'ai% their scat to the Swe%ish king& an% that he a''ointe% officers o7er the country. The Swe%es woul% listen to nothing& but that all the lan% to the east of the keel of the country belonge% to the Swe%ish king. Now this went so& as it often ha''ens& that although the kings were brothers in law an% relations& each woul% hol% fast the %ominions which he thought he ha% a right to. King $laf ha% sent a message roun% in Gamtalan%& %eclaring it to be his will that the Gamtalan% 'eo'le shoul% be subBect to him& threatening them with 7iolence if they refuse%A but the Gamtalan% 'eo'le 'referre% being subBects of the Swe%ish king.

1"8. ST3<N4S ST$2C. The <celan%ers& Thoro% Snorrason an% Stein Ska'tason& were ill 'lease% at not being allowe% to %o as they like%. Stein was a remarkably han%some man& %eDterous at all feats& a great 'oet& s'len%i% in his a''arel& an% 7ery ambitious of %istinction. His father& Ska'te& ha% com'ose% a 'oem on King $laf& which he ha% taught Stein& with the intention that he shoul% bring it to King $laf. Stein coul% not now restrain himself from making the king re'roaches in wor% an% s'eech& both in 7erse an% 'rose. +oth he an% Thoro% were im'ru%ent in their con7ersation& an% sai% the king woul% be looke% u'on as a worse man than those who& un%er faith an% law& ha% sent their sons to him& as he now treate% them as men without liberty. The king was angry at this. $ne %ay Stein stoo% before the king& an% aske% if he woul% listen to the 'oem which his father Ska'te ha% com'ose% about him. The king re'lies& 6Thou must first re'eat that& Stein& which thou hast com'ose% about me.6 Stein re'lies& that it was not the case that he ha% com'ose% any. 6< am no skal%& sire&6 sai% heA 6an% if < e7en coul% com'ose anything& it& an% all that concerns me& woul% a''ear to thee of little 7alue.6 Stein then went out& but thought he 'ercei7e% what the king allu%e% to. Thorgeir& one of the king4s lan% bailiffs& who manage% one of his farms in $rka%al& ha''ene% to be 'resent& an% hear% the con7ersation of the king an% Stein& an% soon afterwar%s Thorgeir returne% home.

$ne night Stein left the city& an% his footboy with him. They went u' ;aularas an% into $rka%al. $ne e7ening they came to one of the king4s farms which Thorgeir ha% the management of& an% Thorgeir in7ite% Stein to 'ass the night there& an% aske% where he was tra7elling to. Stein begge% the loan of a horse an% sle%ge& for he saw they were Bust %ri7ing home corn. Thorgeir re'lies& 6< Bourney& an% if thou other %ay& methinks& between the king an% %o not eDactly see how it stan%s with thy art tra7elling with the king4s lea7e. The the wor%s were not 7ery sweet that 'asse% thee.6

Stein sai%& 6<f it be so that < am not my own master for the king& yet < will not submit to such treatment from his sla7esA6 an%& %rawing his swor%& he kille% the lan%bailiff. Then he took the horse& 'ut the boy u'on him& an% sat himself in the sle%ge& an% so %ro7e the whole night. They tra7elle% until they came to Surna%al in .ore. There they ha% themsel7es ferrie% across the fBor%& an% 'rocee%e% onwar%s as fast as they coul%. They tol% nobo%y about the mur%er& but where7er they came calle% themsel7es king4s men& an% met goo% entertainment e7erywhere. $ne %ay at last they came towar%s e7ening to ;iske <sle& to Thorberg )rnason4s house. He was not at home himself& but his wife 2agnhil%& a %aughter of 3rling SkBalgson& was. There Stein was well recei7e%& because formerly there ha% been great frien%shi' between them. <t ha% once ha''ene%& namely& that Stein& on his 7oyage from <celan% with his own 7essel& ha% come to ;iske from sea& an% ha% anchore% at the islan%. )t that time 2agnhil% was in the 'ains of chil%birth& an% 7ery ill& an% there was no 'riest on the islan%& or in the neighbourhoo% of it. There came a message to the merchant 7essel to inFuire if& by chance& there was a 'riest on boar%. There ha''ene% to be a 'riest in the 7essel& who was calle% +ar%A but he was a young man from =estfBor%& who ha% little learning. The messengers begge% the 'riest to go with them& but he thought it was a %ifficult matter5 for he knew his own ignorance& an% woul% not go. Stein a%%e% his wor% to 'ersua%e the 'riest. The 'riest re'lies& 6< will go if thou wilt go with meA for then < will ha7e confi%ence& if < shoul% reFuire a%7ice.6 Stein sai% he was willingA an% they went forthwith to the house& an% to where 2agnhil% was in labour. Soon after she brought forth a female chil%& which a''eare% to be rather weak. Then the 'riest ba'tiEe% the infant& an% Stein hel% it at the ba'tism& at which it got the name of ThoraA an% Stein ga7e it a gol% ring. 2agnhil% 'romise% Stein her 'erfect frien%shi'& an% ba%e him come to her whene7er he thought he reFuire% her hel'. Stein re'lie% that he woul% hol% no other female chil% at ba'tism& an% then they 'arte%. Now it was come to the time when Stein reFuire% this kin% 'romise of 2agnhil% to be fulfille%& an% he tol% her what ha% ha''ene%& an% that the king4s wrath ha% fallen u'on him. She answere%& that all the ai% she coul% gi7e shoul% stan% at his ser7iceA but ba%e him wait for Thorberg4s arri7al. She then showe% him to a seat besi%e her son 3ystein $rre& who was then twel7e years ol%. Stein 'resente% gifts to 2agnhil% an% 3ystein. Thorberg ha% alrea%y hear% how Stein ha% con%ucte% himself before he got home& an% was rather 7eDe% at it. 2agnhil% went to him& an% tol% him how matters stoo% with Stein& an% begge% Thorberg to recei7e him& an% take

care of him. Thorberg re'lies& 6< ha7e hear% that the king& after sen%ing out a message token& hel% a Thing concerning the mur%er of Thorgeir& an% has con%emne% Stein as ha7ing fle% the country& an% likewise that the king is highly incense%5 an% < ha7e too much sense to take the cause of a foreigner in han%& an% %raw u'on myself the king4s wrath. -et Stein& therefore& with%raw from hence as Fuickly as thou canst.6 2agnhil% re'lie%& that they shoul% either both go or both stay. Thorberg tol% her to go where she 'lease%. 6?or < eD'ect&6 sai% he& 6that where7er thou goest thou wilt soon come back& for here is thy im'ortance greatest.6 Her son 3ystein $rre then stoo% forwar%& an% sai% he woul% not stay behin% if 2agnhil% goes. Thorberg sai% that they showe% themsel7es 7ery stiff an% obstinate in this matter. 6)n% it a''ears that ye must ha7e your way in it& since ye take it so near to heartA but thou art reckoning too much& 2agnhil%& u'on thy %escent& in 'aying so little regar% to King $laf4s wor%.6 2agnhil% re'lie%& 6<f thou art so much afrai% to kee' Stein with thee here& go with him to my father 3rling& or gi7e him atten%ants& so that he may get there in safety.6 Thorberg sai% he woul% not sen% Stein thereA 6for there are enough of things besi%es to enrage the king against 3rling.6 Stein thus remaine% there all winter ().*. 19!7#. )fter Cule a king4s messenger came to Thorberg& with the or%er that Thorberg shoul% come to him before mi%summerA an% the or%er was serious an% se7ere. Thorberg lai% it before his frien%s& an% aske% their a%7ice if he shoul% 7enture to go to the king after what ha% taken 'lace. The greater number %issua%e% him& an% thought it more a%7isable to let Stein sli' out of his han%s than to 7enture within the king4s 'ower5 but Thorberg himself ha% rather more inclination not to %ecline the Bourney. Soon after Thorberg went to his brother ?in& tol% him the circumstances& an% aske% him to accom'any him. ?in re'lie%& that he thought it foolish to be so com'letely un%er woman4s influence that he %are% not& on account of his wife& kee' the fealty an% law of his so7ereign. 6Thou art free&6 re'lie% Thorberg& 6to go with me or notA but < belie7e it is more fear of the king than lo7e to him that kee's thee back.6 )n% so they 'arte% in anger. Then Thorberg went to his brother )rne )rnason& an% aske% him to go with him to the king. )rne says& 6<t a''ears to me won%erful that such a sensible& 'ru%ent man& shoul% fall into such a misfortune& without necessity& as to incur the king4s in%ignation. <t might be eDcuse% if it were thy relation or foster brother whom thou ha%st thus sheltere%A but not at all that thou shoul%st take u' an <celan% man& an% harbour the king4s

outlaw& to the inBury of thyself an% all thy relations.6 Thorberg re'lies& 6<t stan%s goo%& accor%ing to the 'ro7erb& a rotten branch will be foun% in e7ery tree. .y father4s greatest misfortune e7i%ently was that he ha% such ill luck in 'ro%ucing sons that at last he 'ro%uce% one inca'able of acting& an% without any resemblance to our race& an% whom in truth < ne7er woul% ha7e calle% brother& if it were not that it woul% ha7e been to my mother4s shame to ha7e refuse%.6 Thorberg turne% away in a gloomy tem'er& an% went home. Thereafter he sent a message to his brother Kalf in the Thron%hBem %istrict& an% begge% him to meet him at )g%anesA an% when the messengers foun% Kalf he 'romise%& without more a%o& to make the Bourney. 2agnhil% sent men east to Ga%ar to her father 3rling& an% begge% him to sen% 'eo'le. 3rling4s sons& Sigur% an% Thor%& came out& each with a shi' of twenty benches of rowers an% ninety men. =hen they came north Thorberg recei7e% them Boyfully& entertaine% them well& an% 're'are% for the 7oyage with them. Thorberg ha% also a 7essel with twenty benches& an% they steere% their course northwar%s. =hen they came to the mouth of the Thron%hBem fBor% Thorberg4s two brothers& ?in an% )rne& were there alrea%y& with two shi's each of twenty benches. Thorberg met his brothers with Boy& an% obser7e% that his whetstone ha% taken effectA an% ?in re'lie% he sel%om nee%e% shar'ening for such work. Then they 'rocee%e% north with all their forces to Thron%hBem& an% Stein was along with them. =hen they came to )g%anes& Kaff )rnason was there before themA an% he also ha% a wellmanne% shi' of twenty benches. =ith this war force they saile% u' to Ni%aros& where they lay all night. The morning after they ha% a consultation with each other. Kalf an% 3rling4s sons were for attacking the town with all their forces& an% lea7ing the e7ent to fateA but Thorberg wishe% that they shoul% first 'rocee% with mo%eration& an% make an offerA in which o'inion ?in an% )rne also concurre%. <t was accor%ingly resol7e% that ?in an% )rne& with a few men& shoul% first wait u'on the king. The king ha% 're7iously hear% that they ha% come so strong in men& an% was therefore 7ery shar' in his s'eech. ?in offere% to 'ay mulct for Thorberg& an% also for Stein& an% ba%e the king to fiD what the 'enalties shoul% be& howe7er largeA sti'ulating only for Thorberg safety an% his fiefs& an% for Stein life an% limb. The king re'lies& 6<t a''ears to me that ye come from home so eFui''e% that ye can %etermine half as much as < can myself& or moreA but this < eD'ecte% least of all from you brothers& that ye shoul% come against me with an armyA an% this counsel& < can obser7e& has its origin from the 'eo'le of Ga%arA but ye ha7e no occasion to offer me money in mulct.6 ?in re'lies& 6=e brothers ha7e collecte% men& not to offer hostility to you& sire& but to offer rather our ser7icesA but if you will bear %own Thorberg altogether& we must all go to King Canute the ;reat with such forces as we ha7e.6 Then the king looke% at him& an% sai%& 6<f ye brothers will gi7e your oaths that ye will follow me in the country an% out of the

country& an% not 'art from me without my lea7e an% 'ermission& an% shall not conceal from me any treasonable %esign that may come to your knowle%ge against me& then will < agree to a 'eace with you brothers.6 Then ?in returne% to his forces& an% tol% the con%itions which the king ha% 'ro'ose% to them. Now they hel% a council u'on it& an% Thorberg& for his 'art& sai% he woul% acce't the terms offere%. 6< ha7e no wish&6 says he& 6to fly from my 'ro'erty& an% seek foreign mastersA but& on the contrary& will always consi%er it an honour to follow King $laf& an% be where he is.6 Then says Kalf& 6< will make no oath to King $laf& but will be with him always& so long as < retain my fiefs an% %ignities& an% so long as the king will be my frien%A an% my o'inion is that we shoul% all %o the same.6 ?in says& 6we will 7enture to let King $laf himself %etermine in this matter.6 )rne )rnason says& 6< was resol7e% to follow thee& brother Thorberg& e7en if thou ha%st gi7en battle to King $laf& an% < shall certainly not lea7e thee for listening to better counselA so < inten% to follow thee an% ?in& an% acce't the con%itions ye ha7e taken.6 Thereu'on the brothers Thorberg& ?in& an% )rne& went on boar% a 7essel& rowe% into the fBor%& an% waite% u'on the king. The agreement went accor%ingly into fulfillment& so that the brothers ga7e their oaths to the king. Then Thorberg en%ea7ore% to make 'eace for Stein with the kingA but the king re'lie% that Stein might for him %e'art in safety& an% go where he 'lease%& but 6in my house he can ne7er be again.6 Then Thorberg an% his brothers went back to their men. Kalf went to 3ggBa& an% ?in to the kingA an% Thorberg& with the other men& went south to their homes. Stein went with 3rling4s sonsA but early in the s'ring ().*. 19!7# he went west to 3nglan% into the ser7ice of Canute the ;reat& an% was long with him& an% was treate% with great %istinction.

1"9. ?<N )2N)S$N6S 3N13*<T<$N T$ H)-$;)-)N*. Now when ?in )rnason ha% been a short time with King $laf& the king calle% him to a conference& along with some other 'ersons he usually hel% consultation withA an% in this conference the king s'oke to this effect5 6The %ecision remains fiDe% in my min% that in s'ring < shoul% raise the whole country to a le7y both of men an% shi's& an% then 'rocee%& with all the force < can muster& against King Canute the ;reat5 for < know for certain that he %oes not inten% to treat as a Best the claim he has awakene% u'on my king%om. Now < let thee know my will& ?in )rnason& that thou 'rocee% on my erran% to Halogalan%& an% raise the 'eo'le there to an eD'e%ition& men an% shi's& an% summon that force to meet me at )g%anes.6 Then the king name% other men whom he sent to Thron%hBem& an% some southwar%s in the country& an% he comman%e% that this or%er shoul% be circulate% through the whole lan%. $f ?in4s 7oyage we ha7e to relate that he ha% with him a shi' with about thirty men& an% when he was rea%y for sea he 'rosecute% his Bourney until he came to Halogalan%. There he summone% the bon%es to a Thing& lai% before them his erran%& an% cra7e% a

le7y. The bon%es in that %istrict ha% large 7essels& suite% to a le7y eD'e%ition& an% they obeye% the king4s message& an% rigge% their shi's. Now when ?in came farther north in Halogalan% he hel% a Thing again& an% sent some of his men from him to cra7e a le7y where he thought it necessary. He sent also men to +Barkey <slan% to Thorer Hun%& an% there& as elsewhere& cra7e% the Fuota to the le7y. =hen the message came to Thorer he ma%e himself rea%y& an% manne% with his house ser7ants the same 7essel he ha% saile% with on his cruise to +Barmalan%& an% which he eFui''e% at his own eD'ense. ?in summone% all the 'eo'le of Halogalan% who were to the north to meet at >agar. There came a great fleet together in s'ring& an% they waite% there until ?in returne% from the North. Thorer Hun% ha% also come there. =hen ?in arri7e% he or%ere% the signal to soun% for all the 'eo'le of the le7y to atten% a House ThingA an% at it all the men 'ro%uce% their wea'ons& an% also the fighting men from each shi' %istrict were mustere%. =hen that was all finishe% ?in sai%& 6< ha7e also to bring thee a salutation& Thorer Hun%& from King $laf& an% to ask thee what thou wilt offer him for the mur%er of his court man Karle& or for the robbery in taking the king4s goo%s north in -engBu7ik. < ha7e the king4s or%ers to settle that business& an% < wait thy answer to it.6 Thorer looke% about him& an% saw stan%ing on both si%es many fully arme% men& among whom were ;unstein an% others of Karle4s kin%re%. Then sai% Thorer& 6.y 'ro'osal is soon ma%e. < will refer altogether to the king4s 'leasure the matter he thinks he has against me.6 ?in re'lies& 6Thou must 'ut u' with a less honourA for thou must refer the matter altogether to my %ecision& if any agreement is to take 'lace.6 Thorer re'lies& 6)n% e7en then < think it will stan% well with my case& an% therefore < will not %ecline referring it to thee.6 Thereu'on Thorer came forwar%& an% confirme% what he sai% by gi7ing his han% u'on itA an% ?in re'eate% first all the wor%s he shoul% say. ?in now 'ronounce% his %ecision u'on the agreement& that Thorer shoul% 'ay to the king ten marks of gol%& an% to ;unstein an% the other kin%re% ten marks& an% for the robbery an% loss of goo%s ten marks moreA an% all which shoul% be 'ai% imme%iately. Thorer says& 6This is a hea7y money mulct.6 6=ithout it&6 re'lies ?in& 6there will be no agreement.6 Thorer says& there must time be allowe% to gather so much in loan from his followersA but ?in tol% him to 'ay imme%iately on the s'otA an% besi%es& Thorer shoul% lay %own the great ornament which he took from Karle when he was %ea%. Thorer asserte% that he ha% not got the ornament. Then ;unstein 'resse% forwar%& an% sai% that Karle ha% the ornament aroun% his neck when they 'arte%& but it was gone when they took u' his cor'se. Thorer sai% he ha% not obser7e% any ornamentA but if there was any such

thing& it must be lying at home in +Barkey. Then ?in 'ut the 'oint of his s'ear to Thorer4s breast& an% sai% that he must instantly 'ro%uce the ornamentA on which Thorer took the ornament from his neck an% ga7e it to ?in. Thereafter Thorer turne% away& an% went on boar% his shi'. ?in& with many other men& followe% him& went through the whole 7essel& an% took u' the hatches. )t the mast they saw two 7ery large casksA an% ?in aske%& 6=hat are these 'uncheonsL6 Thorer re'lies& 6<t is my liFuor.6 ?in says& 6=hy %on4t you gi7e us something to %rink then& comra%e& since you ha7e so much liFuorL6 Thorer or%ere% his men to run off a bowlfull from the 'uncheons& from which ?in an% his 'eo'le got liFuor of the best Fuality. Now ?in or%ere% Thorer to 'ay the mulcts. Thorer went backwar%s an% forwar%s through the shi'& s'eaking now to the one& now to the other& an% ?in calling out to 'ro%uce the 'ence. Thorer begge% him to go to the shore& an% sai% he woul% bring the money there& an% ?in with his men went on shore. Then Thorer came an% 'ai% sil7erA of which& from one 'urse& there were weighe% ten marks. Thereafter Thorer brought many knotte% nightca'sA an% in some was one mark& in others half a mark& an% in others some small money. 6This is money my frien%s an% other goo% 'eo'le ha7e lent me&6 sai% heA 6for < think all my tra7elling money is gone.6 Then Thorer went back again to his shi'& an% returne%& an% 'ai% the sil7er by little an% littleA an% this laste% so long that the %ay was %rawing towar%s e7ening. =hen the Thing ha% close% the 'eo'le ha% gone to their 7essels& an% ma%e rea%y to %e'artA an% as fast as they were rea%y they hoiste% sail an% set out& so that most of them were un%er sail. =hen ?in saw that they were most of them un%er sail& he or%ere% his men to get rea%y tooA but as yet little more than a thir% 'art of the mulct ha% been 'ai%. Then ?in sai%& 6This goes on 7ery slowly& Thorer& with the 'ayment. < see it costs thee a great %eal to 'ay money. < shall now let it stan% for the 'resent& an% what remains thou shalt 'ay to the king himself.6 ?in then got u' an% went away. Thorer re'lies& 6< am well enough 'lease%& ?in& to 'art nowA but the goo% will is not wanting to 'ay this %ebt& so that both thou an% the king shall say it is not un'ai%.6 Then ?in went on boar% his shi'& an% followe% the rest of his fleet. Thorer was late before he was rea%y to come out of the harbour. =hen the sails were hoiste% he steere% out o7er =estfBor%& an% went to sea& kee'ing south along the lan% so far off that the hill to's were half sunk& an% soon the lan% altogether was sunk from 7iew by the sea. Thorer hel% this course until he got into the 3nglish sea& an% lan%e% in 3nglan%. He betook himself to King Canute forthwith& an% was well recei7e% by him. <t then came out that Thorer ha% with him a great %eal of 'ro'ertyA an%& with other things& all the money he an% Karle ha% taken in +Barmalan%. <n the great liFuor casks there were si%es within the outer si%es& an% the liFuor was between them. The rest of the casks were fille% with furs& an% bea7er an% sable skins. Thorer was then with King Canute. ?in came with his

forces to King $laf& an% relate% to him how all ha% gone u'on his 7oyage& an% tol% at the same time his sus'icion that Thorer ha% left the country& an% gone west to 3nglan% to King Canute. 6)n% there < fear he will cause as much trouble.6 The king re'lies& 6< belie7e that Thorer must be our enemy& an% it a''ears to me always better to ha7e him at a %istance than near.6

1(9. *<S1@T3 +3T=33N H)23K )N* )S.@N*. )smun% ;rankelson ha% been this winter ().*. 19!7# in Halogalan% in his sheriff%om& an% was at home with his father ;rankel. There lies a rock out in the sea& on which there is both seal an% bir% catching& an% a fishing groun%& an% egg gatheringA an% from ol% times it ha% been an a''en%age to the farm which ;rankel owne%& but now Harek of ThBotta lai% claim to it. <t ha% gone so far& that some years he ha% taken by force all the gain of this rockA but )smun% an% his father thought that they might eD'ect the king4s hel' in all cases in which the right was u'on their si%e. +oth father an% son went therefore in s'ring to Harek& an% brought him a message an% tokens from King $laf that he shoul% %ro' his claim. Harek answere% )smun% crossly& because he ha% gone to the king with such insinuations 6for the Bust right is u'on my si%e. Thou shoul%st learn mo%eration& )smun%& although thou hast so much confi%ence in the king4s fa7our. <t has succee%e% with thee to kill some chiefs& an% lea7e their slaughter un'ai% for by any mulctA an% also to 'lun%er us& although we thought oursel7es at least eFual to all of eFual birth& an% thou art far from being my eFual in family.6 )smun% re'lies& 6.any ha7e eD'erience% from thee& Harek& that thou art of great connections& an% too great 'owerA an% many in conseFuence ha7e suffere% loss in their 'ro'erty through thee. +ut it is likely that now thou must turn thyself elsewhere& an% not against us with thy 7iolence& an% not go altogether against law& as thou art now %oing.6 Then they se'arate%. Harek sent ten or twel7e of his house ser7ants with a large rowing boat& with which they rowe% to the rock& took all that was to be got u'on it& an% loa%e% their boat. +ut when they were rea%y to return home& )smun% ;rankelson came with thirty men& an% or%ere% them to gi7e u' all they ha% taken. Harek4s house ser7ants were not Fuick in com'lying& so that )smun% attacke% them. Some of Harek4s men were cu%gelle%& some woun%e%& some thrown into the sea& an% all they ha% caught was taken from on boar% of their boat& an% )smun% an% his 'eo'le took it along with them. Then Harek4s ser7ants came home& an% tol% him the e7ent. Harek re'lies& 6That is calle% news in%ee% that sel%om ha''ensA ne7er before has it ha''ene% that my 'eo'le ha7e been beaten.6 The matter %ro''e%. Harek ne7er s'oke about it& but was 7ery cheerful. <n s'ring& howe7er& Harek rigge% out a cutter of twenty seats of rowers& an% manne% it with his house ser7ants& an% the shi' was remarkably well fitte% out both with 'eo'le an%

all necessary eFui'mentA an% Harek went to the le7yA but when he came to King $laf& )smun% was there before him. The king summone% Harek an% )smun% to him& an% reconcile% them so that they left the matter entirely to him. )smun% then 'ro%uce% witnesses to 'ro7e that ;rankel ha% owne% the rock& an% the king ga7e Bu%gment accor%ingly. The case ha% a one si%e% result. No mulct was 'ai% for Harek4s house ser7ants& an% the rock was %eclare% to be ;rankel4s. Harek obser7e% it was no %isgrace to obey the king4s %ecision& whate7er way the case itself was %eci%e%.

1(1. TH$2$*4S ST$2C. Thoro% Snorrason ha% remaine% in Norway& accor%ing to King $laf4s comman%s& when ;eller Thorkelson got lea7e to go to <celan%& as before relate%. He remaine% there ().*. 19!7# with King $laf& but was ill 'lease% that he was not free to tra7el where he 'lease%. 3arly in winter& King $laf& when he was in Ni%aros& ma%e it known that he woul% sen% 'eo'le to Gamtalan% to collect the scatA but nobo%y ha% any great %esire to go on this business& after the fate of those whom King $laf ha% sent before& namely& Thran% =hite an% others& twel7e in number& who lost their li7es& as before relate%A an% the Gamtalan%ers ha% e7er since been subBect to the Swe%ish king. Thoro% Snorrason now offere% to un%ertake this Bourney& for he care% little what became of him if he coul% but become his own master again. The king consente%& an% Thoro% set out with ele7en men in com'any. They came east to Gamtalan%& an% went to a man calle% Thorar& who was lagman& an% a 'erson in high estimation. They met with a hos'itable rece'tionA an% when they ha% been there a while& they eD'laine% their business to Thorar. He re'lie%& that other men an% chiefs of the country ha% in all res'ects as much 'ower an% right to gi7e an answer as he ha%& an% for that 'ur'ose he woul% call together a Thing. <t was so %oneA the message token was sent out& an% a numerous Thing assemble%. Thorar went to the Thing& but the messengers in the meantime remaine% at home. )t the Thing& Thorar lai% the business before the 'eo'le& but all were unanimous that no scat shoul% be 'ai% to the king of NorwayA an% some were for hanging the messengers& others for sacrificing them to the go%s. )t last it was resol7e% to hol% them fast until the king of Swe%en4s sheriffs arri7e%& an% they coul% treat them as they 'lease% with consent of the 'eo'leA an% that& in the meantime& this %ecision shoul% be conceale%& an% the messengers treate% well& an% %etaine% un%er 'reteDt that they must wait until the scat is collecte%A an% that they shoul% be se'arate%& an% 'lace% two an% two& as if for the con7enience of boar%ing them. Thoro% an% another remaine% in Thorar4s house. There was a great Cule feast an% ale %rinking& to which each brought his own liFuorA for there were many 'easants in the 7illage& who all %rank in com'any together at Cule. There was another 7illage not far %istant& where Thorar4s brother in law %welt& who was a rich an% 'owerful man& an% ha% a grown u' son. The brothers in law inten%e% to 'ass the Cule in %rinking feasts& half of it at the house of the one an% half with the otherA an% the feast began at Thorar4s house. The brothers in law %rank together& an% Thoro%

an% the sons of the 'easants by themsel7esA an% it was a %rinking match. <n the e7ening wor%s arose& an% com'arisons between the men of Swe%en an% of Norway& an% then between their kings both of former times an% at the 'resent& an% of the manslaughters an% robberies that ha% taken 'lace between the countries. Then sai% the 'easants sons& 6<f our king has lost most 'eo'le& his sheriffs will make it e7en with the li7es of twel7e men when they come from the south after CuleA an% ye little know& ye silly fools& why ye are ke't here.6 Thoro% took notice of these wor%s& an% many ma%e Best about it& an% scoffe% at them an% their king. =hen the ale began to talk out of the hearts of the Gamtalan%ers& what Thoro% ha% before long sus'ecte% became e7i%ent. The %ay after Thoro% an% his comra%e took all their clothes an% wea'ons& an% lai% them rea%yA an% at night& when the 'eo'le were all aslee'& they fle% to the forest. The neDt morning& when the Gamtalan%ers were aware of their flight& men set out after them with %ogs to trace them& an% foun% them in a woo% in which they ha% conceale% themsel7es. They brought them home to a room in which there was a %ee' cellar& into which they were thrown& an% the %oor locke% u'on them. They ha% little meat& an% only the clothes they ha% on them. <n the mi%%le of Cule& Thorar& with all his freeborn men& went to his brother4s in law& where he was to be a guest until the last of Cule. Thorar4s sla7es were to kee' guar% u'on the cellar& an% they were 'ro7i%e% with 'lenty of liFuorA but as they obser7e% no mo%eration in %rinking& they became towar%s e7ening confuse% in the hea% with the ale. )s they were Fuite %runk& those who ha% to bring meat to the 'risoners in the cellar sai% among themsel7es that they shoul% want for nothing. Thoro% amuse% the sla7es by singing to them. They sai% he was a cle7er man& an% ga7e him a large can%le that was lighte%A an% the sla7es who were in went to call the others to come inA but they were all so confuse% with the ale& that in going out they neither locke% the cellar nor the room after them. Now Thoro% an% his comra%es tore u' their skin clothes in stri's& knotte% them together& ma%e a noose at one en%& an% threw u' the ro'e on the floor of the room. <t fastene% itself aroun% a chest& by which they trie% to haul themsel7es u'. Thoro% lifte% u' his comra%e until he stoo% on his shoul%ers& an% from thence scramble% u' through the hatchhole. There was no want of ro'es in the chamber& an% he threw a ro'e %own to Thoro%A but when he trie% to %raw him u'& he coul% not mo7e him from the s'ot. Then Thoro% tol% him to cast the ro'e o7er a cross beam that was in the house& make a loo' in it& an% 'lace as much woo% an% stones in the loo' as woul% outweigh himA an% the hea7y weight went %own into the cellar& an% Thoro% was %rawn u' by it. Now they took as much clothes as they reFuire% in the roomA an% among other things they took some rein%eer hi%es& out of which they cut san%als& an% boun% them un%er their feet& with the hoofs of the rein%eer feet trailing behin%. +ut before they set off they set fire to a large corn barn which was close by& an% then ran out into the 'itch %ark night. The barn blaEe%& an% set fire to many other houses in the 7illage. Thoro% an% his comra%e tra7elle% the whole night until they came to a lonely woo%& where they conceale% themsel7es when it was %aylight. <n the morning they were misse%. There was chase ma%e with %ogs to trace the footste's all roun% the houseA but the houn%s always came back to the house& for they ha% the smell of the rein%eer hoofs& an%

followe% the scent back on the roa% that the hoofs ha% left& an% therefore coul% not fin% the right %irection. Thoro% an% his comra%e wan%ere% long about in the %esert forest& an% came one e7ening to a small house& an% went in. ) man an% a woman were sitting by the fire. The man calle% himself Thorer& an% sai% it was his wife who was sitting there& an% the hut belonge% to them. The 'easant aske% them to sto' there& at which they were well 'lease%. He tol% them that he ha% come to this 'lace& because he ha% fle% from the inhabite% %istrict on account of a mur%er. Thoro% an% his comra%e were well recei7e%& an% they all got their su''er at the firesi%eA an% then the benches were cleare% for them& an% they lay %own to slee'& but the fire was still burning with a clear light. Thoro% saw a man come in from another house& an% ne7er ha% he seen so stout a man. He was %resse% in a scarlet cloak beset with gol% clas's& an% was of 7ery han%some a''earance. Thoro% hear% him scol% them for taking guests& when they ha% scarcely foo% for themsel7es. The housewife sai%& 6+e not angry& brotherA sel%om such a thing ha''ensA an% rather %o them some goo% too& for thou hast better o''ortunity to %o so than we.6 Thoro% hear% also the stout man name% by the name of )rnliot ;elline& an% obser7e% that the woman of the house was his sister. Thoro% ha% hear% s'eak of )rnliot as the greatest of robbers an% malefactors. Thoro% an% his com'anion sle't the first 'art of the night& for they were wearie% with walkingA but when a thir% of the night was still to come& )rnliot awoke them& tol% them to get u'& an% make rea%y to %e'art. They arose imme%iately& 'ut on their clothes& an% some breakfast was gi7en themA an% )rnliot ga7e each of them also a 'air of skees. )rnliot ma%e himself rea%y to accom'any them& an% got u'on his skees& which were both broa% an% longA but scarcely ha% he swung his skee staff before he was a long way 'ast them. He waite% for them& an% sai% they woul% make no 'rogress in this way& an% tol% them to stan% u'on the e%ge of his skees besi%e him. They %i% so. Thoro% stoo% nearest to him& an% hel% by )rnliot4s belt& an% his comra%e hel% by him. )rnliot stro%e on as Fuickly with them both& as if he was alone an% without any weight. The following %ay they came& towar%s night& to a lo%ge for tra7ellers& struck fire& an% 're'are% some foo%A but )rnliot tol% them to throw away nothing of their foo%& neither bones nor crumbs. )rnliot took a sil7er 'late out of the 'ocket of his cloak& an% ate from it. =hen they were %one eating& )rnliot gathere% u' the remains of their meal& an% they 're'are% to go to slee'. <n the other en% of the house there was a loft u'on cross beams& an% )rnliot an% the others went u'& an% lai% themsel7es %own to slee'. )rnliot ha% a large halber%& of which the u''er 'art was mounte% with gol%& an% the shaft was so long that with his arm stretche% out he coul% scarcely touch the to' of itA an% he was girt with a swor%. They ha% both their wea'ons an% their clothes u' in the loft besi%e them. )rnliot& who lay outermost in the loft& tol% them to be 'erfectly Fuiet. Soon after twel7e men came to the house& who were merchants going with their wares to Gamtalan%A an% when they came into the house they ma%e a great %isturbance& were merry& an% ma%e a great fire before themA an% when they took their su''er they cast away all the bones aroun% them. They then 're'are% to go to slee'& an% lai% themsel7es %own u'on the benches aroun% the fire. =hen they& ha% been aslee' a short time& a huge witch came into the houseA an% when she came in& she

carefully swe't together all the bones an% whate7er was of foo% kin% into a hea'& an% threw it into her mouth. Then she gri''e% the man who was nearest to her& ri7ing an% tearing him asun%er& an% threw him u'on the fire. The others awoke in %rea%ful fright& an% s'rang u'& but she took them& an% 'ut them one by one to %eath& so that only one remaine% in life. He ran un%er the loft calling for hel'& an% if there was any one on the loft to hel' him. )rnliot reache% %own his han%& seiEe% him by the shoul%er& an% %rew him u' into the loft. The witch wife ha% turne% towar%s the fire& an% began to eat the men who were roasting. Now )rnliot stoo% u'& took his halber%& an% struck her between the shoul%ers& so that the 'oint came out at her breast. She writhe% with it& ga7e a %rea%ful shriek& an% s'rang u'. The halber% sli''e% from )rnliot4s han%s& an% she ran out with it. )rnliot then went inA cleare% away the %ea% cor'ses out of the houseA set the %oor an% the %oor 'osts u'& for she ha% torn them %own in going outA an% they sle't the rest of the night. =hen the %ay broke they got u'A an% first they took their breakfast. =hen they ha% got foo%& )rnliot sai%& 6Now we must 'art here. Ce can 'rocee% u'on the new trace% 'ath the merchants ha7e ma%e in coming here yester%ay. <n the meantime < will seek after my halber%& an% in rewar% for my labour < will take so much of the goo%s these men ha% with them as < fin% useful to me. Thou& Thoro%& must take my salutation to King $lafA an% say to him that he is the man < am most %esirous to see& although my salutation may a''ear to him of little worth.6 Then he took his sil7er 'late& wi'e% it %ry with a cloth& an% sai%& 6;i7e King $laf this 'lateA salute him& an% say it is from me.6 Then they ma%e themsel7es rea%y for their Bourney& an% 'arte%. Thoro% went on with his comra%e an% the man of the merchants com'any who ha% esca'e%. He 'rocee%e% until he came to King $laf in the town (Ni%aros#A tol% the king all that ha% ha''ene%& an% 'resente% to him the sil7er 'late. The king sai% it was wrong that )rnliot himself ha% not come to himA 6for it is a 'ity so bra7e a hero& an% so %istinguishe% a man& shoul% ha7e gi7en himself u' to mis%ee%s.6 Thoro% remaine% the rest of the winter with the king& an% in summer got lea7e to return to <celan%A an% he an% King $laf 'arte% the best of frien%s.

1(!. K<N; $-)?4S -3>C $? .3N. King $laf ma%e rea%y in s'ring ().*. 19!7# to lea7e Ni%aros& an% many 'eo'le were assemble% about him& both from Thron%hBem an% the Northern countryA an% when he was rea%y he 'rocee%e% first with his men to .ore& where he gathere% the men of the le7y& an% %i% the same at 2aums%al. He went from thence to South .ore. He lay a long time at the Herey <sles waiting for his forcesA an% he often hel% House things& as many re'orts came to his ears about which he thought it necessary to hol% councils. <n one of these Things he ma%e a s'eech& in which he s'oke of the loss he suffere% from the ?arey islan%ers. 6The scat which they 'romise% me&6 he sai%& 6is not forthcomingA an% < now inten% to sen% men thither after it.6 Then he 'ro'ose% to %ifferent men to

un%ertake this eD'e%itionA but the answer was& that all %ecline% the a%7enture. Then there stoo% u' a stout an% 7ery remarkable looking man in the Thing. He was cla% in a re% kirtle& ha% a helmet on his hea%& a swor% in his belt& an% a large halber% in his han%s. He took u' the wor% an% sai%& 6<n truth here is a great want of men. Ce ha7e a goo% kingA but ye are ba% ser7ants who say no to this eD'e%ition he offers you& although ye ha7e recei7e% many gifts of frien%shi' an% tokens of honour from him. < ha7e hitherto been no frien% of the king& an% he has been my enemy& an% says& besi%es& that he has goo% groun%s for being so. Now& < offer& sire& to go u'on this eD'e%ition& if no better will un%ertake it.6 The king answers& 6=ho is this bra7e man who re'lies to my offerL Thou showest thyself %ifferent from the other men here 'resent& in offering thyself for this eD'e%ition from which they eDcuse themsel7es& although < eD'ecte% they woul% willingly ha7e un%ertaken itA but < %o not know thee in the least& an% %o not know thy name.6 He re'lies& 6.y name& sire& is not %ifficult to know& an% < think thou hast hear% my name before. < am Karl .orske.6 The king 6So this is KarlK < ha7e in%ee% hear% thy name beforeA an%& to say the truth& there was a time when our meeting must ha7e been such& if < ha% ha% my willA that thou shoul%st not ha7e ha% to tell it now. +ut < will not show myself worse than thou& but will Boin my thanks an% my fa7our to the si%e of the hel' thou hast offere% me. Now thou shalt come to me& Karl& an% be my guest to %ayA an% then we shall consult together about this business.6 Karl sai% it shoul% be so.

1(:. K)2- .$2SK34S ST$2C. Karl .orske ha% been a 7iking& an% a celebrate% robber. $ften ha% the king sent out men against him& an% wishe% to make an en% of himA but Karl& who was a man of high connection& was Fuick in all his %oing4s& an% besi%es a man of great %eDterity& an% eD'ert in all feats. Now when Karl ha% un%ertaken this business the king was reconcile% to him& ga7e him his frien%shi'& an% let him be fitte% out in the best manner for this eD'e%ition. There were about twenty men in the shi'A an% the king sent messages to his frien%s in the ?arey <slan%s& an% recommen%e% him also to -eif $ssurson an% -agman ;ille& for ai% an% %efenceA an% for this 'ur'ose furnishe% Karl with tokens of the full 'owers gi7en him. Karl set out as soon as he was rea%yA an% as he got a fa7ourable breeEe soon came to the ?arey <slan%s& an% lan%e% at Thorsha7n& in the islan% Straumey. ) Thing was calle%& to which there came a great number of 'eo'le. Thran% of ;ata came with a great retinue& an% -eif an% ;ille came there also& with many in their following. )fter they ha% set u' their tents& an% 'ut themsel7es in or%er& they went to Karl .orske& an% salute% each other on both si%es in a frien%ly way. Then Karl 'ro%uce% King $laf4s

wor%s& tokens& an% frien%ly message to -eif an% ;ille& who recei7e% them in a frien%ly manner& in7ite% Karl to come to them& an% 'romise% him to su''ort his erran%& an% gi7e him all the ai% in their 'ower& for which he thanke% them. Soon after came Thran% of ;ata& who also recei7e% Karl in the most frien%ly manner& an% sai% he was gla% to see so able a man coming to their country on the king4s business& which they were all boun% to 'romote. 6< will insist& Karl&6 says he& 6on thy taking u' thy winter abo%e with me& together with all those of thy 'eo'le who may a''ear to thee necessary for thy %ignity.6 Karl re'lies& that he ha% alrea%y settle% to lo%ge with -eifA 6otherwise < woul% with great 'leasure ha7e acce'te% thy in7itation.6 6Then fate has gi7en great honour to -eif&6 says Thran%A 6but is there any other way in which < can be of ser7iceL6 Karl re'lies& that he woul% %o him a great ser7ice by collecting the scat of the eastern islan%& an% of all the northern islan%s. Thran% sai% it was both his %uty an% interest to assist in the king4s business& an% thereu'on Thran% returne% to his tentA an% at that Thing nothing else worth s'eaking of occurre%. Karl took u' his abo%e with -eif $ssurson& an% was there all winter ().*. 19!8#. -eif collecte% the scat of Straumey <slan%& an% all the islan%s south of it. The s'ring after Thran% of ;ata fell ill& an% ha% sore eyes an% other com'laintsA but he 're'are% to atten% the Thing& as was his custom. =hen he came to the Thing he ha% his tent 'ut u'& an% within it another black tent& that the light might not 'enetrate. )fter some %ays of the Thing ha% 'asse%& -eif an% Karl came to Thran%4s tent& with a great many 'eo'le& an% foun% some 'ersons stan%ing outsi%e. They aske% if Thran% was in the tent& an% were tol% he was. -eif tol% them to bi% Thran% come out& as he an% Karl ha% some business with him. They came back& an% sai% that Thran% ha% sore eyes& an% coul% not come outA 6but he begs thee& -eif& to come to him within.6 -eif tol% his comra%es to come carefully into the tent& an% not to 'ress forwar%& an% that he who came last in shoul% go out first. -eif went in first& followe% by Karl& an% then his comra%esA an% all fully arme% as if they were going into battle. -eif went into the black tent an% aske% if Thran% was there. Thran% answere% an% salute% -eif. -eif returne% his salutation& an% aske% if he ha% brought the scat from the northern islan%s& an% if he woul% 'ay the scat that ha% been collecte%. Thran% re'lies& that he ha% not forgotten what ha% been s'oken of between him an% Karl& an% that he woul% now 'ay o7er the scat. 6Here is a 'urse& -eif& full of sil7er& which thou canst recei7e.6 -eif looke% aroun%& an% saw but few 'eo'le in the tent& of whom some were lying u'on the benches& an% a few were sitting u'. Then -eif went to Thran%& an% took the 'urse& an% carrie% it into the outer tent& where it was light& turne% out the money on his shiel%& gro'e% about in it with his han%& an% tol% Karl to look at the sil7er. =hen they ha% looke% at it a while& Karl aske% -eif what he thought of the sil7er. He re'lie%& 6< am thinking where the ba% money that is in the north isles can ha7e come from.6 Thran% hear% this& an% sai%& 6*o you not think& -eif& the sil7er is

goo%L6 6No&6 says he. Thran% re'lies& 6$ur relations& then& are rascals not to be truste%. < sent them in s'ring to collect the scat in the north isles& as < coul% not myself go anywhere& an% they ha7e allowe% themsel7es to be bribe% by the bon%es to take false money& which nobo%y looks u'on as current an% goo%A it is better& therefore& -eif& to look at this sil7er which has been 'ai% me as lan% rent.6 -eif thereu'on carrie% back this sil7er& an% recei7e% another bag& which he carrie% to Karl& an% they looke% o7er the money together. Karl aske% -eif what he thought of this money. He answere%& that it a''eare% to him so ba% that it woul% not be taken in 'ayment& howe7er little ho'e there might be of getting a %ebt 'ai% in any other way5 6therefore < will not take this money u'on the king4s account.6 ) man who ha% been lying on the bench now cast the skin co7erlet off which he ha% %rawn o7er his hea%& an% sai%& 6True is the ol% wor%& he grows worse who grows ol%er5 so it is with thee& Thran%& who allowest Karl .orske to han%le thy money all the %ay.6 This was ;aut the 2e%. Thran% s'rang u' at ;aut4s wor%s& an% re'riman%e% his relation with many angry wor%s. )t last he sai% that -eif shoul% lea7e this sil7er& an% take a bag which his own 'easants ha% brought him in s'ring. 6)n% although < am weak sighte%& yet my own han% is the truest test.6 )nother man who was lying on the bench raise% himself now u'on his elbowA an% this was Thor% the -ow. He sai%& 6These are no or%inary re'roaches we suffer from Karl .orske& an% therefore he well %eser7es a rewar% for them.6 -eif in the meantime took the bag& an% carrie% it to KarlA an% when they cast their eyes on the money& -eif sai%& 6=e nee% not look long at this sil7er& for here the one 'iece of money is better than the otherA an% this is the money we will ha7e. -et a man come to be 'resent at the counting it out.6 Thran% says that he thought -eif was the fittest man to %o it u'on his account. -eif an% Karl thereu'on went a short way from the tent& sat %own. an% counte% an% weighe% the sil7er. Karl took the helmet off his hea%& an% recei7e% in it the weighe% sil7er. They saw a man coming to them who ha% a stick with an aDe hea% on it in his han%& a hat low u'on his hea%& an% a short green cloak. He was bare legge%& an% ha% linen breeches on tie% at the knee. He lai% his stick %own in the fiel%& an% went to Karl an% sai%& 6Take care& Karl .orske& that thou %oes not hurt thyself against my aDe stick.6 <mme%iately a man came running an% calls with great haste to -eif $ssurson& telling him to come as Fuickly as 'ossible to -agman ;ille4s tentA 6for&6 says he& 6Sirur% Thorlakson ran in Bust now into the mouth of the tent& an% ga7e one of ;ille4s men a %es'erate woun%.6 -eif rose u' instantly& an% went off to ;ille4s tent along with his men. Karl remaine% sitting& an% the Norway 'eo'le stoo% aroun% in all corners. ;aut imme%iately s'rang u'& an% struck with a han% aDe o7er the hea%s of the 'eo'le& an% the stroke came on Karl4s hea%A but the woun% was slight. Thor% the -ow seiEe% the stick aDe& which lay in the fiel% at his si%e& an% struck the aDe bla%e right into Karl4s skull. .any 'eo'le now streame% out of Thran%4s tent. Karl was carrie% away %ea%. Thran% was much grie7e% at this e7ent& an% offere% money mulcts for his relationsA but -eif an% ;ille& who ha% to 'rosecute the business& woul% acce't no mulct. Sigur% was banishe% the country for ha7ing woun%e% ;ille4s tent comra%e& an% ;aut an% Thor% for the mur%er of Karl. The Norway 'eo'le rigge% out the 7essel which Karl ha% with him& an% saile% eastwar% to

$laf& an% ga7e him these ti%ings. He was in no 'leasant humour at it& an% threatene% a s'ee%y 7engeanceA but it was not allotte% by fate to King $laf to re7enge himself on Thran% an% his relations& because of the hostilities which ha% begun in Norway& an% which are now to be relate%. )n% there is nothing more to be tol% of what ha''ene% after King $laf sent men to the ?arey <slan%s to take scat of them. +ut great strife arose after Karl4s %eath in the ?arey <slan%s between the family of Thran% of ;ata an% -eif $ssurson& an% of which there are great sagas.

1(". K<N; $-)?4S 3N13*<T<$N =<TH H<S -3>C. Now we must 'rocee% with the relation we began before& that King $laf set out with his men& an% raise% a le7y o7er the whole country ().*. 19!7#. )ll len%ermen in the North followe% him eDce'ting 3inar Tambaskelfer& who sat Fuietly at home u'on his farm since his return to the country& an% %i% not ser7e the king. 3inar ha% great estates an% wealth& although he hel% no fiefs from the king& an% he li7e% s'len%i%ly. King $laf saile% with his fleet south aroun% Sta%& an% many 'eo'le from the %istricts aroun% Boine% him. King $laf himself ha% a shi' which he ha% got built the winter before ().*. 19!7#& an% which was calle% the >isun% (1#. <t was a 7ery large shi'& with a bison4s hea% gil%e% all o7er u'on the bow. Sig7at the skal% s'eaks thus of it5 6Tryg7ason4s -ong Ser'ent bore& ;rim ga'ing o4er the wa7es before& ) %ragon4s hea% with o'en throat& =hen last the hero was afloat5 His cruise was close%& )s ;o% %is'ose%. $laf has raise% a bison4s hea%& =hich 'rou%ly seems the wa7es to trea%. =hile o4er its gol%en forehea% %ashing The wa7es its glittering horns are washing5 .ay ;o% %is'ose ) luckier close.6 The king went on to Hor%alan%A there he hear% the news that 3rling SkBalgson ha% left the country with a great force& an% four or fi7e shi's. He himself ha% a large war shi'& an% his sons ha% three of twenty rowing banks eachA an% they ha% saile% westwar% to 3nglan% to Canute the ;reat. Then King $laf saile% eastwar% along the lan% with a mighty war force& an% he inFuire% e7erywhere if anything was known of Canute4s 'rocee%ingsA an% all agree% in saying he was in 3nglan% but a%%e% that he was fitting out a le7y& an% inten%e% coming to Norway. )s $laf ha% a large fleet& an% coul% not %isco7er with certainty where he shoul% go to meet King Canute& an% as his 'eo'le were %issatisfie% with lying Fuiet in one 'lace with so large an armament& he resol7e% to sail with his fleet south to *enmark& an% took with him all the men who were best a''ointe% an% most warlikeA an% he ga7e lea7e to the others to return home. Now the 'eo'le whom he thought of little use ha7ing gone home& King $laf ha% many eDcellent an% stout men at arms besi%es those who& as before

relate%& ha% fle% the country& or sat Fuietly at homeA an% most of the chief men an% len%ermen of Norway were along with him. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# >isun%r is the buffaloA although the mo%ern bison& or )merican animal of that name& might ha7e been known through the ;reenlan% colonists& who in this reign ha% 7isite% some 'arts of )merica. -.

1((. $? K<N; $-)? )N* K<N; $N@N*. =hen King $laf saile% to *enmark& he set his course for Seelan%A an% when he came there he ma%e incursions on the lan%& an% began to 'lun%er. The country 'eo'le were se7erely treate%A some were kille%& some boun% an% %ragge% to the shi's. )ll who coul% %o so took to flight& an% ma%e no o''osition. King $laf committe% there the greatest ra7ages. =hile $laf was in Seelan%& the news came that King $nun% $lafson of Swe%en ha% raise% a le7y& an% fallen u'on Scania& an% was ra7aging thereA an% then it became known what the resolution ha% been that the two kings ha% taken at the ;aut ri7er& where they ha% conclu%e% a union an% frien%shi'& an% ha% boun% themsel7es to o''ose King Canute. King $nun% continue% his march until he met his brother in law King $laf. =hen they met they ma%e 'roclamation both to their own 'eo'le an% to the 'eo'le of the country& that they inten%e% to conFuer *enmarkA an% aske% the su''ort of the 'eo'le of the country for this 'ur'ose. )n% it ha''ene%& as we fin% eDam'les of e7erywhere& that if hostilities are brought u'on the 'eo'le of a country not strong enough to withstan%& the greatest number will submit to the con%itions by which 'eace can be 'urchase% at any rate. So it ha''ene% here that many men went into the ser7ice of the kings& an% agree% to submit to them. =heresoe7er they went they lai% the country all roun% subBection to them& an% otherwise lai% waste all with fire an% swor%. $f this foray Sig7at the skal% s'eaks& in a balla% he com'ose% concerning King Canute the ;reat5 6ICanute is on the seaK4 The news is tol%& )n% the Norsemen bol% 2e'eat it with great glee. )n% it runs from mouth to mouth I$n a lucky %ay =e came away ?rom Thron%hBem to the south.4 )cross the col% 3ast sea& The Swe%ish king His host %i% bring& To gain great 7ictory. King $nun% came to fight& <n Seelan%4s 'lains& )gainst the *anes& =ith his steel cla% men so bright.

Canute is on the lan%A Si%e to si%e His long shi's ri%e )long the yellow stran%. =here wa7es wash the green banks& .ast to mast& )ll boun% fast& His great fleet lies in ranks.6

1(". $? K<N; C)N@T3 TH3 ;23)T. King Canute ha% hear% in 3nglan% that King $laf of Norway ha% calle% out a le7y& an% ha% gone with his forces to *enmark& an% was making great ra7ages in his %ominions there. Canute began to gather 'eo'le& an% he ha% s'ee%ily collecte% a great army an% a numerous fleet. 3arl Hakon was secon% in comman% o7er the whole. Sig7at the skal% came this summer ().*. 19!7# from the =est& from 2u%a (2ouen# in >allan%& an% with him was a man calle% +erg. They ha% ma%e a merchant 7oyage there the summer before. Sig7at ha% ma%e a little 'oem about this Bourney& calle% 6The =estern Tra7eller4s Song&6 which begins thus5 6+ergK many a merry morn was 'ass4%& =hen our 7essel was ma%e fast& )n% we lay on the glittering ti%e or 2ouen ri7er4s western si%e.6 =hen Sig7at came to 3nglan% he went %irectly to King Canute& an% aske% his lea7e to 'rocee% to NorwayA for King Canute ha% forbi%%en all merchant 7essels to sail until he himself was rea%y with his fleet. =hen Sig7at arri7e% he went to the house in which the king was lo%ge%A but the %oors were locke%& an% he ha% to stan% a long time outsi%e& but when he got a%mittance he obtaine% the 'ermission he %esire%. He then sang5 6The way to Gutlan%4s king < soughtA ) little 'atience < was taught. The %oors were shut all full withinA The u%aller coul% not get in. +ut ;orm4s great son %i% con%escen% To his own chamber me to sen%& )n% grant my 'rayer although <4m one =hose arms the fetters4 weight ha7e known.6 =hen Sig7at became aware that King Canute was eFui''ing an armament against King $laf& an% knew what a mighty force King Canute ha%& he ma%e these lines5 6The mighty Canute& an% 3arl Hakon& Ha7e league% themsel7es& an% counsel taken )gainst King $laf4s life& )n% are rea%y for the strife. <n s'ite of king an% earl& < say& I< lo7e him well may he get away54

$n the ?iel%s& wil% an% %reary& =ith him <4% li7e& an% ne4er be weary.6 Sig7at ma%e many other songs concerning this eD'e%ition of Canute an% Hakon. He ma%e this among others5 6ITwas not the earl4s intention then 4TwiDt $laf an% the u%almen 1eace to establish& an% the lan% @'right to hol% with Northman4s han%A +ut e7er with %eceit an% lies 3irik4s %escen%ant& Hakon& tries To make ill will an% %iscontent& Till all the u%almen are bent )gainst King $laf4s rule to rise.6

1(7. $? K<N; C)N@T34S SH<1 TH3 *2);$N. Canute the ;reat was at last rea%y with his fleet& an% left the lan%A an% a 7ast number of men he ha%& an% shi's frightfully large. He himself ha% a %ragon shi'& so large that it ha% siDty banks of rowers& an% the hea% was gilt all o7er. 3arl Hakon ha% another %ragon of forty banks& an% it also ha% a gilt figure hea%. The sails of both were in stri'es of blue& re%& an% green& an% the 7essels were 'ainte% all abo7e the water strokeA an% all that belonge% to their eFui'ment was most s'len%i%. They ha% also many other huge shi's remarkably well fitte% out& an% gran%. Sig7at the skal% talks of this in his song on Canute5 6Canute is out beneath the sky Canute of the clear blue eyeK The king is out on the ocean4s breast& -ea%ing his gran% fleet from the =est. $n to the 3ast the shi' masts gli%e& ;lancing an% bright each long shi'4s si%e. The conFueror of great 3thelre%& Canute& is there& his foemen4s %rea%5 His %ragon with her sails of blue& )ll bright an% brilliant to the 7iew& High hoiste% on the yar% arms wi%e& Carries great Canute o4er the ti%e. +ra7e is the royal 'rogress fast The 'rou% shi'4s keel obeys the mast& *ashes through foam& an% gains the lan%& 2aising a surge on -imfBor%4s stran%.6 <t is relate% that King Canute saile% with this 7ast force from 3nglan%& an% came with all his force safely to *enmark& where he went into -imfBor%& an% there he foun% gathere% besi%es a large army of the men of the country.

1(8. H)2*)KN@T T)K3N T$ +3 K<N; <N *3N.)2K.

3arl @lf S'rakalegson ha% been set as 'rotector o7er *enmark when King Canute went to 3nglan%& an% the king ha% intruste% his son Har%aknut in the earl4s han%s. This took 'lace the summer before ().*. 19!/#& as we relate%. +ut the earl imme%iately ga7e it out that King Canute ha%& at 'arting& ma%e known to him his will an% %esire that the *anes shoul% take his son Har%aknut as king o7er the *anish %ominions. 6$n that account&6 says the earl& 6he ga7e the matter into our han%sA as <& an% many other chiefs an% lea%ing men here in the country& ha7e often com'laine% to King Canute of the e7il conseFuences to the country of being without a king& an% that former kings thought it honour an% 'ower enough to rule o7er the *anish king%om aloneA an% in the times that are 'ast many kings ha7e rule% o7er this king%om. +ut now there are greater %ifficulties than ha7e e7er been beforeA for we ha7e been so fortunate hitherto as to li7e without %isturbance from foreign kings& but now we hear the king of Norway is going to attack us& to which is a%%e% the fear of the 'eo'le that the Swe%ish king will Boin himA an% now King Canute is in 3nglan%.6 The earl then 'ro%uce% King Canute4s letter an% seal& confirming all that the earl asserte%. .any other chiefs su''orte% this businessA an% in conseFuence of all these 'ersuasions the 'eo'le resol7e% to take Har%aknut as king& which was %one at the same Thing. The Hueen 3mma ha% been 'rinci'al 'romoter of this %eterminationA for she ha% got the letter to be written& an% 'ro7i%e% with the seal& ha7ing cunningly got hol% of the king4s signetA but from him it was all conceale%. Now when Har%aknut an% 3arl @lf hear% for certain that King $laf was come from Norway with a large army& they went to Gutlan%& where the greatest strength of the *anish king%om lies& sent out message tokens& an% summone% to them a great forceA but when they hear% the Swe%ish king was also come with his army& they thought they woul% not ha7e strength enough to gi7e battle to both& an% therefore ke't their army together in Gutlan%& an% resol7e% to %efen% that country against the kings. The whole of their shi's they assemble% in -imfBor%& an% waite% thus for King Canute. Now when they hear% that King Canute ha% come from the =est to -imfBor% they sent men to him& an% to Hueen 3mma& an% begge% her to fin% out if the king was angry at them or not& an% to let them know. The Fueen talke% o7er the matter with him& an% sai%& 6Cour son Har%aknut will 'ay the full mulct the king may %eman%& if he has %one anything which is thought to be against the king.6 He re'lies& that Har%aknut has not %one this of his own Bu%gement. 6)n% therefore&6 says he& 6it has turne% out as might ha7e been eD'ecte%& that when he& a chil%& an% without un%erstan%ing& wante% to be calle% king& the country& when any e7il came an% an enemy a''eare%& must be conFuere% by foreign 'rinces& if our might ha% not come to his ai%. <f he will ha7e any reconciliation with me let him come to me& an% lay %own the mock title of king he has gi7en himself.6 The Fueen sent these 7ery wor%s to Har%aknut& an% at the same time she begge% him not to %ecline comingA for& as she truly obser7e%& he ha% no force to stan% against his father. =hen this message came to Har%aknut he aske% the a%7ice of the earl an% other chief 'eo'le who were with himA but it was soon foun% that when the 'eo'le hear% King Canute the $l% was arri7e% they all streame% to him& an% seeme% to ha7e no confi%ence but in him alone. Then 3arl @lf an% his fellows saw they ha% but two roa%s to takeA either to go to the king an% lea7e all to his mercy& or to fly

the country. )ll 'resse% Har%aknut to go to his father& which a%7ice he followe%. =hen they met he fell at his father4s feet& an% lai% his seal& which accom'anie% the kingly title& on his knee. King Canute took Har%aknut by the han%& an% 'lace% him in as high a seat as he use% to sit in before. 3arl @<f sent his son S7ein& who was a sister4s son of King Canute& an% the same age as Har%aknut& to the king. He 'raye% for grace an% reconciliation for his father& an% offere% himself as hostage for the earl. King Canute or%ere% him to tell the earl to assemble his men an% shi's& an% come to him& an% then they woul% talk of reconciliation. The earl %i% so.

1(9. ?$2)C <N SC)N<). =hen King $laf an% King $nun% hear% that King Canute was come from the =est& an% also that he ha% a 7ast force& they saile% east to Scania& an% allowe% themsel7es to ra7age an% burn in the %istricts there& an% then 'rocee%e% eastwar% along the lan% to the frontier of Swe%en. )s soon as the country 'eo'le hear% that King Canute was come from the =est& no one thought of going into the ser7ice of the two kings. Now the kings saile% eastwar% along the coast& an% brought u' in a ri7er calle% Helga& an% remaine% there some time. =hen they hear% that King Canute was coming eastwar% with his forces against them& they hel% a councilA an% the result was& that King $laf with his 'eo'le went u' the country to the forest& an% to the lake out of which the ri7er Helga flows. There at the ri7erhea% they ma%e a %am of timber an% turf& an% %amme% in the lake. They also %ug a %ee' %itch& through which they le% se7eral waters& so that the lake waDe% 7ery high. <n the ri7er be% they lai% large logs of timber. They were many %ays about this work& an% King $laf ha% the management of this 'iece of artificeA but King $nun% ha% only to comman% the fleet an% army. =hen King Canute hear% of the 'rocee%ings of the two kings& an% of the %amage they ha% %one to his %ominions& he saile% right against them to where they lay in Helga ri7er. He ha% a =ar force which was one half greater than that of both the kings together. Sig7at s'eaks of these things5 6The king& who shiel%s His Gutlan% fiel%s ?rom scaith or harm +y foeman4s arm& =ill not allow =il% 'lun%ering now5 IThe greatest he& $n lan% or sea.46

1/9. +)TT-3 <N H3-;) 2<>32. $ne %ay& towar%s e7ening& King $nun%4s s'ies saw King Canute coming sailing along& an% he was not far off. Then King $nun%

or%ere% the war horns to soun%A on which his 'eo'le struck their tents& 'ut on their wea'ons& rowe% out of the harbour an% east roun% the lan%& boun% their shi's together& an% 're'are% for battle. King $nun% ma%e his s'ies run u' the country to look for King $laf& an% tell him the news. Then King $laf broke u' the %am& an% let the ri7er take its course. King $laf tra7elle% %own in the night to his shi's. =hen King Canute came outsi%e the harbour& he saw the forces of the kings rea%y for battle. He thought that it woul% be too late in the %ay to begin the fight by the time his forces coul% be rea%yA for his fleet reFuire% a great %eal of room at sea& an% there was a long %istance between the foremost of his shi's an% the hin%most& an% between those outsi%e an% those nearest the lan%& an% there was but little win%. Now& as Canute saw that the Swe%es an% Norwegians ha% Fuitte% the harbour& he went into it with as many shi's as it coul% hol%A but the main strength of the fleet lay without the harbour. <n the morning& when it was light& a great 'art of the men went on shoreA some for amusement& some to con7erse with the 'eo'le of other shi's. They obser7e% nothing until the water came rushing o7er them like a waterfall& carrying huge trees& which %ro7e in among their shi's& %amaging all they struckA an% the water co7ere% all the fiel%s. The men on shore 'erishe%& an% many who were in the shi's. )ll who coul% %o it cut their cablesA so that the shi's were loose& an% %ro7e before the stream& an% were scattere% here an% there. The great %ragon& which King Canute himself was in& %ro7e before the streamA an% as it coul% not so easily be turne% with oars& %ro7e out among $laf4s an% $nun%4s shi's. )s they knew the shi'& they lai% her on boar% on all Fuarters. +ut the shi' was so high in the hull& as if it were a castle& an% ha% besi%es such a numerous an% chosen crew on boar%& well arme% an% eDercise%& that it was not easy to attack her. )fter a short time also 3arl @lf came u' with his fleetA an% then the battle began& an% King Canute4s fleet gathere% together from all Fuarters. +ut the kings $laf an% $nun%& seeing they ha% for this time got all the 7ictory that fate 'ermitte% them to gain& let their shi's retreat& cast themsel7es loose from King Canute4s shi'& an% the fleets se'arate%. +ut as the attack ha% not been ma%e as King Canute ha% %etermine%& he ma%e no further attem'tA an% the kings on each si%e arrange% their fleets an% 'ut their shi's in or%er. =hen the fleets were 'arte%& an% each sailing its course& $laf an% $nun% looke% o7er their forces& an% foun% they ha% suffere% no loss of men. <n the meantime they saw that if they waite% until King Canute got his large fleet in or%er to attack them& the %ifference of force was so great that for them there was little chance of 7ictory. <t was also e7i%ent that if the battle was renewe%& they must suffer a great loss of men. They took the resolution& therefore& to row with the whole fleet eastwar% along the coast. $bser7ing that King Canute %i% not 'ursue them& they raise% u' their masts an% set sail. $ttar S7arte tells thus of it in the 'oem he com'ose% u'on King Canute the ;reat5 6The king& in battle fray& *ro7e the Swe%ish host away5 The wolf %i% not miss 'rey& Nor the ra7en on that %ay. ;reat Canute might %eri%e

Two kings if he ha% 'ri%e& ?or at Helga ri7er4s si%e They woul% not his swor% abi%e.6 Thor% SBarekson also sang these lines in his %eath song of King $laf5 6King $laf& )g%er4s lor%& Ne4er shunne% the Gutlan% king& +ut with his blue e%ge% swor% +roke many a 'anEer ring. King Canute was not slow5 King $nun% fille% the 'lain =ith %ea%& kille% by his bow5 The wolf howle% o4er the slain.6

1/1. K<N; $-)? )N* K<N; $N@N*4S 1-)NS. King $laf an% King $nun% saile% eastwar% to the Swe%ish king4s %ominionsA an% one %ay& towar%s e7ening& lan%e% at a 'lace calle% +ar7ik& where they lay all night. +ut then it was obser7e% of the Swe%es that they were home sickA for the greater 'art of their forces saile% eastwar% along the lan% in the night& an% %i% not sto' their course until they came home to their houses. Now when King $nun% obser7e% this he or%ere%& as soon as the %ay %awne%& to soun% the signal for a House thingA an% the whole 'eo'le went on shore& an% the Thing sat %own. Then King $nun% took u' the wor%& an% s'ake thus5 6So it is& King $laf& that& as you know& we ha7e been assemble% in summer& an% ha7e foraye% wi%e aroun% in *enmark& an% ha7e gaine% much booty& but no lan%. < ha% :(9 7essels& an% now ha7e not abo7e 199 remaining with me. Now it a''ears to me we can make no greater 'rogress than we ha7e ma%e& although you ha7e still the /9 7essels which ha7e followe% you the whole summer. <t therefore a''ears to me best that we come back to my king%omA for it is always goo% to %ri7e home with the wagon safe. <n this eD'e%ition we ha7e won something& an% lost nothing. Now < will offer you& King $laf& to come with me& an% we shall remain assemble% %uring the winter. Take as much of my king%om as you will& so that you an% the men who follow you may su''ort yoursel7es wellA an% when s'ring comes let us take such measures as we fin% ser7iceable. <f you& howe7er& will 'refer to tra7el across our country& an% go o7erlan% to Norway& it shall be free for you to %o so.6 King $laf thanke% King $nun% for his frien%ly offer. 6+ut if < may a%7ise&6 says he& 6then we shoul% take another resolution& an% kee' together the forces we ha7e still remaining. < ha% in the first of summer& before < left Norway& :(9 shi'sA but when < left the country < chose from among the whole war le7y those < thought to be the best& an% with them < manne% /9 shi'sA an% these < still ha7e. Now it a''ears to me that the 'art of your war force which has now run away is the most worthless& an% of least resistanceA but now < see here all your chiefs an% lea%ers& an% < know well that the 'eo'le who belong to the court troo's (1# are by far the best suite% to carry arms. =e ha7e here

chosen men an% su'erb shi's& an% we can 7ery well lie all winter in our shi's& as 7iking4s custom is. +ut Canute cannot lie long in Helga ri7erA for the harbour will not hol% so many 7essels as he has. <f he steers eastwar% after us& we can esca'e from him& an% then 'eo'le will soon gather to usA but if he return to the harbours where his fleet can lie& < know for certain that the %esire to return home will not be less in his army than in ours. < think& also& we ha7e ra7age% so wi%ely in summer& that the 7illagers& both in Scania an% in Hallan%& know well whose fa7our they ha7e to seek. Canute4s army will thus be %is'erse% so wi%ely& that it is uncertain to whom fate may at the last gi7e the 7ictoryA but let us first fin% out what resolution he takes.6 Thus King $laf en%e% his s'eech& an% it foun% much a''lause& an% his a%7ice was followe%. S'ies were sent into King Canute4s army& an% both the kings $laf an% $nun% remaine% lying where they were. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The thingmen& or hire% bo%y guar% atten%ing the court.

-.

1/!. $? K<N; C)N@T3 )N* 3)2- @-?. =hen King Canute saw that the kings of Norway an% Swe%en steere% eastwar% with their forces along the coast& he sent men to ri%e night an% %ay on the lan% to follow their mo7ements. Some s'ies went forwar%& others returne%A so that King Canute ha% news e7ery %ay of their 'rogress. He ha% also s'ies always in their army. Now when he hear% that a great 'art of the fleet ha% saile% away from the kings& he turne% back with his forces to Seelan%& an% lay with his whole fleet in the Soun%A so that a 'art lay on the Scania si%e& an% a 'art on the Seelan% si%e. King Canute himself& the %ay before .ichaelmas& ro%e with a great retinue to 2oeskil%e. There his brother in law& 3arl @lf& ha% 're'are% a great feast for him. The earl was the most agreeable host& but the king was silent an% sullen. The earl talke% to him in e7ery way to make him cheerful& an% brought forwar% e7erything which he thought woul% amuse himA but the king remaine% stern& an% s'eaking little. )t last the earl 'ro'ose% to him a game at chess& which he agree% toA an% a chess boar% was 'ro%uce%& an% they 'laye% together. 3arl @lf was hasty in tem'er& stiff& an% in nothing yiel%ingA but e7erything he manage% went on well in his han%sA an% he was a great warrior& about whom there are many stories. He was the most 'owerful man in *enmark neDt to the king. 3arl @lf4s sister ;y%a was marrie% to 3arl ;u%in (;o%win# @lfna%sonA an% their sons were Haral% king of 3nglan%& an% 3arl Toste& 3arl >althiof& 3arl .orukare& an% 3arl S7ein. ;y%a was the name of their %aughter& who was marrie% to the 3nglish king 3%war% the ;oo%.

1/:. $? TH3 3)2-4S .@2*32.

=hen they ha% 'laye% a while the king ma%e a false mo7e& at which the earl took a knight from the kingA but the king set the 'iece again u'on the boar%& an% tol% the earl to make another mo7eA but the earl grew angry& threw o7er the chess boar%& stoo% u'& an% went away. The king sai%& 62unnest thou away& @lf the cowar%L6 The earl turne% roun% at the %oor an% sai%& 6Thou woul%st ha7e run farther at Helga ri7er& if thou ha%st come to battle there. Thou %i%st not call me @lf the cowar%& when < hastene% to thy hel' while the Swe%es were beating thee like a %og.6 The earl then went out& an% went to be%. ) little later the king also went to be%. The following morning while the king was 'utting on his clothes he sai% to his footboy& 6;o thou to 3arl @lf& an% kill him.6 The la% went& was away a while& an% then came back. The king sai%& 6Hast thou kille% the earlL6 6< %i% not kill him& for he was gone to Saint -ucius4 church.6 There was a man calle% <7ar =hite& a Norwegian by birth& who was the king4s courtman an% chamberlain. The king sai% to him& 6;o thou an% kill the earl.6 <7ar went to the church& an% in at the choir& an% thrust his swor% through the earl& who %ie% on the s'ot. Then <7ar went to the king& with the bloo%y swor% in his han%. The king sai%& 6Hast thou kille% the earlL6 6< ha7e kille% him&6 says he. 6Thou %i%st well.6 )fter the earl was kille% the monks close% the church& an% locke% the %oors. =hen that was tol% the king he sent a message to the monks& or%ering them to o'en the church an% sing high mass. They %i% as the king or%ere%A an% when the king came to the church he bestowe% on it great 'ro'erty& so that it ha% a large %omain& by which that 'lace was raise% 7ery highA an% these lan%s ha7e since always belonge% to it. King Canute ro%e %own to his shi's& an% lay there till late in har7est with a 7ery large army.

1/". $? K<N; $-)? )N* TH3 S=3*3S. =hen King $laf an% King $nun% hear% that King Canute ha% saile% to the Soun%& an% lay there with a great force& the kings hel% a House thing& an% s'oke much about what resolution they shoul% a%o't. King $laf wishe% they shoul% remain there with all the fleet& an% see what King Canute woul% at last resol7e to %o. +ut the Swe%es hel% it to be una%7isable to remain until the frost set in& an% so it was %etermine%A an% King $nun% went home with all his army& an% King $laf remaine% lying after them.

1/(. $? 3;<- )N* T$?3. =hile King $laf lay there& he ha% freFuently conferences an% consultations with his 'eo'le. $ne night 3gil Halson an% Tofe >algautson ha% the watch u'on the king4s shi'. Tofe came from =est ;autlan%& an% was a man of high birth. =hile they sat on watch they hear% much lamentation an% crying among the 'eo'le who ha% been taken in the war& an% who lay boun% on the shore at night. Tofe sai% it ma%e him ill to hear such %istress& an% aske% 3gil to go with him& an% let loose these 'eo'le. This work they set about& cut the cor%s& an% let the 'eo'le esca'e& an% they looke% u'on it as a 'iece of great frien%shi'A but the king was so enrage% at it& that they themsel7es were in the greatest %anger. =hen 3gil afterwar%s fell sick the king for a long time woul% not 7isit him& until many 'eo'le entreate% it of him. <t 7eDe% 3gil much to ha7e %one anything the king was angry at& an% he begge% his forgi7eness. The king now %ismisse% his wrath against 3gil& lai% his han%s u'on the si%e on which 3gil4s 'ain was& an% sang a 'rayerA u'on which the 'ain cease% instantly& an% 3gil grew better. Tofe came& after entreaty& into reconciliation with the king& on con%ition that he shoul% eDhort his father >algaut to come to the king. He was a heathenA but after con7ersation with the king he went o7er to Christianity& an% %ie% instantly when he was ba'tiEe%.

1//. T23)CH32C T$=)2*S K<N; $-)?. King $laf ha% now freFuent conferences with his 'eo'le& an% aske% a%7ice from them& an% from his chiefs& as to what he shoul% %etermine u'on. +ut there was no unanimity among them some consi%ering that una%7isable which others consi%ere% highly ser7iceableA an% there was much in%ecision in their councils. King Canute ha% always s'ies in King $laf4s army& who entere% into con7ersation with many of his men& offering them 'resents an% fa7our on account of King Canute. .any allowe% themsel7es to be se%uce%& an% ga7e 'romises of fi%elity& an% to be King Canute4s men& an% bring the country into his han%s if he came to Norway. This was a''arent& afterwar%s& of many who at first ke't it conceale%. Some took at once money bribes& an% others were 'romise% money afterwar%sA an% a great many there were who ha% got great 'resents of money from him before5 for it may be sai% with truth of King Canute& that e7ery man who came to him& an% who he thought ha% the s'irit of a man an% woul% like his fa7our& got his han%s full of gifts an% money. $n this account he was 7ery 'o'ular& although his generosity was 'rinci'ally shown to foreigners& an% was greatest the greater %istance they came from.

1/7. K<N; $-)?4S C$NS@-T)T<$NS. King $laf ha% often conferences an% meetings with his 'eo'le& an% aske% their counselA but as he obser7e% they ga7e %ifferent o'inions& he ha% a sus'icion that there must be some who s'oke

%ifferently from what they really thought a%7isable for him& an% he was thus uncertain if all ga7e him %ue fi%elity in council. Some 'resse% that with the first fair win% they shoul% sail to the Soun%& an% so to Norway. They sai% the *anes woul% not %are to attack them& although they lay with so great a force right in the way. +ut the king was a man of too much un%erstan%ing not to see that this was im'racticable. He knew also that $laf Tryg7ason ha% foun% it Fuite otherwise& as to the *anes not %aring to fight& when he with a few 'eo'le went into battle against a great bo%y of them. The king also knew that in King Canute4s army there were a great many NorwegiansA therefore he entertaine% the sus'icion that those who ga7e this a%7ice were more fa7ourable to King Canute than to him. King $laf came at last to the %etermination& from all these consi%erations& that the 'eo'le who woul% follow him shoul% make themsel7es rea%y to 'rocee% by lan% across ;autlan%& an% so to Norway. 6+ut our shi's&6 sai% he& 6an% all things that we cannot take with us& < will sen% eastwar% to the Swe%ish king4s %ominions& an% let them be taken care of for us there.6

1/8. H)23K $? THG$TT)4S >$C);3. Harek of ThBotta re'lie% thus to the king4s s'eech5 6<t is e7i%ent that < cannot tra7el on foot to Norway. < am ol% an% hea7y& an% little accustome% to walking. +esi%es& < am unwilling to 'art with my shi'A for on that shi' an% its a''arel < ha7e bestowe% so much labour& that it woul% go much against my inclination to 'ut her into the han%s of my enemies.6 The king sai%& 6Come along with us& Harek& an% we shall carry thee when thou art tire% of walking.6 Then Harek sang these lines 5 6<411 mount my ocean stee%& )n% o4er the sea <4ll s'ee%A ?orests an% hills are not for me& < lo7e the mo7ing sea& Though Canute block the Soun%& 2ather than walk the groun%& )n% lea7e my shi'& <4ll see =hat my shi' will %o for me.6 Then King $laf let e7erything be 'ut in or%er for the Bourney. The 'eo'le ha% their walking clothing an% wea'ons& but their other clothes an% effects they 'acke% u'on such horses as they coul% get. Then he sent off 'eo'le to take his shi's east to Calmar. There he ha% the 7essels lai% u'& an% the shi's4 a''arel an% other goo%s taken care of. Harek %i% as he ha% sai%& an% waite% for a win%& an% then saile% west to Scania& until& about the %ecline of the %ay& he came with a fresh an% fair win% to the eastwar% of Holar. There he let the sail an% the 7ane& an% flag an% mast be taken %own& an% let the u''er works of the shi' be co7ere% o7er with some grey tilt can7as& an% let a few men sit at the oars in the fore 'art an% aft& but the most were sitting low %own in the 7essel. =hen Canute4s watchmen saw the shi'& they talke% with each other

about what shi' it might be& an% ma%e the guess that it must be one loa%e% with herrings or salt& as they only saw a few men at the oarsA an% the shi'& besi%es& a''eare% to them grey& an% wanting tar& as if burnt u' by the sun& an% they saw also that it was %ee'ly loa%e%. Now when Harek came farther through the Soun%& an% 'ast the fleet& he raise% the mast& hoiste% sail& an% set u' his gil%e% 7ane. The sail was white as snow& an% in it were re% an% blue stri'es of cloth interwo7en. =hen the king4s men saw the shi' sailing in this state& they tol% the king that 'robably King $laf ha% saile% through them. +ut King Canute re'lies& that King $laf was too 'ru%ent a man to sail with a single shi' through King Canute4s fleet& an% thought it more likely to be Harek of ThBotta& or the like of him. .any belie7e% the truth to be that King Canute knew of this eD'e%ition of Harek& an% that it woul% not ha7e succee%e% so if they ha% not conclu%e% a frien%shi' beforehan% with each otherA which seeme% likely& after King Canute4s an% Harek4s frien%ly un%erstan%ing became generally known. Harek ma%e this song as he saile% northwar% roun% the isle of >e%rey5 6The wi%ows of -un% may smile through their tears& The *anish girls may ha7e their BeersA They may laugh or smile& +ut outsi%e their isle $l% Harek still on to his North lan% steers.6 Harek went on his way& an% ne7er sto''e% till he came north to Halogalan%& to his own house in ThBotta.

1/9. K<N; $-)?4S C$@2S3 ?2$. S><THG$*. =hen King $laf began his Bourney& he came first into Smalan%& an% then into =est ;autlan%. He marche% Fuietly an% 'eaceably& an% the country 'eo'le ga7e him all assistance on his Bourney. Thus he 'rocee%e% until he came into >iken& an% north through >iken to Sar'sborg& where he remaine%& an% or%ere% a winter abo%e to be 're'are% ().*. 19!8#. Then he ga7e most of the chiefs lea7e to return home& but ke't the len%ermen by him whom he thought the most ser7iceable. There were with him also all the sons of )rne )rnmo%son& an% they stoo% in great fa7our with the king. ;eller Thorkelson& who the summer before ha% come from <celan%& also came there to the king& as before relate%.

179. $? S<;>)T TH3 SK)-*. Sig7at the skal% ha% long been in King $laf4s househol%& as before relate%& an% the king ma%e him his marshal. Sig7at ha% no talent for s'eaking in 'roseA but in skal%craft he was so 'ractise%& that the 7erses came as rea%ily from his tongue as if he were s'eaking in usual language. He ha% ma%e a mercantile Bourney to Norman%y& an% in the course of it ha% come to 3nglan%&

where he met King Canute& an% obtaine% 'ermission from him to sail to Norway& as before relate%. =hen he came to Norway he 'rocee%e% straight to King $laf& an% foun% him at Sar'sborg. He 'resente% himself before the king Bust as he was sitting %own to table. Sig7at salute% him. The king looke% at Sig7at an% was silent. Then Sig7at sang5 6;reat kingK thy marshal is come home& No more by lan% or sea to roam& +ut by thy si%e Still to abi%e. ;reat kingK what seat here shall be take ?or the king4s honour not his sakeL ?or all seats here To me are %ear.6 Then was 7erifie% the ol% saying& that 6many are the ears of a kingA6 for King $laf ha% hear% all about Sig7at4s Bourney& an% that he ha% s'oken with Canute. He says to Sig7at& 6< %o not know if thou art my marshal& or hast become one of Canute4s men.6 Sig7at sai%5 6Canute& whose gol%en gifts %is'lay ) generous heart& woul% ha7e me stay& Ser7ice in his great court to take& )n% my own Norway king forsake. Two masters at a time& < sai%& =ere one too many for men bre% =here truth an% 7irtue& shown to all& .ake all men true in $laf4s hall.6 Then King $laf tol% Sig7at to take his seat where he before use% to sitA an% in a short time Sig7at was in as high fa7our with the king as e7er.

171. $? 32-<N; SKG)-;S$N )N* H<S S$NS. 3rling SkBalgson an% all his sons ha% been all summer in King Canute4s army& in the retinue of 3arl Hakon. Thorer Hun% was also there& an% was in high esteem. Now when King Canute hear% that King $laf ha% gone o7erlan% to Norway& he %ischarge% his army& an% ga7e all men lea7e to go to their winter abo%es. There was then in *enmark a great army of foreigners& both 3nglish& Norwegians& an% men of other countries& who ha% Boine% the eD'e%ition in summer. <n autumn ().*. 19!7# 3rling SkBalgson went to Norway with his men& an% recei7e% great 'resents from King Canute at 'artingA but Thorer Hun% remaine% behin% in King Canute4s court. =ith 3rling went messengers from King Canute well 'ro7i%e% with moneyA an% in winter they tra7elle% through all the country& 'aying the money which King Canute ha% 'romise% to many in autumn for their assistance. They ga7e 'resents in money& besi%es& to many whose frien%shi' coul% be 'urchase% for King Canute. They recei7e% much assistance in their tra7els from 3rling. <n this way it came to 'ass that many turne% their su''ort to King Canute& 'romise% him their ser7ices& an% agree%

to o''ose King $laf. Some %i% this o'enly& but many more conceale% it from the 'ublic. King $laf hear% this news& for many ha% something to tell him about itA an% the con7ersation in the court often turne% u'on it. Sig7at the skal% ma%e a song u'on it5 6The base traitors 'ly =ith 'urses of gol%& =anting to buy =hat is not to be sol%& The king4s life an% throne =anting to buy5 +ut our souls are our own& )n% to hell we4ll not hie. No 'leasure in hea7en& )s we know full well& To the traitor is gi7en& His soul is his hell.6 $ften also the con7ersation turne% u'on how ill it beseeme% 3arl Hakon to raise his han% in arms against King $laf& who ha% gi7en him his life when he fell into the king4s 'owerA but Sig7at was a 'articular frien% of 3arl Hakon& an% when he hear% the earl s'oken against he sang5 6$ur own court 'eo'le we may blame& <f they take gol% to their own shame& Their king an% country to betray. =ith those who gi7e it4s not the same& ?rom them we ha7e no faith to claim5 4Tis we are wrong& if we gi7e way.6

17!. $? K<N; $-)?4S 123S3NTS )T C@-3. King $laf ga7e a great feast at Cule& an% many great 'eo'le ha% come to him. <t was the se7enth %ay of Cule& that the king& with a few 'ersons& among whom was Sig7at& who atten%e% him %ay an% night& went to a house in which the king4s most 'recious 7aluables were ke't. He ha%& accor%ing to his custom& collecte% there with great care the 7aluable 'resents he was to make on New Cear4s e7e. There was in the house no small number of gol% mounte% swor%sA an% Sig7at sang5 6The swor%s stan% there& )ll bright an% fair& Those oars that %i' in bloo%5 <f < in fa7our stoo%& < too might ha7e a share. ) swor% the skal% woul% gla%ly take& )n% use it for his master4s sake5 <n fa7our once he stoo%& )n% a swor% has staine% in bloo%.6 The king took a swor% of which the han%le was twiste% roun% with gol%& an% the guar% was gol% mounte%& an% ga7e it to him. <t was

a 7aluable articleA but the gift was not seen without en7y& as will a''ear hereafter. <mme%iately after Cule (19!8# the king began his Bourney to the @'lan%sA for he ha% a great many 'eo'le about him& but ha% recei7e% no income that autumn from the North country& for there ha% been an armament in summer& an% the king ha% lai% out all the re7enues he coul% comman%A an% also he ha% no 7essels with which he an% his 'eo'le coul% go to the North. )t the same time he ha% news from the North& from which he coul% see that there woul% be no safety for him in that Fuarter& unless he went with a great force. ?or these reasons he %etermine% to 'rocee% through the @'lan%s& although it was not so long a time since he ha% been there in guest Fuarters as the law 'rescribes& an% as the kings usually ha% the custom of obser7ing in their 7isits. =hen he came to the @'lan%s the len%ermen an% the richest bon%es in7ite% him to be their guest& an% thus lightene% his eD'enses.

17:. $? +G$2N TH3 +)<-<??. There was a man calle% +Born who was of ;autlan% family& an% a frien% an% acFuaintance of Hueen )stri%& an% in some way relate% to her. She ha% gi7en him farm management an% other offices in the u''er 'art of He%emark. He ha% also the management of $ster%al %istrict. +Born was not in esteem with the king& nor like% by the bon%es. <t ha''ene% in a hamlet which +Born rule% o7er& that many swine an% cattle were missing5 therefore +Born or%ere% a Thing to be calle% to eDamine the matter. Such 'illage he attribute% chiefly to the 'eo'le settle% in forest farms far from other menA by which he referre% 'articularly to those who %welt in $ster%al& for that %istrict was 7ery thinly inhabite%& an% full of lakes an% forest cleanings& an% but in few 'laces was any great neighbourhoo% together.

17". $? 2)@*4S S$NS. There was a man calle% 2au% who %welt in $ster%al. His wife was calle% 2agnhil%A an% his sons& *ag an% Sigur%& were men of great talent. They were 'resent at the Thing& ma%e a re'ly in %efence of the $ster%al 'eo'le& an% remo7e% the accusation from them. +Born thought they were too 'ert in their answer& an% too fine in their clothes an% wea'onsA an% therefore turne% his s'eech against these brothers& an% sai% it was not unlikely they may ha7e committe% these thefts. They %enie% it& an% the Thing close%. Soon after King $laf& with his retinue& came to guest Fuarters in the house of bailiff +Born. The matter which ha% been before the Thing was then com'laine% of to the kingA an% +Born sai% that 2au%4s sons a''eare% to him to ha7e committe% these thefts. ) messenger was sent for 2au%4s sonsA an% when they a''eare% before the king he sai% they ha% not at all the a''earance of thie7es& an% acFuitte% them. Thereu'on they in7ite% the king& with all his retinue& to a three %ays4 entertainment at their father4sA an% although +Born %issua%e% him

from it& the king went. )t 2au%4s there was a 7ery eDcellent feast. The king aske% 2au% what 'eo'le he an% his wife were. 2au% answere% that he was originally a Swe%ish man& rich an% of high birthA 6but < ran away with the wife < ha7e e7er since ha%& an% she is a sister of King Hring *agson.6 The king then remembere% both their families. He foun% that father an% sons were men of un%erstan%ing& an% aske% them what they coul% %o. Sigur% sai% he coul% inter'ret %reams& an% %etermine the time of the %ay although no hea7enly bo%ies coul% be seen. The king ma%e trial of his art& an% foun% it was as Sigur% ha% sai%. *ag state%& as his accom'lishment& that he coul% see the mis%ee%s an% 7ices of e7ery man who came un%er his eye& when he chose to obser7e him closely. The king tol% him to %eclare what faults of %is'osition he saw in the king himself. *ag mentione% a fault which the king was sensible he really ha%. Then the king aske% what fault the bailiff +Born ha%. *ag sai% +Born was a thiefA an% tol% also where +Born ha% conceale% on his farm the bones& horns& an% hi%es of the cattle he ha% stolen in autumnA 6for he committe%&6 sai% *ag& 6all the thefts in autumn which he accuses other 'eo'le of.6 *ag also tol% the king the 'laces where the king shoul% go after lea7ing them. =hen the king %e'arte% from 2au%4s house he was accom'anie% on the way& an% 'resente% with frien%ly giftsA an% 2au%4s sons remaine% with the king. The king went first to +Born4s& an% foun% there that all *ag ha% tol% him was true. @'on which he %ro7e +Born out of the countryA an% he ha% to thank the Fueen that he 'reser7e% life an% limbs.

17(. TH$2324S *3)TH. Thorer& a son of $l7er of 3ggBa& a ste'son of Kalf )rnason& an% a sister4s son of Thorer Hun%& was a remarkably han%some man& stout an% strong. He was at this time eighteen years ol%A ha% ma%e a goo% marriage in He%emark& by which he got great wealthA an% was besi%es one of the most 'o'ular of men& an% forme% to be a chief. He in7ite% the king an% his retinue home to him to a feast. The king acce'te% the in7itation& went to Thorer4s& an% was well recei7e%. The entertainment was 7ery s'len%i%A they were eDcellently treate%& an% all that was set before the guests was of the best that coul% be got. The king an% his 'eo'le talke% among themsel7es of the eDcellence of e7erything& an% knew not what they shoul% a%mire the most& whether Thorer4s house outsi%e& or the insi%e furniture& the table ser7ice& or the liFuors& or the host who ga7e them such a feast. +ut *ag sai% little about it. The king use% often to s'eak to *ag& an% ask him about 7arious thingsA an% he ha% 'ro7e% the truth of all that *ag ha% sai%& both of things that ha% ha''ene% or were to ha''en& an% therefore the king ha% much confi%ence in what he sai%. The king calle% *ag to him to ha7e a 'ri7ate con7ersation together& an% s'oke to him about many things. )fterwar%s the king turne% the con7ersation on Thorer& what an eDcellent man Thorer was& an% what a su'erb feast he ha% ma%e for them. *ag answere% but little to this& but agree% it was true what the king sai%. The king then aske% *ag what %is'osition or faith he foun% in Thorer. *ag re'lie% that he must certainly consi%er Thorer of a goo% %is'osition& if he be really what most 'eo'le belie7e him to be.

The king tol% him to answer %irect what he was aske%& an% sai% that it was his %uty to %o so. *ag re'lies& 6Then thou must allow me to %etermine the 'unishment if < %isclose his faith.6 The king re'lie% that he woul% not submit his %ecision to another man& but again or%ere% *ag to re'ly to what he aske%. *ag re'lies& 6The so7ereign4s or%er goes before all. < fin% this %is'osition in Thorer& as in so many others& that he is too gree%y of money.6 The king5 6<s he then a thief& or a robberL6 6He is neither.6 6=hat is he thenL6 6To win money he is a traitor to his so7ereign. money from King Canute the ;reat for thy hea%.6 He has taken

The king asks& 6=hat 'roof hast thou of the truth of thisL6 *ag5 6He has u'on his right arm& abo7e the elbow& a thick gol% ring& which King Canute ga7e him& an% which he lets no man see.6 This en%e% their conference& an% the king was 7ery wroth. Now as the king sat at table& an% the guests ha% %runk a while with great mirth& an% Thorer went roun% to see the guests well ser7e%& the king or%ere% Thorer to be calle% to him. He went u' before the table& an% lai% his han%s u'on it. The king aske%& 6How ol% a man art thou& ThorerL6 He answere%& 6< am eighteen years ol%.6 6) stout man thou art for those years& an% thou hast been fortunate also.6 Then the king took his right han%& an% felt it towar%s the elbow. Thorer sai%& 6Take care& for < ha7e a boil u'on my arm.6 The king hel% his han% there& an% felt there was something har% un%er it. 6Hast thou not hear%&6 sai% he& 6that < am a 'hysicianL -et me see the boil.6 )s Thorer saw it was of no use to conceal it longer& he took off the ring an% lai% it on the table. The king aske% if that was the gift of King Canute. Thorer re'lie% that he coul% not %eny it was. The king or%ere% him to be seiEe% an% lai% in irons. Kalf came u' an% entreate% for mercy& an% offere% money for him& which also was secon%e% by manyA but the king was so wroth that nobo%y coul% get in a wor%. He sai% Thorer shoul% suffer the %oom he ha% 're'are% for himself. Thereu'on he or%ere% Thorer to be kille%.

This %ee% was much %eteste% in the @'lan%s& an% not less in the Thron%hBem country& where many of Thorer4s connections were. Kalf took the %eath of this man much to heart& for he ha% been his foster son in chil%hoo%.

17/. TH3 ?)-- $? ;2G$T;)2*. ;rBotgar% $l7erson& Thorer4s brother& an% the el%est of the brothers& was a 7ery wealthy man& an% ha% a great troo' of 'eo'le about him. He li7e% also at this time in He%emark. =hen he hear% that Thorer ha% been kille%& he ma%e an attack u'on the 'laces where the king4s goo%s an% men wereA but& between whiles& he ke't himself in the forest an% other secret 'laces. =hen the king hear% of this %isturbance& he ha% inFuiry ma%e about ;rBotgar%4s haunts& an% foun% out that he ha% taken u' night Fuarters not far from where the king was. King $laf set out in the night time& came there about %ay %awn& an% 'lace% a circle of men roun% the house in which ;rBotgar% was slee'ing. ;rBotgar% an% his men& rouse% by the stir of 'eo'le an% clash of arms& ran to their wea'ons& an% ;rBotgar% himself s'rang to the front room. He aske% who comman%e% the troo'A an% it was answere% him& 6King $laf was come there.6 ;rBotgar% aske% if the king woul% hear his wor%s. The king& who stoo% at the %oor& sai% that ;rBotgar% might s'eak what he 'lease%& an% he woul% hear his wor%s. ;rBotgar% sai%& 6< %o not beg for mercyA6 an% at the same moment he rushe% out& ha7ing his shiel% o7er his hea%& an% his %rawn swor% in his han%. <t was not so much light that he coul% see clearly. He struck his swor% at the kingA but )rnbBorn ran in& an% the thrust 'ierce% him un%er his armour into his stomach& an% )rnbBorn got his %eathwoun%. ;rBotgar% was kille% imme%iately& an% most of his 'eo'le with him. )fter this e7ent the king turne% back to the south to >iken.

177. K<N; $-)? S3N*S ?$2 H<S SH<1S )N* ;$$*S. Now when the king came to Tunsberg he sent men out to all the %istricts& an% or%ere% the 'eo'le out u'on a le7y. He ha% but a small 'ro7ision of shi''ing& an% there were only bon%es4 7essels to be got. ?rom the %istricts in the near neighbourhoo% many 'eo'le came to him& but few from any %istanceA an% it was soon foun% that the 'eo'le ha% turne% away from the king. King $laf sent 'eo'le to ;autlan% for his shi's& an% other goo%s an% wares which ha% been left there in autumnA but the 'rogress of these men was 7ery slow& for it was no better now than in autumn to sail through the Soun%& as King Canute ha% in s'ring fitte% out an army throughout the whole of the *anish %ominions& an% ha% no fewer than 1!99 7essels.

178. K<N; $-)?4S C$@NS3-S. The news came to Norway that King Canute ha% assemble% an immense

armament through all *enmark& with which he inten%e% to conFuer Norway. =hen this became known the 'eo'le were less willing to Boin King $laf& an% he got but little ai% from the bon%es. The king4s men often s'oke about this among themsel7es. Sig7at tells of it thus5 6$ur men are few& our shi's are small& =hile 3nglan%4s king is strong in allA +ut yet our king is not afrai% $K ne7er be such king betraye%K 4Tis e7il counsel to %e'ri7e $ur king of countrymen to stri7e To sa7e their country& swor% in han%5 Tis money that betrays our lan%.6 The king hel% meetings with the men of the court& an% sometimes House things with all his 'eo'le& an% consulte% with them what they shoul%& in their o'inion& un%ertake. 6=e must not conceal from oursel7es&6 sai% he& 6that Canute will come here this summerA an% that he has& as ye all know& a large force& an% we ha7e at 'resent but few men to o''ose to himA an%& as matters now stan%& we cannot %e'en% much on the fi%elity of the country 'eo'le.6 The king4s men re'lie% to his s'eech in 7arious waysA but it is sai% that Sig7at the skal% re'lie% thus& a%7ising flight& as treachery& not cowar%ice& was the cause of it5 6=e may well fly& when e7en our foe $ffers us money if we go. < may be blame%& accuse% of fearA +ut treachery& not faith& rules here. .en may retire who long ha7e shown Their faith an% lo7e& an% now alone 2etire because they cannot sa7e This is no treachery in the bra7e.6

179. H)23K $? THG$TT) +@2NS ;2)NK3- )N* H<S .3N. The same s'ring ().*. 19!8# it ha''ene% in Halogalan% that Harek of ThBotta remembere% how )smun% ;rankelson ha% 'lun%ere% an% beaten his house ser7ants. ) cutter with twenty rowing benches& which belonge% to Harek& was afloat in front of the house& with tent an% %eck& an% he s'rea% the re'ort that he inten%e% to go south to Thron%hBem. $ne e7ening Harek went on boar% with his house ser7ants& about eighty men& who rowe% the whole nightA an% he came towar%s morning to ;rankel4s house& an% surroun%e% it with his men. They then ma%e an attack on the house& an% set fire to itA an% ;rankel with his 'eo'le were burnt& an% some were kille% outsi%eA an% in all about thirty men lost their li7es. )fter this %ee% Harek returne% home& an% sat Fuietly in his farm. )smun% was with King $laf when he hear% of itA therefore there was nobo%y in Halogalan% to sue Harek for mulct for this %ee%& nor %i% he offer any satisfaction.

189. K<N; C)N@T34S 3N13*<T<$N T$ N$2=)C. Canute the ;reat collecte% his forces& an% went to -imfBor%. =hen he was rea%y with his eFui'ment he saile% from thence with his whole fleet to NorwayA ma%e all 'ossible s'ee%& an% %i% not lan% to the eastwar% of the ?Bor%s& but crosse% ?ol%en& an% lan%e% in )g%er& where he summone% a Thing. The bon%es came %own from the u''er country to hol% a Thing with Canute& who was e7erywhere in that country acce'te% as king. Then he 'lace% men o7er the %istricts& an% took hostages from the bon%es& an% no man o''ose% him. King $laf was in Tunsberg when Canute4s fleet saile% across the mouth of the fBor%. Canute saile% northwar%s along the coast& an% 'eo'le came to him from all the %istricts& an% 'romise% him fealty. He lay a while in 3gersun%& where 3rling SkBalgson came to him with many 'eo'le& an% King Canute an% 3rling renewe% their league of frien%shi'. )mong other things& Canute 'romise% 3rling the whole country between Sta% an% 2ygiarbit to rule o7er. Then King Canute 'rocee%e%A an%& to be short in our tale& %i% not sto' until he came to Thron%hBem& an% lan%e% at Ni%aros. <n Thron%hBem he calle% together a Thing for the eight %istricts& at which King Canute was chosen king of all Norway. Thorer Hun%& who ha% come with King Canute from *enmark& was there& an% also Harek of ThBottaA an% both were ma%e sheriffs of the king& an% took the oath of fealty to him. King Canute ga7e them great fiefs& an% also right to the -a'lan% tra%e& an% 'resente% them besi%es with great gifts. He enriche% all men who were incline% to enter into frien%ly accor% with him both with fiefs an% money& an% ga7e them greater 'ower than they ha% before.

181. $? K<N; C)N@T3. =hen King Canute ha% lai% the whole of Norway tra%er his authority& he calle% together a numerous Thing& both of his own 'eo'le an% of the 'eo'le of the countryA an% at it he ma%e 'roclamation& that he ma%e his relation 3arl Hakon the go7ernor in chief of all the lan% in Norway that he ha% conFuere% in this eD'e%ition. <n like manner he le% his son Har%aknut to the high seat at his si%e& ga7e him the title of king& an% therewith the whole *anish %ominion. King Canute took as hostages from all len%ermen an% great bon%es in Norway either their sons& brothers& or other near connections& or the men who were %earest to them an% a''eare% to him most suitableA by which he& as before obser7e%& secure% their fi%elity to him. )s soon as 3arl Hakon ha% attaine% this 'ower in Norway his brother in law& 3inar Tambaskelfer& ma%e an agreement with him& an% recei7e% back all the fiefs he formerly ha% 'ossesse% while the earls rule% the country. King Canute ga7e 3inar great gifts& an% boun% him by great kin%ness to his interestsA an% 'romise% that 3inar shoul% be the greatest an% most im'ortant man in Norway& among those who %i% not hol% the highest %ignity& as long as he ha% 'ower o7er the country. He a%%e% to this& that 3inar a''eare% to him the most suitable man to hol% the highest title of honour in Norway if no earls remaine%& an% his son 3in%ri%e also& on account of his high birth. 3inar 'lace% a great 7alue on these 'romises&

an%& in return& 'romise% the greatest fi%elity. chiefshi' began anew with this.

3inar4s

18!. $? TH$2)2<N -$?T@N;). There was a man by name Thorarin -oftunga& an <celan%er by birth& an% a great skal%& who ha% been much with the kings an% other great chiefs. He was now with King Canute the ;reat& an% ha% com'ose% a flock& or short 'oem& in his 'raise. =hen the king hear% of this he was 7ery angry& an% or%ere% him to bring the neDt %ay a %ra'a& or long 'oem& by the time he went to tableA an% if he faile% to %o so& sai% the king& 6he shall be hange% for his im'u%ence in com'osing such a small 'oem about King Canute.6 Thorarin then com'ose% a sta7e as a refrain& which he inserte% in the 'oem& an% also augmente% it with se7eral other stro'hes or 7erses. This was the refrain5 6Canute 'rotects his realm& as Go7e& ;uar%ian of ;reece& his realm abo7e.6 King Canute rewar%e% him for the 'oem with fifty marks of sil7er. The 'oem was calle% the 6Hea%ransom6 (6Hofu%lausn6#. Thorarin com'ose% another 'oem about King Canute& which was calle% the 6Cam'aign 1oem6 (6Tog%ra'a6#A an% therein he tells King Canute4s eD'e%ition when he saile% from *enmark to NorwayA an% the following are stro'hes from one of the 'arts of this 'oem5 6Canute with all his men is out& @n%er the hea7ens in war shi's stout& 4$ut on the sea& from -imfBor%4s green& .y goo%& my bra7e frien%4s fleet is seen. The men of )%ger on the coast Tremble to see this mighty host5 The guilty tremble as they s'y The 7ictor4s fleet beneath the sky. 6The sight sur'asses far the tale& )s glacing in the sun they sailA The king4s shi' glittering all with gol%& )n% s'len%our there not to be tol%. 2oun% -ister many a coal black mast $f Canute4s fleet is gli%ing 'ast. )n% now through 3ger soun% they ri%e& @'on the gently hea7ing ti%e. 6)n% all the soun% is co7ere% o4er =ith shi's an% sails& from shore to shore& ) mighty king& a mighty host& Hi%ing the sea on 3ger coast. )n% 'eaceful men in haste now hie @' Hiornagla hill the fleet to s'y& )s roun% the ness where Sta% now lies 3ach high stemme% shi' in s'len%our flies. 6Nor seeme% the 7oyage long& < trow&

To warrior on the high built bow& )s o4er the ocean mountains ri%ing The lan% an% hill seem 'ast him gli%ing. =ith whistling breeEe an% flashing s'ray 1ast Stein the gay shi's %ashe% awayA <n o'en sea& the southern gale ?ille% e7ery wi%e out bellying sail. 6Still on they fly& still northwar% go& Till he who conFuers e7ery foe& The mighty Canute& came to lan%& ?ar in the north on Thron%hBem4s stran%. There this great king of Gutlan% race& =hose %ee%s an% gifts sur'ass in grace )ll other kings& bestowe% the throne $f Norway on his sister4s son. 6To his own son he ga7e the crown (This < must a%% to his renown# $f *enmark lan% of sha%owy 7ales& <n which the white swan trims her sails.6 Here it is tol% that King Canute4s eD'e%ition was gran%er than saga can tellA but Thorarin sang thus because he woul% 'ri%e himself u'on being one of King Canute4s retinue when he came to Norway.

1(:. $? TH3 .3SS3N;32S S3NT +C K<N; $-)? ?$2 H<S SH<1S. The men whom King $laf ha% sent eastwar%s to ;autlan% after his shi's took with them the 7essels they thought the best& an% burnt the rest. The shi' a''arel an% other goo%s belonging to the king an% his men they also took with themA an% when they hear% that King Canute ha% gone to Norway they saile% west through the Soun%& an% then north to >iken to King $laf& to whom they %eli7ere% his shi's. He was then at Tunsberg. =hen King $laf learnt that King Canute was sailing north along the coast& King $laf steere% with his fleet into $slo fBor%& an% into a branch of it calle% *rafn& where he lay Fuiet until King Canute4s fleet ha% saile% southwar%s again. $n this eD'e%ition which King Canute ma%e from the North along the coast& he hel% a Thing in each %istrict& an% in e7ery Thing the country was boun% by oath in fealty to him& an% hostages were gi7en him. He went eastwar% across the mouths of the fBor%s to Sar'sborg& an% hel% a Thing there& an%& as elsewhere& the country was surren%ere% to him un%er oath of fi%elity. King Canute then returne% south to *enmark& after ha7ing conFuere% Norway without stroke of swor%& an% he rule% now o7er three king%oms. So says Hal7ar% Hareksblese when he sang of King Canute5 6The warrior king& whose bloo% stain4% shiel% Has shone on many a har% fought fiel%& 3nglan% an% *enmark now has won& )n% o4er three king%oms rules alone. 1eace now he gi7es us fast an% sure&

Since Norway too is ma%e secure +y him who oft& in %ays of yore& ;lutte% the hawk an% wolf with gore.6

1(". $? K<N; $-)? <N H<S 12$C33*<N;S. King $laf saile% with his shi's out to Tunsberg& as soon as he hear% that King Canute ha% turne% back& an% was gone south to *enmark. He then ma%e himself rea%y with the men who like% to follow him& an% ha% then thirteen shi's. )fterwar%s he saile% out along >ikenA but got little money& an% few men& as those only followe% him who %welt in islan%s& or on outlying 'oints of lan%. The king lan%e% in such 'laces& but got only the money an% men that fell in his wayA an% he soon 'ercei7e% that the country ha% aban%one% him. He 'rocee%e% on accor%ing to the win%s. This was in the beginning of winter ().*. 19!9#. The win% turne% 7ery late in the season in their fa7our& so that they lay long in the Seley islan%s& where they hear% the news from the North& through merchants& who tol% the king that 3rling SkBalgson ha% collecte% a great force in Ga%ar& an% that his shi' lay fully rigge% outsi%e of the lan%& together with many other 7essels belonging to the bon%esA namely& skiffs& fisher yachts& an% great row boats. Then the king saile% with his fleet from the 3ast& an% lay a while in 3gersun%. +oth 'arties hear% of each other now& an% 3rling assemble% all the men he coul%.

1((. $? K<N; $-)?4S >$C);3. $n Thomasmas& before Cule (*ec. !1#& the king left the harbour as soon as %ay a''eare%. =ith a goo% but rather strong gale he saile% northwar%s 'ast Ga%ar. The weather was rainy& with %ark flying clou%s in the sky. The s'ies went imme%iately in through the Ga%ar country when the king saile% 'ast itA an% as soon as 3rling hear% that the king was sailing 'ast from the 3ast& he let the war horn call all the 'eo'le on boar%& an% the whole force hastene% to the shi's& an% 're'are% for battle. The king4s shi' 'asse% by Ga%ar at a great rateA but thereafter turne% in towar%s the lan%& inten%ing to run u' the fBor%s to gather men an% money. 3rling SkBalgson 'ercei7e% this& an% saile% after him with a great force an% many shi's. Swiftly their 7essels flew& for they ha% nothing on boar% but men an% arms5 but 3rling4s shi' went much faster than the othersA therefore he took in a reef in the sails& an% waite% for the other 7essels. Then the king saw that 3rling with his fleet gaine% u'on him fastA for the king4s shi's were hea7ily la%en& an% were besi%es water soake%& ha7ing been in the sea the whole summer& autumn& an% winter& u' to this time. He saw also that there woul% be a great want of men& if he shoul% go against the whole of 3rling4s fleet when it was assemble%. He haile% from shi' to shi' the or%ers to let the sails gently sink& an% to unshi' the booms an% outriggers& which was %one. =hen 3rling saw this he calls out to his 'eo'le& an% or%ers them to get on more sail. 6Ce see&6 says he& 6that their sails are

%iminishing& an% they are getting fast away from our sight.6 He took the reef out of the sails of his shi'& an% outsaile% all the others imme%iatelyA for 3rling was 7ery eager in his 'ursuit of King $laf.

18/. $? 32-<N; SKG)-;S$N4S ?)--. King $laf then steere% in towar%s the +okn fBor%& by which the shi's came out of sight of each other. Thereafter the king or%ere% his men to strike the sails& an% row forwar%s through a narrow soun% that was there& an% all the shi's lay collecte% within a rocky 'oint. Then all the king4s men 'ut on their wea'ons. 3rling saile% in through the soun%& an% obser7e% nothing until the whole fleet was before him& an% he saw the king4s men rowing towar%s him with all their shi's at once. 3rling an% his crew let fall the sails& an% seiEe% their wea'onsA but the king4s fleet surroun%e% his shi' on all si%es. Then the fight began& an% it was of the shar'estA but soon the greatest loss was among 3rling4s men. 3rling stoo% on the Fuarter %eck of his shi'. He ha% a helmet on his hea%& a shiel% before him& an% a swor% in his han%. Sig7at the skal% ha% remaine% behin% in >iken& an% hear% the ti%ings. He was a great frien% of 3rling& ha% recei7e% 'resents from him& an% ha% been at his house. Sig7at com'ose% a 'oem u'on 3rling4s fall& in which there is the following 7erse5 63rling has set his shi' on sea )gainst the king away is he5 He who oft lets the eagle stain Her yellow feet in bloo% of slain. His little war shi' si%e by si%e =ith the king4s fleet& the fray will bi%e. Now swor% to swor% the fight is raging& =hich 3rling with the king is waging.6 Then 3rling4s men began to fall& an% at the same moment his shi' was carrie% by boar%ing& an% e7ery man of his %ie% in his 'lace. The king himself was amongst the foremost in the fray. So says Sig7at5 6The king4s men hewe% with hasty swor%& The king urge% on the shi' to boar%& )ll o4er the %ecks the woun%e% lay5 2ight fierce an% bloo%y was that fray. <n Tungur soun%& on Ga%ar shore& The %ecks were sli''ery with re% goreA =arm bloo% was %ro''ing in the soun%& =here the king4s swor% was gleaming roun%.6 So entirely ha% 3rling4s men fallen& that not a man remaine% stan%ing in his shi' but himself aloneA for there was none who aske% for Fuarter& or none who got it if he %i% ask. There was no o'ening for flight& for there lay shi's all aroun% 3rling4s shi' on e7ery si%e& an% it is tol% for certain that no man

attem'te% to flyA an% Sig7at says5 6)ll 3rling4s men fell in the fray& $ff +okn fBor%& this har% fought %ay. The bra7e king boar%e%& onwar% cheere%& )n% north of Tungur the %eck was cleare%. 3rling alone& the bra7e& the stout& Cut off from all& yet still hel% outA High on the stern a sight to see <n his lone shi' alone stoo% he.6 Then 3rling was attacke% both from the forecastle an% from the other shi's. There was a large s'ace u'on the 'oo' which stoo% high abo7e the other shi's& an% which nobo%y coul% reach but by arrow shot& or 'artly with the thrust of s'ear& but which he always struck from him by 'arrying. 3rling %efen%e% himself so manfully& that no eDam'le is known of one man ha7ing sustaine% the attack of so many men so long. Cet he ne7er trie% to get away& nor aske% for Fuarter. So says Sig7at5 6SkBalg4s bra7e son no mercy cra7es& The battle4s fury still he bra7esA The s'ear storm& through the air shar' singing& )gainst his shiel% was e7er ringing. So 3rling stoo%A but fate ha% wille% His life off +okn shoul% be s'ille%. No bra7er man has& since his %ay& 1ast +okn fBor% ta4en his way.6 =hen $laf went back a little u'on the fore %eck he saw 3rling4s beha7iourA an% the king accoste% him thus5 6Thou hast turne% against me to %ay& 3rling.6 He re'lies& 6The eagle turns his claws in %efence when torn asun%er.6 Sig7at the skal% tells thus of these wor%s of 3rling5 63rling. our best %efence of ol%& 3rling the bra7e& the brisk& the bol%& Stoo% to his arms& gaily crying& I3agles shoul% show their claws& though %ying54 The 7ery wor%s which once before To $laf he ha% sai% on shore& )t @tstein when they both 're'are% To meet the foe& an% %anger share%.6 Then sai% the king& 6=ilt thou enter into my ser7ice& 3rlingL6 6That < will&6 sai% heA took the helmet off his hea%& lai% %own his swor% an% shiel%& an% went forwar% to the forecastle %eck. The king struck him in the chin with the shar' 'oint of his battle aDe& an% sai%& 6< shall mark thee as a traitor to thy so7ereign.6 Then )slak ?itiaskalle rose u'& an% struck 3rling in the hea% with an aDe& so that it stoo% fast in his brain& an% was

instantly his %eath woun%.

Thus 3rling lost his life.

The king sai% to )slak& 6.ay all ill luck atten% thee for that strokeA for thou hast struck Norway out of my han%s.6 )slak re'lie%& 6<t is ba% enough if that stroke %is'lease thee& for < thought it was striking Norway into thy han%sA an% if < ha7e gi7en thee offence& sire& by this stroke& an% ha7e thy ill will for it& it will go ba%ly with me& for < will get so many men4s ill will an% enmity for this %ee% that < woul% nee% all your 'rotection an% fa7our.6 The king re'lie% that he shoul% ha7e it. Thereafter the king or%ere% e7ery man to return to his shi'& an% to get rea%y to %e'art as fast as he coul%. 6=e will not 'lun%er the slain&6 says he& 6an% each man may kee' what he has taken.6 The men returne% to the shi's an% 're'are% themsel7es for the %e'arture as Fuickly as 'ossibleA an% scarcely was this %one before the 7essels of the bon%es ran in from the south into the soun%. <t went with the bon%e army as is often seen& that the men& although many in numbers& know not what to %o when they ha7e eD'erience% a check& ha7e lost their chief& an% are without lea%ers. None of 3rling4s sons were there& an% the bon%es therefore ma%e no attack& an% the king saile% on his way northwar%s. +ut the bon%es took 3rling4s cor'se& a%orne% it& an% carrie% it with them home to Sole& an% also the bo%ies of all who ha% fallen. There was great lamentation o7er 3rlingA an% it has been a common obser7ation among 'eo'le& that 3rling SkBalgson was the greatest an% worthiest man in Norway of those who ha% no high title. Sig7at ma%e these 7erses u'on the occasion5 6Thus 3rling fell an% such a gain To buy with such a loss was 7ainA ?or better man than he ne4er %ie%& )n% the king4s gain was small besi%e. <n truth no man < e7er knew =as& in all ways& so firm an% trueA ?ree from ser7ility an% 'ri%e& Honoure% by all& yet thus he %ie%.6 Sig7at also says that )slak ha% 7ery unthinkingly committe% this mur%er of his own kinsman5 6Norway4s bra7e %efen%er4s %ea%K )slak has hea'e% on his own hea% The guilt of mur%ering his own kin5 .ay few be guilty of such sinK His kinsman4s mur%er on him lies $ur forefathers& in sayings wise& Ha7e sai%& what is unknown to few& IKinsmen to kinsmen shoul% be true.46

187. $? TH3 <NS@223CT<$N $? );*32 *<ST2<CT.

$f 3rling4s sons some at that time were north in Thron%hBem& some in Hor%alan%& an% some in the ?Bor% %istrict& for the 'ur'ose of collecting men. =hen 3rling4s %eath was re'orte%& the news came also that there was a le7y raising in )g%er& Hor%alan%& an% 2ogalan%. ?orces were raise% an% a great army assemble%& un%er 3rling4s sons& to 'ursue King $laf. =hen King $laf retire% from the battle with 3rling he went northwar% through the soun%s& an% it was late in the %ay. <t is relate% that the king then ma%e the following 7erses5 6This night& with battle soun%s wil% ringing& Small Boy to the fair youth is bringing =ho sits in Ga%ar& little %reaming $4er what this night the ra7en4s screaming. The far %escen%e% 3rling4s life Too soon has fallenA but& in the strife He met the luck they well %eser7e =ho from their faith an% fealty swer7e.6 )fterwar%s the king saile% with his fleet along the lan% northwar%s& an% got certain ti%ings of the bon%es assembling an army. There were many chiefs an% len%ermen at this time with King $laf& an% all the sons of )rne. $f this +Barne ;ullbrarskal% s'eaks in the 'oem he com'ose% about Kalf )rnason5 6KalfK thou hast fought at +okn wellA $f thy bra7e %oings all men tell5 =hen Haral%4s son his men urge% on To the har% strife& thy courage shone. Thou soon ha%st ma%e a goo% Cule feast ?or gree%y wolf there in the 3ast5 =here stone an% s'ear were flying roun%& There thou wast still the foremost foun%. The 'eo'le suffere% in the strife =hen noble 3rling lost his life& )n% north of @tstein many a s'eck $f bloo% lay black u'on the %eck. The king& 4tis clear& has been %ecei7e%& +y treason of his lan% berea7e%A )n% )g%er now& whose force is great. =ill rule o4er all 'arts of the state.6 King $1af continue% his 7oyage until he came north of Sta%& an% brought u' at the Herey <sles. Here he hear% the news that 3arl Hakon ha% a great war force in Thron%hBem& an% thereu'on the king hel% a council with his 'eo'le. Kalf )rnason urge% much to a%7ance to Thron%hBem& an% fight 3arl Hakon& notwithstan%ing the %ifference of numbers. .any others su''orte% this a%7ice& but others %issua%e% from it& an% the matter was left to the king4s Bu%gment.

188. *3)TH $? )S-)K ?<T<)SK)--3.

)fterwar%s the king went into Steina7ag& an% remaine% there all nightA but )slak ?itiaskalle ran into +orgun%& where he remaine% the night& an% where >igleik )rnason was before him. <n the morning& when )slak was about returning on boar%& >igleik assaulte% him& an% sought to a7enge 3rling4s mur%er. )slak fell there. Some of the king4s court men& who ha% been home all summer& Boine% the king here. They came from ?rekeysun%& an% brought the king ti%ings that 3arl Hakon& an% many len%ermen with him& ha% come in the morning to ?rekeysun% with a large forceA 6an% they will en% thy %ays& sire& if they ha7e strength enough.6 Now the king sent his men u' to a hill that was nearA an% when they came to the to'& an% looke% northwar%s to +Barney <slan%& they 'ercei7e% that a great armament of many shi's was coming from the north& an% they hastene% back to the king with this intelligence. The king& who was lying there with only twel7e shi's& or%ere% the war horn to soun%& the tents to be taken %own on his shi's& an% they took to their oars. =hen they were Fuite rea%y& an% were lea7ing the harbour& the bon%e army saile% north aroun% Thiotan%e with twenty fi7e shi's. The king then steere% insi%e of Nyrfe <slan%& an% insi%e of Hun%s7er. Now when King $laf came right abreast of +orgun%& the shi' which )slak ha% steere% came out to meet him& an% when they foun% the king they tol% him the ti%ings& that >igleik )rnason ha% kille% )slak ?itiaskalle& because he ha% kille% 3rling SkBalgson. The king took this news 7ery angrily& but coul% not %elay his 7oyage on account of the enemy an% he saile% in by >egsun% an% Skor. There some of his 'eo'le left himA among others& Kalf )rnason& with many other len%ermen an% shi' comman%ers& who all went to meet 3arl Hakon. King $laf& howe7er& 'rocee%e% on his way without sto''ing until he came to To%ar fBor%& where he brought u' at >al%al& an% lan%e% from his shi'. He ha% then fi7e shi's with him& which he %rew u' u'on the shore& an% took care of their sails an% materials. Then he set u' his lan% tent u'on a 'oint of lan% calle% Sult& where there are 'retty flat fiel%s& an% set u' a cross near to the 'oint of lan%. ) bon%e& by name +ruse& who %welt there in .ore& an% was chief o7er the 7alley& came %own to King $laf& together with many other bon%es& an% recei7e% him well& an% accor%ing to his %ignityA an% he was frien%ly& an% 'lease% with their rece'tion of him. Then the king aske% if there was a 'assable roa% u' in the country from the 7alley to -esBarA an% +ruse re'lie%& that there was an ur% in the 7alley calle% Skerfsur% not 'assable for man or beast. King $laf answers& 6That we must try& bon%e& an% it will go as ;o% 'leases. Come here in the morning with your yoke& an% come yourself with it& an% let us then see. =hen we come to the slo'ing 'reci'ice& what chance there may be& an% if we cannot %e7ise some means of coming o7er it with horses an% 'eo'le.6

189. C-3)2<N; $? TH3 @2*. Now when %ay broke the bon%es %ro7e %own with their yokes& as the king ha% tol% them. The clothes an% wea'ons were 'acke% u'on horses& but the king an% all the 'eo'le went on foot. He went thus until he came to a 'lace calle% Krosbrekka& an% when he came

u' u'on the hill he reste% himself& sat %own there a while& looke% %own o7er the fBor%& an% sai%& 6) %ifficult eD'e%ition ye ha7e thrown u'on my han%s& ye len%ermen& who ha7e now change% your fealty& although but a little while ago ye were my frien%s an% faithful to me.6 There are now two crosses erecte% u'on the bank on which the king sat. Then the king mounte% a horse& an% ro%e without sto''ing u' the 7alley& until he came to the 'reci'ice. Then the king aske% +ruse if there was no summer hut of cattle her%s in the neighbourhoo%& where they coul% remain. He sai% there was. The king or%ere% his lan% tent to be set u'& an% remaine% there all night. <n the morning the king or%ere% them to %ri7e to the ur%& an% try if they coul% get across it with the waggons. They %ro7e there& an% the king remaine% in the meantime in his tent. Towar%s e7ening the king4s court men an% the bon%es came back& an% tol% how they ha% ha% a 7ery fatiguing labour& without making any 'rogress& an% that there ne7er coul% be a roa% ma%e that they coul% get across5 so they continue% there the secon% night& %uring which& for the whole night& the king was occu'ie% in 'rayer. )s soon as he obser7e% %ay %awning he or%ere% his men to %ri7e again to the ur%& an% try once more if they coul% get across it with the waggonsA but they went 7ery unwillingly& saying nothing coul% be gaine% by it. =hen they were gone the man who ha% charge of the king4s kitchen came& an% sai% there were only two carcasses of young cattle remaining of 'ro7ision5 6)lthough you& sire& ha7e "99 men& an% there are 199 bon%es besi%es.6 Then the king or%ere% that he shoul% set all the kettles on the fire& an% 'ut a little bit of meat in each kettle& which was %one. Then the king went there& an% ma%e the sign of the cross o7er each kettle& an% tol% them to make rea%y the meat. The king then went to the ur% calle% Skerfsur%& where a roa% shoul% be cleare%. =hen the king came all his 'eo'le were sitting %own& Fuite worn out with the har% labour. +ruse sai%& 6< tol% you& sire& but you woul% not belie7e me& that we coul% make nothing of this ur%.6 The king lai% asi%e his cloak& an% tol% them to go to work once more at the ur%. They %i% so& an% now twenty men coul% han%le stones which before 199 men coul% not mo7e from the 'laceA an% thus before mi%%ay the roa% was cleare% so well that it was as 'assable for men& an% for horses with 'acks& as a roa% in the 'lain fiel%s. The king& after this& went %own again to where the meat was& which 'lace is calle% $laf4s 2ock. Near the rock is a s'ring& at which $laf washe% himselfA an% therefore at the 'resent %ay& when the cattle in the 7alley are sick& their illness is ma%e better by their %rinking at this well. Thereafter the king sat %own to table with all the othersA an% when he was satisfie% he aske% if there was any other sheeling on the other si%e of the ur%& an% near the mountains& where they coul% 'ass the night. +ruse sai% there was such a sheeling& calle% ;roningarA but that nobo%y coul% 'ass the night there on account of witchcraft& an% e7il beings who were in the sheeling. Then the king sai% they must get rea%y for their Bourney& as he wante% to be at the sheeling for the night. Then came the kitchen master to the king& an% tells that there was come an eDtraor%inary su''ly of 'ro7isions& an% he %i% not know where it ha% come from& or how. The king thanke% ;o% for this blessing& an% ga7e the bon%es who %ro7e %own again to their 7alley some rations of foo%& but remaine% himself all night in the sheeling. <n the mi%%le of the night& while the 'eo'le were

aslee'& there was hear% in the cattle fol% a %rea%ful cry& an% these wor%s5 6Now $laf4s 'rayers are burning me&6 says the s'irit& 6so that < can no longer be in my habitationA now must < fly& an% ne7er more come to this fol%.6 =hen the king4s 'eo'le awoke in the morning the king 'rocee%e% to the mountains& an% sai% to +ruse& 6Here shall now a farm be settle%& an% the bon%e who %wells here shall ne7er want what is nee%ful for the su''ort of lifeA an% ne7er shall his cro' be %estroye% by frost& although the cro's be froEen on the farms both abo7e it an% below it.6 Then the king 'rocee%e% o7er the mountains& an% came to a farm calle% 3inby& where he remaine% for the night. King $laf ha% then been fifteen years king of Norway ().*. 191( 19!9#& inclu%ing the year both he an% S7ein were in the country& an% this year we ha7e now been telling about. <t was& namely& a little 'ast Cule when the king left his shi's an% took to the lan%& as before relate%. $f this 'ortion of his reign the 'riest )re Thorgilson the =ise was the first who wroteA an% he was both faithful in his story& of a goo% memory& an% so ol% a man that he coul% remember the men& an% ha% hear% their accounts& who were so ol% that through their age they coul% remember these circumstances as he himself wrote them in his books& an% he name% the men from whom he recei7e% his information. $therwise it is generally sai% that King $laf ha% been fifteen years king of Norway when he fellA but they who say so reckon to 3arl S7ein4s go7ernment& the last year he was in the country& for King $laf li7e% fifteen years afterwar%s as king.

199. $-)?4S 12$1H3C<3S. =hen the king ha% been one night at -esBar he 'rocee%e% on his Bourney with his men& %ay by %ayA first into ;u%bran%s%al& an% from thence out to 2e%emark. Now it was seen who ha% been his frien%s& for they followe% himA but those who ha% ser7e% him with less fi%elity se'arate% from him& an% some showe% him e7en in%ifference& or e7en full hostility& which afterwar%s was a''arentA an% also it coul% be seen clearly in many @'lan% 'eo'le that they took 7ery ill his 'utting Thorer to %eath& as before relate%. King $laf ga7e lea7e to return home to many of his men who ha% farms an% chil%ren to take care ofA for it seeme% to them uncertain what safety there might be for the families an% 'ro'erty of those who left the country with him. Then the king eD'laine% to his frien%s his intention of lea7ing the country& an% going first east into S7ithBo%& an% there taking his %etermination as to where he shoul% goA but he let his frien%s know his intention to return to the country& an% regain his king%oms& if ;o% shoul% grant him longer lifeA an% he %i% not conceal his eD'ectation that the 'eo'le of Norway woul% again return to their fealty to him. 6< think&6 says he& 6that 3arl Hakon will ha7e Norway but a short time un%er his 'ower& which many will not think an eDtraor%inary eD'ectation& as 3arl Hakon has ha% but little luck against meA but 'robably few 'eo'le will trust to my 'ro'hecy& that Canute the ;reat will in the course of a few years %ie& an% his king%oms 7anishA an% there will he no risings in fa7our of his race.6 =hen the king ha% en%e% his s'eech& his men 're'are% themsel7es for their %e'arture. The

king& with the troo' that followe% him& turne% east to 3i% forest. )n% there were along with him the Hueen )stri%A their %aughter @lfhil%A .agnus& King $laf4s sonA 2agn7al% +rusasonA the three sons of )rne& Thorberg& ?in& an% )rne& with many len%ermenA an% the king4s atten%ants consiste% of many chosen men. +Born the marshal got lea7e to go home& an% he went to his farm& an% many others of the king4s frien%s returne% home with his 'ermission to their farms. The king begge% them to let him know the e7ents which might ha''en in the country& an% which it might be im'ortant for him to knowA an% now the king 'rocee%e% on his way.

191. K<N; $-)? 12$C33*S T$ 2@SS<). <t is to be relate% of King $laf4s Bourney& that he went first from Norway eastwar% through 3i% forest to >ermalan%& then to >atnsby& an% through the forests in which there are roa%s& until he came out in Nerike %istrict. There %welt a rich an% 'owerful man in that 'art calle% Sigtryg& who ha% a son& <7ar& who afterwar%s became a %istinguishe% 'erson. $laf staye% with Sigtryg all s'ring ().*. 19!9#A an% when summer came he ma%e rea%y for a Bourney& 'rocure% a shi' for himself& an% without sto''ing went on to 2ussia to King Garisleif an% his Fueen <ngeger%A but his own Fueen )stri%& an% their %aughter @lfhil%& remaine% behin% in S7ithBo%& an% the king took his son .agnus eastwar% with him. King Garisleif recei7e% King $laf in the kin%est manner& an% ma%e him the offer to remain with him& an% to ha7e so much lan% as was necessary for %efraying the eD'ense of the entertainment of his followers. King $laf acce'te% this offer thankfully& an% remaine% there. <t is relate% that King $laf was %istinguishe% all his life for 'ious habits& an% Eeal in his 'rayers to ;o%. +ut afterwar%s& when he saw his own 'ower %iminishe%& an% that of his a%7ersaries augmente%& he turne% all his min% to ;o%4s ser7iceA for he was not %istracte% by other thoughts& or by the labour he formerly ha% u'on his han%s& for %uring all the time he sat u'on the throne he was en%ea7ouring to 'romote what was most useful5 an% first to free an% 'rotect the country from foreign chiefs4 o''ressions& then to con7ert the 'eo'le to the right faithA an% also to establish law an% the rights of the country& which he %i% by letting Bustice ha7e its way& an% 'unishing e7il %oers.

19!. C)@S3S $? TH3 23>$-T );)<NST K<N; $-)?. <t ha% been an ol% custom in Norway that the sons of len%ermen& or other great men& went out in war shi's to gather 'ro'erty& an% they marau%e% both in the country an% out of the country. +ut after King $laf came to the so7ereignty he 'rotecte% the country& so that he abolishe% all 'lun%ering thereA an% e7en if they were the sons of 'owerful men who committe% any %e're%ation& or %i% what the king consi%ere% against law& he %i% not s'are them at all& but they must suffer in life or limbsA an% no man4s entreaties& an% no offer of money 'enalties& coul% hel' them. So

says Sig7at5 6They who on 7iking cruises %ro7e =ith gifts of re% gol% often stro7e To buy their safety but our chief Ha% no com'assion for the thief. He ma%e the bra7est lose his hea% =ho robbe% at sea& an% 'irates le%A )n% his Bust swor% ga7e 'eace to all& S'aring no robber& great or small.6 )n% he also says5 6;reat kingK whose swor% on many a fiel% ?oo% to the wan%ering wolf %i% yiel%& )n% then the thief an% 'irate ban% Swe't wholly off by sea an% lan% ;oo% kingK who for the 'eo'le4s sake Set han%s an% feet u'on a stake& =hen 'lun%erers of great name an% bol% Harrie% the country as of ol%. The country4s guar%ian showe% his might =hen oft he ma%e his Bust swor% bite Through many a 7iking4s neck an% hair& )n% ne7er woul% the guilty s'are. King .agnus4 father& < must say& *i% many a goo% %ee% in his %ay. $laf the Thick was stern an% stout& .uch goo% his 7ictories brought out.6 He 'unishe% great an% small with eFual se7erity& which a''eare% to the chief 'eo'le of the country too se7ereA an% animosity rose to the highest when they lost relati7es by the king4s Bust sentence& although they were in reality guilty. This was the origin of the hostility of the great men of the country to King $laf& that they coul% not bear his Bust Bu%gments. He again woul% rather renounce his %ignity than omit righteous Bu%gment. The accusation against him& of being stingy with his money& was not Bust& for he was a most generous man towar%s his frien%sA but that alone was the cause of the %iscontent raise% against him& that he a''eare% har% an% se7ere in his retributions. +esi%es& King Canute offere% great sums of money& an% the great chiefs were corru'te% by this& an% by his offering them greater %ignities than they ha% 'ossesse% before. The inclinations of the 'eo'le& also& were all in fa7our of 3arl Hakon& who was much belo7e% by the country folks when he rule% the country before.

19:. $? G$K@- +)2*S$N. 3arl Hakon ha% saile% with his fleet from Thron%hBem& an% gone south to .ore against King $laf& as before relate%. Now when the king bore away& an% ran into the fBor%& the earl followe% him thitherA an% then Kalf )rnason came to meet him& with many of the men who ha% %eserte% King $laf. Kalf was well recei7e%. The earl steere% in through To%ar fBor% to >al%al& where the king ha%

lai% u' his shi's on the stran%. He took the shi's which belonge% to the king& ha% them 'ut u'on the water an% rigge%& an% cast lots& an% 'ut comman%ers in charge of them accor%ing to the lots. There was a man calle% Gokul& who was an <celan%er& a son of +ar% Gokulson of >atns%alA the lot fell u'on Gokul to comman% the +ison& which King $laf himself ha% comman%e%. Gokul ma%e these 7erses u'on it5 6.ine is the lot to take the helm =hich $laf owne%& who owne% the realmA ?rom Sult King $laf4s shi' to steer (<ll luck < %rea% on his rein%eer#. .y girl will ne7er hear the ti%ings& Till o4er the wil% wa7e < come ri%ing <n $laf4s shi'& who lo7e% his gol%& )n% lost his shi's with wealth untol%.6 =e may here shortly tell what ha''ene% a long time after. that this Gokul fell in with King $laf4s men in the islan% of ;otlan%& an% the king or%ere% him to be taken out to be behea%e%. ) willow twig accor%ingly was 'laite% in with his hair& an% a man hel% him fast by it. Gokul sat %own u'on a bank& an% a man swung the aDe to eDecute himA but Gokul hearing the soun%& raise% his hea%& an% the blow struck him in the hea%& an% ma%e a %rea%ful woun%. )s the king saw it woul% be his %eath woun%& he or%ere% them to let him lie with it. Gokul raise% himself u'& an% he sang5 6.y har% fate < mourn& )lasK my woun%s burn& .y re% woun%s are ga'ing& .y life bloo% esca'ing. .y woun%s burn soreA +ut < suffer still more ?rom the king4s angry wor%& Than his shar' biting swor%.6

19". $? K)-? )2N)S$N. Kalf )rnason went with 3arl Hakon north to Thron%hBem& an% the earl in7ite% him to enter into his ser7ice. Kalf sai% he woul% first go home to his farm at 3ggBa& an% afterwar%s make his %eterminationA an% Kalf %i% so. =hen he came home he foun% his wife Sigri% much irritate%A an% she reckone% u' all the sorrow inflicte% on her& as she insiste%& by King $laf. ?irst& he ha% or%ere% her first husban% $l7er to be kille%. 6)n% now since&6 says she& 6my two sonsA an% thou thyself& Kalf& wert 'resent when they were cut off& an% which < little eD'ecte% from thee.6 Kalf says& it was much against his will that Thorer was kille%. 6< offere% money 'enalty for him&6 says heA 6an% when ;rBotgar% was kille% < lost my brother )rnbBorn at the same time.6 She re'lies& 6<t is well thou hast suffere% this from the kingA for thou mayest 'erha's a7enge him& although thou wilt not a7enge my inBuries. Thou sawest how thy foster son Thorer was kille%& with all the regar% of the king for thee.6 She freFuently brought out

such 7eDatious s'eeches to Kalf& to which he often answere% angrilyA but yet he allowe% himself to be 'ersua%e% by her to enter into the earl4s ser7ice& on con%ition of renewing his fiefs to him. Sigri% sent wor% to the earl how far she ha% brought the matter with Kalf. )s soon as the earl hear% of it& he sent a message to Kalf that he shoul% come to the town to him. Kalf %i% not %ecline the in7itation& but came %irectly to Ni%aros& an% waite% on the earl& who recei7e% him kin%ly. <n their con7ersation it was fully agree% u'on that Kalf shoul% go into the earl4s ser7ice& an% shoul% recei7e great fiefs. )fter this Kalf returne% home& an% ha% the greater 'art of the interior of the Thron%hBem country un%er him. )s soon as it was s'ring Kalf rigge% out a shi' that belonge% to him& an% when she was rea%y he 'ut to sea& an% saile% west to 3nglan%A for he ha% hear% that in s'ring King Canute was to sail from *enmark to 3nglan%& an% that King Canute ha% gi7en Haral%& a son of Thorkel the High& an earl%om in *enmark. Kalf )rnason went to King Canute as soon as he arri7e% in 3nglan%. +Barne ;ullbrarskal% tells of this5 6King $laf eastwar% o4er the sea To 2ussia4s monarch ha% to fleeA $ur Haral%4s brother 'loughe% the main& )n% furrowe% white its %ark blue 'lain. =hilst thou the truth < still will say& Nor fear nor fa7our can me sway Thou to King Canute hastene% fast& )s soon as $laf4s luck was 'ast.6 Now when Kalf came to King Canute the king recei7e% him 'articularly well& an% ha% many con7ersations with him. )mong other things& King Canute& in a conference& aske% Kalf to bin% himself to raise a warfare against King $laf& if e7er he shoul% return to the country. 6)n% for which&6 says the king& 6< will gi7e thee the earl%om& an% 'lace thee to rule o7er NorwayA an% my relation Hakon shall come to me& which will suit him better& for he is so honourable an% trustworthy that < belie7e he woul% not e7en throw a s'ear against the 'erson of King $laf if he came back to the country.6 Kalf lent his ear to what the king 'ro'ose%& for he ha% a great %esire to attain this high %ignityA an% this conclusion was settle% u'on between King Canute an% Kalf. Kalf then 're'are% to return home& an% on his %e'arture he recei7e% s'len%i% 'resents from King Canute. +Barne the skal% tells of these circumstances5 6S'rung from ol% earlsK to 3nglan%4s lor% Thou owest many a thankful wor% ?or many a gift5 if all be true& Thy interest has been ke't in 7iewA ?or when thy course was bent for home& ()lthough that luck is not yet come&# IThat Norway shoul% be thine&4 4tis sai%& The -on%on king a 'romise ma%e.6 Kalf thereafter returne% to Norway& an% came to his farm.

19(. $? TH3 *3)TH $? 3)2- H)K$N. 3arl Hakon left the country this summer ().*. 19!9#& an% went to 3nglan%& an% when he came there was well recei7e% by the king. The earl ha% a bri%e in 3nglan%& an% he tra7elle% to conclu%e this marriage& an% as he inten%e% hol%ing his we%%ing in Norway& he came to 'rocure those things for it in 3nglan% which it was %ifficult to get in Norway. <n autumn he ma%e rea%y for his return& but it was somewhat late before he was clear for seaA but at last he set out. $f his 7oyage all that can be tol% is& that the 7essel was lost& an% not a man esca'e%. Some relate that the 7essel was seen north of Caithness in the e7ening in a hea7y storm& an% the win% blowing out of 1entlan% ?irth. They who belie7e this re'ort say the 7essel %ro7e out among the breakers of the oceanA but with certainty 'eo'le knew only that 3arl Hakon was missing in the ocean& an% nothing belonging to the shi' e7er came to lan%. The same autumn some merchants came to Norway& who tol% the ti%ings that were going through the country of 3arl Hakon being missingA an% all men knew that he neither came to Norway nor to 3nglan% that autumn& so that Norway that winter was without a hea%.

19/. $? +G$2N TH3 .)2SH)-. +Born the marshal sat at home on his farm after his 'arting from King $laf. +Born was a celebrate% manA therefore it was soon re'orte% far an% wi%e that he ha% set himself %own in Fuietness. 3arl Hakon an% the other chiefs of the country hear% this also& an% sent 'ersons with a 7erbal message to +Born. =hen the messengers arri7e% +Born recei7e% them wellA an% afterwar%s +Born calle% them to him to a conference& an% aske% their business. He who was their foreman 'resente% to +Born the salutations of King Canute& 3arl Hakon& an% of se7eral chiefs. 6King Canute&6 says he& 6has hear% much of thee& an% that thou hast been long a follower of King $laf the Thick& an% hast been a great enemy of King CanuteA an% this he thinks not right& for he will be thy frien%& an% the frien% of all worthy men& if thou wilt turn from thy frien%shi' to King $laf an% become his enemy. )n% the only thing now thou canst %o is to seek frien%shi' an% 'rotection there where it is most rea%ily to be foun%& an% which all men in this northern worl% think it most honourable to be fa7oure% with. Ce who ha7e followe% $laf the Thick shoul% consi%er how he is now se'arate% from youA an% that now ye ha7e no ai% against King Canute an% his men& whose lan%s ye 'lun%ere% last summer& an% whose frien%s ye mur%ere%. Therefore ye ought to acce't& with thanks& the frien%shi' which the king offers youA an% it woul% become you better if you offere% money e7en in mulct to obtain it.6 =hen he ha% en%e% his s'eech +Born re'lies& 6< wish now to sit Fuietly at home& an% not to enter into the ser7ice of any chief.6 The messenger answers& 6Such men as thou art are Bust the right men to ser7e the kingA an% now < can tell thee there are Bust two things for thee to choose& either to %e'art in 'eace from thy

'ro'erty& an% wan%er about as thy comra%e $laf is %oingA or& which is e7i%ently better& to acce't King Canute4s an% 3arl Hakon4s frien%shi'& become their man& an% take the oaths of fealty to them. 2ecei7e now thy rewar%.6 )n% he %is'laye% to him a large bag full of 3nglish money. +Born was a man fon% of money& an% self intereste%A an% when he saw the sil7er he was silent& an% reflecte% with himself what resolution he shoul% take. <t seeme% to him much to aban%on his 'ro'erty& as he %i% not think it 'robable that King $laf woul% e7er ha7e a rising in his fa7our in Norway. Now when the messenger saw that +Born4s inclinations were turne% towar%s the money& he threw %own two thick gol% rings& an% sai%& 6Take the money at once& +Born& an% swear the oaths to King CanuteA for < can 'romise thee that this money is but a trifle& com'are% to what thou wilt recei7e if thou followest King Canute.6 +y the hea' of money& the fine 'romises& an% the great 'resents& he was le% by co7etousness& took the money& went into King Canute4s ser7ice& an% ga7e the oaths of fealty to King Canute an% 3arl Hakon& an% then the messengers %e'arte%.

197. +G$2N TH3 .)2SH)-4S G$@2N3C. =hen +Born hear% the ti%ings that 3arl Hakon was missing he soon altere% his min%& an% was much 7eDe% with himself for ha7ing been a traitor in his fi%elity to King $laf. He thought& now& that he was free% from the oath by which he ha% boun% himself to 3arl Hakon. <t seeme% to +Born that now there was some ho'e that King $laf might again come to the throne of Norway if he came back& as the country was without a hea%. +Born therefore imme%iately ma%e himself rea%y to tra7el& an% took some men with him. He then set out on his Bourney& tra7elling night an% %ay& on horseback when he coul%& an% by shi' when he foun% occasionA an% ne7er halte% until he came& after Cule& east to 2ussia to King $laf& who was 7ery gla% to see +Born. Then the king inFuire% much about the news from Norway. +Born tells him that 3arl Hakon was missing& an% the king%om left without a hea%. )t this news the men who ha% followe% King $laf were 7ery gla%& all who ha% left 'ro'erty& connections& an% frien%s in NorwayA an% the longing for home was awakene% in them. +Born tol% King $laf much news from Norway& an% 7ery anDious the king was to know& an% aske% much how his frien%s ha% ke't their fi%elity towar%s him. +Born answere%& it ha% gone %ifferently with %ifferent 'eo'le. Then +Born stoo% u'& fell at the king4s feet& hel% his foot& an% sai%& 6)ll is in your 'ower& sire& an% in ;o%4sK < ha7e taken money from King Canute4s men& an% sworn them the oaths of fealtyA but now will < follow thee& an% not 'art from thee so long as we both li7e.6 The king re'lies& 6Stan% u'& +Born4 thou shalt be reconcile% with meA but reconcile thy 'erBury with ;o%. < can see that but few men in Norway ha7e hel% fast by their fealty& when such men as thou art coul% be false to me. +ut true it is also that 'eo'le

sit in great %anger when < am %istant& an% they are eD'ose% to the wrath of my enemies.6 +Born then reckone% u' those who ha% 'rinci'ally boun% themsel7es to rise in hostility against the king an% his menA an% name%& among others& 3rling4s son in Ga%ar an% their connections& 3inar Tambaskelfer& Kalf )rnason& Thorer Hun%& an% Harek of ThBotta.

19(. $? K<N; $-)?. )fter King $laf came to 2ussia he was 7ery thoughtful& an% weighe% what counsel he now shoul% follow. King Garisleif an% Hueen <ngeger% offere% him to remain with them& an% recei7e a king%om calle% >ulgaria& which is a 'art of 2ussia& an% in which lan% the 'eo'le were still heathen. King $laf thought o7er this offerA but when he 'ro'ose% it to his men they %issua%e% him from settling himself there& an% urge% the king to betake himself to Norway to his own king%om5 but the king himself ha% resol7e% almost in his own min% to lay %own his royal %ignity& to go out into the worl% to Gerusalem& or other holy 'laces& an% to enter into some or%er of monks. +ut yet the thought lay %ee' in his soul to reco7er again& if there shoul% be any o''ortunity for him& his king%om in Norway. =hen he thought o7er this& it recurre% to his min% how all things ha% gone 'ros'erously with him %uring the first ten years of his reign& an% how afterwar%s e7ery thing he un%ertook became hea7y& %ifficult& an% har%A an% that he ha% been unlucky& on all occasions in which he ha% trie% his luck. $n this account he %oubte% if it woul% be 'ru%ent to %e'en% so much u'on his luck& as to go with so little strength into the han%s of his enemies& seeing that all the 'eo'le of the country ha% taken 'art with them to o''ose King $laf. Such cares he ha% often on his min%& an% he left his cause to ;o%& 'raying that He woul% %o what to Him seeme% best. These thoughts he turne% o7er in his min%& an% knew not what to resol7e u'onA for he saw how e7i%ently %angerous that was which his inclination was most bent u'on.

199. $? K<N; $-)?4S *23).. $ne night the king lay awake in his be%& thinking with great anDiety about his %etermination& an% at last& being tire% of thinking& slee' came o7er him towar%s morningA but his slee' was so light that he thought he was awake& an% coul% see all that was %oing in the house. Then he saw a great an% su'erb man& in s'len%i% clothes& stan%ing by his be%A an% it came into the king4s min% that this was King $laf Tryg7ason who ha% come to him. This man sai% to him& 6Thou are 7ery sick of thinking about thy future resolutionsA an% it a''ears to me won%erful that these thoughts shoul% be so tumultuous in thy soul that thou shoul%st e7en think of laying %own the kingly %ignity which ;o% hath gi7en thee& an% of remaining here an% acce'ting of a king%om from foreign an% unknown kings. ;o back rather to that king%om which thou hast recei7e% in heritage& an% rule o7er it with the

strength which ;o% hath gi7en thee& an% let not thy inferiors take it from thee. <t is the glory of a king to be 7ictorious o7er his enemies& an% it is a glorious %eath to %ie in battle. $r art thou %oubtful if thou hast right on thy si%e in the strife with thine enemiesL Thou must ha7e no %oubts& an% must not conceal the truth from thyself. Thou must go back to thy country& an% ;o% will gi7e o'en testimony that the king%om is thine by 'ro'erty.6 =hen the king awoke he thought he saw the man4s shoul%ers going out. ?rom this time the king4s courage rose& an% he fiDe% firmly his resolution to return to NorwayA to which his inclination also ten%e% most& an% which he also foun% was the %esire of all his men. He bethought himself also that the country being without a chief coul% be easily attacke%& from what he ha% hear%& an% that after he came himself many woul% turn back towar%s him. =hen the king tol% his %etermination to his 'eo'le they all ga7e it their a''robation Boyfully.

!99. $? K<N; $-)?4S H3)-<N; 1$=32S. <t is relate% that once u'on a time& while King $laf was in 2ussia& it ha''ene% that the son of an honest wi%ow ha% a sore boil u'on his neck& of which the la% lay 7ery illA an% as he coul% not swallow any foo%& there was little ho'e of his life. The boy4s mother went to Hueen <ngeger%& with whom she was acFuainte%& an% showe% her the la%. The Fueen sai% she knew no reme%y for it. 6;o&6 sai% she& 6to King $laf& he is the best 'hysician hereA an% beg him to lay his han%s on thy la%& an% bring him my wor%s if he will not otherwise %o it.6 She %i% as the Fueen tol% herA an% when she foun% the king she says to him that her son is %angerously ill of a boil in his neck& an% begs him to lay his han% on the boil. The king tells her he is not a 'hysician& an% bi%s her go to where there were 'hysicians. She re'lies& that the Fueen ha% tol% her to come to himA 6an% tol% me to a%% the reFuest from her& that you woul% woul% use the reme%y you un%erstoo%& an% she sai% that thou art the best 'hysician here in the town.6 Then the king took the la%& lai% his han%s u'on his neck& an% felt the boil for a long time& until the boy ma%e a 7ery wry face. Then the king took a 'iece of brea%& lai% it in the figure of the cross u'on the 'alm of his han%& an% 'ut it into the boy4s mouth. He swallowe% it %own& an% from that time all the soreness left his neck& an% in a few %ays he was Fuite well& to the great Boy of his mother an% all his relations. Then first came $laf into the re'ute of ha7ing as much healing 'ower in his han%s as is ascribe% to men who ha7e been gifte% by nature with healing by the touchA an% afterwar%s when his miracles were uni7ersally acknowle%ge%& this also was consi%ere% one of his miracles.

!91. K<N; $-)? +@2NS TH3 =$$* SH)><N;S $N H<S H)N* ?$2 H<S S)++)TH +23)CH. <t ha''ene% one Sun%ay that the king sat in his highseat at the %inner table& an% ha% fallen into such %ee' thought that he %i%

not obser7e how time went. <n one han% he ha% a knife& an% in the other a 'iece of fir woo% from which he cut s'linters from time to time. The table ser7ant stoo% before him with a bowl in his han%sA an% seeing what the king was about& an% that he was in7ol7e% in thought& he sai%& 6<t is .on%ay& sire& to morrow.6 The king looke% at him when he hear% this& an% then it came into his min% what he was %oing on the Sun%ay. Then the king or%ere% a lighte% can%le to be brought him& swe't together all the sha7ings he ha% ma%e& set them on fire& an% let them burn u'on his nake% han%A showing thereby that he woul% hol% fast by ;o%4s law an% comman%ment& an% not tres'ass without 'unishment on what he knew to be right.

!9!. $? K<N; $-)?. =hen King $laf ha% resol7e% on his return home& he ma%e known his intention to King Garisleif an% Hueen <ngeger%. They %issua%e% him from this eD'e%ition& an% sai% he shoul% recei7e as much 'ower in their %ominions as he thought %esirableA but begge% him not to 'ut himself within the reach of his enemies with so few men as he ha%. Then King $laf tol% them of his %reamA a%%ing& that he belie7e% it to be ;o%4s will an% 'ro7i%ence that it shoul% be so. Now when they foun% he was %etermine% on tra7elling to Norway& they offere% him all the assistance to his Bourney that he woul% acce't from them. The king thanke% them in many fine wor%s for their goo% willA an% sai% that he acce'te% from them& with no or%inary 'leasure& what might be necessary for his un%ertaking.

!9:. $? K<N; $-)?4S G$@2N3C ?2$. 2@SS<). <mme%iately after Cule ().*. 1989#& King $laf ma%e himself rea%yA an% ha% about !99 of his men with him. King Garisleif ga7e him all the horses& an% whate7er else he reFuire%A an% when he was rea%y he set off. King Garisleif an% Hueen <ngeger% 'arte% from him with all honourA an% he left his son .agnus behin% with the king. The first 'art of his Bourney& %own to the sea coast& King $laf an% his men ma%e on the iceA but as s'ring a''roache%& an% the ice broke u'& they rigge% their 7essels& an% when they were rea%y an% got a win% they set out to sea& an% ha% a goo% 7oyage. =hen $laf came to the islan% of ;otlan% with his shi's he hear% the news which was tol% as truth& both in S7ithBo%& *enmark& an% o7er all Norway that 3arl Hakon was missing& an% Norway without a hea%. This ga7e the king an% his men goo% ho'e of the issue of their Bourney. ?rom thence they saile%& when the win% suite%& to S7ithBo%& an% went into the .aelar lake& to )ros& an% sent men to the Swe%ish King $nun% a''ointing a meeting. King $nun% recei7e% his brother in law4s message in the kin%est manner& an% went to him accor%ing to his in7itation. )stri% also came to King $laf& with the men who ha% atten%e% herA an% great was the Boy on all si%es at this meeting. The Swe%ish king also recei7e% his brother in law King $laf with great Boy when they met.

!9". $? TH3 -3N*32.3N <N N$2=)C. Now we must relate what& in the meantime& was going on in Norway. Thorer Hun%& in these two winters ().*. 19!9 19:9#& ha% ma%e a -a'lan% Bourney& an% each winter ha% been a long time on the mountains& an% ha% gathere% to himself great wealth by tra%ing in 7arious wares with the -a'lan%ers. He ha% twel7e large coats of rein%eer skin ma%e for him& with so much -a'lan% witchcraft that no wea'on coul% cut or 'ierce them any more than if they were armour of ring mail& nor so much. The s'ring thereafter Thorer rigge% a long shi' which belonge% to him& an% manne% it with his house ser7ants. He summone% the bon%es& %eman%e% a le7y from the most northern Thing %istrict& collecte% in this way a great many 'eo'le& an% 'rocee%e% with this force southwar%s. Harek of ThBotta ha% also collecte% a great number of 'eo'leA an% in this eD'e%ition many 'eo'le of conseFuence took a 'art& although these two were the most %istinguishe%. They ma%e it known 'ublicly that with this war force they were going against King $laf& to %efen% the country against him& in case he shoul% come from the eastwar%.

!9(. $? 3<N)2 T).+)SK3-?32. 3inar Tambaskelfer ha% most influence in the outer 'art of the Thron%hBem country after 3arl Hakon4s %eath was no longer %oubtfulA for he an% his son 3in%ri%e a''eare% to be the nearest heirs to the mo7able 'ro'erty the earl ha% 'ossesse%. Then 3inar remembere% the 'romises an% offers of frien%shi' which King Canute ha% ma%e him at 'artingA an% he or%ere% a goo% 7essel which belonge% to him to be got rea%y& an% embarke% with a great retinue& an% when he was rea%y saile% southwar%s along the coast& then set out to sea westwar%s& an% saile% without sto''ing until he came to 3nglan%. He imme%iately waite% on King Canute& who recei7e% him well an% Boyfully. Then 3inar o'ene% his business to the king& an% sai% he was come there to see the fulfillment of the 'romises the king ha% ma%e himA namely& that he& 3inar& shoul% ha7e the highest title of honour in Norway if 3arl Hakon were no more. King Canute re'lies& that now the circumstances were altere%. 6< ha7e now&6 sai% he& 6sent men an% tokens to my son S7ein in *enmark& an% 'romise% him the king%om of NorwayA but thou shalt retain my frien%shi'& an% get the %ignity an% title which thou art entitle% by birth to hol%. Thou shalt be len%erman with great fiefs& an% be so much more raise% abo7e other len%ermen as thou art more able than they.6 3inar saw sufficiently how matters stoo% with regar% to his business& an% got rea%y to return homeA but as he now knew the king4s intentions& an% thought it 'robable if King $laf came from the 3ast the country woul% not be 7ery 'eaceable& it came into his min% that it woul% be better to 'rocee% slowly& an% not to be hastening his 7oyage& in or%er to fight against King $laf& without his being a%7ance% by it to any higher %ignity than he ha% before. 3inar accor%ingly went to sea when he was rea%yA but

only came to Norway after the e7ents were en%e% which took 'lace there %uring that summer.

!9/. $? TH3 CH<3? 13$1-3 <N N$2=)C. The chiefs in Norway ha% their s'ies east in S7ithBo%& an% south in *enmark& to fin% out if King $laf ha% come from 2ussia. )s soon as these men coul% get across the country& they hear% the news that King $laf was arri7e% in S7ithBo%A an% as soon as full certainty of this was obtaine%& the war message token went roun% the lan%. The whole 'eo'le were calle% out to a le7y& an% a great army was collecte%. The len%ermen who were from )g%er& 2ogalan%& an% Hor%alan%& %i7i%e% themsel7es& so that some went towar%s the north& an% some towar%s the eastA for they thought they reFuire% 'eo'le on both si%es. 3rling4s sons from Ga%ar went eastwar%& with all the men who li7e% east of them& an% o7er whom they were chiefsA )slak of ?iney& an% 3rlen% of ;er%e& with the len%ermen north of them& went towar%s the north. )ll those now name% ha% sworn an oath to King Canute to %e'ri7e $laf of life& if o''ortunity shoul% offer.

!97. $? H)2)-* S<;@2*S$N4S 12$C33*<N;S. Now when it was re'orte% in Norway that King $laf was come from the 3ast to S7ithBo%& his frien%s gathere% together to gi7e him ai%. The most %istinguishe% man in this flock was Haral% Sigur%son& a brother of King $laf& who then was fifteen years of age& 7ery stout& an% manly of growth as if he were full grown. .any other bra7e men were there alsoA an% there were in all /99 men when they 'rocee%e% from the u'lan%s& an% went eastwar% with their force through 3i% forest to >ermalan%. ?rom thence they went eastwar% through the forests to S7ithBo% an% ma%e inFuiry about King $laf4s 'rocee%ings.

!98. $? K<N; $-)?4S 12$C33*<N;S <N S><THG$*. King $laf was in S7ithBo% in s'ring ().*. 19:9#& an% ha% sent s'ies from thence to Norway. )ll accounts from that Fuarter agree% that there was no safety for him if he went there& an% the 'eo'le who came from the north %issua%e% him much from 'enetrating into the country. +ut he ha% firmly resol7e% within himself& as before state%& to go into NorwayA an% he aske% King $nun% what strength King $nun% woul% gi7e him to conFuer his king%om. King $nun% re'lie%& that the Swe%es were little incline% to make an eD'e%ition against Norway. 6=e know&6 says he& 6that the Northmen are rough an% warlike& an% it is %angerous to carry hostility to their %oors& but < will not be slow in telling thee what ai% < can gi7e. < will gi7e thee "99 chosen men from my court men& acti7e an% warlike& an% well eFui't for battleA an% moreo7er will gi7e thee lea7e to go through my country& an% gather to thyself as many men as thou canst get to

follow thee.6 King $laf acce'te% this offer& an% got rea%y for his march. Hueen )stri%& an% @lfhil% the king4s %aughter& remaine% behin% in S7ithBo%.

!99. K<N; $-)? )*>)NC3S T$ G)2N+32)-)N*. Gust as King $laf began his Bourney the men came to him whom the Swe%ish king ha% gi7en& in all "99 men& an% the king took the roa% the Swe%es showe% him. He a%7ance% u'war%s in the country to the forests& an% came to a %istrict calle% Garnberalan%. Here the 'eo'le Boine% him who ha% come out of Norway to meet him& as before relate%A an% he met here his brother Haral%& an% many other of his relations& an% it was a Boyful meeting. They ma%e out together 1!99 men.

!19. $? *); H2<N;S$N. There was a man calle% *ag& who is sai% to ha7e been a son of King Hring& who fle% the country from King $laf. This Hring& it is sai% further& ha% been a son of *ag& an% gran%son of Hring& Haral% Harfager4s son. Thus was *ag King $laf4s relati7e. +oth Hring the father& an% *ag the son& ha% settle% themsel7es in S7ithBo%& an% got lan% to rule o7er. <n s'ring& when $laf came from the 3ast to S7ithBo%& he sent a message to his relation *ag& that he shoul% Boin him in this eD'e%ition with all the force he coul% collectA an% if they gaine% the country of Norway again& *ag shoul% ha7e no smaller 'art of the king%om un%er him than his forefathers ha% enBoye%. =hen this message came to *ag it suite% his inclination well& for he ha% a great %esire to go to Norway an% get the %ominion his family ha% rule% o7er. He was not slow& therefore& to re'ly& an% 'romise% to come. *ag was a Fuick s'eaking& Fuick resol7ing man& miDing himself u' in e7erythingA eager& but of little un%erstan%ing. He collecte% a force of almost 1!99 men& with which he Boine% King $laf.

!11. $? K<N; $-)?4S G$@2N3C. King $laf sent a message before him to all the inhabite% 'laces he 'asse% through& that the men who wishe% to get goo%s an% money& an% share of booty& an% the lan%s besi%es which now were in the han%s of his enemies& shoul% come to him& an% follow him. Thereafter King $laf le% his army through forests& often o7er %esert moors& an% often o7er large lakesA an% they %ragge%& or carrie% the boats& from lake to lake. $n the way a great many followers Boine% the king& 'artly forest settlers& 'artly 7agabon%s. The 'laces at which he halte% for the night are since calle% $laf4s +ooths. He 'rocee%e% without any break u'on his Bourney until he came to Gamtalan%& from which he marche% north o7er the keel or ri%ge of the lan%. The men s'rea% themsel7es o7er the hamlets& an% 'rocee%e%& much scattere%& so long as no enemy was eD'ecte%A but always& when so %is'erse%& the Northmen

accom'anie% the king. *ag 'rocee%e% with his men on another line of march& an% the Swe%es on a thir% with their troo'.

!1!. $? >);)+$N* .3N. There were two men& the one calle% ;auka Thorer& the other )frafaste& who were 7agabon%s an% great robbers& an% ha% a com'any of thirty men such as themsel7es. These two men were larger an% stronger than other men& an% they wante% neither courage nor im'u%ence. These men hear% s'eak of the army that was crossing the country& an% sai% among themsel7es it woul% be a cle7er counsel to go to the king& follow him to his country& an% go with him into a regular battle& an% try themsel7es in this workA for they ha% ne7er been in any battle in which 'eo'le were regularly %rawn u' in line& an% they were curious to see the king4s or%er of battle. This counsel was a''ro7e% of by their comra%es& an% accor%ingly they went to the roa% on which King $laf was to 'ass. =hen they came there they 'resente% themsel7es to the king& with their followers& fully arme%. They salute% him& an% he aske% what 'eo'le they were. They tol% their names& an% sai% they were nati7es of the 'laceA an% tol% their erran%& an% that they wishe% to go with the king. The king sai%& it a''eare% to him there was goo% hel' in such folks. 6)n% < ha7e a great inclination&6 sai% he& 6to take suchA but are ye Christian menL6 ;auka Thorer re'lies& that he is neither Christian nor heathen. 6< an% my comra%es ha7e no faith but on oursel7es& our strength& an% the luck of 7ictoryA an% with this faith we sli' through sufficiently well.6 The king re'lies& 6) great 'ity it is that such bra7e slaughtering fellows %i% not belie7e in Christ their Creator.6 Thorer re'lies& 6<s there any Christian man& king& in thy following& who stan%s so high in the air as we two brothersL6 The king tol% them to let themsel7es be ba'tiEe%& an% to acce't the true faith. 6?ollow me then& an% < will a%7ance you to great %ignitiesA but if ye will not %o so& return to your former 7ocation.6 )frafaste sai% he woul% not take on Christianity& an% he turne% away. Then sai% ;auka Thorer& 6<t is a great shame that the king %ri7es us thus away from his army& an% < ne7er before came where < was not recei7e% into the com'any of other 'eo'le& an% < shall ne7er return back on this account.6 They Boine% accor%ingly the rear with other forest men& an% followe% the troo's. Thereafter the king 'rocee%e% west u' to the keel ri%ge of the country.

!1:. $? K<N; $-)?4S ><S<$N.

Now when King $laf& coming from the east& went o7er the keel ri%ge an% %escen%e% on the west si%e of the mountain& where it %eclines towar%s the sea& he coul% see from thence far o7er the country. .any 'eo'le ro%e before the king an% many after& an% he himself ro%e so that there was a free s'ace aroun% him. He was silent& an% nobo%y s'oke to him& an% thus he ro%e a great 'art of the %ay without looking much about him. Then the bisho' ro%e u' to him& aske% him why he was so silent& an% what he was thinking ofA for& in general& he was 7ery cheerful& an% 7ery talkati7e on a Bourney to his men& so that all who were near him were merry. The king re'lie%& full of thought& 6=on%erful things ha7e come into my min% a while ago. )s < Bust now looke% o7er Norway& out to the west from the mountains& it came into my min% how many ha''y %ays < ha7e ha% in that lan%. <t a''eare% to me at first as if < saw o7er all the Thron%hBem country& an% then o7er all NorwayA an% the longer this 7ision was before my eyes the farther& methought& < saw& until < looke% o7er the whole wi%e worl%& both lan% an% sea. =ell < know the 'laces at which < ha7e been in former %aysA some e7en which < ha7e only hear% s'eak of& an% some < saw of which < ha% ne7er hear%& both inhabite% an% uninhabite%& in this wi%e worl%.6 The bisho' re'lie% that this was a holy 7ision& an% 7ery remarkable.

!1". $? TH3 .<2)C-3 $N TH3 C$2N -)N*. =hen the king ha% come lower %own on the mountain& there lay a farm before him calle% Sula& on the highest 'art of >era%al %istrictA an% as they came nearer to the house the corn lan% a''eare% on both si%es of the 'ath. The king tol% his 'eo'le to 'rocee% carefully& an% not %estroy the corn to the bon%es. The 'eo'le obser7e% this when the king was nearA but the crow% behin% 'ai% no attention to it& an% the 'eo'le ran o7er the corn& so that it was tro%%en flat to the earth. There %welt a bon%e there calle% Thorgeir ?lek& who ha% two sons nearly grown u'. Thorgeir recei7e% the king an% his 'eo'le well& an% offere% all the assistance in his 'ower. The king was 'lease% with his offer& an% aske% Thorgeir what was the news of the country& an% if any forces were assemble% against him. Thorgeir says that a great army was %rawn together in the Thron%hBem country& an% that there were some len%ermen both from the south of the country& an% from Halogalan% in the northA 6but < %o not know&6 says he. 6if they are inten%e% against you& or going elsewhere.6 Then he com'laine% to the king of the %amage an% waste %one him by the 'eo'le breaking an% trea%ing %own all his corn fiel%s. The king sai% it was ill %one to bring u'on him any loss. Then the king ro%e to where the corn ha% stoo%& an% saw it was lai% flat on the earthA an% he ro%e roun% the fiel%& an% sai%& 6< eD'ect& bon%e& that ;o% will re'air thy loss& so that the fiel%& within a week& will be betterA6 an% it 'ro7e% the best of the corn& as the king ha% sai%. The king remaine% all night there& an% in the morning he ma%e himself rea%y& an% tol% Thorgeir the bon%e to accom'any him an% Thorgear offere% his two sons also for the BourneyA an% although the king sai% that he %i% not want them with him& the la%s woul% go. )s they woul% not stay behin%& the king4s court

men were about bin%ing themA but the king seeing it sai%& 6-et them come with usA the la%s will come safe back again.6 )n% it was with the la%s as the king foretol%.

!1(. $? TH3 +)1T<S. $? TH3 >);)+$N* ?$23ST .3N. Thereafter the army a%7ance% to Staf& an% when the king reache% Staf4s moor he halte%. There he got the certain information that the bon%es were a%7ancing with an army against him& an% that he might soon eD'ect to ha7e a battle with them. He mustere% his force here& an%& after reckoning them u'& foun% there were in the army 999 heathen men& an% when he came to know it he or%ere% them to allow themsel7es to be ba'tiEe%& saying that he woul% ha7e no heathens with him in battle. 6=e must not&6 says he& 6'ut our confi%ence in numbers& but in ;o% alone must we trustA for through his 'ower an% fa7our we must be 7ictorious& an% < will not miD heathen 'eo'le with my own.6 =hen the heathens hear% this& they hel% a council among themsel7es& an% at last "99 men agree% to be ba'tiEe%A but (99 men refuse% to a%o't Christianity& an% that bo%y returne% home to their lan%. Then the brothers ;auka Thorer an% )frafaste 'resente% themsel7es to the king& an% offere% again to follow him. The king aske% if they ha% now taken ba'tism. ;auka Thorer re'lie% that they ha% not. Then the king or%ere% them to acce't ba'tism an% the true faith& or otherwise to go away. They ste''e% asi%e to talk with each other on what resolution they shoul% take. )frafaste sai%& 6To gi7e my o'inion& < will not turn back& but go into the battle& an% take a 'art on the one si%e or the otherA an% < %on4t care much in which army < am.6 ;auka Thorer re'lies& 6<f < go into battle < will gi7e my hel' to the king& for he has most nee% of hel'. )n% if < must belie7e in a ;o%& why not in the white Christ as well as in any otherL Now it is my a%7ice& therefore& that we let oursel7es be ba'tiEe%& since the king insists so much u'on it& an% then go into the battle with him.6 They all agree% to this& an% went to the king& an% sai% they woul% recei7e ba'tism. Then they were ba'tiEe% by a 'riest& an% the ba'tism was confirme% by the bisho'. The king then took them into the troo' of his court men& an% sai% they shoul% fight un%er his banner in the battle.

!1/. K<N; $-)?4S S133CH. King $laf got certain intelligence now that it woul% be but a short time until he ha% a battle with the bon%esA an% after he ha% mustere% his men& an% reckone% u' the force& he ha% more than :999 men& which a''ears to be a great army in one fiel%. Then the king ma%e the following s'eech to the 'eo'le5 6=e ha7e a great army& an% eDcellent troo'sA an% now < will tell you& my men& how < will ha7e our force %rawn u'. < will let my banner go forwar% in the mi%%le of the army& an% my court men& an% 'ursui7ants shall follow it& together with the war forces that Boine% us from the @'lan%s& an% also those who may come to us here in the Thron%hBem lan%. $n the right han% of my banner

shall be *ag Hringson& with all the men he brought to our ai%A an% he shall ha7e the secon% banner. )n% on the left han% of our line shall the men be whom the Swe%ish king ga7e us& together with all the 'eo'le who came to us in Swe%enA an% they shall ha7e the thir% banner. < will also ha7e the 'eo'le %i7i%e themsel7es into %istinct flocks or 'arcels& so that relations an% acFuaintances shoul% be togetherA for thus they %efen% each other best& an% know each other. =e will ha7e all our men %istinguishe% by a mark& so as to be a fiel% token u'on their helmets an% shiel%s& by 'ainting the holy cross thereu'on with white colour. =hen we come into battle we shall all ha7e one countersign an% fiel% cry& I?orwar%& forwar%& Christian menK cross menK king4s menK4 =e must %raw u' our meal in thinner ranks& because we ha7e fewer 'eo'le& an% < %o not wish to let them surroun% us with their men. Now let the men %i7i%e themsel7es into se'arate flocks& an% then each flock into ranksA then let each man obser7e well his 'ro'er 'lace& an% take notice what banner he is %rawn u' un%er. )n% now we shall remain %rawn u' in arrayA an% our men shall be fully arme%& night an% %ay& until we know where the meeting shall be between us an% the bon%es.6 =hen the king ha% finishe% s'eaking& the army arraye%& an% arrange% itself accor%ing to the king4s or%ers.

!17. K<N; $-)?4S C$@NS3-. Thereafter the king ha% a meeting with the chiefs of the %ifferent %i7isions& an% then the men ha% returne% whom the king ha% sent out into the neighbouring %istricts to %eman% men from the bon%es. They brought the ti%ings from the inhabite% 'laces they ha% gone through& that all aroun% the country was stri''e% of all men able to carry arms& as all the 'eo'le ha% Boine% the bon%es4 armyA an% where they %i% fin% any they got but few to follow them& for the most of them answere% that they staye% at home because they woul% not follow either 'arty5 they woul% not go out against the king& nor yet against their own relations. Thus they ha% got but few 'eo'le. Now the king aske% his men their counsel& an% what they now shoul% %o. ?in )rnason answere% thus to the king4s Fuestion5 6< will say what shoul% be %one& if < may a%7ise. =e shoul% go with arme% han% o7er all the inhabite% 'laces& 'lun%er all the goo%s& an% burn all the habitations& an% lea7e not a hut stan%ing& an% thus 'unish the bon%es for their treason against their so7ereign. < think many a man will then cast himself loose from the bon%es4 army& when he sees smoke an% flame at home on his farm& an% %oes not know how it is going with chil%ren& wi7es. or ol% men& fathers& mothers& an% other connections. < eD'ect also&6 he a%%e%& 6that if we succee% in breaking the assemble% host& their ranks will soon be thinne%A for so it is with the bon%es& that the counsel which is the newest is always the %earest to them all& an% most followe%.6 =hen ?in ha% en%e% his s'eech it met with general a''lauseA for many thought well of such a goo% occasion to make booty& an% all thought the bon%es well %eser7e% to suffer %amageA an% they also thought it 'robable& what ?in sai%& that many woul% in this way be brought to forsake the assemble% army of the bon%es.

Now when the king hear% the warm eD'ressions of his 'eo'le he tol% them to listen to him& an% sai%& 6The bon%es ha7e well %eser7e% that it shoul% be %one to them as ye %esire. They also know that < ha7e formerly %one so& burning their habitations& an% 'unishing them se7erely in many waysA but then < 'rocee%e% against them with fire an% swor% because they reBecte% the true faith& betook themsel7es to sacrifices& an% woul% not obey my comman%s. =e ha% then ;o%4s honour to %efen%. +ut this treason against their so7ereign is a much less grie7ous crime& although it %oes not become men who ha7e any manhoo% in them to break the faith an% 7ows they ha7e sworn to me. Now& howe7er& it is more in my 'ower to s'are those who ha7e %ealt ill with me& than those whom ;o% hate%. < will& therefore& that my 'eo'le 'rocee% gently& an% commit no ra7age. ?irst& < will 'rocee% to meet the bon%esA if we can then come to a reconciliation& it is wellA but if they will fight with us& then there are two things before usA either we fail in the battle& an% then it will be well a%7ise% not to ha7e to retire encumbere% with s'oil an% cattleA or we gain the 7ictory& an% then ye will be the heirs of all who fight now against usA for some will fall& an% others will fly& but both will ha7e forfeite% their goo%s an% 'ro'erties& an% then it will be goo% to enter into full houses an% well stocke% farmsA but what is burnt is of use to no man& an% with 'illage an% force more is waste% than what turns to use. Now we will s'rea% out far through the inhabite% 'laces& an% take with us all the men we can fin% able to carry arms. Then men will also ca'ture cattle for slaughter& or whate7er else of 'ro7ision that can ser7e for foo%A but not %o any other ra7age. +ut < will see willingly that ye kill any s'ies of the bon%e army ye may fall in with. *ag an% his 'eo'le shall go by the north si%e %own along the 7alley& an% < will go on along the country roa%& an% so we shall meet in the e7ening& an% all ha7e one night Fuarter.6

!18. $? K<N; $-)?4S SK)-*S. <t is relate% that when King $laf %rew u' his men in battle or%er& he ma%e a shiel% ram'art with his troo' that shoul% %efen% him in battle& for which he selecte% the strongest an% bol%est. Thereafter he calle% his skal%s& an% or%ere% them to go in within the shiel% %efence. 6Ce shall.6 says the king& 6remain here& an% see the circumstances which may take 'lace& an% then ye will not ha7e to follow the re'orts of others in what ye afterwar%s tell or sing concerning it.6 There were Thormo% Kolbrunarskal%& ;issur ;ulbraskal%& a foster son of Hofgar%aref& an% Thorfin .un. Then sai% Thormo% to ;issur& 6-et us not stan% so close together& brother& that Sig7at the skal% shoul% not fin% room when he comes. He must stan% before the king& an% the king will not ha7e it otherwise.6 The king hear% this& an% sai%& 6Ce nee% not sneer at Sig7at& because he is not here. $ften has he followe% me well& an% now he is 'raying for us& an% that we greatly nee%.6 Thormo% re'lies& 6<t may be& sire& that ye now reFuire 'rayers mostA but it woul% be thin aroun% the banner staff if all thy court men were now on the way to 2ome. True it was what we s'oke about& that no man who woul% s'eak with you coul% fin% room for Sig7at.6

Thereafter the skal%s talke% among themsel7es that it woul% be well to com'ose a few songs of remembrance about the e7ents which woul% soon be taking 'lace. Then ;issur sang5 6?rom me shall ben%e girl ne7er hear ) thought of sorrow& care& or fear5 < wish my girl knew how gay =e arm us for our 7iking fray. .any an% bra7e they are& we know& =ho come against us there belowA +ut& life or %eath& we& one an% all& +y Norway4s king will stan% or fall.6 )n% Thorfin .un ma%e another song& 7iE.5 6*ark is the clou% of men an% shiel%s& Slow mo7ing u' through >er%al4s fiel%s5 These >er%al folks 'resume to bring Their arme% force against their king. $nK let us fee% the carrion crow& ;i7e her a feast in e7ery blowA )n%& abo7e all& let Thron%hBem4s hor%es ?eel the shar' e%ge of true men4s swor%s.6 )n% Thorroo% sang5 6The whistling arrows 'i'e to battle& Swor% an% shiel% their war call rattle. @'K bra7e men& u'K the faint heart here ?in%s courage when the %anger4s near. @'K bra7e men& u'K with $laf onK =ith heart an% han% a fiel% is won. $ne 7iking cheerK then& stea% of wor%s& =e4ll s'eak with our %eath %ealing swor%s.6 These songs were imme%iately got by heart by the army.

!19. $? K<N; $-)?4S ;<?TS ?$2 TH3 S$@-S $? TH$S3 =H$ SH$@-* +3 S-)<N. Thereafter the king ma%e himself rea%y& an% marche% %own through the 7alley. His whole forces took u' their night Fuarter in one 'lace& an% lay %own all night un%er their shiel%sA but as soon as %ay broke the king again 'ut his army in or%er& an% that being %one they 'rocee%e% %own through the 7alley. .any bon%es then came to the king& of whom the most Boine% his armyA an% all& as one man& tol% the same tale& that the len%ermen ha% collecte% an enormous army& with which they inten%e% to gi7e battle to the king. The king took many marks of sil7er& an% %eli7ere% them into the han%s of a bon%e& an% sai%& 6This money thou shalt conceal& an%

afterwar%s lay out& some to churches& some to 'riests& some to alms men& as gifts for the life an% souls of those who fight against us& an% may fall in battle.6 The bon%e re'lies& 6Shoul% you not rather gi7e this money for the soul mulct of your own menL6 The king says& 6This money shall be gi7en for the souls of those who stan% against us in the ranks of the bon%es4 army& an% fall by the wea'ons of our own men. The men who follow us to battle& an% fall therein& will all be sa7e% together with ourself.6

!!9. $? TH$2.$* K$-+2@N)2SK)-*. This night the king lay with his army aroun% him on the fiel%& as before relate%& an% lay long awake in 'rayer to ;o%& an% sle't but little. Towar%s morning a slumber fell on him& an% when he awoke %aylight was shooting u'. The king thought it too early to awaken the army& an% aske% where Thormo% the skal% was. Thormo% was at han%& an% aske% what was the king4s 'leasure. 6Sing us a song&6 sai% the king. Thormo% raise% himself u'& an% sang so lou% that the whole army coul% hear him. He began to sing the ol% 6+Barkamal6& of which these are the first 7erses5 6The %ay is breaking& The house cock& shaking His rustling wings& =hile 'riest bell rings& Crows u' the morn& )n% touting horn =akes thralls to work an% wee'A Ce sons of )%il& cast off slee'& =ake u'K wake u'K Nor wassail cu'& Nor mai%en4s Beer& )waits you here. Hrolf of the bowK Har of the blowK @' in your mightK the %ay is breakingA 4Tis Hil%4s game (1# that bi%es your waking.6 Then the troo's awoke& an% when the song was en%e% the 'eo'le thanke% him for itA an% it 'lease% many& as it was suitable to the time an% occasion& an% they calle% it the house carle4s whet. The king thanke% him for the 'leasure& an% took a gol% ring that weighe% half a mark an% ga7e it him. Thormo% thanke% the king for the gift& an% sai%& 6=e ha7e a goo% kingA but it is not easy to say how long the king4s life may be. <t is my 'rayer& sire& that thou shoul%st ne7er 'art from me either in life or %eath.6 The king re'lies& 6=e shall all go together so long as < rule& an% as ye will follow me.6 Thormo% says& 6< ho'e& sire& that whether in safety or %anger < may stan% near you as long as < can stan%& whate7er we may hear of Sig7at tra7elling with his gol% hilte% swor%.6 Then Thormo%

ma%e these lines5 6To thee& my king& <4ll still be true& @ntil another skal% < 7iew& Here in the fiel% with gol%en swor%& )s in thy hall& with flattering wor%. Thy skal% shall ne7er be a cra7en& Though he may feast the croaking ra7en& The warrior4s fate unmo7e% < 7iew& To thee& my king& <4ll still be true.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Hil%4s game is the battle& from the name of the war go%%ess Hil%. -.

!!1. K<N; $-)? C$.3S T$ ST<K-3ST)*. King $1af le% his army farther %own through the 7alley& an% *ag an% his men went another way& an% the king %i% not halt until he came to Stiklesta%. There he saw the bon%e army s'rea% out all aroun%A an% there were so great numbers that 'eo'le were going on e7ery foot'ath& an% great crow%s were collecte% far an% near. They also saw there a troo' which came %own from >era%al& an% ha% been out to s'y. They came so close to the king4s 'eo'le that they knew each other. <t was Hrut of >iggia& with thirty men. The king or%ere% his 'ursui7ants to go out against Hrut& an% make an en% of him& to which his men were instantly rea%y. The king sai% to the <celan%ers& 6<t is tol% me that in <celan% it is the custom that the bon%es gi7e their house ser7ants a shee' to slaughterA now < gi7e you a ram to slaughter (1#. The <celan%ers were easily in7ite% to this& an% went out imme%iately with a few men against Hrut& an% kille% him an% the troo' that followe% him. =hen the king came to Stiklesta% he ma%e a halt& an% ma%e the army sto'& an% tol% his 'eo'le to alight from their horses an% get rea%y for battleA an% the 'eo'le %i% as the king or%ere%. Then he 'lace% his army in battle array& an% raise% his banner. *ag was not yet arri7e% with his men& so that his wing of the battle array was wanting. Then the king sai% the @'lan% men shoul% go forwar% in their 'lace& an% raise their banner there. 6<t a''ears to me a%7isable&6 says the king& 6that Haral% my brother shoul% not be in the battle& for he is still in the years of chil%hoo% only.6 Haral% re'lies& 6Certainly < shall be in the battle& for < am not so weak that < cannot han%le the swor%A an% as to that& < ha7e a notion of tying the swor% han%le to my han%. None is more willing than < am to gi7e the bon%es a blowA so < shall go with my comra%es.6 <t is sai% that Haral% ma%e these lines5 6$ur army4s wing& where < shall stan%& < will hol% goo% with heart an% han%A .y mother4s eye shall Boy to see ) battere%& bloo% staine% shiel% from me. The brisk young skal% shoul% gaily go <nto the fray& gi7e blow for blow&

Cheer on his men& gain inch by inch& )n% from the s'ear 'oint ne7er flinch.6 Haral% got his will& an% was allowe% to be in the battle. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Hrut means a young ram.

-.

!!!. $? TH$2;<-S H)-.)S$N. ) bon%e& by name Thorgils Halmason& father to ;rim the ;oo%& %welt in Stiklesta% farm. Thorgils offere% the king his assistance& an% was rea%y to go into battle with him. The king thanke% him for the offer. 6< woul% rather&6 says the king& 6thou shoul%st not be in the fight. *o us rather the ser7ice to take care of the 'eo'le who are woun%e%& an% to bury those who may fall& when the battle is o7er. Shoul% it ha''en& bon%e& that < fall in this battle& bestow the care on my bo%y that may be necessary& if that be not forbi%%en thee.6 Thorgils 'romise% the king what he %esire%.

!!:. $-)?4S S133CH. Now when King $laf ha% %rawn u' his army in battle array he ma%e a s'eech& in which he tol% the 'eo'le to raise their s'irit& an% go bol%ly forwar%& if it came to a battle. 6=e ha7e&6 says he& 6many men& an% goo%A an% although the bon%es may ha7e a somewhat larger force than we& it is fate that rules o7er 7ictory. This < will make known to you solemnly& that < shall not fly from this battle& but shall either be 7ictorious o7er the bon%es& or fall in the fight. < will 'ray to ;o% that the lot of the two may befall me which will be most to my a%7antage. =ith this we may encourage oursel7es& that we ha7e a more Bust cause than the bon%esA an% likewise that ;o% must either 'rotect us an% our cause in this battle& or gi7e us a far higher recom'ense for what we may lose here in the worl% than what we oursel7es coul% ask. Shoul% it be my lot to ha7e anything to say after the battle& then shall < rewar% each of you accor%ing to his ser7ice& an% to the bra7ery he %is'lays in the battleA an% if we gain the 7ictory& there must be lan% an% mo7ables enough to %i7i%e among you& an% which are now in the han%s of your enemies. -et us at the first make the har%est onset& for then the conseFuences are soon seen. There being a great %ifference in the numbers& we ha7e to eD'ect 7ictory from a shar' assault onlyA an%& on the other han%& it will be hea7y work for us to fight until we are tire%& an% unable to fight longerA for we ha7e fewer 'eo'le to relie7e with than they& who can come forwar% at one time an% retreat an% rest at another. +ut if we a%7ance so har% at the first attack that those who are foremost in their ranks must turn roun%& then the one will fall o7er the other& an% their %estruction will be the greater the greater numbers there are together.6 =hen the king ha% en%e% his s'eech it was recei7e%

with lou% a''lause& an% the one encourage% the other.

!!". $? TH$2* ?$-)S$N. Thor% ?olason carrie% King $laf4s banner. So says Sig7at the skal%& in the %eath song which he com'ose% about King $laf& an% 'ut together accor%ing to resurrection saga5 6Thor%. < ha7e hear%& by $laf4s si%e& =here rage% the battle4s wil%est ti%e& .o7e% on& an%& as by one accor% .o7e% with them e7ery heart an% swor%. The banner of the king on high& ?loating all s'len%i% in the sky ?rom gol%en shaft& aloft he bore& The Norsemen4s rallying 'oint of yore.6

!!(. $? K<N; $-)?4S )2.$@2. King $laf was arme% thus5 He ha% a gol% mounte% helmet on his hea%A an% ha% in one han% a white shiel%& on which the holy cross was inlai% in gol%. <n his other han% he ha% a lance& which to the 'resent %ay stan%s besi%e the altar in Christ Church. <n his belt he ha% a swor%& which was calle% Hneiter& which was remarkably shar'& an% of which the han%le was worke% with gol%. He ha% also a strong coat of ring mail. Sig7at the skal%& s'eaks of this5 6) greater 7ictory to gain& $laf the Stout stro%e o4er the 'lain <n strong chain armour& ai% to bring To his bra7e men on either wing. High rose the fight an% battle heat& the clear bloo% ran beneath the feet $f Swe%es& who from the 3ast came there& <n $laf4s gain or loss to share.6

!!/. K<N; $-)?4S *23).. Now when King $laf ha% %rawn u' his men the army of the bon%es ha% not yet come near u'on any Fuarter& so the king sai% the 'eo'le shoul% sit %own an% rest themsel7es. He sat %own himself& an% the 'eo'le sat aroun% him in a wi%es'rea% crow%. He leane% %own& an% lai% his hea% u'on ?in )rnason4s knee. There a slumber came u'on him& an% he sle't a little whileA but at the same time the bon%es4 army was seen a%7ancing with raise% banners& an% the multitu%e of these was 7ery great. Then ?in awakene% the king& an% sai% that the bon%e army a%7ance% against them.

The king awoke& an% sai%& 6=hy %i% you waken me& ?in& an% %i% not allow me to enBoy my %reamL6 ?in5 6Thou must not be %reamingA but rather thou shoul%st be awake& an% 're'aring thyself against the host which is coming %own u'on usA or& %ost thou not see that the whole bon%e crow% is comingL6 The king re'lies& 6They are not yet so near to us& an% it woul% ha7e been better to ha7e let me slee'.6 Then sai% ?in& 6=hat was the %ream& sire& of which the loss a''ears to thee so great that thou woul%st rather ha7e been left to waken of thyselfL6 Now the king tol% his %ream& that he seeme% to see a high la%%er& u'on which he went so high in the air that hea7en was o'en5 for so high reache% the la%%er. 6)n% when you awoke me& < was come to the highest ste' towar%s hea7en.6 ?in re'lies& 6This %ream %oes not a''ear to me so goo% as it %oes to thee. < think it means that thou art fey (1#A unless it be the mere want of slee' that has worke% u'on thee.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# ?ey means %oome% to %ie.

!!7. $? )2N-G$T ;3--<N34S +)1T<S.. =hen King $laf was arri7e% at Stiklesta%& it ha''ene%& among other circumstances& that a man came to himA an% although it was nowise won%erful that there came many men from the %istricts& yet this must be regar%e% as unusual& that this man %i% not a''ear like the other men who came to him. He was so tall that none stoo% higher than u' to his shoul%ers5 7ery han%some he was in countenance& an% ha% beautiful fair hair. He was well arme%A ha% a fine helmet& an% ring armourA a re% shiel%A a su'erb swor% in his beltA an% in his han% a gol% mounte% s'ear& the shaft of it so thick that it was a han%ful to gras'. The man went before the king& salute% him& an% aske% if the king woul% acce't his ser7ices. The king aske% his name an% family& also what countryman he was. He re'lies& 6.y family is in Gamtalan% an% HelsingBalan%& an% my name is )rnlBot ;ellineA but this < must not forget to tell you& that < came to the assistance of those men you sent to Gamtalan% to collect scat& an% < ga7e into their han%s a sil7er %ish& which < sent you as a token that < woul% be your frien%.6 Then the king aske% )rnlBot if he was a Christian or not. He re'lie%& 6.y faith has been this& to rely u'on my 'ower an% strength& an% which faith hath hitherto gi7en me satisfactionA but now < inten% rather to 'ut my faith& sire& in thee.6

The king re'lies& 6<f thou wilt 'ut faith in me thou must also 'ut faith in what < will teach thee. Thou must belie7e that Gesus Christ has ma%e hea7en an% earth& an% all mankin%& an% to him shall all those who are goo% an% rightly belie7ing go after %eath.6 )rnlBot answers& 6< ha7e in%ee% hear% of the white Christ& but neither know what he 'ro'oses& nor what he rules o7erA but now < will belie7e all that thou sayest to me& an% lay %own my lot in your han%s.6 Thereu'on )rnlBot was ba'tiEe%. The king taught him so much of the holy faith as a''eare% to him nee%ful& an% 'lace% him in the front rank of the or%er of battle& in a%7ance of his banner& where also ;auka Thorer an% )frafaste& with their men& were.

!!8. C$NC32N<N; TH3 )2.C C$--3CT3* <N N$2=)C. Now shall we relate what we ha7e left behin% in our tale& that the len%ermen an% bon%es ha% collecte% a 7ast host as soon as it was re'orte% that King $laf was come from 2ussia& an% ha% arri7e% in S7ithBo%A but when they hear% that he ha% come to Gamtalan%& an% inten%e% to 'rocee% westwar%s o7er the keel ri%ge to >era%al& they brought their forces into the Thron%hBem country& where they gathere% together the whole 'eo'le& free an% unfree& an% 'rocee%e% towar%s >era%al with so great a bo%y of men that there was nobo%y in Norway at that time who ha% seen so large a force assemble%. +ut the force& as it usually ha''ens in so great a multitu%e& consiste% of many %ifferent sorts of 'eo'le. There were many len%ermen& an% a great many 'owerful bon%esA but the great mass consiste% of labourers an% cottars. The chief strength of this army lay in the Thron%hBem lan%& an% it was the most warm in enmity an% o''osition to the king.

!!9. $? +<SH$1 S<;@2*. =hen King Canute ha%& as before relate%& lai% all Norway un%er his 'ower& he set 3arl Hakon to manage it& an% ga7e the earl a court bisho'& by name Sigur%& who was of *anish %escent& an% ha% been long with King Canute. This bisho' was of a 7ery hot tem'er& an% 'articularly obstinate& an% haughty in his s'eechA but su''orte% King Canute all he coul% in con7ersation& an% was a great enemy of King $laf. He was now also in the bon%es4 army& s'oke often before the 'eo'le& an% urge% them much to insurrection against King $laf.

!:9. +<SH$1 S<;@2*4S S133CH. )t a House thing& at which a great many 'eo'le were assemble%& the bisho' %esire% to be hear%& an% ma%e the following s'eech5

6Here are now assemble% a great many men& so that 'robably there will ne7er be o''ortunity in this 'oor country of seeing so great a nati7e armyA but it woul% be %esirable if this strength an% multitu%e coul% be a 'rotectionA for it will all be nee%e%& if this $laf %oes not gi7e o7er bringing war an% strife u'on you. ?rom his 7ery earliest youth he has been accustome% to 'lun%er an% kill5 for which 'ur'oses he %ro7e wi%ely aroun% through all countries& until he turne% at last against this& where he began to show hostilities against the men who were the best an% most 'owerfulA an% e7en against King Canute& whom all are boun% to ser7e accor%ing to their ability& an% in whose scat lan%s he set himself %own. He %i% the same to $laf the Swe%ish king. He %ro7e the earls S7ein an% Hakon away from their heritagesA an% was e7en most tyrannical towar%s his own connections& as he %ro7e all the kings out of the @'lan%s5 although& in%ee%& it was but Bust rewar% for ha7ing been false to their oaths of fealty to King Canute& an% ha7ing followe% this King $laf in all the folly he coul% in7entA so their frien%shi' en%e% accor%ing to their %eserts& by this king mutilating some of them& taking their king%oms himself& an% ruining e7ery man in the country who ha% an honourable name. Ce know yoursel7es how he has treate% the len%ermen& of whom many of the worthlest ha7e been mur%ere%& an% many oblige% to fly from their countryA an% how he has roame% far an% wi%e through the lan% with robber ban%s& burning an% 'lun%ering houses& an% killing 'eo'le. =ho is the man among us here of any consi%eration who has not some great inBury from him to a7engeL Now he has come hither with a foreign troo'& consisting mostly of forest men& 7agabon%s& an% such marau%ers. *o ye think he will now be more merciful to you& when he is roaming about with such a ba% crew& after committing %e7astations which all who followe% him %issua%e% him fromL Therefore it is now my a%7ice& that ye remember King Canute4s wor%s when he tol% you& if King $laf attem'te% to return to the country ye shoul% %efen% the liberty King Canute ha% 'romise% you& an% shoul% o''ose an% %ri7e away such a 7ile 'ack. Now the only thing to be %one is to a%7ance against them& an% cast forth these malefactors to the wol7es an% eagles& lea7ing their cor'ses on the s'ot they co7er& unless ye %rag them asi%e to out of the way corners in the woo%s or rocks. No man woul% be so im'ru%ent as to remo7e them to churches& for they are all robbers an% e7il %oers.6 =hen he ha% en%e% his s'eech it was haile% with the lou%est a''lause& an% all unanimously agree% to act accor%ing to his recommen%ation.

!:1. $? TH3 -3N*32.3N. The len%ermen who ha% come together a''ointe% meetings with each other& an% consulte% together how they shoul% %raw u' their troo's& an% who shoul% be their lea%er. Kalf )rnason sai% that Harek of ThBotta was best fitte% to be the chief of this army& for he was %escen%e% from Haral% Harfager4s race. 6The king also is 'articularly enrage% against him on account of the mur%er of ;rankel& an% therefore he woul% be eD'ose% to the se7erest fate if $laf reco7ere% the king%omA an% Harek withal is a man eD'erience% in battles& an% a man who %oes much for honour alone.6

Harek re'lies& that the men are best suite% for this who are in the flower of their age. 6< am now&6 says he& 6an ol% an% %ecaying man& not able to %o much in battle5 besi%es& there is near relationshi' between me an% King $lafA an% although he seems not to 'ut great 7alue u'on that tie& it woul% not beseem me to go as lea%er of the hostilities against him& before any other in this meeting. $n the other han%& thou& Thorer& art well suite% to be our chief in this battle against King $lafA an% thou hast %istinct groun%s for being so& both because thou hast to a7enge the %eath of thy relation& an% also hast been %ri7en by him as an outlaw from thy 'ro'erty. Thou hast also 'romise% King Canute& as well as thy connections& to a7enge the mur%er of thy relati7e )sbBornA an% %ost thou su''ose there e7er will be a better o''ortunity than this of taking 7engeance on $laf for all these insults an% inBuriesL6 Thorer re'lies thus to his s'eech5 6< %o not confi%e in myself so much as to raise the banner against King $laf& or& as chief& to lea% on this armyA for the 'eo'le of Thron%hBem ha7e the greatest 'art in this armament& an% < know well their haughty s'irit& an% that they woul% not obey me& or any other Halogalan% man& although < nee% not be remin%e% of my inBuries to be rouse% to 7engeance on King $laf. < remember well my hea7y loss when King $laf slew four men& all %istinguishe% both by birth an% 'ersonal FualitiesA namely& my brother4s son )sbBorn& my sister4s sons Thorer an% ;rBotgar%& an% their father $l7erA an% it is my %uty to take 7engeance for each man of them. < will not conceal that < ha7e selecte% ele7en of my house ser7ants for that 'ur'ose& an% of those who are the most %aringA an% < %o not think we shall be behin% others in eDchanging blows with King $laf& shoul% o''ortunity be gi7en.6

!:!. K)-? )2N)S$N4S S133CH. Then Kalf )rnason %esire% to s'eak. 6<t is highly necessary&6 says he& 6that this business we ha7e on han% %o not turn out a mockery an% chil% work& now that an army is collecte%. Something else is nee%ful& if we are to stan% battle with King $laf& than that each shoul% sho7e the %anger from himselfA for we must recollect that although King $laf has not many 'eo'le com'are% to this army of ours& the lea%er of them is intre'i%& an% the whole bo%y of them will be true to him& an% obe%ient in the battle. +ut if we who shoul% be the lea%ers of this army show any fear& an% will not encourage the army an% go at the hea% of it& it must ha''en that with the great bo%y of our 'eo'le the s'irit will lea7e their hearts& an% the neDt thing will be that each will seek his own safety. )lthough we ha7e now a great force assemble%& we shall fin% our %estruction certain& when we meet King $laf an% his troo's& if we& the chiefs of the 'eo'le& are not confi%ent in our cause& an% ha7e not the whole army confi%ently an% bra7ely going along with us. <f it cannot be so& we ha% better not risk a battleA an% then it is easy to see that nothing woul% be left us but to shelter oursel7es un%er King $laf4s mercy& howe7er har% it might be& as then we woul% be less

guilty than we now may a''ear to him to be. Cet < know there are men in his ranks who woul% secure my life an% 'eace if < woul% seek it. =ill ye now a%o't my 'ro'osal then shalt thou& frien% Thorer& an% thou& Harek& go un%er the banner which we will all of us raise u'& an% then follow. -et us all be s'ee%y an% %etermine% in the resolution we ha7e taken& an% 'ut oursel7es so at the hea% of the bon%es4 army that they see no %istrust in usA for then will the common man a%7ance with s'irit when we go merrily to work in 'lacing the army in battle or%er& an% in encouraging the 'eo'le to the strife.6 =hen Kalf ha% en%e% they all concurre% in what he 'ro'ose%& an% all woul% %o what Kalf thought of a%7antage. )ll %esire% Kalf to be the lea%er of the army& an% to gi7e each what 'lace in it he chose.

!::. H$= TH3 -3N*32.3N S3T @1 TH3<2 +)NN32S. Kalf )rnason then raise% his banner& an% %rew u' his house ser7ants along with Harek of ThBotta an% his men. Thorer Hun%& with his troo'& was at the hea% of the or%er of battle in front of the bannerA an% on both si%es of Thorer was a chosen bo%y of bon%es& all of them the most acti7e an% best arme% in the forces. This 'art of the array was long an% thick& an% in it were %rawn u' the Thron%hBem 'eo'le an% the Halogalan%ers. $n the right wing was another arrayA an% on the left of the main array were %rawn u' the men from 2ogalan%& Hor%alan%& the ?Bor% %istricts& an% Scgn& an% they ha% the thir% banner.

!:". $? TH$2ST3<N KN)22)2S.<*. There was a man calle% Thorstein Knarrarsmi%& who was a merchant an% master shi' car'enter& stout an% strong& 7ery 'assionate& an% a great manslayer. He ha% been in enmity against King $laf& who ha% taken from him a new an% large merchant 7essel he ha% built& on account of some manslaughter mulct& incurre% in the course of his mis%ee%s& which he owe% to the king. Thorstein& who was with the bon%es4 army& went forwar% in front of the line in which Thorer Hun% stoo%& an% sai%& 6Here < will be& Thorer& in your ranksA for < think& if < an% King $laf meet& to be the first to stri7e a wea'on at him& if < can get so near& to re'ay him for the robbery of the shi' he took from me& which was the best that e7er went on merchant 7oyage.6 Thorer an% his men recei7e% Thorstein& an% he went into their ranks.

!:(. $? TH3 1231)2)T<$NS $? TH3 +$N*3S. =hen the bon%es4 men an% array were %rawn u' the len%ermen a%%resse% the men& an% or%ere% them to take notice of the 'lace to which each man belonge%& un%er which banner each shoul% be& who there were in front of the banner& who were his si%e men& an%

that they shoul% be brisk an% Fuick in taking u' their 'laces in the arrayA for the army ha% still to go a long way& an% the array might be broken in the course of march. Then they encourage% the 'eo'leA an% Kalf in7ite% all the men who ha% any inBury to a7enge on King $laf to 'lace themsel7es un%er the banner which was a%7ancing against King $laf4s own banner. They shoul% remember the %istress he ha% brought u'on themA an%& he sai%& ne7er was there a better o''ortunity to a7enge their grie7ances& an% to free themsel7es from the yoke an% sla7ery he ha% im'ose% on them. 6-et him&6 says he& 6be hel% a useless cowar% who %oes not fight this %ay bol%lyA an% they are not innocents who are o''ose% to you& but 'eo'le who will not s'are you if ye s'are them.6 Kalf4s s'eech was recei7e% with lou% a''lause& an% shouts of encouragement were hear% through the whole army.

!:/. $? TH3 K<N;4S )N* TH3 +$N*3S4 )2.<3S. Thereafter the bon%es4 army a%7ance% to Stiklesta%& where King $laf was alrea%y with his 'eo'le. Kalf an% Harek went in front& at the hea% of the army un%er their banners. +ut the battle %i% not begin imme%iately on their meetingA for the bon%es %elaye% the assault& because all their men were not come u'on the 'lain& an% they waite% for those who came after them. Thorer Hun% ha% come u' with his troo' the last& for he ha% to take care that the men %i% not go off behin% when the battlecry was raise%& or the armies were closing with each otherA an% therefore Kalf an% Harek waite% for Thorer. ?or the encouragement of their men in the battle the bon%es ha% the fiel% cry 6?orwar%& forwar%& bon%emenK6 King $laf also ma%e no attack& for he waite% for *ag an% the 'eo'le who followe% him. )t last the king saw *ag an% his men a''roaching. <t is sai% that the army of the bon%es was not less on this %ay than a hun%re% times a hun%re% men. Sig7at the skal% s'eaks thus of the numbers5 6< grie7e to think the king ha% brought Too small a force for what he sought5 He hel% his gol% too fast to bring The numbers that coul% make him king. The foemen& more than two to one& The 7ictory by numbers wonA )n% this alone& as <47e hear% say& )gainst King $laf turne% the %ay.6

!:7. .33T<N; $? TH3 K<N; )N* TH3 +$N*3S. )s the armies on both si%es stoo% so near that 'eo'le knew each other& the king sai%& 6=hy art thou here& Kalf& for we 'arte% goo% frien%s south in .oreL <t beseems thee ill to fight against us& or to throw a s'ear into our armyA for here are four of thy brothers.6 Kalf re'lie%& 6.any things come to 'ass %ifferently from what may

a''ear seemly. Cou 'arte% from us so that it was necessary to seek 'eace with those who were behin% in the country. Now each must remain where he stan%sA but if < might a%7ise& we shoul% be reconcile%.6 Then ?in& his brother& answere%& 6This is to be obser7e% of Kalf& that when he s'eaks fairly he has it in his min% to %o ill.6 The king answere%& 6<t may be& Kalf& that thou art incline% to reconciliationA but& methinks& the bon%es %o not a''ear so 'eaceful.6 Then Thorgeir of K7iststa% sai%& 6Cou shall now ha7e such 'eace as many formerly ha7e recei7e% at your han%s& an% which you shall now 'ay for.6 The king re'lies& 6Thou hast no occasion to hasten so much to meet usA for fate has not %ecree% to thee to %ay a 7ictory o7er me& who raise% thee to 'ower an% %ignity from a mean station.6

!:8. +3;<NN<N; $? TH3 +)TT-3 $? ST<K-3ST)*. Now came Thorer Hun%& went forwar% in front of the banner with his troo'& an% calle% out& 6?orwar%& forwar%& bon%emenK6 Thereu'on the bon%emen raise% the war cry& an% shot their arrows an% s'ears. The king4s men raise% also a war shoutA an% that %one& encourage% each other to a%7ance& crying out& 6?orwar%& forwar%& Christ menK cross menK king4s menK6 =hen the bon%es who stoo% outermost on the wings hear% it& they re'eate% the same cryA but when the other bon%es hear% them they thought these were king4s men& turne% their arms against them& an% they fought together& an% many were slain before they knew each other. The weather was beautiful& an% the sun shone clearA but when the battle began the hea7en an% the sun became re%& an% before the battle en%e% it became as %ark as at night. King $laf ha% %rawn u' his army u'on a rising groun%& an% it rushe% %own from thence u'on the bon%e army with such a fierce assault& that the bon%es4 array went before itA so that the breast of the king4s array came to stan% u'on the groun% on which the rear of the bon%es4 array ha% stoo%& an% many of the bon%es4 army were on the way to fly& but the len%ermen an% their house men stoo% fast& an% the battle became 7ery se7ere. So says Sig7at5 6Thun%ere% the groun% beneath their trea%& )s& iron cla%& thick tram'ing& s'e% The men at arms& in row an% rank& 1ast Stiklesta%4s sweet grassy bank. The clank of steel& the bowstrings4 twang& The soun%s of battle& lou%ly rangA )n% bowman hurrie% on a%7ancing& Their bright helms in the sunshine glancing.6 The len%ermen urge% their men& an% force% them to a%7ance. Sig7at s'eaks of this5

6.i%st in their line their banner flies& Thither the stoutest bon%e hies5 +ut many a bon%e thinks of home& )n% many wish they ne4er ha% come.6 Then the bon%e army 'ushe% on from all Fuarters. They who stoo% in front hewe% %own with their swor%sA they who stoo% neDt thrust with their s'earsA an% they who stoo% hin%most shot arrows& cast s'ears& or threw stones& han% aDes& or shar' stakes. Soon there was a great fall of men in the battle. .any were %own on both si%es. <n the first onset fell )rnlBot ;elline& ;auka Thorer& an% )frafaste& with all their men& after each ha% kille% a man or two& an% some in%ee% more. Now the ranks in front of the king4s banner began to be thinne%& an% the king or%ere% Thor% to carry the banner forwar%& an% the king himself followe% it with the troo' he ha% chosen to stan% nearest to him in battleA an% these were the best arme% men in the fiel%& an% the most eD'ert in the use of their wea'ons. Sig7at the skal% tells of this5 6-ou% was the battle storm there& =here the king4s banner flame% in air. The king beneath his banner stan%s& )n% there the battle he comman%s.6 $laf came forth from behin% the shiel% bulwark& an% 'ut himself at the hea% of the armyA an% when the bon%es looke% him in the face they were frightene%& an% let their han%s %ro'. So says Sig7at5 6< think < saw them shrink with fear =ho woul% not shrink from foeman4s s'ear& =hen $laf4s lion eye was cast $n them& an% calle% u' all the 'ast. Clear as the ser'ent4s eye his look No Thron%hBem man coul% stan%& but shook +eneath its glance& an% skulke% away& Knowing his king& an% curse% the %ay.6 The combat became fierce& an% the king went forwar% in the fray. So says Sig7at5 6=hen on they came in fierce array& )n% roun% the king arose the fray& =ith shiel% on arm bra7e $laf stoo%& *yeing his swor% in their best bloo%. ?or 7engeance on his Thron%hBem foes& $n their best men he %ealt his blowsA He who knew well %eath4s iron 'lay& To his %ee' 7engeance ga7e full sway.6

!:9. TH$2;3<2 $? K><STST)*4S ?)--. King $laf fought most %es'erately. He struck the len%erman before mentione% (Thorgeir of K7iststa%# across the face& cut off the nose 'iece of his helmet& an% clo7e his hea% %own below the

eyes so that they almost fell out. =hen he fell the king sai%& 6=as it not true& Thorgeir& what < tol% thee& that thou shoul%st not be 7ictor in our meetingL6 )t the same instant Thor% stuck the banner 'ole so fast in the earth that it remaine% stan%ing. Thor% ha% got his %eath woun%& an% fell beneath the banner. There also fell Thorfin .un& an% also ;issur ;ullbrarskal%& who was attacke% by two men& of whom he kille% one& but only woun%e% the other before he fell. So says Hofgar%aref5 6+ol% in the <ron storm was he& ?irm an% stout as forest tree& The hero who& 4gainst two at once& .a%e $%in4s fire from swor% e%ge glanceA *ealing a %eath blow to the one& Known as a bra7e an% generous man& =oun%ing the other& ere he fell& His bloo%y swor% his %ee%s showe% well.6 <t ha''ene% then& as before relate%& that the sun& although the air was clear& with%rew from the sight& an% it became %ark. $f this Sig7at the skal% s'eaks5 6No common won%er in the sky ?ell out that %ay the sun on high& )n% not a clou% to see aroun%& Shone not& nor warme% Norway4s groun%. The %ay on which fell out this fight =as marke% by %ismal %usky light& This from the 3ast < hear% the en% $f our great king it %i% 'orten%.6 )t the same time *ag Hringson came u' with his 'eo'le& an% began to 'ut his men in array& an% to set u' his bannerA but on account of the %arkness the onset coul% not go on so briskly& for they coul% not see eDactly whom they ha% before them. They turne%& howe7er& to that Fuarter where the men of Hor%alan% an% 2ogalan% stoo%. .any of these circumstances took 'lace at the same time& an% some ha''ene% a little earlier& an% some a little later.

!"9. K<N; $-)?4S ?)--. $n the one si%e of Kalf )rnason stoo% his two relations& $laf an% Kalf& with many other bra7e an% stout men. Kalf was a son of )rnfin )rnmo%son& an% a brother4s son of )rne )rnmo%son. $n the other si%e of Kalf )rnason stoo% Thorer Hun%. King $laf hewe% at Thorer Hun%& an% struck him across the shoul%ersA but the swor% woul% not cut& an% it was as if %ust flew from his rein%eer skin coat. So says Sig7at5 6The king himself now 'ro7e% the 'ower $f ?in folk4s craft in magic hour& =ith magic songA for stroke of steel Thor4s rein%eer coat woul% ne7er feel& +ewitche% by them it turne% the stroke $f the king4s swor%& a %ust like smoke

2ose from Thor4s shoul%ers from the blow =hich the king though woul% en% his foe.6 Thorer struck at the king& an% they eDchange% some blowsA but the king4s swor% woul% not cut where it met the rein%eer skin& although Thorer was woun%e% in the han%s. Sig7at sang thus of it5 6Some say that Thorer4s not right bol%A =hy ne7er yet ha7e < been tol% $f one who %i% a bol%er thing Than to change blows with his true king. )gainst his king his swor% to wiel%& -ea'ing across the shiel% on shiel% =hich fence% the king roun% in the fight& Shows the %og4s (1# courage bra7e& not bright.6 The king sai% to +Born the marshal& 6*o thou kill the %og on whom steel will not bite.6 +Born turne% roun% the aDe in his han%s& an% ga7e Thorer a blow with the hammer of it on the shoul%er so har% that he tottere%. The king at the same moment turne% against Kalf an% his relations& an% ga7e $laf his %eath woun%. Thorer Hun% struck his s'ear right through the bo%y of .arshal +Born& an% kille% him outrightA an% Thorer sai%& 6<t is thus we hunt the bear.6 (!# Thorstein Knarrarsmi% struck at King $laf with his aDe& an% the blow hit his left leg abo7e the knee. ?in )rnason instantly kille% Thorstein. The king after the woun% staggere% towar%s a stone& threw %own his swor%& an% 'raye% ;o% to hel' him. Then Thorer Hun% struck at him with his s'ear& an% the stroke went in un%er his mail coat an% into his belly. Then Kalf struck at him on the left si%e of the neck. +ut all are not agree% u'on Kalf ha7ing been the man who ga7e him the woun% in the neck. These three woun%s were King $laf4s %eathA an% after the king4s %eath the greater 'art of the forces which ha% a%7ance% with him fell with the king. +Barne ;ullbrarskal% sang these 7erses about Kalf )rnason5 6=arriorK who $laf %are% withstan%& =ho against $laf hel% the lan%& Thou hast withstoo% the bra7est& best& =ho e4er has gone to his long rest. )t Stiklesta% thou wast the hea%A =ith flying banners onwar%s le% Thy bon%e troo's& an% still fought on& @ntil he fell the much mourne% one.6 Sig7at also ma%e these 7erses on +Born5 6The marshal +Born& too& < fin%& ) great eDam'le lea7es behin%& How stea%y courage shoul% stan% 'roof& Though other ser7ants stan% aloof. To 2ussia first his ste's he bent& To ser7e his master still intentA )n% now besi%es his king he fell& ) noble %eath for skal%s to tell.6

3N*N$T3S5 (1# Thorer4s name was Hun% the %ogA an% a 'lay u'on Thorer Hun%4s name was inten%e% by the skal%. -. (!# +Born& the marshal4s name& signifies a bear. -.

!"1. +3;<NN<N; $? *); H2<N;S$N4S )TT)CK. *ag Hringson still ke't u' the battle& an% ma%e in the beginning so fierce an assault that the bon%es ga7e way& an% some betook themsel7es to flight. There a great number of the bon%es fell& an% these len%ermen& 3rlen% of ;er%e an% )slak of ?ineyA an% the banner also which they ha% stoo% un%er was cut %own. This onset was 'articularly hot& an% was calle% *ag4s storm. +ut now Kalf )rnason& Harek of ThBotta& an% Thorer Hun% turne% against *ag& with the array which ha% followe% them& an% then *ag was o7erwhelme% with numbersA so he betook himself to flight with the men still left him. There was a 7alley through which the main bo%y of the fugiti7es fle%& an% men lay scattere% in hea's on both si%esA an% many were se7erely woun%e%& an% many so fatigue% that they were fit for nothing. The bon%es 'ursue% only a short wayA for their lea%ers soon returne% back to the fiel% of battle& where they ha% their frien%s an% relations to look after.

!"9. K<N; $-)?4S .<2)C-3 SH$=N T$ TH$232 H@N*. Thorer Hun% went to where King $laf4s bo%y lay& took care of it& lai% it straight out on the groun%& an% s'rea% a cloak o7er it. He tol% since that when he wi'e% the bloo% from the face it was 7ery beautifulA an% there was re% in the cheeks& as if he only sle't& an% e7en much clearer than when he was in life. The king4s bloo% came on Thorer4s han%& an% ran u' between his fingers to where he ha% been woun%e%& an% the woun% grew u' so s'ee%ily that it %i% not reFuire to be boun% u'. This circumstance was testifie% by Thorer himself when King $laf4s holiness came to be generally known among the 'eo'leA an% Thorer Hun% was among the first of the king4s 'owerful o''onents who en%ea7oure% to s'rea% abroa% the king4s sanctity.

!":. $? K)-? )2N)S$N4S +2$TH32S. Kalf )rnason searche% for his brothers who ha% fallen& an% foun% Thorberg an% ?in. <t is relate% that ?in threw his %agger at him& an% wante% to kill him& gi7ing him har% wor%s& an% calling him a faithless 7illain& an% a traitor to his king. Kalf %i% not regar% it& but or%ere% ?in an% Thorberg to be carrie% away from the fiel%. =hen their woun%s were eDamine% they were foun% not to be %ea%ly& an% they ha% fallen from fatigue& an% un%er the weight of their wea'ons. Thereafter Kalf trie% to bring his brothers %own to a shi'& an% went himself with them. )s soon as he was gone the whole bon%e army& ha7ing their homes in the

neighbourhoo%& went off also& eDce'ting those who ha% frien%s or relations to look after& or the bo%ies of the slain to take care of. The woun%e% were taken home to the farms& so that e7ery house was full of themA an% tents were erecte% o7er some. +ut won%erful as was the number collecte% in the bon%e army& no less won%erful was the haste with which this 7ast bo%y was %is'erse% when it was once freeA an% the cause of this was& that the most of the 'eo'le gathere% together from the country 'laces were longing for their homes.

!"". $? TH3 +$N*3S $? >32)*)-. The bon%es who ha% their homes in >era%al went to the chiefs Harek an% Thorer& an% com'laine% of their %istress& saying& 6The fugiti7es who ha7e esca'e% from the battle ha7e 'rocee%e% u' o7er the 7alley of >era%al& an% are %estroying our habitations& an% there is no safety for us to tra7el home so long as they are in the 7alley. ;o after them with war force& an% let no mother4s son of them esca'e with lifeA for that is what they inten%e% for us if they ha% got the u''er han% in the battle& an% the same they woul% %o now if they met us hereafter& an% ha% better luck than we. <t may also be that they will linger in the 7alley if they ha7e nothing to be frightene% for& an% then they woul% not 'rocee% 7ery gently in the inhabite% country.6 The bon%es ma%e many wor%s about this& urging the chiefs to a%7ance %irectly& an% kill those who ha% esca'e%. Now when the chiefs talke% o7er this matter among themsel7es& they thought there was much truth in what the bon%es sai%. They resol7e%& therefore& that Thorer Hun% shoul% un%ertake this eD'e%ition through >era%al& with /99 men of his own troo's. Then& towar%s e7ening& he set out with his menA an% Thorer continue% his march without halt until he came in the night to Sula& where he hear% the news that *ag Hringson ha% come there in the e7ening& with many other flocks of the king4s men& an% ha% halte% there until they took su''er& but were afterwar%s gone u' to the mountains. Then Thorer sai% he %i% not care to 'ursue them u' through the mountains& an% he returne% %own the 7alley again& an% they %i% not kill many of them this time. The bon%es then returne% to their homes& an% the following %ay Thorer& with his 'eo'le& went to their shi's. The 'art of the king4s men who were still on their legs conceale% themsel7es in the forests& an% some got hel' from the 'eo'le.

!"(. $? TH3 K<N;4S +2$TH32& H)2)-* S<;@2*S$N. Haral% Sigur%son was se7erely woun%e%A but 2agn7al% +rusason brought him to a bon%e4s the night after the battle& an% the bon%e took in Haral%& an% heale% his woun% in secret& an% afterwar%s ga7e him his son to atten% him. They went secretly o7er the mountains& an% through the waste forests& an% came out in Gamtalan%. Haral% Sigur%son was fifteen years ol% when King $laf fell. <n Gamtalan% Haral% foun% 2agn7al% +rusasonA an% they went both east to King Garisleif in 2ussia& as is relate% in the Saga of Haral% Sigur%son.

!"/. $? TH$2.$* K$-+2@N)2SK)-*. Thormo% Kolbrunarskal% was un%er King $laf4s banner in the battleA but when the king ha% fallen& the battle was raging so that of the king4s men the one fell by the si%e of the other& an% the most of those who stoo% on their legs were woun%e%. Thormo% was also se7erely woun%e%& an% retire%& as all the others %i%& back from where there was most %anger of life& an% some e7en fle%. Now when the onset began which is calle% *ag4s storm& all of the king4s men who were able to combat went thereA but Thormo% %i% not come into that combat& being unable to fight& both from his woun% an% from weariness& but he stoo% by the si%e of his comra%e in the ranks& although he coul% %o nothing. There he was struck by an arrow in the left si%eA but he broke off the shaft of the arrow& went out of the battle& an% u' towar%s the houses& where he came to a barn which was a large buil%ing. Thormo% ha% his %rawn swor% in his han%A an% as he went in a man met him& coming out& an% sai%& 6<t is 7ery ba% there with howling an% screamingA an% a great shame it is that brisk young fellows cannot bear their woun%s5 it may be that the king4s men ha7e %one bra7ely to %ay& but they certainly bear their woun%s 7ery ill.6 Thormo% asks. 6=hat is thy nameL6 He calle% himself Kimbe. Thormo%5 6=ast thou in the battle& tooL6 6< was with the bon%es& which was the best si%e&6 says he. 6)n% art thou woun%e% any wayL6 says Thormo%. 6) little&6 sai% Kimbe. 6)n% hast thou been in the battle tooL6

Thormo% re'lie%& 6< was with them who ha% the best.6 6)rt thou woun%e%L6 says Kimbe. 6Not much to signify&6 re'lies Thormo%. )s Kimbe saw that Thormo% ha% a gol% ring on his arm& he sai%& 6Thou art certainly a king4s man. ;i7e me thy gol% ring& an% < will hi%e thee. The bon%es will kill thee if thou fallest in their way.6 Thormo% says& 6Take the ring if thou canst get it5 < ha7e lost that which is more worth.6 Kimbe stretche% out his han%& an% wante% to take the ringA but Thormo%& swinging his swor%& cut off his han%A an% it is relate% that Kimbe beha7e% himself no better un%er his woun% than those he ha% been blaming Bust before. Kimbe went off& an% Thormo% sat %own in the barn& an% listene% to what 'eo'le were saying. The con7ersation was mostly about what each ha% seen in the battle&

an% about the 7alour of the combatants. Some 'raise% most King $laf4s courage& an% some name% others who stoo% nowise behin% him in bra7ery. Then Thormo% sang these 7erses5 6$laf was bra7e beyon% all %oubt& )t Stiklesta% was none so stoutA S'attere% with bloo%& the king& uns'aring& Cheere% on his men with %ee% an% %aring. +ut < ha7e hear% that some were there =ho in the fight themsel7es woul% s'areA Though& in the arrow storm& the most Ha% 'erils Fuite enough to boast.6

!"7. TH$2.$*4S *3)TH. Thormo% went out& an% entere% into a chamber a'art& in which there were many woun%e% men& an% with them a woman bin%ing their woun%s. There was fire u'on the floor& at which she warme% water to wash an% clean their woun%s. Thormo% sat himself %own besi%e the %oor& an% one came in& an% another went out& of those who were busy about the woun%e% men. $ne of them turne% to Thormo%& looke% at him& an% sai%& 6=hy art thou so %ea% 'aleL )rt thou woun%e%L =hy %ost thou not call for the hel' of the woun% healersL6 Thormo% then sang these 7erses5 6< am not blooming& an% the fair )n% slen%er girl lo7es to care ?or blooming youths few care for meA =ith ?enBa4s meal < cannot fee. This is the reason why < feel The slash an% thrust of *anish steelA )n% 'ale an% faint& an% bent with 'ain& 2eturn from yon%er battle 'lain.6 Then Thormo% stoo% u' an% went in towar%s the fire& an% stoo% there awhile. The young woman sai% to him& 6;o out& man& an% bring in some of the s'lit firewoo% which lies close besi%e the %oor.6 He went out an% brought in an armful of woo%& which he threw %own u'on the floor. Then the nurse girl looke% him in the face& an% sai%& 6*rea%fully 'ale is this man why art thou soL6 Then Thormo% sang5 6Thou won%erest& sweet s'rig& at me& ) man so hi%eous to see5 *ee' woun%s but rarely men% the face& The cri''ling blow gi7es little grace. The arrow %rift o4ertook me& girl& ) fine groun% arrow in the whirl =ent through me& an% < feel the %art Sits& lo7ely girl& too near my heart.6 The girl sai%& 6-et me see thy woun%& an% < will bin% it.6 Thereu'on Thormo% sat %own& cast off his clothes& an% the girl saw his woun%s& an% eDamine% that which was in his si%e& an% felt that a 'iece of iron was in it& but coul% not fin% where the iron

ha% gone in. <n a stone 'ot she ha% stirre% together leeks an% other herbs& an% boile% them& an% ga7e the woun%e% men of it to eat& by which she %isco7ere% if the woun%s ha% 'enetrate% into the bellyA for if the woun% ha% gone so %ee'& it woul% smell of leek. She brought some of this now to Thormo%& an% tol% him to eat of it. He re'lie%& 6Take it away& < ha7e no a''etite for my broth.6 Then she took a large 'air of tongs& an% trie% to 'ull out the ironA but it sat too fast& an% woul% in no way come& an% as the woun% was swelle%& little of it stoo% out to lay hol% of. Now sai% Thormo%& 6Cut so %ee' in that thou canst get at the iron with the tongs& an% gi7e me the tongs an% let me 'ull.6 She %i% as he sai%. Then Thormo% took a gol% ring from his han%& ga7e it to the nurse woman& an% tol% her to %o with it what she like%. 6<t is a goo% man4s gift&6 sai% he5 6King $laf ga7e me the ring this morning.6 Then Thormo% took the tongs& an% 'ulle% the iron outA but on the iron there was a hook& at which there hung some morsels of flesh from the heart& some white& some re%. =hen he saw that& he sai%& 6The king has fe% us well. < am fat& e7en at the heart rootsA6 an% so saying he leant back& an% was %ea%. )n% with this en%s what we ha7e to say about Thormo%.

!"8. $? S$.3 C<2C@.ST)NC3S $? TH3 +)TT-3. King $laf fell on =e%nes%ay& the !9th of Guly ().*. 19:9#. <t was near mi% %ay when the two armies met& an% the battle began before half 'ast one& an% before three the king fell. The %arkness continue% from about half 'ast one to three also. Sig7at the skal% s'eaks thus of the result of the battle5 6The loss was great to 3nglan%4s foes& =hen their chief fell beneath the blows +y his own thoughtless 'eo'le gi7en& =hen the king4s shiel% in two was ri7en. The 'eo'le4s so7ereign took the fiel%& The 'eo'le clo7e the so7ereign4s shiel%. $f all the chiefs that bloo%y %ay& *ag only came out of the fray.6 )n% he com'ose% these5 6Such mighty bon%e 'ower& < ween& =ith chiefs or rulers ne4er was seen. <t was the 'eo'le4s mighty 'ower That struck the king that fatal hour. =hen such a king& in such a strife& +y his own 'eo'le lost his life& ?ull many a gallant man must feel The %eath woun% from the 'eo'le4s steel.6 The bon%es %i% not s'oil the slain u'on the fiel% of battle& for imme%iately after the battle there came u'on many of them who ha% been against the king a kin% of %rea% as it wereA yet they hel% by their e7il inclination& for they resol7e% among themsel7es that all who ha% fallen with the king shoul% not recei7e the interment which belongs to goo% men& but reckone% them all

robbers an% outlaws. +ut the men who ha% 'ower& an% ha% relations on the fiel%& care% little for this& but remo7e% their remains to the churches& an% took care of their burial.

!"9. ) .<2)C-3 $N ) +-<N* .)N. Thorgils Halmason an% his son ;rim went to the fiel% of battle towar%s e7ening when it was %usk& took King $laf4s cor'se u'& an% bore it to a little em'ty houseman4s hut which stoo% on the other si%e of their farm. They ha% light an% water with them. Then they took the clothes off the bo%y& swathe% it in a linen cloth& lai% it %own in the house& an% conceale% it un%er some firewoo% so that nobo%y coul% see it& e7en if 'eo'le came into the hut. Thereafter they went home again to the farmhouse. ) great many beggars an% 'oor 'eo'le ha% followe% both armies& who begge% for meatA an% the e7ening after the battle many remaine% there& an% sought lo%ging roun% about in all the houses& great or small. <t is tol% of a blin% man who was 'oor& that a boy atten%e% him an% le% him. They went out aroun% the farm to seek a lo%ging& an% came to the same em'ty house& of which the %oor was so low that they ha% almost to cree' in. Now when the blin% man ha% come in& he fumble% about the floor seeking a 'lace where he coul% lay himself %own. He ha% a hat on his hea%& which fell %own o7er his face when he stoo'e% %own. He felt with his han%s that there was moisture on the floor& an% he 'ut u' his wet han% to raise his hat& an% in %oing so 'ut his fingers on his eyes. There came imme%iately such an itching in his eyeli%s& that he wi'e% the water with his fingers from his eyes& an% went out of the hut& saying nobo%y coul% lie there& it was so wet. =hen he came out of the hut he coul% %istinguish his han%s& an% all that was near him& as far as things can be %istinguishe% by sight in the %arkness of lightA an% he went imme%iately to the farm house into the room& an% tol% all the 'eo'le he ha% got his sight again& an% coul% see e7erything& although many knew he ha% been blin% for a long time& for he ha% been there& before& going about among the houses of the neighbourhoo%. He sai% he first got his sight when he was coming out of a little ruinous hut which was all wet insi%e. 6< gro'e% in the water&6 sai% he& 6an% rubbe% my eyes with my wet han%s.6 He tol% where the hut stoo%. The 'eo'le who hear% him won%ere% much at this e7ent& an% s'oke among themsel7es of what it coul% be that 'ro%uce% it5 but Thorgils the 'easant an% his son ;rim thought they knew how this came to 'assA an% as they were much afrai% the king4s enemies might go there an% search the hut& they went an% took the bo%y out of it& an% remo7e% it to a gar%en& where they conceale% it& an% then returne% to the farm& an% sle't there all night.

!(9. $? TH$232 H@N*. The fifth %ay (Thurs%ay#& Thorer Hun% came %own the 7alley of >era%al to Stiklesta%A an% many 'eo'le& both chiefs an% bon%es& accom'anie% him. The fiel% of battle was still being cleare%& an% 'eo'le were carrying away the bo%ies of their frien%s an%

relations& an% were gi7ing the necessary hel' to such of the woun%e% as they wishe% to sa7eA but many ha% %ie% since the battle. Thorer Hun% went to where the king ha% fallen& an% searche% for his bo%yA but not fin%ing it& he inFuire% if any one coul% tell him what ha% become of the cor'se& but nobo%y coul% tell him where it was. Then he aske% the bon%e Thorgils& who sai%& 6< was not in the battle& an% knew little of what took 'lace thereA but many re'orts are abroa%& an% among others that King $laf has been seen in the night u' at Staf& an% a troo' of 'eo'le with him5 but if he fell in the battle& your men must ha7e conceale% him in some hole& or un%er some stone hea'.6 Now although Thorer Hun% knew for certain that the king ha% fallen& many allowe% themsel7es to belie7e& an% to s'rea% abroa% the re'ort& that the king ha% esca'e% from the battle& an% woul% in a short time come again u'on them with an army. Then Thorer went to his shi's& an% saile% %own the fBor%& an% the bon%e army %is'erse%& carrying with them all the woun%e% men who coul% bear to be remo7e%.

!(1. $? K<N; $-)?4S +$*C. Thorgils Halmason an% his son ;rim ha% King $laf4s bo%y& an% were anDious about 'reser7ing it from falling into the han%s of the king4s enemies& an% being ill treate%A for they hear% the bon%es s'eaking about burning it& or sinking it in the sea. The father an% son ha% seen a clear light burning at night o7er the s'ot on the battlefiel% where King $laf4s bo%y lay& an% since& while they conceale% it& they ha% always seen at night a light burning o7er the cor'seA therefore they were afrai% the king4s enemies might seek the bo%y where this signal was 7isible. They hastene%& therefore& to take the bo%y to a 'lace where it woul% be safe. Thorgils an% his son accor%ingly ma%e a coffin& which they a%orne% as well as they coul%& an% lai% the king4s bo%y in itA an% afterwar%s ma%e another coffin in which they lai% stones an% straw& about as much as the weight of a man& an% carefully close% the coffins. )s soon as the whole bon%e army ha% left Stiklesta%& Thorgils an% his son ma%e themsel7es rea%y& got a large rowing boat& an% took with them se7en or eight men& who were all Thorgil4s relations or frien%s& an% 'ri7ately took the coffin with the king4s bo%y %own to the boat& an% set it un%er the foot boar%s. They ha% also with them the coffin containing the stones& an% 'lace% it in the boat where all coul% see itA an% then went %own the fBor% with a goo% o''ortunity of win% an% weather& an% arri7e% in the %usk of the e7ening at Ni%aros& where they brought u' at the king4s 'ier. Then Thorgils sent some of his men u' to the town to +isho' Sigur%& to say that they were come with the king4s bo%y. )s soon as the bisho' hear% this news& he sent his men %own to the 'ier& an% they took a small rowing boat& came alongsi%e of Thorgil4s shi'& an% %eman%e% the king4s bo%y. Thorgils an% his 'eo'le then took the coffin which stoo% in 7iew& an% bore it into the boatA an% the bisho'4s men rowe% out into the fBor%& an% sank the coffin in the sea. <t was now Fuite %ark. Thorgils an% his 'eo'le now rowe% u' into the ri7er 'ast the town& an% lan%e% at a 'lace calle% Saurhli%& abo7e the town. Then they carrie% the king4s bo%y to an em'ty house

stan%ing at a %istance from other houses& an% watche% o7er it for the night& while Thorgils went %own to the town& where he s'oke with some of the best frien%s of King $laf& an% aske% them if they woul% take charge of the king4s bo%yA but none of them %are% to %o so. Then Thorgils an% his men went with the bo%y higher u' the ri7er& burie% it in a san% hill on the banks& an% le7elle% all aroun% it so that no one coul% obser7e that 'eo'le ha% been at work there. They were rea%y with all this before break of %ay& when they returne% to their 7essel& went imme%iately out of the ri7er& an% 'rocee%e% on their way home to Stiklesta%.

!(!. $? TH3 +3;<NN<N; $? K<N; S>3<N )-?<?)S$N4S ;$>32N.3NT. S7ein& a son of King Canute& an% of )lfifa& a %aughter of 3arl )lfrin& ha% been a''ointe% to go7ern Gomsborg in >in%lan%. There came a message to him from his father King Canute& that he shoul% come to *enmarkA an% likewise that afterwar%s he shoul% 'rocee% to Norway& an% take that king%om un%er his charge& an% assume& at the same time& the title of king of Norway. S7ein re'aire% to *enmark& an% took many 'eo'le with him from thence& an% also 3arl Haral% an% many other 'eo'le of conseFuence atten%e% him. Thorarin -oftunga s'eaks of this in the song he com'ose% about King S7ein& calle% the 6;lelogn Song65 64Tis tol% by fame& How gran%ly came The *anes to ten% Their young king S7ein. ;ran%est was he& That all coul% seeA Then& one by one& 3ach following man .ore s'len%our wore Than him before.6 Then S7ein 'rocee%e% to Norway& an% his mother )lfifa was with himA an% he was taken to be king at e7ery -aw thing in the country. He ha% alrea%y come as far as >iken at the time the battle was fought at Stiklesta%& an% King $laf fell. S7ein continue% his Bourney until he came north& in autumn& to the Thron%hBem countryA an% there& as elsewhere& he was recei7e% as king.

!(:. $? K<N; S>3<N4S -)=S. King S7ein intro%uce% new laws in many res'ects into the country& 'artly after those which were in *enmark& an% in 'art much more se7ere. No man must lea7e the country without the king4s 'ermissionA or if he %i%& his 'ro'erty fell to the king. =hoe7er kille% a man outright& shoul% forfeit all his lan% an% mo7ables. <f any one was banishe% the country& an% all heritage fell to him& the king took his inheritance. )t Cule e7ery man shoul% 'ay the king a meal of malt from e7ery har7est stea%ing& an% a leg of

a three year ol% oD& which was calle% a frien%ly gift& together with a s'an% of butterA an% e7ery house wife a rock full of uns'un lint& as thick as one coul% s'an with the longest fingers of the han%. The bon%es were boun% to buil% all the houses the king reFuire% u'on his farms. $f e7ery se7en males one shoul% be taken for the ser7ice of war& an% reckoning from the fifth year of ageA an% the outfit of shi's shoul% be reckone% in the same 'ro'ortion. 37ery man who rowe% u'on the sea to fish shoul% 'ay the king fi7e fish as a taD& for the lan% %efence& where7er he might come from. 37ery shi' that went out of the country shoul% ha7e stowage reser7e% o'en for the king in the mi%%le of the shi'. 37ery man& foreigner or nati7e& who went to <celan%& shoul% 'ay a taD to the king. )n% to all this was a%%e%& that *anes shoul% enBoy so much consi%eration in Norway& that one witness of them shoul% in7ali%ate ten of Northmen (1#. =hen these laws were 'romulgate% the min%s of the 'eo'le were instantly raise% against them& an% murmurs were hear% among them. They who ha% not taken 'art against King $laf sai%& 6Now take your rewar% an% frien%shi' from the Canute race& ye men of the interior Thron%hBem who fought against King $laf& an% %e'ri7e% him of his king%om. Ce were 'romise% 'eace an% Bustice& an% now ye ha7e got o''ression an% sla7ery for your great treachery an% crime.6 Nor was it 7ery easy to contra%ict them& as all men saw how miserable the change ha% been. +ut 'eo'le ha% not the bol%ness to make an insurrection against King S7ein& 'rinci'ally because many ha% gi7en King Canute their sons or other near relations as hostagesA an% also because no one a''eare% as lea%er of an insurrection. They 7ery soon& howe7er& com'laine% of King S7einA an% his mother )lfifa got much of the blame of all that was against their %esire. Then the truth& with regar% to $laf& became e7i%ent to many. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# This may 'robably ha7e referre% not to witnesses of an act& but to the class of witnesses in the Buris'ru%ence of the .i%%le )ges calle% com'urgators& who testifie% not the fact& but their confi%ence in the statements of the accuse%A an% from which& 'ossibly& our 3nglish bail for offen%ers arose. -.

!(". $? K<N; $-)?4S S)NCT<TC. This winter ().*. 19:1# many in the Thron%hBem lan% began to %eclare that $laf was in reality a holy man& an% his sanctity was confirme% by many miracles. .any began to make 'romises an% 'rayers to King $laf in the matters in which they thought they reFuire% hel'& an% many foun% great benefit from these in7ocations. Some in res'ect of health& others of a Bourney& or other circumstances in which such hel' seeme% nee%ful.

!((. $? 3<N)2 T).+)SK3-?32.

3inar Tambaskelfer was come home from 3nglan% to his farm& an% ha% the fiefs which King Canute ha% gi7en him when they met in Thron%hBem& an% which were almost an earl%om. 3inar ha% not been in the strife against King $laf& an% congratulate% himself u'on it. He remembere% that King Canute ha% 'romise% him the earl%om o7er Norway& an% at the same time remembere% that King Canute ha% not ke't his 'romise. He was accor%ingly the first great 'erson who looke% u'on King $laf as a saint.

!(/. $? TH3 S$NS $? )2N3. ?in )rnason remaine% but a short time at 3ggBa with his brother KalfA for he was in the highest %egree ill 'lease% that Kalf ha% been in the battle against King $laf& an% always ma%e his brother the bitterest re'roaches on this account. Thorberg )rnason was much more tem'erate in his %iscourse than ?inA but yet he hastene% away& an% went home to his farm. Kalf ga7e the two brothers a goo% long shi'& with full rigging an% other necessaries& an% a goo% retinue. Therefore they went home to their farms& an% sat Fuietly at home. )rne )rnason lay long ill of his woun%s& but got well at last without inBury of any limb& an% in winter he 'rocee%e% south to his farm. )ll the brothers ma%e their 'eace with King S7ein& an% sat themsel7es Fuietly %own in their homes.

!(7. +<SH$1 S<;@2*4S ?-<;HT. The summer after ().*. 19:1# there was much talk about King $laf4s sanctity& an% there was a great alteration in the eD'ressions of all 'eo'le concerning him. There were many who now belie7e% that King $laf must be a saint& e7en among those who ha% 'ersecute% him with the greatest animosity& an% woul% ne7er in their con7ersation allow truth or Bustice in his fa7our. 1eo'le began then to turn their re'roaches against the men who ha% 'rinci'ally eDcite% o''osition to the kingA an% on this account +isho' Sigur% in 'articular was accuse%. He got so many enemies& that he foun% it most a%7isable to go o7er to 3nglan% to King Canute. Then the Thron%hBem 'eo'le sent men with a 7erbal message to the @'lan%s& to +isho' ;rimkel& %esiring him to come north to Thron%hBem. King $laf ha% sent +isho' ;rimkel back to Norway when he went east into 2ussia& an% since that time ;rimkel ha% been in the @'lan%s. =hen the message came to the bisho' he ma%e rea%y to go& an% it contribute% much to this Bourney that the bisho' consi%ere% it as true what was tol% of King $laf4s miracles an% sanctity.

!(8. K<N; $-)? TH3 S)<NT4S 23.)<NS *<S<NT3223*. +isho' ;rimkel went to 3inar Tambaskelfer& who recei7e% him Boyfully. They talke% o7er many things& an%& among others& of

the im'ortant e7ents which ha% taken 'lace in the countryA an% concerning these they were 'erfectly agree%. Then the bisho' 'rocee%e% to the town (Ni%aros#& an% was well recei7e% by all the community. He inFuire% 'articularly concerning the miracles of King $laf that were re'orte%& an% recei7e% satisfactory accounts of them. Thereu'on the bisho' sent a 7erbal message to Stiklesta% to Thorgils an% his son ;rim& in7iting them to come to the town to him. They %i% not %ecline the in7itation& but set out on the roa% imme%iately& an% came to the town an% to the bisho'. They relate% to him all the signs that ha% 'resente% themsel7es to them& an% also where they ha% %e'osite% the king6s bo%y. The bisho' sent a message to 3inar Tambaskelfer& who came to the town. Then the bisho' an% 3inar ha% an au%ience of the king an% )lfifa& in which they aske% the king4s lea7e to ha7e King $laf4s bo%y taken u' out of the earth. The king ga7e his 'ermission& an% tol% the bisho' to %o as he 'lease% in the matter. )t that time there were a great many 'eo'le in the town. The bisho'& 3inar& an% some men with them& went to the 'lace where the king4s bo%y was burie%& an% ha% the 'lace %ugA but the coffin ha% alrea%y raise% itself almost to the surface of the earth. <t was then the o'inion of many that the bisho' shoul% 'rocee% to ha7e the king burie% in the earth at Clement4s churchA an% it was so %one. Twel7e months an% fi7e %ays ()ug. :& ).*. 19:1#& after King $laf4s %eath his holy remains were %ug u'& an% the coffin ha% raise% itself almost entirely to the surface of the earthA an% the coffin a''eare% Fuite new& as if it ha% but lately been ma%e. =hen +isho' ;rimkel came to King $laf4s o'ene% coffin& there was a %elightful an% fresh smell. Thereu'on the bisho' unco7ere% the king4s face& an% his a''earance was in no res'ect altere%& an% his cheeks were as re% as if he ha% but Bust fallen aslee'. The men who ha% seen King $laf when he fell remarke%& also& that his hair an% nails ha% grown as much as if he ha% li7e% on the earth all the time that ha% 'asse% since his fall. Thereu'on King S7ein& an% all the chiefs who were at the 'lace& went out to see King $laf4s bo%y. Then sai% )lfifa& 61eo'le burie% in san% rot 7ery slowly& an% it woul% not ha7e been so if he ha% been burie% in earth.6 )fterwar%s the bisho' took scissors& cli''e% the king4s hair& an% arrange% his bear%A for he ha% ha% a long bear%& accor%ing to the fashion of that time. Then sai% the bisho' to the king an% )lfifa& 6Now the king4s hair an% bear% are such as when he ga7e u' the ghost& an% it has grown as much as ye see has been cut off.6 )lfifa answers& 6< will belie7e in the sanctity of his hair& if it will not burn in the fireA but < ha7e often seen men4s hair whole an% un%amage% after lying longer in the earth than this man4s.6 Then the bisho' ha% li7e coals 'ut into a 'an& blesse% it& cast incense u'on it& an% then lai% King $laf4s hair on the fire. =hen all the incense was burnt the bisho' took the hair out of the fire& an% showe% the king an% the other chiefs that it was not consume%. Now )lfifa aske% that the hair shoul% be lai% u'on unconsecrate% fireA but 3inar Tambaskelfer tol% her to be silent& an% ga7e her many se7ere re'roaches for her unbelief. )fter the bisho'4s recognition& with the king4s a''robation an% the %ecision of the Thing& it was %etermine% that King $laf shoul% be consi%ere% a man truly holyA whereu'on his bo%y was trans'orte% into Clement4s church& an% a 'lace was 're'are% for it near the high altar. The coffin was co7ere% with costly cloth& an% stoo%

un%er a gol% embroi%ere% tent. .any kin%s of miracles were soon wrought by King $laf4s holy remains.

!(9. $? K<N; $-)?4S .<2)C-3S. <n the san% hill where King $laf4s bo%y ha% lain on the groun% a beautiful s'ring of water came u' an% many human ailments an% infirmities were cure% by its waters. Things were 'ut in or%er aroun% it& an% the water e7er since has been carefully 'reser7e%. There was first a cha'el built& an% an altar consecrate%& where the king4s bo%y ha% lainA but now Christ4s church stan%s u'on the s'ot. )rchbisho' 3ystein ha% a high altar raise% u'on the s'ot where the king4s gra7e ha% been& when he erecte% the great tem'le which now stan%s thereA an% it is the same s'ot on which the altar of the ol% Christ church ha% stoo%. <t is sai% that $laf4s church stan%s on the s'ot on which the em'ty house ha% stoo% in which King $laf4s bo%y ha% been lai% for the night. The 'lace o7er which the holy remains of King $laf were carrie% u' from the 7essel is now calle% $laf4s 2oa%& an% is now in the mi%%le of the town. The bisho' a%orne% King $laf4s holy remains& an% cut his nails an% hairA for both grew as if he ha% still been ali7e. So says Sig7at the skal%5 6< lie not& when < say the king Seeme% as ali7e in e7ery thing5 His nails& his yellow hair still growing& )n% roun% his ru%%y cheek still flowing& )s when& to 'lease the 2ussian Fueen& His yellow locks a%orne% were seenA $r to the blin% he cure% he ga7e ) tress& their 'recious sight to sa7e.6 Thorarin -oftunga also com'ose% a song u'on S7ein )lfifason& calle% the 6;lelogn Song6& in which are these 7erses5 6S7ein& king of all& <n $laf4s hall Now sits on highA )n% $laf4s eye -ooks %own from hea7en& =here it is gi7en To him to %well5 $r here in cell& )s hea7enly saint& To heal men4s 'laint& .ay our gol% gi7er -i7e here for e7erK 6King $laf there To hol% a share $n earth 're'are%& Nor labour s'are% ) seat to win ?rom hea7en4s great KingA =hich he has won

NeDt ;o%4s own Son. 6His holy form& @ntouche% by worm& -ies at this %ay =here goo% men 'ray& )n% nails an% hair ;row fresh an% fairA His cheek is re%& His flesh not %ea%. 6)roun% his bier& ;oo% 'eo'le hear The small bells ring $7er the king& $r great bell tollA )n% li7ing soul Not one can tell =ho tolls the bell. 6Ta'ers u' there& (=hich Christ hol%s %ear&# +y %ay an% night The altar light5 $laf %i% so& )n% all men know <n hea7en he ?rom sin sits free. 6)n% crow%s %o come& The %eaf an% %umb& Cri''le an% blin%& Sick of all kin%& Cure% to be $n ben%e% kneeA )n% off the groun% 2ise whole an% soun%. 6To $laf 'ray To eke thy %ay& To sa7e thy lan% ?rom s'oiler4s han%. ;o%4s man is he To %eal to thee ;oo% cro's an% 'eaceA -et not 'rayer cease. 6+ook 'rayers 're7ail& <f& nail for nail (1#& Thou tellest on& ?orgetting none.6 Thorarin -oftunga was himself with King S7ein& an% hear% these great testimonials of King $laf4s holiness& that 'eo'le& by the hea7enly 'ower& coul% hear a soun% o7er his holy remains as if bells were ringing& an% that can%les were lighte% of themsel7es u'on the altar as by a hea7enly fire. +ut when Thorarin says

that a multitu%e of lame& an% blin%& an% other sick& who came to the holy $laf& went back cure%& he means nothing more than that there were a 7ast number of 'ersons who at the beginning of King $laf4s miraculous working regaine% their health. King $laf4s greatest miracles are clearly written %own& although they occurre% somewhat later. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# +efore the entrance of the tem'les or churches were 'osts calle% $n%7eigis sulor& with nails calle% 2igin naglar the go%s4 nails either for ornament& or& as Schoning suggests& to assist the 'eo'le in reckoning weeks& months& festi7als& an% in reckoning or kee'ing tale of 'rayers re'eate%& an% to recall them to memory& in the same way as bea%s are use% still by the common 'eo'le in Catholic countries for the same 'ur'ose. -.

!/9. $? K<N; $-)?4S );3 )N* 23<;N. <t is reckone% by those who ha7e ke't an eDact account& that $laf the Saint was king of Norway for fifteen years from the time 3arl S7ein left the countryA but he ha% recei7e% the title of king from the 'eo'le of the @'lan%s the winter before. Sig7at the skal% tells this5 6?or fifteen winters o4er the lan% King $laf hel% the chief comman%& +efore he fell u' in the North5 His fall ma%e known to us his worth. No worthier 'rince before his %ay <n our North lan% e4er hel% the sway& Too short he hel% it for our goo%A )ll men wish now that he ha% stoo%.6 Saint $laf was thirty fi7e years ol% when he fell& accor%ing to what )re ?ro%e the 'riest says& an% he ha% been in twenty 'itche% battles. So says Sig7at the skal%5 6Some lea%ers trust in ;o% some notA 37en so their menA but well < wot ;o% fearing $laf fought an% won Twenty 'itche% battles& one by one& )n% always 'lace% u'on his right His Christian men in a har% fight. .ay ;o% be merciful& < 'ray& To him for he ne4er shunne% his fray.6 =e ha7e now relate% a 'art of King $laf4s story& namely& the e7ents which took 'lace while he rule% o7er NorwayA also his %eath& an% how his holiness was manifeste%. Now shall we not neglect to mention what it was that most a%7ance% his honour. This was his miraclesA but these will come to be treate% of afterwar%s in this book.

!/1. $? TH3 TH2$N*HG3. 13$1-3. King S7ein& the son of Canute the ;reat& rule% o7er Norway for some yearsA but was a chil% both in age an% un%erstan%ing. His mother )lfifa ha% most sway in the countryA an% the 'eo'le of the country were her great enemies& both then an% e7er since. *anish 'eo'le ha% a great su'eriority gi7en them within the country& to the great %issatisfaction of the 'eo'leA an% when con7ersation turne% that way& the 'eo'le of the rest of Norway accuse% the Thron%hBem 'eo'le of ha7ing 'rinci'ally occasione% King $laf the Holy4s fall& an% also that the men of Norway were subBect& through them& to the ill go7ernment by which o''ression an% sla7ery ha% come u'on all the 'eo'le& both great an% smallA in%ee% u'on the whole community. They insiste% that it was the %uty of the Thron%hBem 'eo'le to attem't o''osition an% insurrection& an% thus relie7e the country from such tyrannyA an%& in the o'inion of the common 'eo'le& Thron%hBem was also the chief seat of the strength of Norway at that time& both on account of the chiefs an% of the 'o'ulation of that Fuarter. =hen the Thron%hBem 'eo'le hear% these remarks of their countrymen& they coul% not %eny that there was much truth in them& an% that in %e'ri7ing King $laf of life an% lan% they ha% committe% a great crime& an% at the same time the mis%ee% ha% been ill 'ai%. The chiefs began to hol% consultations an% conferences with each other& an% the lea%er of these was 3inar Tambaskelfer. <t was likewise the case with Kalf )rnason& who began to fin% into what errors he ha% been %rawn by King Canute4s 'ersuasion. )ll the 'romises which King Canute ha% ma%e to Kalf ha% been brokenA for he ha% 'romise% him the earl%om an% the highest authority in Norway5 an% although Kalf ha% been the lea%er in the battle against King $laf& an% ha% %e'ri7e% him of his life an% king%om& Kalf ha% not got any higher %ignity than he ha% before. He felt that he ha% been %ecei7e%& an% therefore messages 'asse% between the brothers Kalf& ?in& Thorberg& an% )rne& an% they renewe% their family frien%shi'.

!/!. $? K<N; S>3<N4S -3>C. =hen King S7ein ha% been three years in Norway ().*. 19:1 ::#& the news was recei7e% that a force was assemble% in the western countries& un%er a chief who calle% himself Tryg7e& an% ga7e out that he was a son of $laf Tryg7ason an% Hueen ;y%a of 3nglan%. Now when King S7ein hear% that foreign troo's ha% come to the country& he or%ere% out the 'eo'le on a le7y in the north& an% the most of the len%ermen hastene% to himA but 3inar Tambaskelfer remaine% at home& an% woul% not go out with King S7ein. =hen King S7ein4s or%er came to Kalf )rnason at 3ggBa& that he shoul% go out on a le7y with King S7ein& he took a twenty benche% shi' which he owne%& went on boar% with his house ser7ants& an% in all haste 'rocee%e% out of the fBor%& without waiting for King S7ein& saile% southwar%s to .ore& an% continue% his 7oyage south until he came to ;iske to his brother Thorberg. Then all the brothers& the sons of )rne& hel% a meeting& an% consulte% with each other.

)fter this Kalf returne% to the north againA but when he came to ?rekeysun%& King S7ein was lying in the soun% before him. =hen Kalf came rowing from the south into the soun% they haile% each other& an% the king4s men or%ere% Kalf to bring u' with his 7essel& an% follow the king for the %efence of the country. Kalf re'lies& 6< ha7e %one enough& if not too much& when < fought against my own countrymen to increase the 'ower of the Canute family.6 Thereu'on Kalf rowe% away to the north until he came home to 3ggBa. None of these )rnasons a''eare% at this le7y to accom'any the king. He steere% with his fleet southwar%s along the lan%A but as he coul% not hear the least news of any fleet ha7ing come from the west& he steere% south to 2ogalan%& an% all the way to )g%erA for many guesse% that Tryg7e woul% first make his attem't on >iken& because his forefathers ha% been there& an% ha% most of their strength from that Fuarter& an% he ha% himself great strength by family connection there.

!/:. K<N; T2C;>3 $-)?S$N4S ?)--. =hen Tryg7e came from the west he lan%e% first on the coast of Hor%alan%& an% when he hear% King S7ein ha% gone south he went the same way to 2ogalan%. )s soon as S7ein got the intelligence that Tryg7e ha% come from the west he returne%& an% steere% north with his fleetA an% both fleets met within +okn in Soknarsun%& not far from the 'lace where 3rling SkBalgson fell. The battle& which took 'lace on a Sun%ay& was great an% se7ere. 1eo'le tell that Tryg7e threw s'ears with both han%s at once. 6So my father&6 sai% he& 6taught me to celebrate mass.6 His enemies ha% sai% that he was the son of a 'riestA but the 'raise must be allowe% him that he showe% himself more like a son of King $laf Tryg7ason& for this Tryg7e was a slaughtering man. <n this battle King Tryg7e fell& an% many of his men with himA but some fle%& an% some recei7e% Fuarter an% their li7es. <t is thus relate% in the balla% of Tryg7e5 6Tryg7e comes from the northern coast& King S7ein turns roun% with all his hostA To meet an% fight& they both 're'are& )n% where they met grim %eath was there. ?rom the shar' strife < was not far& < hear% the %in an% the clang of warA )n% the Hor%alan% men at last ga7e way& )n% their lea%er fell& an% they lost the %ay.6 This battle is also tol% of in the balla% about King S7ein& thus5 6.y girlK it was a Sun%ay morn& )n% many a man ne4er saw its e7e& Though ale an% leeks by ol% wi7es borne The bruise% an% woun%e% %i% relie7e. 4Twas Sun%ay morn& when S7ein calls out& IStem to stem your 7essels bin%A4 The ra7en a mi% %ay feast smells out& )n% he comes croaking u' the win%.6

)fter this battle King S7ein rule% the country for some time& an% there was 'eace in the lan%. The winter after it ().*. 19:"# he 'asse% in the south 'arts of the country.

!/". $? TH3 C$@NS3-S $? 3<N)2 T).+)SK3-?32 )N* K)-? )2N)S$N. 3inar Tambaskelfer an% Kalf )rnason ha% this winter meetings an% consultations between themsel7es in the merchant town (1#. Then there came a messenger from King Canute to Kalf )rnason& with a message to sen% him three %oEen aDes& which must be chosen an% goo%. Kalf re'lies& 6< will sen% no aDes to King Canute. Tell him < will bring his son S7ein so many& that he shall not think he is in want of any.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Ni%aros& or Thron%hBem& is usually calle% merely the merchant town. -.

!/(. $? 3<N)2 T).+)SK3-?32 )N* K)-? )2N)S$N4S G$@2N3C. 3arly in s'ring ().*. 19:"# 3inar Tambaskelfer an% Kalf )rnason ma%e themsel7es rea%y for a Bourney& with a great retinue of the best an% most select men that coul% be foun% in the Thron%hBem country. They went in s'ring eastwar% o7er the ri%ge of the country to Gamtalan%& from thence to HelsingBalan%& an% came to S7ithBo%& where they 'rocure% shi's& with which in summer they 'rocee%e% east to 2ussia& an% came in autumn to -a%oga. They sent men u' to No7goro% to King Garisleif& with the erran% that they offere% .agnus& the son of King $laf the Saint& to take him with them& follow him to Norway& an% gi7e him assistance to attain his father4s heritage an% be ma%e king o7er the country. =hen this message came to King Garisleif he hel% a consultation with the Fueen an% some chiefs& an% they all resol7e% unanimously to sen% a message to the Northmen& an% ask them to come to King Garisleif an% .agnusA for which Bourney safe con%uct was gi7en them. =hen they came to No7goro% it was settle% among them that the Northmen who ha% come there shoul% become .agnus4s men& an% be his subBectsA an% to this Kalf an% the other men who ha% been against King $laf at Stiklesta% were solemnly boun% by oath. $n the other han%& King .agnus 'romise% them& un%er oath& secure 'eace an% full reconciliationA an% that he woul% be true an% faithful to them all when he got the %ominions an% king%om of Norway. He was to become Kalf )rnason4s foster sonA an% Kalf shoul% be boun% to %o all that .agnus might think necessary for eDten%ing his %ominion& an% making it more in%e'en%ent than formerly.

S);) $? .);N@S TH3 ;$$*.

123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS. .agnus reigne% from ).*. 19:( to 19"7& when he %ie%. *uring the last year of his reign his half brother Haral% Sigur%son was his co regent. The history of .agnus is treate% in 6)gri'.6& ch. !8 :!A in 6?agrskinna6& ch. 119 1"/A in 6?ornmannasogur6& 'art 7i.& an% in 6Knytlinga Saga6. The skal%s Fuote% in this saga are5 )rnor the earls4 skal% ()rnor Garlaskal%#& Sig7at& ThBo%ulf& +Barne ;ullbrarskal%& Thorgeir ?lek& $% Kikinaskal%.

1. .);N@S $-)?S$N4S G$@2N3C ?2$. TH3 =3ST. )fter Cule .agnus $lafson began his Bourney from the 3ast from No7goro% to -a%oga& where he rigge% out his shi's as soon as the ice was loosene% in s'ring ().*. 19:(#. )rnor& the earls4 skal%& tells of this in the 'oem on .agnus5 6<t is no loose re'ort that he& =ho will comman% on lan% an% sea& <n bloo% will make his foeman feel $laf4s swor% Hneiter4s shar' blue steel. This generous youth& who scatters gol%& Norway4s bra7e son& but ten years ol%& <s rigging shi's in 2ussia4s lake& His crown& with frien%4s su''ort& to take.6 <n s'ring .agnus saile% from the 3ast to S7ithBo%. )rnor5 6The young swor% stainer calle% a Thing& =here all his men shoul% meet their king5 Heroes who fin% the eagle foo% +efore their lor% in arms stoo%. )n% now the cur7e% 'lank of the bow Clea7es the blue seaA the ocean 'lough +y grey win%s %ri7en across the main& 2eaches Sigtuna4s grassy 'lain.6 Here it is relate% that when King .agnus an% his fellow tra7ellers saile% from the 3ast to S7ithBo%& they brought u' at Sigtuna. 3mun% $lafson was then king in S7ithBo%. Hueen )stri%& who ha% been marrie% to King $laf the Saint& was also there. She recei7e% 7ery gla%ly an% well her ste'son King .agnus& an% summone% imme%iately a numerous Thing of Swe%es at a 'lace calle% Hangtar. )t the Thing Hueen )stri% s'oke these wor%s5 6Here is come to us a son of $laf the Saint& calle% .agnus& who inten%s to make an eD'e%ition to Norway to seek his father4s heritage. <t is my great %uty to gi7e him ai% towar%s this eD'e%itionA for he is my ste'son& as is well known to all& both Swe%es an% Norwegians. Neither shall he want men or money& in so far as < So says

can 'rocure them or ha7e influence& in or%er that his strength may be as great as 'ossibleA an% all the men who will su''ort this cause of his shall ha7e my fullest frien%shi'A an% < woul% ha7e it known that < inten% myself to go with him on this attem't& that all may see < will s'are nothing that is in my 'ower to hel' him.6 She s'oke long an% cle7erly in this strainA but when she ha% en%e% many re'lie% thus5 6The Swe%es ma%e no honourable 'rogress in Norway when they followe% King $laf his father& an% now no better success is to be eD'ecte%& as this man is but in years of boyhoo%A an% therefore we ha7e little inclination for this eD'e%ition.6 )stri% re'lies& 6)ll men who wish to be thought of true courage must not be %eterre% by such consi%erations. <f any ha7e lost connections at the si%e of King $laf& or been themsel7es woun%e%& now is the time to show a man4s heart an% courage& an% go to Norway to take 7engeance.6 )stri% succee%e% so far with wor%s an% encouragement that many men %etermine% to go with her& an% follow King .agnus to Norway. Sig7at the skal% s'eaks of this5 6Now )strt%& $laf4s wi%owe% Hueen& She who so many a change ha% seen& Took all the gifts of ha''ier %ays& Gewels an% rings& all she coul% raise& )n% at a Thing at Hangrar& where The Swe%es were numerous& %i% %eclare =hat $laf4s son 'ro'ose% to %o& )n% brought her gifts their 'ay in 7iew. 6)n% with the Swe%es no wiser 'lan& To bring out e7ery bra7e bol% man& Coul% ha7e been foun%& ha% .agnus been The son himself of the goo% Fueen. =ith hel' of Christ& she ho'e% to bring .agnus to be the lan%4s sole king& )s Haral% was& who in his %ay $btaine% o4er all the u''er sway. 6)n% gla% are we so well she s'e%& The 'eo'le4s frien% is now their hea%A )n% goo% King .agnus always shows How much be to Hueen )stri% owes. Such ste'mothers as this goo% Fueen <n truth are 7ery rarely seenA )n% to this noble woman4s 'raise The skal% with Boy his song will raise.6 Thio%olf the skal% also says in his song of .agnus5 6=hen thy bra7e shi' left the lan%& The ben%ing yar% coul% scarce withstan% The fury of the whistling gale& That s'lit thy many coloure% sailA )n% many a stout shi'& tem'est tost& =as in that howling storm lost That brought them safe to Sigtuna4s shore& ?ar from the soun% of ocean4s roar.6

!. .);N@S4S 3N13*<T<$N ?2$. S><THG$*. King .agnus set out on his Bourney from Sigtuna with a great force& which he ha% gathere% in S7ithBo%. They 'rocee%e% through S7ithBo% on foot to HelsingBalan%. So says )rnor& the earl4s skal%5 6)n% many a %ark re% Swe%ish shiel% .arche% with thee from the Swe%ish fiel%. The country 'eo'le crow%e% in& To hel' Saint $laf4s son to winA )n% chosen men by thee were le%& .en who ha7e staine% the wolf4s tongue re%. 3ach milk white shiel% an% 'olishe% s'ear Came to a s'len%i% gathering there.6 .agnus $lafson went from the 3ast through Gamtalan% o7er the keel ri%ge of the country an% came %own u'on the Thron%hBem %istrict& where all men welcome% the king with Boy. +ut no sooner %i% the men of King S7ein& the son of )lfifa& hear that King .agnus $lafson was come to the country& than they fle% on all si%es an% conceale% themsel7es& so that no o''osition was ma%e to King .agnusA for King S7ein was in the south 'art of the country. So says )rnor& the earls4 skal%5 6He who the eagle4s talons stains 2ushe% from the 3ast on Thron%hBem4s 'lainsA The terror of his 'lume% helm *ro7e his 'ale foemen from the realm. The lightning of thy eye so near& ;reat kingK thy foemen coul% not bear& Scattere% they fle% their only care <f thou their wretche% li7es wilt s'are.6

:. .);N@S .)*3 K<N;. .agnus $lafson a%7ance% to the town (Ni%aros#& where he was Boyfully recei7e%. He then summone% the 'eo'le to the 3yra thing (1#A an% when the bon%es met at the Thing& .agnus was taken to be king o7er the whole lan%& as far as his father $laf ha% 'ossesse% it. Then the king selecte% a court& an% name% len%ermen& an% 'lace% bailiffs an% officers in all %omains an% offices. <mme%iately after har7est King .agnus or%ere% a le7y through all Thron%hBem lan%& an% he collecte% men rea%ilyA an% thereafter he 'rocee%e% southwar%s along the coast. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# 3yra Thing& hel% on the ayr of the ri7er Ni%& that is& on the s'it of san%& still calle% an ayr in the north of Scotlan%& %i7i%ing a lake& 'on%& or ri7er mouth from the sea. )t the Thing hel% here the kings of Norway were chosen an% 'roclaime%. <t was hel% to be the 'ro'er Thing for

settling %is'utes between kings in Norway.

-.

". K<N; S>3<N4S ?-<;HT. King S7ein )lfifason was staying in South Hor%alan% when he hear% this news of war. He imme%iately sent out war tokens to four %ifferent Fuarters& summone% the bon%es to him& an% ma%e it known to all that they shoul% Boin him with men an% shi's to %efen% the country. )ll the men who were in the neighbourhoo% of the king 'resente% themsel7esA an% the king forme% a Thing& at which in a s'eech he set forth his business& an% sai% he woul% a%7ance against .agnus $1afson an% ha7e a battle with him& if the bon%es woul% ai% his cause. The king4s s'eech was not 7ery long& an% was not recei7e% with much a''robation by the bon%es. )fterwar%s the *anish chiefs who were about the king ma%e long an% cle7er s'eechesA but the bon%es then took u' the wor%& an% answere% themA an% although many sai% they woul% follow S7ein& an% fight on his si%e& some refuse% to %o so bluntly& some were altogether silent& an% some %eclare% they woul% Boin King .agnus as soon as they ha% an o''ortunity. Then King S7ein says& 6.ethinks 7ery few of the bon%es to whom we sent a message ha7e a''eare% hereA an% of those who ha7e come& an% tell us to our face that they will Boin King .agnus as soon as they can& we shall ha7e as little benefit as of those who say they will sit at home Fuietly. <t is the same with those who say nothing at all. +ut as to those who 'romise to hel' us& there are not more than e7ery other manA an% that force will a7ail us little against King .agnus. <t is my counsel& therefore& that we %o not trust to these bon%esA but let us rather go to the lan% where all the 'eo'le are sure an% true to us& an% where we will obtain forces to conFuer this country again.6 )s soon as the king ha% ma%e known this resolution all his men followe% it& turne% their shi'4s bows& an% hoiste% sail. King S7ein saile% eastwar% along the lan%& an% then set right o7er to *enmark without %elay& an% Har%aknut recei7e% his brother S7ein 7ery kin%ly. )t their first meeting Har%aknut offere% King S7ein to %i7i%e the king%om of *enmark with him& which offer King S7ein acce'te%.

(. K<N; .);N@S4S G$@2N3C T$ N$2=)C. <n autumn ().*. 19:(# King .agnus 'rocee%e% eastwar% to the en% of the country& an% was recei7e% as king throughout the whole lan%& an% the country 'eo'le were reBoice% at his arri7al.

/. *3)TH $? K<N; C)N@T3 TH3 ;23)T )N* H<S S$N S>3<N. King S7ein& Canute4s son& went to *enmark& as before relate%& an% took 'art in the go7ernment with his brother Har%aknut. <n the same autumn King Canute the ;reat %ie% in 3nglan%& the 1:th No7ember& forty years ol%& an% was burie% at =inchester. He ha% been king of *enmark for twenty se7en years& an% o7er *enmark an%

3nglan% together twenty four years& an% also o7er Norway for se7en years. King Canute4s son Haral% was then ma%e king in 3nglan%. The same winter ().*. 19:/# King S7ein& )lfifa4s son& %ie% in *enmark. Thio%olf the skal% ma%e these lines concerning King .agnus5 6Through Swe%en4s %irty roa%s the throng ?ollowe% the king in s'earmen strong. S7ein %oth fly& in truth afrai%& )n% 'artly by his men betraye%A ?lying to *enmark o4er the sea& He lea7es the lan% Fuite clear to thee.6 +Barne ;ullbrarskal% com'ose% the following lines concerning Kalf )rnason5 6+y thee the kings got each his own& .agnus by thee got Norway4s throneA )n% S7ein in *enmark got a seat& =hen out of Norway he was beat. KalfK <t was you who showe% the way To our young king& the battle lo7er& ?rom 2ussia to his father4s sway Cou showe% the way& an% brought him o7er.6 King .agnus rule% o7er Norway this winter ().*. 19:/#& an% Har%aknut o7er *enmark.

7. 23C$NC<-<)T<$N +3T=33N H)2*)KN@T )N* K<N; .);N@S. The following s'ring ().*. 19:/# the kings on both si%es or%ere% out a le7y& an% the news was that they woul% ha7e a battle at the ;aut ri7erA but when the two armies a''roache% each other& the len%ermen in the one army sent messengers to their connections an% frien%s in the otherA an% it came to a 'ro'osal for a reconciliation between the two kings& es'ecially as& from both kings being but young an% chil%ish& some 'owerful men& who ha% been chosen in each of the countries for that 'ur'ose& ha% the rule of the country on their account. <t thus was brought about that there was a frien%ly meeting between the kings& an% in this meeting a 'eace was 'ro'ose%A an% the 'eace was to be a brotherly union un%er oath to kee' the 'eace towar%s each other to the en% of their li7esA an% if one of them shoul% %ie without lea7ing a son& the longest li7er shoul% succee% to the whole lan% an% 'eo'le. Twel7e of the 'rinci'al men in each king%om swore to the kings that this treaty shoul% be obser7e%& so long as any one of them was in life. Then the kings se'arate%& an% each returne% home to his king%omA an% the treaty was ke't as long as both li7e%.

8. $? H@33N )ST2<*. Hueen )stri%& who ha% been marrie% to King $laf the Saint& came

to Norway with King .agnus her ste'son& as before relate%& an% was hel% by him %eser7e%ly in great honour an% esteem. Then came also )lfhil%& King .agnus4s mother& to the court& an% the king recei7e% her with the greatest affection& an% showe% her great res'ect. +ut it went with )lfhil%& as it %oes with many who come to 'ower an% honour& that 'ri%e kee's 'ace with 'romotion. She was ill 'lease% that Hueen )stri% was treate% with more res'ect& ha% a higher seat& an% more attention. )lfhil% wante% to ha7e a seat neDt to the king& but )stri% calle% )lfhil% her sla7e woman& as in%ee% she ha% formerly been when )stri% was Fueen of Norway an% King $laf rule% the lan%& an% therefore woul% on no account let her ha7e a seat besi%e her& an% they coul% not lo%ge in the same house.

9. $? S<;>)T TH3 SK)-*. Sig7at the skal% ha% gone to 2ome& where he was at the time of the battle of Stiklesta%. He was on his way back from the South when he hear% ti%ings of King $1af4s fall& which ga7e him great grief. He then sang these lines5 6$ne morning early on a hill& The misty town aslee' an% still& =an%ering < thought u'on the fiel%s. Strewe% o4er with broken mail an% shiel%s& =here our king fell& our kin% goo% king& =here now his ha''y youthful s'ringL .y father tooK for Thor% was then $ne of the goo% king4s chosen men.6 $ne %ay Sig7at went through a 7illage& an% hear% a husban% lamenting grie7ously o7er the loss of his wife& striking his breast& tearing his clothes& wee'ing bitterly& an% saying he wante% to %ieA an% Sig7at sang these lines5 6This 'oor man mourns a much lo7e% wife& ;la%ly woul% he be Fuit of life. .ust lo7e be 'ai% for by our griefL The 'rice seems great for Boy so brief. +ut the bra7e man who knows no fear *ro's for his king a silent tear& )n% feels& 'erha's& his loss as %ee' )s those who clamour when they wee'.6 Sig7at came home to Norway to the Thron%hBem country& where he ha% a farm an% chil%ren. He came from the South along the coast in a merchant 7essel& an% as they lay in Hillarsun% they saw a great many ra7ens flying about. Then Sig7at sai%5 6< see here many a croaking ra7en ?lying about the well known ha7en5 =hen $laf4s shi' was floating here& They knew that foo% for them was nearA

=hen $laf4s shi' lay here win% boun%& $ft screame% the erne o4er Hillar soun%& <m'atient for the eD'ecte% 'rey& )n% wont to follow to the fray.6 =hen Sig7at came north to the town of Thron%hBem King S7ein was there before him. He in7ite% Sig7at to stay with him& as Sig7at ha% formerly been with his father King Canute the ;reatA but Sig7at sai% he woul% first go home to his farm. $ne %ay& as Sig7at was walking in the street& he saw the king4s men at 'lay& an% he sang5 6$ne %ay before < 'asse% this way& =hen the king4s guar%s were at their 'lay& Something there was < nee% not tell That ma%e me 'ale& an% feel unwell. 1erha's it was < thought& Bust then& How noble $laf with his men& <n former %ays& < oft ha7e seen <n manly games u'on this green.6 Sig7at then went to his farmA an% as he hear% that many men u'brai%e% him with ha7ing %eserte% King $laf& he ma%e these 7erses5 6.ay Christ con%emn me still to burn <n Fuenchless fire& if < %i% turn& )n% lea7e King $laf in his nee%& .y soul is free from such base %ee%. < was at 2ome& as men know well =ho saw me there& an% who can tell That there in %anger < was then5 The truth < nee% not hi%e from men.6 Sig7at was ill at ease in his home. sang5 $ne %ay he went out an%

6=hile $laf li7e%& how smile% the lan%K .ountain an% cliff& an% 'ebbly stran%. )ll Norway then& so fresh& so gay& $n lan% or sea& where oft < lay. +ut now to me all seems so %rea%y& )ll black an% %ull of life <4m wearyA Cheerless to %ay& cheerless to morrow Here in the North we ha7e great sorrow.6 3arly in winter Sig7at went westwar% o7er the ri%ge of the country to Gamtalan%& an% onwar%s to HelsingBalan%& an% came to S7ithBo%. He went imme%iately to Hueen )stri%& an% was with her a long time& an% was a welcome guest. He was also with her brother King 3mun%& an% recei7e% from him ten marks of 'ro7e% sil7er& as is relate% in the song of Canute. Sig7at always inFuire% of the merchants who tra%e% to No7goro% if they coul% tell him any news of .agnus $lafson. Sig7at com'ose% these lines at that time5 6< ask the merchant oft who %ri7es

His tra%e to 2ussia& IHow he thri7es& $ur noble 'rinceL How li7es he thereL )n% still goo% news his 'raise < hear. To little bir%s& which wing their way +etween the lan%s& < fain woul% say& How much we long our 'rince to see& They seem to hear a wish from me.6

19. $? K<N; .);N@S4S ?<2ST )22<>)- <N S><THG$*. <mme%iately after .agnus $lafson came to S7ithBo% from 2ussia& Sig7at met him at Hueen )stri%4s house& an% gla% they all were at meeting. Sig7at then sang5 6Thou art come here& 'rince& young an% bol%K Thou art come homeK =ith Boy behol% Thy lan% an% 'eo'le. ?rom this hour < Boin myself to thy young 'ower. < coul% not o4er to 2ussie hie& Thy mother4s guar%ian here was <. <t was my 'unishment for gi7ing .agnus his name& while scarcely li7ing.6 )fterwar%s Sig7at tra7elle% with Hueen )stri%& an% followe% .agnus to Norway. Sig7at sang thus5 6To the crow%s streaming to the Thing& To see an% hear .agnus their king& -ou%ly& young king& <4ll s'eak my min% I;o% to His 'eo'le has been kin%.4 <f He& to whom be all the 'raise& ;i7e us a son in all his ways -ike to his sire& no folk on earth =ill bless so much a royal birth.6 Now when .agnus became king of Norway Sig7at atten%e% him& an% was his %earest frien%. $nce it ha''ene% that Hueen )stri% an% )lfhil% the king4s mother ha% eDchange% some shar' wor%s with each other& an% Sig7at sai%5 6)lfhil%K though it was ;o%4s will To raise thee yet remember still The Fueen born )stri% shoul% not be Ke't out of %ue res'ect by thee.6

11. K<N; $-)?4S SH2<N3. King .agnus ha% a shrine ma%e an% mounte% with gol% an% sil7er& an% stu%%e% with Bewels. This shrine was ma%e so that in sha'e an% siEe it was like a coffin. @n%er it was an arche% way& an% abo7e was a raise% roof& with a hea% an% a roof ri%ge. +ehin% were 'laite% hangingsA an% before were gratings with 'a%locks& which coul% be locke% with a key. <n this shrine King .agnus ha%

the holy remains of King $laf %e'osite%& an% many were the miracles there wrought. $f this Sig7at s'eaks5 6?or him a gol%en shrine is ma%e& ?or him whose heart was ne4er afrai% $f mortal man the holy king& =hom the -or% ;o% to hea7en %i% bring. Here many a man shall feel his way& Stone blin%& unconscious of the %ay& )n% at the shrine where $laf lies ;i7e songs of 'raise for o'ene% eyes.6 <t was also a''ointe% by law that King $laf4s holy %ay shoul% be hel% sacre% o7er all Norway& an% that %ay has been ke't e7er afterwar%s as the greatest of Church %ays. Sig7at s'eaks of it5 6To $laf& .agnus4 father& raise& =ithin my house& the song of 'raiseK =ith Boy& yet grief& we4ll kee' the %ay $laf to hea7en was calle% away. =ell may < kee' within my breast ) %ay for him in holy rest& .y u'raise% han%s a gol%en ring $n e7ery branch (1# bear from that king.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The fingers& the branches of the han%& bore gol%en fruits from the generosity of the king. -.

1!. $? TH$232 H@N*. Thorer Hun% left the country imme%iately after King $laf4s fall. He went all the way to Gerusalem& an% many 'eo'le say he ne7er came back. Thorer Hun% ha% a son calle% Sigur%& father of 2an7eig who was marrie% to Goan& a son of )rne )rnason. Their chil%ren were >i%kun of +Barkey& Sigur% Hun%& 3rling& an% Gar%thru%.

1:. $? TH3 .@2*32 $? H)23K $? THG$TT). Harek of ThBotta sat at home on his farm& till King .agnus $lafson came to the country an% was ma%e king. Then Harek went south to Thron%hBem to King .agnus. )t that time )smun% ;rankelson was in the king4s house. =hen Harek came to Ni%aros& an% lan%e% out of the shi'& )smun% was stan%ing with the king in the gallery outsi%e the loft& an% both the king an% )smun% knew Harek when they saw him. 6Now&6 says )smun% to the king& 6< will 'ay Harek for my father4s mur%er.6 He ha% in his han% a little thin hatchet. The king looke% at him& an% sai%& 62ather take this aDe of mine.6 <t was thick& an% ma%e like a club. 6Thou must know& )smun%&6 a%%e% he& 6that there are har% bones in the

ol% fellow.6 )smun% took the aDe& went %own& an% through the house& an% when he came %own to the cross roa% Harek an% his men coming u' met him. )smun% struck Harek on the hea%& so that the aDe 'enetrate% to the brainsA an% that was Harek4s %eath woun%. )smun% turne% back %irectly to the king4s house& an% the whole e%ge of the aDe was turne% with the blow. Then sai% the king& 6=hat woul% thy aDe ha7e %one& for e7en this one& < think& is s'oiltL6 King .agnus afterwar%s ga7e him a fief an% office in Halogalan%& an% many are the tales about the strife between )smun% an% Harek4s sons.

1". $? TH$2;3<2 ?-3K. Kalf )rnason ha% at first& for some time& the greatest share of the go7ernment of the country un%er King .agnusA but afterwar%s there were 'eo'le who remin%e% the king of the 'art Kalf ha% taken at Stiklesta%& an% then it became %ifficult for Kalf to gi7e the king satisfaction in anything. $nce it ha''ene% there were many men with the king bringing their affairs before himA an% Thorgeir ?lek from Sula in >era%al& of whom mention is ma%e before in the history of King $laf the Saint& came to him about some nee%ful business. The king 'ai% no attention to his wor%s& but was listening to 'eo'le who stoo% near him. Then Thorgeir sai% to the king& so lou% that all who were aroun% him coul% hear5 6-isten& my lor%& to my 'lain wor%. < too was there& an% ha% to bear ) bloo%y hea% from Stiklesta%5 ?or < was then with $laf4s men. -isten to me5 well %i% < see The men you4re trusting the %ea% cor'se thrusting $ut of their way& as %ea% it layA )n% striking o4er your father4s gore.6 There was instantly a great u'roar& an% some tol% Thorgeir to go outA but the king calle% him& an% not only %es'atche% his business to his satisfaction& but 'romise% him fa7our an% frien%shi'.

11(. K)-? )2N)S$N ?-<3S TH3 C$@NT2C Soon after this the king was at a feast at the farm of Haug in >era%el& an% at the %inner table Kalf )rnason sat u'on one si%e of him& an% 3inar Tambaskelfer on the other. <t was alrea%y come so far that the king took little notice of Kalf& but 'ai% most attention to 3inar. The king sai% to 3inar& 6-et us ri%e to %ay to Stiklesta%. < shoul% like to see the memorials of the things which took 'lace there.6 3inar re'lies& 6< can tell thee nothing about itA but take thy foster father Kalf with theeA he can gi7e thee information about all that took 'lace.6 =hen the tables were remo7e%& the king ma%e himself rea%y& an% sai% to Kalf& 6Thou must go with me to Stiklesta%.6

Kalf re'lie%& 6That is really not my %uty.6 Then the king stoo% u' in a 'assion& an% sai%& 6;o thou shalt& KalfK6 an% thereu'on he went out. Kalf 'ut on his ri%ing clothes in all haste& an% sai% to his foot boy& 6Thou must ri%e %irectly to 3ggBa& an% or%er my house ser7ants to shi' all my 'ro'erty on boar% my shi' before sunset.6 King .agnus now ri%es to Stiklesta%& an% Kalf with him. They alighte% from horseback& an% went to the 'lace where the battle ha% been. Then sai% the king to Kalf& 6=here is the s'ot at which the king fellL6 Kalf stretche% out his s'ear shaft& an% sai%& 6There he lay when he fell.6 The king5 6)n% where wast thou& KalfL6 Kalf5 6Here where < am now stan%ing.6 The king turne% re% as bloo% in the face& an% sai%& 6Then thy aDe coul% well ha7e reache% him.6 Kalf re'lie%& 6.y aDe %i% not come near himA6 an% imme%iately went to his horse& s'rang on horseback& an% ro%e away with all his menA an% the king ro%e back to Haug. Kalf %i% not sto' until he got home in the e7ening to 3ggBa. There his shi' lay rea%y at the shore si%e& an% all his effects were on boar%& an% the 7essel manne% with his house ser7ants. They set off imme%iately by night %own the fBor%& an% afterwar%s 'rocee%e% %ay an% night& when the win% suite%. He saile% out into the =est sea& an% was there a long time 'lun%ering in <relan%& Scotlan%& an% the Hebu%es. +Barne ;ullbrarskal% tells of this in the song about Kalf5 6+rother of Thorberg& who still stoo% =ell with the kingK in angry moo% He is the first to break with thee& =ho well %eser7es esteeme% to beA He is the first who frien%shi' broke& ?or en7ious men the falsehoo% s'okeA )n% he will he the first to rue The breach of frien%shi' 4twiDt you two.6

1/. $? TH3 TH23)TS $? TH3 +$N*3S. King .agnus a%%e% to his 'ro'erty >eggia& which Hrut ha% been owner of& an% K7iststa%& which ha% belonge% to Thorgeir& an% also 3ggBa& with all the goo%s which Kalf ha% left behin% himA an% thus he confiscate% to the king4s estate many great farms& which ha% belonge% to those of the bon%e army who ha% fallen at Stiklesta%. <n like manner& he lai% hea7y fine% u'on many of those who ma%e the greatest o''osition to King $laf. He %ro7e

some out of the country& took large sums of money from others& an% ha% the cattle of others slaughtere% for his use. Then the bon%es began to murmur& an% to say among themsel7es& 6=ill he go on in the same way as his father an% other chiefs& whom we ma%e an en% of when their 'ri%e an% lawless 'rocee%ings became insu''ortableL6 This %iscontent s'rea% wi%ely through the country. The 'eo'le of Sogn gathere% men& an%& it was sai%& were %etermine% to gi7e battle to King .agnus& if he came into the ?Bor% %istrict. King .agnus was then in Hor%alan%& where he ha% remaine% a long time with a numerous retinue& an% was now come to the resolution to 'rocee% north to Sogn. =hen the king4s frien%s obser7e% this& twel7e men ha% a meeting& an% resol7e% to %etermine by casting lots which of them shoul% inform the king of the %iscontent of the 'eo'leA an% it so ha''ene% that the lot fell u'on Sig7at.

17. $? TH3 ?233 S13)K<N; S$N; (6+32S$;-<S><S@26#. Sig7at accor%ingly com'ose% a 'oem& which he calle% the 6?ree s'eaking Song6& which begins with saying the king ha% %elaye% too long to 'acify the 'eo'le& who were threatening to rise in tumult against him. He sai%5 6Here in the south& from Sogn is s'rea% The news that strife %raws to a hea%5 The bon%es will the king o''ose Kings an% their folk shoul% ne4er be foes. -et us take arms& an% briskly go To battle& if it must be soA *efen% our king but still %e'lore His lan% 'lunge% in such strife once more.6 <n this song are also these 7erses5 6Hakon. who at ?itiar %ie%& Hakon the ;oo%& coul% not abi%e The 7iking rule. or robber train& )n% all men4s lo7e he thus %i% gain. The 'eo'le since ha7e still in min% The laws of Hakon& Bust an% kin%A )n% men will ne7er see the %ay =hen Hakon4s laws ha7e 'asse% away. 6The bon%es ask but what is fairA The $lafs an% the 3arls& when there =here .agnus sits& confirme% to all Their lan%s an% gear to great an% small& +ol% Tryg7e4s son& an% Haral%4s heir& The $lafs& while on earth they were& $bser7e% the laws themsel7es ha% ma%e& )n% none was for his own afrai%. 6-et not thy counsellors stir thy wrath )gainst the man who s'eaks the truthA Thy honour lies in thy goo% swor%&

+ut still more in thy royal wor%A )n%& if the 'eo'le %o not lie& The new laws turn out not nigh So Gust an% mil%& as the laws gi7en )t @lfasun% in face of hea7en. 6*rea% kingK who urges thee to break Thy 'le%ge% wor%& an% back to take Thy 'romise gi7enL Thou warrior bol%A =ith thy own 'eo'le wor% to hol%& Thy 'romise fully to maintain& <s to thyself the greatest gain5 The battle storm raiser he .ust by his own men truste% be. 6=ho urges thee& who seek4st renown& The bon%es4 cattle to cut %ownL No king before e4er took in han% Such 7iking work in his own lan%. Such ra'ine men will not long bear& )n% the king4s counsellors will but share <n their ill will5 when once inflame%& The king himself for all is blame%. 6*o cautious& with this news of treason ?lying about gi7e them no reason. =e hange the thief& but then we use Consi%eration of the eDcuse. < think& great king (who wilt reBoice 3agle an% wolf with battle 7oice#& <t woul% be wise not to o''ose Thy bon%es& an% make them thy foes. 6) %angerous sign it is& < fear& That ol% grey bear%e% men a''ear <n corners whis'ering at the Thing& )s if they ha% ba% news to bring. The young sit still& no laugh& or shout& .ore looks than wor%s 'assing shoutA )n% grou's of whis'ering hea%s are seen& $n buttone% breasts& with lowering mien. 6)mong the u%almen& they say The king& if he coul% ha7e his way& =oul% seiEe the bon%es4 u%al lan%& )n% free born men must this withstan%. <n truth the man whose u%al fiel%& +y any %oom that law can yiel% ?rom him a%Bu%ge% the king woul% take& Coul% the king4s throne an% 'ower shake.6 This 7erse is the last5 6) holy bon% between us still .akes me wish s'ee%y en% to ill5 The sluggar% waits till afternoon& )t once great .agnusK grant our boon.

Then we will ser7e with heart an% han%& =ith thee we4ll fight by sea or lan%5 =ith $laf4s swor% take $laf4s min%& )n% to thy bon%es be more kin%.6 <n this song the king was eDhorte% to obser7e the laws which his father ha% establishe%. This eDhortation ha% a goo% effect on the king& for many others hel% the same language to him. So at last the king consulte% the most 'ru%ent men& who or%ere% all affairs accor%ing to law. Thereafter King .agnus ha% the law book com'ose% in writing which is still in use in Thron%hBem %istrict& an% is calle% 6The ;rey ;oose6 (1#. King .agnus afterwar%s became 7ery 'o'ular& an% was belo7e% by all the country 'eo'le& an% therefore he was calle% .agnus the ;oo%. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# 6The ;rey ;oose6& so calle% 'robably from the colour of the 'archment on which it is written& is one of the most curious relics of the .i%%le )ges& an% gi7e us an uneD'ecte% 7iew of the social con%ition of the Northmen in the ele7enth century. -aw a''ears to ha7e been so far a%7ance% among them that the forms were not merely establishe%& but the slightest breach of the legal forms of 'rocee%ing in7ol7e% the loss of the case. The 6;rey ;oose6 embraces subBects not %ealt with 'robably by any other co%e in 3uro'e at that 'erio%. The 'ro7ision for the 'oor& the eFuality of weights an% measures& 'olice of markets an% of sea ha7ens& 'ro7ision for illegitimate chil%ren of the 'oor& inns for tra7ellers& wages of ser7ants an% su''ort of them in sickness& 'rotection of 'regnant women an% e7en of %omestic animals from inBury& roa%s& bri%ges& 7agrants& beggars& are subBects treate% of in this co%e. 6Schlegel.6 -.

18. $? TH3 3N;-<SH K<N;S. The king of the 3nglish& King Haral%& %ie% ().*. 19"9# fi7e years after his father King Canute& an% was burie% besi%e his father at =inchester. )fter his %eath his brother Har%aknut& the secon% son of the ol% King Canute& was king of 3nglan%& an% was thus king both of *enmark an% 3nglan%. He rule% these king%oms two years& an% then %ie% of sickness in 3nglan%& lea7ing no chil%ren. He was burie% at =inchester besi%e his father. )fter his %eath 3%war% the ;oo%& a son of the 3nglish king 3thelre% (an% 3mma& a %aughter of 2ichar% earl of 2ouen#& was chosen king in 3nglan%. King 3%war% the ;oo% was& on his mother4s si%e& a brother of Haral% an% Har%aknut& the sons of Canute the ;reatA an% the %aughter of Canute an% Hueen 3mma was ;unhil%& who was marrie% to the 3m'eror Henry of ;ermany& who was calle% Henry the .il%. ;unhil% ha% been three years in ;ermamy when she fell sick& an% she %ie% fi7e years after the %eath of her father King Canute the ;reat.

19. $? K<N; .);N@S $-)?S$N. =hen King .agnus $lafson hear% of Har%aknut4s %eath& he imme%iately sent 'eo'le south to *enmark& with a message to the men who ha% boun% themsel7es by oath to the 'eace an% agreement which was ma%e between King .agnus an% Har%aknut& an% remin%e% them of their 'le%ge. He a%%e%& as a conclusion& that in summer ().*. 19"!.# he woul% come with his army to *enmark to take 'ossession of his *anish %ominions& in terms of the agreement& or to fall in the fiel% with his army. So says )rnor& the earls4 skal%5 6=ise were the wor%s& eDcee%ing wise& $f him who stills the hungriest cries $f beasts of 'rey the earl4s lor%A )n% soon fulfille% will be his wor%5 I=ith his goo% swor% he4ll *enmark gain& $r fall u'on a bloo%y 'lainA )n% rather than gi7e u' his cause& =ill lea7e his cor'se to ra7en4s claws.46

!9. K<N; .);N@S4S )2.).3NT. Thereafter King .agnus gathere% together a great army& an% summone% to him all len%ermen an% 'owerful bon%es& an% collecte% war shi's. =hen the army was assemble% it was 7ery han%some& an% well fitte% out. He ha% se7enty large 7essels when he saile% from Norway. So says Thio%olf the skal%5 6+ra7e kingK the terror of the foe& =ith thee will many a long shi' go. ?ull se7enty sail are gathere% here& 3astwar% with their great king to steer. )n% southwar% now the bright keel gli%esA $4er the white wa7es the +ison ri%es. Sails swell& yar%s crack& the highest mast $4er the wi%e sea scarce seen at last.6 Here it relate% that King .agnus ha% the great +ison& which his father King $laf ha% built. <t ha% more than thirty banks of rowersA an% forwar% on the bow was a great buffalo hea%& an% aft on the stern 'ost was its tail. +oth the hea% an% the tail& an% both si%es of the shi'& were gil%e% o7er. $f this s'eaks )rnor& the earls4 skal%5 6The white foam lashing o4er the %eck $ft ma%e the gli%e% hea% to shakeA The helm %own& the 7essel4s heel $ft showe% her stem4s bright glacing steel. )roun% Sta7anger 'oint careering& Through the wil% sea4s white flames steering& Tackle lou% singing to the strain& The storm horse flies to *enmark4s 'lain.6 King .agnus set out to sea from )g%er& an% saile% o7er to

Gutlan%.

So says )rnor5

6< can relate how through the gale The gallant +ison carrie% sail. =ith her lee gunwale in the wa7e& The king on boar%& .agnus the bra7eK The iron cla% Thingmen4s chief to see $n Gutlan%4s coast right gla% were we& 2ight gla% our men to see a king =ho in the fight his swor% coul% swing.6

!1. K<N; .);N@S C$.3S T$ *3N.)2K. =hen King .agnus came to *enmark he was Boyfully recei7e%. He a''ointe% a Thing without %elay& to which he summone% the 'eo'le of the country& an% %esire% they woul% take him as king& accor%ing to the agreement which ha% been entere% into. )s the highest of the chiefs of the country were boun% by oath to King .agnus& an% were %esirous of kee'ing their wor% an% oath& they en%ea7oure% Eealously to 'romote the cause with the 'eo'le. <t contribute% also that King Canute the ;reat& an% all his %escen%ants& were %ea%A an% a thir% assistance was& that his father King $laf4s sanctity an% miracles were become celebrate% in all countries.

!!. K<N; .);N@S CH$S3N K<N; $? *3N.)2K. King .agnus afterwar%s or%ere% the 'eo'le to be summone% to >iborg to a Thing. +oth in ol%er an% later times& the *anes electe% their kings at the >iborg Thing. )t this Thing the *anes chose .agnus $lafson to be king of all the *anish %orninions. King .agnus remaine% long in *enmark %uring the summer ().*. 19"!#A an% where7er he came the 'eo'le recei7e% him Boyfully& an% obeye% him willingly. He %i7i%e% the country into baronies an% %istricts& an% ga7e fiefs to men of 'ower in the lan%. -ate in autumn he returne% with his fleet to Norway& but lay for some time at the ;aut ri7er.

!:. $? S>3<N @-?S$N. There was a man& by name S7ein& a son of 3arl @lf& an% gran%son of Thorgils S'rakaleg. S7ein4s mother was )stri%& a %aughter of King S7ein ?orkbear%. She was a sister of Canute the ;reat by the father4s si%e& an% of the Swe%ish King $laf 3irikson by the mother4s si%eA for her mother was Hueen Sigri% the Haughty& a %aughter of Skoglar Toste. S7ein @lfson ha% been a long time li7ing with his relation the Swe%ish king& e7er since King Canute ha% or%ere% his father @lf to be kille%& as is relate% in the saga of ol% King Canute& that he ha% his brother in law& 3arl @lf& mur%ere% in 2oskil%eA an% on which account S7ein ha% not since been in *enmark. S7ein @lfson was one of the han%somest

men that coul% be seenA he was 7ery stout an% strong& an% 7ery eD'ert in all eDercises& an% a well s'oken man withal. 37ery one who knew him sai% he ha% e7ery Fuality which became a goo% chief. S7ein @lfson waite% u'on King .agnus while he lay in the ;aut ri7er& as before mentione%& an% the king recei7e% him kin%ly& as he was by many a%7ise% to %oA for S7ein was a 'articularly 'o'ular man. He coul% also s'eak for himself to the king well an% cle7erlyA so that it came at lasf to S7ein4s entering into King .agnus4s ser7ice& an% becoming his man. They often talke% together afterwar%s in 'ri7ate concerning many affairs.

!". S>3<N @-?S$N C23)T3* )N 3)2-. $ne %ay& as King .agnus sat in his high seat an% many 'eo'le were aroun% him& S7ein @lfson sat u'on a footstool before the king. The king then ma%e a s'eech5 6+e it known to you& chiefs& an% the 'eo'le in general& that < ha7e taken the following resolution. Here is a %istinguishe% man& both for family an% for his own merits& S7ein @lfson& who has entere% into my ser7ice& an% gi7en me 'romise of fi%elity. Now& as ye know& the *anes ha7e this summer become my men& so that when < am absent from the country it is without a hea%A an% it is not unknown to you how it is ra7age% by the 'eo'le of >in%lan%& Kurlan%& an% others from the +altic& as well as by SaDons. Therefore < 'romise% them a chief who coul% %efen% an% rule their lan%A an% < know no man better fitte%& in all res'ects& for this than S7ein @lfson& who is of birth to be chief of the country. < will therefore make him my earl& an% gi7e him the go7ernment of my *anish %ominions while < am in NorwayA Bust as King Canute the ;reat set his father& 3arl @lf& o7er *enmark while he was in 3nglan%.6 Then 3inar Tambaskelfer sai%& 6Too great an earl earl& my foster sonK6 too great an

The king re'lie% in a 'assion& 6Ce ha7e a 'oor o'inion of my Bu%gment& < think. Some consi%er that ye are too great earls& an% others that ye are fit for nothing.6 Then the king stoo% u'& took a swor%& an% girt it on the earl4s loins& an% took a shiel% an% fastene% it on his shoul%ers& 'ut a helmet u'on his hea%& an% ga7e him the title of earl& with the same fiefs in *enmark which his father 3arl @lf ha% formerly hel%. )fterwar%s a shrine was brought forth containing holy relics& an% S7ein lai% his han% hereon& an% swore the oath of fi%elity to King .agnusA u'on which the king le% the earl to the highseat by his si%e. So says Thio%olf5 6Twas at the ;aut ri7er4s shore& =ith han% on shrine S7ein @lfson swore. King .agnus first sai% o4er the oath& =ith which S7ein @lfson 'le%ge% his troth. The 7ows by S7ein solemnly gi7en& $n holy bones of saints in hea7en& To .agnus seeme% both fair an% fastA He foun% they were too fair to last.6

3arl S7ein went thereafter to *enmark& an% the whole nation recei7e% him well. He establishe% a court about him& an% soon became a great man. <n winter ().*. 19":#& he went much about the country& an% ma%e frien%s among the 'owerful chiefsA an%& in%ee%& he was belo7e% by all the 'eo'le of the lan%.

!(. K<N; .);N@S4S ?$2)C. King .agnus 'rocee%e% northwar% to Norway with his fleet& an% wintere% thereA but when the s'ring set in ().*. 19"8# he gathere% a large force& with which he saile% south to *emnark& ha7ing hear% the news from >in%lan% that the >in%lan% 'eo'le in Gomsborg ha% with%rawn from their submission to him. The *anish kings ha% formerly ha% a 7ery large earl%om there& an% they first foun%e% GomsborgA an% now the 'lace was become a 7ery strong fortress. =hen King .agnus hear% of this& he or%ere% a large fleet an% army to be le7ie% in *enmark& an% saile% in summer to >in%lan% with all his forces& which ma%e a 7ery large army altogether. )rnor& the earls4 skal%& tells of it thus5 6Now in this stro'he& royal youthK < tell no more than the 'lain truth. Thy arme% outfit from the stran% -eft many a keel trace on the san%& )n% ne7er %i% a king before S$ many shi's to any shore -ea% on& as thou to >in%lan%4s isle5 The >in%lan% men in fright recoil.6 Now when King .agnus came to >in%lan% he attacke% Gomsborg& an% soon took the fortress& killing4 many 'eo'le& burning an% %estroying both in the town an% in the courttry all aroun%& an% making the greatest ha7oc. So says )rnor& the earl4s skal%5 6The robbers& hemme% 4twiDt %eath an% fire& Knew not how to esca'e thy ireA $4er Gomsborg castle4s highest towers Thy wrath the whirlwin% fire 'ours. The heathen on his false go%s calls& )n% trembles e7en in their hallsA )n% by the light from its own flame The king this 7iking hol% o4ercame.6 .any 'eo'le in >in%lan% submitte% to King .agnus& but got out of the way an% fle%. King .agnus returne% to an% 're'are% to take his winter abo%e there& an% sent *anish& an% also a great many of the Norwegian 'eo'le brought with him. many more *enmark& away the he ha%

!/. S>3<N 23C3<>3S TH3 T<T-3 $? K<N;. The same winter ().*. 19":#& in which S7ein @lfson was raise% to

the go7ernment of the whole *anish %ominions& an% ha% ma%e frien%s of a great number of the 'rinci'al chiefs in *enmark& an% obtaine% the affections of the 'eo'le& he assume% by the a%7ice of many of the chiefs the title of king. +ut when in the s'ring thereafter he hear% that King .agnus ha% come from the north with a great army& S7ein went o7er to Scania& from thence u' to ;autlan%& an% so on to S7ithBo% to his relation& King 3mun%& where he remaine% all summer& an% sent s'ies out to *enmark& to inFuire about the king4s 'rocee%ings an% the number of his men. Now when S7ein hear% that King .agnus ha% let a great 'art of his army go away& an% also that he was south in Gutlan%& he ro%e from S7ithBo% with a great bo%y of 'eo'ie which the Swe%ish king ha% gi7en him. =hen S7ein came to Scania the 'eo'le of that country recei7e% him well& treate% him as their king& an% men Boine% him in crow%s. He then went on to Seelan%& where he was also well recei7e%& an% the whole country Boine% him. He then went to ?yen& an% lai% all the islan%s un%er his 'owerA an% as the 'eo'le also Boine% him& he collecte% a great army an% many shi's of war.

!7. $? K<N; .);N@S4S .<-<T)2C ?$2C3. King .agnus hear% this news& an% at the same time that the 'eo'le of >in%lan% ha% a large force on foot. He summone% 'eo'le therefore to come to him& an% %rew together a great army in Gutlan%. $tto& also& the *uke of +runs7ik& who ha% marrie% @lfhil%& King $laf the Saint4s %aughter& an% the sister of King .agnus& came to him with a great troo'. The *anish chiefs 'resse% King .agnus to a%7ance against the >in%lan% army& an% not allow 'agans to march o7er an% lay waste the countryA so it was resol7e% that the king with his army shoul% 'rocee% south to Hei%aby. =hile King .agnus lay at Skotborg ri7er& on Hlyrskog Heath& he got intelligence concerning the >in%lan% army& an% that it was so numerous it coul% not be counte%A whereas King .agnus ha% so few& that there seeme% no chance for him but to fly. The king& howe7er& %etermine% on fighting& if there was any 'ossibility of gaining the 7ictoryA but the most %issua%e% him from 7enturing on an engagement& an% all& as one man& sai% that the >in%lan% 'eo'le ha% un%oubte%ly a 'ro%igious force. *uke $tto& howe7er& 'resse% much to go to battle. Then the king or%ere% the whole army to be gathere% by the war trum'ets into battle array& an% or%ere% all the men to arm& an% to lie %own for the night un%er their shiel%sA for he was tol% the enemy4s army ha% come to the neighbourhoo%. The king was 7ery thoughtfulA for he was 7eDe% that he shoul% be oblige% to fly& which fate he ha% ne7er eD'erience% before. He sle't but little all night& an% chante% his 'rayers.

!8. $? K<N; $-)?4S .<2)C-3. The following %ay was .ichaelmas e7e. Towar%s %awn the king slumbere%& an% %reamt that his father& King $laf the Saint& a''eare% to him& an% sai%& 6)rt thou so melancholy an% afrai%& because the >in%lan% 'eo'le come against thee with a great armyL

+e not afrai% of heathens& although they be manyA for < shall be with thee in the battle. 1re'are& therefore& to gi7e battle to the >in%lan%ers& when thou hearest my trum'et.6 =hen the king awoke he tol% his %ream to his men& an% the %ay was then %awning. )t that moment all the 'eo'le hear% a ringing of bells in the airA an% those among King .agnus4s men who ha% been in Ni%aros thought that it was the ringing of the bell calle% ;lo%& which King $laf ha% 'resente% to the church of Saint Clement in the town of Ni%aros.

!9. +)TT-3 $? H-C2SK$; H3)TH. Then King .agnus stoo% u'& an% or%ere% the war trum'ets to soun%& an% at that moment the >in%lan% army a%7ance% from the south across the ri7er against himA on which the whole of the king4s army stoo% u'& an% a%7ance% against the heathens. King .agnus threw off from him his coat of ring mail& an% ha% a re% silk shirt outsi%e o7er his clothes& an% ha% in his han%s the battle aDe calle% Hel (1#& which ha% belonge% to King $laf. King .agnus ran on before all his men to the enemy4s army& an% instantly hewe% %own with both han%s e7ery man who came against him. So says )rnor& the earls4 skal%5 6His armour on the groun% he flung His broa% aDe roun% his hea% he swungA )n% Norway4s king stro%e on in might& Through ringing swor%s& to the wil% fight. His broa% aDe Hel with both han%s wiel%ing& Shiel%s& helms& an% skulls before it yiel%ing& He seeme% with ?ate the worl% to share& )n% life or %eath to %eal out there.6 This battle was not 7ery longA for the king4s men were 7ery fiery& an% where they came the >in%lan% men fell as thick as tangles hea'e% u' by the wa7es on the stran%. They who stoo% behin% betook themsel7es to flight& an% were hewe% %own like cattle at a slaughter. The king himself %ro7e the fugiti7es eastwar% o7er the heath& an% 'eo'le fell all o7er the moor. So says Thio%olf5 6)n% foremost he 'ursue%& )n% the flying foe %own hewe%A )n eagle4s feast each stroke& )s the >in%lan% helms he broke. He %ro7e them o4er the hearth& )n% they fly from bloo%y %eathA +ut the moor& a mile or more& =ith the %ea% was stu%%e% o4er.6 <t is a common saying& that there ne7er was so great a slaughter of men in the northern lan%s& since the time of Christianity& as took 'lace among the >in%lan% 'eo'le on Hlyrskog4s Heath. $n the other si%e& not many of King .agnus4s 'eo'le were kille%& although many were woun%e%. )fter the battle the king or%ere% the woun%s of his men to be boun%A but there were not so many

%octors in the army as were necessary& so the king himself went roun%& an% felt the han%s of those he thought best suite% for the businessA an% when he ha% thus stroke% their 'alms& he name% twel7e men& who& he thought& ha% the softest han%s& an% tol% them to bin% the woun%s of the 'eo'leA an% although none of them ha% e7er trie% it before& they all became afterwar%s the best of %octors. There were two <celan% men among themA the one was Thorkil& a son of ;eire& from -yngarA the other was )tle& father of +ar% S7arte of Selar%al& from whom many goo% %octors are %escen%e%. )fter this battle& the re'ort of the miracle which King $laf the Saint ha% worke% was s'rea% wi%ely through the countryA an% it was the common saying of the 'eo'le& that no man coul% 7enture to fight against King .agnus $lafson& for his father Saint $laf stoo% so near to him that his enemies& on that account. ne7er coul% %o him harm. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Hel

*eath5 the go%%ess of *eath.

-.

:9. +)TT-3 )T 23. King .agnus imme%iately turne% roun% with his army against S7ein& whom he calle% his earl& although the *anes calle% him their kingA an% he collecte% shi's& an% a great force& an% on both si%es a great strength was assemble%. <n S7ein4s army were many chiefs from Scania& Hallan%& Seelan%& an% ?yenA while King .agnus& on the other han%& ha% mostly Norway an% Gutlan% men& an% with that war force he hastene% to meet S7ein. They met at 2e& near >estlan%A an% there was a great battle& which en%e% in King .agnus gaining the 7ictory& an% S7ein taking flight. )fter losing many 'eo'le& S7ein fle% back to Scania& an% from thence to ;autlan%& which was a safe refuge if he nee%e% it& an% stoo% o'en to him. King .agnus returne% to Gutlan%& where he remaine% all winter ().*. 19""# with many 'eo'le& an% ha% a guar% to watch his shi's. )rnor& the earls4 skal%& s'eaks of this5 6)t 2e our battle lo7ing lor% <n bloo%y meeting staine% his swor%& )t 2e u'on the western shore& <n >estlan% warrior4s bloo% once more.6

:1. +)TT-3 )T )2$S. S7ein @lfson went %irectly to his shi's as soon as he hear% that King .agnus ha% left his fleet. He %rew to him all the men he coul%& an% went roun% in winter among the islan%s& Seelan%& ?yen& an% others. Towar%s Cule he saile% to Gutlan%& an% went into -imfBor%& where many 'eo'le submitte% to him. He im'ose% scat u'on some& but some Boine% King .agnus. Now when King .agnus hear% what S7ein was %oing& he betook himself to his shi's with all the Northmen then in *enmark& an% a 'art of the *anish troo's& an% steere% south along the lan%. S7ein was then in )ros

with a great forceA an% when he hear% of King .agnus he lai% his 7essels without the town& an% 're'are% for battle. =hen King .agnus hear% for certain where S7ein was& an% that the %istance between them was but short& he hel% a House thing& an% a%%resse% his 'eo'le thus5 6<t is re'orte% to me that the earl an% his fleet are lying not far from us& an% that he has many 'eo'le. Now < woul% let you know that < inten% to go out against the earl an% fight for it& although& we ha7e fewer 'eo'le. =e will& as formerly& 'ut our trust in ;o%& an% Saint $laf& my father& who has gi7en us 7ictory sometimes when we fought& e7en though we ha% fewer men than the enemy. Now < woul% ha7e you get rea%y to seek out the enemy& an% gi7e battle the moment we fin% him by rowing all to attack& an% being all rea%y for battle.6 Thereu'on the men 'ut on their wea'ons& each man making himself an% his 'lace rea%yA an% then they stretche% themsel7es to their oars. =hen they saw the earl4s shi's they rowe% towar%s them& an% ma%e rea%y to attack. =hen S7ein4s men saw the forces they arme% themsel7es& boun% their shi's together& an% then began one of the shar'est of battles. So says Thio%olf& the skal%5 6Shiel% against shiel%& the earl an% king .a%e shiel%s an% swor%s together ring. The gol% %ecke% heroes ma%e a 'lay =hich Hil%4s iron shirt men say They ne7er saw before or since $n battle %eckA the bra7e might wince& )s s'ear an% arrow whistling flew& 1oint blank& %eath bringing& Fuick an% true.6 They fought at the bows& so that the men only on the bows coul% strikeA the men on the forecastle thrust with s'ears5 an% all who were farther off shot with light s'ears or Ba7elins& or war arrows. Some fought with stones or short stakesA an% those who were aft of the mast shot with the bow. So Says Thio%olf5 6Steel 'ointe% s'ear& an% shar'ene% stake& .a%e the broa% shiel% on arm shake5 The eagle& ho7ering in the air& Screame% o4er the 'rey 're'aring there. )n% stones an% arrows Fuickly flew& )n% many a warrior bol% they slew. The bowman ne7er twange% his bow )n% %rew his shaft so oft as nowA )n% Thron%hBem4s bowmen on that %ay =ere not the first tire% of this 'lay5 )rrows an% %arts so Fuickly fly& Cou coul% not follow with the eye.6 Here it a''ears how hot the battle was with casting wea'ons. King .agnus stoo% in the beginning of the battle within a shiel% ram'artA but as it a''eare% to him that matters were going on too slowly& he lea'e% o7er the shiel%s& an% rushe% forwar% in the shi'& encouraging his men with a lou% cheer& an% s'ringing to the bows& where the battle was going on han% to han%. =hen his men saw this they urge% each other on with mutual cheering& an% there was one great hurrah through all the shi's. So says Thio%olf5

6I$n with our shi'sK on to the foeK4 Cry .agnus4 men on& on they go. S'ears against shiel%s in fury rattle& =as ne7er seen so fierce a battle.6 )n% now the battle was eDcee%ingly shar'A an% in the assault S7ein4s shi' was cleare% of all her forecastle men& u'on an% on both si%es of the forecastle. Then .agnus boar%e% S7ein4s shi'& followe% by his menA an% one after the other came u'& an% ma%e so stout an assault that S7ein4s men ga7e way& an% King .agnus first cleare% that shi'& an% then the rest& one after the other. S7ein fle%& with a great 'art of his 'eo'leA but many fell& an% many got life an% 'eace. Thio%olf tells of this5 6+ra7e .agnus& from the stern s'ringing $n to the stem& where swor%s were ringing ?rom his sea ra7en4s beak of gol% *eals %eath aroun% the bra7eK the bol%K The earl4s housemen now begin To shrink an% fall5 their ranks grow thin The king4s luck thri7es their %ecks are cleare%& $f fighting men no more a''eare%. The earl4s shi's are %ri7en to flight& +efore the king woul% sto' the fight5 The gol% %istributor first then ;a7e Fuarters to the 7anFuishe% men.6 This battle was fought on the last Sun%ay before Cule. Thio%olf5 64Twas on a Sun%ay morning bright& ?ell out this great an% bloo%y fight& =hen men were arming& fighting& %ying& $r on the re% %ecks woun%e% lying. )n% many a mabn& fore%oome% to %ie& To sa7e his life o4erboar% %i% fly& +ut sankA for swimming coul% not sa7e& )n% %ea% men rolle% in e7ery wa7e.6 .agnus took se7en shi's from S7ein4s 'eo'le. 6Thick $laf4s son se7en 7essels cleare%& )n% with his fleet the 'riEes steere%. The Norway girls will not be sa% To hear such news each from her la%.6 He also sings5 6The ca'ture% men will grie7e the most S7ein an% their comra%es to ha7e lostA ?or it went ill with those who fle%& Their woun%e% ha% no easy be%. ) hea7y storm that 7ery night $4ertook them flying from the fightA )n% skulls an% bones are tumbling roun%& @n%er the sea& on san%y groun%.6 So says Thio%olf5 So says

S7ein fle% imme%iately by night to Seelan%& with the men who ha% esca'e% an% were incline% to follow himA but King .agnus brought his shi's to the shore& an% sent his men u' the country in the night time& an% early in the morning they came flown to the stran% with a great booty in cattle. Thio%olf tells about it5 6+ut yester%ay with hea7y stones =e crushe% their skulls& an% broke their bones& )n% thinne% their ranksA an% now to %ay @' through their lan% we47e ta4en our way& )n% %ri7en their cattle to the shore& )n% fille% out shi's with foo% in store. To sa7e his lan% from our Fuick swor%s& S7ein will nee% something more than wor%s.6

:!. S>3<N4S ?-<;HT. King .agnus saile% with his fleet from the south after S7ein to Seelan%A but as soon as the king came there S7ein fle% u' the country with his men& an% .agnus followe% them& an% 'ursue% the fugiti7es& killing all that were lai% hol% of. So says Thio%olf5 6The Seelan% girl asks with fear& I=hose bloo% bes'attere% shiel% an% s'ear The earl4s or king4s u' from the shore .o7e% on with many a warrior moreL4 =e scoure% through all their mu%%y lanes& =oo%lan%s& an% fiel%s& an% miry 'lains. Their hasty footmarks in the clay Showe% that to 2ingste% le% their way. 6S'attere% with mu% from heel to hea%& $ur gallant lor% his true men le%. =ill -un%4s earl halt his hasty flight& )n% try on lan% another fightL His banner yester%ay was seen& The san% bills an% green trees between& Through moss an% mire to the stran%& <n arrow flight& lea7ing the lan%.6 Then S7ein fle% o7er to ?yen <slan%& an% King .agnus carrie% fire an% swor% through Seelan%& an% burnt all roun%& because their men ha% Boine% S7ein4s troo' in har7est. So says Thio%olf5 6)s S7ein in winter ha% %estroye% The royal house& the king em'loye% No little force to guar% the lan%& )n% the earl4s forays to withstan%. )n arme% ban% one morn he foun%& )n% so beset them roun% an% roun%& That Canute4s ne'hew Fuickly fle%& $r he woul% ha7e been ca'ti7e le%.

6$ur Thron%hBem king in his Bust ire -ai% waste the lan% with swor% an% fire& +urst e7ery house& an% o7er all Struck terror into great an% small. To the earl4s frien%s he well re'ai% Their %ea%ly hate such wil% work ma%e $n them an% theirs& that from his fury& ?lying for life& away they hurry.6

::. +@2N<N; <N ?C3N. )s soon as King .agnus hear% that S7ein with his troo's ha% gone across to ?yen& he saile% after themA an% when S7ein hear% this news he went on boar% shi' an% saile% to Scania& an% from thence to ;autlan%& an% at last to the Swe%ish King. King .agnus lan%e% in ?yen& an% 'lun%ere% an% burne% o7er allA an% all of S7ein4s men who came there fle% far enough. Thio%olf s'eaks of it thus5 6?iona isle& once green an% fair& -ies black an% reeking through the air5 The re% fog rises& thick an% hot& ?rom burning farm an% smoul%ering cot. The ga'ing thralls in terror gaEe $n the broa% u'war% s'iring blaEe& ?rom thatche% roofs an% oak built walls& Their mur%ere% masters4 stately halls. 6S7ein4s men& my girl& will not forget That thrice they ha7e the Norsemen met& +y sea& by lan%& with steel& with fire& Thrice ha7e they felt the Norse king4s ire. ?iona4s mai%s are slim an% fair& The lo7ely 'riEes& la%s& we4ll share5 Some stan% to arms in rank an% row& Some seiEe& bring off& an% fen% with blow.6 )fter this the 'eo'le of *enmark submitte% to King .agnus& an% %uring the rest of the winter& there was 'eace. King .agnus then a''ointe% some of his men to go7ern *enmarkA an% when s'ring was a%7ance% he saile% northwar%s with his fleet to Norway& where he remaine% a great 'art of the summer.

:". +)TT-3 )T H3-;)N3S Now& when S7ein hear% that King .agnus ha% gone to Norway he ro%e straight %own& an% ha% many 'eo'le out of S7ithBo% with him. The 'eo'le of Scania recei7e% him well& an% he again collecte% an army& with which he first crosse% o7er into Seelan% an% seiEe% u'on it an% ?yen& an% all the other isles. =hen King .agnus hear% of this he gathere% together men an% shi's& an% saile% to *enmarkA an% as soon as he knew where S7ein was lying with his shi's King .agnus saile% to meet him. They met at a 'lace calle%

Helganes& an% the battle began about the fall of %ay. King .agnus ha% fewer men& but larger an% better eFui't 7essels. says )rnor& the earls4 skal%5 6)t Helganes so goes the tale The bra7e wolf fee%er& un%er sail& .a%e many an ocean elk (1# his 'rey& SeiEe% many a shi' ere break of %ay. =hen twilight fell he urge% the fight& Close combat man to man all nightA Through a long har7est night4s %ark hours& *own 'oure% the battle4s iron showers.6

So

The battle was 7ery hot& an% as night a%7ance% the fall of men was great. King .agnus& %uring the whole night& threw han% s'ears. Thio%olf s'eaks of this5 6)n% there at Helganes sunk %own& Sore woun%e%& men of great renownA )n% S7ein4s retainers lost all heart& *ucking before the flying %art. The Norsemen4s king let fly his s'ears& His %eath woun%s a%%ing to their fearsA ?or each s'ear bla%e was wet all o4er& @' to the shaft in their life gore.6 To make a short tale& King .agnus won the 7ictory in this battle& an% S7ein fle%. His shi' was cleare% of men from stem to sternA an% it went so on boar% many others of his shi's. So says Thio%olf5 63arl S7ein fle% from the em'ty %eck& His lonely shi' an unmann4% wreckA .agnus the ;oo%& the 'eo'le4s frien%& 1resse% to the %eath on the false S7ein. Hneiter (!#& the swor% his father bore& =as e%ge an% 'oint& staine% re% with goreA Swor%s s'rinkle bloo% o4er armour bright& =hen kings for lan% an% 'ower fight.6 )n% )rnor says 5 6The cutters of +Born4s own brother Soon change% their owner for anotherA The king took them an% all their gearA The crews& howe7er& got off clear.6 ) great number of S7ein4s men fell& an% King .agnus an% his men ha% a 7ast booty to %i7i%e. So says Thio%olf5 6=here the Norsemen the *anish slew& ) ;autlan% shiel% an% breast 'late true ?ell to my share of s'oil by lotA )n% something more i4 the south < got5 (There all the summer swor%s were ringing# ) helm& gay arms& an% gear worth bringing&

Home to my Fuiet lo7ely one < sent with news how we ha% won.6 S7ein fle% u' to Scania with all the men who esca'e% with himA an% King .agnus an% his 'eo'le %ro7e the fugiti7es u' through the country without meeting any o''osition either from S7ein4s men or the bon%es. So says Thio%olf5 6$laf4s bra7e son then ga7e comman%& )ll his shi's4 crews shoul% Fuickly lan%5 King .agnus& marching at their hea%& ) noble ban% of warriors le%. ) foray through the lan% he makesA *enmark in e7ery Fuarter shakes. @' hill an% %own the horses scour& Carrying the *anes from Norsemen4s 'ower.6 King .agnus %ro7e with fire an% swor% through the lan%. Thio%olf5 6)n% now the Norsemen storm along& ?ollowing their banner in a throng5 King .agnus4 banner flames on high& ) star to gui%e our roaming by. To -un%& o4er Scania4s 'eaceful fiel%& .y shoul%er bore my useless shiel%A ) fairer lan%& a better roa%& )s frien% or foe& < ne7er tro%.6 They began to burn the habitations all aroun%& an% the 'eo'le fle% on e7ery si%e. So says Thio%olf5 6$ur ice col% iron in great store& $ur arms& besi%e the king we bore5 The Scanian rogues fly at the 7iew $f men an% steel all shar' an% true. Their timbere% houses flame on high& 2e% flashing o7er half the skyA The blaEing town flings forth its light& -ighting the cowar%s on their flight.6 )n% he also sang5 6The king o4er all the *anish lan% 2oams& with his fire bringing ban%5 The house& the hut& the farm& the town& )ll where men %welt is burne% %own. $4er *enmark4s 'lains an% corn fiel%s& .ea%ows an% moors& are seen our shiel%s5 >ictorious o7er all& we chase S7ein4s woun%e% men from 'lace to 'lace. 6)cross ?iona4s moor again& The 'aths late tro%%en by our men =e trea% once more& until Fuite near& Through morning mist& the foes a''ear. Then u' our numerous banners flare So says

<n the col% early morning airA )n% they from .agnus4 'ower who fly Cannot this Fuick war work %eny.6 Then S7ein fle% eastwar%s along Scania& an% King .agnus returne% to his shi's& an% steere% eastwar%s also along the Scanian coast& ha7ing got rea%y with the greatest haste to sail. Thio%olf sings thus about it5 6No %rink but the salt sea $n boar% our shi's ha% we& =hen& following our king& $n boar% our shi's we s'ring. Har% work on the salt sea& $ff Scania4s coast& ha% weA +ut we laboure% for the king& To his foemen %eath to bring.6 S7ein fle% to ;autlan%& an% then sought refuge with the Swe%ish king& with whom he remaine% all winter ().*. 19"/#& an% was treate% with great res'ect. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# Shi'. -. (!# This was the name of Saint $laf4s swor%& which .agnus ha% reco7ere%. -.

:(. $? K<N; .);N@S4S C).1)<;N. =hen King .agnus ha% sub%ue% Scania he turne% about& an% first went to ?alster& where he lan%e%& 'lun%ere%& an% kille% many 'eo'le who ha% before submitte% to S7ein. )rnor s'eaks of this5 6) bloo%y 7engeance for their guile King .agnus takes on ?alster <sleA The treacherous *anes his fury feel& )n% fall before his 'ur'le% steel. The battle fiel% is co7ere% o4er& =ith eagle4s 'rey from shore to shoreA )n% the king4s courtmen were the first To Fuench with bloo% the ra7en4s thirst.6 Thereafter .agnus with his fleet 'rocee%e% to the isle of ?yen& went on lan%& 'lun%ere%& an% ma%e great %e7astation. So says )rnor& the earls4 skal%5 6To fair ?iona4s grassy shore His banner now again he bore5 He who the mail shirt4s linke% chains Se7ers& an% all its lustre stains& He will be long remembere% there& The warrior in his twentieth year& =hom their black ra7ens from afar

Salute% as he went to war.6

:/.

$? K<N; .);N@SMS +)TT-3S.

King .agnus remaine% in *enmark all that winter ().*. 19"/#& an% sat in 'eace. He ha% hel% many battles& an% ha% gaine% the 7ictory in all. So says $% Kikinaskal%5 64?ore .ichaelmas was struck the blow& That lai% the >in%lan% 7ikings lowA )n% 'eo'le learne% with Boy to hear The clang of arms& an% lea%ers4 cheer. Short before Cule fell out the %ay& Southwar% of )ros& where the fray& Though not enough the foe to Fuell& =as of the bloo%iest men can tell.6 )n% )rnor says5 6$laf4s a7enger who can singL The skal% cannot o4ertake the king& =ho makes the war bir% %aily %rain The cor'se bloo% of his foemen slain. ?our battles won within a year& +reaker of shiel%sK with swor%s an% s'ear& )n% han% to han%& eDalt thy fame )bo7e the kings of greatest name.6 King .agnus ha% three battles with S7ein @lfson. Thio%olf5 6To our bra7e Thron%hBem so7ereign4s 'raise The skal% may all his skal%craft raiseA ?or fortune& an% for %aring %ee%& His song will not the truth eDcee%. )fter three battles to regain =hat was his own& unBustly ta4en& @nBustly ke't& an% %ues %enie%& He le7ie% %ues in re% bloo% %ye%.6 So says

:7. $? K<N; .);N@S& )N* TH$2?<N )N* 2);N>)-*& 3)2-S $? $2KN3C. =hile King .agnus the ;oo%& a son of King $laf the Saint& rule% o7er Norway& as before relate%& the 3arl 2agn7al% +rusason li7e% with him. 3arl Thorfin Sigur%son& the uncle of 2agn7al%& rule% then o7er $rkney. King .agnus sent 2agn7al% west to $rkney& an% or%ere% that Thorfin shoul% let him ha7e his father4s heritage. Thorfin let 2agn7al% ha7e a thir% 'art of the lan% along with himA for so ha% 3rase& the father of 2agn7al%& ha% it at his %ying %ay. 3arl Thorfin was marrie% to <ngebBorg& the earl mother& who was a %aughter of ?in )rnason. 3arl 2agn7al% thought he shoul% ha7e two thir%s of the lan%& as $laf the Saint ha% 'romise% to his father +ruse& an% as +ruse ha% enBoye% as long as

$laf li7e%. This was the origin of a great strife between these relations& concerning which we ha7e a long saga. They ha% a great battle in 1entlan% ?irth& in which Kalf )rnason was with 3arl Thorfin. So says +Barne ;ullbrarskal%5 6Thy cutters& %ashing through the ti%e& +rought ai% to 3arl Thorfin4s si%e& ?in4s son in law& an% 'eo'le say Thy ai% ma%e +ruse4s son gi7e way. Kalf& thou art fon% of warlike toil& ;ay in the strife an% bloo%y broilA +ut here 4twas hate ma%e thee conten% )gainst 3arl 2agn7al%& the king4s frien%.6

:8. $? K<N; .);N@S4S -3TT32 T$ 3N;-)N*. King .agnus rule% then both o7er *enmark an% NorwayA an% when he ha% got 'ossession of the *anish %ominions he sent ambassa%ors o7er to 3nglan% to King 3%war%& who brought to him King .agnus4s letter an% seal. )n% in this letter there stoo%& along with a salutation from King .agnus& these wor%s5 6Ce must ha7e hear% of the agreement which < an% Har%aknut ma%e& that he of us two who sur7i7e% the other shoul% ha7e all the lan% an% 'eo'le which the %ecease% ha% 'ossesse%. Now it has so turne% out& as ye ha7e no %oubt hear%& that < ha7e taken the *anish %ominions as my heritage after Har%aknut. +ut before he %e'arte% this life he ha% 3nglan% as well as *enmarkA therefore < consi%er myself now& in conseFuence of my rights by this agreement& to own 3nglan% also. Now < will therefore that thou %eli7er to me the king%omA otherwise < will seek to take it by arms& both from *enmark an% NorwayA an% let him rule the lan% to whom fate gi7es the 7ictory.6

:9. K<N; 3*=)2*4S )NS=32 T$ K<N; .);N@S4S -3TT32. Now when King 3%war% ha% rea% this letter& he re'lie% thus5 6<t is known to all men in this country that King 3thelre%& my father& was u%al born to this king%om& both after the ol% an% new law of inheritance. =e were four sons after himA an% when he by %eath left the throne my brother 3%mun% took the go7ernment an% king%omA for he was the ol%est of us brothers& an% < was well satisfie% that it was so. )n% after him my ste'father& Canute the ;reat& took the king%om& an% as long as he li7e% there was no access to it. )fter him my brother Haral% was king as long as he li7e%A an% after him my brother Har%aknut took the king%oms both of *enmark an% 3nglan%A for he thought that a Bust brotherly %i7ision that he shoul% ha7e both 3nglan% an% *enmark& an% that < shoul% ha7e no king%om at all. Now he %ie%& an% then it was the resolution of all the 'eo'le of the country to take me for king here in 3nglan%. So long as < ha% no kingly title < ser7e% only su'eriors in all res'ects& like those who ha% no claims by birth to lan% or king%om. Now& howe7er& < ha7e recei7e% the kingly title& an% am consecrate% king. < ha7e establishe% my royal

%ignity an% authority& as my father before meA an% while < li7e < will not renounce my title. <f King .agnus come here with an army& < will gather no army against himA but he shall only get the o''ortunity of taking 3nglan% when he has taken my life. Tell him these wor%s of mine.6 The ambassa%ors went back to King .agnus& an% tol% him the answer to their message. King .agnus reflecte% a while& an% answere% thus5 6< think it wisest& an% will succee% best& to let King 3%war% ha7e his king%om in 'eace for me& an% that < kee' the king%oms ;o% has 'ut into my han%s.6

S);) $? H)2)-* H)2*2)*3. 123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS. Haral%& son of Sigur% Syr& was born in the year ).*. 191(& an% left Norway ).*. 19:9. He was calle% Har%ra%e& that is& the se7ere counsellor& the tyrant& though the <celan%ers ne7er a''lie% this e'ithet to him. Haral% hel'e% the <celan%ers in the famine of ).*. 19(/& an% sent them timber for a church at Thing7ol. <t was the Norwegians who ga7e him the name tyrant in contrast to the 6%ebonairete6 of .agnus. He came to Norway in ).*. 19"/& an% became sole king in ).*. 19"7. He %ie% in ).*. 19//& an% his son an% successor .agnus %ie% in ).*. 19/9. His saga is to be com'are% with 6)gri'6& 6?agrskinna6& an% 6.orkinskinna6. The skal%s Fuote% are5 Thio%olf& +ol7erk& <lluge +ryn%alaskal%& Stuf the skal%& Thorarin SkeggBason& >algar% o4 >al& $% Kikinaskal%& ;rane Skal%& Thorleik the ?air& Stein Her%ison& @lf the .arshal& )rnor the earls4 skal%& Thorkel Skallason& an% King Haral% Har%ra%e himself.

1. H)2)-* 3SC)13S ?2$. TH3 +)TT-3 $? ST<K-3ST)*. Haral%& son of Sigur% Syr& brother of $laf the Saint& by the same mother& was at the battle of Stiklesta%& an% was fifteen years ol% when King $laf the Saint fell& as was before relate%. Haral% was woun%e%& an% esca'e% with other fugiti7es. So says Thio%olf5 6)t Haug the fire s'arks from his shiel% ?lew roun% the king4s hea% on the fiel%& )s blow for blow& for $laf4s sake& His swor% an% shiel% woul% gi7e an% take. +ulgaria4s conFueror& < ween& Ha% scarcely fifteen winters seen& =hen from his mur%ere% brother4s si%e His unhelme% hea% he ha% to hi%e.6 2agn7al% +rusason le% Haral% from the battle& an% the night after the fray took him to a bon%e who %welt in a forest far from other

'eo'le. The 'easant recei7e% Haral%& an% ke't him conceale%A an% Haral% was waite% u'on until he was Fuite cure% of his woun%s. Then the bon%e4s son atten%e% him on the way east o7er the ri%ge of the lan%& an% they went by all the forest 'aths they coul%& a7oi%ing the common roa%. The bon%e4s son %i% not know who it was he was atten%ingA an% as they were ri%ing together between two uninhabite% forests& Haral% ma%e these 7erses5 6.y woun%s were blee%ing as < ro%eA )n% %own below the bon%es stro%e& Killing the woun%e% with the swor%& The followers of their rightful lor%. ?rom woo% to woo% < cre't along& @nnotice% by the bon%e throngA I=ho knows&4 < thought& Ia %ay may come .y name will yet be great at home.46 He went eastwar% o7er the ri%ge through Gamtalan% an% HelsingBalan%& an% came to S7ithBo%& where he foun% 2agn7al% +rusason& an% many others of King $laf4s men who ha% fle% from the battle at Stiklesta%& an% they remaine% there till winter was o7er.

!. H)2)-*4S G$@2N3C T$ C$NST)NT<N$1-3. The s'ring after ().*. 19:1# Haral% an% 2agn7al% got shi's& an% went east in summer to 2ussia to King Garisleif& an% were with him all the following winter. So says the skal% +ol7erk5 6The king4s shar' swor% lies clean an% bright& 1re'are% in foreign lan%s to fight5 $ur ra7ens croak to ha7e their fill& The wolf howls from the %istant hill. $ur bra7e king is to 2ussia gone& +ra7er than he on earth there4s noneA His shar' swor% will car7e many feast To wolf an% ra7en in the 3ast.6 King Garisleif ga7e Haral% an% 2agn7al% a kin% rece'tion& an% ma%e Haral% an% 3llif& the son of 3arl 2agn7al%& chiefs o7er the lan% %efence men of the king. So says Thio%olf5 6=here 3llif was& one heart an% han% The two chiefs ha% in their comman%A <n we%ge or line their battle or%er =as range% by both without %isor%er. The eastern >in%lan% men they %ro7e <nto a cornerA an% they mo7e The -esians& although ill at ease& To take the laws their conFuerors 'lease.6 Haral% remaine% se7eral years in 2ussia& an% tra7elle% far an% wi%e in the 3astern lan%. Then he began his eD'e%ition out to ;reece& an% ha% a great suite of men with himA an% on he went to Constantino'le. So says +ol7erk5

6+efore the col% sea curling blast The cutter from the lan% flew 'ast& Her black yar%s swinging to an% fro& Her shiel% hung gunwale %i''ing low. The king saw glancing o4er the bow Constantino'le4s metal glow ?rom tower an% roof& an% 'ainte% sails ;li%ing 'ast towns an% woo%e% 7ales.6

:. $? H)2)-*. )t that time the ;reek em'ire was rule% by the 3m'ress Joe the ;reat& an% with her .ichael Catalactus. Now when Haral% came to Constantino'le he 'resente% himself to the em'ress& an% went into her 'ayA an% imme%iately& in autumn& went on boar% the galleys manne% with troo's which went out to the ;reek sea. Haral% ha% his own men along with him. Now Haral% ha% been but a short time in the army before all the >arings flocke% to him& an% they all Boine% together when there was a battle. <t thus came to 'ass that Haral% was ma%e chief of the >arings. There was a chief o7er all the troo's who was calle% ;yrger& an% who was a relation of the em'ress. ;yrger an% Haral% went roun% among all the ;reek islan%s& an% fought much against the corsairs.

". $? H)2)-* )N* ;C2;32 C)ST<N; -$TS. <t ha''ene% once that ;yrger an% the >arings were going through the country& an% they resol7e% to take their night Fuarters in a woo%A an% as the >arings came first to the groun%& they chose the 'lace which was best for 'itching their tents u'on& which was the highest groun%A for it is the nature of the lan% there to be soft when rain falls& an% therefore it is ba% to choose a low situation for your tents. Now when ;yrger& the chief of the army& came u'& an% saw where the >arings ha% set u' their tents& he tol% them to remo7e& an% 'itch their tents elsewhere& saying he woul% himself 'itch his tents on their groun%. Haral% re'lies& 6<f ye come first to the night Fuarter& ye take u' your groun%& an% we must go 'itch our tents at some other 'lace where we best can. Now %o ye so& in the same way& an% fin% a 'lace where ye will. <t is& < think& the 'ri7ilege of us >arings here in the %ominions of the ;reek em'eror to be free& an% in%e'en%ent of all but their own comman%ers& an% boun% only to ser7e the em'eror an% em'ress.6 They %is'ute% long an% hotly about this& an% both si%es arme% themsel7es& an% were on the way to fight for itA but men of un%erstan%ing came between an% se'arate% them. They sai% it woul% be better to come to an agreement about such Fuestions& so that in future no %is'ute coul% arise. <t came thus to an arbitration between them& at which the best an% most sagacious men shoul% gi7e their Bu%gment in the case. )t this arbitration it was %etermine%& with the consent of all 'arties& that lots shoul% be thrown into a boD& an% the ;reeks an% >arings shoul% %raw which was first to ri%e& or to row& or to take 'lace

in a harbour& or to choose tent groun%A an% each si%e shoul% be satisfie% with what the %rawing of the lots ga7e them. )ccor%ingly the lots were ma%e an% marke%. Haral% sai% to ;yrger& 6-et me see what mark thou hast 'ut u'on thy lot& that we may not both mark our lots in the same way.6 He %i% so. Then Haral% marke% his lot& an% 'ut it into the boD along with the other. The man who was to %raw out the lots then took u' one of the lots between his fingers& hel% it u' in the air& an% sai%& 6This lot shall be the first to ri%e& an% to row& an% to take 'lace in harbour an% on the tent fiel%.6 Haral% seiEe% his ban%& snatche% the %ie& an% threw it into the sea& an% calle% out& 6That was our lotK6 ;yrger sai%& 6=hy %i% you not let other 'eo'le see itL6 Haral% re'lies& 6-ook at the one remaining in the boD& there you see your own mark u'on it.6 )ccor%ingly the lot which was left behin% was eDamine%& an% all men saw that ;yrger4s mark was u'on it& an% accor%ingly the Bu%gment was gi7en that the >arings ha% gaine% the first choice in all they ha% been Fuarrelling about. There were many things they Fuarrelle% about& but the en% always was that Haral% got his own way.

(. H)2)-*4S 3N13*<T<$N <N TH3 -)N* $? TH3 S)2)C3NS (S32K-)N*#. They went out all on a cam'aign in summer. =hen the whole army was thus assemble% Haral% ke't his men out of the battle& or where7er he saw the least %anger& un%er 'reteDt of sa7ing his menA but where he was alone with his own men only& he fought so %es'erately that they must either come off 7ictorious or %ie. <t thus ha''ene% often that when he comman%e% the army he gaine% 7ictories& while ;yrger coul% %o nothing. The troo's obser7e% this& an% insiste% they woul% be more successful if Haral% alone was chief of the whole army& an% u'brai%e% the general with ne7er effecting anything& neither himself& nor his 'eo'le. ;yrger again sai% that the >arings woul% gi7e him no assistance& an% or%ere% Haral% to go with his men somewhere else& an% he& with the rest of his army& woul% win what they coul%. Haral% accor%ingly left the army with the >arings an% the -atin men& an% ;yrger on his si%e went off with the ;reek troo's. Then it was seen what each coul% %o. Haral% always gaine% 7ictories an% bootyA but the ;reeks went home to Constantino'le with their army& all eDce't a few bra7e men& who& to gain booty an% money& Boine% themsel7es to Haral%& an% took him for their lea%er. He then went with his troo's westwar% to )frica& which the >arings call Serklan%& where he was strengthene% with many men. <n Serklan% he took eighty castles& some of which surren%ere%& an% others were storme%. He then went to Sicily. So says Thio%olf5 6The ser'ent4s be% of glowing gol% He hates the generous king& the bol%K He who four score towers lai% low& Ta4en from the Saracenic foe. +efore u'on Sicilian 'lains& Shiel% Boine% to shiel%& the fight he gains& The 7ictory at Hil%4s war gameA )n% now the heathens %rea% his name.6

So says also <lluge +ryn%ala skal%5 6?or .ichael4s em'ire Haral% fought& )n% southern lan%s to .ichael broughtA So +u%le4s son his frien%shi' showe% =hen he brought frien%s to his abo%e.6 Here it is sai% that .ichael was king of the ;reeks at that time. Haral% remaine% many years in )frica& where he gathere% great wealth in gol%& Bewels& an% all sorts of 'recious thingsA an% all the wealth he gathere% there which he %i% not nee% for his eD'enses& he sent with trusty men of his own north to No7goro% to King Garisleif4s care an% kee'ing. He gathere% together there eDtraor%inary treasure& as is reasonable to su''oseA for he ha% the 'lun%ering of the 'art of the worl% richest in gol% an% 7aluable things& an% he ha% %one such great %ee%s as with truth are relate%& such as taking eighty stronghol%s by his 7alour.

/. +)TT-3 <N S<C<-C. Now when Haral% came to Sicily he 'lun%ere% there also& an% sat %own with his army before a strong an% 'o'ulous castle. He surroun%e% the castleA but the walls were so thick there was no 'ossibility of breaking into it& an% the 'eo'le of the castle ha% enough of 'ro7isions& an% all that was necessary for %efence. Then Haral% hit u'on an eD'e%ient. He ma%e his bir% catchers catch the small bir%s which ha% their nests within the castle& but flew into the woo%s by %ay to get foo% for their young. He ha% small s'linters of tarre% woo% boun% u'on the backs of the bir%s& smeare% these o7er with waD an% sul'hur& an% set fire to them. )s soon as the bir%s were let loose they all flew at once to the castle to their young& an% to their nests& which they ha% un%er the house roofs that were co7ere% with ree%s or straw. The fire from the bir%s seiEe% u'on the house roofsA an% although each bir% coul% only carry a small bur%en of fire& yet all at once there was a mighty flame& cause% by so many bir%s carrying fire with them an% s'rea%ing it wi%ely among the house roofs. Thus one house after the other was set on fire& until the castle itself was in flames. Then the 'eo'le came out of the castle an% begge% for mercyA the same men who for many %ays ha% set at %efiance the ;reek army an% its lea%er. Haral% grante% life an% safety to all who aske% Fuarter& an% ma%e himself master of the 'lace.

7. +)TT-3 )T )N$TH32 C)ST-3. There was another castle before which Haral% ha% come with his army. This castle was both full of 'eo'le an% so strong& that there was no ho'e of breaking into it. The castle stoo% u'on a flat har% 'lain. Then Haral% un%ertook to %ig a 'assage from a 'lace where a stream ran in a be% so %ee' that it coul% not be seen from the castle. They threw out all the earth into the

stream& to be carrie% away by the water. )t this work they laboure% %ay an% night& an% relie7e% each other in gangsA while the rest of the army went the whole %ay against the castle& where the castle 'eo'le shot through their loo' holes. They shot at each other all %ay in this way& an% at night they sle't on both si%es. Now when Haral% 'ercei7e% that his un%ergroun% 'assage was so long that it must be within the castle walls& he or%ere% his 'eo'le to arm themsel7es. <t was towar%s %aybreak that they went into the 'assage. =hen they got to the en% of it they %ug o7er their hea%s until they came u'on stones lai% in lime which was the floor of a stone hall. They broke o'en the floor an% rose into the hall. There sat many of the castle men eating an% %rinking& an% not in the least eD'ecting such unin7ite% wol7esA for the >arings instantly attacke% them swor% in han%& an% kille% some& an% those who coul% get away fle%. The >arings 'ursue% themA an% some seiEe% the castle gate& an% o'ene% it& so that the whole bo%y of the army got in. The 'eo'le of the castle fle%A but many aske% Fuarter from the troo's& which was grante% to all who surren%ere%. <n this way Haral% got 'ossession of the 'lace& an% foun% an immense booty in it.

8. +)TT-3 )T ) TH<2* C)ST-3. They came to a thir% castle& the greatest an% strongest of them all& an% also the richest in 'ro'erty an% the fullest of 'eo'le. )roun% this castle there were great %itches& so that it e7i%ently coul% not be taken by the same %e7ice as the formerA an% they lay a long time before it without %oing anything. =hen the castle men saw this they became bol%er& %rew u' their array on the castle walls& threw o'en the castle gates& an% shoute% to the >arings& urging them& an% Beering at them& an% telling them to come into the castle& an% that they were no more fit for battle than so many 'oultry. Haral% tol% his men to make as if they %i% not know what to %o& or %i% not un%erstan% what was sai%. 6?or&6 says he& 6if we %o make an assault we can effect nothing& as they can throw their wea'ons un%er their feet among usA an% if we get in the castle with a 'arty of our 'eo'le& they ha7e it in their 'ower to shut them in. an% shut out the othersA for they ha7e all the castle gates beset with men. =e shall therefore show them the same scorn they show us& an% let them see we %o not fear them. $ur men shall go out u'on the 'lain nearest to the castleA taking care& howe7er& to kee' out of bow shot. )ll our men shall go unarme%& an% be 'laying with each other& so that the castle men may see we %o not regar% them or their array.6 Thus it went on for some %ays& without anything being %one.

9. $? @-? )N* H)-*$2. Two <celan% men were then with Haral%A the one was Hal%or (1#& a son of the go%e Snorre& who brought this account to <celan%A the other was @lf @s'akson& a gran%son of @s7ifer S'ake. +oth were 7ery strong men& bol% un%er arms& an% Haral%4s best frien%sA an% both were in this 'lay. Now when some %ays were 'asse% the

castle 'eo'le showe% more courage& an% woul% go without wea'ons u'on the castle wall& while the castle gates were stan%ing o'en. The >arings obser7ing this& went one %ay to their s'orts with the swor% un%er their cloaks& an% the helmet un%er their hats. )fter 'laying awhile they obser7e% that the castle 'eo'le were off their guar%A an% instantly seiEing their wea'ons& they ma%e at the castle gate. =hen the men of the castle saw this they went against them arme% com'letely& an% a battle began in the castle gate. The >arings ha% no shiel%s& but wra''e% their cloaks roun% their left arms. Some of them were woun%e%& some kille%& an% all stoo% in great %anger. Now came Haral% with the men who ha% remaine% in the cam'& to the assistance of his 'eo'leA an% the castle men ha% now got out u'on the walls& from which they shot an% threw stones %own u'on themA so that there was a se7ere battle& an% those who were in the castle gates thought that hel' was brought them slower than they coul% ha7e wishe%. =hen Haral% came to the castle gate his stan%ar% bearer fell& an% Haral% sai% to Hal%or& 6*o thou take u' the banner now.6 Hal%or took u' the banner& an% sai% foolishly& 6=ho will carry the banner before thee& if thou followest it so timi%ly as thou hast %one for a whileL6 +ut these were wor%s more of anger than of truthA for Haral% was one of the bol%est of men un%er arms. Then they 'resse% in& an% ha% a har% battle in the castleA an% the en% was that Haral% gaine% the 7ictory an% took the castle. Hal%or was much woun%e% in the face& an% it ga7e him great 'ain as long as he li7e%. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# $ne of the %escen%ants of this Hal%or was Snorre Sturlason& the author of 6Heimskring1a6.

19. +)TT-3 )T ) ?$@2TH C)ST-3. The fourth castle which Haral% came to was the greatest of all we ha7e been s'eaking about. <t was so strong that there was no 'ossibility of breaking into it. They surroun%e% the castle& so that no su''lies coul% get into it. =hen they ha% remaine% here a short time Haral% fell sick& an% he betook himself to his be%. He ha% his tent 'ut u' a little from the cam'& for he foun% Fuietness an% rest out of the clamour an% clang of arme% men. His men went usually in com'anies to or from him to hear his or%ersA an% the castle 'eo'le obser7ing there was something new among the >arings& sent out s'ies to %isco7er what this might mean. =hen the s'ies came back to the castle they ha% to tell of the illness of the comman%er of the >arings& an% that no assault on that account ha% been ma%e on the castle. ) while after Haral%4s strength began to fail& at which his men were 7ery melancholy an% cast %ownA all which was news to the castle men. )t last Haral%4s sickness increase% so ra'i%ly that his %eath was eD'ecte% through all the army. Thereafter the >arings went to the castle menA tol% them& in a 'arley& of the %eath of their comman%erA an% begge% of the 'riests to grant him burial in the castle. =hen the castle 'eo'le hear% this news& there were many among them who rule% o7er cloisters or other great establishments

within the 'lace& an% who were 7ery eager to get the cor'se for their church& knowing that u'on that there woul% follow 7ery rich 'resents. ) great many 'riests& therefore& clothe% themsel7es in all their robes& an% went out of the castle with cross an% shrine an% relics an% forme% a beautiful 'rocession. The >arings also ma%e a great burial. The coffin was borne high in the air& an% o7er it was a tent of costly linen an% before it were carrie% many banners. Now when the cor'se was brought within the castle gate the >arings set %own the coffin right across the entry& fiDe% a bar to kee' the gates o'en& an% soun%e% to battle with all their trum'ets& an% %rew their swor%s. The whole army of the >arings& fully arme%. rushe% from the cam' to the assault of the castle with shout an% cryA an% the monks an% other 'riests who ha% gone to meet the cor'se an% ha% stri7en with each other who shoul% be the first to come out an% take the offering at the burial& were now stri7ing much more who shoul% first get away from the >aringsA for they kille% before their feet e7ery one who was nearest& whether clerk or unconsecrate%. The >arings rummage% so well this castle that they kille% all the men& 'illage% e7erything an% ma%e an enormous booty.

11. $? H)2)-*. Haral% was many years in these cam'aigns& both in Serklan% an% in Sicily. Then he came back to Constantino'le with his troo's an% staye% there but a little time before he began his eD'e%ition to Gerusalem. There he left the 'ay he ha% recei7e% from the ;reek em'eror an% all the >arings who accom'anie% him %i% the same. <t is sai% that on all these eD'e%itions Haral% ha% fought eighteen regular battles. So says Thio%olf5 6Haral% the Stern ne4er allowe% 1eace to his foemen& false an% 'rou%A <n eighteen battles& fought an% won& The 7alour of the Norseman shone. The king& before his home return& $ft %ye% the bal% hea% of the erne =ith bloo%y s'ecks& an% o4er the waste The shar' claw4% wolf his footste's trace%.6

19. H)2)-*4S 3N13*<T<$N T$ 1)-3ST<N3. Haral% went with his men to the lan% of Gerusalem an% then u' to the city of Gerusalem& an% wheresoe7er he came in the lan% all the towns an% stronghol%s were gi7en u' to him. So says the skal% Stuf& who ha% hear% the king himself relate these ti%ings5 6He went& the warrior bol% an% bra7e& Gerusalem& the holy gra7e& )n% the interior of the lan%& To bring un%er the ;reeks4 comman%A )n% by the terror of his name

@n%er his 'ower the country came& Nor nee%e% wasting fire an% swor% To yiel% obe%iance to his wor%.6 Here it is tol% that this lan% came without fire an% swor% un%er Haral%4s comman%. He then went out to Gor%an an% bathe% therein& accor%ing to the custom of other 'ilgrims. Haral% ga7e great gifts to our -or%4s gra7e& to the Holy Cross& an% other holy relics in the lan% of Gerusalem. He also cleare% the whole roa% all the way out to Gor%an& by killing the robbers an% other %isturbers of the 'eace. So says the skal% Stuf5 6The )g%er king cleare% far an% wi%e Gor%an4s fair banks on either si%eA The robber ban%s before him fle%& )n% his great name was wi%ely s'rea%. The wicke% 'eo'le of the lan% =ere 'unishe% here by his %rea% han%& )n% they hereafter will not miss .uch worse from Gesus Christ than this.6

1:. H)2)-* 1@T <N 12<S$N. Thereafter he went back to Constantino'le. =hen Haral% returne% to Constantino'le from Gerusalem he longe% to return to the North to his nati7e lan%A an% when he hear% that .agnus $lafson& his brother4s son& ha% become king both of Norway an% *enmark& he ga7e u' his comman% in the ;reek ser7ice. )n% when the em'ress Joe hear% of this she became angry an% raise% an accusation against Haral% that he ha% misa''lie% the 'ro'erty of the ;reek em'eror which he ha% recei7e% in the cam'aigns in which he was comman%er of the army. There was a young an% beautiful girl calle% .aria& a brother4s %aughter of the em'ress Joe& an% Haral% ha% 'ai% his a%%resses to herA but the em'ress ha% gi7en him a refusal. The >arings& who were then in 'ay in Constantino'le& ha7e tol% here in the North that there went a re'ort among well informe% 'eo'le that the em'ress Joe herself wante% Haral% for her husban%& an% that she chiefly blame% Haral% for his %etermination to lea7e Constantino'le& although another reason was gi7en out to the 'ublic. Constantinus .onomachus was at that time em'eror of the ;reeks an% rule% along with Joe. $n this account the ;reek em'eror ha% Haral% ma%e 'risoner an% carrie% to 'rison.

1". K<N; $-)?4S .<2)C-3 )N* +-<N*<N; TH3 ;233K 3.132$2. =hen Haral% %rew near to the 'rison King $laf the Saint stoo% before him an% sai% he woul% assist him. $n that s'ot of the street a cha'el has since been built an% consecrate% to Saint $laf an% which cha'el has stoo% there e7er since. The 'rison was so constructe% that there was a high tower o'en abo7e& but a %oor below to go into it from the street. Through it Haral% was thrust in& along with Hal%or an% @lf. NeDt night a la%y of

%istinction with two ser7ants came& by the hel' of la%%ers& to the to' of the tower& let %own a ro'e into the 'rison an% haule% them u'. Saint $laf ha% formerly cure% this la%y of a sickness an% he ha% a''eare% to her in a 7ision an% tol% her to %eli7er his brother. Haral% went imme%iately to the >arings& who all rose from their seats when he came in an% recei7e% him with Boy. The men arme% themsel7es forthwith an% went to where the em'eror sle't. They took the em'eror 'risoner an% 'ut out both the eyes of him. So says Thorarin SkeggBason in his 'oem5 6$f The +ut =as glowing gol% that %ecks the han% king got 'lenty in this lan%A it4s great em'eror in the strife ma%e stone blin% for all his life.6

So says Thio%olf& the skal%& also5 6He who the hungry wolf4s wil% yell Huiets with 'rey& the stern& the fell& .i%st the u'roar of shriek an% shout Stung tho ;reek em'eror4s eyes both out5 The Norse king4s mark will not a%orn& The Norse king4s mark gi7es cause to mournA His mark the 3astern king must bear& ;ro'ing his sightless way in fear.6 <n these two songs& an% many others& it is tol% that Haral% himself blin%e% the ;reek em'erorA an% they woul% surely ha7e name% some %uke& count& or other great man& if they ha% not known this to be the true accountA an% King Haral% himself an% other men who were with him s'rea% the account.

1(. H)2)-*4S G$@2N3C ?2$. C$NST)NT<N$1-3. The same night King Haral% an% his men went to the house where .aria sle't an% carrie% her away by force. Then they went %own to where the galleys of the >arings lay& took two of them an% rowe% out into SBa7i% soun%. =hen they came to the 'lace where the iron chain is %rawn across the soun%& Haral% tol% his men to stretch out at their oars in both galleysA but the men who were not rowing to run all to the stern of the galley& each with his luggage in his han%. The galleys thus ran u' an% lay on the iron chain. )s soon as they stoo% fast on it& an% woul% a%7ance no farther& Haral% or%ere% all the men to run forwar% into the bow. Then the galley& in which Haral% was& balance% forwar%s an% swung %own o7er the chainA but the other& which remaine% fast athwart the chain& s'lit in two& by which many men were lostA but some were taken u' out of the soun%. Thus Haral% esca'e% out of Constantino'le an% saile% thence into the +lack SeaA but before he left the lan% he 'ut the la%y ashore an% sent her back with a goo% escort to Constantino'le an% ba%e her tell her relation& the 3m'ress Joe& how little 'ower she ha% o7er Haral%& an% how little the em'ress coul% ha7e hin%ere% him from taking the la%y. Haral% then saile% northwar%s in the 3lli'alta an% then all roun% the 3astern em'ire. $n this 7oyage Haral% com'ose% siDteen songs for

amusement an% all en%ing with the same wor%s. them5 61ast Sicily4s wi%e 'lains we flew& ) %auntless& ne7er wearie% crewA $ur 7iking stee% rushe% through the sea& )s 7iking like fast& fast saile% we. Ne7er& < think& along this shore *i% Norsemen e7er sail beforeA Cet to the 2ussian Fueen& < fear& .y gol% a%orne%& < am not %ear.6

This is one of

=ith this he meant 3llisif& %aughter of King Garisleif in No7goro%.

1/. $? K<N; H)2)-*. =hen Haral% came to No7goro% King Garisleif recei7e% him in the most frien%ly way an% he remaine% there all winter ().*. 19"(#. Then he took into his own kee'ing all the gol% an% the many kin%s of 'recious things which he ha% sent there from Constantino'le an% which together ma%e u' so 7ast a treasure that no man in the Northern lan%s e7er saw the like of it in one man4s 'ossession. Haral% ha% been three times in the 'oluta s7arf while he was in Constantino'le. <t is the custom& namely& there& that e7ery time one of the ;reek em'erors %ies& the >arings are allowe% 'oluta s7arfA that is& they may go through all the em'eror4s 'alaces where his treasures are an% each may take an% kee' what he can lay hol% of while he is going through them.

17. K<N; H)2)-*4S .)22<);3. This winter King Garisleif ga7e Haral% his %aughter 3lisabeth in marriage. She is calle% by the Northmen 3llisif. This is relate% by Stuf the +lin%& thus5 6)g%er4s chief now got the Fueen =ho long his secret lo7e ha% been. $f gol%& no %oubt& a mighty store The 'rincess to her husban% bore.6 <n s'ring he began his Bourney from No7goro% an% came to )l%eigBuborg& where he took shi''ing an% saile% from the 3ast in summer. He turne% first to S7ithBo% an% came to Sigtuna. So says >algar% o4 >al5 6The fairest cargo shi' e4er bore& ?rom 2ussia4s %istant eastern shore The gallant Haral% homewar% brings ;ol%& an% a fame that skal% still sings. The shi' through %ashing foam he steers& Through the sea rain to S7ithBo% 7eers& )n% at Sigtuna4s grassy shores

His gallant 7essel safely moors.6

18. TH3 -3);@3 +3T=33N K<N; H)2)-* )N* S>3<N @-?S$N. Haral% foun% there before him S7ein @lfson& who the autumn before ().*. 19"(# ha% fle% from King .agnus at HelganesA an% when they met they were 7ery frien%ly on both si%es. The Swe%ish king& $laf the Swe%e& was brother of the mother of 3llisif& Haral%4s wifeA an% )stri%& the mother of S7ein& was King $laf4s sister. Haral% an% S7ein entere% into frien%shi' with each other an% confirme% it by oath. )ll the Swe%es were frien%ly to S7ein& because he belonge% to the greatest family in the countryA an% thus all the Swe%es were Haral%4s frien%s an% hel'ers also& for many great men were connecte% with him by relationshi'. So says Thio%olf5 6Cross the 3ast sea the 7essel flew& Her oak keel a white furrow %rew ?rom 2ussia4s coast to Swe%ish lan%. =here Haral% can great hel' comman%. The hea7y 7essel4s leewar% si%e =as hi% beneath the rushing ti%eA =hile the broa% sail an% gol% ti''e% mast Swung to an% fro in the har% blast.6

19. K<N; H)2)-*4S ?$2)C. Then Haral% an% S7ein fitte% out shi's an% gathere% together a great forceA an% when the troo's were rea%y they saile% from the 3ast towar%s *enmark. So says >algar%5 6+ra7e Cng7eK to the lan% %ecree% To thee by fate& with tem'est s'ee% The win%s fly with thee o4er the sea To thy own u%al lan% with thee. )s 'ast the Scanlan 'lains they fly& The gay shi's glances 4twiDt sea an% sky& )n% Scanian bri%es look out& an% fear Some ill to those they hol% most %ear.6 They lan%e% first in Seelan% with their men an% herrie% an% burne% in the lan% far an% wi%e. Then they went to ?yen& where they also lan%e% an% waste%. So says >algar%5 6Haral%K thou hast the isle lai% waste& The Seelan% men away hast chase%& )n% the wil% wolf by %aylight roams Through their %eserte% silent homes. ?iona too coul% not withstan% The fury of thy wasting han%. Helms burst& shiel%s broke& ?iona4s boun%s. =ere fille% with %eath4s terrific soun%s.

62e% flashing in the southern sky& The clear flame swee'ing broa% an% high& ?rom fair 2oeskil%e4s lofty towers& $n lowly huts its fire rain 'oursA )n% shows the housemates4 silent train <n terror scouring o4er the 'lain& Seeking the forest4s %ee'est glen& To house with wol7es& an% 4sca'e from men. 6?ew were they of esca'e to tell& ?or& sorrow worn& the 'eo'le fell5 The only ca'ti7es form the fray =ere lo7ely mai%ens le% away. )n% in wil% terror to the stran%& *own to the shi's& the linke% ban% $f fair haire% girls is roughly %ri7en& Their soft skins by the irons ri7en.6

!9. K<N; .);N@S4S -3>C. King .agnus $lafson saile% north to Norway in the autumn after the battle at Helganes ().*. 19"(#. There he hears the news that Haral% Sigur%son& his relation& was come to S7ithBo%A an% moreo7er that S7ein @lfson an% Haral% ha% entere% into a frien%ly bon% with each other an% gathere% together a great force& inten%ing first to sub%ue *enmark an% then Norway. King .agnus then or%ere% a general le7y o7er all Norway an% he soon collecte% a great army. He hears then that Haral% an% S7ein were come to *enmark an% were burning an% laying waste the lan% an% that the country 'eo'le were e7erywhere submitting to them. <t was also tol% that King Haral% was stronger an% stouter than other men& an% so wise withal that nothing was im'ossible to him& an% he ha% always the 7ictory when he fought a battleA an% he was also so rich in gol% that no man coul% com'are with him in wealth. Thio%olf s'eaks thus of it5 6Norsemen& who stan% the swor% of foe -ike forest stems unmo7e% by blowK .y ho'es are fle%& no 'eace is near& 1eo'le fly here an% there in fear. $n either si%e of Seelan%4s coast ) fleet a''ears a white winge% hostA .agnus form Norway takes his course& Haral% from Swe%en lea%s his force.

!1. T23)TC +3T=33N H)2)-* )N* .);N@S. Those of Haral%4s men who were in his counsel sai% that it woul% be a great misfortune if relations like Haral% an% .agnus shoul% fight an% throw a %eath s'ear against each otherA an% therefore many offere% to attem't bringing about some agreement between them& an% the kings& by their 'ersuasion& agree% to it. Thereu'on some men were sent off in a light boat& in which they

saile% south in all haste to *enmark& an% got some *anish men& who were 'ro7en frien%s of King .agnus& to 'ro'ose this matter to Haral%. This affair was con%ucte% 7ery secretly. Now when Haral% hear% that his relation& King .agnus& woul% offer him a league an% 'artition& so that Haral% shoul% ha7e half of Norway with King .agnus& an% that they shoul% %i7i%e all their mo7able 'ro'erty into two eFual 'arts& he acce'te% the 'ro'osal& an% the 'eo'le went back to King .agnus with this answer.

!!. T23)TC +3T=33N H)2)-* )N* S>3<N +2$K3N. ) little after this it ha''ene% that Haral% an% S7ein one e7ening were sitting at table %rinking an% talking together& an% S7ein aske% Haral% what 7aluable 'iece of all his 'ro'erty he esteeme% the most. He answere%& it was his banner -an% waster. S7ein aske% what was there remarkable about it& that he 7alue% it so highly. Haral% re'lie%& it was a common saying that he must gain the 7ictory before whom that banner is borne& an% it ha% turne% out so e7er since he ha% owne% it. S7ein re'lies& 6< will begin to belie7e there is such 7irtue in the banner when thou hast hel% three battles with thy relation .agnus& an% hast gaine% them all.6 Then answere% Haral% with an angry 7oice& 6< know my relationshi' to King .agnus& without thy remin%ing me of itA an% although we are now going in arms against him& our meeting may be of a better sort.6 S7ein change% colour& an% sai%& 6There are 'eo'le& Haral%& who say that thou hast %one as much before as only to hol% that 'art of an agreement which a''ears to suit thy own interest best.6 Haral% answers& 6<t becomes thee ill to say that < ha7e not stoo% by an agreement& when < know what King .agnus coul% tell of thy 'rocee%ings with him.6 Thereu'on each went his own way. )t night& when Haral% went to slee' within the bulwarks of his 7essel& he sai% to his footboy& 6< will not slee' in my be% to night& for < sus'ect there may be treachery abroa%. < obser7e% this e7ening that my frien% S7ein was 7ery angry at my free %iscourse. Thou shalt kee' watch& therefore& in case anything ha''en in the night.6 Haral% then went away to slee' somewhere else& an% lai% a billet of woo% in his 'lace. )t mi%night a boat rowe% alongsi%e to the shi'4s bulwarkA a man went on boar%& lifte% u' the cloth of the tent of the bulwarks& went u'& an% struck in Haral%4s be% with a great aD& so that it stoo% fast in the lum' of woo%. The man instantly ran back to his boat again& an% rowe% away in the %ark night& for the moon was setA but the aDe remaine% sticking in the 'iece of

woo% as an e7i%ence. Thereu'on Haral% wake% his men an% let them know the treachery inten%e%. 6=e can now see sufficiently&6 sai% he& 6that we coul% ne7er match S7ein if he 'ractises such %eliberate treachery against usA so it will be best for us to get away from this 'lace while we can. -et us cast loose our 7essel an% row away as Fuietly as 'ossible.6 They %i% so& an% rowe% %uring the night northwar%s along the lan%A an% then 'rocee%e% night an% %ay until they came to King .agnus& where he lay with his army. Haral% went to his relation .agnus& an% there was a Boyful meeting betwiDt them. So says Thio%olf5 6The far known king the or%er ga7e& <n silence o4er the swelling wa7e& =ith noiseless oars& his 7essels gay ?rom *enmark west to row awayA )n% $laf4s son& with Bustice rare& $ffers with him the realm to share. 1eo'le& no %oubt& reBoice% to fin% The kings ha% met in 'eaceful min%.6 )fterwar%s the two relati7es con7erse% with each other an% all was settle% by 'eaceful agreement.

!:. K<N; .);N@S ;<>3S H)2)-* H)-? $? N$2=)C. King .agnus lay at the shore an% ha% set u' tents u'on the lan%. There he in7ite% his relation& King Haral%& to be his guest at tableA an% Haral% went to the entertainment with siDty of his men an% was feaste% eDcellently. Towar%s the en% of the %ay King .agnus went into the tent where Haral% sat an% with him went men carrying 'arcels consisting of clothes an% arms. Then the king went to the man who sat lowest an% ga7e him a goo% swor%& to the neDt a shiel%& to the neDt a kirtle& an% so on& clothes& or wea'ons& or gol%A to all he ga7e one or the other 7aluable gift& an% the more costly to the more %istinguishe% men among them. Then he 'lace% himself before his relation Haral%& hol%ing two sticks in his han%& an% sai%& 6=hich of these two sticks wilt thou ha7e& my frien%L6 Haral% re'lies& 6The one nearest me.6 6Then&6 sai% King .agnus& 6with this stick < gi7e thee half of the Norwegian 'ower& with all the scat an% %uties& an% all the %omains thereunto belonging& with the con%ition that e7erywhere thou shalt be as lawful king in Norway as < am myselfA but when we are both together in one 'lace& < shall be the first man in seat& ser7ice an% salutationA an% if there be three of us together of eFual %ignity& that < shall sit in the mi%%le& an% shall ha7e the royal tent groun% an% the royal lan%ing 'lace. Thou shalt strengthen an% a%7ance our king%om& in return for making thee that man in Norway whom we ne7er eD'ecte% any man shoul% be so long as our hea% was abo7e groun%.6 Then Haral% stoo% u'& an% thanke% him for the high title an% %ignity. Thereu'on they both sat %own& an% were 7ery merry together. The same e7ening Haral% an% his men returne% to their shi's.

!". H)2)-* ;<>3S .);N@S TH3 H)-? $? H<S T23)S@23S. The following morning King .agnus or%ere% the trum'ets to soun% to a ;eneral Thing of the 'eo'leA an% when it was seate%& he ma%e known to the whole army the gift he ha% gi7en to his relation Haral%. Thorer of Steig ga7e Haral% the title of King there at the ThingA an% the same %ay King Haral% in7ite% King .agnus to table with him& an% he went with siDty men to King Haral%4s lan% tent& where he ha% 're'are% a feast. The two kings sat together on a high seat& an% the feast was s'len%i%A e7erything went on with magnificence& an% the kings4 were merry an% gla%. Towar%s the close of the %ay King Haral% or%ere% many caskets to be brought into the tent& an% in like manner 'eo'le bore in wea'ons& clothes an% other sorts of 7aluablesA an% all these King Haral% %i7i%e% among King .agnus4s men who were at the feast. Then he ha% the caskets o'ene% an% sai% to King .agnus& 6Cester%ay you ga7e us a large king%om& which your han% won from your an% our enemies& an% took us in 'artnershi' with you& which was well %oneA an% this has cost you much. Now we on our si%e ha7e been in foreign 'arts& an% oft in 'eril of life& to gather together the gol% which you here see. Now& King .agnus& < will %i7i%e this with you. =e shall both own this mo7able 'ro'erty& an% each ha7e his eFual share of it& as each has his eFual half share of Norway. < know that our %is'ositions are %ifferent& as thou art more liberal than < amA therefore let us %i7i%e this 'ro'erty eFually between us& so that each may ha7e his share free to %o with as he will.6 Then Haral% ha% a large oD hi%e s'rea% out& an% turne% the gol% out of the caskets u'on it. Then scales an% weights were taken an% the gol% se'arate% an% %i7i%e% by weight into eFual 'artsA an% all 'eo'le won%ere% eDcee%ingly that so much gol% shoul% ha7e come together in one 'lace in the northern countries. +ut it was un%erstoo% that it was the ;reek em'eror4s 'ro'erty an% wealthA for& as all 'eo'le say& there are whole houses there full of re% gol%. The kings were now 7ery merry. Then there a''eare% an ingot among the rest as big as a man4s han%. Haral% took it in his han%s an% sai%& 6=here is the gol%& frien% .agnus& that thou canst show against this 'ieceL6 King .agnus re'lie%& 6So many %isturbances an% le7ies ha7e been in the country that almost all the gol% an% sil7er < coul% lay u' is gone. < ha7e no more gol% in my 'ossession than this ring.6 )n% he took the ring off his han% an% ga7e it to Haral%. Haral% looke% at it& an% sai%& 6That is but little gol%& frien%. for the king who owns two king%omsA an% yet some may %oubt whether thou art rightful owner of e7en this ring.6 Then King .agnus re'lie%& after a little reflection& 6<f < be not rightful owner of this ring& then < know not what < ha7e got right toA for my father& King $laf the Saint& ga7e me this ring at our last 'arting.6 Then sai% King Haral%& laughing& 6<t is true& King .agnus& what thou sayest. Thy father ga7e thee this ring& but he took the

ring from my father for some trifling causeA an% in truth it was not a goo% time for small kings in Norway when thy father was in full 'ower.6 King Haral% ga7e Thorer of Steig at that feast a bowl of mountain birch& that was encircle% with a sil7er ring an% ha% a sil7er han%le& both which 'arts were giltA an% the bowl was fille% with money of 'ure sil7er. =ith that came also two gol% rings& which together stoo% for a mark. He ga7e him also his cloak of %ark 'ur'le line% with white skins within& an% 'romise% him besi%es his frien%shi' an% great %ignity. Thorgils Snorrason& an intelligent man& says he has seen an altar cloth that was ma%e of this cloakA an% ;u%ri%& a %aughter of ;uthorm& the son of Thorer of Steig& sai%& accor%ing to Thorgil4s account& that she ha% seen this bowl in her father ;uthorm4s 'ossession. +ol7erk also tells of these matters5 6Thou& generous king& < ha7e been tol%& ?or the green lan% hast gi7en gol%A )n% .agnus got a mighty treasure& That thou one half might4st rule at 'leasure. The 'eo'le gaine% a blesse% 'eace& =hich 4twiDt the kings %i% ne7er ceaseA =hile S7ein& %isturbe% with war4s alarms& Ha% his folk always un%er arms.6

!(. $? K<N; .);N@S. The kings .agnus an% Haral% both rule% in Norway the winter after their agreement ().*. 19"7#& an% each ha% his court. <n winter they went aroun% the @'lan% country in guest FuartersA an% sometimes they were both together& sometimes each was for himself. They went all the way north to Thron%hBem& to the town of Ni%aros. King .agnus ha% taken s'ecial care of the holy remains of King $laf after he came to the countryA ha% the hair an% nails cli''e% e7ery twel7e month& an% ke't himself the keys that o'ene% the shrine. .any miracles were worke% by King $laf4s holy remains. <t was not long before there was a breach in the goo% un%erstan%ing between the two kings& as many were so mischie7ous as to 'romote %iscor% between them.

!/. $? S>3<N @-?S$N. S7ein @lfson remaine% behin% in the harbour after Haral% ha% gone away& an% inFuire% about his 'rocee%ings. =hen he hear% at last of .agnus an% Haral% ha7ing agree% an% Boine% their forces& he steere% with his forces eastwar% along Scania& an% remaine% there until towar%s winter& when he hear% that King .agnus an% King Haral% ha% gone northwar%s to Norway. Then S7ein& with his troo's& came south to *enmark an% took all the royal income that winter ().*. 19"7#.

!7. $? TH3 -3>C $? TH3 T=$ K<N;S. Towar%s s'ring ().*. 19"7# King .agnus an% his relation& King Haral%& or%ere% a le7y in Norway. <t ha''ene% once that the kings lay all night in the same harbour an% neDt %ay& King Haral%& being first rea%y& ma%e sail. Towar%s e7ening he brought u' in the harbour in which .agnus an% his retinue ha% inten%e% to 'ass the night. Haral% lai% his 7essel in the royal groun%& an% there set u' his tents. King .agnus got un%er sail later in the %ay an% came into the harbour Bust as King Haral% ha% %one 'itching his tents. They saw then that King Haral% ha% taken u' the king4s groun% an% inten%e% to lie there. )fter King .agnus ha% or%ere% the sails to be taken in& he sai%& 6The men will now get rea%y along both si%es of the 7essel to lay out their oars& an% some will o'en the hatches an% bring u' the arms an% arm themsel7esA for& if they will not make way for us& we will fight them.6 Now when King Haral% sees that King .agnus will gi7e him battle& he says to his men& 6Cut our lan% fastenings an% back the shi' out of the groun%& for frien% .agnus is in a 'assion.6 They %i% so an% lai% the 7essel out of the groun% an% King .agnus lai% his 7essel in it. =hen they were now rea%y on both si%es with their business& King Haral% went with a few men on boar% of King .agnus4s shi'. King .agnus recei7e% him in a frien%ly way& an% ba%e him welcome. King Haral% answere%& 6< thought we were come among frien%sA but Bust now < was in %oubt if ye woul% ha7e it so. +ut it is a truth that chil%hoo% is hasty& an% < will only consi%er it as a chil%ish freak.6 Then sai% King .agnus& 6<t is no chil%ish whim& but a trait of my family& that < ne7er forget what < ha7e gi7en& or what < ha7e not gi7en. <f this trifle ha% been settle% against my will& there woul% soon ha7e followe%4 some other %iscor% like it. <n all 'articulars < will hol% the agreement between usA but in the same way we will ha7e all that belongs to us by that right.6 King Haral% coolly re'lie%& that it is an ol% custom for the wisest to gi7e wayA an% returne% to his shi'. ?rom such circumstances it was foun% %ifficult to 'reser7e goo% un%erstan%ing between the kings. King .agnus4s men sai% he was in the rightA but others& less wise& thought there was some slight 'ut u'on Haral% in the business. King Haral%4s men& besi%es& insiste% that the agreement was only that King .agnus shoul% ha7e the 'reference of the harbour groun% when they arri7e% together& but that King Haral% was not boun% to %raw out of his 'lace when he came first. They obser7e%& also& that King Haral% ha% con%ucte% himself well an% wisely in the matter. Those who 7iewe% the business in the worst light insiste% that King .agnus wante% to break the agreement& an% that he ha% %one King Haral% inBustice& an% 'ut an affront on him. Such %is'utes were talke% o7er so long among foolish 'eo'le& that the s'irit of %isagreeing affecte% the kings themsel7es. .any other things also occurre%& in which the kings a''eare% %etermine% to ha7e each his own wayA but of these little will be set %own here.

!(. K<N; .);N@S TH3 ;$$*4S *3)TH. The kings& .agnus an% Haral%& saile% with their fleet south to

*enmarkA an% when S7ein hear% of their a''roach& he fle% away east to Scania. .agnus an% Haral% remaine% in *enmark late in summer& an% sub%ue% the whole country. <n autumn they were in Gutlan%. $ne night& as King .agnus lay in his be%& it a''eare% to him in a %ream that he was in the same 'lace as his father& Saint $laf& an% that he s'oke to him thus5 6=ilt thou choose& my son& to follow me& or to become a mighty king& an% ha7e long lifeA but to commit a crime which thou wilt ne7er be able to eD'iateL6 He thought he ma%e the answer& 6*o thou& father& choose for me.6 Then the king thought the answer was& 6Thou shalt follow me.6 King .agnus tol% his men this %ream. Soon after he fell sick an% lay at a 'lace calle% Su%athor'. =hen he was near his %eath he sent his brother& Thorer& with tokens to S7ein @lfson& with the reFuest to gi7e Thorer the ai% he might reFuire. <n this message King .agnus also ga7e the *anish %ominions to S7ein after his %eathA an% sai% it was Bust that Haral% shoul% rule o7er Norway an% S7ein o7er *enmark. Then King .agnus the ;oo% %ie% ().*. 19"7#& an% great was the sorrow of all the 'eo'le at his %eath. So says $% Kikinaskal%5 6The tears o4er goo% King .agnus4 bier& The 'eo'le4s tears& were all sincere5 37en they to whom he riches ga7e Carrie% him hea7ily to the gra7e. )ll hearts were struck at the king4s en%A His house thralls we't as for a frien%A His court men oft alone woul% muse& )s 'on%ering o4er unthought of news.6

!9. K<N; .);N@S4S ?@N32)-. )fter this e7ent King Haral% hel% a Thing of his men at arms& an% tol% them his intention to go with the army to >iborg Thing& an% make himself be 'roclaime% king o7er the whole *anish %ominions& to which& he sai%& he ha% here%itary right after his relation .agnus& as well as to Norway. He therefore aske% his men for their ai%& an% sai% he thought the Norway man shoul% show himself always su'erior to the *ane. Then 3inar Tambaskelfer re'lies that he consi%ere% it a greater %uty to bring his foster son King .agnus4s cor'se to the gra7e& an% lay it besi%e his father& King $laf4s& north in Thron%hBem town& than to be fighting abroa% an% taking another king4s %ominions an% 'ro'erty. He en%e% his s'eech with saying that he woul% rather follow King .agnus %ea% than any other king ali7e. Thereu'on he ha% the bo%y a%orne% in the most careful way& so that most magnificent 're'arations were ma%e in the king4s shi'. Then all the Thron%hBem 'eo'le an% all the Northmen ma%e themsel7es rea%y to return home with the king4s bo%y& an% so the army was broken u'. King Haral% saw then that it was better for him to return to Norway to secure that king%om first& an% to assemble men anewA an% so King Haral% returne% to Norway with all his army. )s soon as he came to Norway he hel% a Thing with the 'eo'le of the country& an% ha% himself 'roclaime% king e7erywhere. He 'rocee%e% thus from the 3ast through >iken& an% in e7ery %istrict in Norway he was name% king. 3inar Tambaskelfer& an% with him all the Thron%hBem troo's& went with

King .agnus4s bo%y an% trans'orte% it to the town of Ni%aros& where it was burie% in St. Clement4s church& where also was the shrine of King $laf the Saint. King .agnus was of mi%%le siEe& of long an% clear com'leDione% countenance& an% light hair& s'oke well an% hastily& was brisk in his actions& an% eDtremely generous. He was a great warrior& an% remarkably bol% in arms. He was the most 'o'ular of kings& 'riEe% e7en by enemies as well as frien%s.

:9. $? S>3<N @-?S$N. S7ein @lfson remaine% that autumn in Scania ().*. 19"7#& an% was making rea%y to tra7el eastwar% to Swe%en& with the intention of renouncing the title of king he ha% assume% in *enmarkA but Bust as he was mounting his horse some men came ri%ing to him with the first news that King .agnus was %ea%& an% all the Northmen ha% left *enmark. S7ein answere% in haste& 6< call ;o% to witness that < shall ne7er again fly from the *anish %ominions as long as < li7e.6 Then he got on his horse an% ro%e south into Scania& where imme%iately many 'eo'le crow%e% to him. That winter he brought un%er his 'ower all the *anish %ominions& an% all the *anes took him for their king. Thorer& King .agnus4s brother& came to S7ein in autumn with the message of King .agnus& as before relate%& an% was well recei7e%A an% Thorer remaine% long with S7ein an% was well taken care of.

:1. $? K<N; H)2)-* S<;@2*S$N. King Haral% Sigur%son took the royal 'ower o7er all Norway after the %eath of King .agnus $lafsonA an% when he ha% reigne% o7er Norway one winter an% s'ring was come ().*. 19"8#& he or%ere% a le7y through all the lan% of one half of all men an% shi's an% went south to Gutlan%. He herrie% an% burne% all summer wi%e aroun% in the lan% an% came into ;o%narfBor%& where King Haral% ma%e these 7erses5 6=hile wi7es of husban%s fon%ly %ream& Here let us anchor in the stream& <n ;o%narfBor%A we4ll safely moor $ur sea homes& an% slee' Fuite secure.6 Then he s'oke to Thio%olf& the skal%& an% aske% him to a%% to it what it wante%& an% he sang5 6<n the neDt summer& < foresee& $ur anchorage in the South will beA To hol% our sea homes on the groun%& .ore col% tongue% anchors will be foun%.6 To this +ol7erk allu%es in his song also& that Haral% went to *enmark the summer after King .agnus4s %eath. +ol7erk sings thus5

6NeDt summer thou the le7y raise%& )n% seawar%s all the 'eo'le gaEe%& =here thy sea stee%s in sunshine glancing $7er the wa7es were gaily 'rancingA =hile the %ee' shi's that 'lun%er bore Seeme% black s'ecks from the %istant shore. The *anes& from banks or hillocks green& -ooke% with %ismay u'on the scene.6

:!. $? TH$2K3- ;3CS)4S *)@;HT32S. Then they burne% the house of Thorkel ;eysa& who was a great lor%& an% his %aughters they carrie% off boun% to their shi's. They ha% ma%e a great mockery the winter before of King Haral%4s coming with war shi's against *enmarkA an% they cut their cheese into the sha'e of anchors& an% sai% such anchors might hol% all the shi's of the Norway king. Then this was com'ose%5 6The <slan% girls& we were tol%& .a%e anchors all our fleet to hol%5 Their *anish Best cut out in cheese *i% not our stern king4s fancy 'lease. Now many a mai%en fair& may be& Sees iron anchors s'lash the sea& =ho will not wake a mai% neDt morn To laugh at Norway4s shi's in scorn.6 <t is sai% that a s'y who ha% seen the fleet of King Haral% sai% to Thorkel ;eysa4s %aughters& 6Ce sai%& ;eysa4s %aughters& that King Haral% %are% not come to *enmark.6 *otta& Thorkel4s %aughter& re'lie%& 6That was yester%ay.6 Thorkel ha% to ransom his %aughters with a great sum. So says ;rane5 6The gol% a%orne% girl4s eye Through Hornskeg woo% was ne7er %ry& )s %own towar%s the san%y shore The men their lo7ely 'riEes bore. The Norway lea%er ke't at bay The foe who woul% contest the way& )n% *otta4s father ha% to bring Treasure to satisfy the king.6 King Haral% 'lun%ere% in *enmark all that summer& an% ma%e immense bootyA but he ha% not any footing in the lan% that summer in *enmark. He went to Norway again in autumn an% remaine% there all winter ().*. 19"9#.

::. .)22<);3S )N* CH<-*23N $? H)2)-* H)2*2)*3. The winter after King .agnus the ;oo% %ie%& King Haral% took Thora& %aughter of Thorberg )rnason& an% they ha% two sonsA the ol%est calle% .agnus& an% the other $laf. King Haral% an% Hueen 3llisif ha% two %aughtersA the one .aria& the other <ngeger%.

The s'ring after the foray which has Bust been relate% King Haral% or%ere% the 'eo'le out an% went with them to *enmark ().*. 19"9#& an% herrie% there& an% %i% so summer after summer thereafter. So says Stuf& the skal%5 6?alster lay waste& as 'eo'le tell& The ra7en in other isles fare% well. The *anes were e7erywhere in fear& ?or the %rea% foray e7ery year.6

:". $? TH3 )2.).3NTS $? S>3<N @-?S$N )N* H)2)-*. King S7ein rule% o7er all the *anish %ominions after King .agnus4s %eath. He sat Fuiet all the winterA but in summer he lay out in his shi's with all his 'eo'le an% it was sai% he woul% go north to Norway with the *anish army an% make not less ha7oc there than King Haral% ha% ma%e in *enmark. King S7ein 'ro'ose% to King Haral% in winter ().*. 19"9# to meet him the following summer at the ;aut ri7er an% fight until in the battle fiel% their %ifferences were en%e%& or they were settle% 'eacefully. They ma%e rea%y on both si%es all winter with their shi's& an% calle% out in summer one half of all the fighting men. The same summer came Thorleik the ?air out of <celan%& an% com'ose% a 'oem about King S7ein @lfson. He hear%& when he arri7e% in Norway& that King Haral% ha% saile% south to the ;aut ri7er against King S7ein. Then Thorleik sang this5 6The wily S7ein& < think& will meet These inlan% Norsemen fleet to fleetA The arrow storm& an% hea7ing sea& His 7antage fight an% fiel% will be. ;o% only knows the en% of strife& $r which shall ha7e his lan% an% lifeA This strife must come to such an en%& ?or terms will ne7er bin% King S7ein.6 He also sang these 7erses5 6Haral%& whose re% shiel% oft has shone $4er herrie% coasts& an% fiel%s har% won& 2i%es in hot wrath& an% eager s'ee%s $4er the blue wa7es his ocean stee%s. S7ein& who in bloo% his arrows stains& +rings o4er the ocean4s hea7ing 'lains His gol% beake% shi's& which come in 7iew $ut from the Soun% with many a hue.6 King Haral% came with his forces to the a''ointe% meeting 'laceA but there he hear% that King S7ein was lying with his fleet at the south si%e of Seelan%. Then King Haral% %i7i%e% his forcesA let the greater 'art of the bon%e troo's return homeA an% took with him his court men& his len%ermen& the best men at arms& an% all the bon%e troo's who li7e% nearest to the *anish lan%. They saile% o7er to Gutlan% to the south of >en%ilskage& an% so south to Thio%aA an% o7er all they carrie% fire an% swor%. So says

Stuf& the skal%5 6<n haste the men of Thylan% fly ?rom the great monarch4s threat4ning eyeA )t the stern Haral%4s angry look The bol%est hearts in *enmark shook.6 They went forwar% all the way south to Hei%aby& took the merchant town an% burnt it. Then one of Haral%4s men ma%e the following 7erses5 6)ll Hei%aby is burne% %ownK Strangers will ask where stoo% the town. <n our wil% humour u' it blaEe%& )n% S7ein looks roun% him all amaEe%. )ll Hei%aby is burne% %ownK ?rom a far corner of the town < saw& before the 'ee' of morning& 2oofs& walls& an% all in flame high burning.6 To this also Thorleik allu%es in his 7erses& when he hear% there ha% been no battle at the ;aut ri7er5 6The stranger warrior may inFuire $f Haral%4s men& why in his ire $n Hei%aby his wrath he turns& )n% the fair town to ashes burnsL =oul% that the %ay ha% ne7er come =hen Haral%4s shi's returne% home ?rom the 3ast Sea& since now the town& =ithout his gain& is burne% %ownK6

:(. H)2)-*4S 3SC)13 <NT$ TH3 G@T-)N* S3). Then King Haral% saile% north an% ha% siDty shi's an% the most of them large an% hea7ily la%en with the booty taken in summerA an% as they saile% north 'ast Thio%a King S7ein came %own from the lan% with a great force an% he challenge% King Haral% to lan% an% fight. King Haral% ha% little more than half the force of King S7ein an% therefore he challenge% S7ein to fight at sea. So says Thorleik the ?air5 6S7ein& who of all men un%er hea7en Has ha% the luckiest birth hour gi7en& <n7ites his foemen to the fiel%& There to contest with bloo% staine% shiel%. The king& im'atient of %elay& Haral%& will with his sea hawks stayA $n boar% will fight& an% fate %eci%e <f S7ein shall by his lan% abi%e.6 )fter that King Haral% saile% north along >en%ilskageA an% the win% then came against them& an% they brought u' un%er Hlesey& where they lay all night. ) thick fog lay u'on the seaA an% when the morning came an% the sun rose they saw u'on the other si%e of

the sea as if many lights were burning. This was tol% to King Haral%A an% he looke% at it& an% sai% imme%iately& 6Strike the tilts %own on the shi's an% take to the oars. The *anish forces are coming u'on us& an% the fog there where they are must ha7e cleare% off& an% the sun shines u'on the %ragon hea%s of their shi's& which are gil%e%& an% that is what we see.6 <t was so as he ha% sai%. S7ein ha% come there with a 'ro%igious arme% force. They rowe% now on both si%es all they coul%. The *anish shi's flew lighter before the oarsA for the Northmen4s shi's were both soake% with water an% hea7ily la%en& so that the *anes a''roache% nearer an% nearer. Then Haral%& whose own %ragon shi' was the last of the fleet& saw that he coul% not get awayA so he or%ere% his men to throw o7erboar% some woo%& an% lay u'on it clothes an% other goo% an% 7aluable articlesA an% it was so 'erfectly calm that these %ro7e about with the ti%e. Now when the *anes saw their own goo%s %ri7ing about on the sea& they who were in a%7ance turne% about to sa7e themA for they thought it was easier to take what was floating freely about& than to go on boar% the Northmen to take it. They %ro''e% rowing an% lost groun%. Now when King S7ein came u' to them with his shi'& he urge% them on& saying it woul% be a great shame if they& with so great a force& coul% not o7ertake an% master so small a number. The *anes then began again to stretch out lustily at their oars. =hen King Haral% saw that the *anish shi's went faster he or%ere% his men to lighten their shi's& an% cast o7erboar% malt& wheat& bacon& an% to let their liFuor run out& which hel'e% a little. Then Haral% or%ere% the bulwarkscreens& the em'ty casks an% 'uncheons an% the 'risoners to be thrown o7erboar%A an% when all these were %ri7ing about on the sea& S7ein or%ere% hel' to be gi7en to sa7e the men. This was %oneA but so much time was lost that they se'arate% from each other. The *anes turne% back an% the Northmen 'rocee%e% on their way. So says Thorleik the ?air5 6S7ein %ro7e his foes from Gutlan%4s coast& The Norsemen4s shi's woul% ha7e been lost& +ut Haral% all his 7essels sa7es& Throwing his booty on the wa7es. The Gutlan%ers saw& as he threw& Their own goo%s floating in their 7iewA His lighten4% shi's fly o4er the main =hile they 'ick u' their own again.6 King S7ein returne% southwar%s with his shi's to Hlesey& where he foun% se7en shi's of the Northmen& with bon%es an% men of the le7y. =hen King S7ein came to them they begge% for mercy& an% offere% ransom for themsel7es. So says Thorleik the ?air5 6The stern king4s men goo% offers make& <f S7ein will ransom for them takeA Too few to fight& they bol%ly say @neFual force makes them gi7e way. The hasty bon%es for a wor% =oul% ha7e betaken them to the swor%& )n% ha7e 'rolonge% a bloo%y strife Such men can gi7e no 'rice for life.6

:/. $? H)2)-*. King Haral% was a great man& who rule% his king%om well in home concerns. >ery 'ru%ent was he& of goo% un%erstan%ingA an% it is the uni7ersal o'inion that no chief e7er was in northern lan%s of such %ee' Bu%gment an% rea%y counsel as Haral%. He was a great warriorA bol% in armsA strong an% eD'ert in the use of his wea'ons beyon% any others& as has been before relate%& although many of the feats of his manhoo% are not here written %own. This is owing 'artly to our uncertainty about them& 'artly to our wish not to 'ut stories into this book for which there is no testimony. )lthough we ha7e hear%& many things talke% about& an% e7en circumstantially relate%& yet we think it better that something may be a%%e% to& than that it shoul% be necessary to take something away from our narrati7e. ) great 'art of his history is 'ut in 7erse by <celan% men& which 'oems they 'resente% to him or his sons& an% for which reason he was their great frien%. He was& in%ee%. a great frien% to all the 'eo'le of that countryA an% once& when a 7ery %ear time set in& he allowe% four shi's to trans'ort meal to <celan%& an% fiDe% that the shi''un% shoul% not be %earer than 199 ells of wa%mal. He 'ermitte% also all 'oor 'eo'le& who coul% fin% 'ro7isions to kee' them on the 7oyage across the sea& to emigrate from <celan% to NorwayA an% from that time there was better subsistence in the country& an% the seasons also turne% out better. King Harol% also sent from Norway a bell for the church of which $laf the Saint ha% sent the timbers to <celan%& an% which was erecte% on the Thing 'lain. Such remembrances of King Haral% are foun% here in the country& besi%es many great gifts which he 'resente% to those who 7isite% him.

:7. $? H)-*$2 SN$22)S$N. Hal%or Snorrason an% @lf @s'akson& as before relate%& came to Norway with King Haral%. They were& in many res'ects& of %ifferent %is'ositions. Hal%or was 7ery stout an% strong& an% remarkably han%some in a''earance. King Haral% ga7e him this testimony& that he& among all his men& care% least about %oubtful circumstances& whether they betokene% %anger or 'leasureA for& whate7er turne% u'& he was ne7er in higher nor in lower s'irits& ne7er sle't less nor more on account of them& nor ate or %rank but accor%ing to his custom. Hal%or was not a man of many wor%s& but short in con7ersation& tol% his o'inion bluntly an% was obstinate an% har%A an% this coul% not 'lease the king& who ha% many cle7er 'eo'le about him Eealous in his ser7ice. Hal%or remaine% a short time with the kingA an% then came to <celan%& where he took u' his abo%e in HBar%arholt& an% %welt in that farm to a 7ery a%7ance% age.

:8. $? @-? @S1)KS$N. @lf @s'akson stoo% in great esteem with King Haral%A for he was a

man of great un%erstan%ing& cle7er in con7ersation& acti7e an% bra7e& an% withal true an% sincere. King Haral% ma%e @lf his marshal& an% marrie% him to Gorun& Thorberg4s %aughter& a sister of Haral%4s wife& Thora. @lf an% Gorun4s chil%ren were Goan the Strong of 2as7ol& an% +rigi%a& mother of Sau%a @lf& who was father of 1eter +yr%ar S7ein& father of @lf ?ly an% Sigri%. Goan the Strong4s son was 3rlen% Himal%e& father of )rchbisho' 3ystein an% his brothers. King Haral% ga7e @lf the marshal the rights of a len%erman an% a fief of twel7e marks income& besi%es a half %istrict in the Thron%hBem lan%. $f this Stein Her%ison s'eaks in his song about @lf.

:9. $? TH3 +@<-*<N; $? CH@2CH3S )N* H$@S3S. King .agnus $lafson built $laf4s church in the town (Ni%aros#& on the s'ot where $laf4s bo%y was set %own for the night& an% which& at that time& was abo7e the town. He also ha% the king4s house built there. The church was not Fuite finishe% when the king %ie%A but King Haral% ha% what was wanting com'lete%. There& besi%e the house& he began to construct a stone hall& but it was not finishe% when he %ie%. King Haral% ha% the church calle% .ary Church built from the foun%ations u'& at the san%hill close to the s'ot where the king4s holy remains were conceale% in the earth the first winter after his fall. <t was a large tem'le& an% so strongly built with lime that it was %ifficult to break it when the )rchbisho' 3ystein ha% it 'ulle% %own. $laf4s holy remains were ke't in $laf4s church while .ary Church was buil%ing. King Haral% ha% the king4s house erecte% below .ary Kirk& at the si%e of the ri7er& where it now isA an% he ha% the house in which he ha% ma%e the great hall consecrate% an% calle% ;regorius Church.

"9. +3;<NN<N; $? H)K$N <>)2S$N4S ST$2C. There was a man calle% <7ar the =hite& who was a bra7e len%erman %welling in the @'lan%s& an% was a %aughter4s son of 3arl Hakon the ;reat. <7ar was the han%somest man that coul% be seen. <7ar4s son was calle% HakonA an% of him it was sai% that he was %istinguishe% abo7e all men then in Norway for beauty& strength an% 'erfection of figure. <n his 7ery youth he ha% been sent out on war eD'e%itions& where he acFuire% great honour an% consi%eration& an% became afterwar%s one of the most celebrate% men.

"1. $? 3<N)2 T).+)SK3-?32. 3inar Tambaskelfer was the most 'owerful len%erman in the Thron%hBem lan%. There was but little frien%shi' between him an% King Haral%& although 3inar retaine% all the fiefs he ha% hel% while .agnus the ;oo% li7e%. 3inar ha% many large estates& an% was marrie% to +ergliot& a %aughter of 3arl Hakon& as relate%

abo7e. Their son 3in%ri%e was grown u'& an% marrie% to Sigri%& a %aughter of Ketil Kalf an% ;unhil%& King Haral%4s sister4s %aughter. 3in%ri%e ha% inherite% the beauty of his mother4s father& 3arl Hakon& an% his sonsA an% in siEe an% strength he took after his father& 3inar& an% also in all bo%ily 'erfections by which 3inar ha% been %istinguishe% abo7e other men. He was& also& as well as his father& the most 'o'ular of men& which the sagas& in%ee%& show sufficiently.

"!. $? 3)2- $2.. $rm was at that time earl in the @'lan%s. His mother was 2agnhil%& a %aughter of 3arl Hakon the ;reat& an% $rm was a remarkably cle7er man. )slak 3rlingson was then in Ga%ar at Sole& an% was marrie% to Sigri%& a %aughter of 3arl S7ein Hakonson. ;unhil%& 3arl S7ein4s other %aughter& was marrie% to the *anish king& S7ein @lfson. These were the %escen%ants of 3arl Hakon at that time in Norway& besi%es many other %istinguishe% 'eo'leA an% the whole race was remarkable for their 7ery beautiful a''earance& an% the most of them were gifte% with great bo%ily 'erfection& an% were all %istinguishe% an% im'ortant men.

":. H)2)-*4S 12<*3. King Haral% was 7ery 'rou%& an% his 'ri%e increase% after he was establishe% in the countryA an% it came so far that at last it was not goo% to s'eak against him& or to 'ro'ose anything %ifferent from what he %esire%. So says Thio%olf& the skal%5 6<n arms 4tis right the common man Shoul% follow or%ers& one by one& Shoul% stoo' or rise& or run or stan%& )s his war lea%er may comman%A +ut now to the king who fee%s the ra7ens The 'eo'le ben% like heartless cra7ens Nothing is left them& but consent To what the king calls his intent.6

"". $? TH3 H@)223- $? K<N; H)2)-* )N* 3<N)2 T).+)SK3-?32. 3inar Tambaskelfer was the 'rinci'al man among the bon%es all about Thron%hBem& an% answere% for them at the Things e7en against the king4s men. 3inar knew well the law& an% %i% not want bol%ness to bring forwar% his o'inion at Things& e7en if the king was 'resentA an% all the bon%es stoo% by him. The king was 7ery angry at this& an% it came so far that they %is'ute% eagerly against each other. 3inar sai% that the bon%es woul% not 'ut u' with any unlawful 'rocee%ings from him if he broke through the law of the lan%A an% this occurre% se7eral times between them. 3inar then began to kee' 'eo'le about him at home& an% he ha%

many more when he came into the town if the king was there. <t once ha''ene% that 3inar came to the town with a great many men an% shi'sA he ha% with him eight or nine great war shi's an% nearly (99 men. =hen he came to the town he went u' from the stran% with his atten%ants. King Haral% was then in his house& stan%ing out in the gallery of the loftA an% when he saw 3inar4s 'eo'le going on shore& it is sai% Haral% com'ose% these 7erses5 6< see great Tambaskelfer go& =ith mighty 'om'& an% 'ri%e& an% show& )cross the ebb shore u' the lan%& +efore& behin%& an arme% ban%. This bon%e lea%er thinks to rule& )n% fill himself the royal stool. ) goo%ly earl < ha7e known =ith fewer followers of his own. He who strikes fire from the shiel%& 3inar& may some %ay make us yiel%& @nless our aDe e%ge Fuickly en%s& =ith su%%en kiss& what he inten%s.6 3inar remaine% se7eral %ays in the town.

"(. TH3 ?)-- $? 3<N)2 )N* 3<N*2<*3. $ne %ay there was a meeting hel% in the town& at which the king himself was 'resent. ) thief ha% been taken in the town& an% he was brought before the Thing. The man ha% before been in the ser7ice of 3inar& who ha% been 7ery well satisfie% with him. This was tol% to 3inar& an% he well knew the king woul% not let the man off& an% more because he took an interest in the matter. 3inar& therefore& let his men get un%er arms& went to the Thing& an% took the man by force. The frien%s on both si%es then came between an% en%ea7oure% to effect a reconciliationA an% they succee%e% so far that a meeting 'lace was a''ointe%& to which both shoul% come. There was a Thing room in the king4s house at the ri7er Ni%& an% the king went into it with a few men& while the most of his 'eo'le were out in the yar%. The king or%ere% the shutters of the loft o'ening to be turne%& so that there was but a little s'ace left clear. =hen 3inar came into the yar% with his 'eo'le& he tol% his son 3in%ri%e to remain outsi%e with the men& 6for there is no %anger here for me.6 3in%ri%e remaine% stan%ing outsi%e at the room %oor. =hen 3inar came into the Thing room& he sai%& 6<t is %ark in the king4s Thing room.6 )t that moment some men ran against him an% assaulte% him& some with s'ears& some with swor%s. =hen 3in%ri%e hear% this he %rew his swor% an% rushe% into the roomA but he was instantly kille% along with his father. The king4s men then ran u' an% 'lace% themsel7es before the %oor& an% the bon%es lost courage& ha7ing no lea%er. They urge% each other on& in%ee%& an% sai% it was a shame they shoul% not a7enge their chiefA but it came to nothing with their attack. The king went out to his men& arraye% them in battle or%er& an% set u' his stan%ar%5 but the bon%es %i% not 7enture to assault. Then the king went with all his men on boar%

of his shi's& rowe% %own the ri7er& an% then took his way out of the fBor%. =hen 3inar4s wife +ergliot& who was in the house which 3inar ha% 'ossesse% in the town& hear% of 3inar4s fall& she went imme%iately to the king4s house where the bon%es army was an% urge% them to the attackA but at the same moment the king was rowing out of the ri7er. Then sai% +ergliot& 6Now we want here my relation& Hakon <7arson5 3inar4s mur%erer woul% not be rowing out of the ri7er if <7ar stoo% here on the ri7erbank.6 Then +ergliot a%orne% 3inar4s an% 3in%ri%e4s cor'ses an% burie% them in $laf4s church& besi%e King .agnus $lafson4s burial 'lace. )fter 3inar4s mur%er the king was so much %islike% for that %ee% that there was nothing that 're7ente% the len%ermen an% bon%es from attacking the king& an% gi7ing him battle& but the want of some lea%er to raise the banner in the bon%e army.

"/. $? K<N; H)2)-* )N* ?<N )2N)S$N. ?in )rnason %welt at )ustrat in CrBar& an% was King Haral%4s len%erman there. ?in was marrie% to +ergliot& a %aughter of Half%an& who was a son of Sigur% Syr& an% brother of $laf the Saint an% of King Haral%. Thora& King Haral%4s wife& was ?in )rnason4s brother4s %aughter5 an% ?in an% all his brothers were the king4s %earest frien%s. ?in )rnason ha% been for some summers on a 7iking cruise in the =est seaA an% ?in& ;uthorm ;unhil%son an% Hakon <7arson ha% all been together on that cruise. King Haral% now 'rocee%e% out of Thron%hBem fBor% to )ustrat& where he was well recei7e%. )fterwar%s the king an% ?in con7erse% with each other about this new e7ent of 3inar4s an% his son4s %eath& an% of the murmuring an% threatening which the bon%es ma%e against the king. ?in took u' the con7ersation briskly& an% sai%& 6Thou art managing ill in two ways5 first& in %oing all manner of mischiefA an% neDt& in being so afrai% that thou knowest not what to %o.6 The king re'lie%& laughing& 6< will sen% thee& frien%& into the town to bring about a reconciliation with the bon%esA an% if that will not %o& thou must go to the @'lan%s an% bring matters to such an un%erstan%ing with Hakon <7arson that he shall not be my o''onent.6 ?in re'lies& 6)n% how wilt thou rewar% me if < un%ertake this %angerous erran%A for both the 'eo'le of Thron%hBem an% the 'eo'le of @'lan% are so great enemies to thee that it woul% not be safe for any of thy messengers to come among them& unless he were one who woul% be s'are% for his own sakeL6 The king re'lies& 6;o thou on this embassy& for < know thou wilt succee% in it if any man can& an% bring about a reconciliationA an% then choose whate7er fa7our from us thou wilt.6 ?in says& 6Hol% thou thy wor%& king& an% < will choose my 'etition. < will %esire to ha7e 'eace an% safe resi%ence in the country for my brother Kalf& an% all his estates restore%A an% also that he recei7e all the %ignity an% 'ower he ha% when he

left the country.6 The king assente% to all that ?in lai% %own& an% it was confirme% by witnesses an% shake of han%. Then sai% ?in& 6=hat shall < offer Hakon& who rules most among his relations in the lan%& to in%uce him to agree to a treaty an% reconciliation with theeL6 The king re'lies& 6Thou shalt first hear what Hakon on his 'art reFuires for making an agreementA then 'romote my interest as thou art best ableA an% %eny him nothing in the en% short of the king%om.6 Then King Haral% 'rocee%e% southwar%s to .ore& an% %rew together men in consi%erable numbers.

"7. $? ?<N )2N)S$N4S G$@2N3C. ?in )rnason 'rocee%e% to the town an% ha% with him his house ser7ants& nearly eighty men. =hen he came into the town he hel% a Thing with the town4s 'eo'le. ?in s'oke long an% ably at the ThingA an% tol% the town4s 'eo'le& an% bon%es& abo7e all things not to ha7e a hatre% against their king& or to %ri7e him away. He remin%e% them of how much e7il they ha% suffere% by acting thus against King $laf the SaintA an% a%%e%& that the king was willing to 'ay 'enalty for this mur%er& accor%ing to the Bu%gment of un%erstan%ing an% goo% men. The effect of ?in4s s'eech was that the bon%es 'romise% to wait Fuietly until the messengers came back whom +ergliot ha% sent to the @'lan%s to her relati7e& Hakon <7arson. ?in then went out to $rka%al with the men who ha% accom'anie% him to the town. ?rom thence he went u' to *o7refiel%& an% eastwar%s o7er the mountains. He went first to his son in law& 3arl $rm& who was marrie% to Sigri%& ?in4s %aughter& an% tol% him his business.

"8. $? ?<N )N* H)K$N <>)2S$N. Then ?in an% 3arl $rm a''ointe% a meeting with Hakon <7arsonA an% when they met ?in eD'laine% his erran% to Hakon& an% the offer which King Haral% ma%e him. <t was soon seen& from Hakon4s s'eech& that he consi%ere% it to be his great %uty to a7enge the %eath of his relati7e& 3in%ri%eA an% a%%e%& that wor% was come to him from Thron%hBem& from which he might eD'ect hel' in making hea% against the king. Then ?in re'resente% to Hakon how much better it woul% be for him to acce't of as high a %ignity from the king as he himself coul% %esire& rather than to attem't raising a strife against the king to whom he was owing ser7ice an% %uty. He sai% if he came out of the conflict without 7ictory& he forfeite% life an% 'ro'erty5 6)n% e7en if thou hast the 7ictory& thou wilt still be calle% a traitor to thy so7ereign.6 3arl $rm also su''orte% ?in4s s'eech. )fter Hakon ha% reflecte% u'on this he %isclose% what lay on his min%& an%

sai%& 6< will be reconcile% with King Haral% if he will gi7e me in marriage his relation 2agnhil%& King .agnus $lafson4s %aughter& with such %ower as is suitable to her an% she will be content with.6 ?in sai% he woul% agree to this on the king4s 'artA an% thus it was settle% among them. ?in then returne% to Thron%hBem& an% the %isturbance an% enmity was Fuashe%& so that the king coul% retain his king%om in 'eace at homeA an% the league was broken which 3in%ri%e4s relations ha% ma%e among themsel7es for o''osing King Haral%.

"9. $? TH3 C$@2TSH<1 $? H)K$N <>)2S$N. =hen the %ay arri7e% for the meeting at which this agreement with Haral% shoul% be finally conclu%e%& Hakon went to King Haral%A an% in their conference the king sai% that he& for his 'art& woul% a%here to all that was settle% in their agreement. 6Thou Hakon&6 says he& 6must thyself settle that which concerns 2agnhil%& as to her acce'ting thee in marriageA for it woul% not be a%7isable for thee& or for any one& to marry 2agnhil% without her consent.6 Then Hakon went to 2agnhil%& an% 'ai% his a%%resses to her. She answere% him thus5 6< ha7e often to feel that my father& King .agnus& is %ea% an% gone from me& since < must marry a bon%eA although < acknowle%ge thou art a han%some man& eD'ert in all eDercises. +ut if King .agnus ha% li7e% he woul% not ha7e marrie% me to any man less than a kingA so it is not to be eD'ecte% that < will take a man who has no %ignity or title.6 Then Hakon went to King Haral% an% tol% him his con7ersation with 2agnhil%& an% also re'eate% the agreement which was ma%e between him an% ?in& who was with him& together with many others of the 'ersons who ha% been 'resent at the con7ersation between him an% ?in. Hakon takes them all to witness that such was the agreement that the king shoul% gi7e 2agnhil% the %ower she might %esire. 6)n% now since she will ha7e no man who has not a high %ignity& thou must gi7e me such a title of honourA an%& accor%ing to the o'inion of the 'eo'le& < am of birth& family an% other Fualifications to be calle% earl.6 The king re'lies& 6=hen my brother& King $laf& an% his son& King .agnus& rule% the king%om& they allowe% only one earl at a time to be in the country& an% < ha7e %one the same since < came to the kingly titleA an% < will not take away from $rm the title of honour < ha% before gi7en him.6 Hakon saw now that his business ha% not a%7ance%& an% was 7ery ill 'lease%A an% ?in was outrageously angry. They sai% the king ha% broken his wor%A an% thus they all se'arate%.

(9. H)K$N4S G$@2N3C T$ *3N.)2K. Hakon then went out of the country with a well manne% shi'. =hen he came to *enmark he went imme%iately to his relati7e& King S7ein& who recei7e% him honourably an% ga7e him great fiefs. Hakon became King S7ein4s comman%er of the coast %efence against

the 7ikings& the >in%lan% 'eo'le& Kurlan% 'eo'le& an% others from the 3ast countries& who infeste% the *anish %ominionsA an% he lay out with his shi's of war both winter an% summer.

(1. .@2*32 $? )S.@N*. There was a man calle% )smun%& who is sai% to ha7e been King S7ein4s sister4s son& an% his foster son. This )smun% was %istinguishe% among all by his bol%ness an% was much %islike% by the king. =hen )smun% came to years& an% to age of %iscretion& he became an ungo7ernable 'erson gi7en to mur%er an% manslaughter. The king was ill 'lease% at this& an% sent him away& gi7ing him a goo% fief& which might kee' him an% his followers well. )s soon as )smun% ha% got this 'ro'erty from the king he %rew together a large troo' of 'eo'leA an% as the estate he ha% got from the king was not sufficient for his eD'enses he took as his own much more which belonge% to the king. =hen the king hear% this he summone% )smun% to him& an% when they met the king sai% that )smun% shoul% remain with the court without kee'ing any retinue of his ownA an% this took 'lace as the king %esire%. +ut when )smun% ha% been a little time in the king4s court he grew weary of being there& an% esca'e% in the night& returne% to his former com'anions an% %i% more mischief than e7er. Now when the king was ri%ing through the country he came to the neighbourhoo% where )smun% was& an% he sent out men at arms to seiEe him. The king then ha% him lai% in irons& an% ke't him so for some time in ho'e he woul% reformA but no sooner %i% )smun% get ri% of his chains than he abscon%e% again& gathere% together 'eo'le an% men at arms an% betook himself to 'lun%er& both abroa% an% at home. Thus he ma%e great forays& killing an% 'lun%ering all aroun%. =hen the 'eo'le who suffere% un%er these %isturbances came to the king an% com'laine% to him of their losses& he re'lie%& 6=hy %o ye tell me of thisL =hy %on4t you go to Hakon <7arson& who is my officer for the lan% %efence& 'lace% on 'ur'ose to kee' the 'eace for you 'easants& an% to hol% the 7ikings in checkL < was tol% that Hakon was a gallant an% bra7e man& but < think he is rather shy when any %anger of life is in the way.6 These wor%s of the king were brought to Hakon& with many a%%itions. Then Hakon went with his men in search of )smun%& an% when their shi's met Hakon ga7e battle imme%iately an% the conflict was shar'& an% many men were kille%. Hakon boar%e% )smun%4s shi' an% cut %own the men before his feet. )t last he an% )smun% met an% eDchange% blows until )smun% fell. Hakon cut off his hea%& went in all haste to King S7ein an% foun% him Bust sitting %own to the %inner table. Hakon 'resente% himself before the table& lai% )smun%4s hea% u'on the table before the king& an% aske% if he knew it. The king ma%e no re'ly& but became as re% as bloo% in the face. Soon after the king sent him a message& or%ering him to lea7e his ser7ice imme%iately. 6Tell him < will %o him no harmA but < cannot kee' watch o7er all our relations (1#. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# This inci%ent shows how strong& in those ages& was the tie

of relationshi'& an% the 'oint of honour of a7enging its inBuries the clanshi' s'irit. -.

(!. H)K$N <>)2S$N4S .)22<);3. Hakon then left *enmark& an% came north to his estates in Norway. His relation 3arl $rm was %ea%. Hakon4s relations an% frien%s were gla% to see Hakon& an% many gallant men ga7e themsel7es much trouble to bring about a reconciliation between King Haral% an% Hakon. <t was at last settle% in this way& that Hakon got 2agnhil%& the king4s %aughter& an% that King Haral% ga7e Hakon the earl%om& with the same 'ower 3arl $rm ha% 'ossesse%. Hakon swore to King Haral% an oath of fi%elity to all the ser7ices he was liable to fulfill.

(:. 23C$NC<-<)T<$N $? K<N; H)2)-* )N* K)-?. Kalf )rnason ha% been on a 7iking cruise to the =estern countries e7er since he ha% left NorwayA but in winter he was often in the $rkney <slan%s with his relati7e& 3arl Thorfin. ?in )rnason sent a message to his brother Kalf& an% tol% him the agreement which he ha% ma%e with King Haral%& that Kalf shoul% enBoy safety in Norway& an% his estates& an% all the fiefs he ha% hel% from King .agnus. =hen this message came to Kalf he imme%iately got rea%y for his 7oyage& an% went east to Norway to his brother ?in. Then ?in obtaine% the king4s 'eace for Kalf& an% when Kalf an% the king met they went into the agreement which ?in an% the king ha% settle% u'on before. Kalf boun% himself to the king in the same way as he ha% boun% himself to ser7e King .agnus& accor%ing to which Kalf shoul% %o all that the king %esire% an% consi%ere% of a%7antage to his realm. Thereu'on Kalf recei7e% all the estates an% fiefs he ha% before.

(". ?)-- $? K)-? )2N)S$N. The summer following ().*. 19(9# King Haral% or%ere% out a le7y& an% went to *enmark& where he 'lun%ere% %uring the summerA but when he came south to ?yen he foun% a great force assemble% against him. Then the king 're'are% to lan% his men from the shi's an% to engage in a lan% fight. He %rew u' his men on boar% in or%er of battleA set Kalf )rnason at the hea% of one %i7isionA or%ere% him to make the first attack& an% tol% him where they shoul% %irect their assault& 'romising that he woul% soon make a lan%ing with the others& an% come to their assistance. =hen Kalf came to the lan% with his men a force came %own imme%iately to o''ose them& an% Kalf without %elay engage% in battle& which& howe7er& %i% not last longA for Kalf was imme%iately o7er'owere% by numbers& an% betook himself to flight with his men. The *anes 'ursue% them 7igorously& an% many of the Northmen fell& an% among them Kalf )rnason. Now King Haral% lan%e% with his arrayA an% they soon came on their way to the fiel% of battle& where they

foun% Kalf4s bo%y& an% bore it %own to the shi's. +ut the king 'enetrate% into the country& killing many 'eo'le an% %estroying much. So says )rnor5 6His shining swor% with bloo% he stains& @'on ?yona4s grassy 'lainsA )n% in the mi%st of fire an% smoke& The king ?yona4s forces broke.6

((. ?<N )2N)S$N4S 3N13*<T<$N $@T $? TH3 C$@NT2C. )fter this ?in )rnason thought he ha% cause to be an enemy of the king u'on account of his brother Kalf4s %eathA an% sai% the king ha% betraye% Kalf to his fall& an% ha% also %ecei7e% him by making him entice his brother Kalf to come o7er from the =est an% trust to King Haral%4s faith. =hen these s'eeches came out among 'eo'le& many sai% that it was 7ery foolish in ?in to ha7e e7er su''ose% that Kalf coul% obtain the king4s sincere frien%shi' an% fa7ourA for they thought the king was the man to seek re7enge for smaller offences than Kalf ha% committe% against the king. The king let e7ery one say what he chose& an% he himself neither sai% yes or no about the affairA but 'eo'le 'ercei7e% that the king was 7ery well 'lease% with what ha% ha''ene%. King Haral% once ma%e these 7erses5 6< ha7e& in all& the %eath stroke gi7en To foes of mine at least ele7enA Two more& 'erha's& if < remember& .ay yet be a%%e% to this number& < 'riEe myself u'on these %ee%s& .y 'eo'le such eDam'les nee%s. +right gol% itself they woul% %es'ise& $r healing leek herb un%er'riEe& <f not still brought before their eyes.6 ?in )rnason took the business so much to heart that he left the country an% went to *enmark to King S7ein& where he met a frien%ly rece'tion. They s'oke together in 'ri7ate for a long timeA an% the en% of the business was that ?in went into King S7ein4s ser7ice& an% became his man. King S7ein then ga7e ?in an earl%om& an% 'lace% him in Hallan%& where he was long earl an% %efen%e% the country against the Northmen.

(/. $? ;@TH$2. ;@NH<-*S$N. Ketil Kalf an% ;unhil% of 2inganes ha% a son calle% ;uthorm& an% he was a sister4s son to King $laf an% Haral% Sigur%son. ;uthorm was a gallant man& early a%7ance% to manhoo%. He was often with King Haral%& who lo7e% him much& an% aske% his a%7iceA for he was of goo% un%erstan%ing& an% 7ery 'o'ular. ;uthorm ha% also been engage% early in forays& an% ha% marau%e% much in the =estern countries with a large force. <relan% was for him a lan% of 'eaceA an% he ha% his winter Fuarters often in *ublin& an% was in

great frien%shi' with King .arga%.

(7. ;@TH$2.4S G@NCT<$N =<TH TH3 <2<SH K<N; .)2;)*. The summer after King .arga%& an% ;uthorm with him& went out on an eD'e%ition against +retlan%& where they ma%e immense booty. +ut when the king saw the Fuantity of sil7er which was gathere% he wante% to ha7e the whole booty& an% regar%e% little his frien%shi' for ;uthorm. ;uthorm was ill 'lease% that he an% his men shoul% be robbe% of their shareA but the king sai%& 6Thou must choose one of two things& either to be content with what we %etermine& or to fightA an% they shall ha7e the booty who gain the 7ictoryA an% likewise thou must gi7e u' thy shi's& for them < will ha7e.6 ;uthorm thought there were great %ifficulties on both si%esA for it was %isgraceful to gi7e u' shi's an% goo%s without a stroke& an% yet it was highly %angerous to fight the king an% his force& the king ha7ing siDteen shi's an% ;uthorm only fi7e. Then ;uthorm %esire% three %ays4 time to consi%er the matter with his 'eo'le& thinking in that time to 'acify the king& an% come to a better un%erstan%ing with him through the me%iation of othersA but he coul% not obtain from the king what he %esire%. This was the %ay before St. $laf4s %ay. ;uthorm chose the con%ition that they woul% rather %ie or conFuer like men& than suffer %isgrace& contem't an% scorn& by submitting to so great a loss. He calle% u'on ;o%& an% his uncle Saint $laf& an% entreate% their hel' an% ai%A 'romising to gi7e to the holy man4s house the tenth of all the booty that fell to their share& if they gaine% the 7ictory. Then he arrange% his men& 'lace% them in battle or%er against the great force& 're'are% for battle& an% ga7e the assault. +y the hel' of ;o%& an% the holy Saint $laf& ;uthorm won the battle. King .arga% fell& an% e7ery man& ol% an% young& who followe% himA an% after that great 7ictor& ;uthorm an% all his 'eo'le returne% home Boyfully with all the booty they ha% gaine% by the battle. 37ery tenth 'enny of the booty they ha% ma%e was taken& accor%ing to the 7ow& to King $laf the Saint4s shrineA an% there was so much sil7er that ;uthorm ha% an image ma%e of it& with rays roun% the hea%& which was the siEe of his own& or of his forecastle man4s hea%A an% the image was se7en feet high. The image thus 'ro%uce% was gi7en by ;uthorm to King $laf of the Saint4s tem'le& where it has since remaine% as a memorial of ;uthorm4s 7ictory an% King $laf the Saint4s miracle.

(8. .<2)C-3 $? K<N; $-)? <N *3N.)2K. There was a wicke%& e7il min%e% count in *enmark who ha% a Norwegian ser7ant girl whose family belonge% to Thron%hBem %istrict. She worshi''e% King $laf the Saint& an% belie7e% firmly in his sanctity. +ut the abo7e mentione% count %oubte% all that was tol% of the holy man4s miracles& insiste% that it was nothing but nonsense an% i%le talk& an% ma%e a Boke an% scorn of the esteem an% honour which all the country 'eo'le showe% the goo% king. Now when his holy%ay came& on which the mil% monarch en%e% his life& an% which all Northmen ke't sacre%& this

unreasonable count woul% not obser7e it& but or%ere% his ser7ant girl to bake an% 'ut fire in the o7en that %ay. She knew well the count4s ma% 'assion& an% that he woul% re7enge himself se7erely on her if she refuse% %oing as he or%ere%. She went& therefore& of necessity& an% bake% in the o7en& but we't much at her workA an% she threatene% King $laf that she ne7er woul% belie7e in him& if he %i% not a7enge this mis%ee% by some mischance or other. )n% now shall ye come to hear a well %eser7e% 7engeance& an% a true miracle. <t ha''ene%& namely& in the same hour that the count became blin% of both eyes& an% the brea% which she ha% sho7e% into the o7en was turne% into stoneK $f these stones some are now in St. $laf4s tem'le& an% in other 'lacesA an% since that time $1afsmas has been always hel% holy in *enmark.

(9. K<N; $-)?4S .<2)C-3 $N ) C2<11-3. =est in >allan%& a man ha% such ba% health that he became a cri''le& an% went on his knees an% elbows. $ne %ay he was u'on the roa%& an% ha% fallen aslee'. He %reamt that a gallant man came u' to him an% aske% him where he was going. =hen he name% the neighbouring town& the man sai% to him& 6;o to Saint $laf4s church that stan%s in -on%on& an% there thou shalt be cure%.6 There u'on he awoke& an% went straightway to inFuire the roa% to $laf4s church in -on%on. )t last he came to -on%on +ri%ge& an% aske% the men of the castle if they coul% tell him where $laf4s church wasA but they re'lie%& there were so many churches that they coul% not tell to whom each of them was consecrate%. Soon after a man came u' an% aske% him where he wante% to go& an% he answere% to $laf4s church. Then sai% the man& 6=e shall both go together to $laf4s church& for < know the way to it.6 Thereu'on they went o7er the bri%ge to the shrine where $laf4s church wasA an% when they came to the gates of the churchyar% the man mounte% o7er the half %oor that was in the gate& but the cri''le rolle% himself in& an% rose u' imme%iately soun% an% strong5 when he looke% about him his con%uctor ha% 7anishe%.

/9. K<N; H)2)-*4S ?$2)C <N *3N.)2K. King Haral% ha% built a merchant town in the 3ast at $slo& where he often resi%e%A for there was goo% su''ly from the eDtensi7e culti7ate% %istrict wi%e aroun%. There also he ha% a con7enient station to %efen% the country against the *anes& or to make an attack u'on *enmark& which he was in the custom of %oing often& although he ke't no great force on foot. $ne summer King Haral% went from thence with a few light shi's an% a few men. He steere% southwar%s out from >iken& an%& when the win% ser7e%& stoo% o7er to Gutlan%& an% marau%e%A but the country 'eo'le collecte% an% %efen%e% the country. Then King Haral% steere% to -imfBor%& an% went into the fBor%. -imfBor% is so forme% that its entrance is like a narrow ri7erA but when one gets farther into the fBor% it s'rea%s out into a wi%e sea. King Haral% marau%e% on both si%es of the lan%A an% when the *anes gathere%

together on e7ery si%e to o''ose him& he lay at a small islan% which was unculti7ate%. They wante% %rink on boar% his shi's& an% went u' into the islan% to seek waterA but fin%ing none& they re'orte% it to the king. He or%ere% them to look for some long earthworms on the islan%& an% when they foun% one they brought it to the king. He or%ere% the 'eo'le to bring the worm to a fire& an% bake it before it& so that it shoul% be thirsty. Then he or%ere% a threa% to be tie% roun% the tail of the worm& an% to let it loose. The worm cre't away imme%iately& while threa% woun% off from the clew as the worm took it awayA an% the 'eo'le followe% the worm until it sought %ownwar%s in the earth. There the king or%ere% them to %ig for water& which they %i%& an% foun% so much water that they ha% no want of it. King Haral% now hear% from his s'ies that King S7ein was come with a large armament to the mouth of the fBor%A but that it was too late for him to come into it& as only one shi' at a time can come in. King Haral% then steere% with his fleet in through the fBor% to where it was broa%est to a 'lace calle% -usbrei%. <n the inmost bight& there is but a narrow neck of lan% %i7i%ing the fBor% from the =est sea. Thither King Haral% rowe% with his men towar%s e7eningA an% at night when it was %ark he unloa%e% his shi's& %rew them o7er the neck of lan% into the =est sea& loa%e% them again& an% was rea%y with all this before %ay. He then steere% northwar%s along the Gutlan% coast. 1eo'le then sai% that Haral% ha% esca'e% from the han%s of the *anes. Haral% sai% that he woul% come to *enmark neDt time with more 'eo'le an% larger 7essels. King Haral% then 'rocee%e% north to Thron%hBem.

/1. K<N; H)2)-* H)* ) SH<1 +@<-T. King Haral% remaine% all winter at Ni%aros ().*. 19/!# an% ha% a 7essel built out u'on the stran%& an% it was a buss. The shi' was built of the same siEe as the -ong Ser'ent& an% e7ery 'art of her was finishe% with the greatest care. $n the stem was a %ragon hea%& an% on the stern a %ragon tail& an% the si%es of the bows of the shi' were gilt. The 7essel was of thirty fi7e rowers benches& an% was large for that siEe& an% was remarkably han%someA for the king ha% e7erything belonging to the shi'4s eFui'ment of the best& both sails an% rigging& anchors an% cables. King Haral% sent a message in winter south to *enmark to King S7ein& that he shoul% come northwar%s in s'ringA that they shoul% meet at the ;aut ri7er an% fight& an% so settle the %i7ision of the countries that the one who gaine% the 7ictory shoul% ha7e both king%oms.

/!. K<N; H)2)-*4S CH)--3N;3. King Haral% %uring this winter calle% out a general le7y of all the 'eo'le of Norway& an% assemble% a great force towar%s s'ring. Then Haral% ha% his great shi' %rawn %own an% 'ut into the ri7er Ni%& an% set u' the %ragon4s hea% on her. Thio%olf& the skal%& sang about it thus5

6.y lo7ely girlK the sight was gran% =hen the great war shi's %own the stran% <nto the ri7er gently sli%& )n% all below her si%es was hi%. Come& lo7ely girl& an% see the showK Her si%es that on the water glow& Her ser'ent hea% with gol%en mane& )ll shining back from the Ni% again.6 Then King Haral% rigge% out his shi'& got rea%y for sea& an% when he ha% all in or%er went out of the ri7er. His men rowe% 7ery skilfully an% beautifully. So says Thio%olf5 6<t was u'on a Satur%ay& Shi' tilts were struck an% stowe% away& )n% 'ast the town our %ragon gli%es& That girls might see our glancing si%es. $ut from the Ni% bra7e Haral% steersA =estwar% at first the %ragon 7eersA $ur la%s together %own with oars& The s'lash is echoe% roun% the shores. 6Their oars our king4s men han%le well& $ne stroke is all the eye can tell5 )ll le7el o4er the water riseA The girls look on in sweet sur'rise. Such things& they think& can ne4er gi7e wayA The little know the battle %ay. The *anish girls& who %rea% our shout& .ight wish our shi' gear not so stout. 64Tis in the fight& not on the wa7e& That oars may break an% fail the bra7e. )t sea& beneath the ice col% sky& Safely our oars o4er ocean 'lyA )n% when at Thron%hBem4s holy stream $ur se7enty cars in %istance gleam& =e seem& while rowing from the sea& )n erne with iron wings to be.6 King Haral% saile% south along the lan%& an% calle% out the le7y e7erywhere of men an% shi's. =hen they came east to >iken they got a strong win% against them an% the forces lay %is'erse% about in the harbourA some in the isles outsi%e& an% some in the fBor%s. So says Thio%olf5 6The cutters4 sea bleache% bows scarce fin% ) shelter from the furious win% @n%er the inlan% forests4 si%e& =here the fBor% runs its farthest ti%e. <n all the isles an% creeks aroun% The bon%es4 shi's lie on the groun%& )n% shi's with gunwales hung with shiel%s Seek the lee si%e of the green fiel%s.6 <n the hea7y storm that rage% for some time the great shi' ha% nee% of goo% groun% tackle. So says Thio%olf5

6=ith lofty bow abo7e the seas& =hich curl an% fly before the breeEe& The gallant 7essel ri%es an% reels& )n% e7ery 'lunge her cable feels. The storm that tries the s'ar an% mast Tries the main anchor at the last5 The storm abo7e& below the rock& Chafe the thick cable with each shock.6 =hen the weather became fa7ourable King Haral% saile% eastwar%s to the ;aut ri7er with his fleet an% arri7e% there in the e7ening. So says Thio%olf5 6The gallant Haral% now has come To ;aut& full half way from his home& )n% on the ri7er frontier stan%s& To fight with S7ein for life an% lan%s. The night 'asse% o4er& the gallant king NeDt %ay at Thumia calls a Thing& =here S7ein is challenge% to a''ear ) %ay which ra7ens wish were near.6

/:. $? K<N; H)2)-*4S ?-33T. =hen the *anes hear% that the Northmen4s army was come to the ;aut ri7er they all fle% who ha% o''ortunity to get away. The Northmen hear% that the *anish king ha% also calle% out his forces an% lay in the south& 'artly at ?yen an% 'artly about Seelan%. =hen King Haral% foun% that King S7ein woul% not hol% a meeting with him& or a fight& accor%ing to what ha% been agree% u'on between them& he took the same course as before letting the bon%e troo's return home& but manning 1(9 shi's& with which he saile% southwar%s along Hallan%& where he herrie% all roun%& an% then brought u' with his fleet in -ofufBor%& an% lai% waste the country. ) little afterwar%s King S7ein came u'on them with all the *anish fleet& consisting of :99 shi's. =hen the Northmen saw them King Haral% or%ere% a general meeting of the fleet to be calle% by soun% of trum'etA an% many there sai% it was better to fly& as it was not now a%7isable to fight. The king re'lie%& 6Sooner shall all lie %ea% one u'on another than fly.6 So says Stein Her%ison5 6=ith falcon eye& an% courage bright& $ur king saw glory in the fightA To fly& he saw& woul% ruin bring $n them an% him the folk an% king. IHan%s u' the arms to one an% allK4 Cries out the kingA Iwe4ll win or fallK Sooner than fly& hea'e% on each other 3ach man shall fall across his brotherK46 Then King Haral% %rew u' his shi's to attack& an% brought forwar% his great %ragon in the mi%%le of his fleet. So says Thio%olf5

6The bra7e king through his 7essels4 throng His %ragon war shi' mo7es alongA He runs her gaily to the front& To meet the coming battle4s brunt.6 The shi' was remarkably well eFui't& an% fully manne%. Thio%olf5 6The king ha% got a chosen crew He tol% his bra7e la%s to stan% true. The ring of shiel%s seeme% to enclose The shi'4s %eck from the boar%ing foes. The %ragon& on the Nis ri7er floo%& +eset with men& who thickly stoo%& Shiel% touching shiel%& was something rare& That seeme% all force of man to %are.6 @lf& the marshal& lai% his shi' by the si%e of the king4s an% or%ere% his men to bring her well forwar%. Stein Her%ison& who was himself in @lf4s shi'& sings of it thus5 6$ur oars were stowe%& our lances high& )s the shi' mo7e% swung in the sky. The marshal @lf went through our ranks& *rawn u' besi%e the rowers4 banks5 The bra7e frien% of our gallant king Tol% us our shi' well on to bring& )n% fight like Norsemen in the cause $ur Norsemen answere% with huEEas.6 Hakon <7arson lay outsi%e on the other wing& an% ha% many shi's with him& all well eFui't. )t the eDtremity of the other si%e lay the Thron%hBem chiefs& who ha% also a great an% strong force. So says

/". $? K<N; S>3<N4S )2.).3NT. S7ein& the *anish king& also %rew u' his fleet& an% lai% his shi' forwar% in the center against King Haral%4s shi'& an% ?in )rnason lai% his shi' neDtA an% then the *anes lai% their shi's& accor%ing as they were bol% or well eFui't. Then& on both si%es& they boun% the shi's together all through the mi%%le of the fleetsA but as the fleets were so large& 7ery many shi's remaine% loose& an% each lai% his shi' forwar% accor%ing to his courage& an% that was 7ery uneFual. )lthough the %ifference among the men was great& altogether there was a 7ery great force on both si%es. King S7ein ha% siD earls among the 'eo'le following him. So says Stein Her%ison5 6*anger our chief woul% ne7er shun& =ith eight score shi's he woul% not run5 The *anish fleet he woul% abi%e& )n% gi7e close battle si%e by si%e. ?rom -eire4s coast the *anish king Three hun%re% ocean stee%s coul% bring&

)n% o4er the sea wee% 'lain in haste Thought Haral%4s 7essels woul% be chase%.6

/(. +3;<NN<N; $? TH3 +)TT-3 $? N<S 2<>32. )s soon as King Haral% was rea%y with his fleet& he or%ers the war blast to soun%& an% the men to row forwar% to the attack. So says Stein Her%ison5 6Haral% an% S7ein first met as foes& =here the Nis in the ocean flowsA ?or S7ein woul% not for 'eace entreat& +ut& strong in shi's& woul% Haral% meet. The Norsemen 'ro7e& with swor% in han%& That numbers cannot skill withstan%. $ff Hallan%4s coast the bloo% of *anes The blue sea4s calm smooth surface stains.6 Soon the battle began& an% became 7ery shar'A both kings urging on their men. So says Stein Her%ison5 6$ur king& his broa% shiel% %isregar%ing& .ore keen for striking than for war%ing& Now tells his la%s their s'ears to throw& Now shows them where to strike a blow. ?rom fleet to fleet so short the way& That stones an% arrows ha7e full 'layA )n% from the keen swor% %ro''e% the bloo% $f short li7e% seamen in the floo%.6 <t was late in the %ay when the battle began& an% it continue% the whole night. King Haral% shot for a long time with his bow. So says Thio%olf5 6The @'lan% king was all the night S'ee%ing the arrows4 %ea%ly flight. )ll in the %ark his bow string4s twang =as answere%A for some white shiel% rang& $r yelling shriek ga7e certain note The shaft ha% 'ierce% some ring mail coat& The foemen4s shiel%s an% bulwarks bore ) -a'lan% arrow scat(1# or more.6 3arl Hakon& an% the 'eo'le who followe% him& %i% not make fast their shi's in the fleet& but rowe% against the *anish shi's that were loose& an% slew the men of all the shi's they came u' with. =hen the *anes obser7e% this each %rew his shi' out of the way of the earlA but he set u'on those who were trying to esca'e& an% they were nearly %ri7en to flight. Then a boat came rowing to the earl4s shi' an% haile% him an% sai% that the other wing of King Haral%4s fleet was gi7ing way an% many of their 'eo'le ha% fallen. Then the earl rowe% thither an% ga7e so se7ere an assault that the *anes ha% to retreat before him. The earl went on in this way all the night& coming forwar% where he was most wante%& an% wheresoe7er he came none coul% stan% against him.

Hakon rowe% outsi%e aroun% the battle. Towar%s the en% of the night the greatest 'art of the *anish fleet broke into flight& for then King Haral% with his men boar%e% the 7essel of King S7einA an% it was so com'letely cleare% that all the crew fell in the shi'& eDce't those who s'rang o7erboar%. So says )rnor& the earls4 skal%5 6+ra7e S7ein %i% not his 7essel lea7e =ithout goo% cause& as < belie7e5 $ft on his casFue the swor% bla%e rang& +efore into the sea he s'rang. @'on the wa7e his 7essel %ri7esA )ll his bra7e crew ha% lost their li7es. $4er %ea% courtmen into the sea The Gutlan% king ha% now to flee.6 )n% when King S7ein4s banner was cut %own& an% his shi' cleare% of its crew& all his forces took to flight& an% some were kille%. The shi's which were boun% together coul% not be cast loose& so the 'eo'le who were in them s'rang o7erboar%& an% some got to the other shi's that were looseA an% all King S7ein4s men who coul% get off rowe% away& but a great many of them were slain. =here the king himself fought the shi's were mostly boun% together& an% there were more than se7enty left behin% of King S7ein4s 7essels. So says Thio%olf5 6S7ein4s shi's ro%e 'rou%ly o4er the %ee'& =hen& by a single su%%en swee'& ?ull se7enty sail& as we are tol%& =ere seiEe% by Norway4s monarch bol%.6 King Haral% rowe% not easy& for the coul% mo7e. 3arl shortsighte%& was after the *anes an% 'ursue% themA but that was shi's lay so thick together that they scarcely ?in )rnason woul% not fleeA an% being also taken 'risoner. So says Thio%olf5

6To the siD *anish earls who came To ai% his force& an% raise his name& No mighty thanks King S7ein is owing ?or mighty actions of their %oing. ?in )rnason& in battle known& =ith a stout Norse heart of his own& =oul% not take flight his life to gain& )n% in the foremost ranks was ta4en.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The -a'lan%ers 'ai% their seat& or yearly taD& in bows an% arrowsA an% the meaning of the skal% a''ears to be& that as many as were 'ai% in a year were shot at the foe. -.

//. K<N; S>3<N4S ?-<;HT. 3arl Hakon lay behin% with his shi's& while the king an% the rest of the forces were 'ursuing the fugiti7esA for the earls4 shi's

coul% not get forwar% on account of the shi's which lay in the way before him. Then a man came rowing in a boat to the earl4s shi' an% lay at the bulwarks. The man was stout an% ha% on a white hat. He haile% the shi'& 6=here is the earlL6 sai% he. The earl was in the fore hol%& sto''ing a man4s bloo%. The earl cast a look at the man in the hat an% aske% what his name was. He answere%& 6Here is >an%ra%5 s'eak to me& earl.6 The earl leant o7er the shi'4s si%e to him. Then the man in the boat sai%& 63arl& < will acce't of my life from thee& if thou wilt gi7e it.6 Then the earl raise% himself u'& calle% two men who were frien%s %ear to him& an% sai% to them& 6;o into the boatA bring >an%ra% to the lan%A atten% him to my frien%4s Karl the bon%eA an% tell Karl& as a token that these wor%s come from me& that he let >an%ra% ha7e the horse which < ga7e to him yester%ay& an% also his sa%%le& an% his son to atten% him.6 Thereu'on they went into the boat an% took the oars in han%& while >an%ra% steere%. This took 'lace Bust about %aybreak& while the 7essels were in mo7ement& some rowing towar%s the lan%& some towar%s the sea& both small an% great. >an%ra% steere% where he thought there was most room between the 7esselsA an% when they came near to Norway4s shi's the earl4s men ga7e their names an% then they all allowe% them to go where they 'lease%. >an%ra% steere% along the shore& an% only set in towar%s the lan% when they ha% come 'ast the crow% of shi's. They then went u' to Karl the bon%e4s farm& an% it was then beginning to be light. They went into the room where Karl ha% Bust 'ut on his clothes. The earl4s men tol% him their message an% Karl sai% they must first take some foo%A an% he set a table before them an% ga7e them water to wash with. Then came the housewife into the room an% sai%& 6< won%er why we coul% get no 'eace or rest all night with the shouting an% screaming.6 Karl re'lies& 6*ost thou not know that the kings were fighting all nightL6 She aske% which ha% the better of it. Karl answere%& 6The Northmen gaine%.6 6Then&6 sai% she& 6our king will ha7e taken flight.6 6Nobo%y knows&6 says Karl& 6whether he has fle% or is fallen.6 She says& 6=hat a useless sort of king we ha7eK an% frightene%.6 He is both slow

Then sai% >an%ra%& 6?rightene% he is notA but he is not lucky.6 Then >an%ra% washe% his han%sA but he took the towel an% %rie% them right in the mi%%le of the cloth. The housewife snatche%

the towel from him& an% sai%& 6Thou hast been taught little goo%A it is wasteful to wet the whole cloth at one time. >an%ra% re'lies& 6< may yet come so far forwar% in the worl% as to be able to %ry myself with the mi%%le of the towel.6 Thereu'on Karl set a table before them an% >an%ra% sat %own between them. They ate for a while an% then went out. The horse was sa%%le% an% Karl4s son rea%y to follow him with another horse. They ro%e away to the forestA an% the earl4s men returne% to the boat& rowe% to the earl4s shi' an% tol% the success of their eD'e%ition.

/7. $? K<N; H)2)-*. King Haral% an% his men followe% the fugiti7es only a short way& an% rowe% back to the 'lace where the %eserte% shi's lay. Then the battle 'lace was ransacke%& an% in King S7ein4s shi' was foun% a hea' of %ea% menA but the king4s bo%y was not foun%& although 'eo'le belie7e% for certain that he ha% fallen. Then King Haral% ha% the greatest attention 'ai% to the %ea% of his men& an% ha% the woun%s of the li7ing boun% u'. The %ea% bo%ies of S7ein4s men were brought to the lan%& an% he sent a message to the 'easants to come an% bury them. Then he let the booty be %i7i%e%& an% this took u' some time. The news came now that King S7ein ha% come to Seelan%& an% that all who ha% esca'e% from the battle ha% Boine% him& along with many more& an% that he ha% a great force.

/8. ?<N )2N)S$N ;3TS H@)2T32. 3arl ?in )rnason was taken 'risoner in the battle& as before relate%A an% when he was le% before King Haral% the king was 7ery merry& an% sai%& 6?in& we meet here now& an% we met last in Norway. The *anish court has not stoo% 7ery firmly by theeA an% it will be a troublesome business for Northmen to %rag thee& a blin% ol% man& with them& an% 'reser7e thy life.6 The earl re'lies& 6The Northmen fin% it 7ery %ifficult now to conFuer& an% it is all the worse that thou hast the comman% of them.6 Then sai% King Haral%& 6=ilt thou acce't of life an% safety& although thou hast not %eser7e% itL6 The earl re'lies& 6Not from thee& thou %og.6 The king5 6=ilt thou& then& if thy relation .agnus gi7es thee FuarterL6 .agnus& King Haral%4s son& was then steering the shi'. The earl re'lies& 6Can the whel' rule o7er life an% FuarterL6

The king laughe%& as if he foun% amusement in 7eDing him. 6=ilt thou acce't thy life& then& from thy she relation ThorerL6 The earl5 6<s she hereL6 6She is here&6 sai% the king. Then 3arl ?in broke out with the ugly eD'ressions which since ha7e been 'reser7e%& as a 'roof that he was so ma% with rage that he coul% not go7ern his tongue5 6No won%er thou hast bit so strongly& if the mare was with thee.6 3arl ?in got life an% Fuarter an% the king ke't him a while about him. +ut ?in was rather melancholy an% obstinate in con7ersationA an% King Haral% sai%& 6< see& ?in& that thou %ost not li7e willingly in com'any with me an% thy relationsA now < will gi7e thee lea7e to go to thy frien% King S7ein.6 The earl sai%& 6< acce't of the offer willingly& an% the more gratefully the sooner < get away from hence.6 The king afterwar%s let 3arl ?in be lan%e% an% the tra%ers going to Hallan% recei7e% him well. King Haral% saile% from thence to Norway with his fleetA an% went first to $slo& where he ga7e all his 'eo'le lea7e to go home who wishe% to %o so.

/9. $? K<N; S>3<N. King S7ein& it is tol%& sat in *enmark all that winter& an% ha% his king%om as formerly. <n winter he sent men north to Hallan% for Karl the bon%e an% his wife. =hen Karl came the king calle% him to him an% aske% him if he knew him& or thought he ha% e7er seen him before. Karl re'lies& 6< know thee& sire& an% knew thee before& the moment < saw theeA an% ;o% be 'raise% if the small hel' < coul% gi7e was of any use to thee.6 The king re'lies& 6< ha7e to rewar% thee for all the %ays < ha7e to li7e. )n% now& in the first 'lace& < will gi7e thee any farm in Seelan% thou woul%st %esire to ha7eA an%& in the neDt 'lace& will make thee a great man& if thou knowest how to con%uct thyself.6 Karl thanke% the king for his 'romise& an% sai% he ha% now but one thing to ask. The king aske% what that was. Karl sai% that he woul% ask to take his wife with him. The king sai%& 6< will not let thee %o thatA but < will 'ro7i%e thee a far better an% more sensible wife. +ut thy wife can kee'

the bon%e farm ye ha% before an% she will ha7e her li7ing from it.6 The king ga7e Karl a great an% 7aluable farm& an% 'ro7i%e% him a goo% marriageA an% he became a consi%erable man. This was re'orte% far an% wi%e an% much 'raise%A an% thus it came to be tol% in Norway.

79. $? TH3 T)-K $? TH3 C$@2T .3N. King Haral% staye% in $slo the winter after the battle at Nis ri7er ().*. 19/:#. <n autumn& when the men came from the south& there was much talk an% many stories about the battle which they ha% fought at Nis ri7er& an% e7ery one who ha% been there thought he coul% tell something about it. $nce some of them sat in a cellar an% %rank& an% were 7ery merry an% talkati7e. They talke% about the Nis ri7er battle& an% who ha% earne4% the greatest 'raise an% renown. They all agree% that no man there ha% been at all eFual to 3arl Hakon. He was the bol%est in arms& the Fuickest& an% the most luckyA what he %i% was of the greatest hel'& an% he won the battle. King Haral%& in the meantime& was out in the yar%& an% s'oke with some 'eo'le. He went then to the room %oor& an% sai%& 637ery one here woul% willingly be calle% HakonA6 an% then went his way.

71. $? TH3 )TT3.1T T$ T)K3 3)2- H)K$N. 3arl Hakon went in winter to the @'lan%s& an% was all winter in his %omains. He was much belo7e% by all the @'lan%ers. <t ha''ene%& towar%s s'ring& that some men were sitting %rinking in the town& an% the con7ersation turne%& as usual& on the Nis ri7er battleA an% some 'raise% 3arl Hakon& an% some thought others as %eser7ing of 'raise as he. =hen they ha% thus %is'ute% a while& one of them sai%& 6<t is 'ossible that others fought as bra7ely as the earl at Nis ri7erA but none& < think& has ha% such luck with him as he.6 The others re'lie%& that his best luck was his %ri7ing so many *anes to flight along with other men. The same man re'lie%& 6<t was greater luck that he ga7e King S7ein Fuarter.6 $ne of the com'any sai% to him& 6Thou %ost not know what thou art saying.6 He re'lie%& 6< know it for certain& for the man tol% me himself who brought the king to the lan%.6 <t went& accor%ing to the ol% 'ro7erb& that the king has many ears. This was tol% the king& an% he imme%iately or%ere% horses to be gathere%& an% ro%e away %irectly with 999 men. He ro%e all that night an% the following %ay. Then some men met them who

were ri%ing to the town with mea% an% malt. <n the king4s retinue was a man calle% ;amal& who ro%e to one of these bon%es who was an acFuaintance of his& an% s'oke to him 'ri7ately. 6< will 'ay thee&6 sai% he& 6to ri%e with the greatest s'ee%& by the shortest 'ri7ate 'aths that thou knowest& to 3arl Hakon& an% tell him the king will kill himA for the king has got to the knowle%ge that 3arl Hakon set King S7ein on shore at Nis ri7er.6 They agree% on the 'ayment. The bon%e ro%e& an% came to the earl Bust as he was sitting %rinking& an% ha% not yet gone to be%. =hen the bon%e tol% his erran%& the earl imme%iately stoo% u' with all his men& ha% all his loose 'ro'erty remo7e% from the farm to the forest& an% all the 'eo'le left the house in the night. =hen the king came he halte% there all nightA but Hakon ro%e away& an% came east to S7ithBo% to King Steinkel an% staye% with him all summer. King Haral% returne% to the town& tra7elle% northwar%s to Thron%hBem %istrict& an% remaine% there all summerA but in autumn he returne% eastwar%s to >iken.

7!. $? 3)2- H)K$N. )s soon as 3arl Hakon hear% the king ha% gone north he returne% imme%iately in summer to the @'lan%s ().*. 19/:#& an% remaine% there until the king ha% returne% from the north. Then the earl went east into >ermalan%& where he remaine% %uring the winter& an% where the king& Steinkel& ga7e him fiefs. ?or a short time in winter he went west to 2aumarike with a great troo' of men from ;autlan% an% >ermalan%& an% recei7e% the scat an% %uties from the @'lan% 'eo'le which belonge% to him& an% then returne% to ;lutlan%& an% remaine% there till s'ring. King Haral% ha% his seat in $slo all winter ().*. 19/"#& an% sent his men to the @'lan%s to %eman% the scat& together with the king4s lan% %ues& an% the mulcts of courtA but the @'lan%ers sai% they woul% 'ay all the scat an% %ues which they ha% to 'ay& to 3arl Hakon as long as he was in life& an% ha% forfeite% his life or his fiefA an% the king got no %ues that winter.

7:. );233.3NT +3T=33N K<N; H)2)-* )N* K<N; S>3<N. This winter messengers an% ambassa%ors went between Norway an% *enmark& whose erran% was that both Northmen an% *anes shoul% make 'eace& an% a league with each other. an% to ask the kings to agree to it. These messages ga7e fa7ourable ho'es of a 'eaceA an% the matter 'rocee%e% so far that a meeting for 'eace was a''ointe% at the ;aut ri7er between King Haral% an% King S7ein. =hen s'ring a''roache%& both kings assemble% many shi's an% 'eo'le for this meeting. So says a skal% in a 'oem on this eD'e%ition of the kings& which begins thus5 6The king& who from the northern soun% His lan% with war shi's gir%s aroun%& The ra7en fee%er& fille% the coast =ith his 'rou% shi's& a gallant hostK The gol% ti''e% stems %ash through the foam

That shakes the seamen4s 'lanke% homeA The high wa7e breaks u' to the mast& )s west of Hallan% on they 'asse%& 6Haral% whose wor% is fiDe% an% sure& =hose shi's his lan% from foes secure& )n% S7ein& whose isles maintain is fleet& Hasten as frien%s again to meetA )n% e7ery creek with 7essels teems& )ll *enmark men an% shi''ing seemsA )n% all reBoice that strife will cease& )n% men meet now but to make 'eace.6 Here it is tol% that the two kings hel% the meeting that was agree% u'on between them& an% both came to the frontiers of their king%oms. So says the skal%5 6To meet (since 'eace the *ane now cra7es# $n to the south u'on the wa7es Saile% forth our gallant northern king& 1eace to the *anes with him to bring. S7ein northwar% to his frontier hies To get the 'eace his 'eo'le 'riEe& )n% meet King Haral%& whom he fin%s $n lan% har% use% by stormy win%s.6 =hen the kings foun% each other& 'eo'le began at once to talk of their being reconcile%. +ut as soon as 'eace was 'ro'ose%& many began to com'lain of the %amage they ha% sustaine% by harrying& robbing an% killing menA an% for a long time it %i% not look 7ery like 'eace. <t is here relate%5 6+efore this meeting of the kings 3ach ben%e his own losses brings& )n% lou%ly claims some recom'ense ?rom his king4s foes& at their eD'ense. <t is not easy to make 'eace& =here noise an% talking ne7er cease5 The bon%es4 warmth may Fuickly s'rea%& )n% kings be by the 'eo'le le%. 6=hen kings are mo7e%& no 'eace is sureA ?or that 'eace only is secure =hich they who make it fairly make& To each si%e gi7e& from each si%e take. The kings will often rule but ill =ho listen to the 'eo'le4s will5 The 'eo'le often ha7e no 7iew +ut their own interests to 'ursue.6 )t last the best men& an% those who were the wisest& came between the kings& an% settle% the 'eace thus5 that Haral% shoul% ha7e Norway& an% S7ein *enmark& accor%ing to the boun%aries of ol% establishe% between *enmark an% NorwayA neither of them shoul% 'ay to the other for any %amage sustaine%A the war shoul% cease as it now stoo%& each retaining what he ha% gotA an% this 'eace shoul% en%ure as long as they were kings. This 'eace was

confirme% by oath. Then the kings 'arte%& ha7ing gi7en each other hostages& as is here relate%5 6)n% < ha7e hear% that to set fast The 'eace ;o% brought about at last& S7ein an% stern Haral% 'le%ges sent& =ho witnesse% to their sworn intentA )n% much < wish that they an% all <n no such 'erBury may fall That this 'eace e7er shoul% be broken& )n% oaths shoul% fail before ;o% s'oken.6 King Haral% with his 'eo'le saile% northwar%s to Norway& an% King S7ein southwar%s to *enmark.

7". K<N; H)2)-*4S +)TT-3 =<TH 3)2- H)K$N. King Haral% was in >iken in the summer ().*. 19/"#& an% he sent his men to the @'lan%s after the scat an% %uty which belonge% to himA but the bon%es 'ai% no attention to the %eman%& but sai% they woul% hol% all for 3arl Hakon until he came for it. 3arl Hakon was then u' in ;autlan% with a large arme% force. =hen summer was 'ast King Haral% went south to Konungahella. Then he took all the light sailing 7essels he coul% get hol% of an% steere% u' the ri7er. He ha% the 7essels %rawn 'ast all the waterfalls an% brought them thus into the =ener lake. Then he rowe% eastwar% across the lake to where he hear% 3arl Hakon wasA but when the earl got news of the king4s eD'e%ition he retreate% %own the country& an% woul% not let the king 'lun%er the lan%. 3arl Hakon ha% a large arme% force which the ;autlan% 'eo'le ha% raise% for him. King Haral% lay with his shi's u' in a ri7er& an% ma%e a foray on lan%& but left some of his men behin% to 'rotect the shi's. The king himself ro%e u' with a 'art of the men& but the greater 'art were on foot. They ha% to cross a forest& where they foun% a mire or lake& an% close to it a woo%A an% when they reache% the woo% they saw the earl4s men& but the mire was between them. They %rew u' their 'eo'le now on both si%es. Then King Haral% or%ere% his men to sit %own on the hillsi%e. 6=e will first see if they will attack us. 3arl Hakon %oes not usually wait to talk.6 <t was frosty weather& with some snow %rift& an% Haral%4s men sat %own un%er their shiel%sA but it was col% for the ;autlan%ers& who ha% but little clothing with them. The earl tol% them to wait until King Haral% came nearer& so that all woul% stan% eFually high on the groun%. 3arl Hakon ha% the same banner which ha% belonge% to King .agnus $lafson. The lagman of the ;autlan% 'eo'le& Thor7i%& sat u'on a horse& an% the bri%le was fastene% to a stake that stoo% in the mire. He broke out with these wor%s5 6;o% knows we ha7e many bra7e an% han%some fellows here& an% we shall let King Steinkel hear that we stoo% by the goo% earl bra7ely. < am sure of one thing5 we shall beha7e gallantly against these Northmen& if they attack usA but if our young 'eo'le gi7e way& an% shoul% not stan% to it& let us not run farther than to that streamA but if they shoul% gi7e way farther& which < am sure they will not %o& let it not be

farther than to that hill.6 )t that instant the Northmen s'rang u'& raise% the war cry& an% struck on their shiel%sA an% the ;autlan% army began also to shout. The lagman4s horse got shy with the war cry& an% backe% so har% that the stake flew u' an% struck the lagman on the hea%. He sai%& 6<ll luck to thee& Northman& for that arrowK6 an% away fle% the lagman. King Haral% ha% tol% his 'eo'le& 6<f we %o make a clash with the wea'ons& we shall not howe7er& go %own from the hill until they come nearer to usA6 an% they %i% so. =hen the war cry was raise% the earl let his banner a%7anceA but when they came un%er the hill the king4s army rushe% %own u'on them& an% kille% some of the earl4s 'eo'le& an% the rest fle%. The Northmen %i% not 'ursue the fugiti7es long& for it was the fall of %ayA but they took 3arl Hakon4s banner an% all the arms an% clothes they coul% get hol% of. King Haral% ha% both the banners carrie% before him as they marche% away. They s'oke among themsel7es that the earl ha% 'robably fallen. )s they were ri%ing through the forest they coul% only ri%e singly& one following the other. Su%%enly a man came full gallo' across the 'ath& struck his s'ear through him who was carrying the earl4s banner& seiEe% the banner staff& an% ro%e into the forest on the other si%e with the banner. =hen this was tol% the king he sai%& 6+ring me my armour& for the earl is ali7e.6 Then the king ro%e to his shi's in the nightA an% many sai% that the earl ha% now taken his re7enge. +ut Thio%olf sang thus5 6Steinkel4s troo's& who were so bol%& =ho the 3arl Hakon woul% u'hol%& =ere %ri7en by our horsemen4s 'ower To Hel& %eath go%%ess& in an hourA )n% the great earl& so men say =ho won4t a%mit he ran away& +ecause his men fle% from the groun%& 2etire%& an% cannot now be foun%.6

7(. *3)TH $? H)-& TH3 .@2*3232 $? K$*2)N. The rest of the night Haral% 'asse% in his shi'sA but in the morning& when it was %aylight& it was foun% that so thick ice ha% gathere% about the 7essels that one coul% walk aroun% them. The king or%ere% his men to cut the ice from the shi's all the way out to the clear waterA on which they all went to break the ice. King Haral%4s son& .agnus& steere% the 7essel that lay lowest %own the ri7er an% nearest the water. =hen the 'eo'le ha% cleare% the ice away almost entirely& a man ran out to the ice& an% began hewing away at it like a ma%man. Then sai% one of the men& 6<t is going now as usual& that none can %o so much as Hal who kille% Ko%ran& when once he lays himself to the work. See how he is hewing away at the ice.6 There was a man in the crew of .agnus& the king4s son& who was calle% Thormo% 3in%ri%asonA an% when he hear% the name of Ko%ran4s mur%erer he ran u' to Hal& an% ga7e him a %eath woun%. Ko%ran was a son of ;u%mun% 3yBolfsonA an% >alger%& who was a sister of ;u%mun%& was the mother of Gorun& an% the gran%mother by the mother4s si%e of this Thormo%. Thormo% was a year ol% when Ko%ran was kille%& an% ha%

ne7er seen Hal @trygson until now. =hen the ice was broken all the way out to the water& .agnus %rew his shi' out& set sail %irectly& an% saile% westwar% across the lakeA but the king4s shi'& which lay farthest u' the ri7er& came out the last. Hal ha% been in the king4s retinue& an% was 7ery %ear to himA so that the king was enrage% at his %eath. The king came the last into the harbour& an% .agnus ha% let the mur%erer esca'e into the forest& an% offere% to 'ay the mulct for himA an% the king ha% 7ery nearly attacke% .agnus an% his crew& but their frien%s came u' an% reconcile% them.

7/. $? K<N; H)2)-*. That winter ().*. 19/(# King Haral% went u' to 2aumarike& an% ha% many 'eo'le with himA an% he accuse% the bon%es there of ha7ing ke't from him his scat an% %uties& an% of ha7ing ai%e% his enemies to raise %isturbance against him. He seiEe% on the bon%es an% maime% some& kille% others& an% robbe% many of all their 'ro'erty. They who coul% %o it fle% from him. He burne% e7erything in the %istricts an% lai% them altogether waste. So says Thio%olf5 6He who the islan% 'eo'le %ro7e& =hen they against his 'ower stro7e& Now bri%le4s 2aumarike4s men& .arching his forces through their glen. To 'unish them the fire he lights That shines afar off in %ark nights ?rom house an% yar%& an%& as he says& =ill warn the man who %isobeys.6 Thereafter the king went u' to He%emark& burnt the %wellings& an% ma%e no less waste an% ha7oc there than in 2aumarike. ?rom thence he went to Ha%elan% an% 2ingerike& burning an% ra7aging all the lan%. So says Thio%olf5 6The bon%e4s househol% goo%s are seen +efore his %oor u'on the green& Smoking an% singe%5 an% s'arks re% hot ;low in the thatche% roof of his cot. <n He%emark the bon%es 'ray The king his crushing han% to stayA <n 2ingerike an% Ha%elan%& None 4gainst his fiery wrath can stan%.6 Then the bon%es left all to the king4s mercy. )fter the %eath of King .agnus fifteen years ha% 'asse% when the battle at Nis ri7er took 'lace& an% afterwar%s two years ela'se% before Haral% an% S7ein ma%e 'eace. So says Thio%olf5 6The Hor%lan% king un%er the lan% )t anchor lay close to the stran%& )t last& 're'are% with shiel% an% s'ear The 'eace was settle% the thir% year.6

)fter this 'eace the %isturbances with the 'eo'le of the @'lan% %istricts laste% a year an% a half. So says Thio%olf5 6No easy task it is to say How the king brought beneath his sway The @'lan% bon%es& an% woul% gi7e Nought but their 'loughs from which to li7e. The king in eighteen months brought %own Their bon%e 'ower& an% raise% his own& )n% the great honour he has gaine% =ill still in memory be retaine%.6

77. $? TH3 K<N;S $? 3N;-)N*. 3%war%& 3thelre%4s son& was king of 3nglan% after his brother Har%acanute. He was calle% 3%war% the ;oo%A an% so he was. King 3%war%4s mother was Hueen 3mma& %aughter of 2ichar%& earl of 2ouen. Her brother was 3arl 2obert& whose son was =illiam the +astar%& who at that time was earl at 2ouen in Norman%y. King 3%war%4s Fueen was ;y%a& a %aughter of 3arl ;o%win& the son of @lfna%. ;y%a4s brothers were& 3arl Toste& the el%estA 3arl .orukare the neDtA 3arl =alter the thir%A 3arl S7ein the fourthA an% the fifth was Haral%& who was the youngest& an% he was brought u' at King 3%war%4s court& an% was his foster son. The king lo7e% him 7ery much& an% ke't him as his own sonA for he ha% no chil%ren.

78. $? H)2)-* ;$*=<NS$N. $ne summer it ha''ene% that Haral%& the son of ;o%win& ma%e an eD'e%ition to +retlan% with his shi's& but when they got to sea they met a contrary win%& an% were %ri7en off into the ocean. They lan%e% west in Norman%y& after suffering from a %angerous storm. They brought u' at 2ouen& where they met 3arl =illiam& who recei7e% Haral% an% his com'any gla%ly. Haral% remaine% there late in har7est& an% was hos'itably entertaine%A for the stormy weather continue%& an% there was no getting to sea& an% this continue% until winter set inA so the earl an% Haral% agree% that he shoul% remain there all winter. Haral% sat on the high seat on one si%e of the earlA an% on the other si%e sat the earl4s wife& one of the most beautiful women that coul% be seen. They often talke% together for amusement at the %rinking tableA an% the earl went generally to be%& but Haral% an% the earl4s wife sat long in the e7enings talking together& an% so it went on for a great 'art of the winter. <n one of their con7ersations she sai% to Haral%& 6The earl has aske% me what it is we ha7e to talk about so much& for he is angry at it.6 Haral% re'lies& 6=e shall then at once let him know all our con7ersation.6 The following %ay& Haral% aske% the earl to a conference& an% they went together into the conference chamberA where also the Fueen was& an% some of the councillors. Then Haral% began thus5 6< ha7e to inform you& earl& that there lies more in my 7isit here than < ha7e let you know. < woul% ask your %aughter in marriage&

an% ha7e often s'oke o7er this matter with her mother& an% she has 'romise% to su''ort my suit with you.6 )s soon as Haral% ha% ma%e known this 'ro'osal of his& it was well recei7e% by all who were 'resent. They eD'laine% the case to the earlA an% at last it came so far that the earl was contracte% to Haral%& but as she was 7ery young& it was resol7e% that the we%%ing shoul% be %eferre% for some years.

79. K<N; 3*=)2*4S *3)TH. =hen s'ring came Haral% rigge% his shi's an% set offA an% he an% the earl 'arte% with great frien%shi'. Haral% saile% o7er to 3nglan% to King 3%war%& but %i% not return to >allan% to fulfill the marriage agreement. 3%war% was king o7er 3nglan% for twenty three years an% %ie% on a be% of sickness in -on%on on the (th of Ganuary& an% was burie% in 1aul4s church. 3nglishmen call him a saint.

89. H)2)-* ;$*=<NS$N .)*3 K<N; $? 3N;-)N*. The sons of 3arl ;o%win were the most 'owerful men in 3nglan%. Toste was ma%e chief of the 3nglish king4s army& an% was his lan% %efence man when the king began to grow ol%A an% he was also 'lace% abo7e all the other earls. His brother Haral% was always with the court itself& an% nearest to the king in all ser7ice& an% ha% the charge of the king4s treasure chamber. <t is sai% that when the king was a''roaching his last hour& Haral% an% a few others were with him. Haral% first leans %own o7er the king& an% then sai%& 6< take you all to witness that the king has now gi7en me the king%om& an% all the realm of 3nglan%56 an% then the king was taken %ea% out of the be%. The same %ay there was a meeting of the chiefs& at which there was some talk of choosing a kingA an% then Haral% brought forwar% his witnesses that King 3%war% ha% gi7en him the king%om on his %ying %ay. The meeting en%e% by choosing Haral% as king& an% he was consecrate% an% crowne% the 1:th %ay of Cule& in 1aul4s church. Then all the chiefs an% all the 'eo'le submitte% to him. Now when his brother& 3arl Toste& hear% of this he took it 7ery ill& as he thought himself Fuite as well entitle% to be king. 6< want&6 sai% he& 6that the 'rinci'al men of the country choose him whom they think best fitte% for it.6 )n% shar' wor%s 'asse% between the brothers. King Haral% says he will not gi7e u' his kingly %ignity& for he is seate% on the throne which kings sat u'on& an% is anointe% an% consecrate% a king. $n his si%e also was the strength of the 'eo'le& for he ha% the king4s whole treasure.

81. 3)2- T$ST34S 3N13*<T<$N T$ *3N.)2K. Now when King Haral% 'ercei7e% that his brother Toste wante% to ha7e him %e'ri7e% of the king%om he %i% not trust himA for Toste was a cle7er man& an% a great warrior& an% was in frien%shi' with

the 'rinci'al men of the country. He therefore took the comman% of the army from Toste& an% also all the 'ower he ha% beyon% that of the other earls of the country. 3arl Toste& again& woul% not submit to be his own brother4s ser7ing manA therefore he went with his 'eo'le o7er the sea to ?lan%ers& an% staye% there awhile& then went to ?rieslan%& an% from thence to *enmark to his relation King S7ein. 3arl @lf& King S7ein4s father& an% ;y%a& 3arl Toste4s mother& were brother4s an% sister4s chil%ren. The earl now aske% King S7ein for su''ort an% hel' of menA an% King S7ein in7ite% him to stay with him& with the 'romise that he shoul% get so large an earl%om in *enmark that he woul% be an im'ortant chief. The earl re'lies& 6.y inclination is to go back to my estate in 3nglan%A but if < cannot get hel' from you for that 'ur'ose& < will agree to hel' you with all the 'ower < can comman% in 3nglan%& if you will go there with the *anish army& an% win the country& as Canute& your mother4s brother& %i%.6 The king re'lie%& 6So much smaller a man am < than Canute the ;reat& that < can with %ifficulty %efen% my own *anish %ominions against the Northmen. King Canute& on the other han%& got the *anish king%om in heritage& took 3nglan% by slash an% blow& an% sometimes was near losing his life in the contestA an% Norway he took without slash or blow. Now it suits me much better to be gui%e% by my own slen%er ability than to imitate my relation& King Canute4s& lucky hits.6 Then 3arl Toste sai%& 6The result of my erran% here is less fortunate than < eD'ecte% of thee who art so gallant a man& seeing that thy relati7e is in so great nee%. <t may be that < will seek frien%ly hel' where it coul% less be eD'ecte%A an% that < may fin% a chief who is less afrai%& king& than thou art of a great enter'rise.6 Then the king an% the earl 'arte%& not Bust the best frien%s.

8!. 3)2- T$ST34S 3N13*<T<$N T$ N$2=)C. 3arl Toste turne% away then an% went to Norway& where he 'resente% himself to King Haral%& who was at that time in >iken. =hen they met the earl eD'laine% his erran% to the king. He tol% him all his 'rocee%ings since he left 3nglan%& an% aske% his ai% to reco7er his %ominions in 3nglan%. The king re'lie% that the Northmen ha% no great %esire for a cam'aign in 3nglan%& an% to ha7e 3nglish chiefs o7er them there. 61eo'le say&6 a%%e% he& 6that the 3nglish are not to be truste%.6 The earl re'lie%& 6<s it true what < ha7e hear% 'eo'le tell in 3nglan%& that thy relati7e& King .agnus& sent men to King 3%war% with the message that King .agnus ha% right to 3nglan% as well as to *enmark& an% ha% got that heritage after Har%acanute& in conseFuence of a regular agreementL6

The king re'lie%& 6How came it that he %i% not get it& if he ha% a right to itL6 6=hy&6 re'lie% the earl& 6hast thou not *enmark& as King .agnus& thy 're%ecessor& ha% itL6 The king re'lies& 6The *anes ha7e nothing to brag of o7er us NorthmenA for many a 'lace ha7e we lai% in ashes to thy relations.6 Then sai% the earl& 6<f thou wilt not tell me& < will tell thee. .agnus sub%ue% *enmark& because all the chiefs of the country hel'e% himA an% thou hast not %one it& because all the 'eo'le of the country were against thee. Therefore& also& King .agnus %i% not stri7e for 3nglan%& because all the nation woul% ha7e 3%war% for king. =ilt thou take 3nglan% nowL < will bring the matter so far that most of the 'rinci'al men in 3nglan% shall be thy frien%s& an% assist theeA for nothing is wanting to 'lace me at the si%e of my brother Haral% but the king4s name. )ll men allow that there ne7er was such a warrior in the northern lan%s as thou artA an% it a''ears to me eDtraor%inary that thou hast been fighting for fifteen years for *enmark& an% wilt not take 3nglan% that lies o'en to thee.6 King Haral% weighe% carefully the earl4s wor%s& an% 'ercei7e% at once that there was truth in much of what he sai%A an% he himself ha% also a great %esire to acFuire %ominions. Then King Haral% an% the earl talke% long an% freFuently togetherA an% at last he took the resolution to 'rocee% in summer to 3nglan%& an% conFuer the country. King Haral% sent a message token through all Norway an% or%ere% out a le7y of one half of all the men in Norway able to carry arms. =hen this became generally known& there were many guesses about what might be the en% of this eD'e%ition. Some reckone% u' King Haral%4s great achie7ements& an% thought he was also the man who coul% accom'lish this. $thers& again& sai% that 3nglan% was %ifficult to attackA that it was 7ery full of 'eo'leA an% the men at arms& who were calle% Thingmen& were so bra7e& that one of them was better than two of Haral%4s best men. Then sai% @lf the marshal5 6< am still rea%y gol% to gainA +ut truly it woul% be in 7ain& )n% the king4s marshal in the hall .ight lea7e his goo% 'ost once for all& <f two of us in any strife .ust for one Thingman fly for life& .y lo7ely Norse mai%& in my youth =e thought the o''osite the truth.6 @lf the marshal %ie% that s'ring ().*. 19//#. King Haral% stoo% o7er his gra7e& an% sai%& as he was lea7ing it& 6There lies now the truest of men& an% the most %e7ote% to his king.6 3arl Toste saile% in s'ring west to ?lan%ers& to meet the 'eo'le who ha% left 3nglan% with him& an% others besi%es who ha% gathere% to him both out of 3nglan% an% ?lan%ers.

8:. ;C2*4S *23).S. King Haral%4s fleet assemble% at the Solun%s. =hen King Haral% was rea%y to lea7e Ni%aros he went to King $laf4s shrine& unlocke% it& cli''e% his hair an% nails& an% locke% the shrine again& an% threw the keys into the Ni%. Some say he threw them o7erboar% outsi%e of )g%anesA an% since then the shrine of Saint $laf& the king& has ne7er been o'ene%. Thirty fi7e years ha% 'asse% since he was slainA an% he li7e% thirty fi7e years here on earth ().*. 1989 19//#. King Haral% saile% with his shi's he ha% about him to the south to meet his 'eo'le& an% a great fleet was collecte%A so that. accor%ing to the 'eo'le4s reckoning& King Haral% ha% nearly !99 shi's besi%e 'ro7ision shi's an% small craft. =hile they lay at the Solun%s a man calle% ;yr%& on boar% the king4s shi'& ha% a %ream. He thought he was stan%ing in the king4s shi' an% saw a great witch wife stan%ing on the islan%& with a fork in one han% an% a trough in the other. He thought also that he saw o7er all the fleet& an% that a fowl was sitting u'on e7ery shi'4s stern& an% that these fowls were all ra7ens or ernesA an% the witch wife sang this song5 6?rom the east <4ll 4tice the king& To the west the king <4ll bringA .any a noble bone will be 2a7ens o4er ;iuke4s shi' are fitting& 3yeing the 'rey they think most fitting. @'on the stem <4ll sail with themK @'on the stem <4ll sail with themK6

8". TH$2*4S *23).. There was also a man calle% Thor%& in a shi' which lay not far from the king4s. He %reamt one night that he saw King Haral%4s fleet coming to lan%& an% he knew the lan% to be 3nglan%. He saw a great battle array on the lan%A an% he thought both si%es began to fight& an% ha% many banners fla''ing in the air. )n% before the army of the 'eo'le of the country was ri%ing a huge witch wife u'on a wolfA an% the wolf ha% a man4s carcass in his mouth& an% the bloo% was %ro''ing from his BawsA an% when he ha% eaten u' one bo%y she threw another into his mouth& an% so one after another& an% he swallowe% them all. )n% she sang thus5 6Ska%e4s eagle eyes The king4s ill luck es'ies5 Though glancing shiel%s Hi%e the green fiel%s& The king4s ill luck she s'ies. To bo%e the %oom of this great king& The flesh of blee%ing men < fling To hairy Baw an% hungry mawK To hairy Baw an% hungry mawK6

8(. K<N; H)2)-*4S *23).. King Haral% also %reamt one night that he was in Ni%aros& an% met his brother& King $laf& who sang to him these 7erses5 6<n many a fight .y name was brightA .en wee'& an% tell How $laf fell. Thy %eath is nearA Thy cor'se& < fear& The crow will fee%& The witch wife4s stee%.6 .any other %reams an% forebo%ings were then tol% of& an% most of them gloomy. +efore King Haral% left Thron%hBem& he let his son .agnus be 'roclaime% king an% set him as king o7er Norway while he was absent. Thora& the %aughter of Thorberg& also remaine% behin%A but he took with him Hueen 3llisif an% her two %aughters& .aria an% <ngeger%. $laf& King Haral%4s son& also accom'anie% his father abroa%.

8/. +)TT-3 )T SC)2+$2$@;H. =hen King Haral% was clear for sea& an% the win% became fa7ourable& he saile% out into the oceanA an% he himself lan%e% in Shetlan%& but a 'art of his fleet in the $rkney <slan%s. King Haral% sto''e% but a short time in Shetlan% before sailing to $rkney& from whence he took with him a great arme% force& an% the earls 1aul an% 3rlen%& the sons of 3arl ThorfinA but he left behin% him here the Hueen 3llisif& an% her %aughters .aria an% <ngeger%. Then he saile%& lea7ing Scotlan% an% 3nglan% westwar% of him& an% lan%e% at a 'lace calle% Kliflan%. There he went on shore an% 'lun%ere%& an% brought the country in subBection to him without o''osition. Then he brought u' at Skar%aburg& an% fought with the 'eo'le of the 'lace. He went u' a hill which is there& an% ma%e a great 'ile u'on it& which he set on fireA an% when the 'ile was in clear flame& his men took large forks an% 'itche% the burning woo% %own into the town& so that one house caught fire after the other& an% the town surren%ere%. The Northmen kille% many 'eo'le there an% took all the booty they coul% lay hol% of. There was nothing left for the 3nglishmen now& if they woul% 'reser7e their li7es& but to submit to King Haral%A an% thus he sub%ue% the country where7er he came. Then the king 'rocee%e% south along the lan%& an% brought u' at Hellornes& where there came a force that ha% been assemble% to o''ose him& with which he ha% a battle& an% gaine% the 7ictory.

87. $? H)2)-*4S $2*32 $? +)TT-3.

Thereafter the king saile% to the Humber& an% u' along the ri7er& an% then he lan%e%. @' in Gor7ik were two earls& 3arl .orukare& an% his brother& 3arl >althiof& an% they ha% an immense army. =hile the army of the earls was coming %own from the u''er 'art of the country& King Haral% lay in the @sa. King Haral% now went on the lan%& an% %rew u' his men. The one arm of this line stoo% at the outer e%ge of the ri7er& the other turne% u' towar%s the lan% along a %itchA an% there was also a morass& %ee'& broa%& an% full of water. The earls let their army 'rocee% slowly %own along the ri7er& with all their troo's in line. The king4s banner was neDt the ri7er& where the line was thickest. <t was thinnest at the %itch& where also the weakest of the men were. =hen the earls a%7ance% %ownwar%s along the %itch& the arm of the Northmen4s line which was at the %itch ga7e wayA an% the 3nglishmen followe%& thinking the Northmen woul% fly. The banner of 3arl .orukare a%7ance% then bra7ely.

88. TH3 +)TT-3 )T TH3 H@.+32. =hen King Haral% saw that the 3nglish array ha% come to the %itch against him& he or%ere% the charge to be soun%e%& an% urge% on his men. He or%ere% the banner which was calle% the -an% ra7ager to be carrie% before him& an% ma%e so se7ere an assault that all ha% to gi7e way before itA an% there was a great loss among the men of the earls& an% they soon broke into flight& some running u' the ri7er& some %own& an% the most lea'ing into the %itch& which was so fille% with %ea% that the Norsemen coul% go %ry foot o7er the fen. There 3arl .orukare fell. So says Stein Her%ison5 6The gallant Haral% %ro7e along& ?lying but fighting& the whole throng. )t last& confuse%& they coul% not fight& )n% the whole bo%y took to flight. @' from the ri7er4s silent stream )t once rose %es'erate s'lash an% screamA +ut they who stoo% like men this fray 2oun% .orukare4s bo%y lay.6 This song was com'ose% by Stein Her%ison about $laf& son of King Haral%A an% he s'eaks of $laf being in this battle with King Haral%& his father. These things are also s'oken of in the song calle% 6Haral%4s Sta7e65 63arl >althiof4s men -ay in the fen& +y swor% %own hewe%& So thickly strewe%& That Norsemen say They 'a7e% a way )cross the fen ?or the bra7e Norsemen.6 3arl >althiof& an% the 'eo'le who esca'e%& fle% u' to the castle of CorkA an% there the greatest loss of men ha% been. This

battle took 'lace u'on the =e%nes%ay neDt .athias4 %ay ().*. 19//#.

89. $? 3)2- T$ST3. 3arl Toste ha% come from ?lan%ers to King Haral% as soon as he arri7e% in 3nglan%& an% the earl was 'resent at all these battles. <t ha''ene%& as he ha% foretol% the king at their first meeting& that in 3nglan% many 'eo'le woul% flock to them& as being frien%s an% relations of 3arl Toste& an% thus the king4s forces were much strengthene%. )fter the battle now tol% of& all 'eo'le in the nearest %istricts submitte% to Haral%& but some fle%. Then the king a%7ance% to take the castle& an% lai% his army at Stanfor%a bryggiur (Stamfor% +ri%ge#A an% as King Haral% ha% gaine% so great a 7ictory against so great chiefs an% so great an army& the 'eo'le were %ismaye%& an% %oubte% if they coul% make any o''osition. The men of the castle therefore %etermine%& in a council& to sen% a message to King Haral%& an% %eli7er u' the castle into his 'ower. )ll this was soon settle%A so that on Sun%ay the king 'rocee%e% with the whole army to the castle& an% a''ointe% a Thing of the 'eo'le without the castle& at which the 'eo'le of the castle were to be 'resent. )t this Thing all the 'eo'le acce'te% the con%ition of submitting to Haral%& an% ga7e him& as hostages& the chil%ren of the most consi%erable 'ersonsA for 3arl Toste was well acFuainte% with all the 'eo'le of that town. <n the e7ening the king returne% %own to his shi's& after this 7ictory achie7e% with his own force& an% was 7ery merry. ) Thing was a''ointe% within the castle early on .on%ay morning& an% then King Haral% was to name officers to rule o7er the town& to gi7e out laws& an% bestow fiefs. The same e7ening& after sunset& King Haral% ;o%winson came from the south to the castle with a numerous army& an% ro%e into the city with the goo% will an% consent of the 'eo'le of the castle. )ll the gates an% walls were beset so that the Northmen coul% recei7e no intelligence& an% the army remaine% all night in the town.

99. $? K<N; H)2)-*4S -)N*<N;. $n .on%ay& when King Haral% Sigur%son ha% taken breakfast& he or%ere% the trum'ets to soun% for going on shore. The army accor%ingly got rea%y& an% he %i7i%e% the men into the 'arties who shoul% go& an% who shoul% stay behin%. <n e7ery %i7ision he allowe% two men to lan%& an% one to remain behin%. 3arl Toste an% his retinue 're'are% to lan% with King Haral%A an%& for watching the shi's& remaine% behin% the king4s son $lafA the earls of $rkney& 1aul an% 3rlen%A an% also 3ystein $rre& a son of Thorberg )rnason& who was the most able an% best belo7e% by the king of all the len%ermen& an% to whom the king ha% 'romise% his %aughter .aria. The weather was uncommonly fine& an% it was hot sunshine. The men therefore lai% asi%e their armour& an% went on the lan% only with their shiel%s& helmets an% s'ears& an% girt with swor%sA an% many ha% also arrows an% bows& an% all were 7ery merry. Now as they came near the castle a great army seeme%

coming against them& an% they saw a clou% of %ust as from horses4 feet& an% un%er it shining shiel%s an% bright armour. The king halte% his 'eo'le& an% calle% to him 3arl Toste& an% aske% him what army this coul% be. The earl re'lie% that he thought it most likely to be a hostle army& but 'ossibly it might be some of his relations who were seeking for mercy an% frien%shi'& in or%er to obtain certain 'eace an% safety from the king. Then the king sai%& 6=e must all halt& to %isco7er what kin% of a force this is.6 They %i% soA an% the nearer this force came the greater it a''eare%& an% their shining arms were to the sight like glancing ice.

91. $? 3)2- T$ST34S C$@NS3-. Then sai% King Haral%& 6-et us now fall u'on some goo% sensible counselA for it is not to be conceale% that this is an hostile army an% the king himself without %oubt is here.6 Then sai% the earl& 6The first counsel is to turn about as fast as we can to our shi's to get our men an% our wea'ons& an% then we will make a %efence accor%ing to our abilityA or otherwise let our shi's %efen% us& for there these horsemen ha7e no 'ower o7er us.6 Then King Haral% sai%& 6< ha7e another counsel. 1ut three of our best horses un%er three of our briskest la%s an% let them ri%e with all s'ee% to tell our 'eo'le to come Fuickly to our relief. The 3nglishmen shall ha7e a har% fray of it before we gi7e oursel7es u' for lost.6 The earl sai% the king must or%er in this& as in all things& as he thought bestA a%%ing& at the same time& it was by no means his wish to fly. Then King Haral% or%ere% his banner -an% ra7ager to be set u'A an% ?rirek was the name of him who bore the banner.

9!. $? K<N; H)2)-*4S )2.C. Then King Haral% arrange% his army& an% ma%e the line of battle long& but not %ee'. He bent both wings of it back& so that they met togetherA an% forme% a wi%e ring eFually thick all roun%& shiel% to shiel%& both in the front an% rear ranks. The king himself an% his retinue were within the circleA an% there was the banner& an% a bo%y of chosen men. 3arl Toste& with his retinue& was at another 'lace& an% ha% a %ifferent banner. The army was arrange% in this way& because the king knew that horsemen were accustome% to ri%e forwar%s with great 7igour& but to turn back imme%iately. Now the king or%ere% that his own an% the earl4s atten%ants shoul% ri%e forwar%s where it was most reFuire%. 6)n% our bowmen&6 sai% he& 6shall be near to usA an% they who stan% in the first rank shall set the s'ear shaft on the groun%& an% the s'ear 'oint against the horseman4s breast& if he ri%es at themA an% those who stan% in the secon% rank shall set the s'ear 'oint against the horse4s breast.6

9:. $? K<N; H)2)-* ;$*=<NS$N. King Haral% ;o%winson ha% come with an immense army& both of ca7alry an% infantry. Now King Haral% Sigur%son ro%e aroun% his array& to see how e7ery 'art was %rawn u'. He was u'on a black horse& an% the horse stumble% un%er him& so that the king fell off. He got u' in haste an% sai%& 6) fall is lucky for a tra7eller.6 The 3nglish king Haral% sai% to the Northmen who were with him& 6*o ye know the stout man who fell from his horse& with the blue kirtle an% the beautiful helmetL6 6That is the king himself.6 sai% they. The 3nglish king sai%& 6) great man& an% of stately a''earance is heA but < think his luck has left him.6

9". $? TH3 T2$$1 $? TH3 N$+<-<TC. Twenty horsemen ro%e forwar% from the Thing men4s troo's against the Northmen4s arrayA an% all of them& an% likewise their horses& were clothe% in armour. $ne of the horsemen sai%& 6<s 3arl Toste in this armyL6 The earl answere%& 6<t is not to be %enie% that ye will fin% him here.6 The horseman says& 6Thy brother& King Haral%& sen%s thee salutation& with the message that thou shalt ha7e the whole of Northumberlan%A an% rather than thou shoul%st not submit to him& he will gi7e thee the thir% 'art of his king%om to rule o7er along with himself.6 The earl re'lies& 6This is something %ifferent from the enmity an% scorn he offere% last winterA an% if this ha% been offere% then it woul% ha7e sa7e% many a man4s life who now is %ea%& an% it woul% ha7e been better for the king%om of 3nglan%. +ut if < acce't of this offer& what will he gi7e King Haral% Sigur%son for his troubleL6 The horseman re'lie%& 6He has also s'oken of thisA an% will gi7e him se7en feet of 3nglish groun%& or as much more as he may be taller than other men.6 6Then&6 sai% the earl& 6go now an% tell King Haral% to get rea%y for battleA for ne7er shall the Northmen say with truth that 3arl Toste left King Haral% Sigur%son to Boin his enemy4s troo's& when he came to fight west here in 3nglan%. =e shall rather all take the resolution to %ie with honour& or to gain 3nglan% by a 7ictory.6

Then the horseman ro%e back. King Haral% Sigur%son sai% to the earl& 6=ho was the man who s'oke so wellL6 The earl re'lie%& 6That was King Haral% ;o%winson.6 Then& sai% King Haral% Sigur%son& 6That was by far too long conceale% from meA for they ha% come so near to our army& that this Haral% shoul% ne7er ha7e carrie% back the ti%ings of our men4s slaughter.6 Then sai% the earl& 6<t was certainly im'ru%ent for such chiefs& an% it may be as you sayA but < saw he was going to offer me 'eace an% a great %ominion& an% that& on the other han%& < woul% be his mur%erer if < betraye% himA an% < woul% rather he shoul% be my mur%erer than < his& if one of two be to %ie.6 King Haral% Sigur%son obser7e% to his men& 6That was but a little man& yet he sat firmly in his stirru's.6 <t is sai% that Haral% ma%e these 7erses at this time5 6)%7anceK a%7anceK No helmets glance& +ut blue swor%s 'lay <n our array. )%7anceK a%7anceK No mail coats glance& +ut hearts are here That ne4er knew fear.6 His coat of mail was calle% 3mmaA an% it was so long that it reache% almost to the mi%%le of his leg& an% so strong that no wea'on e7er 'ierce% it. Then sai% King Haral% Sigur%son& 6These 7erses are but ill com'ose%A < must try to make betterA6 an% he com'ose% the following5 6<n battle storm we seek no lee& =ith skulking hea%& an% ben%ing knee& +ehin% the hollow shiel%. =ith eye an% han% we fen% the hea%A Courage an% skill stan% in the stea% $f 'anEer& helm& an% shiel%& <n hil%4s bloo%y fiel%.6 Thereu'on Thio%olf sang5 6)n% shoul% our king in battle fall& ) fate that ;o% may gi7e to all& His sons will 7engeance takeA )n% ne7er shone the sun u'on Two nobler eagletA in his run& )n% them we4ll ne7er forsake.6

9(. $? TH3 +3;<NN<N; $? TH3 +)TT-3. Now the battle began. The 3nglishmen ma%e a hot assault u'on the Northmen& who sustaine% it bra7ely. <t was no easy matter for the 3nglish to ri%e against the Northmen on account of their s'earsA therefore they ro%e in a circle aroun% them. )n% the fight at first was but loose an% light& as long as the Northmen ke't their or%er of battleA for although the 3nglish ro%e har% against the Northmen& they ga7e way again imme%iately& as they coul% %o nothing against them. Now when the Northmen thought they 'ercei7e% that the enemy were making but weak assaults& they set after them& an% woul% %ri7e them into flightA but when they ha% broken their shiel% ram'art the 3nglishmen ro%e u' from all si%es& an% threw arrows an% s'ears on them. Now when King Haral% Sigur%son saw this& he went into the fray where the greatest crash of wea'ons was& an% there was a shar' conflict& in which many 'eo'le fell on both si%es. King Haral% then was in a rage& an% ran out in front of the array& an% hewe% %own with both han%sA so that neither helmet nor armour coul% withstan% him& an% all who were nearest ga7e way before him. <t was then 7ery near with the 3nglish that they ha% taken to flight. So says )rnor& the earls4 skal%5 6=here battle storm was ringing& =here arrow clou% was singing& Haral% stoo% there& $f armour bare& His %ea%ly swor% still swinging. The foeman feel its biteA His Norsemen rush to fight& *anger to share& =ith Haral% there& =here steel on steel was ringing.6

9/. ?)-- $? K<N; H)2)-*. King Haral% Sigur%son was hit by an arrow in the win%'i'e& an% that was his %eath woun%. He fell& an% all who ha% a%7ance% with him& eDce't those who retire% with the banner. There was afterwar%s the warmest conflict& an% 3arl Toste ha% taken charge of the king4s banner. They began on both si%es to form their array again& an% for a long time there was a 'ause in fighting. Then Thio%olf sang these 7erses5 6The army stan%s in hushe% %ismayA Stille% is the clamour of the fray. Haral% is %ea%& an% with him goes The s'irit to withstan% our foes. ) bloo%y scat the folk must 'ay ?or their king4s folly on this %ay. He fellA an% now& without %isguise& =e say this business was not wise.6 +ut before the battle began again Haral% ;o%winson offere% his

brother& 3arl Toste& 'eace& an% also Fuarter to the Northmen who were still ali7eA but the Northmen calle% out& all of them together& that they woul% rather fall& one across the other& than acce't of Fuarter from the 3nglishmen. Then each si%e set u' a war shout& an% the battle began again. So says )rnor& the earls4 skal%5 6The king& whose name woul% ill %oers scare& The gol% ti''e% arrow woul% not s'are. @nhelme%& un'anEere%& without shiel%& He fell among us in the fiel%. The gallant men who saw him fall =oul% take no FuarterA one an% all 2esol7e% to %ie with their lo7e% king& )roun% his cor'se in a cor'se ring.6

97. SK<2.<SH $? $223. 3ystein $rre came u' at this moment from the shi's with the men who followe% him& an% all were cla% in armour. Then 3ystein got King Haral%4s banner -an% ra7agerA an% now was& for the thir% time& one of the shar'est of conflicts& in which many 3nglishmen fell& an% they were near to taking flight. This conflict is calle% $rre4s storm. 3ystein an% his men ha% hastene% so fast from the shi's that they were Fuite eDhauste%& an% scarcely fit to fight before they came into the battleA but afterwar%s they became so furious& that they %i% not guar% themsel7es with their shiel%s as long as they coul% stan% u'right. )t last they threw off their coats of ringmail& an% then the 3nglishmen coul% easily lay their blows at themA an% many fell from weariness& an% %ie% without a woun%. Thus almost all the chief men fell among the Norway 'eo'le. This ha''ene% towar%s e7eningA an% then it went& as one might eD'ect& that all ha% not the same fate& for many fle%& an% were lucky enough to esca'e in 7arious waysA an% %arkness fell before the slaughter was altogether en%e%.

98. $? STC2K)2 TH3 .)2SH)-. Styrkar& King Haral% Sigur%son4s marshal& a gallant man& esca'e% u'on a horse& on which he ro%e away in the e7ening. <t was blowing a col% win%& an% Styrkar ha% not much other clothing u'on him but his shirt& an% ha% a helmet on his hea%& an% a %rawn swor% in his han%. )s soon as his weariness was o7er& he began to feel col%. ) waggoner met him in a line% skin coat. Styrkar asks him& 6=ilt thou sell thy coat& frien%L6 6Not to thee&6 says the 'easant5 6thou art a NorthmanA that < can hear by thy tongue.6 Styrkar re'lies& 6<f < were a Northman& what woul%st thou %oL6 6< woul% kill thee&6 re'lie% the 'easantA 6but as ill luck woul% ha7e it& < ha7e no wea'on Bust now by me that woul% %o it.6

Then Styrkar says& 6)s you can4t kill me& frien%& < shall try if < can4t kill you.6 )n% with that he swung his swor%& an% struck him on the neck& so that his hea% came off. He then took the skin coat& s'rang on his horse& an% ro%e %own to the stran%. $laf Haral%son ha% not gone on lan% with the others& an% when he hear% of his father4s fall he ma%e rea%y to sail away with the men who remaine%.

99. $? =<--<). TH3 +)ST)2*. =hen the 3arl of 2ouen& =illiam the +astar%& hear% of his relation& King 3%war%4s& %eath& an% also that Haral% ;o%winson was chosen& crowne%& an% consecrate% king of 3nglan%& it a''eare% to him that he ha% a better right to the king%om of 3nglan% than Haral%& by reason of the relationshi' between him an% King 3%war%. He thought& also& that he ha% groun%s for a7enging the affront that Haral% ha% 'ut u'on him with res'ect to his %aughter. ?rom all these groun%s =illiam gathere% together a great army in Norman%y& an% ha% many men& an% sufficient trans'ort shi''ing. The %ay that he ro%e out of the castle to his shi's& an% ha% mounte% his horse& his wife came to him& an% wante% to s'eak with himA but when he saw her he struck at her with his heel& an% set his s'urs so %ee' into her breast that she fell %own %ea%A an% the earl ro%e on to his shi's& an% went with his shi's o7er to 3nglan%. His brother& )rchbisho' $tto& was with himA an% when the earl came to 3nglan% he began to 'lun%er& an% take 'ossession of the lan% as he came along. 3arl =illiam was stouter an% stronger than other menA a great horseman an% warrior& but somewhat sternA an% a 7ery sensible man& but not consi%ere% a man to be relie% on.

199. ?)-- $? K<N; H)2)-* ;$*=<NS$N. King Haral% ;o%winson ga7e King Haral% Sigur%son4s son $laf lea7e to go away& with the men who ha% followe% him an% ha% not fallen in battleA but he himself turne% roun% with his army to go south& for he ha% hear% that =illiam the +astar% was o7erwhelming the south of 3nglan% with a 7ast army& an% was sub%uing the country for himself. =ith King Haral% went his brothers S7ein an% ;yr%& an% 3arl >althiof. King Haral% an% 3arl =illiam met each other south in 3nglan% at HelsingBa 'ort (Hastings#. There was a great battle in which King Haral% an% his brother 3arl ;yr% an% a great 'art of his men fell. This was the nineteenth %ay after the fall of King Haral% Sigur%son. Haral%4s brother& 3arl >althiof& esca'e% by flight& an% towar%s e7ening fell in with a %i7ision of =illiam4s 'eo'le& consisting of 199 menA an% when they saw 3arl >althiof4s troo' they fle% to a woo%. 3arl >althiof set fire to the woo%& an% they were all burnt. So says Thorkel Skallason in >althiof4s balla%5 63arl >althiof the bra7e

His foes a warming ga7e5 =ithin the blaEing gro7e ) hun%re% men he %ro7e. The wolf will soon return& )n% the witch4s horse will burn Her shar' claws in the ash& To taste the ?renchman4s flesh.6

191. 3)2- >)-TH<$?4S *3)TH. =illiam was 'roclaime% king of 3nglan%. He sent a message to 3arl >althiof that they shoul% be reconcile%& an% ga7e him assurance of safety to come to the 'lace of meeting. The earl set out with a few menA but when he came to a heath north of Kastala bryggia& there met him two officers of King =illiam& with many followers& who took him 'risoner& 'ut him in fetters& an% afterwar%s he was behea%e%A an% the 3nglish call him a saint. Thorkel tells of this5 6=illiam came o4er the sea& =ith bloo%y swor% came he5 Col% heart an% bloo%y han% Now rule the 3nglish lan%. 3arl >althiof he slew& >althiof the bra7e an% true. Col% heart an% bloo%y han% Now rule the 3nglish lan%.6 =illiam was after this king of 3nglan% for twenty one years& an% his %escen%ants ha7e been so e7er since.

19!. $? $-)? H)2)-*S$N4S 3N13*<T<$N T$ N$2=)C. $laf& the son of King Haral% Sigur%son& saile% with his fleet from 3nglan% from Hrafnseyr& an% came in autumn to the $rkney <sles& where the e7ent ha% ha''ene% that .aria& a %aughter of Haral% Sigur%son& %ie% a su%%en %eath the 7ery %ay an% hour her father& King Haral%& fell. $laf remaine% there all winterA but the summer after he 'rocee%e% east to Norway& where he was 'roclaime% king along with his brother .agnus. Hueen 3llisif came from the =est& along with her ste'son $laf an% her %aughter <ngeger%. There came also with $laf o7er the =est sea Skule& a son of 3arl Toste& an% who since has been calle% the king4s foster son& an% his brother Ketil Krok. +oth were gallant men& of high family in 3nglan%& an% both were 7ery intelligentA an% the brothers were much belo7e% by King $laf. Ketil Krok went north to Halogalan%& where King $laf 'rocure% him a goo% marriage& an% from him are %escen%e% many great 'eo'le. Skule& the king4s foster son& was a 7ery cle7er man& an% the han%somest man that coul% be seen. He was the comman%er of King $laf4s court men& s'oke at the Things (1# an% took 'art in all the country affairs with the king. The king offere% to gi7e Skule whate7er %istrict in Norway he like%& with all the income an%

%uties that belonge% to the king in it. Skule thanke% him 7ery much for the offer& but sai% he woul% rather ha7e something else from him. 6?or if there came a shift of kings&6 sai% he& 6the gift might come to nothing. < woul% rather take some 'ro'erties lying near to the merchant towns& where you& sire& usually take u' your abo%e& an% then < woul% enBoy your Cule feasts.6 The king agree% to this& an% conferre% on him lan%s eastwar% at Konungahella& $slo& Tunsberg& Sar'sborg& +ergen& an% north at Ni%aros. These were nearly the best 'ro'erties at each 'lace& an% ha7e since %escen%e% to the family branches which came from Skule. King $laf ga7e Skule his female relati7e& ;u%run& the %aughter of Nefstein& in marriage. Her mother was <ngeri%& a %aughter of Sigur% Syr an% )sta& King $laf the Saint4s mother. <ngeri% was a sister of King $laf the Saint an% of King Haral%. Skule an% ;u%run4s son was )solf of 2eine& who marrie% Thora& a %aughter of Sko'te $gmun%sonA )solf4s an% Thora4s son was ;uthorm of 2eine& father of +ar%& an% gran%father of King <nge an% of *uke Skule. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# )nother instance of the ol% Norse or <celan%ic tongue ha7ing been generally known in a 'art of 3nglan%.

19:. $? K<N; H)2)-* S<;@2*S$N. $ne year after King Haral%4s fall his bo%y was trans'orte% from 3nglan% north to Ni%aros& an% was burie% in .ary church& which he ha% built. <t was a common obser7ation that King Haral% %istinguishe% himself abo7e all other men by wis%om an% resources of min%A whether he ha% to take a resolution su%%enly for himself an% others& or after long %eliberation. He was& also& abo7e all other men& bol%& bra7e& an% lucky& until his %ying %ay& as abo7e relate%A an% bra7ery is half 7ictory. So says Thio%olf5 6Haral%& who till his %ying %ay Came off the best in many a fray& Ha% one goo% rule in battle 'lain& <n Seelan% an% elsewhere& to gain That& be his foes4 strength more or less& Courage is always half success.6 King Heral% was a han%some man& of noble a''earanceA his hair an% bear% yellow. He ha% a short bear%& an% long mustaches. The one eyebrow was somewhat higher than the other. He ha% large han%s (1# an% feetA but these were well ma%e. His height was fi7e ells. He was stern an% se7ere to his enemies& an% a7enge% cruelly all o''osition or mis%ee%. So says Thio%olf5 6Se7ere alike to frien%s or foes& =ho %are% his royal will o''oseA Se7ere in %isci'line to hol% His men at arms wil% an% bol%A Se7ere the bon%es to re'ressA Se7ere to 'unish all eDcessA

Se7ere was Haral% but we call That Bust which was alike to all.6 King Haral% was most gree%y of 'ower& an% of all %istinction an% honour. He was bountiful to the frien%s who suite% him. So says Thio%olf5 6< got from him& in sea fight strong& ) mark of gol% for my shi' song. .erit in any way He generously woul% 'ay.6 King Haral% was fifty years ol% when he fell. =e ha7e no 'articular account of his youth before he was fifteen years ol%& when he was with his brother& King $laf& at the battle of Stiklesta%. He li7e% thirty fi7e years after that& an% in all that time was ne7er free from care an% war. King Haral% ne7er fle% from battle& but often trie% cunning ways to esca'e when he ha% to %o with great su'eriority of forces. )ll the men who followe% King Haral% in battle or skirmish sai% that when he stoo% in great %anger& or anything came su%%enly u'on him& he always took that course which all afterwar%s saw ga7e the best ho'e of a fortunate issue. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# <t is a singular 'hysical circumstance& that in almost all the swor%s of those ages to be foun% in the collection of wea'ons in the )ntiFuarian .useum at Co'enhagen& the han%les in%icate a siEe of han% 7ery much smaller than the han%s of mo%ern 'eo'le of any class or rank. No mo%ern %an%y& with the most %elicate han%s& woul% fin% room for his han% to gras' or wiel% with case some of the swor%s of these Northmen. -.

19". K<N; H)2)-* )N* K<N; $-)? C$.1)23*. =hen Hal%or& a son of +rynBolf @lfal%e the $l%& who was a sensible man an% a great chief& hear% 'eo'le talk of how unlike the brothers Saint $laf an% King Haral% were in %is'osition& he use% to say& 6< was in great frien%shi' with both the brothers& an% < knew intimately the %is'ositions of both& an% ne7er %i% < know two men more like in %is'osition. +oth were of the highest un%erstan%ing& an% bol% in arms& an% gree%y of 'ower an% 'ro'ertyA of great courage& but not acFuainte% with the way of winning the fa7our of the 'eo'leA Eealous in go7erning& an% se7ere in their re7enge. King $laf force% the 'eo'le into Christianity an% goo% customs& an% 'unishe% cruelly those who %isobeye%. This Bust an% rightful se7erity the chiefs of the country coul% not bear& but raise% an army against him& an% kille% him in his own king%omA an% therefore he is hel% to be a saint. King Haral%& again& marau%e% to obtain glory an% 'ower& force% all the 'eo'le he coul% un%er his 'ower& an% %ie% in another king4s %ominions. +oth brothers& in %aily life& were of a worthy an% consi%erate manner of li7ingA they were of great

eD'erience& an% 7ery laborious& an% were known an% celebrate% far an% wi%e for these Fualities.6

19(. K<N; .);N@S4S *3)TH. King .agnus Haral%son rule% o7er Norway the first winter after King Haral%4s %eath ().*. 19/7#& an% afterwar%s two years ().*. 19/8 19/9# along with his brother& King $laf. Thus there were two kings of Norway at that timeA an% .agnus ha% the northern an% $laf the eastern 'art of the country. King .agnus ha% a son calle% Hakon& who was fostere% by Thorer of Steig in ;u%bran%s%al& who was a brother of King .agnus by the mother4s si%eA an% Hakon was a most agreeable man. )fter King Haral% Sigur%son4s %eath the *anish king S7ein let it be known that the 'eace between the Northmen an% the *anes was at an en%& an% insiste% that the league between Haral% an% S7ein was not for longer time than their li7es. There was a le7y in both king%oms. Haral%4s sons calle% out the whole 'eo'le in Norway for 'rocuring men an% shi's& an% S7ein set out from the south with the *anish army. .essengers then went between with 'ro'osals for a 'eaceA an% the Northmen sai% they woul% either ha7e the same league as was conclu%e% between King Haral% an% S7ein& or otherwise gi7e battle instantly on the s'ot. >erses were ma%e on this occasion& 7iE.5 62ea%y for war or 'eace& King $laf will not cease ?rom foeman4s han% To guar% his lan%.6 So says also Stein Her%ison in his song of $laf5 6?rom Thron%hBem town& where in re'ose The holy king %efies his foes& )nother $laf will %efen% His king%om from the gree%y S7ein. King $laf ha% both 'ower an% right& )n% the Saint4s fa7our in the fight. The Saint will ne4er his kin forsake& )n% let S7ein @lfson Norway take.6 <n this manner frien%shi' was conclu%e% between the kings an% 'eace between the countries. King .agnus fell ill an% %ie% of the ringworm %isease& after being ill for some time. He %ie% an% was burie% at Ni%aros. He was an amiable king an% bewaile% by the 'eo'le.

S);) $? $-)? KC223. 123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS.

Snorri4s account of $laf Kyrre corres'on%s with the statements foun% in 6)gri'6& 6?agrskinna6& an% 6.orkinskinna6. There are but few e7ents in $laf4s long reign& an% hence he is 7ery a''ro'riately calle% the Huiet (Kyrre#. )s Hil%ebran% says& this saga seems to be written sim'ly to fill out the em'ty s'ace between Haral% Har%ra%e an% .agnus +arefoot. Skal%s Fuote% in this saga are5 Stein Her%ison an% Stuf.

1. $-)?4S 132S$N)- )113)2)NC3. $laf remaine% sole king of Norway after the %eath ().*. 19/9# of his brother King .agnus. $laf was a stout man& well grown in limbsA an% e7ery one sai% a han%somer man coul% not be seen& nor of a nobler a''earance. His hair was yellow as silk& an% became him wellA his skin was white an% fine o7er all his bo%yA his eyes beautiful& an% his limbs well 'ro'ortione%. He was rather silent in general& an% %i% not s'eak much e7en at ThingsA but he was merry in %rinking 'arties. He lo7e% %rinking much& an% was talkati7e enough thenA but Fuite 'eaceful. He was cheerful in con7ersation& 'eacefully incline% %uring all his reign& an% lo7ing gentleness an% mo%eration in all things. Stein Her%ison s'eaks thus of him5 6$ur Thron%hBem king is bra7e an% wise& His lo7e of 'eace our bon%es 'riEeA +y frien%ly wor% an% rea%y han% He hol%s goo% 'eace through e7ery lan%. He is for all a lucky starA 3nglan% he frightens from a warA The stiff necke% *anes he %ri7es to 'eaceA Troubles by his goo% influence cease.6

!. $? K<N; $-)?4S .)NN32 $? -<><N;. <t was the fashion in Norway in ol% times for the king4s high seat to be on the mi%%le of a long bench& an% the ale was han%e% across the fire (1#A but King $laf ha% his high seat ma%e on a high bench across the roomA he also first ha% chimney 'laces in the rooms& an% the floors strewe% both summer an% winter. <n King $laf4s time many merchant towns arose in Norway& an% many new ones were foun%e%. Thus King $laf foun%e% a merchant town at +ergen& where 7ery soon many wealthy 'eo'le settle% themsel7es& an% it was regularly freFuente% by merchants from foreign lan%s. He ha% the foun%ations lai% for the large Christ church& which was to be a stone churchA but in his time there was little %one to it. +esi%es& he com'lete% the ol% Christ church& which was of woo%. King $laf also ha% a great feasting house built in Ni%aros& an% in many other merchant towns& where before there were only 'ri7ate feastsA an% in his time no one coul% %rink in Norway but in these houses& a%orne% for the 'ur'ose with branches an% lea7es& an% which stoo% un%er the king4s 'rotection. The

great guil% bell in Thron%hBem& which was calle% the 'ri%e of the town& tolle% to call together to these guil%s. The guil% brethren built .argaret4s church in Ni%aros of stone. <n King $laf4s time there were general entertainments an% han% in han% feasts. )t this time also much unusual s'len%our an% foreign customs an% fashions in the cut of clothes were intro%uce%A as& for instance& costly hose 'laite% about the legs. Some ha% gol% rings about the legs& an% also use% coats which ha% lists %own the si%es& an% arms fi7e ells long& an% so narrow that they must be %rawn u' with ties& an% lay in fol%s all the way u' to the shoul%ers. The shoes were high& an% all e%ge% with silk& or e7en with gol%. .any other kin%s of won%erful ornaments were use% at that time. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# =e may un%erstan% the arrangement by su''osing the fire in the mi%%le of the room& the smoke esca'ing by a hole in the roof& an% a long bench on each si%e of the fireA one bench occu'ie% by the high seat of the king an% great guests& the other by the rest of the guestsA an% the cu' han%e% across the fire& which a''ears to ha7e ha% a religious meaning 're7ious to the intro%uction of Christianity. -.

:. ?)SH<$N $? K<N; $-)?4S C$@2T. King $laf use% the fashion& which was intro%uce% from the courts of foreign kings& of letting his gran% butler stan% at the en% of the table& an% fill the table cu's for himself an% the other %istinguishe% guests who sat at the table. He ha% also torch bearers& who hel% as many can%les at the table as there were guests of %istinction 'resent. There was also a marshal4s bench outsi%e of the table circle& where the marshal an% other 'ersons of %istinction sat with their faces towar%s the high seat. King Haral%& an% the kings before him& use% to %rink out of %eer hornA an% the ale was han%e% from the high seat to the othersi%e o7er the fire& an% he %rank to the memory of any one he thought of. So says Stuf the skal%5 6He who in battle is the first& )n% now in 'eace is best to trust& ) welcome& hearty an% sincere& ;a7e to me on my coming here. He whom the ra7ens watch with care& He who the gol% rings %oes not s'are& ) gol%en horn full to the brink ;a7e me himself at Haug to %rink.6

". )22)N;3.3NT $? K<N; $-)?4S C$@2T. King $laf ha% 1!9 courtmen at arms& an% /9 'ursui7ants& besi%es /9 house ser7ants& who 'ro7i%e% what was wante% for the king4s house where7er it might be& or %i% other work reFuire% for the

king. =hen the bon%es aske% why he ke't a greater retinue than the law allowe%& or former kings ke't when they went in guest Fuarters or feasts which the bon%es ha% to 'ro7i%e for them& the king answere%& 6<t %oes not ha''en that < rule the king%om better& or 'ro%uce greater res'ect for me than ye ha% for my father& although < ha7e one half more 'eo'le than he ha%. < %o not by any means %o it merely to 'lague you& or to make your con%ition har%er than formerly.6

(. K<N; S>3<N @-?S$N4S *3)TH. King S7ein @lfson %ie% ten years after the fall of both the Haral%s ().*. 197/#. )fter him his son& Haral% Hein& was king for three years ().*. 1977 1989#A then Canute the Holy for se7en years ().*. 1981 1987#A afterwar%s $laf& King S7ein4s thir% son& for eight years ().*. 1988 199(#. Then 3irik the ;oo%& S7ein4s fourth son& for eight winters ().*. 199/ 119:#. $laf& the king of Norway& was marrie% to <ngeri%& a %aughter of S7ein& the *anish kingA an% $laf& the *anish King S7ein4s son& marrie% <ngeger%& a %aughter of King Haral%& an% sister of King $laf of Norway. King $laf Haral%son& who was calle% by some $laf Kyrre& but by many $laf the +on%e& ha% a son by Thora& Goan4s %aughter& who was calle% .agnus& an% was one of the han%somest la%s that coul% be seen& an% was 'romising in e7ery res'ect. He was brought u' in the king4s court.

/. .<2)C-3S $? K<N; $-)? TH3 S)<NT. King $laf ha% a church of stone built in Ni%aros& on the s'ot where King $laf4s bo%y ha% first been burie%& an% the altar was 'lace% %irectly o7er the s'ot where the king4s gra7e ha% been. This church was consecrate% an% calle% Christ ChurchA an% King $laf4s shrine was remo7e% to it& an% was 'lace% before the altar& an% many miracles took 'lace there. The following summer& on the same %ay of the year as the church was consecrate%& which was the %ay before $lafsmas& there was a great assemblage of 'eo'le& an% then a blin% man was restore% to sight. )n% on the mass %ay itself& when the shrine an% the holy relics were taken out an% carrie%& an% the shrine itself& accor%ing to custom& was taken an% set %own in the churchyar%& a man who ha% long been %umb reco7ere% his s'eech again& an% sang with flowing tongue 'raise hymns to ;o%& an% to the honour of King $laf the Saint. The thir% miracle was of a woman who ha% come from S7ithBo%& an% ha% suffere% much %istress on this 'ilgrimage from her blin%nessA but trusting in ;o%4s mercy& ha% come tra7elling to this solemnity. She was le% blin% into the church to hear mass this %ayA but before the ser7ice was en%e% she saw with both eyes& an% got her sight fully an% clearly& although she ha% been blin% fourteen years. She returne% with great Boy& 'raising ;o% an% King $laf the Saint.

7. $? TH3 SH2<N3 $? K<N; $-)? TH3 S)<NT. There ha''ene% a circumstance in Ni%aros& when King $laf4s coffin was being carrie% about through the streets& that it became so hea7y that 'eo'le coul% not lift it from the s'ot. Now when the coffin was set %own& the street was broken u' to see what was un%er it at that s'ot& an% the bo%y of a chil% was foun% which ha% been mur%ere% an% conceale% there. The bo%y was carrie% away& the street 'ut in or%er again as it ha% been before& an% the shrine carrie% on accor%ing to custom.

8. K<N; $-)? =)S +-3SS3* =<TH 13)C3. <n the %ays of King $1af there were bountiful har7ests in Norway an% many goo% things. <n no man4s life ha% times been so goo% in Norway since the %ays of Haral% Harfager. King $1af mo%ifie% for the better many a matter that his father ha% inaugurate% an% maintaine% with se7erity. He was generous& but a strict ruler& for he was a wise man& an% well un%erstoo% what was of a%7antage to the king%om. There are many stories of his goo% works. How much he lo7e% an% how kin% he was to the 'eo'le may be seen from the following wor%s& which he once s'oke at a large banFuet. He was ha''y an% in the best of s'irits& when one of his men sai%& 6<t 'leases us& sire& to see you so ha''y.6 He answere%5 6< ha7e reason to be gla% when < see my subBects sitting ha''y an% free in a guil% consecrate% to my uncle& the sainte% King $laf. <n the %ays of my father these 'eo'le were subBecte% to much terror an% fearA the most of them conceale% their gol% an% their 'recious things& but now < see glittering on his 'erson what each one owns& an% your free%om is my gla%ness. <n his reign there was no strife& an% he 'rotecte% himself an% his realm against enemies abroa%A an% his nearest neighbours stoo% in great awe of him& although he was a most gentle man& as is confirme% by the skal%.

9. .33T<N; $? $-)? KC223 )N* C)N@T3 TH3 S)<NT. King $laf Kyrre was a great frien% of his brother in law& the *anish king& Canute the holy. They a''ointe% a meeting an% met at the ;aut ri7er at Konungahella& where the kings use% to ha7e their meetings. There King Canute ma%e the 'ro'osal that they shoul% sen% an army westwar% to 3nglan% on account of the re7enge they ha% to take thereA first an% foremost King $laf himself& an% also the *anish king. 6*o one of two things&6 sai% King Canute& 6either take siDty shi's& which < will furnish thee with& an% be thou the lea%erA or gi7e me siDty shi's& an% < shall be the lea%er.6 Then sai% King $laf& 6This s'eech of thine& King Canute& is altogether accor%ing to my min%A but there is this great %ifference between usA your family has ha% more luck in conFuering 3nglan% with great glory& an%& among others& King Canute the ;reatA an% it is likely that this goo% fortune follows your race. $n the other han%& when King Haral%& my father& went westwar% to 3nglan%& he got his %eath thereA an% at that time the

best men in Norway followe% him. +ut Norway was so em'tie% then of chosen men& that such men ha7e not since been to fin% in the countryA for that eD'e%ition there was the most eDcellent outfit& an% you know what was the en% of it. Now < know my own ca'acity& an% how little < am suite% to be the lea%erA so < woul% rather you shoul% go& with my hel' an% assistance.6 So King $laf ga7e Canute siDty large shi's& with eDcellent eFui'ment an% faithful men& an% set his len%ermen as chiefs o7er themA an% all must allow that this armament was a%mirably eFui't. <t is also tol% in the saga about Canute& that the Northmen alone %i% not break the le7y when the army was assemble%& but the *anes woul% not obey their king4s or%ers. This king Canute acknowle%ge%& an% ga7e them lea7e to tra%e in merchan%ise where they 'lease% through his country& an% at the same time sent the king of Norway costly 'resents for his assistance. $n the other han% he was enrage% against the *anes& an% lai% hea7y fines u'on them.

19. ) +$N*3 =H$ @N*32ST$$* TH3 -)N;@);3 $? +<2*S. $ne summer& when King $laf4s men ha% gone roun% the country collecting his income an% lan% %ues& it ha''ene% that the king& on their return home aske% them where on their eD'e%ition they ha% been best entertaine%. They sai% it was in the house of a bon%e in one of the king4s %istricts. 6There is an ol% bon%e there who knows many things before they ha''en. =e aske% him about many things& which he eD'laine% to usA nay& we e7en belie7e that he un%erstan%s 'erfectly the language of bir%s.6 The king re'lies& 6How can ye belie7e such nonsenseL6 an% insiste% that it was wrong to 'ut confi%ence in such things. <t ha''ene% soon after that the king was sailing along the coastA an% as they saile% through a Soun% the king sai%& 6=hat is that townshi' u' in the countryL6 They re'lie%& 6That is the %istrict& sire& where we tol% you we were best entertaine%.6 Then sai% the king& 6=hat house is that which stan%s u' there& not far from the Soun%L6 They re'lie%& 6That house belongs to the wise ol% bon%e we tol% you of& sire.6 They saw now a horse stan%ing close to the house. Then sai% the king& 6;o there& an% take that horse& an% kill him.6 They re'lie%& 6=e woul% not like to %o him such harm.6 The king5 6< will comman%. Cut off the horse4s hea%A but take care of yoursel7es that ye let no bloo% come to the groun%& an% bear the horse out to my shi'. ;o then an% bring to me the ol% manA but tell him nothing of what has ha''ene%& as ye shall answer for it with your li7es.6

They %i% as they were or%ere%& an% then came to the ol% man& an% tol% him the king4s message. =hen he came before the king& the king aske% him& 6=ho owns the house thou art %welling inL6 He re'lies& 6Sire& you own it& an% take rent for it.6 The king5 6Show us the way roun% the ness& for here thou must be a goo% 'ilot.6 The ol% man went into his boat an% rowe% before the king4s shi'A an% when he ha% rowe% a little way a crow came flying o7er the shi'& an% croaking hi%eously. The 'easant listens to the crow. The king sai%& 6*o you think& bon%e& that betokens anythingL6 6Sire& that is certain&6 sai% he. Then another crow flies o7er the shi'& an% screeches %rea%fully. The bon%e was so ill hearing this that he coul% not row& an% the oars hung loose in his han%s. Then sai% the king& 6Thy min% is turne% much to these crows& bon%e& an% to what they say.6 The bon%e re'lies& 6Now < sus'ect it is true what they say.6 The thir% time the crow came flying screeching at its 7ery worst& an% almost settling on the shi'. Now the bon%e threw %own his oars& regar%e% them no more& an% stoo% u' before the king. Then the king sai%& 6Thou art taking this much to heart& bon%eA what is it they sayL6 The 'easant misun%erstoo% 6<t is likely that either they or < ha7e 6

6Say on&6 re'lie% the king. The bon%e re'lie% in a song5 6The Ione year ol%4 .ere nonsense tol%A The Itwo years4 chatter Seeme% senseless matterA The three years4 croak $f won%ers s'oke. The foul bir% sai% .y ol% mare4s hea% < row alongA )n%& in her song& She sai% the thief =as the lan%4s chief.6 The king sai%& 6=hat is this& bon%eK =ilt thou call me a thiefL6

Then the king ga7e him goo% 'resents& an% remitte% all the lan% rent of the 'lace he li7e% on. So says Stein5

6The 'illar of our royal race Stan%s forth a%orne% with e7ery grace. =hat king before e4er took such 'ri%e To scatter bounty far an% wi%eL Hung roun% with shiel%s that gleam afarA The merchant shi' on one bestows& =ith 'ainte% streaks in glowing rows. 6The man at arms a gol%en ring +oasts as the 'resent of his kingA )t the king4s table sits the guest& +y the king4s bounty richly %rest. King $laf& Norway4s royal son& =ho from the 3nglish glory won& 1ours out with rea%y gi7ing han% His wealth on chil%ren of the lan%. 6+ra7e clothes to ser7ants he awar%s& Helms an% ring mail coats grace his guar%sA $r aDe an% swor% Har4s warriors gain& )n% hea7y armour for the 'lain. ;ol%& too& for ser7ice %uly 'ai%& 2e% gol% all 'ure& an% %uly weighe%& King $laf gi7es be lo7es to 'ay )ll ser7ice in a royal way.6

11. $? K<N; $-)? KC2234S *3)TH. King $laf li7e% 'rinci'ally in his %omains on his large farms. $nce when he was east in 2anrike& on his estate of Haukby& he took the %isease which en%e% in his %eath. He ha% then been king of Norway for twenty siD years ().*. 19/8 199:#A for he was ma%e king of Norway the year after King Haral%4s %eath. King $laf4s bo%y was taken north to Ni%aros& an% burie% in Christ church& which he himself ha% built there. He was the most amiable king of his time& an% Norway was much im'ro7e% in riches an% culti7ation %uring his reign.

.);N@S +)23?$$T4S S);). 123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS. The greater 'art of the contents of this saga is also foun% in 6)gri'6& 6?agrskinna6& an% 6.orkinskinna6. .agnus an% his cousin Hakon became kings in 199:& but Hakon rule% only two years an% %ie% in 199(. King .agnus fell in the year 119:. Skal%s Fuote% are5 +Born Kre'hen%e& Thorkel Hamarskal%& an% 3l%Barn.

1. +3;<NN<N; $? TH3 23<;N $? K<N; .);N@S )N* H<S C$@S<N H)K$N. .agnus& King $laf4s son& was& imme%iately after King $laf4s %eath& 'roclaime% at >iken king of all NorwayA but the @'lan% 'eo'le& on hearing of King $laf4s %eath& chose Hakon& Thorer4s foster son& a cousin of King .agnus& as king. Thereu'on Hakon an% Thorer went north to the Thron%hBem country& an% when they came to Ni%aros they summone% the 3yrathingA an% at that Thing Hakon %esire% the bon%es to gi7e him the kingly title& which was agree% to& an% the Thron%hBem 'eo'le 'roclaime% him king of half of Norway& as his father& King .agnus& ha% been before. Hakon relie7e% the Thron%hBem 'eo'le of all harbour %uties& an% ga7e them many other 'ri7ileges. He %i% away with Cule gifts& an% gaine% by this the goo% will of all the Thron%hBem 'eo'le. Thereafter Hakon forme% a court& an% then 'rocee%e% to the @'lan%s& where he ga7e the @'lan% 'eo'le the same 'ri7ileges as the Thron%hBem 'eo'leA so that they also were 'erfectly well affecte% to him& an% were his frien%s. The 'eo'le in Thron%hBem sang this balla% about him5 6Coung Hakon was the Norseman4s 'ri%e& )n% Steig Thorer was on his si%e. Coung Hakon from the @'lan% came& =ith royal birth& an% bloo%& an% name. Coung Hakon from the king %eman%s His royal birthright& half the lan%sA .agnus will not the king%om break& The whole or nothing he will take.6

!. H)K$N4S *3)TH. King .agnus 'rocee%e% north to the merchant town (Ni%aros#& an% on his arri7al went straight to the king4s house& an% there took u' his abo%e. He remaine% here the first 'art of the winter ().*. 199"#& an% ke't se7en longshi's in the o'en water of the ri7er Ni%& abreast of the king4s house. Now when King Hakon hear% that King .agnus was come to Thron%hBem& he came from the 3ast o7er the *o7refiel%& an% thence %own from Thron%hBem to the merchant town& where he took u' his abo%e in the house of Skule& o''osite to Clement4s church& which ha% formerly been the king4s house. King .agnus was ill 'lease% with the great gifts which Hakon ha% gi7en to the bon%es to gain their fa7our& an% thought it was so much gi7en out of his own 'ro'erty. This irritate% his min%A an% he thought he ha% suffere% inBustice from his relati7e in this res'ect& that he must now 'ut u' with less income than his father an% his 're%ecessors before him ha% enBoye%A an% he ga7e Thorer the blame. =hen King Hakon an% Thorer obser7e% this& they were alarme% for what .agnus might %oA an% they thought it sus'icious that .agnus ke't long shi's afloat rigge% out& an% with tents. The following s'ring& after Can%lemas& King .agnus left the town in the night with his shi'sA the tents u'& an% lights burning in the tents. They brought u' at Hefring& remaine% there all night& an% kin%le% a fire on the lan%. Then

Hakon an% the men in the town thought some treachery was on foot& an% he let the trum'ets call all the men together out on the 3yrar& where the whole 'eo'le of the town came to him& an% the 'eo'le were gathering together the whole night. =hen it was light in the morning& King .agnus saw the 'eo'le from all %istricts gathere% together on the 3yrarA an% he saile% out of the fBor%& an% 'rocee%e% south to where the ;ulathing is hel%. Hakon thanke% the 'eo'le for their su''ort which they ha% gi7en him& an% got rea%y to tra7el east to >iken. +ut he first hel% a meeting in the town& where& in a s'eech& he aske% the 'eo'le for their frien%shi'& 'romising them hisA an% a%%e%& that he ha% some sus'icions of his relation& King .agnus4s intentions. Then King Hakon mounte% his horse& an% was rea%y to tra7el. )ll men 'romise% him their goo% will an% su''ort whene7er he reFuire% them& an% the 'eo'le followe% him out to the foot of SteinbBorg. ?rom thence King Hakon 'rocee%e% u' the *o7refiel%A but as he was going o7er the mountains he ro%e all %ay after a 'tarmigan& which flew u' besi%e him& an% in this chase a sickness o7erfell him& which en%e% in his %eathA an% he %ie% on the mountains. His bo%y was carrie% north& an% came to the merchant town Bust half a month after he left it. The whole towns'eo'le went to meet the bo%y& sorrowing& an% the most of them wee'ingA for all 'eo'le lo7e% him with sincere affection. King Hakon4s bo%y was interre% in Christ church& an% Hakon an% .agnus ha% rule% the country for two years. Hakon was a man full twenty fi7e years ol%& an% was one of the chiefs the most belo7e% by all the 'eo'le. He ha% ma%e a Bourney to +Barmalan%& where he ha% gi7en battle an% gaine% a 7ictory.

:. $? ) ?$2)C <N H)--)N*. King .agnus saile% in winter ().*. 199(# eastwar% to >ikenA but when s'ring a''roache% he went southwar%s to Hallan%& an% 'lun%ere% far an% wi%e. He lai% waste >iskar%al an% many other %istricts& an% returne% with a great booty back to his own king%om. So says +Born Kre'hen%e in his song on .agnus5 6Through Hallan% wi%e aroun% The clang an% shriek resoun%A The houses burn& The 'eo'le mourn& Through Hallan% wi%e aroun%. The Norse king stri%es in flame& Through >iskar%al he cameA The fire swee's& The wi%ow wee's& The Norse king stri%es in flame.6 Here it is tol% that King .agnus ma%e the greatest %e7astation through Hallan%.

". $? TH$232 $? ST3<;.

6There was a man calle% S7ein& a son of Haral% ?ietter. He was a *anish man by family& a great 7iking an% cham'ion& an% a 7ery cle7er man& an% of high birth in his own country. He ha% been some time with King Hakon .agnuson& an% was 7ery %ear to himA but after King Hakon4s %ecease Thorer of Steig& his foster father& ha% no great confi%ence in any treaty or frien%shi' with King .agnus& if the whole country came into his 'ower& on account of the 'osition in which Thorer ha% stoo% to King .agnus& an% the o''osition he ha% ma%e to him. Thereu'on Thorer an% S7ein took counsel with each other& which they afterwar%s carrie% into effect& to raise& with Thorer4s assistance& an% his men& a troo' against .agnus. +ut as Thorer was ol% an% hea7y& S7ein took the comman%& an% name of lea%er of the troo'. <n this %esign se7eral chiefs took 'art& among whom the 'rinci'al was 3gil )slakson of )urlan%. 3gil was a len%erman& an% marrie% to <ngebBorg& a %aughter of $gmun% Thorbergson& a sister of Sko'te of ;iske. The rich an% 'owerful man& SkBalg 3rlingson& also Boine% their 'arty. Thorkel Hamarskal% s'eaks of this in his balla% of .agnus5 6Thorer an% 3gil were not wise& They aime% too high to win a 'riEe5 There was no reason in their 'lan& )n% it hurt many a u%alman. The stone& too great for them to throw& ?ell back& an% hurt them with the blow& )n% now the u%almen must rue That to their frien%s they were so true.6 Thorer an% S7ein collecte% a troo' in the @'lan%s& an% went %own through 2aums%al into Sunmore& an% there collecte% 7essels& with which they afterwar%s saile% north to Thron%hBem.

(. $? TH$2324S )*>3NT@23S. The len%erman Sigur% @lstreng& a son of -o%in >iggiarskalle& collecte% men by sen%ing roun% the war token& as soon as he hear% of Thorer an% the troo' which followe% him& an% ha% a ren%eE7ous with all the men he coul% raise at >iggia. S7ein an% Thorer also met there with their 'eo'le& fought with Sigur%& an% gaine% the 7ictory after gi7ing him a great %efeatA an% Sigur% fle%& an% Boine% King .agnus. Thorer an% his followers 'rocee%e% to the town (Ni%aros#& an% remaine% there some time in the fBor%& where many 'eo'le Boine% them. King .agnus hearing this news imme%iately collecte% an army& an% 'rocee%e% north to Thron%hBem. )n% when he came into the fBor% Thorer an% his 'arty hear% of it while they lay at Herring& an% they were rea%y to lea7e the fBor%A an% they rowe% their shi's to the stran% at >agn7ik& an% left them& an% came into Theks%al in Seliuh7erfe& an% Thorer was carrie% in a litter o7er the mountains. Then they got hol% of shi's an% saile% north to Halogalan%. )s soon as King .agnus was rea%y for sea& he saile% from Thron%hBem in 'ursuit of them. Thorer an% his 'arty went north all the way to +BarkeyA an% Gon& with his son >i%kun& fle% from thence. Thorer an% his men robbe% all the mo7able goo%s& an% burnt the house& an% a goo% long shi'

that belonge% to >i%kun. =hile the hull was burning the 7essel keele% to one si%e& an% Thorer calle% out& 6Har% to starboar%& >i%kunK6 Some 7erses were ma%e about this burning in +Barkey5 6The sweetest farm that < ha7e seen Stoo% on +Barkey4s islan% greenA )n% now& where once this farmhouse stoo%& ?ire crackles through a 'ile of woo%A )n% the clear re% flame& burning high& ?lashes across the %ark night sky. Gon an% >i%kun& this %ark night& =ill not be wan%ering without light.6

/. *3)TH $? TH$232 )N* 3;<-. Gon an% >i%kun tra7elle% %ay an% night till they met King .agnus. S7ein an% Thorer 'rocee%e% northwar%s with their men& an% 'lun%ere% far an% wi%e in Halogalan%. +ut while they lay in a fBor% calle% Harm& Thorer an% his 'arty saw King .agnus coming un%er sail towar%s themA an% thinking they ha% not men enough to fight him& they rowe% away an% fle%. Thorer an% 3gil brought u' at HesButunA but S7ein rowe% out to sea& an% some of their 'eo'le rowe% into the fBor%s. King .agnus 'ursue% Thorer& an% the 7essels struck together while they were lan%ing. Thorer stoo% in the forecastle of his shi'& an% Sigur% @lstreng calle% out to him& an% aske%& 6)rt thou well& ThorerL6 Thorer re'lie%& 6< am well in han%s& but ill on my feet.6 Then all Thorer4s men fle% u' the country& an% Thorer was taken 'risoner. 3gil was also taken 'risoner& for he woul% not lea7e his wife. King .agnus then or%ere% both of them to be taken out to >ambarholmA an% when they were lea%ing Thorer from the shi' he tottere% on his legs. Then >i%kun calle% out& 6.ore to the larboar%& ThorerK6 =hen he was being le% to the gallows he sang5 6=e were four comra%es gay& -et one by the helm stay.6 =hen he came to the gallows he sai%& 6+a% counsel comes to a ba% en%.6 Then Thorer was hange%A but when he was hoiste% u' the gallows tree he was so hea7y that his neck ga7e way& an% the bo%y fell %own to the groun%A for Thorer was a man eDcee%ingly stout& both high of stature an% thick. 3gil was also le% to the gallows& an% when the king4s thralls were about hanging him he sai%& 6Ce shoul% not hang me& for in truth each of you %eser7es much more to be hange%.6 1eo'le sang these 7erses about it5 6< hear& my girl& that 3gil sai%& =hen to the gallows he was le%& That the king4s thralls far more than he *eser7e% to hang on gallows tree. <t might be soA but& %eath in 7iew& ) man shoul% to himself be true& 3n% a stout life by %eath as stout&

Showing no fearA or care& or %oubt.6 King .agnus sat near while they were being hange%& an% was in such a rage that none of his men was so bol% as to ask mercy for them. The king sai%& when 3gil was s'inning at the gallows& 6Thy great frien%s hel' thee but 'oorly in time of nee%.6 ?rom this 'eo'le su''ose% that the king only wante% to ha7e been entreate% to ha7e s'are% 3gil4s life. +Born Kre'hen%e s'eaks of these things5 6King .agnus in the robbers4 gore *ye% re% his swor%A an% roun% the shore The wol7es howle% out their wil% %elight& )t cor'ses swinging in their sight. Ha7e ye not hear% how the king4s swor% 1unishe% the traitors to their lor%L How the king4s thralls hung on the gallows $l% Thorer an% his traitor fellowsL6

7. $? TH3 1@N<SH.3NT $? TH3 TH2$N*HG3. 13$1-3. )fter this King .agnus saile% south to Thron%hBem& an% brought u' in the fBor%& an% 'unishe% se7erely all who ha% been guilty of treason towar%s himA killing some& an% burning the houses of others. So says +Born Kre'hen%e5 6He who %es'ises fence of shiel%s *ro7e terror through the Thron%hBem fiel%s& =hen all the lan% through which he came =as swimming in a floo% of flame. The ra7en fee%er& will < know& Cut off two chieftans at a blowA The wolf coul% scarcely ra7enous be& The ernes flew roun% the gallows tree.6 S7ein Haral% ?letter4s son& fle% out to sea first& an% saile% then to *enmark& an% remaine% thereA an% at last came into great fa7our with King 3ystein& the son of King .agnus& who took so great a liking to S7ein that he ma%e him his %ish bearer& an% hel% him in great res'ect. King .agnus ha% now alone the whole king%om& an% he ke't goo% 'eace in the lan%& an% roote% out all 7ikings an% lawless men. He was a man Fuick& warlike& an% able& an% more like in all things to his gran%father& King Haral%& in %is'osition an% talents than to his father.

8. $? TH3 +$N*3 S>3<NK3& )N* S<;@2* @-ST23N;. There was a man calle% S7einke Steinarson& who was 7ery wealthy& an% %welt in >iken at the ;aut ri7er. He ha% brought u' Hakon .agnuson before Thorer of Steig took him. S7einke ha% not yet submitte% to King .agnus. King .agnus or%ere% Sigur% @lstreng to be calle%& an% tol% him he woul% sen% him to S7einke with the comman% that he shoul% Fuit the king4s lan% an% %omain. 6He has

not yet submitte% to us& or shown us %ue honour.6 He a%%e%& that there were some len%ermen east in >iken& namely S7ein +ryggBufot& *ag 3ilifson& an% KolbBorn Klakke& who coul% bring this matter into right bearing. Then Sigur% sai%& 6< %i% not know there was the man in Norway against whom three len%ermen besi%es myself were nee%ful.6 The king re'lie%& 6Thou nee%st not take this hel'& unless it be necessary.6 Now Sigur% ma%e himself rea%y for the Bourney with a shi'& saile% east to >iken& an% there summone% the len%ermen to him. Then a Thing was a''ointe% to >iken& to which the 'eo'le were calle% who %welt on the ;aut ri7er& besi%es othersA so that it was a numerous assembly. =hen the Thing was forme% they ha% to wait for S7einke. They soon after saw a troo' of men coming along& so well furnishe% with wea'ons that they looke% like 'ieces of shining iceA an% now came S7einke an% his 'eo'le to the Thing& an% set themsel7es %own in a circle. )ll were cla% in iron& with glowing arms& an% (99 in number. Then Sigur% stoo% u'& an% s'oke. 6.y master& King .agnus& sen%s ;o%4s salutation an% his own to all frien%s& len%ermen an% others& his subBects in the king%omA also to the 'owerful bon%es& an% the 'eo'le in general& with kin% wor%s an% offers of frien%shi'A an% to all who will obey him he offers his frien%shi' an% goo% will. Now the king will& with all cheerfulness an% 'eace& show himself a gracious master to all who will submit to him& an% to all in his %ominions. He will be the lea%er an% %efen%er of all the men of NorwayA an% it will be goo% for you to acce't his gracious s'eech& an% this offer.6 Then stoo% u' a man in the troo' of the 3lfgrims& who was of great stature an% grim countenance& cla% in a leather cloak& with a halber% on his shoul%er& an% a great steel hat u'on his hea%. He looke% sternly& an% sai%& 6Here is no nee% of wheels& says the foD& when he %raws the tra' o7er the ice.6 He sai% nothing more& but sat %own again. Soon after Sigur% @lstreng stoo% u' again& an% s'oke thus5 6+ut little concern or hel' ha7e we for the king4s affairs from you& 3lfgrims& an% but little frien%shi'A yet by such means e7ery man shows how much he res'ects himself. +ut now < shall 'ro%uce more clearly the king4s erran%.6 Thereu'on he %eman%e% lan% %ues an% le7y %ues& together with all other rights of the king& from the great bon%es. He ba%e each of them to consi%er with himself how they ha% con%ucte% themsel7es in these mattersA an% that they shoul% now 'romote their own honour& an% %o the king Bustice& if they ha% come short hitherto in %oing so. )n% then he sat %own. Then the same man got u' in the troo' of 3lfgrims who ha% s'oken before& lifte% his hat a little u'& an% sai%& 6The la%s run well& say the -a'lan%ers& who ha7e skates for nothing.6 Then he sat himself %own again. Soon after Sigur% arose& after s'eaking with the len%ermen& an% sai% that so weighty a message as the king4s ought not to be treate% lightly as a Best. He was now somewhat angryA an% a%%e%& that they ought not to recei7e the king4s message an% erran% so scornfully& for it was not %ecent. He was %resse% in a re% or scarlet coat& an% ha% a blue coat o7er it. He cast off his u''er coat an% sai%& 6Now it is come so far that e7ery one must look to

himself& an% not loiter an% Best with othersA for by so %oing e7ery man will show what he is. =e %o not reFuire now to be taught by othersA for now we can see oursel7es how much we are regar%e%. +ut this may be borne withA but not that ye treat so scornfully the king4s message. Thereby e7ery one shows how highly he consi%ers himself. There is one man calle% S7einke Steinarson& who li7es east at the ;aut ri7erA an% from him the king will ha7e his Bust lan% %ues& together with his own lan%& or will banish him from the country. <t is of no use here to seek eDcuses& or to answer with shar' wor%sA for 'eo'le are to be foun% who are his eFuals in 'ower& although he now recei7es our s'eech so unworthilyA an% it is better now than afterwar%s to return to the right way& an% %o himself honour& rather than await %isgrace for his obstinancy.6 He then sat %own. S7einke then got u'& threw back his steel hat& an% ga7e Sigur% many scornful wor%s& an% sai%& 6TutK tutK 4tis a shame for the %ogs& says the 'ro7erb& when the foD is allowe% to cast their eDcrements in the 'easant4s well. Here will be a miracleK Thou useless fellowK with a coat without arms& an% a kirtle with skirts& wilt thou %ri7e me out of the countryL Thy relation& Sigur% =oolsack& was sent before on this erran%& an% one calle% ;ille the +ackthief& an% one who ha% still a worse name. They were a night in e7ery house& an% stole where7er they came. =ilt thou %ri7e me out of the countryL ?ormerly thou wast not so mighty& an% thy 'ri%e was less when King Hakon& my foster son& was in life. Then thou wert as frightene% for him when he met thee on the roa% as a mouse in a mouse tra'& an% hi% thyself un%er a hea' of clothes& like a %og on boar% a shi'. Thou wast thrust into a leather bag like corn in a sack& an% %ri7en from house an% farm like a year ol% colt from the maresA an% %ost thou %are to %ri7e me from the lan%L Thou shoul%st rather think thyself lucky to esca'e from hence with life. -et us stan% u' an% attack him.6 Then all his men stoo% u'& an% ma%e a great clash with their wea'ons. Then S7ein +ryggBufot an% the other len%ermen saw there was no other chance for Sigur% but to get him on horseback& which was %one& an% he ro%e off into the forest. The en% was that S7einke returne% home to his farm& an% Sigur% @lstreng came& with great %ifficulty& by lan% north to Thron%hBem to King .agnus& an% tol% the result of his erran%. 6*i% < not say&6 sai% the king& 6that the hel' of my len%ermen woul% be nee%e%L6 Sigur% was ill 'lease% with his BourneyA insiste% that he woul% be re7enge%& cost what it willA an% urge% the king much. The king or%ere% fi7e shi's to be fitte% outA an% as soon as they were rea%y for sea he saile% south along the lan%& an% then east to >iken& where he was entertaine% in eDcellent guest Fuarters by his len%ermen. The king tol% them he woul% seek out S7einke. 6?or < will not conceal my sus'icion that he thinks to make himself king of Norway.6 They sai% that S7einke was both a 'owerful an% an ungo7ernable man. Now the king went from >iken until he came to S7einke4s farm. Then the len%ermen %esire% that they might be 'ut on shore to see how matters stoo%A an% when they came to the lan% they saw that S7einke ha% alrea%y come %own from the farm& an% was on the roa% with a number of well arme% men. The len%ermen hel% u' a white shiel% in the air& as a 'eace tokenA

an% when S7einke saw it he halte% his men& an% they a''roache% each other. Then sai% KolbBorn Klakke& 6King .agnus sen%s thee ;o%4s salutation an% his own& an% bi%s thee consi%er what becomes thee& an% %o him obe%ience& an% not 're'are thyself to gi7e him battle.6 KolbBorn offere% to me%iate 'eace between them& if he coul%& an% tol% him to halt his troo's. S7einke sai% he woul% wait for them where he was. 6=e came out to meet you&6 he sai%& 6that ye might not trea% %own our corn fiel%s.6 The len%ermen returne% to the king& an% tol% him all was now at his 'leasure. The king sai%& 6.y %oom is soon %eli7ere%. He shall fly the country& an% ne7er come back to Norway as long as the king%om is mineA an% he shall lea7e all his goo%s behin%.6 6+ut will it not be more for thy honour&6 sai% KolbBorn& 6an% gi7e thee a higher re'utation among other kings& if& in banishing him from the country& thou shoul%st allow him to kee' his 'ro'erty& an% show himself among other 'eo'leL )n% we shall take care that he ne7er comes back while we li7e. Consi%er of this& sire& by yourself& an% ha7e res'ect for our assurance.6 The king re'lie%& 6-et him then go forth imme%iately.6 They went back& therefore& to S7einke& an% tol% him the king4s wor%sA an% also that the king ha% or%ere% him out of the country& an% he shoul% show his obe%ience& since he ha% forgotten himself towar%s the king. 6<t is for the honour of both that thou shoul%st show obe%ience to the king.6 Then S7einke sai%& 6There must be some great change if the king s'eaks agreeably to meA but why shoul% < fly the country an% my 'ro'ertiesL -isten now to what < say. <t a''ears to me better to %ie u'on my 'ro'erty than to fly from my u%al estates. Tell the king that < will not stir from them e7en an arrow flight.6 KolbBorn re'lie%& 6This is scarcely 'ru%ent& or rightA for it is better for one4s own honour to gi7e way to the best chief& than to make o''osition to one4s own loss. ) gallant man succee%s wheresoe7er he goesA an% thou wilt be the more res'ecte% wheresoe7er thou art& with men of 'ower& Bust because thou hast ma%e hea% so bol%ly against so 'owerful a chief. Hear our 'romises& an% 'ay some attention to our erran%. =e offer thee to manage thy estates& an% take them faithfully un%er our 'rotectionA an% also ne7er& against thy will& to 'ay scat for thy lan% until thou comest back. =e will 'le%ge our li7es an% 'ro'erties u'on this. *o not throw away goo% counsel from thee& an% a7oi% thus the ill fortune of other goo% men.6 Then S7einke was silent for a short time& an% sai% at last& 6Cour en%ea7ours are wiseA but < ha7e my sus'icions that ye are changing a little the king4s message. <n consi%eration& howe7er& of the great goo% will that ye show me& < will hol% your a%7ice in such res'ect that < will go out of the country for the whole

winter& if& accor%ing to your 'romises& < can then retain my estates in 'eace. Tell the king& also& these my wor%s& that < %o this on your account& not on his.6 Thereu'on they returne% to the king& an% sai%& that S7einke left all in the king4s han%s. 6+ut entreats you to ha7e res'ect to his honour. He will be away for three years& an% then come back& if it be the king4s 'leasure. *o thisA let all things be %one accor%ing to what is suitable for the royal %ignity an% accor%ing to our entreaty& now that the matter is entirely in thy 'ower& an% we shall %o all we can to 're7ent his returning against thy will.6 The king re'lie%& 6Ce treat this matter like men& an%& for your sakes& shall all things be as ye %esire. Tell him so.6 They thanke% the king& an% then went to S7einke& an% tol% him the king4s gracious intentions. 6=e will be gla%&6 sai% they& 6if ye can be reconcile%. The king reFuires& in%ee% that thy absence shall be for three yearsA but& if we know the truth rightly& we eD'ect that before that time he will fin% he cannot %o without thee in this 'art of the country. <t will be to thy own future honour& therefore& to agree to this.6 S7einke re'lies& 6=hat con%ition is better than thisL Tell the king that < shall not 7eD him longer with my 'resence here& an% acce't of my goo%s an% estates on this con%ition.6 Thereu'on he went home with his men& an% set off %irectlyA for he ha% 're'are% e7erything beforehan%. KolbBorn remains behin%& an% makes rea%y a feast for King .agnus& which also was thought of an% 're'are%. S7einke& on the other han%& ri%es u' to ;autlan% with all the men he thought 'ro'er to take with him. The king let himself be entertaine% in guest Fuarters at his house& returne% to >iken& an% S7einke4s estates were nominally the king4s& but KolbBorn ha% them un%er his charge. The king recei7e% guest Fuarters in >iken& 'rocee%e% from thence northwar%s& an% there was 'eace for a whileA but now that the 3lfgrims were without a chief& marau%ing gangs infeste% them& an% the king saw this eastern 'art of the king%om woul% be lai% waste. <t a''eare% to him& therefore& most suitable an% a%7isable to make S7einke himself o''ose the stream& an% twice he sent messages to him. +ut he %i% not stir until King .agnus himself was south in *enmark& when S7einke an% the king met& an% ma%e a full reconciliationA on which S7einke returne% home to his house an% estates& an% was afterwar%s King .agnus4s best an% trustiest frien%& who strengthene% his king%om on the eastern bor%erA an% their frien%shi' continue% as long as they li7e%.

9. K<N; .);N@S .)K3S =)2 $N TH3 S$@TH32N H3+@*3S. King .agnus un%ertook an eD'e%ition out of the country& with many fine men an% a goo% assortment of shi''ing. =ith this armament he saile% out into the =est sea& an% first came to the $rkney <slan%s. There he took the two earls& 1aul an% 3rlen%&

'risoners& an% sent them east to Norway& an% 'lace% his son Sigur% as chief o7er the islan%s& lea7ing some counsellors to assist him. ?rom thence King .agnus& with his followers& 'rocee%e% to the Southern Hebu%es& an% when he came there began to burn an% lay waste the inhabite% 'laces& killing the 'eo'le an% 'lun%ering where7er he came with his menA an% the country 'eo'le fle% in all %irections& some into Scotlan% fBor%& others south to Cantire& or out to <relan%A some obtaine% life an% safety by entering into his ser7ice. So says +Born Kre'hen%e5 6<n -ewis <sle with fearful blaEe The house %estroying fire 'laysA To hills an% rocks the 'eo'le fly& ?earing all shelter but the sky. <n @ist the king %ee' crimson ma%e The lightning of his glancing bla%eA The 'easant lost his lan% an% life =ho %are% to bi%e the Norseman4s strife. The hunger battle bir%s were fille% <n Skye with bloo% of foemen kille%& )n% wol7es on Tyree4s lonely shore *ye% re% their hairy Baws in gore. The men of .ull were tire% of flightA The Scottish foemen woul% not fight& )n% many an islan% girl4s wail =as hear% as through the isles we strife sail.6

19. $? -);.)N& K<N; ;@*2$*4S S$N. King .agnus came with his forces to the Holy <slan% (<ona#& an% ga7e 'eace an% safety to all men there. <t is tol% that the king o'ene% the %oor of the little Columb4s Kirk there& but %i% not go in& but instantly locke% the %oor again& an% sai% that no man shoul% be so bol% as to go into that church hereafterA which has been the case e7er since. ?rom thence King .agnus saile% to <slay& where he 'lun%ere% an% burntA an% when he ha% taken that country he 'rocee%e% south aroun% Cantire& marau%ing on both si%es in Scotlan% an% <relan%& an% a%7ance% with his foray to .an& where he 'lun%ere%. So says +Born Kre'hen%e5 6$n San%ey4s 'lain our shiel% they s'y5 ?rom <sla smoke rose hea7en high& =hirling u' from the flashing blaEe The king4s men o4er the islan% raise. South of Cantire the 'eo'le fle%& Scare% by our swor%s in bloo% %ye% re%& )n% our bra7e cham'ion onwar% goes To meet in .an the Norseman4s foes.6 -agman (-awman# was the name of the son of ;u%ro%& king of the Hebu%es. -awman was sent to %efen% the most northerly islan%sA but when King .agnus an% his army came to the Hebu%es& -awman fle% here an% there about the isles& an% at last King .agnus4s men took him an% his shi'4s crew as he was flying o7er to <relan%. The king 'ut him in irons to secure him. So says +Born Kre'hen%e5

6To ;u%ro%4s son no rock or ca7e& Shore si%e or hill& a refuge ga7eA Hunte% aroun% from isle to isle& This -awman foun% no safe asyle. ?rom isle to isle& o4er firth an% soun%& Close on his track his foe he foun%. )t Ness the )g%er chief at length SeiEe% him& an% iron chaine% his strength.6

11. $? TH3 ?)-- $? 3)2- H@;3 TH3 +2)>3. )fterwar%s King .agnus saile% to =alesA an% when he came to the soun% of )nglesey there came against him an army from =ales& which was le% by two earls Hugo the bra7e& an% Hugo the Stout. They began imme%iately to gi7e battle& an% there was a se7ere conflict. King .agnus shot with the bowA but Huge the +ra7e was all o7er in armour& so that nothing was bare about him eDce'ting one eye. King .agnus let fly an arrow at him& as also %i% a Halogalan% man who was besi%e the king. They both shot at once. The one shaft hit the nose screen of the helmet& which was bent by it to one si%e& an% the other arrow hit the earl4s eye& an% went through his hea%A an% that was foun% to be the king4s. 3arl Huge fell& an% the +ritons fle% with the loss of many 'eo'le. So says +Born Kre'hen%e5 6The swinger of the swor% Stoo% by )nglesey4s for%A His Fuick shaft flew& )n% Huge slew. His swor% gleame% a while $4er )nglesey <sle& )n% his Norsemen4s ban% Scoure% the )nglesey lan%.6 There was also sung the following 7erse about it5 6$n the 'anEers arrows rattle& =here our Norse king stan%s in battleA ?rom the helmets bloo% streams flow& =here our Norse king %raws his bow5 His bowstring twangs& its biting hail 2attles against the ring linke% mail. @' in the lan% in %ea%ly strife $ur Norse king took 3arl Huge4s life.6 King .agnus gaine% the 7ictory in this battle& an% then took )nglesey <sle& which was the farthest south the Norway kings of former %ays ha% e7er eDten%e% their rule. )nglesey is a thir% 'art of =ales. )fter this battle King .agnus turne% back with his fleet& an% came first to Scotlan%. Then men went between the Scottish king& .elkolm an% King .agnus& an% a 'eace was ma%e between themA so that all the islan%s lying west of Scotlan%& between which an% the mainlan% he coul% 'ass in a 7essel with her ru%%er shi''e%& shoul% be hel% to belong to the king of Norway.

Now when King .agnus came north to Cantire& he ha% a skiff %rawn o7er the stran% at Cantire& an% shi''e% the ru%%er of it. The king himself sat in the stern sheets& an% hel% the tillerA an% thus he a''ro'riate% to himself the lan% that lay on the farboar% si%e. Cantire is a great %istrict& better than the best of the southern isles of the Hebu%es& eDce'ting .anA an% there is a small neck of lan% between it an% the mainlan% of Scotlan%& o7er which longshi's are often %rawn.

1!. *3)TH $? TH3 3)2-S $? $2KN3C. King .agnus was all the winter in the southern isles& an% his men went o7er all the fBor%s of Scotlan%& rowing within all the inhabite% an% uninhabite% isles& an% took 'ossession for the king of Norway of all the islan%s west of Scotlan%. King .agnus contracte% in marriage his son Sigur% to +ia%mynia& King .yrkBartan4s %aughter. .yrkBartan was a son of the <rish king Thialfe& an% rule% o7er Connaught. The summer after& King .agnus& with his fleet& returne% east to Norway. 3arl 3rlan% %ie% of sickness at Ni%aros& an% is burie% thereA an% 3arl 1aul %ie% in +ergen. Sko'te $gmun%son& a gran%son of Thorberg& was a gallant len%erman& who %welt at ;iske in Sunmore& an% was marrie% to ;u%run& a %aughter of Thor% ?olason. Their chil%ren were $gmun%& ?in& Thor%& an% Thora& who was marrie% to )solf Skulason. Sko'te4s an% ;u%run4s sons were the most 'romising an% 'o'ular men in their youth.

1:. H@)223-S $? K<N; .);N@S )N* K<N; <N;3. Steinkel& the Swe%ish king& %ie% about the same time ().*. 19//# as the two Haral%s fell& an% the king who came after him in S7ithBo% was calle% Hakon. )fterwar%s <nge& a son of Steinkel& was king& an% was a goo% an% 'owerful king& strong an% stout beyon% most menA an% he was king of S7ithBo% when King .agnus was king of Norway. King .agnus insiste% that the boun%aries of the countries in ol% times ha% been so& that the ;aut ri7er %i7i%e% the king%oms of the Swe%ish an% Norwegian kings& but afterwar%s the >ener lake u' to >ermalan%. Thus King .agnus insiste% that he was owner of all the 'laces lying west of the >ener lake u' to >ermalan%& which are the %istricts of Sun%al& Nor%al& >ear& an% >ar%yniar& with all the woo%s belonging thereto. +ut these ha% for a long time been un%er the Swe%ish %ominion& an% with res'ect to scat were Boine% to =est ;autlan%A an%& besi%es& the forest settlers 'referre% being un%er the Swe%ish king. King .agnus ro%e from >iken u' to ;autlan% with a great an% fine army& an% when he came to the forest settlements he 'lun%ere% an% burnt all roun%A on which the 'eo'le submitte%& an% took the oath of fi%elity to him. =hen he came to the >ener lake& autumn was a%7ance% an% he went out to the islan% K7al%insey& an% ma%e a stronghol% of turf an% woo%& an% %ug a %itch aroun% it. =hen the work was finishe%& 'ro7isions an% other necessaries that might be

reFuire% were brought to it. The king left in it :99 men& who were the chosen of his forces& an% ?in Sko'tason an% Sigur% @lstreng as their comman%ers. The king himself returne% to >iken.

1". $? TH3 N$2TH.3N. =hen the Swe%ish king hear% this he %rew together 'eo'le& an% the re'ort came that he woul% ri%e against these NorthmenA but there was %elay about his ri%ing& an% the Northmen ma%e these lines5 6The fat hi''e% king& with hea7y si%es& ?in%s he must mount before he ri%es.6 +ut when the ice set in u'on the >ener lake King <nge ro%e %own& an% ha% near :99 men with him. He sent a message to the Northmen who sat in the burgh that they might retire with all the booty they ha% taken& an% go to Norway. =hen the messengers brought this message& Sigur% @lstreng re'lie% to itA saying that King <nge must take the trouble to come& if he wishe% to %ri7e them away like cattle out of a grass fiel%& an% sai% he must come nearer if he wishe% them to remo7e. The messengers returne% with this answer to the king& who then ro%e out with all his army to the islan%& an% again sent a message to the Northmen that they might go away& taking with them their wea'ons& clothes& an% horsesA but must lea7e behin% all their booty. This they refuse%. The king ma%e an assault u'on them& an% they shot at each other. Then the king or%ere% timber an% stones to be collecte%& an% he fille% u' the %itchA an% then he fastene% anchors to long s'ars which were brought u' to the timber walls& an%& by the strength of many han%s& the walls were broken %own. Thereafter a large 'ile of woo% was set on fire& an% the lighte% bran%s were flung in among them. Then the Northmen aske% for Fuarter. The king or%ere% them to go out without wea'ons or cloaks. )s they went out each of them recei7e% a stroke with a whi'& an% then they set off for Norway& an% all the forest men submitte% again to King <nge. Sigur% an% his 'eo'le went to King .agnus& an% tol% him their misfortune.

1(. K<N; .);N@S )N* ;<1)2*3. =hen King .agnus was east in >iken& there came to him a foreigner calle% ;i'ar%e. He ga7e himself out for a goo% knight& an% offere% his ser7ices to King .agnusA for he un%erstoo% that in the king4s %ominions there was something to be %one. The king recei7e% him well. )t that time the king was 're'aring to go to ;autlan%& on which country the king ha% 'retensionsA an% besi%es he woul% re'ay the ;autlan% 'eo'le the %isgrace they ha% occasione% him in s'ring& when he was oblige% to fly from them. He ha% then a great force in arms& an% the =est ;autlan%ers in the northern %istricts submitte% to him. He set u' his cam' on the bor%ers& inten%ing to make a foray from thence. =hen King <nge hear% of this he collecte% troo's& an% hastene% to o''ose King .agnusA an% when King .agnus hear% of this eD'e%ition& many

of the chiefs of the 'eo'le urge% him to turn backA but this the king woul% not listen to& but in the night time went unsus'ecte%ly against the Swe%ish king. They met at ?oDerneA an% when he was %rawing u' his men in battle or%er he aske%& 6=here is ;i'ar%eL6 but he was not to be foun%. Then the king ma%e these 7erses5 6Cannot the foreign knight abi%e $ur rough arrayL where %oes he hi%eL6 Then a skal% who followe% the king re'lie%5 6The king asks where the foreign knight <n our array ri%es to the fight5 ;i'ar%e the knight ro%e Fuite away =hen our men Boine% in bloo%y fray. =hen swor%s were wet the knight was slow =ith his bay horse in front to goA The foreign knight coul% not abi%e $ur rough array& an% went to hi%e.6 There was a great slaughter& an% after the battle the fiel% was co7ere% with the Swe%es slain& an% King <nge esca'e% by flight. King .agnus gaine% a great 7ictory. Then came ;i'ar%e ri%ing %own from the country& an% 'eo'le %i% not s'eak well of him for not being in the fight. He went away& an% 'rocee%e% westwar% to 3nglan%A an% the 7oyage was stormy& an% ;i'ar%e lay in be%. There was an <celan% man calle% 3l%Barn& who went to bale out the water in the shi'4s hol%& an% when he saw where ;i'ar%e was lying he ma%e this 7erse5 6*oes it beseem a courtman bol% Here to be %oEing in the hol%L The bear%e% knight shoul% %anger face5 The leak gains on our shi' a'ace. Here& 'ly this bucketK bale who canA =e nee% the work of e7ery man. $ur sea horse stan%s full to the breast& Sluggar%s an% cowar%s must not rest.6 =hen they came west to 3nglan%& ;i'ar%e sai% the Northmen ha% slan%ere% him. ) meeting was a''ointe%& an% a count came to it& an% the case was brought before him for trial. He sai% he was not much acFuainte% with law cases& as he was but young& an% ha% only been a short time in officeA an% also& of all things& he sai% what he least un%erstoo% to Bu%ge about was 'oetry. 6+ut let us hear what it was.6 Then 3l%Barn sang5 6< hear% that in the bloo%y fight ;i'ar%e %ro7e all our foes to flight5 +ra7e ;i'ar%e woul% the foe abi%e& =hile all our men ran off to hi%e. )t ?oDerne the fight was won +y ;i'ar%e4s 7alour all aloneA =here ;i'ar%e fought& alone was heA Not one sur7i7e% to fight or flee.6

Then sai% the count& 6)lthough < know but little about skal% craft& < can hear that this is no slan%er& but rather the highest 'raise an% honour.6 ;i'ar%e coul% say nothing against it& yet he felt it was a mockery.

1/. +)TT-3 $? ?$N32N3. The s'ring after& as soon as the ice broke u'& King .agnus& with a great army& saile% eastwar%s to the ;aut ri7er& an% went u' the eastern arm of it& laying waste all that belonge% to the Swe%ish %ominions. =hen they came to ?oDerne they lan%e% from their 7esselsA but as they came o7er a ri7er on their way an army of ;autlan% 'eo'le came against them& an% there was imme%iately a great battle& in which the Northmen were o7erwhelme% by numbers& %ri7en to flight& an% many of them kille% near to a waterfall. King .agnus fle%& an% the ;autlan%ers 'ursue%& an% kille% those they coul% get near. King .agnus was easily known. He was a 7ery stout man& an% ha% a re% short cloak o7er him& an% bright yellow hair like silk that fell o7er his shoul%ers. $gmun% Sko'tason& who was a tall an% han%some man& ro%e on one si%e of the king. He sai%& 6Sire& gi7e me that cloak.6 The king sai%& 6=hat woul% you %o with itL6 6< woul% like to ha7e it&6 sai% $gmun%A 6an% you ha7e gi7en me greater gifts& sire.6 The roa% was such that there were great an% wi%e 'lains& so that the ;autlan%ers an% Northmen were always in sight of each other& unless where clum's of woo% an% bushes conceale% them from each other now an% then. The king ga7e $gmun% the cloak an% he 'ut it on. =hen they came out again u'on the 'lain groun%& $gmun% an% his 'eo'le ro%e off right across the roa%. The ;autlan%ers& su''osing this must be the king& ro%e all after him& an% the king 'rocee%e% to the shi's. $gmun% esca'e% with great %ifficultyA howe7er& he reache% the shi's at last in safety. King .agnus then saile% %own the ri7er& an% 'rocee%e% north to >iken.

17. .33T<N; $? TH3 K<N;S )T TH3 ;)@T 2<>32. The following summer a meeting of the kings was agree% u'on at Konghelle on the ;aut ri7erA an% King .agnus& the Swe%ish king& <nge& an% the *anish king& 3irik S7einson& all met there& after gi7ing each other safe con%uct to the meeting. Now when the Thing ha% sat %own the kings went forwar% u'on the 'lain& a'art from the rest of the 'eo'le& an% they talke% with each other a little while. Then they returne% to their 'eo'le& an% a treaty was brought about& by which each shoul% 'ossess the %ominions his forefathers ha% hel% before himA but each shoul% make goo% to his own men the waste an% manslaughter suffere% by them& an% then they shoul% agree between themsel7es about settling this with each other. King .agnus shoul% marry King <nge4s %aughter .argaret& who afterwar%s was calle% 1eace offering. This was

'roclaime% to the 'eo'leA an% thus& within a little hour& the greatest enemies were ma%e the best of frien%s. <t was obser7e% by the 'eo'le that none ha% e7er seen men with more of the air of chiefs than these ha%. King <nge was the largest an% stoutest& an%& from his age& of the most %ignifie% a''earance. King .agnus a''eare% the most gallant an% brisk& an% King 3irik the most han%some. +ut they were all han%some menA stout& gallant& an% rea%y in s'eech. )fter this was settle% they 'arte%.

18. K<N; .);N@S4S .)22<);3. King .agnus got .argaret& King <nge4s %aughter& as abo7e relate%A an% she was sent from S7ithBo% to Norway with an honourable retinue. King .agnus ha% some chil%ren before& whose names shall here be gi7en. The one of his sons who was of a mean mother was calle% 3ysteinA the other& who was a year younger& was calle% Sigur%& an% his mother4s name was Thora. $laf was the name of a thir% son& who was much younger than the two first mentione%& an% whose mother was Sigri%& a %aughter of SaDe of >ik& who was a res'ectable man in the Thron%hBem countryA she was the king4s concubine. 1eo'le say that when King .agnus came home from his 7iking cruise to the =estern countries& he an% many of his 'eo'le brought with them a great %eal of the habits an% fashion of clothing of those western 'arts. They went about on the streets with bare legs& an% ha% short kirtles an% o7er cloaksA an% therefore his men calle% him .agnus +arefoot or +areleg. Some calle% him .agnus the Tall& others .agnus the Strife lo7er. He was %istinguishe% among other men by his tall stature. The mark of his height is 'ut %own in .ary church& in the merchant town of Ni%aros& which King Haral% built. <n the northern %oor there were cut into the wall three crosses& one for Haral%4s stature& one for $laf4s& an% one for .agnus4sA an% which crosses each of them coul% with the greatest ease kiss. The u''er was Haral%4s crossA the lowest was .agnus4sA an% $laf4s was in the mi%%le& about eFually %istant from both. <t is sai% that .agnus com'ose% the following 7erses about the em'eror4s %aughter5 6The ring of arms where blue swor%s gleam& The battle shout& the eagle4s scream& The Goy of war& no more can 'lease5 .atil%a is far o4er the seas. .y swor% may break& my shiel% be cleft& $f lan% or life < may be reftA Cet < coul% slee'& but for one care& $ne& o4er the seas& with light brown hair.6 He also com'ose% the following5 6The time that bree%s %elay feels long& The skal% feels weary of his songA =hat sweetens& brightens& eases lifeL

4Tis a sweet smiling lo7ely wife. .y time feels long in Thing affairs& <n Things my lo7e% one ne4er a''ears. The folk full %resse%& while < am sa%& Talk an% o''ose can < be gla%L6 =hen King .agnus hear% the frien%ly wor%s the em'eror4s %aughter ha% s'oken about him that she ha% sai% such a man as King .agnus was a''eare% to her an eDcellent man& he com'ose% the following5 6The lo7er hears& across the sea& ) fa7ouring wor% was breathe% to me. The lo7ely one with light brown hair .ay trust her thoughts to senseless airA Her thoughts will fin% like thoughts in meA )n% though my lo7e < cannot see& )ffection4s thoughts fly in the win%& )n% meet each other& true an% kin%.6

19. $? TH3 H@)223- $? K<N; .);N@S )N* SK$1T3. Sko'te $gmun%son came into 7ariance with King .agnus& an% they Fuarrelle% about the inheritance of a %ecease% 'erson which Sko'te retaine%A but the king %eman%e% it with so much earnestness& that it ha% a %angerous a''earance. .any meetings were hel% about the affair& an% Sko'te took the resolution that he an% his son shoul% ne7er 'ut themsel7es into the king4s 'ower at the same timeA an% besi%es there was no necessity to %o so. =hen Sko'te was with the king he re'resente% to him that there was relationshi' between the king an% himA an% also that he& Sko'te& ha% always been the king4s frien%& an% his father4s likewise& an% that their frien%shi' ha% ne7er been shaken. He a%%e%& 61eo'le might know that < ha7e sense enough not to hol% a strife& sire& with you& if < was wrong in what < aske%A but it is inherite% from my ancestors to %efen% my rights against any man& without %istinction of 'ersons.6 The king was Bust the same on this 'oint& an% his resolution was by no means softene% by such a s'eech. Then Sko'te went home.

!9. ?<N SK$1T)S$N4S 12$C33*<N;S. Then ?in Sko'tason went to the king& s'oke with him& an% entreate% him to ren%er Bustice to the father an% son in this business. The king answers angrily an% shar'ly. Then sai% ?in& 6< eD'ecte% something else& sire& from you& than that you woul% use the law4s 7eDations against me when < took my seat in K7al%insey <slan%& which few of your other frien%s woul% %oA as they sai%& what was true& that those who were left there were %eserte% an% %oome% to %eath& if King <nge ha% not shown greater generosity to us than you %i%A although many consi%er that we brought shame an% %isgrace only from thence.6 The king was not to be mo7e% by this s'eech& an% ?in returne% home.

!1. $;.@N* SK$1T)S$N4S 12$C33*<N;S. Then came $gmun% Sko'tason to the kingA an% when he came before him he 'ro%uce% his erran%& an% begge% the king to %o what was right an% 'ro'er towar%s him an% his father. The king insiste% that the right was on his si%e& an% sai% they were 6'articularly im'u%ent.6 Then sai% $gmun%& 6<t is a 7ery easy thing for thee& ha7ing the 'ower& to %o me an% my father inBusticeA an% < must say the ol% 'ro7erb is true& that one whose life you sa7e gi7es none& or a 7ery ba% return. This < shall a%%& that ne7er again shall < come into thy ser7iceA nor my father& if < can hel' it.6 Then $gmun% went home& an% they ne7er saw each other again.

!!. SK$1T3 $;.@N*S$N4S >$C);3 )+2$)*. The s'ring after& Sko'te $gmun%son ma%e rea%y to tra7el out of the country. They ha% fi7e long shi's all well eFui''e%. His sons& $gmun%& ?in& an% Thor%& accom'anie% him on this Bourney. <t was 7ery late before they were rea%y& an% in autumn they went o7er to ?lan%ers& an% wintere% there. 3arly in s'ring they saile% westwar% to >allan%& an% staye% there all summer. Then they saile% further& an% through Nor7asun%A an% came in autumn to 2ome& where Sko'te %ie%. )ll& both father an% sons& %ie% on this Bourney. Thor%& who %ie% in Sicily& li7e% the longest. <t is a common saying among the 'eo'le that Sko'te was the first Northman who saile% through Nor7asun%A an% this 7oyage was much celebrate%.

!:. .<2)C-3 $? K<N; $-)? TH3 S)<NT )T ) ?<23. <t ha''ene% once in the merchant town (Ni%aros# where King $laf re'oses& that there broke out a fire in the town which s'rea% aroun%. Then $laf4s shrine was taken out of the church& an% set u' o''osite the fire. Thereu'on came a craEy foolish man& struck the shrine& threatene% the holy saint& an% sai% all must be consume% by the flames& both churches an% other houses& if he %i% not sa7e them by his 'rayers. Now the burning of the church %i% cease& by the hel' of )lmighty ;o%A but the insane man got sore eyes on the following night& an% he lay there until King $laf entreate% ;o% )1mighty to be merciful to himA after which he reco7ere% in the same church.

!". .<2)C-3 $? K<N; $-)? $N ) -).3 =$.)N. <t ha''ene% once in the merchant town that a woman was brought to the 'lace where the holy King $laf re'oses. She was so miserably

sha'e%& that she was altogether crum'le% u'A so that both her feet lay in a circle against her loins. +ut as she was %iligent in her 'rayers& often wee'ing an% making 7ows to King $laf& he cure% her great infirmitiesA so that feet& legs& an% other limbs straightene%& an% e7ery limb an% 'art came to the right use for which they were ma%e. +efore she coul% not cree' there& an% now she went away acti7e an% brisk to her family an% home.

!(. =)2 <N <23-)N*. =hen King .agnus ha% been nine years king of Norway ().*. 199" 119!#& he eFui''e% himself to go out of the country with a great force. He saile% out into the =est sea with the finest men who coul% be got in Norway. )ll the 'owerful men of the country followe% himA such as Sigur% Hranason& >i%kun Gonson& *ag 3ilifson& Serk of Sogn& 3y7in% $lboge& the king4s marshal @lf Hranason& brother of Sigur%& an% many other great men. =ith all this armament the king saile% west to the $rkney <slan%s& from whence he took with him 3arl 3rlen%4s sons& .agnus an% 3rling& an% then saile% to the southern Hebu%es. +ut as he lay un%er the Scotch lan%& .agnus 3rlen%son ran away in the night from the king4s shi'& swam to the shore& esca'e% into the woo%s& an% came at last to the Scotch king4s court. King .agnus saile% to <relan% with his fleet& an% 'lun%ere% there. King .yrkBartan came to his assistance& an% they conFuere% a great 'art of the country& both *ublin an% *yflinnarskire (*ublin shire#. King .agnus was in winter ().*. 119!# u' in Connaught with King .yrkBartan& but set men to %efen% the country he ha% taken. Towar%s s'ring both kings went westwar% with their army all the way to @lster& where they ha% many battles& sub%ue% the country& an% ha% conFuere% the greatest 'art of @lster when .yrkBartan returne% home to Connaught.

!/. K<N; .);N@S4S ?$2)C $N TH3 -)N*. King .agnus rigge% his shi's& an% inten%e% returning to Norway& but set his men to %efen% the country of *ublin. He lay at @lster rea%y for sea with his whole fleet. )s they thought they nee%e% cattle for shi' 'ro7ision& King .agnus sent a message to King .yrkBartan& telling him to sen% some cattle for slaughterA an% a''ointe% the %ay before +artholomew4s %ay as the %ay they shoul% arri7e& if the messengers reache% him in safetyA but the cattle ha% not ma%e their a''earance the e7ening before +artholomew4s mass. $n the mass %ay itself& when the sun rose in the sky& King .agnus went on shore himself with the greater 'art of his men& to look after his 'eo'le& an% to carry off cattle from the coast. The weather was calm& the sun shone& an% the roa% lay through mires an% mosses& an% there were 'aths cut throughA but there was brushwoo% on each si%e of the roa%. =hen they came somewhat farther& they reache% a height from which they ha% a wi%e 7iew. They saw from it a great %ust rising u' the country& as of horsemen& an% they sai% to each other& 6That must be the <rish armyA6 but others sai%& 6<t was their own men

returning with the cattle.6 They halte% thereA an% 3y7in% $lboge sai%& 6How& sire& %o you inten% to %irect the marchL The men think we are a%7ancing im'ru%ently. Cou know the <rish are treacherousA think& therefore& of a goo% counsel for your men.6 Then the king sai%& 6-et us %raw u' our men& an% be rea%y& if there be treachery.6 This was %one& an% the king an% 3y7in% went before the line. King .agnus ha% a helmet on his hea%A a re% shiel%& in which was inlai% a gil%e% lionA an% was girt with the swor% of -egbit& of which the hilt was of tooth (i7ory#& an% han%gri' woun% about with gol% threa%A an% the swor% was eDtremely shar'. <n his han% he ha% a short s'ear& an% a re% silk short cloak& o7er his coat& on which& both before an% behin%& was embroi%ere% a lion in yellow silkA an% all men acknowle%ge% that they ne7er ha% seen a brisker& statelier man. 3y7in% ha% also a re% silk cloak like the king4sA an% he also was a stout& han%some& warlike man.

!7. ?)-- $? K<N; .);N@S. =hen the %ust clou% a''roache% nearer they knew their own men& who were %ri7ing the cattle. The <rish king ha% been faithful to the 'romises he ha% gi7en the king& an% ha% sent them. Thereu'on they all turne% towar%s the shi's& an% it was mi% %ay. =hen they came to the mires they went but slowly o7er the boggy 'lacesA an% then the <rish starte% u' on e7ery si%e against them from e7ery bushy 'oint of lan%& an% the battle began instantly. The Northmen were going %i7i%e% in 7arious hea's& so that many of them fell. Then sai% 3y7in% to the king& 6@nfortunate is this march to our 'eo'le& an% we must instantly hit u'on some goo% 'lan.6 The king answere%& 6Call all the men together with the war horns un%er the banner& an% the men who are here shall make a ram'art with their shiel%s& an% thus we will retreat backwar%s out of the miresA an% we will clear oursel7es fast enough when we get u'on firm groun%.6 The <rish shot bol%lyA an% although they fell in crow%s& there came always two in the 'lace of one. Now when the king ha% come to the nearest %itch there was a 7ery %ifficult crossing& an% few 'laces were 'assableA so that many Northmen fell there. Then the king calle% to his len%erman Thorgrim Skinhufa& who was an @'lan% man& an% or%ere% him to go o7er the %itch with his %i7ision. 6=e shall %efen% you&6 sai% he& 6in the meantime& so that no harm shall come to you. ;o out then to those holms& an% shoot at them from thenceA for ye are goo% bowmen.6 =hen Thorgrim an% his men came o7er the %itch they cast their shiel%s behin% their backs& an% set off to the shi's. =hen the king saw this& he sai%& 6Thou art %eserting thy king in an unmanly way. < was foolish in making thee a len%erman& an% %ri7ing Sigur% Hun% out of the countryA for ne7er woul% he ha7e beha7e% so.6

King .agnus recei7e% a woun%& being 'ierce% by a s'ear through both thighs abo7e the knees. The king lai% hol% of the shaft between his legs& broke the s'ear in two& an% sai%& 6Thus we break s'ear shafts& my la%sA let us go briskly on. Nothing hurts me.6 ) little after King .agnus was struck in the neck with an <rish aDe& an% this was his %eath woun%. Then those who were behin% fle%. >i%kun Gonson instantly kille% the man who ha% gi7en the king his %eath woun%& an% fle%& after ha7ing recei7e% three woun%sA but brought the king4s banner an% the swor% -egbit to the shi's. >i%kun was the last man who fle%A the other neDt to him was Sigur% Hranason& an% the thir% before him& *ag 3ilifson. There fell with King .agnus& 3y7in% $lboge& @lf Hranason& an% many other great 'eo'le. .any of the Northmen fell& but many more of the <rish. The Northmen who esca'e% saile% away imme%iately in autumn. 3rling& 3arl 3rlen%4s4son& fell with King .agnus in <relan%A but the men who fle% from <relan% came to the $rkney <slan%s. Now when King Sigur% hear% that his father ha% fallen& he set off imme%iately& lea7ing the <rish king4s %aughter behin%& an% 'rocee%e% in autumn with the whole fleet %irectly to Norway.

!8. $? K<N; .);N@S )N* ><*K@N G$NS$N. King .agnus was ten years king of Norway ().*. 199" 119(#& an% in his %ays there was goo% 'eace ke't within the countryA but the 'eo'le were sorely o''resse% with le7ies. King .agnus was belo7e% by his men& but the bon%es thought him harsh. The wor%s ha7e been transmitte% from him that he sai% when his frien%s obser7e% that he 'rocee%e% incautiously when he was on his eD'e%itions abroa%& 6The kings are ma%e for honour& not for long life.6 King .agnus was nearly thirty years of age when he fell. >i%kun %i% not fly until he ha% kille% the man who ga7e the king his mortal woun%& an% for this cause King .agnus4s sons ha% him in the most affectionate regar%.

S);) $? S<;@2* TH3 C2@S)*32 )N* H<S +2$TH32S 3CST3<N )N* $-)?. 123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS. 6)gri'6& 6?agrskinna6& an% 6.orkinskinna6 more or less com'lete the story of the sons of .agnus. They contain some things omitte% by Snorre& while& on the other han%& some facts relate% by Snorre are not foun% in the abo7e sources. ThBo%rek the .onk tells of Sigur% that he ma%e a Gourney to Gerusalem& conFuere% many heathen cities& an% among them Si%onA that he ca'ture% a ca7e %efen%e% by robbers& recei7e% 'resents from +al%win& returne% to Norway in 3ystein4s lifetime& an% became insane& as a result& as some say& of a 'oisonous %rink. The three brothers became kings in the year ).*. 119:. $laf %ie%

111(& 3ystein 11!! or 11!:& Sigur% 11:9. Skal%s Fuote% in this saga are5 Thorarin Stutfel%& 3inar Skulason& Hal%or Sk7al%re& an% )rne ?Boruskeif.

1. +3;<NN<N; $? TH3 23<;N $? K<N; .);N@S4S S$NS. )fter King .agnus +arefoot4s fall& his sons& 3ystein& Sigur%& an% $laf& took the king%om of Norway. 3ystein got the northern& an% Sigur% the southern 'art of the country. King $laf was then four or fi7e years ol%& an% the thir% 'art of the country which he ha% was un%er the management of his two brothers. King Sigur% was chosen king when he was thirteen or fourteen years ol%& an% 3ystein was a year ol%er. King Sigur% left west of the sea the <rish king4s %aughter. =hen King .agnus4s sons were chosen kings& the men who ha% followe% Sko'te $gmun%son returne% home. Some ha% been to Gerusalem& some to Constantino'leA an% there they ha% ma%e themsel7es renowne%& an% they ha% many kin%s of no7elties to talk about. +y these eDtraor%inary ti%ings many men in Norway were incite% to the same eD'e%itionA an% it was also tol% that the Northmen who like% to go into the military ser7ice at Constantino'le foun% many o''ortunities of getting 'ro'erty. Then these Northmen %esire% much that one of the two kings& either 3ystein or Sigur%& shoul% go as comman%er of the troo' which was 're'aring for this eD'e%ition. The kings agree% to this& an% carrie% on the eFui'ment at their common eD'ense. .any great men& both of the len%ermen an% bon%es& took 'art in this enter'riseA an% when all was rea%y for the Bourney it was %etermine% that Sigur% shoul% go& an% 3ystein in the meantime& shoul% rule the king%om u'on their Boint account.

!. $? TH3 3)2-S $? $2KN3C. ) year or two after King .agnus +arefoot4s fall& Hakon& a son of 3arl 1aul& came from $rkney. The kings ga7e him the earl%om an% go7ernment of the $rkney <slan%s& as the earls before him& his father 1aul or his @ncle 3rlan%& ha% 'ossesse% itA an% 3arl Hakon then saile% back imme%iately to $rkney.

:. K<N; S<;@2*4S G$@2N3C $@T $? TH3 C$@NT2C. ?our years after the fall of King .agnus ().*. 1197#& King Sigur% saile% with his 'eo'le from Norway. He ha% then siDty shi's. So says Thorarin Stutfel%5 6) young king Bust an% kin%& 1eo'le of loyal min%5 Such bra7e men soon agree& To %istant lan%s they sail with glee. To the %istant Holy -an% ) bra7e an% 'ious ban%&

.agnificent an% gay& <n siDty long shi's gli%e away.6 King Sigur% saile% in autumn to 3nglan%& where Henry& son of =illiam the +astar%& was then king& an% Sigur% remaine% with him all winter. So says 3inar Skulason5 6The king is on the wa7esK The storm he bol%ly bra7es. His ocean stee%& =ith winge% s'ee%& $4er the white flashing surges& To 3nglan%4s coast he urgesA )n% there he stays the winter o4er5 .ore gallant king ne4er tro% that shore.6

". $? K<N; S<;@2*4S G$@2N3C. <n s'ring King Sigur% an% his fleet saile% westwar% to >allan% ().*. 1198#& an% in autumn came to ;alicia& where he staye% the secon% winter ().*. 1199#. So says 3inar Skulason5 6$ur king& whose lan% so wi%e No king%om stan%s besi%e& <n Gacob4s lan% neDt winter s'ent& $n holy things intentA )n% < ha7e hear% the royal youth Cut off an earl who swer7e% from truth. $ur bra7e king will en%ure no ill& The hawks with him will get their fill.6 <t went thus5 The earl who rule% o7er the lan% ma%e an agreement with King Sigur%& that he shoul% 'ro7i%e King Sigur% an% his men a market at which they coul% 'urchase 7ictuals all the winterA but this he %i% not fulfil longer than to about Cule. <t began then to be %ifficult to get foo% an% necessaries& for it is a 'oor barren lan%. Then King Sigur% with a great bo%y of men went against a castle which belonge% to the earlA an% the earl fle% from it& ha7ing but few 'eo'le. King Sigur% took there a great %eal of 7ictuals an% of other booty& which he 'ut on boar% of his shi's& an% then ma%e rea%y an% 'rocee%e% westwar% to S'ain. <t so fell out& as the king was sailing 'ast S'ain& that some 7ikings who were cruising for 'lun%er met him with a fleet of galleys& an% King Sigur% attacke% them. This was his first battle with heathen menA an% he won it& an% took eight galleys from them. So says Hal%or Sk7al%re5 6+ol% 7ikings& not slow To the %eath fray to go& .eet our Norse king by chance& )n% their galleys a%7ance. The bol% 7ikings lost .any a man of their host& )n% eight galleys too& =ith cargo an% crew.6

Thereafter King Sigur% saile% against a castle calle% Sintre an% fought another battle. This castle is in S'ain& an% was occu'ie% by many heathens& who from thence 'lun%ere% Christian 'eo'le. King Sigur% took the castle& an% kille% e7ery man in it& because they refuse% to be ba'tiEe%A an% he got there an immense booty. So says Hal%or Sk7al%re5 6?rom S'ain < ha7e much news to tell $f what our generous king befell. )n% first he routs the 7iking crew& )t Cintra neDt the heathens slewA The men he treate% as ;o%4s foes& =ho %are% the true faith to o''ose. No man he s'are% who woul% not take The Christian faith for Gesus4 sake.6

(. -<S+$N T)K3N. )fter this King Sigur% saile% with his fleet to -isbon& which is a great city in S'ain& half Christian an% half heathenA for there lies the %i7ision between Christian S'ain an% heathen S'ain& an% all the %istricts which lie west of the city are occu'ie% by heathens. There King Sigur% ha% his thir% battle with the heathens& an% gaine% the 7ictory& an% with it a great booty. So says Hal%or Sk7al%re5 6The son of kings on -isbon4s 'lains ) thir% an% bloo%y battle gains. He an% his Norsemen bol%ly lan%& 2unning their stout shi's on the stran%.6 Then King Sigur% saile% westwar%s along heathen S'ain& an% brought u' at a town calle% )lkasseA an% here he ha% his fourth battle with the heathens& an% took the town& an% kille% so many 'eo'le that the town was left em'ty. They got there also immense booty. So says Hal%or Sk7al%re5 6) fourth great battle& < am tol%& $ur Norse king an% his 'eo'le hol% )t )lkasseA an% here again The 7ictory fell to our Norsemen.6 )n% also this 7erse5 6< hear% that through the town he went& )n% heathen wi%ows4 wil% lament 2esoun%e% in the em'ty hallsA ?or e7ery townsman flies or falls.6

:. +)TT-3 <N TH3 <S-)N* ?$2.<NT322). King Sigur% then 'rocee%e% on his 7oyage& an% came to Norfasun%A

an% in the soun% he was met by a large 7iking force& an% the king ga7e them battleA an% this was his fifth engagement with heathens since the time he left Norway. He gaine% the 7ictory here also. So says Hal%or Sk7al%re5 6Ce moistene% your %ry swor%s with bloo%& )s through Norfasun% ye stoo%A The screaming ra7en got a feast& )s ye saile% onwar% to the 3ast.6 King Sigur% then saile% eastwar% along the coast of Serklan%& an% came to an islan% there calle% ?orminterra. There a great many heathen .oors ha% taken u' their %welling in a ca7e& an% ha% built a strong stone wall before its mouth. They harrie% the country all roun%& an% carrie% all their booty to their ca7e. King Sigur% lan%e% on this islan%& an% went to the ca7eA but it lay in a 'reci'ice& an% there was a high win%ing 'ath to the stone wall& an% the 'reci'ice abo7e 'roBecte% o7er it. The heathens %efen%e% the stone wall& an% were not afrai% of the Northmen4s armsA for they coul% throw stones& or shoot %own u'on the Northmen un%er their feetA neither %i% the Northmen& un%er such circumstances& %are to mount u'. The heathens took their clothes an% other 7aluable things& carrie% them out u'on the wall& s'rea% them out before the Northmen& shoute%& an% %efie% them& an% u'brai%e% them as cowar%s. Then Sigur% fell u'on this 'lan. He ha% two shi'4s boats& such as we call barks& %rawn u' the 'reci'ice right abo7e the mouth of the ca7eA an% ha% thick ro'es fastene% aroun% the stem& stern& an% hull of each. <n these boats as many men went as coul% fin% room& an% then the boats were lowere% by the ro'es %own in front of the mouth of the ca7eA an% the men in the boats shot with stones an% missiles into the ca7e& an% the heathens were thus %ri7en from the stone wall. Then Sigur% with his troo's climbe% u' the 'reci'ice to the foot of the stone wall& which they succee%e% in breaking %own& so that they came into the ca7e. Now the heathens fle% within the stone wall that was built across the ca7eA on which the king or%ere% large trees to be brought to the ca7e& ma%e a great 'ile in the mouth of it& an% set fire to the woo%. =hen the fire an% smoke got the u''er han%& some of the heathens lost their li7es in itA some fle%A some fell by the han%s of the NorthmenA an% 'art were kille%& 'art burne%A an% the Northmen ma%e the greatest booty they ha% got on all their eD'e%itions. So says Hal%er Sk7al%re5 6?orminterra lay <n the 7ictor4s wayA His shi's4 stems fly To 7ictory. The bluemen there .ust fire bear& )n% Norsemen4s steel )t their hearts feel.6 )n% also thus5 64Twas a feat of renown& The boat lowere% %own&

=ith a boat4s crew bra7e& <n front of the ca7eA =hile u' the rock scaling& )n% comra%es u' trailing& The Norsemen gain& )n% the bluemen are slain.6 )n% also Thorarin Stutfel% says5 6The king4s men u' the mountain4s si%e *rag two boats from the ocean4s ti%eA The two boats lay& -ike hill wol7es grey. Now o4er the rock in ro'es they4re swinging =ell manne%& an% %eath to bluemen bringingA They hang before The robber4s %oor.6

7. $? TH3 +)TT-3S $? <><J) )N* .<N$2C). Thereafter King Sigur% 'rocee%e% on his eD'e%ition& an% came to an islan% calle% <7iEa (<7ica#& an% ha% there his se7enth battle& an% gaine% a 7ictory. So says Hal%or Sk7al%re5 6His shi's at <7ica now ri%e& The king4s& whose fame s'rea%s far an% wi%eA )n% hear the bearers of the shiel% Their arms again in battle wiel%.6 Thereafter King Sigur% came to an islan% calle% .anork (.inorca#& an% hel% there his eighth battle with heathen men& an% gaine% the 7ictory. So says Hal%or Sk7al%re5 6$n green .inorca4s 'lains The eighth battle now he gains5 )gain the heathen foe ?alls at the Norse king4s blow.6

8. *@K3 2$;32 .)*3 ) K<N;. <n s'ring King Sigur% came to Sicily ().*. 1199#& an% remaine% a long time there. There was then a *uke 2oger in Sicily& who recei7e% the king kin%ly& an% in7ite% him to a feast. King Sigur% came to it with a great retinue& an% was s'len%i%ly entertaine%. 37ery %ay *uke 2oger stoo% at the com'any4s table& %oing ser7ice to the kingA but the se7enth %ay of the feast& when the 'eo'le ha% come to table& an% ha% wi'e% their han%s& King Sigur% took the %uke by the han%& le% him u' to the high seat& an% salute% him with the title of kingA an% ga7e the right that there shoul% be always a king o7er the %ominion of Sicily& although before there ha% only been earls or %ukes o7er that country.

9. $? K<N; 2$;32. King 2oger of Sicily was a 7ery great king. He won an% sub%ue% all )'ulia& an% many large islan%s besi%es in the ;reek seaA an% therefore he was calle% 2oger the ;reat. His son was =illiam& king of Sicily& who for a long time ha% great hostility with the em'eror of Constantino'le. King =illiam ha% three %aughters& but no son. $ne of his %aughters he marrie% to the 3m'eror Henry& a son of the 3m'eror ?re%erikA an% their son was ?re%erik& who for a short time after was em'eror of 2ome. His secon% %aughter was marrie% to the *uke of Ki'r. The thir% %aughter& .argaret& was marrie% to the chief of the corsairsA but the 3m'eror Henry kille% both these brothers in law. The %aughter of 2oger the ;reat& king of Sicily& was marrie% to the 3m'eror .anuel of Constantino'leA an% their son was the 3m'eror KirBalaD.

19. K<N; S<;@2*4S 3N13*<T<$N T$ 1)-3ST<N3. <n the summer ().*. 1119# King Sigur% saile% across the ;reek sea to 1alestine& an% thereu'on went u' to Gerusalem& where he met +al%win& king of 1alestine. King +al%win recei7e% him 'articularly well& an% ro%e with him all the way to the ri7er Gor%an& an% then back to the city of Gerusalem. 3inar Skulason s'eaks thus of it5 6;oo% reason has the skal% to sing The generous tem'er of the king& =hose sea col% keel from northern wa7es 1loughs the blue sea that green isles la7es. )t )cre scarce were we ma%e fast& <n holy groun% our anchors cast& =hen the king ma%e a Boyful morn To all who toil with him ha% borne.6 )n% again he ma%e these lines5 6To Gerusalem he came& He who lo7es war4s noble game& (The skal% no greater monarch fin%s +eneath the hea7en4s wi%e hall of win%s# )ll sin an% e7il from him flings <n Gor%an4s wa7e5 for all his sins (=hich all must 'raise# he 'ar%on wins.6 King Sigur% staye% a long time in the lan% of Gerusalem (Gorsalalan%# in autumn& an% in the beginning of winter.

11. S<*$N T)K3N. King +al%win ma%e a magnificent feast for King Sigur% an% many of his 'eo'le& an% ga7e him many holy relics. +y the or%ers of King

+al%win an% the 'atriarch& there was taken a s'linter off the holy crossA an% on this holy relic both ma%e oath& that this woo% was of the holy cross u'on which ;o% Himself ha% been torture%. Then this holy relic was gi7en to King Sigur%A with the con%ition that he& an% twel7e other men with him& shoul% swear to 'romote Christianity with all his 'ower& an% erect an archbisho'4s seat in Norway if he coul%A an% also that the cross shoul% be ke't where the holy King $laf re'ose%& an% that he shoul% intro%uce tithes& an% also 'ay them himself. )fter this King Sigur% returne% to his shi's at )creA an% then King +al%win 're'are% to go to Syria& to a heathen town calle% Saet. $n this eD'e%ition King Sigur% accom'anie% him& an% after the kings ha% besiege% the town some time it surren%ere%& an% they took 'ossession of it& an% of a great treasure of moneyA an% their men foun% other booty. King Sigur% ma%e a 'resent of his share to King +al%win. So say Hal%or Sk7al%re5 6He who for wol7es 'ro7i%es the feast SeiEe% on the city in the 3ast& The heathen nestA an% honour %rew& )n% gol% to gi7e& from those he slew.6 3inar Skulason also tells of it5 6The Norsemen4s king& the skal%s relate& Has ta4en the heathen town of Saet5 The slinging engine with %rea% noise ;ables an% roofs with stones %estroys. The town wall totters too& it fallsA The Norsemen mount the blackene% walls. He who stains re% the ra7en4s bill Has won& the town lies at his will.6 Thereafter King Sigur% went to his shi's an% ma%e rea%y to lea7e 1alestine. They saile% north to the islan% Cy'rusA an% King Sigur% staye% there a while& an% then went to the ;reek country& an% came to the lan% with all his fleet at 3ngilsnes. Here he lay still for a fortnight& although e7ery %ay it blew a breeEe for going before the win% to the northA but Sigur% woul% wait a si%e win%& so that the sails might stretch fore an% aft in the shi'A for in all his sails there was silk Boine% in& before an% behin% in the sail& an% neither those before nor those behin% the shi's coul% see the slightest a''earance of this& if the 7essel was before the win%A so they woul% rather wait a si%e win%.

1!. S<;@2*4S 3N13*<T<$N T$ C$NST)NT<N$1-3. =hen King Sigur% saile% into Constantino'le& he steere% near the lan%. $7er all the lan% there are burghs& castles& country towns& the one u'on the other without inter7al. There from the lan% one coul% see into the bights of the sailsA an% the sails stoo% so close besi%e each other& that they seeme% to form one enclosure. )ll the 'eo'le turne% out to see King Sigur% sailing 'ast. The 3m'eror KirBalaD ha% also hear% of King Sigur%4s eD'e%ition& an% or%ere% the city 'ort of Constantino'le to be

o'ene%& which is calle% the ;ol% Tower& through which the em'eror ri%es when he has been long absent from Constantino'le& or has ma%e a cam'aign in which he has been 7ictorious. The em'eror ha% 'recious cloths s'rea% out from the ;ol% Tower to -aktBarna& which is the name of the em'eror4s most s'len%i% hall. King Sigur% or%ere% his men to ri%e in great state into the city& an% not to regar% all the new things they might seeA an% this they %i%. King Sigur% an% his followers ro%e with this great s'len%our into Constantino'le& an% then came to the magnificent hall& where e7erything was in the gran%est style. King Sigur% remaine% here some time. The 3m'eror KirBalaD sent his men to him to ask if he woul% rather acce't from the em'eror siD lis'un% of gol%& or woul% ha7e the em'eror gi7e the games in his honour which the em'eror was use% to ha7e 'laye% at the 1a%reim. King Sigur% 'referre% the games& an% the messengers sai% the s'ectacle woul% not cost the em'eror less than the money offere%. Then the em'eror 're'are% for the games& which were hel% in the usual wayA but this %ay e7erything went on better for the king than for the FueenA for the Fueen has always the half 'art in the games& an% their men& therefore& always stri7e against each other in all games. The ;reeks accor%ingly think that when the king4s men win more games at the 1a%reim than the Fueen4s& the king will gain the 7ictory when he goes into battle. 1eo'le who ha7e been in Constantino'le tell that the 1a%reim is thus constructe%5 ) high wall surroun%s a flat 'lain& which may be com'are% to a roun% bare Thing 'lace& with earthen banks all aroun% at the stone wall& on which banks the s'ectators sitA but the games themsel7es are in the flat 'lain. There are many sorts of ol% e7ents re'resente% concerning the )sas& >olsungs& an% ;iukungs& in these gamesA an% all the figures are cast in co''er& or metal& with so great art that they a''ear to be li7ing thingsA an% to the 'eo'le it a''ears as if they were really 'resent in the games. The games themsel7es are so artfully an% cle7erly manage%& that 'eo'le a''ear to be ri%ing in the airA an% at them also are use% shot fire (1#& an% all kin%s of har' 'laying& singing& an% music instruments. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# ?ireworks& or the ;reek fire& 'robably were use%.

-.

1!. S<;@2* )N* TH3 3.132$2 $? C$NST)NT<N$1-3. <t is relate% that King Sigur% one %ay was to gi7e the em'eror a feast& an% he or%ere% his men to 'ro7i%e sum'tuously all that was necessary for the entertainmentA an% when all things were 'ro7i%e% which are suitable for an entertainment gi7en by a great 'ersonage to 'ersons of high %ignity& King Sigur% or%ere% his men to go to the street in the city where firewoo% was sol%& as they woul% reFuire a great Fuantity to 're'are the feast. They sai% the king nee% not be afrai% of wanting firewoo%& for e7ery %ay many loa%s were brought into the town. =hen it was necessary& howe7er& to ha7e firewoo%& it was foun% that it was all sol%& which they tol% the king. He re'lie%& 6;o an% try if

you can get walnuts. They will answer as well as woo% for fuel.6 They went an% got as many as they nee%e%. Now came the em'eror& an% his gran%ees an% court& an% sat %own to table. )ll was 7ery s'len%i%A an% King Sigur% recei7e% the em'eror with great state& an% entertaine% him magnificently. =hen the Fueen an% the em'eror foun% that nothing was wanting& she sent some 'ersons to inFuire what they ha% use% for firewoo%A an% they came to a house fille% with walnuts& an% they came back an% tol% the Fueen. 6Truly&6 sai% she& 6this is a magnificent king& who s'ares no eD'ense where his honour is concerne%.6 She ha% contri7e% this to try what they woul% %o when they coul% get no firewoo% to %ress their feast with.

1". K<N; S<;@2* TH3 C2@S)*324S 23T@2N H$.3. King Sigur% soon after 're'are% for his return home. He ga7e the em'eror all his shi'sA an% the 7aluable figurehea%s which were on the king4s shi's were set u' in 1eter4s church& where they ha7e since been to be seen. The em'eror ga7e the king many horses an% gui%es to con%uct him through all his %ominions. Then King Sigur% left Constantino'leA but a great many Northmen remaine%& an% went into the em'eror4s 'ay. Then King Sigur% tra7ele% from +ulgaria& an% through Hungary& 1annonia. Suabia& an% +a7aria& where he met the 2oman em'eror& -otharius& who recei7e% him in the most frien%ly way& ga7e him gui%es through his %ominions& an% ha% markets establishe% for him at which he coul% 'urchase all he reFuire%. =hen King Sigur% came to Sles7ik in *enmark& 3arl 3ilif ma%e a sum'tuous feast for himA an% it was then mi%summer. <n Hei%aby he met the *anish king& Nikolas& who recei7e% him in the most frien%ly way& ma%e a great entertainment for him& accom'anie% him north to Gutlan%& an% ga7e him a shi' 'ro7i%e% with e7erything nee%ful. ?rom thence the king returne% to Norway& an% was Boyfully welcome% on his return to his king%om ().*. 1119#. <t was the common talk among the 'eo'le& that none ha% e7er ma%e so honourable a Bourney from Norway as this of King Sigur%. He was twenty years of age& an% ha% been three years on these tra7els. His brother $laf was then twel7e years ol%.

1(. 3CST3<N4S *$<N;S <N TH3 .3)NT<.3. King 3ystein ha% also effecte% much in the country that was useful while King Sigur% was on his Bourney. He establishe% a monastery at Nor%nes in +ergen& an% en%owe% it with much 'ro'erty. He also built .ichael4s church& which is a 7ery s'len%i% stone tem'le. <n the king4s house there he also built the Church of the )'ostles& an% the great hall& which is the most magnificent woo%en structure that was e7er built in Norway. He also built a church at )g%anes with a 'ara'etA an% a harbour& where formerly there ha% been a barren s'ot only. <n Ni%aros he built in the king4s street the church of Saint Nikolas& which was 'articularly ornamente% with car7e% work& an% all in woo%. He also built a church north in >agar in Halogalan%& an% en%owe% it with 'ro'erty an% re7enues.

1/. $? K<N; 3CST3<N. King 3ystein sent a 7erbal message to the most intelligent an% 'owerful of the men of Gamtalan%& an% in7ite% them to himA recei7e% them all as they came with great kin%nessA accom'anie% them 'art of the way home& an% ga7e them 'resents& an% thus entice% them into a frien%shi' with him. Now as many of them became accustome% to 7isit him an% recei7e gifts from him& an% he also sent gifts to some who %i% not come themsel7es& he soon gaine% the fa7our of all the 'eo'le who ha% most influence in the country. Then he s'oke to the Gamtalan% 'eo'le& an% tol% them they ha% %one ill in turning away from the kings of Norway& an% with%rawing from them their taDes an% allegiance. He began by saying how the Gamtalan% 'eo'le ha% submitte% to the reign of Hakon& the foster son of )thelstane& an% ha% long afterwar%s been subBecte% to the kings of Norway& an% he re'resente% to them how many useful things they coul% get from Norway& an% how incon7enient it was for them to a''ly to the Swe%ish king for what they nee%e%. +y these s'eeches he brought matters so far that the Gamtalan% 'eo'le of their own accor% offere% to be subBect to him& which they sai% was useful an% necessary for themA an% thus& on both si%es& it was agree% that the Gamtalan%ers shoul% 'ut their whole country un%er King 3ystein. The first beginning was with the men of conseFuence& who 'ersua%e% the 'eo'le to take an oath of fi%elity to King 3ysteinA an% then they went to King 3ystein an% confirme% the country to him by oathA an% this arrangement has since continue% for a long time. King 3ystein thus conFuere% Gamtalan% by his wis%om& an% not by hostile inroa%s& as some of his forefathers ha% %one.

17. $? K<N; 3CST3<N4S 132?3CT<$NS. King 3ystein was the han%somest man that coul% be seen. He ha% blue o'en eyesA his hair yellow an% curlingA his stature not tall& but of the mi%%le siEe. He was wise& intelligent& an% acFuainte% with the laws an% history. He ha% much knowle%ge of mankin%& was Fuick in counsel& 'ru%ent in wor%s& an% 7ery eloFuent an% 7ery generous. He was 7ery merry& yet mo%estA an% was like% an% belo7e%& in%ee%& by all the 'eo'le. He was marrie% to <ngebBorg& a %aughter of ;uthorm& son of Thorer of SteigA an% their %aughter was .aria& who afterwar%s marrie% ;u%bran% Skafhogson.

18. $? <>)2 <N;<.@N*S$N. King 3ystein ha% in many ways im'ro7e% the laws an% 'ri7eleges of the country 'eo'le& an% ke't strictly to the lawsA an% he ma%e himself acFuainte% with all the laws of Norway& an% showe% in e7erything great 'ru%ence an% un%erstan%ing. =hat a 7aluable man King 3ystein was& how full of frien%shi'& an% how much he turne%

his min% to eDamining an% a7oi%ing e7erything that coul% be of %isa%7antage to his frien%s& may be seen from his frien%shi' to an <celan% man calle% <7ar <ngimun%son. The man was witty& of great family& an% also a 'oet. The king saw that <7ar was out of s'irits& an% aske% him why he was so melancholy. 6+efore& when thou wast with us& we ha% much amusement with thy con7ersation. < know thou art a man of too goo% an un%erstan%ing to belie7e that < woul% %o anything against thee. Tell me then what it is.6 He re'lie%& 6< cannot tell thee what it is.6 Then sai% the king& 6< will try to guess what it is. any men who %is'lease theeL6 To this he re'lie%& 6No.6 6*ost thou think thou art hel% in less esteem by me than thou woul%st like to beL6 To this he also re'lie%& 6No.6 6Hast thou obser7e% anything whate7er that has ma%e an im'ression on thee at which thou art ill 'lease%L6 He re'lie%& it was not this either. The king5 6=oul% you like to go to other chiefs or to other menL6 To this he answere%& 6No.6 The king5 6<t is %ifficult now to guess. <s there any girl here& or in any other country& to whom thy affections are engage%L6 He sai% it was so. The king sai%& 6*o not be melancholy on that account. ;o to <celan% when s'ring sets in& an% < shall gi7e thee money& an% 'resents& an% with these my letters an% seal to the men who ha7e the 'rinci'al sway thereA an% < know no man there who will not obey my 'ersuasions or threats.6 <7ar re'lie%& 6.y fate is hea7ier& sireA for my own brother has the girl.6 Then sai% the king& 6Throw it out of thy min%A an% < know a counsel against this. )fter Cule < will tra7el in guest Fuarters. Thou shalt come along with me& an% thou will ha7e an o''ortunity of seeing many beautiful girlsA an%& 'ro7i%e% they are not of the royal stock& < will get thee one of them in marriage.6 <7ar re'lies& 6Sire& my fate is still the hea7ierA for as oft as < see beautiful an% eDcellent girls < only remember the more that girl& an% they increase my misery.6 The king5 6Then < will gi7e thee 'ro'erty to manage& an% estates for thy amusement.6 )re there

He re'lie%& 6?or that < ha7e no %esire.6 The king5 6Then < will gi7e thee money& that thou mayest tra7el in other countries.6 He sai% he %i% not wish this. Then sai% the king& 6<t is %ifficult for me to seek farther& for < ha7e 'ro'ose% e7erything that occurs to me. There is but one thing elseA an% that is but little com'are% to what < ha7e offere% thee. Come to me e7ery %ay after the tables are remo7e%& an%& if < am not sitting u'on im'ortant business& < shall talk with thee about the girl in e7ery way that < can think ofA an% < shall %o so at leisure. <t sometimes ha''ens that sorrow is lightene% by being brought out o'enlyA an% thou shalt ne7er go away without some gift.6 He re'lie%& 6This < will %o& sire& an% return thanks for this inFuiry.6 )n% now they %i% so constantlyA an% when the king was not occu'ie% with weightier affairs he talke% with him& an% his sorrow by %egrees wore away& an% he was again in goo% s'irits.

19. $? K<N; S<;@2*. King Sigur% was a stout an% strong man& with brown hairA of a manly a''earance& but not han%someA well grownA of little s'eech& an% often not frien%ly& but goo% to his frien%s& an% faithfulA not 7ery eloFuent& but moral an% 'olite. King Sigur% was self wille%& an% se7ere in his re7engeA strict in obser7ing the lawA was generousA an% withal an able& 'owerful king. His brother $laf was a tall& thin manA han%some in countenanceA li7ely& mo%est& an% 'o'ular. =hen all these brothers& 3ystein& Sigur% an% $laf were kings of Norway& they %i% away with many burthens which the *anes ha% lai% u'on the 'eo'le in the time that S7ein )lfifason rule% NorwayA an% on this account they were much belo7e%& both by the 'eo'le an% the great men of the country.

!9. $? K<N; S<;@2*4S *23).. $nce King Sigur% fell into low s'irits& so that few coul% get him to con7erse& an% he sat but a short time at the %rinking table. This was hea7y on his counsellors& frien%s& an% courtA an% they begge% King 3ystein to consi%er how they coul% %isco7er the cause why the 'eo'le who came to the king coul% get no re'ly to what they lai% before him. King 3ystein answere% them& that it was %ifficult to s'eak with the king about thisA but at last& on the entreaty of many& he 'romise% to %o it. $nce& when they were both together& King 3ystein brought the matter before his brother& an% aske% the cause of his melancholy. 6<t is a great grief& sire& to many to see thee so melancholyA an% we woul% like

to know what has occasione% it& or if 'erchance thou hast hear% any news of great weightL6 King Sigur% re'lies& that it was not so. 6<s it then& brother&6 says King 3ystein& 6that you woul% like to tra7el out of the country& an% augment your %ominions as our father %i%L6 He answere%& that it was not that either. 6<s it& then& that any man here in the country has offen%e%L6 To this also the king sai% 6No.6 6Then < woul% like to know if you ha7e %reamt anything that has occasione% this %e'ression of min%L6 The king answere% that it was so. 6Tell me& then& brother& thy %ream.6 King Sigur% sai%& 6< will not tell it& unless thou inter'ret it as it may turn outA an% < shall be Fuick at 'ercei7ing if thy inter'retation be right or not.6 King 3ystein re'lies& 6This is a 7ery %ifficult matter& sire& on both si%esA as < am eD'ose% to thy anger if < cannot inter'ret it& an% to the blame of the 'ublic if < can %o nothing in the matterA but < will rather fall un%er your %is'leasure& e7en if my inter'retation shoul% not be agreeable.6 King Sigur% re'lies& 6<t a''eare% to me& in a %ream& as if we brothers were all sitting on a bench in front of Christ church in Thron%hBemA an% it a''eare% to me as if our relati7e& King $laf the Saint& came out of the church a%orne% with the royal raiment glancing an% s'len%i%& an% with the most %elightful an% Boyful countenance. He went to our brother King $laf& took him by the han%& an% sai% cheerfully& to him& ICome with me& frien%.4 $n which he a''eare% to stan% u' an% go into the church. Soon after King $laf the Saint came out of the church& but not so gay an% brilliant as before. Now he went to thee& brother& an% sai% to thee that thou shoul%st go with himA on which he le% thee with him& an% ye went into the church. Then < thought& an% waite% for it& that he woul% come to me& an% meet meA but it was not so. Then < was seiEe% with great sorrow& an% great %rea% an% anDiety fell u'on me& so that < was altogether without strengthA an% then < awoke.6 King 3ystein re'lies& 6Thus < inter'ret your %ream& sire& That the bench betokens the king%om we brothers ha7eA an% as you thought King $laf came with so gla% a countenance to our brother& King $laf& he will likely li7e the shortest time of us brothers& an% ha7e all goo% to eD'ect hereafterA for he is amiable& young in years& an% has gone but little into eDcess& an% King $laf the Saint must hel' him. +ut as you thought he came towar%s me& but not with so much Boy& < may 'ossibly li7e a few years longer& but

not become ol%& an% < trust his 'ro7i%ence will stan% o7er meA but that he %i% not come to me with the same s'len%our an% glory as to our brother $laf& that will be because& in many ways& < ha7e sinne% an% transgresse% his comman%. <f he %elaye% coming to thee& < think that in no way betokens thy %eath& but rather a long lifeA but it may be that some hea7y acci%ent may occur to thee& as there was an unaccountable %rea% o7er'owering theeA but < foretell that thou will be the ol%est of us& an% wilt rule the king%om longest.6 Then sai% Sigur%& 6This is well an% intelligently inter'rete%& an% it is likely it will be so.6 )n% now the king began to be cheerful again.

!1. $? K<N; S<;@2*4S .)22<);3. King Sigur% marrie% .almfri%& a %aughter of King Haral% >al%emarson& eastwar% in No7goro%. King Haral% >al%emarson4s mother was Hueen ;y%a the $l%& a %aughter of the Swe%ish king& <nge Steinkelson. Haral% >al%emarson4s other %aughter& sister to .almfri%& was <ngebBorg& who was marrie% to Canute -a7ar%& a son of the *anish king& 3irik the ;oo%& an% gran%son of King S7ein @lfson. Canute4s an% <ngebBorg4s chil%ren were& the *anish king& >al%emar& who came to the *anish king%om after S7ein 3iriksonA an% %aughters .argaret& Christina& an% Catherine. .argaret was marrie% to Stig H7itale%A an% their %aughter was Christina& marrie% to the Swe%ish king& Karl Sork7ison& an% their son was King Sork7er.

!!. $? TH3 C)S3S +3?$23 TH3 TH<N;. The king4s relati7e& Sigur% Hranason& came into strife with King Sigur%. He ha% ha% the -a'lan% collectorshi' on the king4s account& because of their relationshi' an% long frien%shi'& an% also of the many ser7ices Sigur% Hranason ha% %one to the kingsA for he was a 7ery %istinguishe%& 'o'ular man. +ut it ha''ene% to him& as it often %oes to others& that 'ersons more wicke% an% Bealous than u'right slan%ere% him to King Sigur%& an% whis'ere% in the king4s ear that he took more of the -a'lan%er4s tribute to himself than was 'ro'er. They s'oke so long about this& that King Sigur% concei7e% a %islike an% anger to him& an% sent a message to him. =hen he a''eare% before the king& the king carrie% these feelings with him& an% sai%& 6< %i% not eD'ect that thou shoul%st ha7e re'ai% me for thy great fiefs an% other %ignities by taking the king4s 'ro'erty& an% abstracting a greater 'ortion of it than is allowable.6 Sigur% Hranason re'lies& 6<t is not true that has been tol% youA for < ha7e only taken such 'ortion as < ha% your 'ermission to take.6 King Sigur% re'lies& 6Thou shalt not sli' away with thisA but the matter shall be seriously treate% before it comes to an en%.6

=ith that they 'arte%. Soon after& by the a%7ice of his frien%s& the king lai% an action against Sigur% Hranason at the Thing meeting in +ergen& an% woul% ha7e him ma%e an outlaw. Now when the business took this turn& an% a''eare% so %angerous& Sigur% Hranason went to King 3ystein& an% tol% him what mischief King Sigur% inten%e% to %o him& an% entreate% his assistance. King 3ystein re'lie%& 6This is a %ifficult matter that you 'ro'ose to me& to s'eak against my brotherA an% there is a great %ifference between %efen%ing a cause an% 'ursuing it in lawA6 an% a%%e%& that this was a matter which concerne% him an% Sigur% eFually. 6+ut for thy %istress& an% our relationshi'& < shall bring in a wor% for thee.6 Soon after 3ystein 7isite% King Sigur%& an% entreate% him to s'are the man& remin%ing him of the relationshi' between them an% Sigur% Hranason& who was marrie% to their aunt& Skial%7orA an% sai% he woul% 'ay the 'enalty for the crime committe% against the king& although he coul% not with truth im'ute any blame to him in the matter. +esi%es& he remin%e% the king of the long frien%shi' with Sigur% Hranason. King Sigur% re'lie%& that it was better go7ernment to 'unish such acts. Then King 3ystein re'lie%& 6<f thou& brother& wilt follow the law& an% 'unish such acts accor%ing to the country4s 'ri7ileges& then it woul% be most correct that Sigur% Hranason 'ro%uce his witnesses& an% that the case be Bu%ge% at the Thing& but not at a meetingA for the case comes un%er the law of the lan%& not un%er +Barkey law.6 Then sai% Sigur%& 6<t may 'ossibly be so that the case belongs to it& as thou sayest& King 3ysteinA an% if it be against law what has hitherto been %one in this case& then we shall bring it before the Thing.6 Then the kings 'arte%& an% each seeme% %etermine% to take his own way. King Sigur% summone% the 'arties in the case before the )rnarnes Thing& an% inten%e% to 'ursue it there. King 3ystein came also to the Thing 'laceA an% when the case was brought forwar% for Bu%gment& King 3ystein went to the Thing before Bu%gment was gi7en u'on Sigur% Hranason. Now King Sigur% tol% the lagmen to 'ronounce the Bu%gmentA but King 3ystein re'lie% thus5 6< trust there are here men acFuainte% sufficiently with the laws of Norway& to know that they cannot con%emn a len%ermen to be outlawe% at this Thing.6 )n% he then eD'laine% how the law was& so that e7ery man clearly un%erstoo% it. Then sai% King Sigur%& 6Thou art taking u' this matter 7ery warmly& King 3ystein& an% it is likely the case will cost more trouble before it comes to an en% than we inten%e%A but ne7ertheless we shall follow it out. < will ha7e him con%emne% to be outlawe% in his nati7e 'lace.6 Then sai% King 3ystein& 6There are certainly not many things which %o not succee% with thee& an% es'ecially when there are but few an% small folks to o''ose one who has carrie% through such great things.6 )n% thus they 'arte%& without anything being conclu%e% in the case. Thereafter King Sigur% calle% together a ;ula Thing& went himself there& an% summone% to him many high chiefs. King 3ystein came there also with his suiteA an% many meetings an% conferences were hel% among 'eo'le of un%erstan%ing concerning this case& an% it was trie% an% eDamine% before the lagmen. Now King 3ystein obBecte% that all the 'arties summone% in any cases trie% here belonge% to the Thing %istrictA but in this case the %ee% an% the 'arties

belonge% to Halogalan%. The Thing accor%ingly en%e% in %oing nothing& as King 3ystein ha% thus ma%e it incom'etent. The kings 'arte% in great wrathA an% King 3ystein went north to Thron%hBem. King Sigur%& on the other han%& summone% to him all len%ermen& an% also the house ser7ants of the len%ermen& an% name% out of e7ery %istrict a number of the bon%es from the south 'arts of the country& so that he ha% collecte% a large army about himA an% 'rocee%e% with all this crow% northwar%s along the coast to Halogalan%& an% inten%e% to use all his 'ower to make Sigur% Hranason an outlaw among his own relations. ?or this 'ur'ose he summone% to him the Halogalan% an% Naumu%al 'eo'le& an% a''ointe% a Thing at Hrafnista. King 3ystein 're'are% himself also& an% 'rocee%e% with many 'eo'le from the town of Ni%aros to the Thing& where he ma%e Sigur% Hranason& by han% shake before witnesses& %eli7er o7er to him the following an% %efen%ing this case. )t this Thing both the kings s'oke& each for his own si%e. Then King 3ystein asks the lagmen where that law was ma%e in Norway which ga7e the bon%es the right to Bu%ge between the kings of the country& when they ha% 'leas with each other. 6< shall bring witnesses to 'ro7e that Sigur% has gi7en the case into my han%sA an% it is with me& not with Sigur% Hranason& that King Sigur% has to %o in this case.6 The lagmen sai% that %is'utes between kings must be Bu%ge% only at the 3yra Thing in Ni%aros. King 3ystein sai%& 6So < thought that it shoul% be there& an% the cases must be remo7e% there.6 Then King Sigur% sai%& 6The more %ifficulties an% incon7enience thou bringest u'on me in this matter& the more < will 'erse7ere in it.6 )n% with that they 'arte%. +oth kings then went south to Ni%aros town& where they summone% a Thing from eight %istricts. King 3ystein was in the town with a great many 'eo'le& but Sigur% was on boar% his shi's. =hen the Thing was o'ene%& 'eace an% safe con%uct was gi7en to allA an% when the 'eo'le were all collecte%& an% the case shoul% be gone into& +ergthor& a son of S7ein +ryggBufot& stoo% u'& an% ga7e his e7i%ence that Sigur% Hranason ha% conceale% a 'art of the -a'lan%ers4 taDes. Then King 3ystein stoo% u' an% sai%& 6<f thy accusation were true& although we %o not know what truth there may be in thy testimony& yet this case has alrea%y been %ismisse% from three Things& an% a fourth time from a town meetingA an% therefore < reFuire that the lagmen acFuit Sigur% in this case accor%ing to law.6 )n% they %i% so. Then sai% King Sigur%& 6< see sufficiently& King 3ystein& that thou hast carrie% this case by law Fuirks (1#& which < %o not un%erstan%. +ut now there remains& King 3ystein& a way of %etermining the case which < am more use% to& an% which < shall now a''ly.6 He then retire% to his shi's& ha% the tents taken %own& lai% his whole fleet out at the holm& an% hel% a Thing of his 'eo'leA an% tol% them that early in the morning they shoul% lan% at <lu7ellir& an% gi7e battle to King 3ystein. +ut in the e7ening&

as King Sigur% sat at his table in his shi' taking his re'ast& before he was aware of it a man cast himself on the floor of the forehol%& an% at the king4s feet. This was Sigur% Hranason& who begge% the king to take what course with regar% to him the king himself thought 'ro'er. Then came +isho' .agne an% Hueen .almfri%& an% many other great 'ersonages& an% entreate% forgi7eness for Sigur% HranasonA an% at their entreaty the king raise% him u'& took him by the han%& an% 'lace% him among his men& an% took him along with himself to the south 'art of the country. <n autumn the king ga7e Sigur% Hranason lea7e to go north to his farm& ga7e him an em'loyment& an% was always afterwar% his frien%. )fter this %ay& howe7er& the brothers were ne7er much together& an% there was no cor%iality or cheerfulness among them. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# These law Fuirks show a singularly a%7ance% state of law. an% %eference to the -aw Things& ami%st such social %isor%er an% mis%ee%s. -.

!:. $? K<N; $-)?4S *3)TH. King $laf .agnuson fell into a sickness which en%e% in his %eath. He was burie% in Christ church in Ni%aros& an% many were in great grief at his %eath. )fter $laf4s %eath& 3ystein an% Sigur% rule% the country& the three brothers together ha7ing been kings of Norway for twel7e years ().*. 119" 111(#A namely& fi7e years after King Sigur% returne% home& an% se7en years before. King $laf was se7enteen years ol% when he %ie%& an% it ha''ene% on the !"th of *ecember.

!". .);N@S TH3 +-<N*A H<S +<2TH. King 3ystein ha% been about a year in the east 'art of the country at that time& an% King Sigur% was then in the north. King 3ystein remaine% a long time that winter in Sar'sborg. There was once a 'owerful an% rich bon%e calle% $1af of *al& who %welt in ;reat *al in )umor%& an% ha% two chil%ren& a son calle% Hakon ?auk& an% a %aughter calle% +orghil%& who was a 7ery beautiful girl& an% 'ru%ent& an% well skille% in many things. $laf an% his chil%ren were a long time in winter in Sar'sborg& an% +orghil% con7erse% 7ery often with King 3ysteinA so that many re'orts were s'rea% about their frien%shi'. The following summer King 3ystein went north& an% King Sigur% came eastwar%& where he remaine% all winter& an% was long in Konungahella& which town he greatly enlarge% an% im'ro7e%. He built there a great castle of turf an% stone& %ug a great %itch aroun% it& an% built a church an% se7eral houses within the castle. The holy cross he allowe% to remain at Konungahella& an% therein %i% not fulfill the oath he ha% taken in 1alestineA but& on the other han%& he establishe% tithe& an% most of the other things to which he ha% boun% himself by oath. The reason of his kee'ing the cross east at the

frontier of the country was& that he thought it woul% be a 'rotection to all the lan%A but it 'ro7e% the greatest misfortune to 'lace this relic within the 'ower of the heathens& as it afterwar%s turne% out. =hen +orghil%& $laf4s %aughter& hear% it whis'ere% that 'eo'le talke% ill of her con7ersations an% intimacy with King 3ystein& she went to Sar'sborgA an% after suitable fasts she carrie% the iron as 'roof of her innocence& an% cleare% herself thereby fully from all offence. =hen King Sigur% hear% this& he ro%e one %ay as far as usually was two %ays4 tra7elling& an% came to *al to $laf& where he remaine% all night& ma%e +orghil% his concubine& an% took her away with him. They ha% a son& who was calle% .agnus& an% he was sent imme%iately to Halogalan%& to be fostere% at +Barkey by >i%kun GonsonA an% he was brought u' there. .agnus grew u' to be the han%somest man that coul% be seen& an% was 7ery soon stout an% strong.

!(. C$.1)2<S$N +3T=33N TH3 T=$ K<N;S. King 3ystein an% King Sigur% went both in s'ring to guest Fuarters in the @'lan%sA an% each was entertaine% in a se'arate house& an% the houses were not 7ery %istant from each other. The bon%es& howe7er& thought it more con7enient that both shoul% be entertaine% together by turns in each houseA an% thus they were both at first in the house of King 3ystein. +ut in the e7ening& when the 'eo'le began to %rink& the ale was not goo%A so that the guests were 7ery Fuiet an% still. Then sai% King 3ystein& 6=hy are the 'eo'le so silentL <t is more usual in %rinking 'arties that 'eo'le are merry& so let us fall u'on some Best o7er our ale that will amuse 'eo'leA for surely& brother Sigur%& all 'eo'le are well 'lease% when we talk cheerfully.6 Sigur% re'lies& bluntly& 6*o you talk as much as you 'lease& but gi7e me lea7e to be silent.6 3ystein says& 6<t is a common custom o7er the ale table to com'are one 'erson with another& an% now let us %o so.6 Then Sigur% was silent. 6< see&6 says King 3ystein& 6that < must begin this amusement. Now < will take thee& brother& to com'are myself with& an% will make it a''ear so as if we ha% both eFual re'utation an% 'ro'erty& an% that there is no %ifference in our birth an% e%ucation.6 Then King Sigur% re'lies& 6*o you remember that < was always able to throw you when we wrestle%& although you are a year ol%erL6 Then King 3ystein re'lie%& 6+ut < remember that you was not so goo% at the games which reFuire agility.6 Sigur%5 6*o you remember that < coul% %rag you un%er water& when we swam together& as often as < 'lease%L6

3ystein5 6+ut < coul% swim as far as you& an% coul% %i7e as well as youA an% < coul% run u'on snow skates so well that nobo%y coul% beat me& an% you coul% no more %o it than an oD.6 Sigur%5 6.ethinks it is a more useful an% suitable accom'lishment for a chief to be eD'ert at his bowA an% < think you coul% scarcely %raw my bow& e7en if you took your foot to hel'.6 3ystein5 6< am not strong at the bow as you are& but there is less %ifference between our shooting nearA an% < can use the skees much better than you& an% in former times that was hel% a great accom'lishment.6 Sigur%5 6<t a''ears to me much better for a chief who is to be the su'erior of other men& that he is cons'icuous in a crow%& an% strong an% 'owerful in wea'ons abo7e other menA easily seen& an% easily known& where there are many together.6 3ystein5 6<t is not less a %istinction an% an ornament that a man is of a han%some a''earance& so as to be easily known from others on that accountA an% this a''ears to me to suit a chief best& because the best ornament is allie% to beauty. < am moreo7er more knowing in the law than you& an% on e7ery subBect my wor%s flow more easily than yours.6 Sigur%5 6<t may be that you know more law Fuirks& for < ha7e ha% something else to %oA neither will any %eny you a smooth tongue. +ut there are many who say that your wor%s are not to be truste%A that what you 'romise is little to be regar%e%A an% that you talk Bust accor%ing to what those who are about you say& which is not kingly.6 3ystein5 6This is because& when 'eo'le bring their cases before me& < wish first to gi7e e7ery man that satisfaction in his affairs which he %esiresA but afterwar%s comes the o''osite 'arty& an% then there is something to be gi7en or taken away 7ery often& in or%er to me%iate between them& so that both may be satisfie%. <t often ha''ens& too& that < 'romise whate7er is %esire% of me& that all may be Boyful about me. <t woul% be an easy matter for me to %o as you %o& to 'romise e7il to allA an% < ne7er hear any com'lain of your not kee'ing this 'romise to them.6 Sigur%5 6<t is the con7ersation of all that the eD'e%ition that < ma%e out of the country was a 'rincely eD'e%ition& while you in the meantime sat at home like your father4s %aughter.6 3ystein5 6Now you touche% the ten%er s'ot. < woul% not ha7e brought u' this con7ersation if < ha% not known what to re'ly on this 'oint. < can truly say that < eFui't you from home like a sister& before you went u'on this eD'e%ition.6 Sigur%5 6Cou must ha7e hear% that on this eD'e%ition < was in many a battle in the Saracen4s lan%& an% gaine% the 7ictory in allA an% you must ha7e hear% of the many 7aluable articles < acFuire%& the like of which were ne7er seen before in this country& an% < was the most res'ecte% where7er the most gallant

men wereA an%& on the other han%& you cannot conceal that you ha7e only a home bre% re'utation.6 3ystein5 6< ha7e hear% that you ha% se7eral battles abroa%& but it was more useful for the country what < was %oing in the meantime here at home. < built fi7e churches from the foun%ations& an% a harbour out at )g%anes& where it before was im'ossible to lan%& an% where 7essels 'ly north an% south along the coast. < set a war'ing 'ost an% iron ring in the soun% of Sinholm& an% in +ergen < built a royal hall& while you were killing bluemen for the %e7il in Serklan%. This& < think& was of but little a%7antage to our king%om.6 King Sigur% sai%5 6$n this eD'e%ition < went all the way to Gor%an an% swam across the ri7er. $n the e%ge of the ri7er there is a bush of willows& an% there < twiste% a knot of willows& an% sai% this knot thou shoul%st untie& brother& or take the curse thereto attache%.6 King 3ystein sai%5 6< shall not go an% untie the knot which you tie% for meA but if < ha% been incline% to tie a knot for thee& thou woul%st not ha7e been king of Norway at thy return to this country& when with a single shi' you came sailing into my fleet.6 Thereu'on both were silent& an% there was anger on both si%es. .ore things 'asse% between the brothers& from which it a''eare% that each of them woul% be greater than the otherA howe7er& 'eace was 'reser7e% between them as long as they li7e%.

!/. $? K<N; S<;@2*4S S<CKN3SS. King Sigur% was at a feast in the @'lan%& an% a bath was ma%e rea%y for him. =hen the king came to the bath an% the tent was raise% o7er the bathing tub& the king thought there was a fish in the tub besi%e himA an% a great laughter came u'on him& so that he was besi%e himself& an% was out of his min%& an% often afterwar%s these fits returne%. .agnus +arefoot4s %aughter& 2agnhil%& was marrie% by her brothers to Haral% Kesia& a son of the *anish king& 3irik the ;oo%A an% their sons were .agnus& $laf& Knut an% Haral%.

!7. $? K<N; 3CST3<N4S *3)TH. King 3ystein built a large shi' at Ni%aros& which& in siEe an% sha'e& was like the -ong Ser'ent which King $laf Tryg7ason ha% built. )t the stem there was a %ragon4s hea%& an% at the stern a crooke% tail& an% both were gil%e% o7er. The shi' was high si%e%A but the fore an% aft 'arts a''eare% less than they shoul% be. He also ma%e in Ni%aros many an% large %ry %ocks of the best material& an% well timbere%. SiD years after King $laf4s %eath& it ha''ene% that King 3ystein&

at a feast at Husta%ir in Stim& was seiEe% with an illness which soon carrie% him off. He %ie% the !9th of )ugust& 11!:& an% his bo%y was carrie% north to Ni%aros& an% burie% in Christ churchA an% it is generally sai% that so many mourners ne7er stoo% o7er any man4s gra7e in Norway as o7er King 3ystein4s& at least since the time .agnus the ;oo%& Saint $laf4s son& %ie%. 3ystein ha% been twenty years ().*. 119" 11!:# king of NorwayA an% after his %ecease his brother& King Sigur%& was the sole king of Norway as long as he li7e%.

!8. +)1T<J<N; TH3 13$1-3 $? S.)-)N*. The *anish king& Nikolas& a son of S7ein @lfson& marrie% afterwar%s the Hueen .argaret& a %aughter of King <nge& who ha% before been marrie% to King .agnus +arefootA an% their sons were Nikolas an% .agnus the Strong. King Nikolas sent a message to King Sigur% the Crusa%er& an% aske% him if he woul% go with him with all his might an% hel' him to the east of the Swe%ish %ominion& Smalan%& to ba'tiEe the inhabitantsA for the 'eo'le who %welt there ha% no regar% for Christianity& although some of them ha% allowe% themsel7es to be ba'tiEe%. )t that time there were many 'eo'le all aroun% in the Swe%ish %ominions who were heathens& an% many were ba% ChristiansA for there were some of the kings who renounce% Christianity& an% continue% heathen sacrifices& as +lots7ein& an% afterwar%s 3irik )rsale& ha% %one. King Sigur% 'romise% to un%ertake this Bourney& an% the kings a''ointe% their meeting at 3yrarsun%. King Sigur% then summone% all 'eo'le in Norway to a le7y& both of men an% shi'sA an% when the fleet was assemble% he ha% about :99 shi's. King Nikolas came 7ery early to the meeting 'lace& an% staye% there a long timeA an% the bon%es murmure% much& an% sai% the Northmen %i% not inten% to come. Thereu'on the *anish army %is'erse%& an% the king went away with all his fleet. King Sigur% came there soon afterwar%s& an% was ill 'lease%A but saile% east to S7imraros& an% hel% a House thing& at which Sigur% s'oke about King Nikolas4s breach of faith& an% the Northmen& on this account& %etermine% to go marau%ing in his country. They first 'lun%ere% a 7illage calle% Tumathor'& which is not far from -un%A an% then saile% east to the merchant town of Calmar& where they 'lun%ere%& as well as in Smalan%& an% im'ose% on the country a tribute of 1(99 cattle for shi' 'ro7isionA an% the 'eo'le of Smalan% recei7e% Christianity. )fter this King Sigur% turne% about with his fleet& an% came back to his king%om with many 7aluable articles an% great booty& which he ha% gathere% on this eD'e%itionA an% this le7y was calle% the Calmar le7y. This was the summer before the ecli'se. This was the only le7y King Sigur% carrie% out as long as he was king.

!9. $? TH$2)2<N ST@T?3-*. <t ha''ene% once when King Sigur% was going from the %rinking table to 7es'ers& that his men were 7ery %runk an% merryA an% many of them sat outsi%e the church singing the e7ening song& but

their singing was 7ery irregular. Then the king sai%& 6=ho is that fellow < see stan%ing at the church with a skin Backet onL6 They answere%& that they %i% not know. Then the king sai%5 6This skin cla% man& in sorry 'light& 1uts all our wis%om here to flight.6 Then the fellow came forwar% an% sai%5 6< thought that here < might be known& )lthough my %ress is scanty grown. 4Tis 'oor& but < must be content5 @nless& great king& it4s thy intent To gi7e me betterA for < ha7e seen =hen < an% rags ha% strangers been.6 The king answere%& 6Come to me to morrow when < am at the %rink table.6 The night 'asse% awayA an% the morning after the <celan%er& who was afterwar%s calle% Thorarin Stutfet%& went into the %rinking room. ) man stoo% outsi%e of the %oor of the room with a horn in his han%& an% sai%& 6<celan%erK the king says that if thou wilt %eser7e any gift from him thou shalt com'ose a song before going in& an% make it about a man whose name is Hakon Serkson& an% who is calle% .orstrut (1#A an% s'eak about that surname in thy song.6 The man who s'oke to him was calle% )rne ?ioruskeif. Then they went into the roomA an% when Thorarin came before the king4s seat he recite% these 7erses5 6Thron%hBem4s warrior king has sai% The skal% shoul% be by gifts re'ai%& <f he before this meeting ga7e The king4s frien% Serk a 'assing sta7e. The generous king has let me know .y sta7e& to 'lease& must be frame% so That my 'oor 7erse eDtol the fame $f one calle% Hakon -um' by name.6 Then sai% the king& 6< ne7er sai% so& an% somebo%y has been making a mock of thee. Hakon himself shall %etermine what 'unishment thou shalt ha7e. ;o into his suite.6 Hakon sai%& 6He shall be welcome among us& for < can see where the Boke came fromA6 an% he 'lace% the <celan%er at his si%e neDt to himself& an% they were 7ery merry. The %ay was %rawing to a close& an% the liFuor began to get into their hea%s& when Hakon sai%& 6*ost thou not think& <celan%er& that thou owest me some 'enaltyL an% %ost thou not see that some trick has been 'laye% u'on theeL6 Thorarin re'lies& 6<t is true& in%ee%& that < owe thee some com'ensation.6 Hakon says& 6Then we shall be Fuits& if thou wilt make me another sta7e about )rne.6 He sai% he was rea%y to %o soA an% they crosse% o7er to the si%e of the room where )rne was sitting& an% Thorarin ga7e these 7erses5

6?ioruskeif has often s'rea%& =ith e7il heart an% i%le hea%& The eagle4s 7oi%ings roun% the lan%& -am'oons an% lies& with rea%y han%. Cet this lan%lou'er we all know& <n )frica scarce fe% a crow& $f all his arms use% in the fiel%& Those in most use were helm an% shiel%.6 )rne s'rang u' instantly& %rew his swor%& an% was going to fall u'on himA but Hakon tol% him to let it alone an% be Fuiet& an% ba%e him remember that if it came to a Fuarrel he woul% come off the worst himself. Thorarin afterwar%s went u' to the king& an% sai% he ha% com'ose% a 'oem which he wishe% the king to hear. The king consente%& an% the song is known by the name of the Stutfel% 'oem. The king aske% Thorarin what he inten%e% to %o. He re'lie%& it was his intention to go to 2ome. Then the king ga7e him much money for his 'ilgrimage& an% tol% him to 7isit him on his return& an% 'romise% to 'ro7i%e for him. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# .orstrut is a short& fat& 'unchy fellow.

-.

:9. $? S<;@2* )N* $TT)2 +<2T<N;. <t is tol% that King Sigur%& one =hitsun%ay& sat at table with many 'eo'le& among whom were many of his frien%sA an% when he came to his high seat& 'eo'le saw that his countenance was 7ery wil%& an% as if he ha% been wee'ing& so that 'eo'le were afrai% of what might follow. The king rolle% his eyes& an% looke% at those who were seate% on the benches. Then he seiEe% the holy book which he ha% brought with him from abroa%& an% which was written all o7er with gil%e% lettersA so that ne7er ha% such a costly book come to Norway. His Fueen sat by his si%e. Then sai% King Sigur%& 6.any are the changes which may take 'lace %uring a man4s lifetime. < ha% two things which were %ear to me abo7e all when < came from abroa%& an% these were this book an% the FueenA an% now < think the one is only worse an% more loathsome than the other& an% nothing < ha7e belonging to me that < more %etest. The Fueen %oes not know herself how hi%eous she isA for a goat4s horn is stan%ing out on her hea%& an% the better < like% her before the worse < like her now.6 Thereu'on he cast the book on the fire which was burning on the hall floor& an% ga7e the Fueen a blow with his fist between the eyes. The Fueen we'tA but more at the king4s4 illness than at the blow& or the affront she ha% suffere%. Then a man stoo% u' before the kingA his name was $ttar +irtingA an% he was one of the torch bearers& although a bon%e4s son& an% was on ser7ice that %ay. He was of small stature& but of agreeable a''earanceA li7ely& bol%& an% full of funA black haire%& an% of a %ark skin. He ran an% snatche% the book which the king ha% cast into the fire& hel% it out& an% sai%& 6*ifferent were the %ays& sire& when you came with great state

an% s'len%our to Norway& an% with great fame an% honourA for then all your frien%s came to meet you with Boy& an% were gla% at your coming. )ll as one man woul% ha7e you for king& an% ha7e you in the highest regar% an% honour. +ut now %ays of sorrow are come o7er usA for on this holy festi7al many of your frien%s ha7e come to you& an% cannot be cheerful on account of your melancholy an% ill health. <t is much to be %esire% that you woul% be merry with themA an% %o& goo% king& take this sa7ing a%7ice& make 'eace first with the Fueen& an% make her Boyful whom you ha7e so highly affronte%& with a frien%ly wor%A an% then all your chiefs& frien%s& an% ser7antsA that is my a%7ice.6 Then sai% King Sigur%& 6*ost thou %are to gi7e me a%7ice& thou great lum' of a houseman4s la%K6 )n% he s'rang u'& %rew his swor%& an% swung it with both han%s as if going to cut him %own. +ut $ttar stoo% Fuiet an% u'rightA %i% not stir from the s'ot& nor show the slightest sign of fearA an% the king turne% roun% the swor% bla%e which he ha% wa7e% o7er $ttar4s hea%& an% gently touche% him on the shoul%er with it. Then he sat %own in silence on his high seat. )ll were silent who were in the hall& for nobo%y %are% to say a wor%. Now the king looke% aroun% him& mil%er than before& an% sai%& 6<t is %ifficult to know what there is in 'eo'le. Here sat my frien%s& an% len%ermen& marshals an% shiel% bearers& an% all the best men in the lan%A but none %i% so well against me as this man& who a''ears to you of little worth com'are% to any of you& although now he lo7es me most. < came here like a ma%man& an% woul% ha7e %estroye% my 'recious 'ro'ertyA but he turne% asi%e my %ee%& an% was not afrai% of %eath for it. Then he ma%e an able s'eech& or%ering his wor%s so that they were honourable to me& an% not saying a single wor% about things which coul% increase my 7eDationA but e7en a7oi%ing what might& with truth& ha7e been sai%. So eDcellent was his s'eech& that no man here& howe7er great his un%erstan%ing& coul% ha7e s'oken better. Then < s'rang u' in a 'reten%e% rage& an% ma%e as if < woul% ha7e cut him %ownA but he was courageous as if he ha% nothing to fearA an% seeing that& < let go my 'ur'oseA for he was altogether innocent. Now ye shall know& my frien%s& how < inten% to rewar% himA he was before my torchbearer& an% shall now be my len%ermanA an% there shall follow what is still more& that he shall be the most %istinguishe% of my len%ermen. ;o thou an% sit among the len%ermen& an% be a ser7ant no longer.6 $ttar became one of the most celebrate% men in Norway for 7arious goo% an% 'raiseworthy %ee%s.

:1. $? K<N; S<;@2*4S *23).. <n King Sigur%4s latter %ays he was once at an entertainment at one of his farmsA an% in the morning when he was %resse% he was silent an% still& so that his frien%s were afrai% he was not able to go7ern himself. Now the farm bailiff& who was a man of goo% sense an% courage& brought him into con7ersation& an% aske% if he

ha% hear% any news of such im'ortance that it %isturbe% his mirthA or if the entertainment ha% not satisfie% himA or if there was anything else that 'eo'le coul% reme%y. King Sigur% sai%& that none of the things he ha% mentione% was the cause. 6+ut it is that < think u'on the %ream < ha% in the night.6 6Sire&6 re'lie% he& 6may it 'ro7e a lucky %reamK hear it.6 < woul% gla%ly

The king5 6< thought that < was in Ga%ar& an% looke% out towar%s the seaA an% that < saw something 7ery black mo7ing itselfA an% when it came near it a''eare% to be a large tree& of which the branches stretche% far abo7e the water& an% the roots were %own in the sea. Now when the tree came to the shore it broke into 'ieces& an% %ro7e all about the lan%& both the mainlan% an% the out islan%s& rocks an% stran%sA an% it a''eare% to me as if < saw o7er all Norway along the sea coast& an% saw 'ieces of that tree& some small an% some large& %ri7en into e7ery bight.6 Then sai% the bailiff& 6<t is likely that you an best inter'ret this %ream yourselfA an% < woul% willingly hear your inter'retation of it.6 Then sai% the king& 6This %ream a''ears to me to %enote the arri7al in this country of some man who will fiD his seat here& an% whose 'osterity will s'rea% itself o7er the lan%A but with uneFual 'ower& as the %ream shows.6

:!. $? )S-)K H)N3. <t so ha''ene% once& that King Sigur% sat in a gloomy moo% among many worthy men. <t was ?ri%ay e7ening& an% the kitchen master aske% what meat shoul% be ma%e rea%y. The king re'lies& 6=hat else but flesh meatL6 )n% so harsh were his wor%s that nobo%y %are% to contra%ict him& an% all were ill at ease. Now when 'eo'le 're'are% to go to table& %ishes of warm flesh meat were carrie% inA but all were silent& an% grie7e% at the king4s illness. +efore the blessing was 'ronounce% o7er the meat& a man calle% )slak Hane s'oke. He ha% been a long time with King Sigur% on his Bourney abroa%& an% was not a man of any great familyA an% was small of stature& but fiery. =hen he 'ercei7e% how it was& an% that none %are% to accost the king& he aske%& 6=hat is it& sire& that is smoking on the %ish before youL6 The king re'lies& 6=hat %o you mean& )slakL what %o you think it isL6 )slak5 6< think it is flesh meatA an% < woul% it were not so.6 The king5 6+ut if it be so& )slakL6

He re'lie%& 6<t woul% be 7eDatious to know that a gallant king& who has gaine% so much honour in the worl%& shoul% so forget himself. =hen you rose u' out of Gor%an& after bathing in the same waters as ;o% himself& with 'alm lea7es in your han%s& an% the cross u'on your breast& it was something else you 'romise%& sire& than to eat flesh meat on a ?ri%ay. <f a meaner man were to %o so& he woul% merit a hea7y 'unishment. This royal hall is not so beset as it shoul% be& when it falls u'on me& a mean man& to challenge such an act.6 The king sat silent& an% %i% not 'artake of the meatA an% when the time for eating was %rawing to an en%& the king or%ere% the flesh %ishes to be remo7e% an% other foo% was brought in& such as it is 'ermitte% to use. =hen the meal time was almost 'ast& the king began to be cheerful& an% to %rink. 1eo'le a%7ise% )slak to fly& but he sai% he woul% not %o so. 6< %o not see how it coul% hel' meA an% to tell the truth& it is as goo% to %ie now that < ha7e got my will& an% ha7e 're7ente% the king from committing a sin. <t is for him to kill me if he likes.6 Towar%s e7ening the king calle% him& an% sai%& 6=ho set thee on& )slak Hane& to s'eak such free wor%s to me in the hearing of so many 'eo'leL6 6No one& sire& but myself.6 The king5 6Thou woul%st like& no %oubt& to know what thou art to ha7e for such bol%nessA what thinkest thou it %eser7es.6 He re'lies& 6<f it be well rewar%e%& sire& < shall be gla%A but shoul% it be otherwise& then it is your concern.6 Then the king sai%& 6Smaller is thy rewar% than thou hast %eser7e%. < gi7e thee three farms. <t has turne% out& what coul% not ha7e been eD'ecte%& that thou hast 're7ente% me from a great crime& thou& an% not the len%ermen& who are in%ebte% to me for so much goo%.6 )n% so it en%e%.

::. $? ) =$.)N +2$@;HT T$ TH3 K<N;. $ne Cule e7e the king sat in the hall& an% the tables were lai% out& an% the king sai%& 6;et me flesh meat.6 They answere%& 6Sire& it is not the custom to eat flesh meat on Cule e7e.6 The king sai%& 6<f it be not the custom < will make it the custom.6 They went out& an% brought him a %ol'hin. The king stuck his knife into it& but %i% not eat of it. Then the king sai%& 6+ring me a girl here into the hall.6 They brought him a woman whose hea% %ress went far %own her brows. The king took her han% in his han%s& looke% at her& an% sai%& 6)n ill looking girlK6

((-)C@N)

The rest of this story is missing##

:". H)2)-* ;<--3 C$.3S T$ N$2=)C. Halkel Huk& a son of Gon Smiorbalte& who was len%erman in .ore& ma%e a 7oyage in the =est sea& all the way to the South Hebu%es. ) man came to him out of <relan% calle% ;illikrist& an% ga7e himself out for a son of King .agnus +arefoot. His mother came with him& an% sai% his other name was Haral%. Halkel recei7e% the man& brought him to Norway with him& an% went imme%iately to King Sigur% with Haral% an% his mother. =hen they ha% tol% their story to the king& he talke% o7er the matter with his 'rinci'al men& an% ba%e them gi7e their o'inions u'on it. They were of %ifferent o'inions& an% all left it to the king himself& although there were se7eral who o''ose% thisA an% the king followe% his own counsel. King Sigur% or%ere% Haral% to be calle% before him& an% tol% him that he woul% not %eny him the 'roof& by or%eal& of who his father wasA but on con%ition that if he shoul% 'ro7e his %escent accor%ing to his claim& he shoul% not %esire the king%om in the lifetime of King Sigur%& or of King .agnus5 an% to this he boun% himself by oath. King Sigur% sai% he must trea% o7er hot iron to 'ro7e his birthA but this or%eal was thought by many too se7ere& as he was to un%ergo it merely to 'ro7e his father& an% without getting the king%omA but Haral% agree% to it& an% fiDe% on the trial by iron5 an% this or%eal was the greatest e7er ma%e in NorwayA for nine glowing 'lowshares were lai% %own& an% Haral% went o7er them with bare feet& atten%e% by two bisho's. Three %ays after the iron trial the or%eal was taken to 'roof& an% the feet were foun% unburnt. Thereafter King Sigur% acknowle%ge% Haral%4s relationshi'A but his son .agnus concei7e% a great hatre% of him& an% in this many chiefs followe% .agnus. King Sigur% truste% so much to his fa7our with the whole 'eo'le of the country& that he %esire% all men& un%er oath& to 'romise to acce't .agnus after him as their kingA an% all the 'eo'le took this oath.

:(. 2)C3 +3T=33N .);N@S )N* H)2)-* ;<--3. Haral% ;ille was a tall& slen%er grown man& of a long neck an% face& black eyes& an% %ark hair& brisk an% Fuick& an% wore generally the <rish %ress of short light clothes. The Norse language was %ifficult for Haral%& an% he brought out wor%s which many laughe% at. Haral% sat late %rinking one e7ening. He s'oke with another man about %ifferent things in the west in <relan%A an% among other things& sai% that there were men in <relan% so swift of foot that no horse coul% o7ertake them in running. .agnus& the king4s son& hear% this& an% sai%& 6Now he is lying& as he usually %oes.6 Haral% re'lies& 6<t is true that there are men in <relan% whom no horse in Norway coul% o7ertake.6 They eDchange% some wor%s about this& an% both were %runk. Then sai% .agnus& 6Thou shalt make a

wager with me& an% stake thy hea% if thou canst not run so fast as < ri%e u'on my horse& an% < shall stake my gol% ring.6 Haral% re'lies& 6< %i% not say that < coul% run so swiftlyA but < sai% that men are to be foun% in <relan% who will run as fastA an% on that < woul% wager.6 The king4s son .agnus re'lies& 6< will not go to <relan% about itA we are wagering here& an% not there.6 Haral% on this went to be%& an% woul% not s'eak to him more about it. This was in $slo. The following morning& when the early mass was o7er& .agnus ro%e u' the street& an% sent a message to Haral% to come to him. =hen Haral% came he was %resse% thus. He ha% on a shirt an% trousers which were boun% with riban%s un%er his foot soles& a short cloak& an <rish hat on his hea%& an% a s'ear shaft in his han%. .agnus set u' a mark for the race. Haral% sai%& 6Thou hast ma%e the course too longA6 but .agnus ma%e it at once e7en much longer& an% sai% it was still too short. There were many s'ectators. They began the race& an% Haral% followe% always the horse4s 'aceA an% when they came to the en% of the race course& .agnus sai%& 6Thou ha%st hol% of the sa%%le girth& an% the horse %ragge% thee along.6 .agnus ha% his swift runner& the ;autlan% horse. They began the race again& an% Haral% ran the whole race course before the horse. =hen came to the en% Haral% aske%& 6Ha% < hol% of the sa%%le girths nowL6 .agnus re'lie%& 6Thou ha%st the start at first.6 Then .agnus let his horse breathe a while& an% when he was rea%y he 'ut the s'urs to him& an% set off in full gallo'. Haral% stoo% still& an% .agnus looke% back& an% calle%& 6Set off now.6 Then Haral% ran Fuickly 'ast the horse& an% came to the en% of the course so long before him that he lay %own& an% got u' an% salute% .agnus as he came in.6 Then they went home to the town. <n the meantime King Sigur% ha% been at high mass& an% knew nothing of this until after he ha% %ine% that %ay. Then he sai% to .agnus angrily& 6Thou callest Haral% uselessA but < think thou art a great fool& an% knowest nothing of the customs of foreign 'eo'le. *ost thou not know that men in other countries eDercise themsel7es in other feats than in filling themsel7es with ale& an% making themsel7es ma%& an% so unfit for e7erything that they scarcely know each otherL ;i7e Haral% his ring& an% %o not try to make a fool of him again& as long as < am abo7e groun%.6

:/. $? S<;@2*4S S=<..<N;. <t ha''ene% once that Sigur% was out in his shi'& which lay in the harbourA an% there lay a merchant shi'& which was an <celan% tra%er& at the si%e of it. Haral% ;ille was in the forecastle of the king4s shi'& an% S7ein 2imhil%son& a son of Knut S7einson of Ga%ar& ha% his berth the neDt before him. There was also Sigur%

Sigur%son& a gallant len%erman& who himself comman%e% a shi'. <t was a %ay of beautiful weather an% warm sunshine& an% many went out to swim& both from the long shi' an% the merchant 7essel. )n <celan% man& who was among the swimmers& amuse% himself by %rawing those un%er water who coul% not swim so well as himselfA an% at that the s'ectators laughe%. =hen King Sigur% saw an% hear% this& he cast off his clothes& s'rang into the water& an% swam to the <celan%er& seiEe% him& an% 'resse% him un%er the water& an% hel% him thereA an% as soon as the <celan%er came u' the king 'resse% him %own again& an% thus the one time after the other. Then sai% Sigur% Sigur%son& 6Shall we let the king kill this manL6 Somebo%y sai%& 6No one has any wish to interfere.6 Sigur% re'lies& that 6<f *ag 3ilifson were here& we shoul% not be without one who %are%.6 Then Sigur% s'rang o7erboar%& swam to the king& took hol% of him& an% sai%& 6Sire& %o not kill the man. 37erybo%y sees that you are a much better swimmer.6 The king re'lies& 6-et me loose& Sigur%5 < shall be his %eath& for he will %estroy our 'eo'le un%er water.6 Sigur% says& 6-et us first amuse oursel7esA an%& <celan%er& %o thou set off to the lan%&6 which he %i%. The king now got loose from Sigur%& an% swam to his shi'& an% Sigur% went his way5 but the king or%ere% that Sigur% shoul% not 'resume to come into his 'resenceA this was re'orte% to Sigur%& an% so he went u' into the country.

:7. $? H)2)-* )N* S>3<N 2<.H<-*S$N. <n the e7ening& when 'eo'le were going to be%& some of the shi'4s men were still at their games u' in the country. Haral% was with those who 'laye% on the lan%& an% tol% his footboy to go out to the shi'& make his be%& an% wait for him there. The la% %i% as he was or%ere%. The king ha% gone to slee'A an% as the boy thought Haral% late& he lai% himself in Haral%4s berth. S7ein 2imhil%son sai%& 6<t is a shame for bra7e men to be brought from their farms at home& an% to ha7e here ser7ing boys to slee' besi%e them.6 The la% sai% that Haral% ha% or%ere% him to come there. S7ein 2imhil%son sai%& 6=e %o not so much care for Haral% himself lying here& if he %o not bring here his sla7es an% beggarsA6 an% seiEe% a ri%ing whi'& an% struck the boy on the hea% until the bloo% flowe% from him. The boy ran imme%iately u' the country& an% tol% Haral% what ha% ha''ene%& who went imme%iately out to the shi'& to the aft 'art of the forecastle& an% with a 'ole aDe struck S7ein so that he recei7e% a se7ere woun% on his han%sA an% then Haral% went on shore. S7ein ran to the lan% after him& an%& gathering his frien%s& took Haral% 'risoner& an% they were about hanging him. +ut while they were

busy about this& Sigur% Sigur%son went out to the king4s awoke him. =hen the king o'ene% his eyes an% recognise% he sai%. 6?or this reason thou shalt %ie& that thou hast into my 'resenceA for thou knowest that < forba%e thee56 these wor%s the king s'rang u'.

shi' an% Sigur%& intru%e% an% with

Sigur% re'lie%& 6That is in your 'ower as soon as you 'leaseA but other business is more urgent. ;o to the lan% as Fuickly as 'ossible to hel' thy brotherA for the 2ogalan% 'eo'le are going to hang him.6 Then sai% the king& 6;o% gi7e us luck& Sigur%K Call my trum'eter& an% let him call the 'eo'le all to lan%& an% to meet me.6 The king s'rang on the lan%& an% all who knew him followe% him to where the gallows was being erecte%. The king instantly took Haral% to himA an% all the 'eo'le gathere% to the king in full armour& as they hear% the trum'et. Then the king or%ere% that S7ein an% all his comra%es shoul% %e'art from the country as outlawsA but by the intercession of goo% men the king was 're7aile% on to let them remain an% hol% their 'ro'erties& but no mulct shoul% be 'ai% for S7ein4s woun%. Then Sigur% Sigur%son aske% if the king wishe% that he shoul% go forth out of the country. 6That will < not&6 sai% the kingA 6for < can ne7er be without thee.6

:8. $? K<N; $-)?4S .<2)C-3. There was a young an% 'oor man calle% KolbeinA an% Thora& King Sigur% the Crusa%er4s mother& ha% or%ere% his tongue to be cut out of his mouth& an% for no other cause than that this young man ha% taken a 'iece of meat out of the king mother4s tub which he sai% the cook ha% gi7en him& an% which the cook ha% not 7enture% to ser7e u' to her. The man ha% long gone about s'eechless. So says 3inar Skulason in $laf4s balla%5 6The 'rou% rich %ame& for little cause& Ha% the la%4s tongue cut from his Baws5 The hel'less man& of s'eech %e'ri7e%& His %rea%ful sore woun% scarce sur7i7e%. ) few weeks since at Hil% was seen& )s well as e7er he ha% been& The same 'oor la% to s'eech restore% +y $laf4s 'ower& whom he a%ore%.6 )fterwar%s the young man came to Ni%aros& an% watche% in the Christ churchA but at the secon% mass for $laf before matins he fell aslee'& an% thought he saw King $laf the Saint coming to himA an% that $laf talke% to him& an% took hol% with his han%s of the stum' of his tongue an% 'ulle% it. Now when he awoke he foun% himself restore%& an% Boyfully %i% he thank our -or% an%

the holy Saint $laf& who ha% 'itie% an% hel'e% himA for he ha% come there s'eechless& an% ha% gone to the holy shrine& an% went away cure%& an% with his s'eech clear an% %istinct.

:9. K<N; $-)?4S .<2)C-3 =<TH ) 12<S$N32. The heathens took 'risoner a young man of *anish family an% carrie% him to >in%lan%& where he was in fetters along with other 'risoners. <n the %ay time he was alone in irons& without a guar%A but at night a 'easant4s son was besi%e him in the chain& that he might not esca'e from them. This 'oor man ne7er got slee' or rest from 7eDation an% sorrow& an% consi%ere% in many ways what coul% hel' himA for he ha% a great %rea% of sla7ery& an% was 'ining with hunger an% torture. He coul% not again eD'ect to be ransome% by his frien%s& as they ha% alrea%y restore% him twice from heathen lan%s with their own moneyA an% he well knew that it woul% be %ifficult an% eD'ensi7e for them to submit a thir% time to this bur%en. <t is well with the man who %oes not un%ergo so much in the worl% as this man knew he ha% suffere%. He saw but one wayA an% that was to get off an% esca'e if he coul%. He resol7e% u'on this in the night time& kille% the 'easant& an% cut his foot off after killing him& an% set off to the forest with the chain u'on his leg. Now when the 'eo'le knew this& soon after %aylight in the morning& they 'ursue% him with two %ogs accustome% to trace any one who esca'e%& an% to fin% him in the forest howe7er carefully he might be conceale%. They got him into their han%s an% beat him& an% %i% him all kin%s of mischiefA an% %ragging him home& left barely ali7e& an% showe% him no mercy. They torture% him se7erelyA 'ut him in a %ark room& in which there lay alrea%y siDteen Christian menA an% boun% him both with iron an% other tyings& as fast as they coul%. Then he began to think that the misery an% 'ain he ha% en%ure% before were but sha%ows to his 'resent sufferings. He saw no man before his eyes in this 'rison who woul% beg for mercy for himA no one ha% com'assion on his wretche%ness& eDce't the Christian men who lay boun% with him& who sorrowe% with him& an% bemoane% his fate together with their own misfortunes an% hel'lessness. $ne %ay they a%7ise% him to make a 7ow to the holy King $laf& to %e7ote himself to some office in his sacre% house& if he& by ;o%4s com'assion an% Saint $laf4s 'rayers coul% get away from this 'rison. He gla%ly agree% to this& an% ma%e a 7ow an% 're'are% himself for the situation they mentione% to him. The night after he thought in his slee' that he saw a man& not tall& stan%ing at his si%e& who s'oke to him thus& 6Here& thou wretche% man& why %ost thou not get u'L6 He re'lie%& 6Sir& who are youL6 6< am King $laf& on whom thou hast calle%.6 6$h& my goo% lor%K gla%ly woul% < raise myselfA but < lie boun% with iron an% with chains on my legs& an% also the other men who lie here.6 Thereu'on the king accosts him with the wor%s& 6Stan% u' at once

an% be not afrai%A for thou art loose.6 He awoke imme%iately& an% tol% his comra%es what& ha% a''eare% to him in his %ream. They tol% him to stan% u'& an% try if it was true. He stoo% u'& an% obser7e% that he was loose. Now sai% his fellow 'risoners& this woul% hel' him but little& for the %oor was locke% both on the insi%e an% on the outsi%e. Then an ol% man who sat there in a %e'lorable con%ition 'ut in his wor%& an% tol% him not to %oubt the mercy of the man who ha% loosene% his chainsA 6?or he has wrought this miracle on thee that thou shoul%st enBoy his mercy& an% hereafter be free& without suffering more misery an% torture. .ake haste& then& an% seek the %oorA an% if thou are able to sli' out& thou art sa7e%.6 He %i% so& foun% the %oor o'en& sli''e% out& an% away to the forest. )s soon as the >in%lan% 'eo'le were aware of this they set loose the %ogs& an% 'ursue% him in great hasteA an% the 'oor man lay hi%& an% saw well where they were following him. +ut now the houn%s lost the trace when they came nearer& an% all the eyes that sought him were struck with a blin%ness& so that nobo%y coul% fin% him& although he lay before their feetA an% they all returne% home& 7eDe% that they coul% not fin% him. King $laf %i% not 'ermit this man4s %estruction after he ha% reache% the forest& an% restore% him also to his health an% hearingA for they ha% so long torture% an% beaten him that he ha% become %eaf. )t last he came on boar% of a shi'& with two other Christian men who ha% been long afflicte% in that country. )ll of them worke% Eealously in this 7essel& an% so ha% a successful flight. Then he re'aire% to the holy man4s house& strong an% fit to bear arms. Now he was 7eDe% at his 7ow& went from his 'romise to the holy king& ran away one %ay& an% came in the e7ening to a bon%e who ga7e him lo%ging for ;o%4s sake. Then in the night he saw three girls coming to himA an% han%some an% nobly %resse% were they. They s'oke to him %irectly& an% shar'ly re'riman%e% him for ha7ing been so bol% as to run from the goo% king who ha% shown so much com'assion to him& first in freeing him from his irons& an% then from the 'risonA an% yet he ha% %eserte% the mil% master into whose ser7ice he ha% entere%. Then he awoke full of terror& got u' early& an% tol% the house father his %ream. The goo% man ha% nothing so earnest in life as to sen% him back to the holy 'lace. This miracle was first written %own by a man who himself saw the man& an% the marks of the chains u'on his bo%y.

"9. K<N; S<;@2* .)22<3S C3C<-<). <n the last 'erio% of King Sigur%4s life& his new an% eDtraor%inary resolution was whis'ere% about& that he woul% be %i7orce% from his Fueen& an% woul% take Cecilia& who was a great man4s %aughter& to wife. He or%ere% accor%ingly a great feast to be 're'are%& an% inten%e% to hol% his we%%ing with her in +ergen. Now when +isho' .agne hear% this& he was 7ery sorryA an% one %ay the bisho' goes to the king4s hall& an% with him a 'riest calle% Sigur%& who was afterwar%s bisho' of +ergen. =hen they came to the king4s hall& the bisho' sent the king a message that he woul% like to meet himA an% aske% the king to come out to him. He %i%

so& an% came out with a %rawn swor% in his han%. He recei7e% the bisho' kin%ly an% aske% him to go in an% sit %own to table with him. The bisho' re'lies& 6< ha7e other business now. <s it true& sire& what is tol% me& that thou hast the intention of marrying& an% of %ri7ing away thy Fueen& an% taking another wifeL6 The king sai% it was true. Then the bisho' change% countenance& an% angrily re'lie%& 6How can it come into your min%& sire& to %o such an act in our bisho'ric as to betray ;o%4s wor% an% law& an% the holy churchL <t sur'rises me that you treat with such contem't our e'isco'al office& an% your own royal office. < will now %o what is my %utyA an% in the name of ;o%& of the holy King $laf& of 1eter the a'ostle& an% of the other saints& forbi% thee this wicke%ness.6 =hile he thus s'oke he stoo% straight u'& as if stretching out his neck to the blow& as if rea%y if the king chose to let the swor% fallA an% the 'riest Sigur%. who afterwar%s was bisho'& has %eclare% that the sky a''eare% to him no bigger than a calf4s skin& so frightful %i% the a''earance of the king 'resent itself to him. The king returne% to the hall& howe7er& without saying a wor%A an% the bisho' went to his house an% home so cheerful an% gay that he laughe%& an% salute% e7ery chil% on his way& an% was 'laying with his fingers. Then the 'riest Sigur% aske% him the reason& saying& 6=hy are you so cheerful& sirL *o you not consi%er that the king may be eDas'erate% against youL an% woul% it not be better to get out of the wayL6 Then sai% the bisho'& 6<t a''ears to me more likely that he will not act soA an% besi%es& what %eath coul% be better& or more %esirable& than to lea7e life for the honour of ;o%L or to %ie for the holy cause of Christianity an% our own office& by 're7enting that which is not rightL < am so cheerful because < ha7e %one what < ought to %o.6 There was much noise in the town about this. The king got rea%y for a Bourney& an% took with him corn& malt an% honey. He went south to Sta7anger& an% 're'are% a feast there for his marriage with Cecilia. =hen a bisho' who rule% there hear% of this he went to the king& an% aske% if it were true that he inten%e% to marry in the lifetime of the Fueen. The king sai% it was so. The bisho' answers& 6<f it be so& sire& you must know how much such a thing is forbi%%en to inferior 'ersons. Now it a''ears as if you thought it was allowable for you& because you ha7e great 'ower& an% that it is 'ro'er for you& although it is against right an% 'ro'rietyA but < %o not know how you will %o it in our bisho'ric& %ishonouring thereby ;o%4s comman%& the holy Church& an% our e'isco'al authority. +ut you must bestow a great amount of gifts an% estates on this foun%ation& an% thereby 'ay the mulct %ue to ;o% an% to us for such transgression.6

Then sai% the king& 6Take what thou wilt of our 'ossessions. Thou art far more reasonable than +isho' .agne.6 Then the king went away& as well 'lease% with this bisho' as ill 'lease% with him who ha% lai% a 'rohibition on him. Thereafter the king marrie% the girl& an% lo7e% her ten%erly.

"1. <.12$>3.3NT $? K$N@N;)H3--). King Sigur% im'ro7e% the town of Konungahella so much& that there was not a greater town in Norway at the time& an% he remaine% there long for the %efence of the frontiers. He built a king4s house in the castle& an% im'ose% a %uty on all the %istricts in the neighbourhoo% of the town& as well as on the towns'eo'le& that e7ery 'erson of nine years of age an% u'war%s shoul% bring to the castle fi7e missile stones for wea'ons& or as many large stakes shar' at one en% an% fi7e ells long. <n the castle the king built a cross church of timber& an% carefully 'ut together& as far as regar%s the woo% an% other materials. The cross church was consecrate% in the !"th year of King Sigur%4s reign ().*. 11!7#. Here the king %e'osite% the 'iece of the holy cross& an% many other holy relics. <t was calle% the castle churchA an% before the high altar he 'lace% the tables he ha% got ma%e in the ;reek country& which were of co''er an% sil7er& all gilt& an% beautifully a%orne% with Bewels. Here was also the shrine which the *anish king 3irik 3imune ha% sent to King Sigur%A an% the altar book& written with gol% letters& which the 'atriarch ha% 'resente% to King Sigur%.

"!. K<N; S<;@2*4S *3)TH. Three years after the consecration of the cross church& when King Sigur% was sto''ing at >iken& he fell sick ().*. 11:9#. He %ie% the night before .ary4s mass ()ugust 1(#& an% was burie% in Hal7ar%4s church& where he was lai% in the stone wall without the choir on the south si%e. His son .agnus was in the town at the time an% took 'ossession of the whole of the king4s treasury when King Sigur% %ie%. Sigur% ha% been king of Norway twenty se7en years ().*. 119" 11:9#& an% was forty years of age when he %ie%. The time of his reign was goo% for the countryA for there was 'eace& an% cro's were goo%.

S);) $? .);N@S TH3 +-<N* )N* $? H)2)-* ;<--3. 123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS )n age of conflict now begins in Norway. $n his %eath& in 11:9& Sigur% left his son .agnus an% his brother Haral%. They soon %i7i%e% the go7ernment& an% then entere% u'on a fi7e years4 conflict& until .agnus& in 11:(& with eyes 'icke% out& went into

a con7ent. The neDt year& 11:/& a new 'reten%er a''eare% in the 'erson of Sigur% Slembe& who took King Haral%4s life in 11:7. .agnus %ie% in 11:9. $ther literature in regar% to this e'och is 6?agrskinna6 an% 6.orkinskinna6. The corres'on%ing 'art of 6)gri'6 is lost. Skal%s Fuote% are5 Hal%or Sk7al%re& 3inar Skulason& an% <7ar <ngemun%son.

1. .);N@S )N* H)2)-* 12$C-)<.3* K<N;S. King Sigur%4s son .agnus was 'roclaime% in $slo king of all the country imme%iately after his father4s %eath& accor%ing to the oath which the whole nation ha% sworn to King Sigur%A an% many went into his ser7ice& an% many became his len%ermen. .agnus was the han%somest man then in NorwayA of a 'assionate tem'er& an% cruel& but %istinguishe% in bo%ily eDercises. The fa7our of the 'eo'le he owe% most to the res'ect for his father. He was a great %rinker& gree%y of money& har%& an% obstinate. Haral% ;ille& on the other han%& was 7ery 'leasing in intercourse& gay& an% full of mirthA an% so generous that he s'are% in nothing for the sake of his frien%s. He willingly listene% to goo% a%7ice& so that he allowe% others to consult with him an% gi7e counsel. =ith all this he obtaine% fa7our an% a goo% re'ute& an% many men attache% themsel7es as much to him as to King .agnus. Haral% was in Tunsberg when he hear% of his brother King Sigur%4s %eath. He calle% together his frien%s to a meeting& an% it was resol7e% to hol% the Hauga Thing (1# there in the town. )t this Thing& Haral% was chosen king of half the country& an% it was calle% a force% oath which ha% been taken from him to renounce his 'aternal heritage. Then Haral% forme% a court& an% a''ointe% len%ermenA an% 7ery soon he ha% as many 'eo'le about him as King .agnus. Then men went between them& an% matters stoo% in this way for se7en %aysA but King .agnus& fin%ing he ha% fewer 'eo'le& was oblige% to gi7e way& an% to %i7i%e the king%om with Haral% into two 'arts. The king%om accor%ingly was so %i7i%e% ($ctober :& 11:9# that each of them shoul% ha7e the half 'art of the king%om which King Sigur% ha% 'ossesse%A but that King .agnus alone shoul% inherit the fleet of shi's& the table ser7ice& the 7aluable articles an% the mo7able effects which ha% belonge% to his father& King Sigur%. He was notwithstan%ing the least satisfie% with his share. )lthough they were of such %ifferent %is'ositions& they rule% the country for some time in 'eace. King Haral% ha% a son calle% Sigur%& by Thora& a %aughter of ;uthorm ;rabar%e. King Haral% afterwar%s marrie% <ngeri%& a %aughter of 2agn7al%& who was a son of the Swe%ish King <nge Steinkelson. King .agnus was marrie% to a %aughter of Knut -a7ar%& an% she was a sister of the *anish King >al%ernarA but King .agnus ha7ing no affection for her& sent her back to *enmarkA an% from that %ay e7erything went ill with him& an% he brought u'on himself the enmity of her family.

3N*N$T3S5 (1# Hauga thing means a Thing hel% at the tumuli or burial moun%s. -.

!. $? TH3 ?$2C3S $? H)2)-* )N* .);N@S. =hen the two relations& Haral% an% .agnus& ha% been about three years kings of Norway ().*. 11:1 11::#& they both 'asse% the fourth winter ().*. 11:"# in the town of Ni%aros& an% in7ite% each other as guestsA but their 'eo'le were always rea%y for a fight. <n s'ring King .agnus saile% southwar%s along the lan% with his fleet& an% %rew all the men he coul% obtain out of each %istrict& an% soun%e% his frien%s if they woul% strengthen him with their 'ower to take the kingly %ignity from Haral%& an% gi7e him such a 'ortion of the king%om& as might be suitableA re'resenting to them that King Haral% ha% alrea%y renounce% the king%om by oath. King .agnus obtaine% the consent of many 'owerful men. The same s'ring Haral% went to the @'lan%s& an% by the u''er roa%s eastwar%s to >ikenA an% when he hear% what King .agnus was %oing& he also %rew together men on his si%e. =heresoe7er the two 'arties went they kille% the cattle& or e7en the 'eo'le& u'on the farms of the a%7erse 'arty. King .agnus ha% by far the most 'eo'le& for the main strength of the country lay o'en to him for collecting men from it. King Haral% was in >iken on the east si%e of the fBor%& an% collecte% men& while they were %oing each other %amage in 'ro'erty an% life. King Haral% ha% with him Kristro%& his brother by his mother4s si%e& an% many other len%ermenA but King .agnus ha% many more. King Haral% was with his forces at a 'lace calle% ?ors in 2anrike& an% went from thence towar%s the sea. The e7ening before Saint -awrence %ay ()ugust 19#& they ha% their su''er at a 'lace calle% ?yrileif& while the guar% ke't a watch on horseback all aroun% the house. The watchmen obser7e% King .agnus4s army hastening towar%s the house& an% consisting of full /999 men& while King Haral% ha% but 1(99. Now come the watchmen who ha% to bring the news to King Haral% of what was going on an% say that King .agnus4s army was now 7ery near the town. The king says& 6=hat will my relation King .agnus Sigur%son ha7eL He wants not surely to fight us.6 ThBostolf )lason re'lies& 6Cou must certainly& sire& make 're'aration for that& both for yourself an% your& men. King .agnus has been %rawing together an army all the summer for the 'ur'ose of gi7ing you battle when he meets you.6 Then King Haral% stoo% u'& an% or%ere% his men to take their arms. 6=e shall fight& if our relati7e King .agnus wants to fight us.6 Then the war horns soun%e%& an% all Haral%4s men went out from the house to an enclose% fiel%& an% set u' their banners. King Haral% ha% on two shirts of ring mail& but his brother Kristro%

ha% no armour onA an% a gallant man he was. =hen King .agnus an% his men saw King Haral%4s troo' they %rew u' an% ma%e their array& an% ma%e their line so long that they coul% surroun% the whole of King Haral%4s troo'. So says Hal%or Sk7al%re5 6King .agnus on the battle 'lain ?rom his long troo' line ha% great gainA The 'lain was %renche% with warm bloo%& =hich lay a re% an% reeking floo%.6

:. +)TT-3 )T ?C2<-3<?. King .agnus ha% the holy cross carrie% before him in this battle& an% the battle was great an% se7ere. The king4s brother& Kristro%& ha% 'enetrate% with his troo' into the mi%%le of King .agnus4s array& an% cut %own on each si%e of him& so that 'eo'le ga7e way before him e7erywhere. +ut a 'owerful bon%e who was in King Haral%4s array raise% his s'ear with both han%s& an% %ro7e it through between Kristro%4s shoul%ers& so that it came out at his breastA an% thus fell Kristro%. .any who were near aske% the bon%e why he ha% %one so foul a %ee%. The bon%e re'lies& 6He knows the conseFuences now of slaughtering my cattle in summer& an% taking all that was in my house& an% forcing me to follow him here. < %etermine% to gi7e him some return when the o''ortunity came.6 )fter this King Haral%4s army took to flight& an% he fle% himself& with all his men. .any fellA an% <ngemar S7einson of )sk& a great chief an% len%erman& got there his %eath woun%& an% nearly siDty of King Haral%4s court men also fell. Haral% himself fle% eastwar% to >iken to his shi's& an% went out of the country to King 3irik 3imune in *enmark& an% foun% him in Seelan% an% sought ai% from him. King 3irik recei7e% him well& an% 'rinci'ally because they ha% sworn to each other to be as brothers (1#A an% ga7e him Hallan% as a fief to rule o7er& an% ga7e him se7en long shi's& but without eFui'ment. Thereafter King Haral% went northwar%s through Hallan%& an% many Northmen came to meet him. )fter this battle King .agnus sub%ue% the whole country& gi7ing life an% safety to all who were woun%e%& an% ha% them taken care of eFually with his own men. He then calle% the whole country his own& an% ha% a choice of the best men who were in the country. =hen they hel% a council among themsel7es afterwar%s& Sigur% Sigur%son& Thorer <ngeri%son& an% all the men of most un%erstan%ing& a%7ise% that they shoul% kee' their forces together in >iken& an% remain there& in case Haral% shoul% return from the southA but King .agnus woul% take his own way& an% went north to +ergen. There he sat all winter ().*. 11:(#& an% allowe% his men to lea7e himA on which the len%ermen returne% home to their own houses. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# These brotherhoo%s& by which one man was boun% by oath to ai% or a7enge another& were common in the .i%%le )ges among

all ranks. with us.

6Sworn brothers6 is still a common eD'ression -.

". *3)TH $? )S+G$2N )N* $? N323<*. King Haral% came to Konungahella with the men who ha% followe% him from *enmark. The len%ermen an% town4s burgesses collecte% a force against him& which they %rew u' in a thick array abo7e the town. King Haral% lan%e% from his shi's& an% sent a message to the bon%es& %esiring that they woul% not %eny him his lan%& as he wante% no more than what of right belonge% to him. Then me%iators went between themA an% it came to this& that the bon%es %ismisse% their troo's& an% submitte% to him. Thereu'on he bestowe% fiefs an% 'ro'erty on the len%ermen& that they might stan% by him& an% 'ai% the bon%es who Boine% him the lawful mulcts for what they ha% lost. ) great bo%y of men attache% themsel7es& therefore& to King Haral%A an% he 'rocee%e% westwar%s to >iken& where he ga7e 'eace to all men& eDce't to King .agnus4s 'eo'le& whom he 'lun%ere% an% kille% where7er he foun% them. )n% when he came west to Sar'sborg he took 'risoners two of King .agnus s len%ermen& )sbBorn an% his brother Nerei%A an% ga7e them the choice that one shoul% be hange%& an% the other thrown into the Sar'sborg waterfall& an% they might choose as they 'lease%. )sbBorn chose to be thrown into the cataract& for he was the el%er of the two& an% this %eath a''eare% the most %rea%fulA an% so it was %one. Hal%er Sk7al%re tells of this5 6)sbBorn& who o''ose% the king& $4er the wil% cataract they fling5 Nerei%& who o''ose% the king& .ust on Hagbar%4s high tree swing. The king gi7en foo% in many a way To foul mouthe% beasts an% bir%s of 'rey5 The generous men who %are o''ose )re treate% as the worst of foes.6 Thereafter King Haral% 'rocee%e% north to Tunsberg& where he was well recei7e%& an% a large force gathere% to him.

(. $? TH3 C$@NS3-S 12$1$S3*. =hen King .agnus& who was in +ergen& hear% these ti%ings& he calle% together all the chiefs who were in the town& an% aske% them their counsel& an% what they shoul% now %o. Then Sigur% Sigur%son sai%& 6Here < can gi7e a goo% a%7ice. -et a shi' be manne% with goo% men& an% 'ut me& or any other len%erman& to comman% itA sen% it to thy relation& King Haral%& an% offer him 'eace accor%ing to the con%itions u'right men may %etermine u'on& an% offer him the half of the king%om. <t a''ears to me 'robable that King Haral%& by the wor%s an% counsel of goo% men& may acce't this offer& an% thus there may be a 'eace establishe% between you.6

Then King .agnus re'lie%& 6This 'ro'osal < will not acce't ofA for of what a%7antage woul% it be& after we ha7e gaine% the whole king%om in summer to gi7e away the half of it nowL ;i7e us some other counsel.6 Then Sigur% Sigur%son answere%& 6<t a''ears to me& sire& that your len%ermen who in autumn aske% your lea7e to return home will now sit at home an% will not come to you. )t that time it was much against my a%7ice that you %is'erse% so entirely the 'eo'le we ha% collecte%A for < coul% well su''ose that Haral% woul% come back to >iken as soon as he hear% that it was without a chief. Now there is still another counsel& an% it is but a 'oor oneA but it may turn out useful to us. Sen% out your 'ursui7ants& an% sen% other 'eo'le with them& an% let them go against the len%ermen who will not Boin you in your necessity& an% kill themA an% bestow their 'ro'erty on others who will gi7e you hel' although they may ha7e been of small im'ortance before. -et them %ri7e together the 'eo'le& the ba% as well as the goo%A an% go with the men you can thus assemble against King Haral%& an% gi7e him battle.6 The king re'lies& 6<t woul% be un'o'ular to 'ut to %eath 'eo'le of %istinction& an% raise u' inferior 'eo'le who often break faith an% law& an% the country woul% be still worse off. < woul% like to hear some other counsel still.6 Sigur% re'lies& 6<t is %ifficult for me now to gi7e a%7ice& as you will neither make 'eace nor gi7e battle. -et us go north to Thron%hBem& where the main strength of the country is most incline% to our si%eA an% on the way let us gather all the men we can. <t may be that these 3lfgrims will be tire% of such a long stri%e after us.6 The king re'lies& 6=e must not fly from those whom we beat in summer. ;i7e some better counsel still.6 Then Sigur% stoo% u' an% sai%& while he was 're'aring to go out& 6< will now gi7e you the counsel which < see you will take& an% which must ha7e its course. Sit here in +ergen until Haral% comes with his troo's& an% then you will either suffer %eath or %isgrace.6 )n% Sigur% remaine% no longer at that meeting.

/. $? H)2)-*4S ?$2C3. King Haral% came from the 3ast along the coast with a great army& an% this winter ().*. 11:(# is calle% on that account the Crow% winter. King Haral% came to +ergen on Christmas e7e& an% lan%e% with his fleet at ?loru7agarA but woul% not fight on account of the sacre% time. +ut King .agnus 're'are% for %efence in the town. He erecte% a stone slinging machine out on the holm& an% ha% iron chains an% woo%en booms lai% across o7er the 'assage from the king4s house to Nor%nes& an% to the .onks bri%ge. He ha% foot tra's ma%e& an% thrown into Saint Gohn4s

fiel%& an% %i% not sus'en% these works eDce't %uring the three sacre% %ays of Christmas. The last holy%ay of Cule& King Haral% or%ere% his war horns to soun% the gathering of his men for going to the townA an%& %uring the Cule holy%ays& his army ha% been increase% by about 999 men.

7. K<N; .);N@S T)K3N 12<S$N32. King Haral% ma%e a 'romise to King $laf the Saint for 7ictory& that he woul% buil% an $laf4s church in the town at his own eD'ense. King .agnus %rew u' his men in the Christ church yar%A but King Haral% lai% his 7essels first at Nor%nes. Now when King .agnus an% his 'eo'le saw that& they turne% roun% towar%s the town& an% to the en% of the shoreA but as they 'asse% through the streets many of the burgesses ran into their houses an% homes& an% those who went across the fiel%s fell into the foot tra's. Then King .agnus an% his men 'ercei7e% that King Haral% ha% rowe% with all his men across to Hegra7ik& an% lan%e% there& an% ha% gone from thence the u''er roa% u' the hill o''osite the town. Now .agnus returne% back again through the streets& an% then his men fle% from him in all %irectionsA some u' to the mountains& some u' to the neighbourhoo% of the con7ent of nuns& some to churches& or hi% themsel7es as they best coul%. King .agnus fle% to his shi'A but there was no 'ossibility of getting away& for the iron chains outsi%e 're7ente% the 'assage of 7essels. He ha% also but few men with him& an% therefore coul% %o nothing. 3inar Skulason tells of this in the song of Haral%5 6?or a whole week an iron chain Cut off all sailing to the main5 +ergen4s blue stable was locke% fast& Her floating wains coul% not get 'ast.6 Soon after Haral%4s 'eo'le came out to the shi's& an% then King .agnus was ma%e 'risoner. He was sitting behin% in the forecastle u'on the chests of the high seat& an% at his si%e Hakon ?auk& his mother4s brother& who was 7ery 'o'ular but was not consi%ere% 7ery wise& an% <7ar )ssurson. They& an% many others of King .agnus4s frien%s& were taken& an% some of them kille% on the s'ot.

8. K<N; .);N@S .@T<-)T3*. Thereafter King Haral% ha% a meeting of his counsellors& an% %esire% their counselA an% in this meeting the Bu%gment was gi7en that .agnus shoul% be %e'ose% from his %ominions& an% shoul% no longer be calle% king. Then he was %eli7ere% to the king4s sla7es& who mutilate% him& 'icke% out both his eyes& cut off one foot& an% at last castrate% him. <7ar )ssurson was blin%e%& an% Hakon ?auk kille%. The whole country then was re%uce% to obe%ience un%er King Haral%. )fterwar%s it was %iligently eDamine% who were King .agnus4s best frien%s& or who knew most of his concealments of treasure or 7aluables. The holy cross King

.agnus ha% ke't besi%e him since the battle of ?yrileif& but woul% not tell where it was %e'osite% for 'reser7ation. +isho' 2einal% of Sta7anger& who was an 3nglishman& was consi%ere% 7ery gree%y of money. He was a great frien% of King .agnus& an% it was thought likely that great treasure an% 7aluables ha% been gi7en into his kee'ing. .en were sent for him accor%ingly& an% he came to +ergen& where it was insiste% against him that he ha% some knowle%ge of such treasureA but he %enie% it altogether& woul% not a%mit it& an% offere% to clear himself by or%eal. King Haral% woul% not ha7e this& but lai% on the bisho' a money fine of fifteen marks of gol%& which he shoul% 'ay to the king. The bisho' %eclare% he woul% not thus im'o7erish his bisho'4s see& but woul% rather offer his life. $n this they hange% the bisho' out on the holm& besi%e the sling machine. )s he was going to the gallows he threw the sock from his foot& an% sai% with an oath& 6< know no more about King .agnus4s treasure than what is in this sockA6 an% in it there was a gol% ring. +isho' 2einal% was burie% at Nor%nes in .ichael4s church& an% this %ee% was much blame%. )fter this Haral% ;ille was sole king of Norway as long as he li7e%.

9. =$N*32?@- $.3NS <N K$N@N;)H3--). ?i7e years after King Sigur%4s %eath remarkable occurrences took 'lace in Konungahella ().*. 11:(#. ;uthorm& a son of Haral% ?letter& an% Saemun% HusfreyBa& were at that time the king4s officers there. Saemun% was marrie% to <ngebBorg& a %aughter of the 'riest )n%res +runson. Their sons were 1aul ?li' an% ;unne ?is. Saemun%4s natural son was calle% )smun%. )n%res +runson was a 7ery remarkable man& who carrie% on %i7ine ser7ice in the Cross church. His wife (1# was calle% Sol7eig. Gon -o'tson& who was then ele7en years ol%& was in their house to be fostere% an% e%ucate%. The 'riest -o't Saemun%son& Gon4s father& was also in the town at that time. The 'riest )n%res an% Sol7eig ha% a %aughter by name Helga& who was 3inar4s wife. <t ha''ene% now in Konungahella& the neDt Sun%ay night after 3aster week& that there was a great noise in the streets through the whole town as if the king was going through with all his court men. The %ogs were so affecte% that nobo%y coul% hol% them& but they sli''e% looseA an% when they came out they ran ma%& biting all that came in their way& 'eo'le an% cattle. )ll who were bitten by them till the bloo% came turne% raging ma%A an% 'regnant women were taken in labour 'rematurely& an% became ma%. ?rom 3aster to )scension %ay& these 'ortentous circumstances took 'lace almost e7ery night. 1eo'le were %rea%fully alarme% at these won%ersA an% many ma%e themsel7es rea%y to remo7e& sol% their houses& an% went out to the country %istricts& or to other towns. The most intelligent men looke% u'on it as something eDtremely remarkableA were in %rea% of itA an% sai%& as it 'ro7e% to be& that it was an omen of im'ortant e7ents which ha% not yet taken 'lace. )n% the 'riest )n%res& on =hit Sun%ay& ma%e a long an% eDcellent s'eech& an% turne% the conclusion of it to the %istressing situation of the towns'eo'leA telling them to muster courage& an% not lay waste their eDcellent town by %eserting it& but rather to take the utmost care in all things& an% use the greatest foresight

against all %angers& as of fire or the enemy& an% to 'ray to ;o% to ha7e mercy on them. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The Catholic 'riests a''ear to ha7e ha% wi7es at that time in Norway& an% celibacy to ha7e been confine% to the monks. -.

19. TH3 2<S3 $? =)2 <N K$N@N;)H3--). Thirteen loa%e% merchant shi's ma%e rea%y to lea7e the town& inten%ing to 'rocee% to +ergenA but ele7en of them were lost& men an% goo%s& an% all that was in themA the twelfth was lost also& but the 'eo'le were sa7e%& although the cargo went to the bottom. )t that time the 'riest -o't went north to +ergen& with all that belonge% to him& an% arri7e% safely. The merchant 7essels were lost on Saint -awrence e7e ()ugust 19#. The *anish king 3irik an% the )rchbisho' )ssur& both sent notice to Konungahella to kee' watch on their townA an% sai% the >in%lan% 'eo'le ha% a great force on foot with which they ma%e war far aroun% on Christian 'eo'le& an% usually gaine% the 7ictory. +ut the towns'eo'le atten%e% 7ery little to this warning& were in%ifferent& an% forgot more an% more the %rea%ful omens the longer it was since they ha''ene%. $n the holy Saint -awrence %ay& while the wor%s of high mass were s'oken& came to the >in%lan% king 2ettibur to Konungahella with ((9 >in%lan% cutters& an% in each cutter were forty four men an% two horses. The king4s sister4s son *unimiE& an% @nibur& a chief who rule% o7er many 'eo'le& were with him. These two chiefs rowe% at once& with a 'art of their troo's& u' the east arm of the ;aut ri7er 'ast Hising <sle& an% thus came %own to the townA but a 'art of the fleet lay in the western arm& an% came so to the town. They ma%e fast their shi's at the 'iles& an% lan%e% their horses& an% ro%e o7er the height of +ratsas& an% from thence u' aroun% the town. 3inar& a relation of 'riest )n%res& brought these ti%ings u' to the Castle churchA for there the whole inhabitants of the town were gathere% to hear high mass. 3inar came Bust as the 'riest )n%res was hol%ing his %iscourseA an% he tol% the 'eo'le that an army was sailing u' against the town with a great number of shi's of war& an% that some 'eo'le were ri%ing o7er +ratsas. .any sai% it must be the *anish king 3irik& an% from him they might eD'ect 'eace. The 'eo'le ran %own into the town to their 'ro'erties& arme% themsel7es& an% went %own u'on the 'iers& whence they imme%iately saw there was an enemy an% an immense army. Nine 3ast country tra%ing 7essels belonging to the merchants were afloat in the ri7er at the 'iers. The >in%lan% 'eo'le first %irecte% their course towar% these an% fought with the merchants& who arme% themsel7es& an% %efen%e% themsel7es long& well& an% manfully. There was a har% battle& an% resistance& before the merchant 7essels were cleare% of their menA an% in this conflict the >in%lan% 'eo'le lost 1(9 of their shi's& with all the men on boar%. =hen the battle was shar'est the townsmen stoo% u'on the 'iers& an% shot at the heathens. +ut when the fight slackene% the burgesses fle% u' to the town& an% from thence into the

castleA an% the men took with them all their 7aluable articles& an% such goo%s as they coul% carry. Sol7eig an% her %aughters& with two other women& went on shore when the >in%lan%ers took 'ossession of the merchant 7essels. Now the >in%lan%ers lan%e%& an% mustere% their men& an% %isco7ere% their loss. Some of them went u' into the town& some on boar% the merchant shi's& an% took all the goo%s they 'lease%A an% then they set fire to the town& an% burnt it an% the shi's. They hastene% then with all their army to assault the castle.

11. TH3 S3C$N* +)TT-3. King 2ettibur ma%e an offer to those who were in the castle that they shoul% go out& an% he woul% gi7e them their li7es& wea'ons& clothes& sil7er& an% gol%A but all eDclaime% against it& an% went out on the fortificationA some shot& some threw stones& some shar' stakes. <t was a great battle& in which many fell on both si%es& but by far the most of the >in%lan%ers. Sol7eig came u' to a large farm calle% SolbBorg& an% brought the news. ) message war token was there s'lit& an% sent out to Skurbagar& where there ha''ene% to be a Boint ale %rinking feast& an% many men were assemble%. ) bon%e calle% $l7er .iklimun (.ickle .outh# was there& who imme%iately s'rang u'& took helmet an% shiel%& an% a great aDe in his han%& an% sai%& 6Stan% u'& bra7e la%s& an% take your wea'ons. -et us go hel' the towns'eo'leA for it woul% a''ear shameful to e7ery man who hear% of it& if we sit here si''ing our ale& while goo% men in the town are losing their li7es by our neglect.6 .any ma%e an obBection& an% sai% they woul% only be losing their own li7es& without being of any assistance to the towns'eo'le. Then sai% $l7er& 6)lthough all of you shoul% hol% back& < will go aloneA an% one or two heathens& at any rate& shall fall before < fall.6 He ran %own to the town& an% a few men after him to see what he woul% %o& an% also whether they coul% assist him in any way. =hen he came near the castle& an% the heathens saw him& they sent out eight men fully arme% against himA an% when they met& the heathen men ran an% surroun%e% him on all si%es. $l7er lifte% his aDe& an% struck behin% him with the eDtreme 'oint of it& hitting the neck of the man who was coming u' behin% him& so that his throat an% Bawbone were cut through& an% he fell %ea% backwar%s. Then he hea7e% his aDe forwar%s& an% struck the neDt man in the hea%& an% clo7e him %own to the shoul%ers. He then fought with the others& an% kille% two of themA but was much woun%e% himself. The four who remaine% took to flight& but $l7er ran after them. There was a %itch before them& an% two of the heathens Bum'e% into it& an% $l7er kille% them bothA but he stuck fast himself in the %itch& so that two of the eight heathens esca'e%. The men who ha% followe% $l7er took him u'& an% brought him back to Skurbagar& where his woun%s were boun% an% heale%A an% it was the talk of the 'eo'le& that no single man ha% e7er ma%e such a bloo%y onset. Two len%ermen& Sigur% ;yr%son& a

brother of 1hili'& an% Sigar%& came with /99 men to SkurbagarA on which Sigur% turne% back with "99 men. He was but little res'ecte% afterwar%s& an% soon %ie%. Sigar%& on the other han%& 'rocee%e% with !99 men towar%s the townA an% they ga7e battle to the heathens& an% were all slain. =hile the >in%lan%ers were storming the castle& their king an% his chiefs were out of the battle. )t one 'lace there was a man among the >in%lan%ers shooting with a bow& an% killing a man for e7ery arrowA an% two men stoo% before him& an% co7ere% him with their shiel%s. Then Saemun% HusfreyBa sai% to his son )smun%& that they shoul% both shoot together at this bowman. 6+ut < will shoot at the man who hol%s the shiel% before him.6 He %i% so& an% he knocke% the shiel% %own a little before the manA an% in the same instant )smun% shot between the shiel%s& an% the arrow hit the bowman in the forehea%& so that it came out at his neck& an% he fell %own %ea%. =hen the >in%lan%ers saw it they howle% like %ogs& or like wol7es. Then King 2ettibur calle% to them that he woul% gi7e them safety an% life& but they refuse% terms. The heathens again ma%e a har% assault. $ne of the heathens in 'articular fought so bra7ely& an% 7enture% so near& that he came Fuite u' to the castle gate& an% 'ierce% the man who stoo% outsi%e the gate with his swor%A an% although they use% both arrows an% stones against him& an% he ha% neither shiel% nor helmet& nothing coul% touch him& for he was so skille% in witchcraft that wea'on coul% not woun% him. Then 'riest )n%res took consecrate% fireA blew u'on itA cut tin%er in 'ieces& an% lai% it on the fireA an% then lai% the tin%er on the arrow 'oint& an% ga7e it to )smun%. He shot this arrow at the warlockA an% the shaft hit so well that it %i% its business& an% the man of witchcraft fell %ea%. Then the heathens crow%e% together as before& howling an% whining %rea%fullyA an% all gathere% about their king& on which the Christians belie7e% that they were hol%ing a council about retreating. The inter'reters& who un%erstoo% the >in%lan% tongue& hear% the chief @nibur make the following s'eech5 6These 'eo'le are bra7e& an% it is %ifficult to make anything of themA an% e7en if we took all the goo%s in their town& we might willingly gi7e as much more that we ha% ne7er come here& so great has been our loss of men an% chiefs. 3arly in the %ay& when we began to assault the castle& they %efen%e% themsel7es first with arrows an% s'earsA then they fought against us with stonesA an% now with sticks an% sta7es& as against %ogs. < see from this that they are in want of wea'ons an% means of %efenseA so we shall make one more har% assault& an% try their strength.6 <t was as he sai%& that they now fought with stakesA because& in the first assault& they ha% im'ru%ently use% u' all their missile wea'ons an% stonesA an% now when the Christians saw the number of their stakes %iminishing& they cla7e each stake in two. The heathens now ma%e a 7ery hot attack& an% reste% themsel7es between whiles& an% on both si%es they were eDhauste%. *uring a rest the >in%lan% king 2ettibur again offere% terms& an% that they shoul% retain the wea'ons& clothes& an% sil7er they coul% carry out of the castle. Saemun% HusfreyBa ha% fallen& an% the men who remaine% ga7e the counsel to %eli7er u' the castle an% themsel7es into the 'ower of the heathensA but it was a foolish counselA for the heathens %i% not kee' their 'romises& but took all 'eo'le& men& women& an% chil%ren& an% kille% all of them who were woun%e% or young& or coul% not easily be carrie% with them.

They took all the goo%s that were in the castleA went into the Cross church& an% 'lun%ere% it of all its ornaments. The 'riest )n%res ga7e King 2ettibur a sil7er mounte% gilt sce'tre& an% to his sister4s son *unimiE he ga7e a gol% ring. They su''ose% from this that he was a man of great im'ortance in the town& an% hel% him in higher res'ect than the others. They took away with them the holy cross& an% also the tables which stoo% before the altar& which Sigur% ha% got ma%e in the ;reek country& an% ha% brought home himself. These they took& an% lai% flat %own on the ste's before the altar. Then the heathens went out of the church. 2ettibur sai%& 6This house has been a%orne% with great Eeal for the ;o% to whom it is %e%icate%A but& methinks& He has shown little regar% for the town or house5 so < see their ;o% has been angry at those who %efen%e% them.6 King 2ettibur ga7e the 'riest )n%res the church& the shrine& the holy cross& the +ible& the altar book& an% four clerks ('risoners#A but the heathens burnt the Castle church& an% all the houses that were in the castle. )s the fire they ha% set to the church went out twice& they hewe% the church %own& an% then it burnt like other houses. Then the heathens went to their shi's with the bootyA but when they mustere% their 'eo'le an% saw their loss& they ma%e 'risoners of all the 'eo'le& an% %i7i%e% them among the 7essels. Now 'riest )n%res went on boar% the king4s shi' with the holy cross& an% there came a great terror o7er the heathens on account of the 'ortentous circumstance which took 'lace in the king4s shi'A namely& it became so hot that all thought they were to be burnt u'. The king or%ere% the inter'reter to ask the 'riest why this ha''ene%. He re'lie%& that the )lmighty ;o% on whom the Christians belie7e%& sent them a 'roof of His anger& that they who woul% not belie7e in their Creator 'resume% to lay han%s on the emblem of His sufferingA an% that there lay so much 'ower in the cross& that such& an% e7en clearer miracles& ha''ene% to heathen men who ha% taken the cross in their han%s. The king ha% the 'riest 'ut into the shi'4s boat& an% the 'riest )n%res carrie% the holy cross in his gras'. They le% the boat along 'ast the shi'4s bow& an% then along the si%e of the neDt shi'& an% then sho7e% it with a boat hook in besi%e the 'ier. Then )n%res went with the cross by night to SolbBorg& in rain an% %rea%ful weatherA but brought it in goo% 'reser7ation. King 2ettibur& an% the men he ha% remaining& went home to >in%lan%& an% many of the 'eo'le who were taken at Konungahella were long afterwar%s in sla7ery in >in%lan%A an% those who were ransome% an% came back to Norway to their u%al lan%s an% 'ro'erties& thro7e worse than before their ca'ture. The merchant town of Konungahella has ne7er since risen to the im'ortance it was of before this e7ent.

1!. $? .);N@S TH3 +-<N*. King .agnus& after he was %e'ri7e% of sight& went north to Ni%aros& where he went into the cloister on the holm& an% assume% the monk4s %ress. The cloister recei7e% the farm of ;reat Hernes in ?rosta for his su''ort. King Haral% alone rule% the country the following winter& ga7e all men 'eace an% 'ar%on who %esire% it& an% took many of the men into his court ser7ice who ha% been

with King .agnus. 3inar Skulason says that King Haral% ha% two battles in *enmarkA the one at H7e%n <sle& an% the other at Hlesey <sle5 6@nwearie% cham'ionK who wast bre% To stain thy blue e%ge% wea'ons re%K +eneath high H7e%n4s rocky shore& The faithless felt thy steel once more.6 )n% again& thus5 6$n Hlesey4s 'lain the foe must Fuail 4?ore him who %yes their shirts of mail. His storm stretche% banner o4er his hea% ?lies straight& an% fills the foe with %rea%.6

1:. $? K<N; H)2)-* ;<--3 )N* +<SH$1 .);N@S. King Haral% ;ille was a 7ery generous man. <t is tol% that in his time .agnus 3inarson came from <celan% to be consecrate% a bisho'& an% the king recei7e% him well& an% showe% him much res'ect. =hen the bisho' was rea%y to sail for <celan% again& an% the shi' was rigge% out for sea& he went to the hall where the king was %rinking& salute% him 'olitely an% warmly& an% the king recei7e% him Boyfully. The Fueen was sitting besi%e the king. Then sai% the king& 6)re you rea%y& bisho'& for your 7oyageL6 He re'lie% that he was. The king sai%& 6Cou come to us Bust now at a ba% timeA for the tables are Bust remo7e%& an% there is nothing at han% suitable to 'resent to you. =hat is there to gi7e the bisho'L6 The treasurer re'lies& 6Sire& as far as < know& all articles of any 7alue are gi7en away.6 The king5 6Here is a %rinking goblet remainingA take this& bisho'A it is not without 7alue.6 The bisho' eD'resse% his thanks for the honour shown him. Then sai% the Fueen& 6?arewell& bisho'K an% a ha''y 7oyage.6

The king sai% to her& 6=hen %i% you e7er hear a noble la%y say so to a bisho' without gi7ing him somethingL6 She re'lies& 6Sire& what ha7e < to gi7e himL6 The king5 6Thou hast the cushion un%er thee.6 Thereu'on this& which was co7ere% with costly cloth& an% was a 7aluable article& was gi7en to the bisho'. =hen the bisho' was going away the king took the cushion from un%er himself an% ga7e

it him& saying& 6They ha7e long been together.6 =hen the bisho' arri7e% in <celan% to his bisho'4s see& it was talke% o7er what shoul% be %one with the goblet that woul% be ser7iceable for the kingA an% when the bisho' aske% the o'inion of other 'eo'le& many thought it shoul% be sol%& an% the 7alue bestowe% on the 'oor. Then sai% the bisho'& 6< will take another 'lan. < will ha7e a chalice ma%e of it for this church& an% consecrate it& so that all the saints of whom there are relics in this church shall let the king ha7e some goo% for his gift e7ery time a mass is sung o7er it.6 This chalice has since belonge% to the bisho'ric of SkalholtA an% of the costly cloth with which the cushions gi7en him by the king were co7ere%& were ma%e the choristers4 cloaks which are now in Skalholt. ?rom this the generous s'irit of King Haral% may be seen& as well as from many other things& of which but a few are set %own here.

1". +3;<NN<N; $? S<;@2* S-3.+<*G)KN. There was a man& by name Sigur%& who was brought u' in Norway& an% was calle% 'riest )%albrikt4s son. Sigur%4s mother was Thora& a %aughter of SaDe of >ik& a sister of Sigri%& who was mother of King $laf .agnuson& an% of Kare& the king4s brother who marrie% +orghil%& a %aughter of *ag 3ilifson. Their sons were Sigur% of )ustrat an% *ag. Sigur% of )ustrat4s sons were Gon of )ustrat& Thorstein& an% )n%res the *eaf. Gon was marrie% to Sigri%& a sister of King <nge an% of *uke Skule. This Sigur%& in his chil%hoo%& was ke't at his book& became a clerk& an% was consecrate% a %eaconA but as he ri'ene% in years an% strength he became a 7ery cle7er man& stout& strong& %istinguishe% for all 'erfections an% eDercises beyon% any of his years& in%ee%& beyon% any man in Norway. Sigur% showe% early traces of a haughty ungo7ernable s'irit& an% was therefore calle% Slembi%Bakn. He was as han%some a man as coul% be seen& with rather thin but beautiful hair. =hen it came to Sigur%4s ears that his mother sai% King .agnus was his father& he lai% asi%e all clerkshi'A an% as soon as he was ol% enough to be his own master& he left the country. He was a long time on his tra7els& went to 1alestineA was at the Gor%an ri7erA an% 7isite% many holy 'laces& as 'ilgrims usually %o. =hen he came back& he a''lie% himself to tra%ing eD'e%itions. $ne winter he was in $rkney with 3arl Haral%& an% was with him when Thorkel ?ostre Summarli%ason was kille%. Sigur% was also in Scotlan% with the Scottish king *a7i%& an% was hel% in great esteem by him. Thereafter Sigur% went to *enmarkA an% accor%ing to the account of himself an% his men& he there submitte% to the iron or%eal to confirm his 'aternal %escent& an% 'ro7e% by it& in the 'resence of fi7e bisho's& that he was a son of King .agnus +arefoot. So says <7ar <ngemun%son& in Sigur%4s song5 6The holiest fi7e $f men ali7e& +isho's were they& Solemnly say& The iron glowing 2e% hot& yet showing

No scaith on skin& 1ro7es cause an% kin.6 King Haral% ;ille4s frien%s& howe7er& sai% this was only a lie& an% %eceit of the *anes.

1(. S<;@2* <N <C3-)N*. <t is tol% before of Sigur% that he 'asse% some years in merchant 7oyages& an% he came thus to <celan% one winter& an% took u' his lo%ging with Thorgils $%son in SaurbyA but 7ery few knew where he was. <n autumn& when the shee' were being %ri7en into a fol% to be slaughtere%& a shee' that was to be caught ran to Sigur%A an% as Sigur% thought the shee' ran to him for 'rotection& he stretche% out his han%s to it an% lifte% it o7er the fol% %yke& an% let it run to the hills& saying& 6There are not many who seek hel' from me& so < may well hel' this one.6 <t ha''ene% the same winter that a woman ha% committe% a theft& an% Thorgils& who was angry at her for it& was going to 'unish herA but she ran to Sigur% to ask his hel'& an% he set her u'on the bench by his si%e. Thorgils tol% him to gi7e her u'& an% tol% him what she ha% committe%A but Sigur% begge% forgi7eness for her since she ha% come to him for 'rotection& an% that Thorgils woul% %ismiss the com'laint against her& but Thorgils insiste% that she shoul% recei7e her 'unishment. =hen Sigur% saw that Thorgils woul% not listen to his entreaty& he starte% u'& %rew his swor%& an% ba%e him take her if he %are%A an% Thorgils seeing that Sigur% woul% %efen% the woman by force of arms& an% obser7ing his comman%ing mien& guesse% who he must be& %esiste% from 'ursuing the woman& an% 'ar%one% her. There were many foreign men there& an% Sigur% ma%e the least a''earance among them. $ne %ay Sigur% came into the sitting room& an% a Northman who was s'len%i%ly clothe% was 'laying chess with one of Thora%s house ser7ants. The Northman calle% Sigur%& an% aske% him his a%7ice how to 'layA but when Sigur% looke% at the boar%& he saw the game was lost. The man who was 'laying against the Northman ha% a sore foot& so that one toe was bruise%& an% matter was coming out of it. Sigur%& who was sitting on the bench& takes a straw& an% %raws it along the floor& so that some young kittens ran after it. He %rew the straw always before them& until they came near the house ser7ant4s foot& who Bum'ing u' with a scream& threw the chessmen in %isor%er on the boar%A an% thus it was a %is'ute how the game ha% stoo%. This is gi7en as a 'roof of Sigur%4s cunning. 1eo'le %i% not know that he was a learne% clerk until the Satur%ay before 3aster& when he consecrate% the holy water with chantA an% the longer he staye% there the more he was esteeme%. The summer after& Sigur% tol% Thorgils before they 'arte%& that he might with all confi%ence a%%ress his frien%s to Sigur% Slembi%Bakn. Thorgils aske% how nearly he was relate% to him& on which he re'lies& 6< am Sigur% Slembi%Bakn& a son of King .agnus +arefoot.6 He then left <celan%.

1/. $? S<;@2* S-3.+3.

=hen Haral% ;ille ha% been siD years ().*. 11:/#& king of Norway& Sigur% came to the country an% went to his brother King Haral%& an% foun% him in +ergen. He 'lace% himself entirely in the king4s han%s& %isclose% who his father was& an% aske% him to acknowle%ge their relationshi'. The king ga7e him no hasty or %istinct re'lyA but lai% the matter before his frien%s in a conference at a s'ecially a''ointe% meeting. )fter this conference it became known that the king lai% an accusation against Sigur%& because he ha% been at the killing of Thorkel ?ostre in the =est. Thorkel ha% accom'anie% Haral% to Norway when he first came to the country& an% ha% been one of Haral%4s best frien%s. This case was followe% u' so se7erely& that a ca'ital accusation against Sigur% was ma%e& an%& by the a%7ice of the len%ermen& was carrie% so far& that some of the king4s 'ursui7ants went one e7ening late to Sigur%& an% calle% him to them. They then took a boat an% rowe% away with Sigur% from the town south to Nor%nes. Sigur% sat on a chest in the stern of the boat& an% ha% his sus'icions that foul 'lay was inten%e%. He was clothe% in blue trousers& an% o7er his shirt he ha% a hoo% tie% with riban%s& which ser7e% him for a cloak. He sat looking %own& an% hol%ing his hoo% stringsA an% sometimes mo7e% them o7er his hea%& sometimes let them fall again before him. Now when they ha% 'asse% the ness& they were %runk& an% merry& were rowing so eagerly that they were not taking notice of anything. Sigur% stoo% u'& an% went on the boat4s %eckA but the two men who were 'lace% to guar% him stoo% u' also& an% followe% him to the si%e of the 7essel& hol%ing by his cloak& as is the custom in guar%ing 'eo'le of %istinction. )s he was afrai% that they woul% catch hol% of more of his clothes& he seiEe% them both& an% lea'e% o7erboar% with them. The boat& in the meantime& ha% gone on a long way& an% it was a long time before those on boar% coul% turn the 7essel& an% long before they coul% get their own men taken on boar% againA an% Sigur% %i7e% un%er water& an% swam so far away that he reache% the lan% before they coul% get the boat turne% to 'ursue him. Sigur%& who was 7ery swift of foot& hie% u' to the mountains& an% the king4s men tra7elle% about the whole night seeking him without fin%ing him. He lay %own in a cleft of the rocksA an% as he was 7ery col% he took off his trousers& cut a hole in the seat of them& an% stuck his hea% through it& an% 'ut his arms in the legs of them. He esca'e% with life this timeA an% the king4s men returne%& an% coul% not conceal their unsuccessful a%7enture.

17. T23)CH32C T$=)2*S K<N; H)2)-*. Sigur% thought now that it woul% be of no use to seek any hel' from King Haral% againA an% he ke't himself conceale% all the autumn an% the beginning of the winter. He lay hi% in +ergen& in the house of a 'riest. King Haral% was also in the town& an% many great 'eo'le with him. Now Sigur% consi%ere% how& with his frien%s4 hel'& he might take the king by sur'rise& an% make an en% of him. .any men took 'art in this %esignA an% among them some who were King Haral%4s court men an% chamberlains& but who ha% formerly been King .agnus4s court men. They stoo% in great

fa7our with the king& an% some of them sat constantly at the king4s table. $n Saint -ucia4s %ay (*ecember 1:#& in the e7ening when they 'ro'ose% to eDecute this treason& two men sat at the king4s table talking togetherA an% one of them sai% to the king& 6Sire& we two table com'anions submit our %is'ute to your Bu%gment& ha7ing ma%e a wager of a basket of honey to him who guesses right. < say that you will slee' this night with your Hueen <ngeri%A an% he says that you will slee' with Thora& ;uthorm4s %aughter.6 The king answere% laughing& an% without sus'ecting in the least that there lay treachery un%er the Fuestion& that he who ha% aske% ha% lost his bet. They knew thus where he was to be foun% that nightA but the main guar% was without the house in which most 'eo'le thought the king woul% slee'& 7iE.& that which the Fueen was in.

18. .@2*32 $? K<N; H)2)-*. Sigur% Slembe& an% some men who were in his %esign& came in the night to the lo%ging in which King Haral% was slee'ingA kille% the watchman firstA then broke o'en the %oor& an% went in with %rawn swor%s. <7ar Kolbeinson ma%e the first attack on King Haral%A an% as the king ha% been %runk when he went to be% he sle't soun%& an% awoke only when the men were striking at him. Then he sai% in his slee'& 6Thou art treating me har%ly& Thora.6 She s'rang u'& saying& 6They are treating thee har%ly who lo7e thee less than < %o.6 Haral% was %e'ri7e% of life. Then Sigur% went out with his hel'ers& an% or%ere% the men to be calle% to him who ha% 'romise% him their su''ort if he shoul% get King Haral% taken out of the way. Sigur% an% his men then went on& an% took a boat& set themsel7es to the oars& an% rowe% out in front of the king4s houseA an% then it was Bust beginning to be %aylight. Then Sigur% stoo% u'& s'oke to those who were stan%ing on the king4s 'ier& ma%e known to them the mur%er of King Haral% by his han%& an% %esire% that they woul% take him& an% choose him as chief accor%ing to his birth. Now came many swarming %own to the 'ier from the king4s houseA an% all with one 7oice re'lie%& that they woul% ne7er gi7e obe%ience or ser7ice to a man who ha% mur%ere% his own brother. 6)n% if thou are not his brother& thou hast no claim from %escent to be king.6 They clashe% their wea'ons together& an% a%Bu%ge% all mur%erers to be banishe% an% outlawe% men. Now the king4s horn soun%e%& an% all len%ermen an% courtmen were calle% together. Sigur% an% his com'anions saw it was best for them to get wayA an% he went northwar% to North Hor%alan%& where he hel% a Thing with the bon%es& who submitte% to him& an% ga7e him the title of king. ?rom thence he went to Sogn& an% hel% a Thing there with the bon%es an% was 'roclaime% king. Then he went north across the fBor%s& an% most 'eo'le su''orte% his cause. So says <7ar <ngemun%son5 6$n Haral%4s fall The bon%es all& <n Hor% an% Sogn&

Took .agnus4 son. The Things swore too They woul% be true To this new hea% <n Haral%4s stea%.6 King Haral% was burie% in the ol% Christ church.

S);) $? S<;@2*& <N;3& )N* 3CST3<N& TH3 S$NS $? H)2)-* 123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS. Sigur% %ie% ).*. 11((& 3ystein 11(7& an% <nge 11/1. $ther literature is 6.orkinskinna6 an% 6?agrskinna.6 Sigur% Slembe is the subBect of a %rama by +BornstBerne +Bornson& translate% into 3nglish by =illiam .orton 1ayne& an% 'ublishe% by Houghton& .ifflin O Co.& +oston& 1888. Skal%s Fuote% are5 Kolle& 3inar Skulason& an% ThorbBorn Skakkaskal%.

1. H<ST$2C $? K<N;S S<;@2* )N* <N;3. Hueen <ngeri%& an% with her the len%ermen an% the court which ha% been with King Haral%& resol7e% to sen% a fast sailing 7essel to Thron%hBem to make known King Haral%4s %eath& an% also to %esire the Thron%hBem 'eo'le to take King Haral%4s son Sigur% for king. He was then in the north& an% was fostere% by Sa%agyr% +ar%son. Hueen <ngeri% herself 'rocee%e% eastwar% imme%iately to >iken. <nge was the name of her son by King Haral%& an% he was then fostere% by )mun%e ;yr%son& a gran%son of -ogberse. =hen they came to >iken a +orgar thing was imme%iately calle% together& at which <nge& who was in the secon% year of his age& was chosen king. This resolution was su''orte% by )mun%e an% ThBostolf )lason& together with many other great chiefs. Now when the ti%ings came north to Thron%hBem that King Haral% was mur%ere%& the Thron%hBem 'eo'le took Sigur%& King Haral%4s son& to be the kingA an% this resolution was su''orte% by $ttar +irting& 1eter Sau%aulfson& the brothers ;uthorm of 2eine& an% $ttar +alle& sons of )solf an% many other great chiefs. )fterwar%s the whole nation almost submitte% to the brothers& an% 'rinci'ally because their father was consi%ere% holyA an% the country took the oath to them& that the kingly 'ower shoul% not go to any other man as long as any of King Haral%4s sons were ali7e.

!. $? S<;@2* S-3.+<*G)KN. Sigur% Slembe saile% north aroun% Sta%A an% when he came to North

.ore& he foun% that letters an% full 'owers ha% arri7e% before him from the lea%ers who ha% gi7en in their allegiance to Haral%4s sonsA so that there he got no welcome or hel'. )s Sigur% himself ha% but few 'eo'le with him& he resol7e% to go with them to Thron%hBem& an% seek out .agnus the +lin%A for he ha% alrea%y sent a message before him to .agnus4s frien%s. Now when they came to the town& they rowe% u' the ri7er Ni% to meet King .agnus& an% fastene% their lan% ro'es on the shore at the king4s houseA but were oblige% to set off imme%iately& for all the 'eo'le rose against them. They then lan%e% at .onkholm& an% took .agnus the +lin% out of the cloister against the will of the monksA for he ha% been consecrate% a monk. <t is sai% by some that .agnus willingly went with themA although it was %ifferently re'orte%& in or%er to make his cause a''ear better. Sigur%& imme%iately after Cule (Ganuary& ).*. 11:7#& went forth with his suite& eD'ecting ai% from his relations an% .agnus4s frien%s& an% which they also got. Sigur% saile% with his men out of the fBor%& an% was Boine% afterwar%s by +Born 3gilson& ;unnar of ;imsar& Hal%or Sigur%son& )slak Hakonson& the brothers +en%ikt an% 3irik& an% also the court which ha% before been with King .agnus& an% many others. =ith this troo' they went south to .ore& an% %own to the mouth of 2aums%al fBor%. Here Sigur% an% .agnus %i7i%e% their forces& an% Sigur% went imme%iately westwar%s across the sea. King .agnus again 'rocee%e% to the @'lan%s& where he eD'ecte% much hel' an% strength& an% which he obtaine%. He remaine% there the winter an% all the summer ().*. 11:7#& an% ha% many 'eo'le with himA but King <nge 'rocee%e% against him with all his forces& an% they met at a 'lace calle% .ynne. There was a great battle& at which King .agnus ha% the most 'eo'le. <t is relate% that ThBostolf )lason carrie% King <nge in his belt as long as the battle laste%& an% stoo% un%er the bannerA but ThBostolf was har% 'resse% by fatigue an% fightingA an% it is commonly sai% that King <nge got his ill health there& an% which he retaine% as long as he li7e%& so that his back was knotte% into a hum'& an% the one foot was shorter than the otherA an% he was besi%es so infirm that he coul% scarcely walk as long as he li7e%. The %efeat began to turn u'on .agnus an% his menA an% in the front rank of his array fell Hal%or Sigur%son& +Born 3gilson& ;unnar of ;imsar& an% a great number of his men& before he himself woul% take to his horse an% fly. So says Kolle5 6Thy arrow storm on .ynne4s banks ?ast thinn4% the foemen4s strongest ranksA Thy goo% swor% hewe% the ra7en4s feast $n .ynne4s banks u' in the 3ast. Shiel% clashe% on shiel%& an% bucklers broke @n%er thy battle aDe4s strokeA =hile thou& unco7ere%& urge% the fray& Thy shiel% an% mail coat thrown away.6 )n% also this5 6The king to hea7en belonging fle%& =hen thou& in war4s Fuick %eath game bre%& @n'anEere%& shiel%less on the 'lain His hea7y steel cla% guar%s ha%st slain.

The 'ainte% shiel%& an% steel 'late mail& +efore thy fierce attack soon fail& To .agnus who belongs to hea7en& =as no such fame in battle gi7en.6 .agnus fle% eastwar% to ;autlan%& an% then to *enmark. )t that time there was in ;autlan% an earl& Karl Sonason& who was a great an% ambitious man. .agnus the +lin% an% his men sai%& where7er they ha''ene% to meet with chiefs& that Norway lay Fuite o'en to any great chieftain who woul% attack itA for it might well be sai% there was no king in the country& an% the king%om was only rule% by len%ermen& an%& among those who ha% most sway& there was& from mutual Bealousy& most %iscor%. Now Karl& being ambitious of 'ower& listens willingly to such s'eechesA collects men& an% ri%es west to >iken& where many 'eo'le& out of fear& submit to him. =hen ThBostolf )lason an% )mun%e hear% of this& they went with the men they coul% get together& an% took King <nge with them. They met 3arl Karl an% the ;autlan% army eastwar% in Krokaskog& where there was a great battle an% a great %efeat& King <nge gaining the 7ictory. .unan $gmun%son& 3arl Karl4s mother4s brother& fell there. $gmun%& the father of .unan& was a son of 3arl $rm 3ilifson& an% Sigri%& a %aughter of 3arl ?in )rnason. )stri%& $grnun%4s %aughter& was the mother of 3arl Karl. .any others of the ;autlan% 'eo'le fell at KrokaskogA an% the earl fle% eastwar% through the forest. King <nge 'ursue% them all the way out of the king%omA an% this eD'e%ition turne% out a great %isgrace to them. So says Kolle5 6< must 'roclaim how our great lor% Coloure% %ee' re% his ice col% swor%A )n% ra7ens 'laye% with ;autlan% bones& )n% wol7es hear% ;autlan%ers4 last groans. Their silly Bests were well re'ai%& <n Krokaskog their laugh was lai%5 Thy battle 'ower was then well trie%& )n% they who won may now %eri%e.6

:. K<N; 3<2<K4S 3N13*<T<$N T$ N$2=)C. .agnus the +lin% then went to *enmark to King 3irik 3imune& where he was well recei7e%. He offere% the king to follow him if he woul% in7a%e Norway with a *anish army& an% sub%ue the countryA saying& that if he came to Norway with his army& no man in Norway woul% 7enture to throw a s'ear against him. The king allowe% himself to be mo7e% by .agnus4s 'ersuasions& or%ere% a le7y& an% went north to Norway with !99 shi'sA an% .agnus an% his men were with him on this eD'e%ition. =hen they came to >iken& they 'rocee%e% 'eacefully an% gently on the east si%e of the fBor%A but when the fleet came westwar% to Tunsberg& a great number of King <nge4s len%ermen came against them. Their lea%er was >atnorm *agson& a brother of ;regorius. The *anes coul% not lan% to get water without many of them being kille%A an% therefore they went in through the fBor% to $slo& where ThBostolf )lason o''ose% them. <t is tol% that some 'eo'le wante% to carry the

holy Hal7ar%4s coffin out of the town in the e7ening when the fleet was first obser7e%& an% as many as coul% took hol% of itA but the coffin became so hea7y that they coul% not carry it o7er the church floor. The morning after& howe7er& when they saw the fleet sailing in 'ast the Hofu% <sle& four men carrie% the coffin out of the town& an% ThBostolf an% all the towns'eo'le followe% it.

". TH3 T$=N $? $S-$ +@2NT. King 3irik an% his army a%7ance% against the townA an% some of his men hastene% after ThBostolf an% his troo'. ThBostolf threw a s'ear at a man name% )skel& which hit him un%er the throat& so that the s'ear 'oint went through his neckA an% ThBostolf thought he ha% ne7er ma%e a better s'ear cast& for& eDce't the 'lace he hit& there was nothing bare to be seen. The shrine of St. Hal7ar%& was taken u' to 2aumarike& where it remaine% for three months. ThBostolf went u' to 2aumarike& an% collecte% men %uring the night& with whom he returne% towar%s the town in the morning. <n the meantime King 3irik set fire to Hal7ar%4s church& an% to the town& which was entirely burnt. ThBostolf came soon after to the town with the men he ha% assemble%& an% 3irik saile% off with his fleetA but coul% not lan% anywhere on that si%e of the fBor%& on account of the troo's of the len%ermen who came %own against themA an% where7er they attem'te% a lan%ing& they left fi7e or siD men or more u'on the stran%. King <nge lay with a great number of 'eo'le into Hornborusun%& but when he learne% this& he turne% about southwar%s to *enmark again. King <nge 'ursue% him& an% took from him all the shi's he coul% get hol% ofA an% it was a common obser7ation among 'eo'le& that ne7er was so 'oor an eD'e%ition ma%e with so great an armament in another king4s %ominions. King 3irik was ill 'lease% at it& an% thought King .agnus an% his men ha% been making a fool of him by encouraging him to un%ertake this eD'e%ition& an% he %eclare% he woul% ne7er again besuch frien%s with them as before.

(. $? S<;@2* S-3.+<*G)KN. Sigur% Slembi%Bakn came that summer from the =est sea to Norway& where he hear% of his relation King .agnus4s unlucky eD'e%itionA so he eD'ecte% no welcome in Norway& but saile% south& outsi%e the rocks& 'ast the lan%& an% set o7er to *enmark& an% went into the Soun%. He fell in with some >in%lan% cutters south of the islan%s& ga7e them battle& an% gaine% the 7ictory. He cleare% eight shi's& killing many of the men& an% he hange% the others. He also ha% a battle off the <slan% .on with the >in%lan% men& an% gaine% a 7ictory. He then saile% from the south an% came to the eastern arm of the ;aut ri7er& an% took three shi's of the fleet of Thorer H7inantor%e& an% $laf& the son of Haral% Kesia& who was Sigur%4s own sister4s sonA for 2agnhil%& the mother of $laf& was a %aughter of King .agnus +arefoot. He %ro7e $laf u' the country.

ThBostolf was at this time in Konungahella& an% ha% collecte% 'eo'le to %efen% the country& an% Sigur% steere% thither with his fleet. They shot at each other& but he coul% not effect a lan%ingA an%& on both si%es& many were kille% an% many woun%e%. @lfhe%in SaDolfson& Sigur%4s forecastle man& fell there. He was an <celan%er& from the north Fuarter. Sigur% continue% his course northwar%s to >iken an% 'lun%ere% far an% wi%e aroun%. Now when Sigur% lay in a harbour calle% 1ortyrBa on -imgar%4s coast& an% watche% the shi's going to or coming from >iken to 'lun%er them& the Tunsberg men collecte% an arme% force against him& an% came uneD'ecte%ly u'on them while Sigur% an% his men were on shore %i7i%ing their booty. Some of the men came %own from the lan%& but some of the other 'arty lai% themsel7es with their shi's right across the harbour outsi%e of them. Sigur% ran u' into his shi'& an% rowe% out against them. >atnorm4s shi' was the nearest& an% he let his shi' fall behin% the line& an% Sigur% rowe% clear 'ast& an% thus esca'e% with one shi' an% the loss of many men. This 7erse was ma%e u'on >atnorm (1#5 6The water ser'ent& 'eo'le say& ?rom 1ortyrBa sli''e% away.6 3N*N$T3S5 (1# >atnorm& the name of this man& means the water ser'ent& an% a''ears to ha7e been a fa7ourite name for war shi's alsoA hence the 'un in the lines u'on >atnorm. -.

/. TH3 .@2*32 $? +3<NT3<N. Sigur% Slembi%Bakn saile% from thence to *enmarkA an% at that time a man was lost in his shi'& whose name was Kolbein Thorliotson of +atal%. He was sitting in a boat which was ma%e fast to the 7essel& an% u'set because she was sailing Fuickly. =hen they came south to *enmark& Sigur%4s shi' itself was cast awayA but he got to )laborg& an% was there in winter. The summer after ().*. 11:8# .agnus an% Sigur% saile% together from the south with se7en shi's& an% came uneD'ecte%ly in the night to -ister& where they lai% their shi's on the lan%. +eintein Kolbeinson& a court man of King <nge& an% a 7ery bra7e man& was there. Sigur% an% his men Bum'e% on shore at %aylight& came uneD'ecte%ly on the 'eo'le& surroun%e% the house& an% were setting fire to the buil%ingsA but +eintein came out of a store house with his wea'ons& well arme%& an% stoo% within the %oor with %rawn swor%& his shiel% before him& helmet on& an% rea%y to %efen% himself. The %oor was somewhat low. Sigur% aske% which of his la%s ha% most %esire to go in against +eintein& which he calle% bra7e man4s workA but none was 7ery hurrie% to make rea%y for it. =hile they were %iscussing this matter Sigur% rushe% into the house& 'ast +eintein. +eintein struck at him& but misse% him. Sigur% turne% instantly on +einteinA an% after eDchanging blows& Sigur% ga7e him his %eath stroke& an% came out 'resently bearing his hea% in his han%s.

They took all the goo%s that were in the farm house& carrie% the booty to their shi's& an% saile% away. =hen King <nge an% his frien%s& an% also Kolbein4s sons& Sigur% an% ;yr%& the brothers of +eintein& hear% of +eintein4s mur%er& the king sent a great force against Sigur% Slembe an% his followersA an% also tra7elle% himself& an% took a shi' from Hakon 1aulson 1ungelta& who was a %aughter4s son of )slak& a son of 3rling SkBalgson of Sole& an% cousin of Hakon .age. King <nge %ro7e Hakon an% his followers u' the country& an% took all their gear. Sigur% Stork& a son of 3in%ri%e of ;aut%al& an% his brother& 3irik Hael& an% )n%res Kel%uskit& son of ;rim of >ist& all fle% away into the fBor%s. +ut Sigur% Slembe& .agnus the +lin% an% Thorieif Skia''a saile% outsi%e the isles with three shi's north to Halogalan%A an% .agnus was in winter ().*. 11:9# north in +Barkey <sle with >i%kun Gonson. +ut Sigur% ha% the stem an% stern 'ost of his shi' cut out& ma%e a hole in her& an% sank her in the inner 'art of 3gisfBor%& an% thereafter he 'asse% the winter at Tial%asun% by ;lBufrafBor% in Hin. ?ar u' the fBor% there is a ca7e in the rockA in that 'lace Sigur% sat with his followers& who were abo7e twenty men& secretly& an% hung a grey cloth before the mouth of the hole& so that no 'erson coul% see them from the stran%. Thorleif Skia''a& an% 3inar& son of $gmun% of San%& an% of ;u%run& %aughter of 3inar )rason of 2eikiaholar& 'rocure% foo% for Sigur% %uring the winter. <t is sai% that Sigur% ma%e the -a'lan%ers construct two boats for him %uring the winter u' in the fBor%A an% they were fastene% together with %eer sinews& without nails& an% with twigs of willow instea% of knees& an% each boat coul% carry twel7e men. Sigur% was with the -a'lan%ers while they were making the boatsA an% the -a'lan%ers ha% goo% ale& with which they entertaine% Sigur%. Sigur% ma%e these lines on it5 6<n the -a'lan% tent +ra7e %ays we s'ent. @n%er the grey birch treeA <n be% or on bank =e knew no rank& )n% a merry crew were we. 6;oo% ale went roun% )s we sat on the groun%& @n%er the grey birch treeA )n% u' with the smoke ?lew laugh an% Boke& )n% a merry crew were we.6 These boats were so light that no shi' coul% o7ertake them in the water& accor%ing to what was sung at the time5 6$ur skin sewe% ?in boats lightly swim& $7er the sea like win% they skim. $ur shi's are built without a nailA ?ew shi's like ours can row or sail.6 <n s'ring Sigur% an% .agnus went south along the coast with the two boats which the -a'lan%ers ha% ma%eA an% when they came to >agar they kille% S7ein the 'riest an% his two sons.

7. $? S<;@2*4S S-3.+34S C).1)<;N. Thereafter Sigur% came south to >ikar& an% seiEe% King Sigur%4s len%ermen& =illiam Skinnare an% Thoral% Ke't& an% kille% them both. Then Sigur% turne% south war%s along the coast& an% met Styrkar ;laesirofa south of +yr%a& as he was coming from the south from the town of Ni%aros& an% kille% him. Now when Sigur% came south to >alsnes& he met S7inagrim outsi%e of the ness& an% cut off his right han%. ?rom thence he went south to .ore& 'ast the mouth of the Thron%hBem fBor%& where they took He%in Hir%mage an% Kalf Kringluauge. They let He%in esca'e& but kille% Kalf. =hen King Sigur%& an% his foster father& Sa%agyr%& hear% of Sigur% Slembi%Bakn4s 'rocee%ings& an% what he was %oing& they sent 'eo'le to search for himA an% their lea%er was Gon Kau%a& a son of Kalf 2ange. +isho' <7ar4s brother& an% besi%es the 'riest Gon Smyril. They went on boar% the shi' the 2ein%eer& which ha% twenty two rowing benches& an% was one of the swiftest sailing 7essels& to seek Sigur%A but as they coul% not fin% him& they returne% north war%s with little gloryA for 'eo'le sai% that they ha% got sight of Sigur% an% his 'eo'le& an% %urst not attack them. )fterwar%s Sigur% 'rocee%e% southwar%s to Hor%alan%& an% came to Her%la& where 3inar& a son of -aDa'aul& ha% a farmA an% went into Hamar4s fBor%& to the ;ang%aga thing. They took all the goo%s that were at the farm& an% a long shi' of twenty two benches which belonge% to 3inarA an% also his son& four years ol%& who was li7ing with one of his labouring 'eo'le. Some wante% to kill the boy& but others took him an% carrie% him with them. The labouring man sai%& 6<t will not be lucky for you to kill the chil%A an% it will be of no use to you to carry him away& for it is my son& an% not 3inar4s.6 )n% on his wor% they let the boy remain& an% went away. =hen 3inar came home he ga7e the labourer money to the 7alue of two ore of gol%& an% thanke% him for his cle7er in7ention& an% 'romise% him his constant frien%shi'. So says 3irik $%son& who first wrote %own this relationA an% he hear% himself 3inar 1aulson telling these circumstances in +ergen. Sigur% then went southwar% along the coast all the way east to >iken& an% met ?in Sau%aulfson east at K7il%ar& as he was engage% in %rawing in King <nge4s rents an% %uties& an% hange% him. Then they saile% south to *enmark.

8. $? K<N; <N;34S -3TT32 T$ K<N; S<;@2*. The 'eo'le of >iken an% of +ergen com'laine% that it was wrong for King Sigur% an% his frien%s to be sitting Fuietly north in the town of Ni%aros& while his father4s mur%erer was cruising about in the or%inary 'assage at the mouth of the Thron%hBem fBor%A an% King <nge an% his 'eo'le& on the other han%& were in >iken in the mi%st of the %anger& %efen%ing the country an% hol%ing many battles. Then King <nge sent a letter north to the merchant town Ni%aros& in which were these wor%s5 6King <nge Haral%son sen%s his brother King Sigur%& as also Sa%agyr%& $gmun% S7i'te& $ttar +irting& an% all len%ermen& court men& house

'eo'le& an% all the 'ublic& rich an% 'oor& young an% ol%& his own an% ;o%4s salutation. The misfortune is known to all men that on account of our chil%hoo%s thou being fi7e& an% < but three years of age we can un%ertake nothing without the counsel of our frien%s an% other goo% men. Now < an% my men think that we stan% nearer to the %anger an% necessity common to us both& than thou an% thy frien%sA therefore make it so that thou& as soon as 'ossible& come to me& an% as strong in troo's as 'ossible& that we may be assemble% to meet whate7er may come. He will be our best frien% who %oes all he can that we may be unite%& an% may take an eFual 'art in all things. +ut if thou refuse& an% wilt not come after this message which < sen% thee in nee%& as thou hast %one before& then thou must eD'ect that < will come against thee with an armamentA an% let ;o% %eci%e between usA for we are not in a con%ition to sit here at so great an eD'ense& an% with so numerous a bo%y of troo's as are necessary here on account of the enemy& an% besi%es many other 'ressing charges& whilst thou hast half of all the lan% taD an% other re7enues of Norway. -i7e in the 'eace of ;o%K6

9. $TT)2 +<2T<N;4S S133CH. Then $ttar +irting stoo% u' in the Thing& an% first of all answere% thus5 6This is King Sigur%4s re'ly to his brother King <nge that ;o% will rewar% him for his goo% salutation& an% likewise for the trouble an% bur%en which he an% his frien%s ha7e in this king%om& an% in matters of necessity which effect them both. )lthough now some think there is something shar' in King <nge4s message to his brother Sigur%& yet he has in many res'ects sufficient cause for it. Now < will make known to you my o'inion& an% we will hear if King Sigur% an% the other 'eo'le of 'ower will agree to itA an% it is& that thou& King Sigur%& make thyself rea%y& with all the 'eo'le who will follow thee& to %efen% thy countryA an% go as strong in men as 'ossible to thy brother King <nge as soon as thou art 're'are%& in or%er to assist each other in all things that are for the common goo%A an% may ;o% )lmighty strengthen an% assist you bothK Now& king& we will ha7e thy wor%s.6 1eter& a son of Sau%aulf& who was afterwar%s calle% 1eter +yr%ars7ein& bore King Sigur% to the Thing. Then the king sai%& 6Ce must know that& if < am to a%7ise& < will go as soon as 'ossible to my brother King <nge.6 Then others s'oke& one after the otherA but although each began his s'eech in his own way& he en%e% with agreeing to what $ttar +irting ha% 'ro'ose%A an% it was %etermine% to call together the war forces& an% go to the east 'art of the country. King Sigur% accor%ingly went with great armament east to >iken& an% there he met his brother King <nge.

19. ?)-- $? .);N@S TH3 +-<N*. The same autumn ().*. 11:9# Sigur% Slembe an% .agnus the +lin%

came from *enmark with thirty shi's& manne% both with *anes an% Northmen. <t was near to winter. =hen the kings hear% of this& they set out with their 'eo'le eastwar%s to meet them. They met at H7alar& near Holm the ;rey& the %ay after .artinmas& which was a Sun%ay. King <nge an% King Sigur% ha% twenty shi's& which were all large. There was a great battleA but& after the first assault& the *anes fle% home to *enmark with eighteen shi's. $n this Sigur%4s an% .agnus4s shi's were cleare%A an% as the last was almost entirely bare of men& an% .agnus was lying in his be%& Hrei%ar ;riotgar%son& who ha% long followe% him& an% been his courtman& took King .agnus in his arms& an% trie% to run with him on boar% some other shi'. +ut Hrei%ar was struck by a s'ear& which went between his shoul%ersA an% 'eo'le say King .agnus was kille% by the same s'ear. Hrei%ar fell backwar%s u'on the %eck& an% .agnus u'on himA an% e7ery man s'oke of how honourably he ha% followe% his master an% rightful so7ereign. Ha''y are they who ha7e such 'raiseK There fell& on King .agnus4s shi'& -o%in Sau''ru% of -inusta%ar& +ruse Thormo%sonA an% the forecastle men to Sigur% Slembi%Bakn& <7ar Kolbeinson an% Halyar% ?aeger& who ha% been in Sigur% Slembe4s fore hol%. This <7ar ha% been the first who ha% gone in& in the night& to King Haral%& an% ha% lai% han%s on him. There fell a great number of the men of King .agnus an% Sigur% Slembe& for <nge4s men let not a single one esca'e if they got hol% of himA but only a few are name% here. They kille% u'on a holm more than forty men& among whom were two <celan%ers the 'riest Sigur% +ergthorson& a gran%son of .asA the other Clemet& a son of )re 3inarson. +ut three <celan%ers obtaine% their li7es5 namely& <7ar Skrauthanke& a son of Kalf 2ange& an% who afterwar%s was bisho' of Thron%hBem& an% was father of the archbisho' 3irik. <7ar ha% always followe% King .agnus& an% he esca'e% into his brother Gon Kau%a4s shi'. Gon was marrie% to Cecilia& a %aughter of ;yr% +ar%son& an% was then in King <nge4s an% Sigur%4s armament. There were three in all who esca'e% on boar% of Gon4s shi'. The secon% was )rnbBorn )mbe& who afterwar%s marrie% Thorstein4s %aughter in )u%sholtA the thir% was <7ar *ynta& a son of Stare& but on the mother4s si%e of a Thron%hBem family& a 7ery agreeable man. =hen the troo's came to know that these three were on boar% his shi'& they took their wea'ons an% assaulte% the 7essel& an% some blows were eDchange%& an% the whole fleet ha% nearly come to a fight among themsel7esA but it came to an agreement& so that Gon ransome% his brothers <7ar an% )rnbBorn for a fiDe% sum in ransom& which& howe7er& was afterwar%s remitte%. +ut <7ar *ynta was taken to the shore& an% behea%e%A for Sigur% an% ;yr%& the sons of Kolbein& woul% not take any mulct for him& as they knew he ha% been at their brother +eintein4s mur%er. <7ar the bisho' sai%& that ne7er was there anything that touche% him so nearly& as <7ar4s going to the shore un%er the aDe& an% turning to the others with the wish that they might meet in Boy here after. ;u%ri% +irger4s %aughter& a sister of )rchbisho' Gon& tol% 3irik $%son that she hear% +isho' <7ar say this.

11. S<;@2* S-3.+3 T)K3N 12<S$N32. ) man calle% Thran% ;ial%kere was the steersman of King <nge4s

shi'. <t was come so far& that <nge4s men were rowing in small boats between the shi's after those who were swimming in the water& an% kille% those they coul% get hol% of. Sigur% Slembe threw himself o7erboar% after his shi' ha% lost her crew& stri''e% off his armour un%er the water& an% then swam with his shiel% o7er him. Some men from Thran%4s 7essel took 'risoner a man who was swimming& an% were about to kill himA but he begge% his life& an% offere% to tell them where Sigur% Slembe was& an% they agree% to it. Shiel%s an% s'ears& %ea% men& wea'ons& an% clothes& were floating all aroun% on the sea about the shi's& 6Ce can see&6 sai% he& 6a re% shiel% floating on the waterA he is un%er it.6 They rowe% to it imme%iately& took him& an% brought him on boar% of Thran%4s shi'. Thran% then sent a message to ThBostolf& $ttar& an% )mun%e. Sigur% Slembe ha% a tin%er boD on himA an% the tin%er was in a walnut shell& aroun% which there was waD. This is relate%& because it seems an ingenious way of 'reser7ing it from e7er getting wet. He swam with a shiel% o7er him& because nobo%y coul% know one shiel% from another where so many were floating aboutA an% they woul% ne7er ha7e hit u'on him& if they ha% not been tol% where he was. =hen Thran% came to the lan% with Sigur%& an% it was tol% to the troo's that he was taken& the army set u' a shout of Boy. =hen Sigur% hear% it he sai%& 6.any a ba% man will reBoice o7er my hea% this %ay.6 Then ThBostolf )lason went to where Sigur% was sitting& struck from his hea% a silk hat with sil7er fringes& an% sai%. 6=hy wert thou so im'u%ent& thou son of a sla7eK to %are to call thyself King .agnus +arefoot4s sonL6 Sigur% re'lie%& 61resume not to com'are my father to a sla7eA for thy father was of little worth com'are% to mine.6 Hal& a son of the %octor Thorgeir Steinson& King <nge4s court man& was 'resent at this circumstance& an% tol% it to 3irik $%son& who afterwar%s wrote these relations in a book& which he calle% 6HryggBarstykke6. <n this book is tol% all concerning Haral% ;ille an% his sons& an% .agnus the +lin%& an% Sigur% Slembi%Bakn& until their %eaths. 3irik was a sensible man& who was long in Norway about that time. Some of his narrati7es he wrote %own from Hakon .age4s accountA some were from len%ermen of Haral%4s sons& who along with his sons were in all this feu%& an% in all the councils. 3irik names& moreo7er& se7eral men of un%erstan%ing an% 7eracity& who tol% him these accounts& an% were so near that they saw or hear% all that ha''ene%. Something he wrote from what he himself ha% hear% or seen.

1!. T$2T@23 $? S<;@2* S-3.+3. Hal says that the chiefs wishe% to ha7e Sigur% kille% instantlyA but the men who were the most cruel& an% thought they ha% inBuries to a7enge& a%7ise% torturing himA an% for this they name% +eintein4s brothers& Sigur% an% ;yr%& the sons of Kolbein. 1eter +yr%ars7ein woul% also a7enge his brother ?in. +ut the chiefs an% the greater 'art of the 'eo'le went away. They broke his shin bones an% arms with an aDe hammer. Then they stri''e% him& an% woul% flay him ali7eA but when they trie% to take off

the skin& they coul% not %o it for the gush of bloo%. They took leather whi's an% flogge% him so long& that the skin was as much taken off as if he ha% been flaye%. Then they stuck a 'iece of woo% in his back until it broke& %ragge% him to a tree an% hange% himA an% then cut off his hea%& an% brought the bo%y an% hea% to a hea' of stones an% burie% them there. )ll acknowle%ge& both enemies an% frien%s& that no man in Norway& within memory of the li7ing& was more gifte% with all 'erfections& or more eD'erience%& than Sigur%& but in some res'ects he was an unlucky man. Hal says that he s'oke little& an% answere% only a few& an% in single wor%s& un%er his tortures& although they s'oke to him. Hal says further& that he ne7er mo7e% when they torture% him& more than if they were striking a stock or a stone. This Hal allege% as 'roof that he was a bra7e hero& who ha% courage to en%ure torturesA for he still hel% his tongue& an% ne7er mo7e% from the s'ot. )n% farther he says& that he ne7er altere% his 7oice in the least& but s'oke with as much ease as if he was sitting at the ale tableA neither s'eaking higher nor lower& nor in a more tremulous 7oice than he was use% to %o. He s'oke until he ga7e u' the ghost& an% sang between whiles 'arts of the 1salm book& an% which Hal consi%ere% beyon% the 'owers an% strength of or%inary men. )n% the 'riest who ha% the church in the neighbourhoo% let Sigur%4s bo%y be trans'orte% thither to the church. This 'riest was a frien% of Haral%4s sons5 but when they hear% it they were angry at him& ha% the bo%y carrie% back to where it ha% been& an% ma%e the 'riest 'ay a fine. Sigur%4s frien%s afterwar%s came from *enmark with a shi' for his bo%y& carrie% it to )laborg& an% interre% it in .ary church in that town. So sai% *ean Ketil& who officiate% as 'riest at .ary church& to 3irikA an% that Sigur% was burie% there. ThBostolf )lason trans'orte% .agnus the +lin%4s bo%y to $slo& an% burie% it in Hal7ar%4s church& besi%e King Sigur% his father. -o%in Sau''ru% was trans'orte% to TunsbergA but the others of the slain were burie% on the s'ot.

1:. 3CST3<N H)2)-*S$N C$.3S T$ N$2=)C. =hen the kings Sigur% an% <nge ha% rule% o7er Norway about siD years& 3ystein& who was a son of Haral% ;ille& came in s'ring from Scotlan% ().*. 11"!#. )rne Sturla& Thorleif +rynBolfson& an% Kolbein Hruga ha% saile% westwar% o7er the sea after 3ystein& accom'anie% him to Norway& an% saile% imme%iately with him to Thron%hBem. The Thron%hBem 'eo'le recei7e% him wellA an% at the 3yra thing of )scension %ay he was chosen king& so that he shoul% ha7e the thir% 'art of Norway with his brothers Sigur% an% <nge. They were at this time in the east 'art of the countryA an% men went between the kings who brought about a 'eace& an% that 3ystein shoul% ha7e a thir% 'art of the king%om. 1eo'le belie7e% what he sai% of his 'aternal %escent& because King Haral% himself ha% testifie% to it& an% he %i% not resort to the or%eal of iron. King 3ystein4s mother was calle% +Ba%ok& an% she followe% him to Norway. .agnus was the name of King Haral% ;ille4s fourth son& who was fostere% by Kyr'ingaorm. He also was chosen king& an% got a fourth 'art of the countryA but .agnus was %eforme% in his feet& li7e% but a short time& an% %ie% in his be%. 3inar

Skulason s'eaks of them5 6The generous 3ystein money ga7eA Sigur% in fight was Fuick an% bra7eA <nge lo7e% well the war alarmA .agnus to sa7e his lan% from harm. No country boasts a nobler race The battle fiel%& or Thing& to grace. ?our brothers of such high 'retence The sun ne4er shone u'on at once.6

1". .@2*32 $? $TT)2 +<2T<N;. )fter King Haral% ;ille4s %eath Hueen <ngeri% marrie% $ttar +irting& who was a len%ermen an% a great chief& an% of a Thron%hBem family& who strengthene% King <nge4s go7ernment much while he was in his chil%hoo%. King Sigur% was not 7ery frien%ly to $ttarA because& as he thought& $ttar always took King <nge4s si%e. $ttar +irting was kille% north in the merchant town (Ni%aros#& in an assault u'on him in the twilight as he was going to the e7ening song. =hen he hear% the whistling of the blow he hel% u' his cloak with his han%s against itA thinking& no %oubt& it was a snowball thrown at him& as young boys %o in the streets. $ttar fell by the strokeA but his son& )lf Hro%e& who Bust at the same moment was coming into the churchyar%& saw his father4s fall& an% saw that the man who ha% kille% him ran east about the church. )lf ran after him& an% kille% him at the corner of the choirA an% 'eo'le sai% that he ha% goo% luck in a7enging his father& an% afterwar%s was much more res'ecte% than he ha% been before.

1(. +3;<NN<N; $? K<N; 3CST3<N. King 3ystein Haral%son was in the interior of the Thron%hBem %istrict when he hear% of $ttar4s mur%er& an% summone% to him the bon%e army& with which he 'rocee%e% to the townA an% he ha% many men. $ttar4s relations an% other frien%s accuse% King Sigur%& who was in the town& of ha7ing instigate% this %ee%A an% the bon%es were much enrage% against him. +ut the king offere% to clear himself by the or%eal of iron& an% thereby to establish the truth of his %enialA an% accor%ingly a 'eace was ma%e. King Sigur% went to the south en% of the country& an% the or%eal was ne7er afterwar%s hear% of.

1/. +3;<NN<N; $? $2. TH3 K<N; +2$TH32. Hueen <ngeri% ha% a son to <7ar Sneis& an% he was calle% $rm& an% got the surname of King brother. He was a han%some man in a''earance& an% became a great chief& as shall be tol% hereafter. <ngeri% afterwar%s marrie% )rne of Sto%reim& who was from this calle% King4s mateA an% their chil%ren were <nge& Nikolas& 1hili'

of Her%la& an% .argaret& who was first marrie% to +Born +uk& an% afterwar%s to Simon Karason.

17. G$@2N3C $? 32-<N; SK)KK3 )N* 3)2- 2);N>)-*. Kyr'ingaorm an% 2agnhil%& a %aughter of S7einke Steinarson& ha% a son calle% 3rling. Kyr'ingaorm was a son of S7ein S7einson& who was a son of 3rling of ;er%. $tto4s mother was 2agna& a %aughter of 3arl $rm 3ilifson an% Sigri%& a %aughter of 3arl ?in )rnason. The mother of 3arl $rm was 2agnhil%& a %aughter of 3arl Hakon the ;reat. 3rling was a man of un%erstan%ing& an% a great frien% of King <nge& by whose assistance an% counsel 3rling obtaine% in marriage Christina& a %aughter of King Sigur% the Crusa%er an% Hueen .almfri%. 3rling 'ossesse% a farm at Stu%la in South Hor%alan%. 3rling left the countryA an% with him went 3in%ri%e @nge an% se7eral len%ermen& who ha% chosen men with them. They inten%e% to make a 'ilgrimage to Gerusalem& an% went across the =est sea to $rkney. There 3arl 2agn7al% an% +isho' =illiam Boine% themA an% they ha% in all fifteen shi's from $rkney& with which they first saile% to the South Hebri%es& from thence west to >allan%& an% then the same way King Sigur% the Crusa%er ha% saile% to Nor7asun%A an% they 'lun%ere% all aroun% in the heathen 'art of S'ain. Soon after they ha% saile% through the Nor7asun%& 3in%ri%e @nge an% his followers& with siD shi's& se'arate% from themA an% then each was for himself. 3arl 2agn7al% an% 3rling Skakke fell in with a large shi' of bur%en at sea calle% a %romun%& an% ga7e battle to it with nine shi's. )t last they lai% their cutters close un%er the %romun%A but the heathens threw both wea'ons an% stones& an% 'ots full of 'itch an% boiling oil. 3rling lai% his shi' so close un%er the %romun%& that the missiles of the heathens fell without his shi'. Then 3rling an% his men cut a hole in the %romun%& some working below an% some abo7e the water markA an% so they boar%e% the 7essel through it. So says ThorbBorn Skakkaskal%& in his 'oem on 3rling5 6The aDes of the Northmen bol% ) %oor into the huge shi's4 hol% Hewe% through her high an% cur7e% si%e& )s snug beneath her bulge they ri%e. Their s'ears bring %own the astonishe% foe& =ho cannot see from whence the blow. The eagle4s 'rey& they& man by man& ?all by the Northmen4s %aring 'lan.6 )u%unrau%e& 3rling4s forecastle man& was the first man who got into the %romun%. Then they carrie% her& killing an immense number of 'eo'leA making an eDtraor%inarily 7aluable booty& an% gaining a famous 7ictory. 3arl 2agn7al% an% 3rling Skakke came to 1alestine in the course of their eD'e%ition& an% all the way to the ri7er Gor%an. ?rom thence they went first to Constantino'le& where they left their shi's& tra7elle% northwar%s by lan%& an% arri7e% in safety in Norway& where their Bourney was highly 'raise%. 3rling Skakke a''eare% now a much greater man than before& both on account of his Bourney an% of his marriageA besi%es he was a 'ru%ent sensible man& rich& of great family&

eloFuent& an% %e7ote% to King <nge by the strictest frien%shi' more than to the other royal brothers.

18. +<2TH $? H)K$N H32*3+23<*. King Sigur% went to a feast east in >iken along with his court& an% ro%e 'ast a house belonging to a great bon%e calle% Simon. =hile the king was ri%ing 'ast the house& he hear% within such beautiful singing that he was Fuite enchante% with it& an% ro%e u' to the house& an% saw a lo7ely girl stan%ing at the han%mill an% grin%ing. The king got off his horse& an% went to the girl an% courte% her. =hen the king went away& the bon%e Simon came to know what the obBect of the king4s 7isit ha% been. The girl was calle% Thora& an% she was Simon the bon%e4s ser7ant girl. Simon took goo% care of her afterwar%s& an% the girl brought forth a male chil% ().*. 19"7#& who was calle% Hakon& an% was consi%ere% King Sigur%4s son. Hakon was brought u' by Simon Thorbergson an% his wife ;unhil%. Their own sons also& $nun% an% )n%reas& were brought u' with Hakon& an% were so %ear to him that %eath only coul% ha7e 'arte% them.

19. 3CST3<N )N* TH3 13)S)NTS $? H<S<N; <S-3. =hile King 3ystein Haral%son was in >iken& he fell into %is'utes with the bon%es of 2eine an% the inhabitants of Hising <sle& who assemble% to o''ose himA but he ga7e them battle at a 'lace calle% -eikberg& an% afterwar%s burnt an% %estroye% all aroun% in HisingA so that the bon%es submitte% to his will& 'ai% great fines to the king& an% he took hostages from them. So says 3inar Skulason5 6The >iken men =on4t stri7e again& =ith wor%s or blows& The king to o''ose. None safety foun% $n >iken4s groun%& Till all& afrai%& 1le%ge an% scat 'ai%.6 )n% further5 6The king came nearA He who is %ear To all goo% men Came %own the glen& +y -eikberg hill. They who %o ill& The 2eine folk& fly $r Fuarter cry.6

!9. =)2 3N13*<T<$N $? K<N; H)2)-*S$N. Soon after King 3ystein began his Bourney out of the country o7er sea to the =est ().*. 11(:#& an% saile% first to Caithness. Here he hear% that 3arl Haral% .a%%a%4s son was in Thursa& to which he saile% %irectly in three small boats. The earl ha% a shi' of thirty banks of oars& an% nearly eighty men in her. +ut they were not 're'are% to make resistance& so that King 3ystein was able to boar% the shi' with his menA an% he took the earl 'risoner& an% carrie% him to his own shi'& but the earl ransome% himself with three marks of gol%5 an% thus they 'arte%. 3inar Skulason tells of it thus5 63arl Haral% in his stout shi' lay $n the bright san% in Thursa bayA =ith fourscore men he ha% no fear& Nor thought the Norse king was so near& He who 'ro7i%es the eagle4s meals <n three small boats along shore stealsA )n% .a%%a%4s son must ransom 'ay ?or his ba% outlook that fair %ay.6 ?rom thence King 3ystein saile% south along the east si%e of Scotlan%& an% brought u' at a merchant town in Scotlan% calle% )ber%een& where he kille% many 'eo'le& an% 'lun%ere% the town. So says 3inar Skulason5 6)t )ber%een& too& < am tol%& ?ell many by our Norsemen bol%A 1eace was %isturbe%& an% blue swor%s broke =ith many a har% an% bloo%y stroke.6 The neDt battle was at Hartle'ool in the south& with a 'arty of horsemen. The king 'ut them to flight& an% seiEe% some shi's there. So says 3inar5 6)t Hartle'ool& in rank an% row& The king4s court men attack the foe. The king4s shar' swor% in bloo% was re%& +loo% %ro''e% from e7ery Norse s'ear hea%. 2a7ens reBoice o4er the warm foo% $f 3nglish slain& each where he stoo%A )n% in the shi's their thirst was Fuenche%5 The %ecks were in the foe4s bloo% %renche%.6 Then he went southwar%s to 3nglan%& an% ha% his thir% battle at =hitby& an% gaine% the 7ictory& an% burnt the town. So says 3inar5 6The ring of swor%s& the clash of shiel%s& =ere lou% in =hitby4s 'eaceful fiel%sA ?or here the king stirre% u' the strife. .an against man& for %eath or life. $4er roof an% tower& rose on high The re% wrath fire in the skyA House after house the re% fien% burnsA +y blackene% walls the 'oor man mourns.6

Thereafter he 'lun%ere% wi%e aroun% in 3nglan%& where Ste'hen was then the king. )fter this King 3ystein fought with some ca7alry at Skar'asker. So says 3inar5 6)t Skar'asker the 3nglish horse 2etire before the Norse king4s force5 The arrow shower like snow %rift flew& )n% the shiel% co7ere% foemen slew.6 He fought neDt at 1ila7ik& an% gaine% the 7ictory. 3inar5 6)t 1ila7ik the wil% wolf fee%s& =ell furnishe% by the king4s bra7e %ee%s He 'oure% u'on the grass green 'lain ) re% shower from the 1erthmen slain. $n westwar%s in the sea he urges& =ith fire an% swor% the country 'urges5 -angtown he burnsA the country rang& ?or swor% on shiel% incessant clang.6 Here they burnt -angatun& a large 7illageA an% 'eo'le say that the town has ne7er since risen to its former con%ition. )fter this King 3ystein left 3nglan% in autumn& an% returne% to Norway. 1eo'le s'oke in 7arious ways about this eD'e%ition. So says

!1. $? H)2)-*4S S$NS. There was goo% 'eace maintaine% in Norway in the first years of the go7ernment of Haral%4s sonsA an% as long as their ol% counsellors were ali7e& there was some kin% of unanimity among them. =hile <nge an% Sigur% were in their chil%hoo%& they ha% a court togetherA but 3ystein& who was come to age of %iscretion& ha% a court for himself. +ut when <nge4s an% Sigur%4s counsellors were %ea%& namely& Sa%agyr% +ar%son& $ttar +irting& )mun%e ;yr%son& ThBostolf )lason& $gmun% S7i'ter& an% $gmun% *enger& a brother of 3rling Skakke (3rling was not much looke% u' to while $gmun% li7e%#& the two kings& <nge an% Sigur% %i7i%e% their courts. King <nge then got great assistance from ;regorius *agson& a son of *ag 3ilifson by 2agnhil% a %aughter of Ska'te $gmun%son. ;regorius ha% much 'ro'erty& an% was himself a thri7ing& sagacious man. He 'resi%e% in the go7erning the country un%er King <nge& an% the king allowe% him to manage his 'ro'erty for him accor%ing to his own Bu%gment.

!!. H)+<TS )N* .)NN32S $? H)2)-*4S S$NS. =hen King Sigur% grew u' he was a 7ery ungo7ernable& restless man in e7ery wayA an% so was King 3ystein& but 3ystein was the more reasonable of the two. King Sigur% was a stout an% strong man& of a brisk a''earanceA he ha% light brown hair& an ugly mouthA

but otherwise a well sha'e% countenance. He was 'olite in his con7ersation beyon% any man& an% was eD'ert in all eDercises. 3inar Skulason s'eaks of this5 6Sigur%& eD'ert in e7ery way To wiel% the swor% in bloo%y fray& Showe% well that to the bol% an% bra7e ;o% always luck an% 7ictory ga7e. <n s'eech& as well as bloo%y %ee%s& The king all other men eDcee%sA )n% when he s'eaks we think that none Has sai% a wor% but he alone.6 King 3ystein was %ark an% %ingy in com'leDion& of mi%%le height& an% a 'ru%ent able manA but what %e'ri7e% him of consi%eration an% 'o'ularity with those un%er him were his a7arice an% narrowness. He was marrie% to 2agna& a %aughter of Nicolas .ase. King <nge was the han%somest among them in countenance. He ha% yellow but rather thin hair& which was much curle%. His stature was smallA an% he ha% %ifficulty in walking alone& because he ha% one foot withere%& an% he ha% a hum' both on his back an% his breast. He was of cheerful con7ersation& an% frien%ly towar%s his frien%sA was generous& an% allowe% other chiefs to gi7e him counsel in go7erning the country. He was 'o'ular& therefore& with the 'ublicA an% all this brought the king%om an% the mass of the 'eo'le on his si%e. King Haral% ;ille4s %aughter +rigi%a was first marrie% to the Swe%ish king <nge Halsteinson& an% afterwar%s to 3arl Karl Sonason& an% then to the Swe%ish king .agnus. She an% King <nge Haral%son were cousins by the mother4s si%e. )t last +rigi%a marrie% 3arl +irger +rose& an% they ha% four sons& namely& 3arl 1hili'& 3arl Knut& ?olke& an% .agnus. Their %aughters were <ngeger%& who was marrie% to the Swe%ish king Sork7er& an% their son was King GonA a secon% %aughter was calle% Kristin& an% a thir% .argaret. Haral% ;ille4s secon% %aughter was calle% .aria& who was marrie% to Simon Skal'& a son of Halkel HukA an% their son was calle% Nikolas. King Haral% ;ille4s thir% %aughter was calle% .argaret& who was marrie% to Gon Halkelson& a brother of Simon. Now many things occurre% between the brothers which occasione% %ifferences an% %is'utesA but < will only relate what a''ears to me to ha7e 'ro%uce% the more im'ortant e7ents.

!:. C)2*<N)- N<K$-)S C$.3S T$ TH3 C$@NT2C. <n the %ays of Haral%4s sons Car%inal Nikolas came from 2ome to Norway& being sent there by the 'o'e. The car%inal ha% taken offence at the brothers Sigur% an% 3ystein& an% they were oblige% to come to a reconciliation with himA but& on the other han%& he stoo% on the most affectionate terms with King <nge& whom he calle% his son. Now when they were all reconcile% with him& he mo7e% them to let Gon +irgerson be consecrate% archbisho' of Thron%hBem an% ga7e him a 7estment which is calle% a 'alliumA an% settle% moreo7er that the archbisho'4s seat shoul% be in Ni%aros& in Christ church& where King $laf the Saint re'oses. +efore that time there ha% only been common bisho's in Norway. The car%inal

intro%uce% also the law& that no man shoul% go un'unishe% who a''eare% with arms in the merchant town& eDce'ting the twel7e men who were in atten%ancce on the king. He im'ro7e% many of the customs of the Northmen while he was in the country. There ne7er came a foreigner to Norway whom all men res'ecte% so highly& or who coul% go7ern the 'eo'le so well as he %i%. )fter some time he returne% to the South with many frien%ly 'resents& an% %eclare% e7er afterwar%s that he was the greatest frien% of the 'eo'le of Norway. =hen he came south to 2ome the former 'o'e %ie% su%%enly& an% all the 'eo'le of 2ome woul% ha7e Car%inal Nikolas for 'o'e& an% he was consecrate% un%er the name of )%rianA an% accor%ing to the re'ort of men who went to 2ome in his %ays& he ha% ne7er any business& howe7er im'ortant& to settle with other 'eo'le& but he woul% break it off to s'eak with the Northmen who %esire% to see him. He was not long 'o'e& an% is now consi%ere% a saint.

!". .<2)C-3 $? K<N; $-)?. <n the time of Haral% ;ille4s sons& it ha''ene% that a man calle% Hal%or fell into the han%s of the >in%lan% 'eo'le& who took him an% mutilate% him& cut o'en his neck& took out the tongue through the o'ening& an% cut out his tongue root. He afterwar%s sought out the holy King $laf& fiDe% his min% entirely on the holy man& an% wee'ing besought King $laf to restore his s'eech an% health. Thereu'on he imme%iately reco7ere% his s'eech by the goo% king4s com'assion& went imme%iately into his ser7ice for all his life& an% became an eDcellent trustworthy man. This miracle took 'lace a fortnight before the last $lafsmas& u'on the %ay that Car%inal Nikolas set foot on the lan% of Norway.

!(. .<2)C-3S $? K<N; $-)? $N 2<CH)2*. <n the @'lan%s were two brothers& men of great family& an% men of fortune& 3inar an% )n%res& sons of ;uthorm ;rabar%& an% brothers of King Sigur% Haral%son4s motherA an% they ha% great 'ro'erties an% u%al estates in that Fuarter. They ha% a sister who was 7ery han%some& but %i% not 'ay sufficient regar% to the scan%al of e7il 'ersons& as it afterwar%s a''eare%. She was on a frien%ly footing with an 3nglish 'riest calle% 2ichar%& who ha% a welcome to the house of her brothers& an% on account of their frien%shi' for him she %i% many things to 'lease him& an% often to his a%7antageA but the en% of all this was& that an ugly re'ort flew about concerning this girl. =hen this came into the mouth of the 'ublic all men threw the blame on the 'riest. Her brothers %i% the same& an% eD'resse% 'ublicly& as soon as they obser7e% it& that they lai% the blame most on him. The great frien%shi' that was between the earl an% the 'riest 'ro7e% a great misfortune to both& which might ha7e been eD'ecte%& as the brothers were silent about their secret %etermination& an% let nothing be obser7e%. +ut one %ay they calle% the 'riest to them& who went& eD'ecting nothing but goo% from themA entice% him from home with them& saying that they inten%e% to go to another %istrict& where they

ha% some nee%ful business& an% in7iting him to go with them. They ha% with them a farm ser7ant who knew their 'ur'ose. They went in a boat along the shore of a lake which is calle% 2an%s lake& an% lan%e% at a ness calle% Ski'tisan%& where they went on shore an% amuse% themsel7es awhile. Then they went to a retire% 'lace& an% comman%e% their ser7ant man to strike the 'riest with an aDe hammer. He struck the 'riest so har% that he swoone%A but when he reco7ere% he sai%& 6=hy are ye 'laying so roughly with meL6 They re'lie%& 6)lthough nobo%y has tol% thee of it before& thou shalt now fin% the conseFuence of what thou hast %one.6 They then u'brai%e% himA but he %enie% their accusations& an% besought ;o% an% the holy King $laf to Bu%ge between them. Then they broke his leg bones& an% %ragge% him boun% to the forest with themA an% then they 'ut a string aroun% his hea%& an% 'ut a boar% un%er his hea% an% shoul%ers& an% ma%e a knot on the string& an% boun% his hea% fast to the boar%. Then the el%er brother& 3inar& took a we%ge& an% 'ut it on the 'riest4s eye& an% the ser7ant who stoo% besi%e him struck u'on it with an aDe& so that the eye flew out& an% fell u'on the boar%. Then he set the 'in u'on the other eye& an% sai% to the ser7ant& 6Strike now more softly.6 He %i% so& an% the we%ge s'rang from the eye stone& an% tore the eyeli% loose. Then 3inar took u' the eyeli% in his han%& an% saw that the eye stone was still in its 'laceA an% he set the we%ge on the cheek& an% when the ser7ant struck it the eye stone s'rang out u'on the cheek bone. Thereafter they o'ene% his mouth& took his tongue an% cut it off& an% then untie% his han%s an% his hea%. )s soon as he came to himself& he thought of laying the eye stones in their 'lace un%er the eyeli%s& an% 'ressing then with both han%s as much as he coul%. Then they carrie% him on boar%& an% went to a farm calle% Saeheimru%& where they lan%e%. They sent u' to the farm to say that a 'riest was lying in the boat at the shore. =hile the message was going to the farm& they aske% the 'riest if he coul% talkA an% he ma%e a noise an% attem'te% to s'eak. Then sai% 3inar to his brother& 6<f he reco7er an% the stum' of his tongue grow& < am afrai% he will get his s'eech again.6 Thereu'on they seiEe% the stum' with a 'air of tongs& %rew it out& cut it twice& an% the thir% time to the 7ery roots& an% left him lying half %ea%. The housewife in the farm was 'oorA but she hastene% to the 'lace with her %aughter& an% they carrie% the 'riest home to their farm in their cloaks. They then brought a 'riest& an% when he arri7e% he boun% all his woun%sA an% they atten%e% to his comfort as much as they were able. )n% thus lay the woun%e% 'riest grie7ously han%le%& but trusting always to ;o%4s grace& an% ne7er %oubtingA an% although he was s'eechless& he 'raye% to ;o% in thought with a sorrowful min%& but with the more confi%ence the worse he was. He turne% his thoughts also to the mil% King $laf the Saint& ;o%4s %ear fa7ourite& of whose eDcellent %ee%s he ha% hear% so much tol%& an% truste% so much more Eealously on him with all his heart for hel' in his necessity. )s he lay there lame& an% %e'ri7e% of all strength& he we't bitterly& moane%& an% 'raye% with a sore heart that the %ear King $laf woul% hel' him. Now when this woun%e% 'riest was slee'ing after mi%night& he thought he saw a gallant man coming to him& who s'oke these wor%s& 6Thou art ill off& frien% 2ichar%& an% thy strength is little.6 He thought he re'lie% to this assentingly. Then the man accoste% him again& 6Thou reFuirest com'assionL6 The 'riest re'lies& 6<

nee% the com'assion of )lmighty ;o% an% the holy King $laf.6 He answere%& 6Thou shalt get it.6 Thereu'on he 'ulle% the tongue stum' so har% that it ga7e the 'riest 'ainA then he stroke% with his han%s his eyes& an% legs& an% other woun%e% members. Then the 'riest aske% who he was. He looke% at him& an% sai%& 6$laf& come here from Thron%hBemA6 an% then %isa''eare%. +ut the 'riest awoke altogether soun%& an% thus he s'oke5 6Ha''y am <& an% thanks be to the )lmighty ;o% an% the holy King $laf& who ha7e restore% meK6 *rea%fully mishan%le% as he ha% been& yet so Fuickly was he restore% from his misfortune that he scarcely thought he ha% been woun%e% or sick. His tongue was entireA both his eyes were in their 'laces& an% were clear sighte%A his broken legs an% e7ery other woun% were heale%& or were free from 'ainA an%& in short& he ha% got 'erfect health. +ut as a 'roof that his eyes ha% been 'unche% out& there remaine% a white scar on each eyeli%& in or%er that this %ear king4s eDcellence might be manifest on the man who ha% been so %rea%fully misuse%.

!/. K<N; <N;3 )N* S<;@2* H$-* ) TH<N;. King 3ystein an% King Sigur% ha% Fuarrelle%& because King Sigur% ha% kille% King 3ystein4s court man Haral%& the >iken man& who owne% a house in +ergen& an% also the 'riest Gon Ta'ar%& a son of +Barne Sigur%son. $n account of this affair& a conference to settle it was a''ointe% in winter in the @'lan%s. The two sat together in the conference for a long time& an% so much was known of their conference that all three brothers were to meet the following summer in +ergen. <t was a%%e%& that their conference was to the effect that King <nge shoul% ha7e two or three farms& an% as much income as woul% kee' thirty men besi%e him& as he ha% not health to be a king. =hen King <nge an% ;regorius hear% this re'ort& they came to +ergen with many followers. King Sigur% arri7e% there a little later& an% was not nearly so strong in men. Sigur% an% <nge ha% then been nineteen years kings of Norway ().*. 11((#. King 3ystein came later still from the south than the other two from the north. Then King <nge or%ere% the Thing to be calle% together on the holm by the soun% of trum'etA an% Sigur% an% <nge came to it with a great many 'eo'le. ;regorius ha% two long shi's& an% at the least ninety men& whom he ke't in 'ro7isions. He ke't his house men better than other len%ermenA for he ne7er took 'art in any entertainment where each guest brings his liFuor& without ha7ing all his house men to %rink with him. He went now to the Thing in a gol% mounte% helmet& an% all his men ha% helmets on. Then King <nge stoo% u'& an% tol% the assembly what he ha% hear%A how his brothers were going to use him& an% %e'ose him from his king%omA an% aske% for their assistance. The assemble% 'eo'le ma%e a goo% return to his s'eech& an% %eclare% they woul% follow him.

!7. $? ;23;$2<@S *);S$N. Then King Sigur% stoo% u' an% sai% it was a false accusation that King <nge ha% ma%e against him an% his brother& an% insiste% that

;regorius ha% in7ente% itA an% insinuate% that it woul% not be long& if he ha% his will& before they shoul% meet so that the gol%en helmet shoul% be %offe%A an% en%e% his s'eech by hinting that they coul% not both li7e. ;regorius re'lie%& that Sigur% nee% not long so much for this& as he was rea%y now& if it must be so. ) few %ays after& one of ;regorius4s house men was kille% out u'on the street& an% it was Sigur%4s house men who kille% him. ;regorius woul% then ha7e fallen u'on King Sigur% an% his 'eo'leA but King <nge& an% many others& ke't him back. +ut one e7ening& Bust as Hueen <ngeri%& King <nge4s mother& was coming from 7es'ers& she came 'ast where Sigur% Skru%hyrna& a courtman of King <nge& lay mur%ere%. He was then an ol% man& an% ha% ser7e% many kings. King Sigur%4s courtmen& Halyar% ;unnarson& an% Sigur%& a son of 3ystein Trafale& ha% kille% himA an% 'eo'le sus'ecte% it was %one by or%er of King Sigur%. She went imme%iately to King <nge& an% tol% him he woul% be a little king if he took no concern& but allowe% his court men to be kille%& the one after the other& like swine. The king was angry at her s'eechA an% while they were scol%ing about it& came ;regorius in helmet an% armour& an% tol% the king not to be angry& for she was only saying the truth. 6)n% < am now&6 says he& 6come to thy assistance& if thou wilt attack King Sigur%A an% here we are& abo7e 199 men in helmets an% armour& an% with them we will attack where others think the attack may be worst.6 +ut the most %issua%e% from this course& thinking that Sigur% woul% 'ay the mulct for the slaughter %one. Now when ;regorius saw that there woul% be no assault& he accoste% King <nge thus5 6Thou wilt frighten thy men from thee in this wayA for first they lately kille% my house man& an% now thy court man& an% afterwar%s they will chase me& or some other of thy len%ermen whom thou woul%st feel the loss of& when they see that thou art in%ifferent about such thingsA an% at last& after thy frien%s are kille%& they will take the royal %ignity from thee. =hate7er thy other len%ermen may %o& < will not stay here longer to be slaughtere% like an oDA but Sigur% the king an% < ha7e a business to settle with each other to night& in whate7er way it may turn out. <t is true that there is but little hel' in thee on account of thy ill health& but < shoul% think thy will shoul% not be less to hol% thy han% o7er thy frien%s& an% < am now Fuite rea%y to go from hence to meet Sigur%& an% my banner is flying in the yar%.6 Then King e7ery man of no use this& but <nge stoo% u'& an% calle% for his arms& an% or%ere% who wishe% to follow him to get rea%y& %eclaring it was to try to %issua%e himA for he ha% long enough a7oi%e% now steel must %etermine between them.

!8. $? K<N; S<;@2*4S ?)--. King Sigur% sat an% %rank in Sigri% Saeta4s house rea%y for battle& although 'eo'le thought it woul% not come to an assault at all. Then came King <nge with his men %own the roa% from the smithy sho's& against the house. )rne& the king4s brother in law& came out from the San% bri%ge& )slak 3rlen%son from his own house& an% ;regorius from the street where all thought the assault woul% be worst. King Sigur% an% his men ma%e many shots

from the holes in the loft& broke %own the fire'laces& an% threw stones on them. ;regorius an% his men cut %own the gates of the yar%A an% there in the 'ort fell 3inar& a son of -aDa'aul& who was of Sigur%4s 'eo'le& together with Hal7ar% ;unnarson& who was shot in a loft& an% nobo%y lamente% his %eath. They hewe% %own the houses& an% many of King Sigur%4s men left him& an% surren%ere% for Fuarter. Then King Sigur% went u' into a loft& an% %esire% to be hear%. He ha% a gilt shiel%& by which they knew him& but they woul% not listen to him& an% shot arrows at him as thick as snow in a snow shower& so that he coul% not stay there. )s his men ha% now left him& an% the houses were being hewn %own& he went out from thence& an% with him his court man Thor% HusfreyBa from >iken. They wante% to come where King <nge was to be foun%& an% Sigur% calle% to his brother King <nge& an% begge% him to grant him life an% safetyA but both Thor% an% Sigur% were instantly kille%& an% Thor% fell with great glory. King Sigur% was interre% in the ol% Christ church out on the holm. King <nge ga7e ;regorius the shi' King Sigur% ha% owne%. There fell many of King Sigur%4s an% King <nge4s men& although < only name a fewA but of ;regorius4s men there fell fourA an% also some who belonge% to no 'arty& but were shot on the 'iers& or out in the shi's. <t was fought on a ?ri%ay& an% fourteen %ays before Saint Gohn the +a'tist4s %ay (Gune 19& 11((#. Two or three %ays after King 3ystein came from the eastwar% with thirty shi's& an% ha% along with him his brother4s son Hakon& a son of King Sigur%. 3ystein %i% not come u' to the town& but lay in ?loru7agar& an% goo% men went between to get a reconciliation ma%e. +ut ;regorius wante% that they shoul% go out against him& thinking there ne7er woul% be a better o''ortunityA an% offere% to be himself the lea%er. 6?or thou& king& shalt not go& for we ha7e no want of men.6 +ut many %issua%e% from this course& an% it came to nothing. King 3ystein returne% back to >iken& an% King <nge to Thron%hBem& an% they were in a sort reconcile%A but they %i% not meet each other.

!9. $? ;23;$2<@S *);S$N. Somewhat later than King 3ystein& ;regorius *agson also set out to the eastwar% an% came to his farm +ratsberg in Hofun%A but King 3ystein was u' in the fBor% at $slo& an% ha% his shi's %rawn abo7e two miles o7er the froEen sea& for there was much ice at that time in >iken. King 3ystein went u' to Hofun% to take ;regoriusA but he got news of what was on foot& an% esca'e% to Thelemark with ninety men& from thence o7er the mountains& an% came %own in Har%angerA an% at last to Stu%la in 3tne& to 3rling Skakke4s farm. 3rling himself ha% gone north to +ergenA but his wife Kristin& a %aughter of King Sigur%& was at home& an% offere% ;regorius all the assistance he wante%A an% he was hos'itably recei7e%. He got a long shi' there which belonge% to 3rling& an% e7erything else he reFuire%. ;regorius thanke% her kin%ly& an% allowe% that she ha% beha7e% nobly& an% as might ha7e been eD'ecte% of her. ;regorius then 'rocee%e% to +ergen& where he met 3rling& who thought also that his wife ha% %one well.

:9. 23C$NC<-<)T<$N $? 3CST3<N )N* <N;3. Then ;regorius went north to Thron%hBem& an% came there before Cule. King <nge was reBoice% at his safety& an% tol% him to use his 'ro'erty as freely as his own& King 3ystein ha7ing burnt ;regorius4s house& an% slaughtere% his stock of cattle. The shi' %ocks which King 3ystein the 3l%er ha% constructe% in the merchant town of Ni%aros& an% which ha% been eDcee%ingly eD'ensi7e& were also burnt this winter& together with some goo% 7essels belonging to King <nge. This %ee% was ascribe% to King 3ystein an% 1hili' ;yr%son& King Sigur%4s foster brother& an% occasione% much %is'leasure an% hatre%. The following summer King <nge went south with a 7ery numerous bo%y of menA an% King 3ystein came northwar%s& gathering men also. They met in the east ().*. 11(/# at the Seleys& near to the NaEeA but King <nge was by far the strongest in men. <t was nearly coming to a battleA but at last they were reconcile% on these con%itions& that King 3ystein shoul% be boun% to 'ay forty fi7e marks of gol%& of which King <nge shoul% ha7e thirty marks& because King 3ystein ha% occasione% the burning of the %ocks an% shi'sA an%& besi%es& that 1hili'& an% all who ha% been accom'lices in the %ee%& shoul% be outlawe%. )lso that the men shoul% be banishe% the country& against whom it coul% be 'ro7e% that they ga7e blow or woun% to King Sigur%A for King 3ystein accuse% King <nge of 'rotecting these menA an% that ;regorius shoul% ha7e fifteen marks of gol% for the 7alue of his 'ro'erty burnt by King 3ystein. King 3ystein was ill 'lease% with these terms& an% looke% u'on the treaty as one force% u'on him. ?rom that meeting King <nge went eastwar% to >iken& an% King 3ystein north to Thron%hBemA an% they ha% no intercourse with each other& nor were the messages which 'asse% between them 7ery frien%ly& an% on both si%es they kille% each other4s frien%s. King 3ystein& besi%es& %i% not 'ay the moneyA an% the one accuse% the other of not fulfilling what was 'romise%. King <nge an% ;regorius entice% many 'eo'le from King 3ysteinA among others& +ar% Stan%ale +rynBolfson& Simon Skal'& a son of Halkel Huk& Hal%er +rynBolfson& Gon Halkelson& an% many other len%ermen.

:1. $? 3CST3<N )N* <N;3. Two years after King Sigur%4s fall ().*. 11(7# both kings assemble% armamentsA namely& King <nge in the east of the country& where he collecte% eighty shi'sA an% King 3ystein in the north& where he ha% forty fi7e& an% among these the ;reat *ragon& which King 3ystein .agnuson ha% built after the -ong Ser'entA an% they ha% on both si%es many an% eDcellent troo's. King <nge lay with his shi's south at .oster <sle& an% King 3ystein a little to the north in ;raeningasun%. King 3ystein sent the young )slak Gonson& an% )rne Sturla& a son of SnaebBorn& with one shi' to meet King <ngeA but when the king4s men knew them& they assaulte% them& kille% many of their 'eo'le& an% took all that was in the shi' belonging to them. )slak an% )rne an% a few more esca'e% to the lan%& went to King 3ystein& an% tol% him how King <nge ha% recei7e% them. Thereu'on King 3ystein hel% a House thing& an%

tol% his followers how ill King <nge ha% treate% his men& an% %esire% the troo's to follow him. 6< ha7e&6 sai% he& 6so many& an% such eDcellent men& that < ha7e no intention to fly& if ye will follow me.6 +ut this s'eech was not recei7e% with much fa7our. Halkel Huk was thereA but both his sons& Simon an% Gon& were with King <nge. Halkel re'lie%& so lou% that many hear% him& 6-et thy chests of gol% follow thee& an% let them %efen% thy lan%.6

:!. K<N; 3CST3<N4S *3)TH. <n the night many of King 3ystein4s shi's rowe% secretly away& some of them Boining King <nge& some going to +ergen& or u' into the fBor%sA so that when it was %aylight in the morning the king was lying behin% with only ten shi's. Then he left the ;reat *ragon& which was hea7y to row& an% se7eral other 7essels behin%A an% cut an% %estroye% the *ragon& starte% out the ale& an% %estroye% all that they coul% not take with them. King 3ystein went on boar% of the shi' of 3in%ri%e& a son of Gon .orner& saile% north into Sogn& an% then took the lan% roa% eastwar%s to >iken. King <nge took the 7essels& an% saile% with them outsi%e of the isles to >iken. King 3ystein ha% then got east as far as ?ol%& an% ha% with him 1!99 menA but when they saw King <nge4s force& they %i% not think themsel7es sufficiently strong to o''ose him& an% they retire% to the forest. 37ery one fle% his own way& so that the king was left with but one man. King <nge an% his men obser7e% King 3ystein4s flight& an% also that he ha% but few 'eo'le with him& an% they went imme%iately to search for him. Simon Skal' met the king Bust as he was coming out of a willow bush. Simon salute% him. 6;o% sa7e you& sire&6 sai% he. The king re'lie%& 6< %o not know if thou are not sire here.6 Simon re'lie%& 6That is as it may ha''en.6 The king begge% him to conceal him& an% sai% it was 'ro'er to %o so. 6?or there was long frien%shi' between us& although it has now gone %ifferently.6 Simon re'lie%& it coul% not be. Then the king begge% that he might hear mass before he %ie%& which accor%ingly took 'lace. Then 3ystein lai% himself %own on his face on the grass& stretche% out his han%s on each si%e& an% tol% them to cut the sign of the cross between his shoul%ers& an% see whether he coul% not bear steel as King <nge4s followers ha% asserte% of him. Simon tol% the man who ha% to 'ut the king to %eath to %o so imme%iately& for the king ha% been cree'ing about u'on the grass long enough. He was accor%ingly slain& an% he a''ears to ha7e suffere% manfully. His bo%y was carrie% to ?ors& an% lay all night un%er the hill at the south si%e of the church. King 3ystein was burie% in ?ors church& an% his gra7e is in the mi%%le of the church floor& where a fringe% cano'y is s'rea% o7er it& an% he is consi%ere% a saint. =here he was eDecute%& an% his bloo% ran u'on the groun%& s'rang u' a fountain& an% another

un%er the hill where his bo%y lay all night. ?rom both these waters many think they ha7e recei7e% a cure of sickness an% 'ain. <t is re'orte% by the >iken 'eo'le that many miracles were wrought at King 3ystein4s gra7e& until his enemies 'oure% u'on it sou' ma%e of boile% %og4s flesh. Simon Skal' was much hate% for this %ee%& which was generally ascribe% to himA but some sai% that when King 3ystein was taken Simon sent a message to King <nge& an% the king comman%e% that King 3ystein shoul% not come before his face. So King S7erre has cause% it to be writtenA but 3inar Skulason tells of it thus5 6Simon Skal'& the traitor bol%& ?or %ee%s of mur%er known of ol%& His king betraye%A an% ne4er will he ;o%4s blesse% face hereafter see.6

S);) $? H)K$N H32*3+23<* (H)K$N TH3 +2$)* SH$@-*323*# (1# 123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS. This saga %escribes the feu% between Hakon Sigur%son an% his uncle <nge. The only skal% Fuote% is 3inar Skulason. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The 'erio% is from ).*. 11(7 to 11/1.

-.

1. +3;<NN<N; $? H)K$N H32*3+23<*. Hakon& King Sigur%4s son& was chosen chief of the troo' which ha% followe% King 3ystein& an% his a%herents ga7e him the title of king. He was ten years ol%. )t that time he ha% with him Sigur%& a son of Hal7ar% Haul% of 2eyr& an% )n%reas an% $nun%& the sons of Simon& his foster brothers& an% many chiefs& frien%s of King Sigur% an% King 3ysteinA an% they went first u' to ;autlan%. King <nge took 'ossession of all the estates they ha% left behin%& an% %eclare% them banishe%. Thereafter King <nge went to >iken& an% was sometimes also in the north of the country. ;regorius *agson was in Konungahella& where the %anger was greatest& an% ha% besi%e him a strong an% han%some bo%y of men& with which he %efen%e% the country.

!. $? ;23;$2<@S *);S$N. The summer after ().*. 11(8# Hakon came with his men& an% 'rocee%e% to Konungahella with a numerous an% han%some troo'. ;regorius was then in the town& an% summone% the bon%es an% towns'eo'le to a great Thing& at which he %esire% their ai%A but

he thought the 'eo'le %i% not hear him with much fa7our& so he %i% not much trust them. ;regorius set off with two shi's to >iken& an% was 7ery much cast %own. He eD'ecte% to meet King <nge there& ha7ing hear% he was coming with a great army to >iken. Now when ;regorius ha% come but a short way north he met Simon Skal'& Hal%or +rynBolfson& an% ;yr% )mun%ason& King <nge4s foster brothers. ;regorius was much %elighte% at this meeting& an% turne% back with them& being all in one bo%y& with ele7en shi's. )s they were rowing u' to Konungahella& Hakon& with his followers& was hol%ing a Thing without the town& an% saw their a''roachA an% Sigur% of 2eyr sai%& 6;regorius must be fey to be throwing himself with so few men into our han%s.6 ;regorius lan%e% o''osite the town to wait for King <nge& for he was eD'ecte%& but he %i% not come. King Hakon 'ut himself in or%er in the town& an% a''ointe% Thorliot Skaufaskalle& who was a 7iking an% a robber& to be ca'tain of the men in the merchant shi's that were afloat in the ri7erA an% King Hakon an% Sigur% were within the town& an% %rew u' the men on the 'iers& for all the towns'eo'le ha% submitte% to King Hakon.

:. K<N; H)K$N4S ?-<;HT. ;regorius rowe% u' the ri7er& an% let the shi' %ri7e %own with the stream against Thorliot. They shot at each other a while& until Thorliot an% his comra%es Bum'e% o7erboar%A an% some of them were kille%& some esca'e% to the lan%. Then ;regorius rowe% to the 'iers& an% let a gangway be cast on shore at the 7ery feet of Hakon4s men. There the man who carrie% his banner was slain& Bust as he was going to ste' on shore. ;regorius or%ere% Hal& a son of )u%un Halson& to take u' the banner& which he %i%& an% bore the banner u' to the 'ier. ;regorius followe% close after him& hel% his shiel% o7er his hea%& an% 'rotecte% him as well as himself. )s soon as ;regorius came u'on the 'ier& an% Hakon4s men knew him& they ga7e way& an% ma%e room for him on e7ery si%e. )fterwar%s more 'eo'le lan%e% from the shi's& an% then ;regorius ma%e a se7ere assault with his menA an% Hakon4s men first mo7e% back& an% then ran u' into the town. ;regorius 'ursue% them eagerly& %ro7e them twice from the town& an% kille% many of them. +y the re'ort of all men& ne7er was there so glorious an affair as this of ;regoriusA for Hakon ha% more than "999 men& an% ;regorius not full "99. )fter the battle& ;regorius sai% to Hal )u%unson& 6.any men& in my o'inion& are more agile in battle than ye <celan%ers are& for ye are not so eDercise% as we NorwegiansA but none& < think& are so bol% un%er arms as ye are.6 King <nge came u' soon after& an% kille% many of the men who ha% taken 'art with HakonA ma%e some 'ay hea7y fines& burnt the houses of some& an% some he %ro7e out of the country& or treate% otherwise 7ery ill. Hakon fle% at first u' to ;autlan% with all his menA but the winter after ().*. 11(9#& he 'rocee%e% by the u''er roa% to Thron%hBem& an% came there before 3aster. The Thron%hBem 'eo'le recei7e% him well& for they ha% always ser7e% un%er that shiel%. <t is sai% that the Thron%hBem 'eo'le took Hakon as king& on the terms that he shoul% ha7e from <nge the thir% 'art of Norway as his 'aternal heritage. King <nge an% ;regorius were in >iken& an% ;regorius wante% to make an eD'e%ition against the 'arty in

the northA but it came to nothing that winter& as many %issua%e% from it.

". ?)-- $? ;C2* )N* H)>)2*. King Hakon left Thron%hBem in s'ring with thirty shi's nearlyA an% some of his men saile% before the rest with se7en shi's& an% 'lun%ere% in North an% South .ore. No man coul% remember that there e7er before ha% been 'lun%ering between the two towns (+ergen an% Ni%aros#. Gon the son of Halkel Huk collecte% the bon%es in arms& an% 'rocee%e% against themA took Kolbein $%e 'risoner& kille% e7ery woman4s son of them in his shi'. Then they searche% for the others& foun% them all assemble% in se7en shi's& an% fought with themA but his father Halkel not coming to his assistance as he ha% 'romise%& many goo% bon%es were kille%& an% Gon himself was woun%e%. Hakon 'rocee%e% south to +ergen with his forcesA but when he came to Stiorn7elta& he hear% that King <nge an% ;regorius ha% arri7e% a few nights before from the east at +ergen& an% therefore he %i% not 7enture to steer thither. They saile% the outer course southwar%s 'ast +ergen& an% met three shi's of King <nge4s fleet& which ha% been outsaile% on the 7oyage from the east. $n boar% of them were ;yr% )mun%ason& King <nge4s foster brother& who was marrie% to ;yri% a sister of ;regorius& an% also lagman ;yr% ;unhil%son& an% Ha7ar% Klining. King Hakon ha% ;yr% )mun%ason an% Ha7ar% Klining 'ut to %eathA but took lagman ;yr% southwar%s& an% then 'rocee%e% east to >iken.

(. $? TH3 C$NS@-T)T<$NS $? K<N; <N;3. =hen King <nge hear% of this he saile% east after them& an% they met east in the ;aut ri7er. King <nge went u' the north arm of the ri7er& an% sent out s'ies to get news of Hakon an% his fleetA but he himself lan%e% at Hising& an% waite% for his s'ies. Now when the s'ies came back they went to the king& an% sai% that they ha% seen King Hakon4s forces& an% all his shi's which lay at the stakes in the ri7er& an% Hakon4s men ha% boun% the stems of their 7essels to them. They ha% two great 3ast country tra%ing 7essels& which they ha% lai% outsi%e of the fleet& an% on both these were built high woo%e% stages (castles#. =hen King <nge hear% the 're'arations they ha% ma%e& he or%ere% a trum'et to call a House thing of all the menA an% when the Thing was seate% he aske% his men for counsel& an% a''lie% 'articularly to ;regorius *agson& his brother in law 3rling Skakke& an% other len%ermen an% shi' comman%ers& to whom he relate% the 're'arations of Hakon an% his men. Then ;regorius *agson re'lie% first& an% ma%e known his min% in the following wor%s5 6Sometimes we an% Hakon ha7e met& an% generally they ha% the most 'eo'leA but& notwithstan%ing& they fell short in battle against us. Now& on the other han%& we ha7e by far the greatest forceA an% it will a''ear 'robable to the men who a short time ago lost gallant relations by them& that this

will be a goo% occasion to get 7engeance& for they ha7e fle% before us the greater 'art of the summerA an% we ha7e often sai% that if they waite% for us& as a''ears now to be the case& we woul% ha7e a brush with them. Now < will tell my o'inion& which is& that < will engage them& if it be agreeable to the king4s 'leasureA for < think it will go now as formerly& that they must gi7e way before us if we attack them bra7elyA an% < shall always attack where others may think it most %ifficult.6 The s'eech was recei7e% with much a''lause& an% all %eclare% they were rea%y to engage in battle against Hakon. Then they rowe% with all the shi's u' the ri7er& until they came in sight of each other& an% then King <nge turne% off from the ri7er current un%er the islan%. Now the king a%%resse% the len%ermen again& an% tol% them to get rea%y for battle. He turne% himself es'ecially to 3rling Skakke& an% sai%& what was true& that no man in the army ha% more un%erstan%ing an% knowle%ge in fighting battles& although some were more hot. The king then a%%resse% himself to se7eral of the len%ermen& s'eaking to them by nameA an% en%e% by %esiring that each man shoul% make his attack where he thought it woul% be of a%7antage& an% thereafter all woul% act together.

/. 32-<N;4S S133CH. 3rling Skakke re'lie% thus to the king4s s'eech5 6<t is my %uty& sire& not to be silentA an% < shall gi7e my a%7ice& since it is %esire%. The resolution now a%o'te% is contrary to my Bu%gmentA for < call it foolhar%y to fight un%er these circumstances& although we ha7e so many an% such fine men. Su''osing we make an attack on them& an% row u' against this ri7er currentA then one of the three men who are in each half room must be em'loye% in rowing only& an% another must be co7ering with the shiel% the man who rowsA an% what ha7e we then to fight with but one thir% of our menL <t a''ears to me that they can be of little use in the battle who are sitting at their oars with their backs turne% to the enemy. ;i7e me now some time for consi%eration& an% < 'romise you that before three %ays are o7er < shall fall u'on some 'lan by which we can come into battle with a%7antage.6 <t was e7i%ent from 3rling4s s'eech that he %issua%e% from an attackA but& notwithstan%ing& it was urge% by many who thought that Hakon woul% now& as before& take to the lan%. 6)n% then&6 sai% they& 6we cannot get hol% of himA but now they ha7e but few men& an% we ha7e their fate in our own han%s.6 ;regorius sai% but littleA but thought that 3rling rather %issua%e% from an attack that ;regorius4s a%7ice shoul% ha7e no effect& than that he ha% any better a%7ice to gi7e.

7. $? H)K$N4S ?-33T. Then sai% King <nge to 3rling& 6Now we will follow thy a%7ice& brother& with regar% to the manner of attackingA but seeing how

eager our counsellors are for it& we shall make the attack this %ay.6 3rling re'lie%& 6)ll the boats an% light 7essels we ha7e shoul% row outsi%e the islan%& an% u' the east arm of the ri7er& an% then %own with the stream u'on them& an% try if they cannot cut them loose from the 'iles. Then we& with the large shi's& shall row from below here against themA an% < cannot tell until it be trie%& if those who are now so furiously warm will be much brisker at the attack than < am.6 This counsel was a''ro7e% by all. There was a ness stretche% out between their fleet an% Hakon4s& so that they coul% not see each other. Now when Hakon an% his men& who ha% taken counsel with each other in a meeting& saw the boat sFua%ron rowing %own the ri7er& some thought King <nge inten%e% to gi7e them battleA but many belie7e% they %i% not %are& for it looke% as if the attack was gi7en u'A an% they& besi%es& were 7ery confi%ent& both in their 're'arations an% men. There were many great 'eo'le with Hakon5 there were Sigur% of 2eyr& an% Simon4s sonsA Nikolas Skial%7arsonA 3in%ri%e& a son of Gon .ornef& who was the most gallant an% 'o'ular man in the Thron%hBem countryA an% many other len%ermen an% warriors. Now when they saw that King <nge4s men with many shi's were rowing out of the ri7er& Hakon an% his men belie7e% they were going to flyA an% therefore they cut their lan% ro'es with which they lay fast at the 'iles& seiEe% their oars& an% rowe% after them in 'ursuit. The shi's ran fast %own with the streamA but when they came further %own the ri7er& abreast of the ness& they saw King <nge4s main strength lying Fuiet at the islan% Hising. King <nge4s 'eo'le saw Hakon4s shi's un%er way& an% belie7e% they were coming to attack themA an% now there was great bustle an% clash of arms& an% they encourage% each other by a great war shout. Hakon with his fleet turne% northwar%s a little to the lan%& where there was a turn in the bight of the ri7er& an% where there was no current. They ma%e rea%y for battle& carrie% lan% ro'es to the shore& turne% the stems of their shi's outwar%s& an% boun% them all together. They lai% the large 3ast country tra%ers without the other 7essels& the one abo7e& the other below& an% boun% them to the long shi's. <n the mi%%le of the fleet lay the king4s shi'& an% neDt to it Sigur%4sA an% on the other si%e of the king4s shi' lay Nikolas& an% neDt to him 3n%ri%e Gonson. )ll the smaller shi's lay farther off& an% they were all nearly loa%e% with wea'ons an% stones.

8. S<;@2* $? 23C24S S133CH. Then Sigur% of 2eyr ma%e the following s'eech5 6Now there is ho'e that the time is come which has been 'romise% us all the summer& that we shall meet King <nge in battle. =e ha7e long 're'are% oursel7es for thisA an% many of our comra%es ha7e boaste% that they woul% ne7er fly from or submit to King <nge an% ;regorius& an% now let them remember their wor%s. +ut we who ha7e sometimes got the toothache in our conflicts with them& s'eak less confi%entlyA for it has ha''ene%& as all ha7e hear%& that we 7ery

often ha7e come off without glory. +ut& ne7ertheless& it is now necessary to fight manfully& an% stan% to it with stea%inessA for the only esca'e for us is in 7ictory. )lthough we ha7e somewhat fewer men than they& yet luck %etermines which si%e shall ha7e the a%7antage& an% ;o% knows that the right is on our si%e. <nge has kille% two of his brothersA an% it is ob7ious to all men that the mulct he inten%s to 'ay King Hakon for his father4s mur%er is to mur%er him also& as well as his other relations& which will be seen this %ay to be his intent. King Hakon %esire% from the beginning no more of Norway than the thir% 'art& which his father ha% 'ossesse%& an% which was %enie% himA an% yet& in my o'inion& King Hakon has a better right to inherit after his father4s brother& King 3ystein& than <nge or Simon Skal'& or the other men who kille% King 3ystein. .any of them who woul% sa7e their souls& an% yet ha7e %efile% their han%s with such bloo%y %ee%s as <nge has %one& must think it a 'resum'tion before ;o% that he takes the name of kingA an% < won%er ;o% suffers such monstrous wicke%ness as hisA but it may be ;o%4s will that we shall now 'ut him %own. -et us fight then manfully& an% ;o% will gi7e us 7ictoryA an%& if we fall& will re'ay us with Boys uns'eakable for now allowing the might of the wicke% to 're7ail o7er us. ;o forth then in confi%ence& an% be not afrai% when the battle begins. -et each watch o7er his own an% his comra%e4s safety& an% ;o% 'rotect us all.6 There went a goo% re'ort abroa% of this s'eech of Sigur%& an% all 'romise% fairly& an% to %o their %uty. King Hakon went on boar% of the great 3ast country shi'& an% a shiel% bulwark was ma%e aroun% himA but his stan%ar% remaine% on the long shi' in which it ha% been before.

9. $? K<N; <N;34S .3N. Now must we tell about King <nge an% his men. =hen they saw that King Hakon an% his 'eo'le were rea%y for battle& an% the ri7er only was between them& they sent a light 7essel to recall the rest of the fleet which ha% rowe% awayA an% in the meantime the king waite% for them& an% arrange% the troo's for the attack. Then the chiefs consulte% in 'resence of the army& an% tol% their o'inionsA first& which shi's shoul% lie nearest to the enemyA an% then where each shoul% attack. ;regorius s'oke thus5 6=e ha7e many an% fine menA an% it is my a%7ice& King <nge& that you %o not go to the assault with us& for e7erything is 'reser7e% if you are safe. )n% no man knows where an arrow may hit& e7en from the han%s of a ba% bowmanA an% they ha7e 're'are% themsel7es so& that missiles an% stones can be thrown from the high stages u'on the merchant shi's& so that there is less %anger for those who are farthest from them. They ha7e not more men than we len%ermen can 7ery well engage with. < shall lay my shi' alongsi%e their largest shi'& an% < eD'ect the conflict between us will be but shortA for it has often been so in our former meetings& although there has been a much greater want of men with us than now.6 )ll thought well of the a%7ice that the king himself shoul% not take 'art in the battle. Then 3rling Skakke sai%& 6< agree also to the counsel that you&

sire& shoul% not go into the battle. <t a''ears to me that their 're'arations are such& that we reFuire all our 'recaution not to suffer a great %efeat from themA an% whole limbs are the easiest cure%. <n the council we hel% before to %ay many o''ose% what < sai%& an% ye sai% then that < %i% not want to fightA but now < think the business has altere% its a''earance& an% greatly to our a%7antage& since they ha7e haule% off from the 'iles& an% now it stan%s so that < %o not %issua%e from gi7ing battleA for < see& what all are sensible of& how necessary it is to 'ut an en% to this robber ban% who ha7e gone o7er the whole country with 'illage an% %estruction& in or%er that 'eo'le may culti7ate the lan% in 'eace& an% ser7e a king so goo% an% Bust as King <nge who has long ha% trouble an% anDiety from the haughty unFuiet s'irit of his relations& although he has been a shiel% of %efence for the whole 'eo'le& an% has been eD'ose% to manifol% 'erils for the 'eace of the country.6 3rling s'oke well an% long& an% many other chiefs alsoA an% all to the same 'ur'ose all urging to battle. <n the meantime they waite% until all the fleet shoul% be assemble%. King <nge ha% the shi' +aekisu%inA an%& at the entreaty of his frien%s& he %i% not Boin the battle& but lay still at the islan%.

19. +3;<NN<N; $? TH3 +)TT-3. =hen the army was rea%y they rowe% briskly against the enemy& an% both si%es raise% a war shout. <nge4s men %i% not bin% their shi's together& but let them be looseA for they rowe% right across the current& by which the large shi's were much swaye%. 3rling Skakke lai% his shi' besi%e King Hakon4s shi'& an% ran the stem between his an% Sigur%4s shi'& by which the battle began. +ut ;regorius4s shi' swung u'on the groun%& an% heele% 7ery much o7er& so that at first she coul% not come into the battleA an% when Hakon4s men saw this they lai% themsel7es against her& an% attacke% ;regorius4s shi' on all si%es. <7ar& Hakon .age4s son& lai% his shi' so that the stems struck togetherA an% he got a boat hook fastene% on ;regorius& on that 'art of his bo%y where the waist is smallest& an% %ragge% him to him& by which ;regorius stumble% against the shi'4s railsA but the hook sli''e% to one si%e& or ;regorius woul% ha7e been %ragge% o7er boar%. ;regorius& howe7er& was but little woun%e%& for he ha% on a 'late coat of armour. <7ar calle% out to him& that he ha% a 6thick bark.6 ;regorius re'lie%& that if <7ar went on so he woul% 6reFuire it all& an% not ha7e too much.6 <t was 7ery near then that ;regorius an% his men ha% s'rung o7erboar%A but )slak @nge threw an anchor into their shi'& an% %ragge% them off the groun%. Then ;regorius lai% himself against <7ar4s shi'& an% they fought a long whileA but ;regorius4s shi' being both higher si%e% an% more strongly manne%& many 'eo'le fell in <7ar4s shi'& an% some Bum'e% o7erboar%. <7ar was so se7erely woun%e% that he coul% not take 'art in the fight. =hen his shi' was cleare% of the men& ;regorius let <7ar be carrie% to the shore& so that he might esca'eA an% from that time they were constant frien%s.

11. K<N; H)K$N4S ?-<;HT. =hen King <nge an% his men saw that ;regorius was agroun%& he encourage% his crew to row to his assistance. 6<t was&6 he sai%& 6the most im'ru%ent a%7ice that we shoul% remain lying here& while our frien%s are in battleA for we ha7e the largest an% best shi' in all the fleet. +ut now < see that ;regorius& the man to whom < owe the most& is in nee% of hel'A so we must hasten to the fight where it is shar'est. <t is also most 'ro'er that < shoul% be in the battleA for the 7ictory& if we win it& will belong to me. )n% if < e7en knew beforehan% that our men were not to gain the battle& yet our 'lace is where our frien%s areA for < can %o nothing if < lose the men who are Bustly calle% the %efence of the country& who are the bra7est& an% ha7e long rule% for me an% my king%om.6 Thereu'on he or%ere% his banner to be set u'& which was %oneA an% they rowe% across the ri7er. Then the battle rage%& an% the king coul% not get room to attack& so close lay the shi's before him. ?irst he lay un%er the 3ast country tra%ing shi'& an% from it they threw %own u'on his 7essel s'ears& iron sho% stakes& an% such large stones that it was im'ossible to hol% out longer there& an% he ha% to haul off. Now when the king4s 'eo'le saw that he was come they ma%e 'lace for him& an% then he lai% alongsi%e of 3in%ri%e Gonson4s shi'. Now King Hakon4s men aban%one% the small shi's& an% went on boar% the large merchant 7esselsA but some of them s'rang on shore. 3rling Skakke an% his men ha% a se7ere conflict. 3rling himself was on the forecastle& an% calle% his forecastlemen& an% or%ere% them to boar% the king4s shi'A but they answere%& this was no easy matter& for there were beams abo7e with an iron comb on them. Then 3rling himself went to the bow& an% staye% there a while& until they succee%e% in getting on boar% the king4s shi'5 an% then the shi' was cleare% of men on the bows& an% the whole army ga7e way. .any s'rang into the water& many fell& but the greater number got to the lan%. So says 3inar Skulason5 6.en fall u'on the sli''ery %eck .en roll off from the bloo% %renche% wreckA *ea% bo%ies float %own with the stream& )n% from the shores witch ra7ens scream. The col% blue ri7er now runs re% =ith the warm bloo% of warriors %ea%& )n% stains the wa7es in Karmt Soun% =ith the last %ro's of the %eath woun%. 6)ll %own the stream& with unmann4% 'row& ?loats many an em'ty long shi' now& Shi' after shi'& shout after shout& Tell that Kign Hakon can4t hol% out. The bowmen 'ly their bows of elm& The re% swor%s flash o4er broken helm5 King Hakon4s men rush to the stran%& $ut of their shi's& u' through the lan%.6 3inar com'ose% a song about ;regorius *agson& which is calle% the 2i7er song. King <nge grante% life an% 'eace to Nikolas Skial%7arson when his shi' was %eserte%& an% thereu'on he went into King <nge4s ser7ice& an% remaine% in it as long as the king

li7e%. 3in%ri%e Gonson lea'e% on boar% of King <nge4s shi' when his own was cleare% of men& an% begge% for his life. King <nge wishe% to grant itA but Ha7ar% Klining4s son ran u'& an% ga7e him a mortal woun%& which was much blame%A but he sai% 3in%ri%e ha% been the cause of his father4s %eath. There was much lamentation at 3in%ri%e4s %eath& but 'rinci'ally in the Thron%hBem %istrict. .any of Hakon4s 'eo'le fell here& but not many chiefs. ?ew of King <nge4s 'eo'le fell& but many were woun%e%. King Hakon fle% u' the country& an% King <nge went north to >iken with his troo'sA an% he& as well as ;regorius& remaine% in >iken all winter ().*. 11/9#. =hen King <nge4s men& +ergliot an% his brothers& sons of <7ar of 3l%a& came from the battle to +ergen& they slew Nickolas Skeg& who ha% been Hakon4s treasurer& an% then went north to Thron%hBem. King Hakon came north before Cule& an% Sigur% was sometimes home at 2eyrA for ;regorius& who was nearly relate% to Sigur%& ha% obtaine% for him life an% safety from King <nge& so that he retaine% all his estates. King Hakon was in the merchant town of Ni%aros in CuleA an% one e7ening in the beginning of Cule his men fought in the room of the court& an% in this affray eight men were kille%& an% many were woun%e%. The eighth %ay of Cule& King Hakon4s man )lf 2o%e& son of $ttar +irting& with about eighty men& went to 3l%a& an% came in the night uneD'ecte%ly on the 'eo'le& who were 7ery %runk& an% set fire to the roomA but they went out& an% %efen%e% themsel7es bra7ely. There fell +ergliot& <7ar4s son& an% $gmun%& his brother& an% many more. They ha% been nearly thirty altogether in number. <n winter %ie%& north in the merchant town& )n%res Simonson& King Hakon4s foster brotherA an% his %eath was much %e'lore%. 3rling Skakke an% <nge4s men& who were in +ergen& threatene% that in winter they woul% 'rocee% against Hakon an% his menA but it came to nothing. ;regorius sent wor% from the east& from Konungahella& that if he were so near as 3rling an% his men& he woul% not sit Fuietly in +ergen while Hakon was killing King <nge4s frien%s an% their comra%es in war north in the Thron%hBem country.

1!. TH3 C$N?-<CT @1$N TH3 1<32S. King <nge an% ;regorius left the east in s'ring& an% came to +ergenA but as soon as Hakon an% Sigur% hear% that <nge ha% left >iken& they went there by lan%. =hen King <nge an% his 'eo'le came to +ergen& a Fuarrel arose between Hal%or +rynBolfson an% +Born Nikolason. +Born4s house man aske% Hal%or4s when they met at the 'ier& why he looke% so 'ale. He re'lie%& because he ha% been ble%. 6< coul% not look so 'ale if < trie%& at merely being ble%.6 6< again think&6 retorte% the other& 6that thou woul%st ha7e borne it worse& an% less manfully.6 )n% no other beginning was there for their Fuarrel than this. )fterwar%s one wor% followe% another& till from brawling they came to fighting. <t was tol% to Hal%or +rynBolfson& who was in the house %rinking& that his

house man was woun%e% %own on the 'ier an% he went there imme%iately. +ut +Born4s house men ha% come there before& an% as Hal%or thought his house man ha% been ba%ly treate%& he went u' to them an% beat themA an% it was tol% to +Born +uk that the 'eo'le of >iken were beating his house men on the 'ier. Then +Born an% his house men took their wea'ons& hurrie% %own to the 'ier& an% woul% a7enge their menA an% a bloo%y strife began. <t was tol% ;regorius that his relation Hal%or reFuire% assistance& an% that his house men were being cut %own in the streetA on which ;regorius an% his men ran to the 'lace in their armour. Now it was tol% 3rling Skakke that his sister4s son +Born was fighting with ;regorius an% Hal%or %own on the 'iers& an% that he nee%e% hel'. Then he 'rocee%e% thither with a great force& an% eDhorte% the 'eo'le to stan% by himA saying it woul% be a great %isgrace ne7er to be wi'e% out& if the >iken 'eo'le shoul% tram'le u'on them in their own nati7e 'lace. There fell thirteen men& of whom nine were kille% on the s'ot& an% four %ie% of their woun%s& an% many were woun%e%. =hen the wor% came to King <nge that ;regorius an% 3rling were fighting %own on the 'iers& he hastene% there& an% trie% to se'arate themA but coul% %o nothing& so ma% were they on both si%es. Then ;regorius calle% to <nge& an% tol% him to go awayA for it was in 7ain to attem't coming between them& as matters now stoo%. He sai% it woul% be the greatest misfortune if the king miDe% himself u' with itA for he coul% not be certain that there were not 'eo'le in the fray who woul% commit some great mis%ee% if they ha% o''ortunity. Then King <nge retire%A an% when the greatest tumult was o7er& ;regorius an% his men went to Nikolas church& an% 3rling behin% them& calling to each other. Then King <nge came a secon% time& an% 'acifie% themA an% both agree% that he shoul% me%iate between them. =hen King they went fle% from $slo& an% <nge an% ;regorius hear% that King Hakon was in >iken& east with many shi'sA but when they came King Hakon them& an% there was no battle. Then King <nge went to ;regorius was in Konungahella.

1:. .@N)N4S *3)TH. Soon after ;regorius hear% that Hakon an% his men were at a farm calle% Saurby& which lies u' besi%e the forest. ;regorius hastene% thereA came in the nightA an% su''osing that King Hakon an% Sigur% woul% be in the largest of the houses& set fire to the buil%ings there. +ut Hakon an% his men were in the smaller house& an% came forth& seeing the fire& to hel' their 'eo'le. There .unan fell& a son of )le @skeyn%& a brother of King Sigur% Hakon4s father. ;regorius an% his men kille% him& because he was hel'ing those whom they were burning within the house. Some esca'e%& but many were kille%. )sbBorn Gal%a& who ha% been a 7ery great 7iking& esca'e% from the house& but was grie7ously woun%e%. ) bon%e met him& an% he offere% the man money to let him get awayA but the bon%e re'lie%& he woul% %o what he like% bestA an%& a%%ing that he ha% often been in fear of his life for him& he slew him. King Hakon an% Sigur% esca'e%& but many of their 'eo'le were kille%. Thereafter ;regorius returne% home to

Konungahella. Soon after King Hakon an% Sigur% went to Hal%or +rynBolfson4s farm of >ettalan%& set fire to the house& an% burnt it. Hal%or went out& an% was cut %own instantly with his house menA an% in all there were about twenty men kille%. Sigri%& Hal%or4s wife& was a sister of ;regorius& an% they allowe% her to esca'e into the forest in her night shift onlyA but they took with them )mun%e& who was a son of ;yr% )mun%ason an% of ;yri% *ag4s %aughter& an% a sister4s son of ;regorius& an% who was then a boy about fi7e years ol%.

1". $? TH3 ?)-- $? ;23;$2<@S *);S$N. =hen ;regorius hear% the news he took it much to heart& an% inFuire% carefully where they were. ;regorius set out from Konungahella late in Cule& an% came to ?ors the thirteenth %ay of Cule& where he remaine% a night& an% hear% 7es'ers the last %ay of Cule& which was a Satur%ay& an% the holy 37angel was rea% before him. =hen ;regorius an% his followers saw the men of King Hakon an% Sigur%& the king4s force a''eare% to them smaller than their own. There was a ri7er calle% +efia between them& where they metA an% there was unsoun% ice on the ri7er& for there went a stream un%er the ice from it. King Hakon an% his men ha% cut a rent in the ice& an% lai% snow o7er it& so that nobo%y coul% see it. =hen ;regorius came to the ice on the ri7er the ice a''eare% to him unsoun%& he sai%A an% he a%7ise% the 'eo'le to go to the bri%ge& which was close by& to cross the ri7er. The bon%e troo's re'lie%& that they %i% not know why he shoul% be afrai% to go across the ice to attack so few 'eo'le as Hakon ha%& an% the ice was goo% enough. ;regorius sai% it was sel%om necessary to encourage him to show bra7ery& an% it shoul% not be so now. Then he or%ere% them to follow him& an% not to be stan%ing on the lan% while he was on the ice& an% he sai% it was their council to go out u'on the %angerous ice& but he ha% no wish to %o so& or to be le% by them. Then he or%ere% the banner to be a%7ance%& an% imme%iately went out on the ice with the men. )s soon as the bon%es foun% that the ice was unsoun% they turne% back. ;regorius fell through the ice& but not 7ery %ee'& an% he tol% his men to take care. There were not more than twenty men with him& the others ha7ing turne% back. ) man of King Hakon4s troo' shot an arrow at ;regorius& which hit him un%er the throat& an% thus en%e% his life. ;regorius fell& an% ten men with him. <t is the talk of all men that he ha% been the most gallant len%erman in Norway that any man then li7ing coul% rememberA an% also he beha7e% the best towar%s us <celan%ers of any chief since King 3ystein the 3l%er4s %eath. ;regorius4s bo%y was carrie% to Hofun%& an% interre% at ;imsey <sle& in a nunnery which is there& of which ;regorius4s sister& +augei%& was then the abbess.

1(. K<N; <N;3 H3)2S $? ;23;$2<@S4S ?)--. Two bailiffs went to $slo to bring the ti%ings to King <nge. =hen they arri7e% they %esire% to s'eak to the king5 an% he aske%& what news they brought.

6;regorius *agson4s %eath&6 sai% they. 6How came that misfortuneL6 aske% the king. =hen they ha% tol% him how it ha''ene%& he sai%& 6They ga7e a%7ice who un%erstoo% the least.6 <t is sai% he took it so much to heart that he crie% like a chil%. =hen he reco7ere% himself he sai%& 6< wante% to go to ;regorius as soon as < hear% of Hal%or4s mur%erA for < thought that ;regorius woul% not sit long before thinking. of re7enge. +ut the 'eo'le here woul% think nothing so im'ortant as their Cule feasts& an% nothing coul% mo7e them awayA an% < am confi%ent that if < ha% been there& he woul% either ha7e 'rocee%e% more cautiously& or < an% ;regorius woul% now ha7e share% one lo%ging. Now he is gone& the man who has been my best frien%& an% more than any other has ke't the king%om in my han%sA an% < think it will be but a short s'ace between us. Now < make an oath to go forth against Hakon& an% one of two things shall ha''en5 < shall either come to my %eath& or shall walk o7er Hakon an% his 'eo'leA an% such a man as ;regorius is not a7enge%& e7en if all were to 'ay the 'enalty of their li7es for him.6 There was a man 'resent who re'lie%& 6Ce nee% not seek after them& for they inten% to seek you.6 Kristin& King Sigur%4s %aughter an% King <nge4s cousin& was then in $slo. The king hear% that she inten%e% going away. He sent a message to her to inFuire why she wishe% to lea7e the town. She thought it was %angerous an% unsafe for a female to be there. The king woul% not let her go. 6?or if it go well with me& as < ho'e& you will be well hereA an% if < fall& my frien%s may not get lea7e to %ress my bo%yA but you can ask 'ermission& an% it will not be %enie% you& an% you will thereby best reFuite what < ha7e %one for you.6

1/. $? K<N; <N;3. $n Saint +lasius4 %ay (?ebruary :& 11/1#& in the e7ening& King <nge4s s'ies brought him the news that King Hakon was coming towar%s the town. Then King <nge or%ere% the war horns to call together all the troo's u' from the townA an% when he %rew them u' he coul% reckon them to be nearly "999 men. The king let the array be long& but not more than fi7e men %ee'. Then some sai% that the king shoul% not be himself in the battle& as they thought the risk too greatA but that his brother $rm shoul% be the lea%er of the army. The king re'lie%& 6< think if ;regorius were ali7e an% here now& an% < ha% fallen an% was to be a7enge%& he woul% not lie conceale%& but woul% be in the battle. Now& although <& on account of my ill health& am not fit for the combat as he was& yet will < show as goo% will as he woul% ha7e ha%A an% it is not to be thought of that < shoul% not be in the battle.6

1eo'le say that ;unhil%& who was marrie% to Simon& King Hakon4s foster brother& ha% a witch em'loye% to sit out all night an% 'rocure the 7ictory for HakonA an% that the answer was obtaine%& that they shoul% fight King <nge by night& an% ne7er by %ay& an% then the result woul% be fa7ourable. The witch who& as 'eo'le say& sat out was calle% Thor%is SkeggiaA but what truth there may be in the re'ort < know not. Simon Skal' ha% gone to the town& an% was gone to slee'& when the war shouts awoke him. =hen the night was well a%7ance%& King <nge4s s'ies came to him& an% tol% him that King Hakon an% his army were coming o7er the iceA for the ice lay the whole way from the town to Hofu% <sle.

17. K<N; <N;34S S133CH. Thereu'on King <nge went with his army out on the ice& an% he %rew it u' in or%er of battle in front of the town. Simon Skal' was in that wing of the array which was towar%s ThraelabergA an% on the other wing& which was towar%s the Nunnery& was ;u%ro%& the king of the South Hebu%es& a son of $laf Klining& an% Gon& a son of S7ein +ergthor +uk. =hen King Hakon an% his army came near to King <nge4s array& both si%es raise% a war shout. ;u%ro% an% Gon ga7e King Hakon an% his men a sign& an% let them know where they were in the lineA an% as soon as Hakon4s men in conseFuence turne% thither& ;u%ro% imme%iately fle% with 1(99 menA an% Gon& an% a great bo%y of men with him& ran o7er to King Hakon4s army& an% assiste% them in the fight. =hen this news was tol% to King <nge& he sai%& 6Such is the %ifference between my frien%s. Ne7er woul% ;regorius ha7e %one so in his lifeK6 There were some who a%7ise% King <nge to get on horseback& an% ri%e from the battle u' to 2aumarikeA 6where&6 sai% they& 6you woul% get hel' enough& e7en this 7ery %ay.6 The king re'lie%& he ha% no inclination to %o so. 6< ha7e hear% you often say& an% < think truly& that it was of little use to my brother& King 3ystein& that he took to flightA an% yet he was a man %istinguishe% for many Fualities which a%orn a king. Now <& who labour un%er so great %ecre'itu%e& can see how ba% my fate woul% be& if < betook myself to what 'ro7e% so unfortunate for himA with so great a %ifference as there is between our acti7ity& health& an% strength. < was in the secon% year of my age when < was chosen king of Norway& an% < am now twenty fi7eA an% < think < ha7e ha% misfortune an% sorrow un%er my kingly %ignity& rather than 'leasure an% 'eaceful %ays. < ha7e ha% many battles& sometimes with more& sometimes with fewer 'eo'leA an% it is my greatest luck that < ha7e ne7er fle%. ;o% will %is'ose of my life& an% of how long it shall beA but < shall ne7er betake myself to flight.6

18. K<N; <N;34S ?)--. Now as Gon an% his troo' ha% broken the one wing of King <nge4s array& many of those who were nearest to him fle%& by which the

whole array was %is'erse%& an% fell into %isor%er. +ut Hakon an% his men went briskly forwar%sA an% now it was near %aybreak. )n assault was ma%e against King <nge4s banner& an% in this conflict King <nge fellA but his brother $rm continue% the battle& while many of the army fle% u' into the town. Twice $rm went to the town after the king4s fall to encourage the 'eo'le& an% both times returne%& an% went out again u'on the ice to continue the battle. Hakon4s men attacke% the wing of the array which Simon Skal' le%A an% in that assault fell of King <nge4s men his brother in law& ;u%bran% Skafhogson. Simon Skal' an% Hal7ar% Hikre went against each other with their troo's& an% fought while they %rew asi%e 'ast ThraelabergA an% in this conflict both Simon an% Hal7ar% fell. $rm& the king4s brother& gaine% great re'utation in this battleA but he at last fle%. $rm the winter before ha% been contracte% with 2agna& a %aughter of Nikolas .ase& who ha% been marrie% before to King 3ystein Haral%sonA an% the we%%ing was fiDe% for the Sun%ay after Saint +lasius4s mass& which was on a ?ri%ay. $rm fle% east to S7ithBo%& where his brother .agnus was then kingA an% their brother 2agn7al% was an earl there at that time. They were the sons of Hueen <ngeri% an% Henrik Halte& who was a son of the *anish king S7ein S7einson. The 'rincess Kristin took care of King <nge4s bo%y& which was lai% on the stone wall of Hal7ar%4s church& on the south si%e without the choir. He ha% then been king for twenty three years ().*. 11:7 11/1#. <n this battle many fell on both si%es& but 'rinci'ally of King <nge4s men. $f King Hakon4s 'eo'le fell )rne ?rirekson. Hakon4s men took all the feast an% 7ictuals 're'are% for the we%%ing& an% a great booty besi%es.

19. $? K<N; H)K$N )N* H@33N K2<ST<N. Then King Hakon took 'ossession of the whole country& an% %istribute% all the offices among his own frien%s& both in the towns an% in the country. King Hakon an% his men ha% a meeting in Hal7ar%4s church& where they ha% a 'ri7ate conference concerning the management of the country. Kristin the 'rincess ga7e the 'riest who ke't the church keys a large sum of money to conceal one of her men in the church& so that she might know what Hakon an% his counsellors inten%e%. =hen she learnt what they ha% sai%& she sent a man to +ergen to her husban% 3rling Skakke& with the message that he shoul% ne7er trust Hakon or his men.

!9. $? $-)?4S .<2)C-3. <t ha''ene% at the battle of Stiklesta%& as before relate%& that King $laf threw from him the swor% calle% Hneiter when he recei7e% his woun%. ) Swe%ish man& who ha% broken his own swor%& took it u'& an% fought with it. =hen this man esca'e% with the other fugiti7es he came to S7ithBo%& an% went home to his house. ?rom that time he ke't the swor% all his %ays& an% afterwar%s his son& an% so relation after relationA an% when the swor% shifte% its owner& the one tol% to the other the name of the swor% an% where it came from. ) long time after& in the %ays of KirBalaD

the em'eror of Constantino'le& when there was a great bo%y of >arings in the town& it ha''ene% in the summer that the em'eror was on a cam'aign& an% lay in the cam' with his army. The >arings who ha% the guar%& an% watche% o7er the em'eror& lay on the o'en 'lain without the cam'. They change% the watch with each other in the night& an% those who ha% been before on watch lay %own an% sle'tA but all com'letely arme%. <t was their custom& when they went to slee'& that each shoul% ha7e his helmet on his hea%& his shiel% o7er him& swor% un%er the hea%& an% the right han% on the swor% han%le. $ne of these comra%es& whose lot it was to watch the latter 'art of the night& foun%& on awakening towar%s morning& that his swor% was gone. He looke% after it& an% saw it lying on the flat 'lain at a %istance from him. He got u' an% took the swor%& thinking that his comra%es who ha% been on watch ha% taken the swor% from him in a BokeA but they all %enie% it. The same thing ha''ene% three nights. Then he won%ere% at it& as well as they who saw or hear% of itA an% 'eo'le began to ask him how it coul% ha7e ha''ene%. He sai% that his swor% was calle% Hneiter& an% ha% belonge% to King $laf the Saint& who ha% himself carrie% it in the battle of Stiklesta%A an% he also relate% how the swor% since that time ha% gone from one to another. This was tol% to the em'eror& who calle% the man before him to whom the swor% belonge%& an% ga7e him three times as much gol% as the swor% was worthA an% the swor% itself he ha% lai% in Saint $laf4s church& which the >arings su''orte%& where it has been e7er since o7er the altar. There was a len%erman of Norway while Haral% ;ille4s sons& 3ystein& <nge& an% Sigur% li7e%& who was calle% 3in%ri%e @ngeA an% he was in Constantino'le when these e7ents took 'lace. He tol% these circumstances in Norway& accor%ing to what 3inar Skulason says in his song about King $laf the Saint& in which these e7ents are sung.

!1. $-)?4S .<2)C-3 <N ?)>$@2 $? TH3 >)2<N;S. <t ha''ene% once in the ;reek country& when KirBalaD was em'eror there& that he ma%e an eD'e%ition against +lokumannalan%. =hen he came to the 1eEina 'lains& a heathen king came against him with an innumerable host. He brought with him many horsemen& an% many large waggons& in which were large loo' holes for shooting through. =hen they 're'are% for their night Fuarters they %rew u' their waggons& one by the si%e of the other& without their tents& an% %ug a great %itch withoutA an% all which ma%e a %efence as strong as a castle. The heathen king was blin%. Now when the ;reek king came& the heathens %rew u' their array on the 'lains before their waggon fortification. The ;reeks %rew u' their array o''osite& an% they ro%e on both si%es to fight with each otherA but it went on so ill an% so unfortunately& that the ;reeks were com'elle% to fly after suffering a great %efeat& an% the heathens gaine% a 7ictory. Then the king %rew u' an array of ?ranks an% ?lemings& who ro%e against the heathens& an% fought with themA but it went with them as with the others& that many were kille%& an% all who esca'e% took to flight. Then the ;reek king was greatly incense% at his men at armsA an% they re'lie%& that he shoul% now take his wine bags& the >arings. The king says that he woul% not throw away his Bewels& an% allow so few

men& howe7er bol% they might be& to attack so 7ast an army. Then Thorer Helsifig& who at that time was lea%er of the >arings re'lie% to the king4s wor%s& 6<f there was burning fire in the way& < an% my 'eo'le woul% run into it& if < knew the king4s a%7antage reFuire% it.6 Then the king re'lie%& 6Call u'on your holy King $laf for hel' an% strength.6 The >arings& who were "(9 men& ma%e a 7ow with han% an% wor% to buil% a church in Constantino'le& at their own eD'ense an% with the ai% of other goo% men& an% ha7e the church consecrate% to the honour an% glory of the holy King $lafA an% thereu'on the >arings rushe% into the 'lain. =hen the heathens saw them& they tol% their king that there was another troo' of the ;reek king4s army come out u'on the 'lainA but they were only a han%ful of 'eo'le. The king says& 6=ho is that 7enerable man ri%ing on a white horse at the hea% of the troo'L6 They re'lie%& 6=e %o not see him.6 There was so great a %ifference of numbers& that there were siDty heathens for e7ery Christian manA but notwithstan%ing the >arings went bol%ly to the attack. )s soon as they met terror an% alarm seiEe% the army of the heathens& an% they instantly began to flyA but the >arings 'ursue%& an% soon kille% a great number of them. =hen the ;reeks an% ?ranks who before ha% fle% from the heathens saw this& they hastene% to take 'art& an% 'ursue the enemy with the others. Then the >arings ha% reache% the waggon fortification& where the greatest %efeat was gi7en to the enemy. The heathen king was taken in the flight of his 'eo'le& an% the >arings brought him along with themA after which the Christians took the cam' of the heathens& an% their waggon fortification.

.);N@S 32-<N;S$N4S S);). 123-<.<N)2C 23.)2KS. =ith this saga& which %escribes a series of conflicts& Snorre4s 6Heimskringla6 en%s. King 3ystein %ie% in 1177& but .agnus 3rlingson continue% to reign until his %eath in 118". The conflicts continue% until the o''osition 'arty was le% to 7ictory by King S7erre. The only skal% Fuote% is ThorbBorn Skakkaskal%.

1. $? .);N@S 32-<N;S$N4S +3;<NN<N;. =hen 3rling got certain intelligence of the %eterminations of Hakon an% his counsellors& he sent a message to all the chiefs who he knew ha% been stea%y frien%s of King <nge& an% also to his court men an% his retinue& who ha% sa7e% themsel7es by flight& an% also to all ;regorius4s house men& an% calle% them together to a meeting. =hen they met& an% con7erse% with each other& they resol7e% to kee' their men togetherA an% which resolution they confirme% by oath an% han% shake to each other. Then they consi%ere% whom they shoul% take to be king. 3rling Skakke first s'oke& an% inFuire% if it was the o'inion of the chiefs an% other

men of 'ower that Simon Skal'4s son& the son of the %aughter of King Haral% ;ille& shoul% be chosen king& an% Gon Halkelson be taken to lea% the armyA but Gon refuse% it. Then it was inFuire% if Nikolas Skial%7arson& a sister4s son of King .agnus +arefoot& woul% 'lace himself at the hea% of the armyA but he answere% thus5 <t was his o'inion that some one shoul% be chosen king who was of the royal raceA an%& for lea%er of the troo's& some one from whom hel' an% un%erstan%ing were to be looke% forA an% then it woul% be easier to gather an army. <t was now trie% whether )rne woul% let any of his sons& King <nge4s brothers& be 'roclaime% king. )rne re'lies& that Kristin4s son& she was the %aughter of King Sigur% the Crusa%er& was nearest by 'ro'inFuity of %escent to the crown of Norway. 6)n% here is also a man to be his a%7iser& an% whose %uty it is to take care of him an% of the king%omA an% that man is his father 3rling& who is both 'ru%ent& bra7e& eD'erience% in war& an% an able man in go7erning the king%omA he wants no ca'ability of bringing this counsel into effect& if luck be with him.6 .any thought well of this a%7ice. 3rling re'lie% to it& 6)s far as < can see or hear in this meeting& the most will rather be eDcuse% from taking u'on themsel7es such a %ifficult business. Now it a''ears to me altogether uncertain& 'ro7i%e% we begin this work& whether he who 'uts himself at the hea% of it will gain any honourA or whether matters will go as they ha7e %one before when any one un%ertakes such great things& that he loses all his 'ro'erty an% 'ossibly his life. +ut if this counsel be a%o'te%& there may be men who will un%ertake to carry it throughA but he who comes un%er such an obligation must seek& in e7ery way& to 're7ent any o''osition or enmity from those who are now in this council.6 )ll ga7e assurance that they woul% enter into this confe%eracy with 'erfect fi%elity. Then sai% 3rling& 6< can say for myself that it woul% almost be my %eath to ser7e King HakonA an% howe7er %angerous it may be& < will rather 7enture to a%o't your a%7ice& an% take u'on me to lea% this force& if that be the will& counsel& an% %esire of you all& an% if you will all bin% yoursel7es to this agreement by oath.6 To this they all agree%A an% in this meeting it was %etermine% to take 3rling4s son .agnus to be king. They afterwar%s hel% a Thing in the townA an% at this Thing .agnus 3rlingson& then fi7e years ol%& was electe% king of the whole country. )ll who ha% been ser7ants of King <nge went into his ser7ice& an% each of them retaine% the office an% %ignity he ha% hel% un%er King <nge ().*. 11/1#.

!. K<N; .);N@S ;$3S T$ *3N.)2K. 3rling Skakke ma%e himself rea%y to tra7el& fitte% out shi's& an% ha% with him King .agnus& together with the househol% men who were on the s'ot. <n this eD'e%ition were the king4s relati7es& )rneA <ngeri%& King <nge4s mother& with her two sonsA besi%es Gon KutiEa& a son of Sigur% Stork& an% 3rling4s house men& as well as those who ha% been ;regorius4s house menA an% they ha% in

all ten shi's. They went south to *enmark to King >al%emar an% +uriE Heinrekson& King <nge4s brother. King >al%emar was King .agnus4s bloo% relationA for <ngebBorg& mother of King >al%emar& an% .almfri%& mother of Kristin& King .agnus4s mother& were cousins. The *anish king recei7e% them hos'itably& an% he an% 3rling ha% 'ri7ate meetings an% consultations5 an% so much was known of their counsels& that King >al%emar was to ai% King .agnus with such hel' as might be reFuire% from his king%om to win an% retain Norway. $n the other han%& King >al%emar shoul% get that %omain in Norway which his ancestors Haral% ;ormson an% S7ein ?orke% bear% ha% 'ossesse%A namely& the whole of >iken as far north as 2ygiarbit. This agreement was confirme% by oath an% a fiDe% treaty. Then 3rling an% King .agnus ma%e themsel7es rea%y to lea7e *enmark& an% they saile% out of >en%ilskage.

:. +)TT-3 $? T@NS+32;. King Hakon went in s'ring& after the 3aster week& north to Thron%hBem& an% ha% with him the whole fleet that ha% belonge% to King <nge. He hel% a Thing there in the merchant town& an% was chosen king of the whole country. Then he ma%e Sigur% of 2eyr an earl& an% ga7e him an earl%om& an% afterwar%s 'rocee%e% southwar%s with his followers all the way to >iken. The king went to TunsbergA but sent 3arl Sigur% east to Konungahella& to %efen% the country with a 'art of the forces in case 3rling shoul% come from the south. 3rling an% his fleet came to )g%er& an% went straight north to +ergen& where they kille% )rne +rig%arskalle& King Hakon4s officer& an% came back imme%iately against King Hakon. 3arl Sigur%& who ha% not obser7e% the Bourney of 3rling an% his followers from the south& was at that time east in the ;aut ri7er& an% King Hakon was in Tunsberg. 3rling brought u' at Hrossanes& an% lay there some nights. <n the meantime King Hakon ma%e 're'arations in the town. =hen 3rling an% his fleet were coming u' to the town& they took a merchant 7essel& fille% it with woo% an% straw& an% set fire to itA an% the win% blowing right towar%s the town& %ro7e the 7essel against the 'iers. 3rling ha% two cables brought on boar% the 7essel& an% ma%e fast to two boats& an% ma%e them row along as the 7essel %ro7e. Now when the fire was come almost abreast of the town& those who were in the boats hel% back the 7essel by the ro'es& so that the town coul% not be set on fireA but so thick a smoke s'rea% from it o7er the town& that one coul% not see from the 'iers where the king4s array was. Then 3rling %rew the whole fleet in where the win% carrie% the fire& an% shot at the enemy. =hen the towns'eo'le saw that the fire was a''roaching their houses& an% many were woun%e% by the bowmen& they resol7e% to sen% the 'riest Hroal%& the long win%e% s'eaker& to 3rling& to beg him to s'are them an% the townA an% they %issol7e% the array in fa7our of Hakon& as soon as Hroal% tol% them their 'rayer was grante%. Now when the array of towns 'eo'le ha% %is'erse%& the men on the 'iers were much thinne%5 howe7er& some urge% Hakon4s men to make resistance5 but $nun% Simonson& who ha% most influence o7er the army& sai%& 6< will not fight for 3arl Sigur%4s earl%om& since he is not here himself.6 Then $nun% fle%& an% was followe% by all the 'eo'le& an% by the king

himselfA an% they hastene% u' the country. King Hakon lost many men hereA an% these 7erses were ma%e about it5 6$nun% %eclares he will not go <n battle 4gainst 3arl Sigur%4s foe& <f 3arl Sigur% %oes not come& +ut with his house men sits at home. King .agnus4 men rush u' the street& 3ager with Hakon4s troo' to meetA +ut Hakon4s war hawks& somewhat shy& Turn Fuick about& an% off they fly.6 ThorbBorn Skakkaskal% also sai%5 6The Tunsberg men woul% not be slow <n thy goo% cause to risk a blowA )n% well they knew the chief coul% stain The wol7es4 mouths on a battle 'lain. +ut the town cham'ion rather fears The shar' bright glance of le7elle% s'earsA Their steel cla% warrior lo7es no fight =here bowstring twangs& or fire flies bright.6 King Hakon then took the lan% roa% northwar%s to Thron%hBem. =hen 3arl Sigur% hear% of this& he 'rocee%e% with all the shi's he coul% get the seaway north war%s& to meet King Hakon there.

". $? 32-<N; )N* H)K$N. 3rling Skakke took all the shi's in Tunsberg belonging to King Hakon& an% there he also took the +aekisu%in which ha% belonge% to King <nge. Then 3rling 'rocee%e%& an% re%uce% the whole of >iken in obe%ience to King .agnus& an% also the whole country north wheresoe7er he a''eare% u' to +ergen& where he remaine% all winter. There 3rling kille% <ngebBorn Si'il& King Hakon4s len%erman of the north 'art of the ?Bor% %istrict. <n winter ().*. 11/!# King Hakon was in Thron%hBemA but in the following s'ring he or%ere% a le7y& an% 're'are% to go against 3rling. He ha% with him 3arl Sigur%& Gon S7einson& 3in%ri%e @nge& $nun% Simonson& 1hili' 1eterson& 1hili' ;yr%son& 2agn7al% Kunta& Sigur% Ka'a& Sigur% Hiu'a& ?rirek Keina& )sbBorn of ?orlan%& ThorbBorn& a son of ;unnar the treasurer& an% Stra%bBarne.

(. $? 32-<N;4S 13$1-3. 3rling was in +ergen with a great armament& an% resol7e% to lay a sailing 'rohibition on all the merchant 7essels which were going north to Ni%arosA for he knew that King Hakon woul% soon get ti%ings of him& if shi's were sailing between the towns. +esi%es& he ga7e out that it was better for +ergen to get the goo%s& e7en if the owners were oblige% to sell them chea'er than they wishe% than that they shoul% fall into the han%s of enemies an% thereby strengthen them. )n% now a great many 7essels were

assemble% at +ergen& for many arri7e% e7ery %ay& an% none were allowe% to go away. Then 3rling let some of the lightest of his 7essels be lai% ashore& an% s'rea% the re'ort that he woul% wait for Hakon& an%& with the hel' of his frien%s an% relations& o''ose the enemy there. He then one %ay calle% a meeting of the shi' masters& an% ga7e them an% all the merchant shi's an% their steersmen lea7e to go where they 'lease%. =hen the men who ha% charge of the cargoes& an% were all rea%y to sail away with their goo%s& some for tra%e& others on 7arious business& ha% got lea7e from 3rling Skakke to %e'art& there was a soft an% fa7ourable win% for sailing north along the coast. +efore the e7ening all who were rea%y ha% set sail& an% hastene% on as fast as they coul%& accor%ing to the s'ee% of their 7essels& the one 7ying with the other. =hen this fleet came north to .ore& Hakon4s fleet ha% arri7e% there before them5 an% he himself was there fully engage% in collecting 'eo'le& an% summoning to him the len%ermen& an% all liable to ser7e in the le7y& without ha7ing for a long time hear% any news from +ergen. Now& howe7er& they hear%& as the latest news& that 3rling Skakke ha% lai% his shi's u' in +ergen& an% there they woul% fin% himA an% also that he ha% a large force with him. King Hakon saile% from thence to >eey& an% sent away 3arl Sigur% an% $nun% Simonson to gather 'eo'le& an% sent men also to both the .ore %istricts. )fter King Hakon ha% remaine% a few %ays at the town he saile% farther& an% 'rocee%e% to the South& thinking that it woul% both 'romote his Bourney an% enable new le7ies to Boin him sooner. 3rling Skakke ha% gi7en lea7e on Sun%ay to all the merchant 7essels to lea7e +ergenA an% on Tues%ay& as soon as the early mass was o7er& he or%ere% the warhorns to soun%& summone% to him the men at arms an% the townsmen& an% let the shi's which were lai% u' on shore be %rawn %own into the water. Then 3rling hel% a House Thing with his men an% the 'eo'le of the le7yA tol% them his intentionsA name% shi' comman%ersA an% ha% the names calle% o7er of the men who were to be on boar% of the king4s shi'. This Thing en%e% with 3rling4s or%er to e7ery man to make himself rea%y in his berth where7er a 'lace was a''ointe% himA an% %eclare% that he who remaine% in the town after the +aekisu%in was haule% out& shoul% be 'unishe% by loss of life or limb. $rm& the king4s brother& lai% his shi's out in the harbour imme%iately that e7ening& an% many others& an% the greater number were afloat before.

/. $? 32-<N; SK)KK3. $n =e%nes%ay& before mass was sung in the town& 3rling saile% from +ergen with all his fleet& consisting of twenty one shi'sA an% there was a fresh breeEe for sailing northwar%s along the coast. 3rling ha% his son King .agnus with him& an% there were many len%ermen accom'anie% by the finest men. =hen 3rling came north& abreast of the ?Bor% %istrict& he sent a boat on shore to Gon Halkelson4s farm& an% took Nikolas& a son of Simon Skal' an% of .aria& Haral% ;ille4s %aughter& an% brought him out to the fleet& an% 'ut him on boar% the king4s shi'. $n ?ri%ay& imme%iately after matins& they saile% to Steina7ag& an% King

Hakon& with thirteen shi's& was lying in the harbour in the neighbourhoo%. He himself an% his men were u' at 'lay u'on the islan%& an% the len%ermen were sitting on the hill& when they saw a boat rowing from the south with two men in it& who were ben%ing back %ee' towar%s the keel& an% taking hasty strokes with their oars. =hen they came to the shore they %i% not belay the boat& but both ran from it. The great men seeing this& sai% to each other& 6These men must ha7e some news to tellA6 an% got u' to meet them. =hen they met& $nun% Simonson aske%& 6Ha7e ye any news of 3rling Skakke& that ye are running so fastL6 They answere%& as soon as they coul% get out the wor%s& for they ha% lost their breath& 6Here comes 3rling against you& sailing from the south& with twenty one shi's& or thereabouts& of which many are great enoughA an% now ye will soon see their sails.6 Then sai% 3in%ri%e @nge& 6Too near to the nose& sai% the 'easant& when his eye was knocke% out.6 They went in haste now to where the games were 'laying& an% imme%iately the war horns resoun%e%& an% with the battle call all the 'eo'le were gathere% %own to the shi's in the greatest haste. <t was Bust the time of %ay when their meat was nearly cooke%. )ll the men rushe% to the shi's& an% each ran on boar% the 7essel that was nearest to him& so that the shi's were uneFually manne%. Some took to the oarsA some raise% the masts& turne% the hea%s of the 7essels to the north& an% steere% for >eey& where they eD'ecte% much assistance from the towns.

7. ?)-- $? K<N; H)K$N. Soon after they saw the sails of 3rling4s fleet& an% both fleets came in sight of each other. 3in%ri%e @nge ha% a shi' calle% *raglaun& which was a large buss like long shi'& but which ha% but a small crewA for those who belonge% to her ha% run on boar% of other shi's& an% she was therefore the hin%most of Hakon4s fleet. =hen 3in%ri%e came abreast of the islan% Sek& the +aekisu%in& which 3rling Skakke himself comman%e%& came u' with herA an% these two shi's were boun% fast together. King Hakon an% his followers ha% arri7e% close to >eeyA but when they hear% the war horn they turne% again to assist 3in%ri%e. Now they began the battle on both si%es& as the 7essels came u'. .any of the sails lay mi%shi's across the 7esselsA an% the shi's were not ma%e fast to each other& but they lay si%e by si%e. The conflict was not long before there came %isor%er in Hakon4s shi'A an% some fell& an% others s'rang o7erboar%. Hakon threw o7er him a grey cloak& an% Bum'e% on boar% another shi'A but when he ha% been there a short time he thought he ha% got among his enemiesA an% when he looke% about him he saw none of his men nor of his shi's near him. Then he went into the +aekisu%in to the forecastle men& an% begge% his life. They took him in their kee'ing& an% ga7e him Fuarter. <n this conflict there was a great loss of 'eo'le& but 'rinci'ally of Hakon4s men. <n the +aekisu%in fell Nikolas& Simon Skal'4s sonA an% 3rling4s men are accuse% of ha7ing kille% him themsel7es. Then there was a 'ause in the

battle& an% the 7essels se'arate%. <t was now tol% to 3rling that Hakon was on boar% of his shi'A that the forecastle men ha% taken him& an% threatene% that they woul% %efen% him with arms. 3rling sent men forwar%s in the shi' to bring the forecastle men his or%ers to guar% Hakon well& so that he shoul% not get away. He at the same time let it be un%erstoo% that he ha% no obBection to gi7ing the king life an% safety& if the other chiefs were willing& an% a 'eace coul% be establishe%. )ll the forecastle men ga7e their chief great cre%it an% honour for these wor%s. Then 3rling or%ere% anew a blast of the war horns& an% that the shi's shoul% be attacke% which ha% not lost their menA saying that they woul% ne7er ha7e such another o''ortunity of a7enging King <nge. Thereu'on they all raise% a war shout& encourage% each other& an% rushe% to the assault. <n this tumult King Hakon recei7e% his %eath woun%. =hen his men knew he ha% fallen they rowe% with all their might against the enemy& threw away their shiel%s& slashe% with both han%s& an% care% not for life. This heat an% recklessness& howe7er& 'ro7e% soon a great loss to themA for 3rling4s men saw the un'rotecte% 'arts of their bo%ies& an% where their blows woul% ha7e effect. The greater 'art of Hakon4s men who remaine% fell hereA an% it was 'rinci'ally owing to the want of numbers& as they were not enough to %efen% themsel7es. They coul% not get Fuarter& also eDce'ting those whom the chiefs took un%er their 'rotection an% boun% themsel7es to 'ay ransom for. The following of Hakon4s 'eo'le fell5 Sigur% Ka'a& Sigur% Hiu'a& an% 2agn7al% KuntaA but some shi's crews got away& rowe% into the fBor%s& an% thus sa7e% their li7es. Hakon4s bo%y was carrie% to 2aums%al& an% burie% thereA but afterwar%s his brother& King S7erre& ha% the bo%y trans'orte% north to the merchant town Ni%aros& an% lai% in the stone wall of Christ church south of the choir.

8. ?-<;HT $? TH3 CH<3?S $? H)K$N4S .3N. 3arl Sigur%& 3in%ri%e @nge& $nun% Simonson& ?rirek Keina& an% other chiefs ke't the troo' together& left the shi's in 2aums%al& an% went u' to the @'lan%s. King .agnus an% his father 3rling saile% with their troo's north to Ni%aros in Thron%hBem& an% sub%ue% the country as they went along. 3rling calle% together an 3yra thing& at which King .agnus was 'roclaime% king of all Norway. 3rling& howe7er& remaine% there but a short timeA for he thought the Thron%hBem 'eo'le were not well affecte% towar%s him an% his son. King .agnus was then calle% king of the whole country. King Hakon ha% been a han%some man in a''earance& well grown& tall an% thinA but rather broa% shoul%ere%& on which account his men calle% him Her%ebrei%. )s he was young in years& his len%ermen rule% for him. He was cheerful an% frien%ly in con7ersation& 'layful an% youthful in his ways& an% was much like% by the 'eo'le.

9. $? K<N; S<;@2*4S +3;<NN<N;.

There was an @'lan% man calle% .arkus of Skog& who was a relation of 3arl Sigur%. .arkus brought u' a son of King Sigur% .un& who was also calle% Sigur%. This Sigur% was chosen king ().*. 11/!# by the @'lan% 'eo'le& by the a%7ice of 3arl Sigur% an% the other chiefs who ha% followe% King Hakon. They ha% now a great army& an% the troo's were %i7i%e% in two bo%iesA so that .arkus an% the king were less eD'ose% where there was anything to %o& an% 3arl Sigur% an% his troo'& along with the len%ermen& were most in the way of %anger. They went with their troo's mostly through the @'lan%s& an% sometimes eastwar%s to >iken. 3rling Skakke ha% his son King .agnus always with him& an% he ha% also the whole fleet an% the lan% %efence un%er him. He was a while in +ergen in autumnA but went from thence eastwar% to >iken& where he settle% in Tunsberg for his winter Fuarters ().*. 11/:#& an% collecte% in >iken all the taDes an% re7enues that belonge% to .agnus as kingA an% he ha% many an% 7ery fine troo's. )s 3arl Sigur% ha% but a small 'art of the country& an% ke't many men on foot& he soon was in want of moneyA an% where there was no chief in the neighbourhoo% he ha% to seek money by unlawful ways& sometimes by unfoun%e% accusations an% fines& sometimes by o'en robbery.

19. 3)2- S<;@2*4S C$N*3.N)T<$N. )t that time the realm of Norway was in great 'ros'erity. The bon%es were rich an% 'owerful& unaccustome% to hostilities or 7iolence& an% the o''ression of ro7ing troo'sA so that there was soon a great noise an% scan%al when they were %es'oile% an% robbe%. The 'eo'le of >iken were 7ery frien%ly to 3rling an% King .agnus& 'rinci'ally from the 'o'ularity of the late King <nge Haral%sonA for the >iken 'eo'le ha% always ser7e% un%er his banner. 3rling ke't a guar% in the town& an% twel7e men were on watch e7ery night. 3rling ha% Things regularly with the bon%es& at which the mis%ee%s of Sigur%4s 'eo'le were often talke% o7erA an% by the re'resentations of 3rling an% his a%herents& the bon%es were brought unanimously to consi%er that it woul% be a great goo% fortune if these ban%s shoul% be roote% out. )rne& the king4s relation& s'oke well an% long on this subBect& an% at last se7erelyA an% reFuire% that all who were at the Thing& men at arms& bon%es& towns men& an% merchants& shoul% come to the resolution to sentence accor%ing to law 3arl Sigur% an% all his troo'& an% %eli7er them to Satan& both li7ing an% %ea%. ?rom the animosity an% hatre% of the 'eo'le& this was agree% to by allA an% thus the unhear% of %ee% was a%o'te% an% confirme% by oath& as if a Bu%gment in the case was %eli7ere% there by the Thing accor%ing to law. The 'riest Hroal% the -ong win%e%& who was a 7ery eloFuent man& s'oke in the caseA but his s'eech was to the same 'ur'ose as that of others who ha% s'oken before. 3rling ga7e a feast at Cule in Tunsberg& an% 'ai% the wages of the men at arms at Can%lemas.

11. $? 32-<N;.

3arl Sigur% went with his best troo's %own to >iken& where many 'eo'le were oblige% to submit to his su'erior force& an% many ha% to 'ay money. He %ro7e about thus wi%ely higher u' the country& 'enetrating into %ifferent %istricts. +ut there were some in his troo' who %esire% 'ri7ately to make 'eace with 3rlingA but they got back the answer& that all who aske% for their li7es shoul% obtain Fuarter& but they only shoul% get lea7e to remain in the country who ha% not been guilty of any great offenses against 3rling. )n% when Sigur%4s a%herents hear% that they woul% not get lea7e to remain in the country& they hel% together in one bo%yA for there were many among them who knew for certain that 3rling woul% look u'on them as guilty of offences against him. 1hili' ;yr%son ma%e terms with 3rling& got his 'ro'erty back& an% went home to his farmA but soon after Sigur%4s men came there& an% kille% him. They committe% many crimes against each other& an% many men were slain in their mutual 'ersecutionA but here what was committe% by the chiefs only is written %own.

1!. 32-<N; ;3TS N3=S $? 3)2- S<;@2*. <t was in the beginning of -ent that news came to 3rling that 3arl Sigur% inten%e% to come u'on himA an% news of him came here an% there& sometimes nearer& sometimes farther off. 3rling sent out s'ies in all Fuarters aroun% to %isco7er where they were. 37ery e7ening he assemble% all the men at arms by the war horn out of the townA an% for a long time in the winter they lay un%er arms all night& rea%y to be %rawn u' in array. )t last 3rling got intelligence that Sigur% an% his followers were not far %istant& u' at the farm 2e. 3rling then began his eD'e%ition out of the town& an% took with him all the towns 'eo'le who were able to carry arms an% ha% arms& an% likewise all the merchantsA an% left only twel7e men behin% to kee' watch in the town. 3rling went out of the town on Thurs%ay afternoon& in the secon% week of -ent (?ebruary 19#A an% e7ery man ha% two %ays4 'ro7isions with him. They marche% by night& an% it was late before they got out of the town with the men. Two men were with each shiel% an% each horseA an% the 'eo'le& when mustere%& were about 1!99 men. =hen they met their s'ies& they were informe% that Sigur% was at 2e& in a house calle% 2afnnes& an% ha% (99 men. Then 3rling calle% together his 'eo'leA tol% them the news he ha% recei7e%& an% all were eager to hasten their march& fall on them in the houses& or engage them by night. 3rling re'lie% to them thus5 6<t is 'robable that we an% 3arl Sigur% shall soon meet. There are also many men in this ban% whose han%y work remains in our memoriesA such as cutting %own King <nge& an% so many more of our frien%s& that it woul% take long to reckon them u'. These %ee%s they %i% by the 'ower of Satan& by witchcraft& an% by 7illainyA for it stan%s in our laws an% country rights& that howe7er highly a man may ha7e been guilty& it shall be calle% 7illainy an% cowar%ly mur%er to kill him in the night. This ban% has ha% its luck hitherto by following the counsel of men acFuainte% with witchcraft an% fighting by night& an% not in the light of %ayA an% by this 'rocee%ing ha7e they been 7ictorious hitherto o7er the chiefs

whose hea%s they ha7e lai% low on the earth. Now we ha7e often seen& an% 'ro7e%& how unsuitable an% im'ro'er it is to go into battle in the nighttimeA therefore let us rather ha7e before our eyes the eDam'le of chiefs better known to us& an% who %eser7e better to be imitate%& an% fight by o'en %ay in regular battle array& an% not steal u'on slee'ing men in the night. =e ha7e 'eo'le enough against them& so few as they are. -et us& therefore& wait for %ay an% %aylight& an% kee' together in our array in case they attack us.6 Thereafter the whole army sat %own. Some o'ene% u' bun%les of hay& an% ma%e a be% of it for themsel7esA some sat u'on their shiel%s& an% thus waite% the %ay%awn. The weather was raw& an% there was a wet snow%rift.

1:. $? 3)2- S<;@2*4S +)TT-3 )22)C. 3arl Sigur% got the first intelligence of 3rling4s army& when it was alrea%y near to the house. His men got u'& an% arme% themsel7esA but not knowing how many men 3rling ha% with him& some were incline% to fly& but the most %etermine% to stan%. 3arl Sigur% was a man of un%erstan%ing& an% coul% talk well& but certainly was not consi%ere% bra7e enough to take a strong resolutionA an% in%ee% the earl showe% a great inclination to fly& for which he got many stinging wor%s from his men at arms. )s %ay %awne%& they began on both si%es to %raw u' their battle array. 3arl Sigur% 'lace% his men on the e%ge of a ri%ge between the ri7er an% the house& at a 'lace at which a little stream runs into the ri7er. 3rling an% his 'eo'le 'lace% their array on the other si%e of the ri7erA but at the back of his array were men on horseback well arme%& who ha% the king with them. =hen 3arl Sigur%4s men saw that there was so great a want of men on their si%e& they hel% a council& an% were for taking to the forest. +ut 3arl Sigur% sai%& 6Ce allege% that < ha% no courage& but it will now be 'ro7e%A an% let each of you take care not to fail& or fly& before < %o so. =e ha7e a goo% battle fiel%. -et them cross the bri%geA but as soon as the banner comes o7er it let us then rush %own the hill u'on them& an% none %esert his neighbour.6 3arl Sigur% ha% on a re% brown kirtle& an% a re% cloak& of which the corners were tie% an% turne% backA shoes on his feetA an% a shiel% an% swor% calle% +astar%. The earl sai%& 6;o% knows that < woul% rather get at 3rling Skakke with a stroke of +astar%& than recei7e much gol%.6

1". 3)2- S<;@2*4S ?)--. 3rling Skakke4s army wishe% to go on to the bri%geA but 3rling tol% them to go u' along the ri7er& which was small& an% not %ifficult to cross& as its banks were flatA an% they %i% so. 3arl Sigur%4s array 'rocee%e% u' along the ri%ge right o''osite to themA but as the ri%ge en%e%& an% the groun% was goo% an%

le7el o7er the ri7er& 3rling tol% his men to sing a 1aternoster& an% beg ;o% to gi7e them the 7ictory who best %eser7e% it. Then they all sang alou% 6Kyrie 3leison6& an% struck with their wea'ons on their shiel%s. +ut with this singing :99 men of 3rling4s 'eo'le sli''e% away an% fle%. Then 3rling an% his 'eo'le went across the ri7er& an% the earl4s men raise% the war shoutA but there was no assault from the ri%ge %own u'on 3rling4s array& but the battle began u'on the hill itself. They first use% s'ears then e%ge wea'onsA an% the earl4s banner soon retire% so far back& that 3rling an% his men scale% the ri%ge. The battle laste% but a short time before the earl4s men fle% to the forest& which they ha% close behin% them. This was tol% 3arl Sigur%& an% his men ba%e him flyA but he re'lie%& 6-et us on while we can.6 )n% his men went bra7ely on& an% cut %own on all si%es. <n this tumult fell 3arl Sigur% an% Gon S7einson& an% nearly siDty men. 3rling lost few men& an% 'ursue% the fugiti7es to the forest. There 3rling halte% his troo's& an% turne% back. He came Bust as the king4s sla7es were about stri''ing the clothes off 3arl Sigur%& who was not Fuite lifeless. He ha% 'ut his swor% in the sheath& an% it lay by his si%e. 3rling took it& struck the sla7es with it& an% %ro7e them away. Then 3rling& with his troo's& returne%& an% sat %own in Tunsberg. Se7en %ays after 3arl Sigur%4s fall 3rling4s men took 3in%ri%e @nge 'risoner& an% kille% him& with all his shi'4s crew.

1(. .)2K@S $? SK$;& )N* S<;@2* S<;@2*S$N. .arkus of Skog& an% King Sigur%& his foster son& ro%e %own to >iken towar%s s'ring& an% there got a shi'A but when 3rling hear% it he went eastwar%s against them& an% they met at Konungahella. .arkus fle% with his followers to the islan% HisingA an% there the country 'eo'le of Hising came %own in swarms& an% 'lace% themsel7es in .arkus4s an% Sigur%4s array. 3rling an% his men rowe% to the shoreA but .arkus4s men shot at them. Then 3rling sai% to his 'eo'le& 6-et us take their shi's& but not go u' to fight with a lan% force. The Hisingers are a ba% set to Fuarrel with& har%& an% without un%erstan%ing. They will kee' this troo' but a little while among them& for Hising is but a small s'ot.6 This was %one5 they took the shi's& an% brought them o7er to Konungahella. .arkus an% his men went u' to the forest %istrict& from which they inten%e% to make assaults& an% they ha% s'ies out on both si%es. 3rling ha% many men at arms with him& whom he brought from other %istricts& an% they ma%e attacks on each other in turn.

1/. +3;<NN<N; $? )2CH+<SH$1 3CST3<N. 3ystein& a son of 3rlen% Himai%e& was selecte% to be archbisho'& after )rchbisho' Gon4s %eathA an% he was consecrate% the same year King <nge was kille%. Now when )rchbisho' 3ystein came to his see& he ma%e himself belo7e% by all the country& as an eDcellent acti7e man of high birth. The Thron%hBem 'eo'le& in 'articular& recei7e% him with 'leasureA for most of the great

'eo'le in the Thron%hBem %istrict were connecte% with the archbisho' by relationshi' or other connection& an% all were his frien%s. The archbisho' brought forwar% a reFuest to the bon%es in a s'eech& in which he set forth the great want of money for the see& an% also how much greater im'ro7ement of the re7enues woul% be necessary to maintain it suitably& as it was now of much more im'ortance than formerly when the bisho'4s see was first establishe%. He reFueste% of the bon%es that they shoul% gi7e him& for %etermining law suits& an ore of sil7er 7alue& instea% of what they ha% before 'ai%& which was an ore of Bu%gment money& of that kin% which was 'ai% to the king in Bu%ging casesA an% the %ifference between the two kin%s of ore was& that the ore he %esire% was a half greater than the other. +y hel' of the archbisho'4s relations an% frien%s& an% his own acti7ity& this was carrie%A an% it was fiDe% by law in all the Thron%hBem %istrict& an% in all the %istricts belonging to his archbisho'ric.

17. $? .)2K@S )N* K<N; S<;@2*. =hen Sigur% an% .arkus lost their shi's in the ;aut ri7er& an% saw they coul% get no hol% on 3rling& they went to the @'lan%s& an% 'rocee%e% by lan% north to Thron%hBem. Sigur% was recei7e% there Boyfully& an% chosen king at an 3yra thingA an% many gallant men& with their sons& attache% themsel7es to his 'arty. They fitte% out shi's& rigge% them for a 7oyage& an% 'rocee%e% when summer came southwar%s to .ore& an% took u' all the royal re7enues wheresoe7er they came. )t this time the following len%ermen were a''ointe% in +ergen for the %efence of the country5 Nikolas Sigur%son& Nok7e 1alson& an% se7eral military lea%ersA as Thorolf *ryl& ThorbBorn ;Bal%kere& an% many others. )s .arkus an% Sigur% saile% south& they hear% that 3rling4s men were numerous in +ergenA an% therefore they saile% outsi%e the coast rocks& an% southwar%s 'ast +ergen. <t was generally remarke%& that .arkus4s men always got a fair win%& where7er they wishe% to sail to.

18. .)2K@S )N* K<N; S<;@2* K<--3*. )s soon as 3rling Skakke hear% that Sigur% an% .arkus ha% saile% southwar%s& he hastene% to >iken& an% %rew together an arme% forceA an% he soon ha% a great many men& an% many stout shi's. +ut when he came farther in >iken& he met with a strong contrary win%& which ke't him there in 'ort the whole summer. Now when Sigur% an% .arkus came east to -ister& they hear% that 3rling ha% a great force in >ikenA so they turne% to the north again. +ut when they reache% Hor%alan%& with the intention of sailing to +ergen& an% came o''osite the town& Nikolas an% his men rowe% out against them& with more men an% larger shi's than they ha%. Sigur% an% .arkus saw no other way of esca'ing but to row away southwar%s. Some of them went out to sea& others got south to the soun%& an% some got into the ?Bor%s. .arkus& an% some 'eo'le with him& s'rang u'on an isle calle% Skar'a. Nikolas an% his men

took their shi's& ga7e Gon Halkelson an% a few others Fuarter& but kille% the most of them they coul% get hol% of. Some %ays after 3in%ri%e Hei%afylBa foun% Sigur% an% .arkus& an% they were brought to +ergen. Sigur% was behea%e% outsi%e of ;raf%al& an% .arkus an% another man were hange% at H7arfsnes. This took 'lace on .ichaelmas %ay (Se'tember !9& 11/:#& an% the ban% which ha% followe% them was %is'erse%.

19. 32-<N; )N* TH3 13$1-3 $? H<S<N; <S-3. ?rirek Keina an% +Barne the +a%& $nun% Simonson an% $rnolf Skor'a ha% rowe% out to sea with some shi's& an% saile% outsi%e along the lan% to the east. =heresoe7er they came to the lan% they 'lun%ere%& an% kille% 3rling4s frien%s. Now when 3rling hear% that Sigur% an% .arkus were kille%& he ga7e lea7e to the len%ermen an% 'eo'le of the le7y to return homeA but he himself& with his men& set his course eastwar% across the ?ol%en fBor%& for he hear% of .arkus4s men there. 3rling saile% to Konungahella& where he remaine% the autumnA an% in the first week of winter 3rling went out to the islan% Hising with his men& an% calle% the bon%es to a Thing. =hen the Hising 'eo'le came to the Thing& 3rling lai% his law suit against them for ha7ing Boine% the ban%s of Sigur% an% .arkus& an% ha7ing raise% men against him. )ssur was the name of one of the greatest of the bon%es on the islan%& an% he answere% 3rling on account of the others. The Thing was long assemble%A but at the close the bon%es ga7e the case into 3rling4s own 'ower& an% he a''ointe% a meeting in the town within one week& an% name% fifteen bon%es who shoul% a''ear there. =hen they came& he con%emne% them to 'ay a 'enalty of :99 hea% of cattleA an% the bon%es returne% home ill 'lease% at this sentence. Soon after the ;aut ri7er was froEen& an% 3rling4s shi's were fast in the iceA an% the bon%es ke't back the mulct& an% lay assemble% for some time. 3rling ma%e a Cule feast in the townA but the Hising 'eo'le ha% Boint feasts with each other& an% ke't un%er arms %uring Cule. The night after the fifth %ay of Cule 3rling went u' to Hising& surroun%e% )ssur4s house& an% burnt him in it. He kille% one hun%re% men in all& burnt three houses& an% then returne% to Konungahella. The bon%es came then& accor%ing to agreement& to 'ay the mulct.

!9. *3)TH $? ?2<23K K3<N) )N* +G)2N3. 3rling Skakke ma%e rea%y to sail in s'ring as soon as he coul% get his shi's afloat for ice& an% saile% from KonungahellaA for he hear% that those who ha% formerly been .arkus4s frien%s were marau%ing in the north of >iken. 3rling sent out s'ies to learn their %oings& searche% for them& an% foun% them lying in a harbour. $nun% Simonson an% $rnolf Skor'a esca'e%& but ?rirek Keina an% +Barne the +a% were taken& an% many of their followers were kille%. 3rling ha% ?rirek boun% to an anchor an% thrown o7erboar%A an% for that %ee% 3rling was much %eteste% in the Thron%hBem country& for the most 'owerful men there were relati7es of ?rirek. 3rling or%ere% +Barne the +a% to be hange%A

an% he uttere%& accor%ing to his custom& many %rea%ful im'recations %uring his eDecution. ThorbBorn Skakkaskal% tells of this business5 63ast of the ?Bor% beyon% the lan%& @nnotice% by the 'irate ban%& 3rling stole on them ere they knew& )n% seiEe% an% kille% all Keina4s crew. Keina& fast to an anchor boun%& =as thrown into the %ee' blue Soun%A )n% +Barne swung high on gallows tree& ) sight all goo% men lo7e% to see.6 $nun% an% $rnolf& with the ban% that ha% esca'e%& fle% to *enmarkA but were sometimes in ;autlan%& or in >iken.

!1. C$N?323NC3 +3T=33N 32-<N; )N* 3CST3<N. 3rling Skakke saile% after this to Tunsberg& an% remaine% there 7ery long in s'ring ().*. 11/"#A but when summer came he 'rocee%e% north to +ergen& where at that time a great many 'eo'le were assemble%. There was the legate from 2ome& Ste'hanusA the )rchbisho' 3ystein& an% other bisho's of the country. There was also +isho' +ran%& who was consecrate% bisho' of <celan%& an% Gon -o'tson& a %aughter4s son of King .agnus +arefootA an% on this occasion King .agnus an% Gon4s other relations acknowle%ge% the relationshi' with him. )rchbisho' 3ystein an% 3rling Skakke often con7erse% together in 'ri7ateA an%& among other things& 3rling aske% one %ay& 6<s it true& sir& what 'eo'le tell me& that you ha7e raise% the 7alue of the ore u'on the 'eo'le north in Thron%hBem& in the law cases in which money fees are 'ai% you L6 6<t is so&6 sai% the archbisho'& 6that the bon%es ha7e allowe% me an a%7ance on the ore of law casualtiesA but they %i% it willingly& an% without any kin% of com'ulsion& an% ha7e thereby a%%e% to their honour for ;o% an% the income of the bisho'ric.6 3rling re'lies& 6<s this accor%ing to the law of the holy $lafL or ha7e you gone to work more arbitrarily in this than is written %own in the lawbookL6 The archbisho' re'lies& 6King $laf the Holy fiDe% the laws& to which he recei7e% the consent an% affirmati7e of the 'eo'leA but it will not be foun% in his laws that it is forbi%%en to increase ;o%4s right.6 3rling5 6<f you augment your right& you must assist us to augment as much the king4s right.6 The archbisho'5 6Thou hast alrea%y augmente% enough thy son4s 'ower an% %ominionA an% if < ha7e eDcee%e% the law in taking an increase of the ore from the Thron%hBem 'eo'le& it is& < think& a much greater breach of the law that one is king o7er the country

who is not a king4s son& an% which has neither any su''ort in the law& nor in any 'rece%ent here in the country.6 3rling5 6=hen .agnus was chosen king& it was %one with your knowle%ge an% consent& an% also of all the other bisho's here in the country.6 )rchbisho'5 6Cou 'romise% then& 3rling& that 'ro7i%e% we ga7e our consent to electing .agnus king& you woul%& on all occasions& an% with all your 'ower& strengthen ;o%4s rights.6 3rling5 6< may well a%mit that < ha7e 'romise% to 'reser7e an% strengthen ;o%4s comman%s an% the laws of the lan% with all my 'ower& an% with the king4s strengthA an% now < consi%er it to be much more a%7isable& instea% of accusing each other of a breach of our 'romises& to hol% firmly by the agreement entere% into between us. *o you strengthen .agnus in his %ominion& accor%ing to what you ha7e 'romise%A an% < will& on my 'art& strengthen your 'ower in all that can be of a%7antage or honour.6 The con7ersation now took a more frien%ly turnA an% 3rling sai%& 6)lthough .agnus was not chosen king accor%ing to what has been the ol% custom of this country& yet can you with your 'ower gi7e him consecration as king& as ;o%4s law 'rescribes& by anointing the king to so7ereigntyA an% although < be neither a king& nor of kingly race& yet most of the kings& within my recollection& ha7e not known the laws or the constitution of the country so well as < %o. +esi%es& the mother of King .agnus is the %aughter of a king an% Fueen born in lawful we%lock& an% .agnus is son of a Fueen an% a lawfully marrie% wife. Now if you will gi7e him royal consecration& no man can take royalty from him. =illiam +astar% was not a king4s sonA but he was consecrate% an% crowne% king of 3nglan%& an% the royalty in 3nglan% has e7er since remaine% with his race& an% all ha7e been crowne%. S7ein @lfson was not a king4s son in *enmark& an% still he was a crowne% king& an% his sons likewise& an% all his %escen%ants ha7e been crowne% kings. Now we ha7e here in Norway an archie'isco'al seat& to the glory an% honour of the countryA let us also ha7e a crowne% king& as well as the *anes an% 3nglishmen.6 3rling an% the archbisho' afterwar%s talke% often of this matter& an% they were Fuite agree%. Then the archbisho' brought the business before the legate& an% got him easily 'ersua%e% to gi7e his consent. Thereafter the archbisho' calle% together the bisho's& an% other learne% men& an% eD'laine% the subBect to them. They all re'lie% in the same terms& that they woul% follow the counsels of the archbisho'& an% all were eager to 'romote the consecration as soon as the archbisho' 'lease%.

!!. K<N; .);N@S4S C$NS3C2)T<$N. 3rling Skakke then ha% a great feast 're'are% in the king4s house. The large hall was co7ere% with costly cloth an% ta'estry& an% a%orne% with great eD'ense. The court men an% all the atten%ants were there entertaine%& an% there were numerous

guests& an% many chiefs. Then King .agnus recei7e% the royal consecration from the )rchbisho' 3ysteinA an% at the consecration there were fi7e other bisho's an% the legate& besi%es a number of other clergy. 3rling Skakke& an% with him twel7e other len%ermen& a%ministere% to the king the oath of the lawA an% the %ay of the consecration the king an% 3rling ha% the legate& the archbisho'& an% all the other bisho's as guestsA an% the feast was eDcee%ingly magnificent& an% the father an% son %istribute% many great 'resents. King .agnus was then eight years of age& an% ha% been king for three years.

!:. K<N; >)-*3.)24S 3.+)SSC. =hen the *anish king >al%emar hear% the news from Norway that .agnus was become king of the whole country& an% all the other 'arties in the country were roote% out& he sent his men with a letter to King .agnus an% 3rling& an% remin%e% them of the agreement which 3rling ha% entere% into& un%er oath& with King >al%emar& of which we ha7e s'oken beforeA namely& that >iken from the east to 2ygiarbit shoul% be ce%e% to King >al%emar& if .agnus became the sole king of Norway. =hen the ambassa%ors came forwar% an% showe% 3rling the letter of the *anish king& an% he hear% the *anish king4s %eman% u'on Norway& he lai% it before the other chiefs by whose counsels he usually co7ere% his acts. )ll& as one man& re'lie% that the *anes shoul% ne7er hol% the slightest 'ortion of NorwayA for ne7er ha% things been worse in the lan% than when the *anes ha% 'ower in it. The ambassa%ors of the *anish king were urgent with 3rling for an answer& an% %esire% to ha7e it %eci%e%A but 3rling begge% them to 'rocee% with him east to >iken& an% sai% he woul% gi7e his final answer when he ha% met with the men of most un%erstan%ing an% influence in >iken.

!". 32-<N; )N* TH3 13$1-3 $? ><K3N. 3rling Skakke 'rocee%e% in autumn to >iken& an% staye% in Tunsberg& from whence he sent 'eo'le to Sar'sborg to summon a Thing (1# of four %istrictsA an% then 3rling went there with his 'eo'le. =hen the Thing was seate% 3rling ma%e a s'eech in which he eD'laine% the resolutions which ha% been settle% u'on between him an% the *anish king& the first time he collecte% troo's against his enemies. 6< will&6 sai% 3rling& 6kee' faithfully the agreement which we then entere% into with the king& if it be your will an% consent& bon%es& rather to ser7e the *anish king than the king who is now consecrate% an% crowne% king of this country.6 The bon%es re'lie% thus to 3rling4s s'eech5 6Ne7er will we become the *anish king4s men& as long as one of us >iken men is in life.6 )n% the whole assembly& with shouts an% cries& calle% on 3rling to kee' the oath he ha% taken to %efen% his son4s

%ominions& 6shoul% we e7en all follow thee to battle.6 the Thing was %issol7e%.

)n% so

The ambassa%ors of the *anish king then returne% home& an% tol% the issue of their erran%. The *anes abuse% 3rling& an% all Northmen& an% %eclare% that e7il only 'rocee%e% from themA an% the re'ort was s'rea%& that in S'ring the *anish king woul% sen% out an army an% lay waste Norway. 3rling returne% in autumn north to +ergen& staye% there all winter& an% ga7e their 'ay to his 'eo'le. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# This reference to a Thing of the 'eo'le in the affairs of the country is a striking eDam'le of the right of the Things being recognise%& in theory at least& as fully as the right of our 'arliaments in later times. -.

!(. -3TT32S $? TH3 TH2$N*HG3. 13$1-3. The same winter ().*. 11/(# some *anish 'eo'le came by lan% through the @'lan%s& saying they were to go& as was then the general 'ractice& to the holy King $laf4s festi7al. +ut when they came to the Thron%hBem country& they went to many men of influence& an% tol% their businessA which was& that the *anish king ha% sent them to %esire their frien%shi'& an% consent& if he came to the country& 'romising them both 'ower an% money. =ith this 7erbal message came also the *anish king4s letter an% seal& an% a message to the Thron%hBem 'eo'le that they shoul% sen% back their letters an% seals to him. They %i% so& an% the most of them recei7e% well the *anish king4s messageA whereu'on the messengers returne% back towar%s -ent. 3rling was in +ergenA an% towar%s s'ring 3rling4s frien%s tol% him the loose re'orts they ha% hear% by some merchant 7essels that ha% arri7e% from Thron%hBem& that the Thron%hBem 'eo'le were in hostility o'enly against himA an% ha% %eclare% that if 3rling came to Thron%hBem& he shoul% ne7er 'ass )g%anes in life. 3rling sai% this was mere folly an% i%le talk. 3rling now ma%e it known that he woul% go to @narheim to the ;ang%ag thingA an% or%ere% a cutter of twenty rowing benches to be fitte% out& a boat of fifteen benches& an% a 'ro7ision shi'. =hen the 7essels were rea%y& there came a strong southerly gale. $n the Thurs%ay of the )scension week& 3rling calle% his 'eo'le by soun% of trum'et to their %e'artureA but the men were loath to lea7e the town& an% were ill incline% to row against the win%. 3rling brought his 7essels to +isku'shafn. 6=ell&6 sai% 3rling& 6since ye are so unwilling to row against the win%& raise the mast& hoist the sails& an% let the shi' go north.6 They %i% so& an% saile% northwar%s both %ay an% night. $n =e%nes%ay& in the e7ening& they saile% in 'ast )g%anes& where they foun% a fleet assemble% of many merchant 7essels& rowing craft& an% boats& all going towar%s the town to the celebration of the festi7al& some before them& some behin% them so that the towns'eo'le 'ai% no attention to the long shi's coming.

!/. 32-<N; )N* TH3 13$1-3 $? TH2$N*HG3.. 3rling came to the town Bust as 7es'ers was being sung in Christ church. He an% his men ran into the town& to where it was tol% them that the len%erman& )lf 2o%e& a son of $ttar +irting& was still sitting at table& an% %rinking with his men. 3rling fell u'on themA an% )lf was kille%& with almost all his men. ?ew other men were kille%A for they ha% almost all gone to church& as this was the night before Christ4s )scension %ay. <n the morning early& 3rling calle% all the 'eo'le by soun% of trum'et to a Thing out u'on 37rar. )t the Thing 3rling lai% a charge against the Thron%hBem 'eo'le& accusing them of inten%ing to betray the country& an% take it from the kingA an% name% +ar% Stan%ale& 1al )n%reason& an% 2aEabar%& who then 'resi%e% o7er the town4s affairs& an% many others. They& in their %efence& %enie% the accusationA but 3rling4s writer stoo% u'& 'ro%uce% many letters with seals& an% aske% if they acknowle%ge% their seals which they ha% sent to the *anish kingA an% thereu'on the letters were rea%. There was also a *anish man with 3rling who ha% gone with the letters in winter& an% whom 3rling for that 'ur'ose ha% taken into his ser7ice. He tol% to these men the 7ery wor%s which each of them ha% use%. 6)n% you& 2aEabar%& s'oke& striking your breastA an% the 7ery wor%s you use% were& I$ut of this breast are all these counsels 'ro%uce%.46 +ar% re'lie%& 6< was wrong in the hea%& sirs& when < s'oke so.6 There was now nothing to be %one but to submit the case entirely to the sentence 3rling might gi7e u'on it. He took great sums of money from many as fines& an% con%emne% all those who ha% been kille% as lawless& an% their %ee%s as lawlessA making their %eaths thereby not subBect to mulct. Then 3rling returne% south to +ergen.

!7. K<N; >)-*3.)24S 3N13*<T<$N T$ N$2=)C. The *anish king >al%emar assemble% in s'ring ().*. 11/(# a great army& an% 'rocee%e% with it north to >iken. )s soon as he reache% the %ominions of the king of Norway& the bon%es assemble% in a great multitu%e. The king a%7ance% 'eacefullyA but when they came to the mainlan%& the 'eo'le shot at them e7en when there were only two or three together& from which the ill will of the country 'eo'le towar%s them was e7i%ent. =hen they came to Tunsberg& King >al%emar summone% a Hauga thingA but nobo%y atten%e% it from the country 'arts. Then >al%emar s'oke thus to his troo's5 6<t is e7i%ent that all the country 'eo'le are against usA an% now we ha7e two things to choose5 the one to go through the country& swor% in han%& s'aring neither man nor beastA the other is to go back without effecting our obBect. )n% it is more my inclination to go with the army to the 3ast against the heathens& of whom we ha7e enough before us in the 3ast country& than to kill Christian 'eo'le here& although they ha7e well %eser7e% it.6 )ll the others ha% a greater %esire for a forayA but the king rule%& an% they all returne% back to *enmark without effecting their 'ur'ose. They 'illage%& howe7er& all aroun% in the %istant islan%s& or where the king was not in the neighbourhoo%. They then returne% south to *enmark without %oing

anything.

!8. 32-<N;4S 3N13*<T<$N T$ G@T-)N*. )s soon as 3rling hear% that a *anish force ha% come to >iken& he or%ere% a le7y through all the lan%& both of men an% shi's& so that there was a great assemblage of men in armsA an% with this force he 'rocee%e% eastwar% along the coast. +ut when he came to -i%an%isnes& he hear% that the *anish army ha% returne% south to *enmark& after 'lun%ering all aroun% them in >iken. Then 3rling ga7e all the 'eo'le of the le7y 'ermission to return homeA but he himself an% some len%ermen& with many 7essels& saile% to Gutlan% after the *anes. =hen they came to a 'lace calle% *yrsa& the *anes who ha% returne% from the eD'e%ition lay there with many shi's. 3rling ga7e them battle& an% there was a fight& in which the *anes soon fle% with the loss of many 'eo'leA an% 3rling an% his men 'lun%ere% the shi's an% the town& an% ma%e a great booty& with which they returne% to Norway. Thereafter& for a time& there was hostility between Norway an% *enmark.

!9. 32-<N;4S 3N13*<T<$N T$ *3N.)2K. The 'rincess Krisfin went south in autumn ().*. 11/(# to *enmark& to 7isit her relation King >al%emar& who was her cousin. The king recei7e% her kin%ly& an% ga7e her fiefs in his king%om& so that she coul% su''ort her househol% well. She often con7erse% with the king& who was remarkably kin% towar%s her. <n the s'ring following ().*. 11//# Kristin sent to 3rling& an% begge% him to 'ay a 7isit to the *anish king& an% enter into a 'eace with him. <n summer 3rling was in >iken& where he fitte% out a long shi'& manne% it with his finest la%s& an% saile% (a single shi'# o7er to Gutlan%. =hen he hear% that the *anish king >al%emar was in 2an%aros& 3rling saile% thither& an% came to the town Bust as the king sat at the %inner table& an% most of the 'eo'le were taking their meal. =hen his 'eo'le ha% ma%e themsel7es rea%y accor%ing to 3rling4s or%ers& set u' the shi' tents& an% ma%e fast the shi'& 3rling lan%e% with twel7e men& all in armour& with hats o7er their helmets& an% swor%s un%er their cloaks. They went to the king4s lo%ging& where the %oors stoo% o'en& an% the %ishes were being carrie% in. 3rling an% his 'eo'le went in imme%iately& an% %rew u' in front of the high seat. 3rling sai%& 61eace an% safe con%uct we %esire& king& both here an% to return home.6 The king looke% at him& an% sai%& 6)rt thou here& 3rlingL6 He re'lies& 6Here is 3rlingA an% tell us& at once& if we shall ha7e 'eace an% safe con%uct.6 There were eighty of the king4s men in the room& but all unarme%. The king re'lies& 61eace ye shall ha7e& 3rling& accor%ing to thy %esireA for < will not use force or 7illainy against a man who comes to 7isit me.6

3rling then kisse% the king4s han%& went out& an% %own to his shi'. 3rling staye% at 2an%aros some time with the king& an% they talke% about terms of 'eace between them an% between the countries. They agree% that 3rling shoul% remain as hostage with the *anish kingA an% that )sbBorn Snara& +isho' )bsalon4s brother& shoul% go to Norway as hostage on the other 'art.

:9. K<N; >)-*3.)2 )N* 32-<N;. <n a conference which King >al%emar an% 3rling once ha% together. 3rling sai%& 6Sire& it a''ears to me likely that it might lea% to a 'eace between the countries if you got that 'art of Norway which was 'romise% you in our agreementA but if it shoul% be so& what chief woul% you 'lace o7er itL =oul% he be a *aneL6 6No&6 re'lie% the kingA 6no *anish chief woul% go to Norway& where he woul% ha7e to manage an obstinate har% 'eo'le& when he has it so easy here with me.6 3rling5 6<t was on that 7ery consi%eration that < came hereA for < woul% not on any account in the worl% %e'ri7e myself of the a%7antage of your frien%shi'. <n %ays of ol% other men& Hakon <7arson an% ?in )rnason& came also from Norway to *enmark& an% your 're%ecessor& King S7ein& ma%e them both earls. Now < am not a man of less 'ower in Norway than they were then& an% my influence is not less than theirsA an% the king ga7e them the 'ro7ince of Hallan% to rule o7er& which he himself ha% an% owne% before. Now it a''ears to me& sire& that you& if < become your man an% 7assal& can allow me to hol% of you the fief which my son .agnus will not %eny me& by which < will be boun% in %uty& an% rea%y& to un%ertake all the ser7ice belonging to that title.6 3rling s'oke such things& an% much more in the same strain& until it came at last to this& that 3rling became >al%emar4s man an% 7assalA an% the king le% 3rling to the earl4s seat one %ay& an% ga7e him the title of earl& an% >iken as a fief un%er his rule. 3arl 3rling went thereafter to Norway& an% was earl afterwar%s as long as he li7e%A an% also the 'eace with the *anish king was afterwar%s always 'reser7e%. 3arl 3rling ha% four sons by his concubines. The one was calle% Hrei%ar& the neDt $gmun%A an% these by two %ifferent mothers5 the thir% was calle% ?inA the fourth Sigur%5 these were younger& an% their mother was )sa the ?air. The 'rincess Kristin an% 3arl 3rling ha% a %aughter calle% 2agnhil%& who was marrie% to Gon Thorbergson of 2an%aberg. Kristin went away from the country with a man calle% ;rim 2usleA an% they went to Constantino'le& where they were for a time& an% ha% some chil%ren.

:1. +3;<NN<N; $? $-)?. $laf& a son of ;u%bran% Skafhaug& an% .aria& a %aughter of King 3ystein .agnuson& were brought u' in the house of Sigur% )gnhot

in the @'lan%s. =hile 3arl 3rling was in *enmark ().*. 11//#& $laf an% his foster father gathere% a troo' together& an% many @'lan% 'eo'le Boine% themA an% $laf was chosen king by them. They went with their ban%s through the @'lan%s& an% sometimes %own to >iken& an% sometimes east to the forest settlementsA but ne7er came on boar% of shi's. Now when& 3arl 3rling got news of this troo'& he hastene% to >iken with his forcesA an% was there in summer in his shi's& an% in $slo in autumn ().*. 11/7# an% ke't Cule there. He ha% s'ies u' the country after this troo'& an% went himself& along with $rm& the King brother& u' the country to follow them. Now when they came to a lake calle%.... .... (1# they took all the 7essels that were u'on the lake. 3N*N$T3S5 (1# The name of the lake not gi7en.

:!. $? 32-<N;. The 'riest who 'erforme% %i7ine ser7ice at a 'lace calle% 2y%iokul& close by the lake& in7ite% the earl to a feast at Can%lemas. The earl 'romise% to comeA an% thinking it woul% be goo% to hear mass there& he rowe% with his atten%ants o7er the lake the night before Can%lemas %ay. +ut the 'riest ha% another 'lan on han%. He sent men to bring $laf news of 3arl 3rling4s arri7al. The 'riest ga7e 3rling strong %rink in the e7ening& an% let him ha7e an eDcessi7e Fuantity of it. =hen the earl wishe% to lie %own an% slee'& the be%s were ma%e rea%y in the %rinking roomA but when they ha% sle't a short time the earl awoke& an% aske% if it was not the hour for matins. The 'riest re'lie%& that only a small 'art of the night was gone& an% tol% him to slee' in 'eace. The earl re'lie%& 6< %ream of many things to night& an% < slee' ill.6 He slumbere% again& but awoke soon& an% tol% the 'riest to get u' an% sing mass. The 'riest tol% the earl to slee'& an% sai% it was but mi%night. Then the earl again lay %own& sle't a little while& an%& s'ringing out of be%& or%ere% his men to 'ut on their clothes. They %i% soA took their wea'ons& went to the church& an% lai% their arms outsi%e while the 'riest was singing matins.

::. +)TT-3 )T 2C*<$K@-. )s $laf got the message in the e7ening& they tra7elle% in the night siD miles& which 'eo'le consi%ere% an eDtraor%inarily long march. They arri7e% at 2y%iokul while the 'riest was still singing mass& an% it was 'itch %ark. $laf an% his men went into the room& raise% a war shout& an% kille% some of the earl4s men who ha% not gone to the early mass. Now when 3rling an% his men hear% the war shout& they ran to their wea'ons& an% hastene% %own to their shi's. $laf an% his men met them at a fence& at which there was a shar' conflict. 3rling an% his men retreate% along the fence& which 'rotecte% them. 3rling ha% far fewer men& an% many of them ha% fallen& an% still more were woun%e%. =hat

hel'e% 3arl 3rling an% his men the most was& that $laf4s men coul% not %istinguish them& it was so %arkA an% the earl4s men were always %rawing %own to their shi's. )re Thorgeirson& father of +isho' ;u%mun% fell there& an% many other of 3rling4s court men. 3rling himself was woun%e% in the left si%eA but some say he %i% it himself in %rawing his swor%. $rm the King brother was also se7erely woun%e%A an% with great %ifficulty they esca'e% to their shi's& an% instantly 'ushe% off from lan%. <t was generally consi%ere% as a most unlucky meeting for $laf4s 'eo'le& as 3arl 3rling was in a manner sol% into their han%s& if they ha% 'rocee%e% with common 'ru%ence. He was afterwar%s calle% $laf the @nluckyA but others calle% his 'eo'le Hat la%s. They went with their ban%s through the @'lan%s as before. 3rling again went %own to >iken to his shi's& an% remaine% there all summer. $laf was in the @'lan%s& an% sometimes east in the forest %istricts& where he an% his troo' remaine% all the neDt winter ().*. 11/8#.

:". +)TT-3 )T ST)N;)2. The following s'ring the Hat la%s went %own to >iken& an% raise% the king4s taDes all aroun%& an% remaine% there long in summer. =hen 3arl 3rling hear% this& he hastene% with his troo's to meet them in >iken& an% fell in with them east of the ?Bor%& at a 'lace calle% StangarA where they ha% a great battle& in which 3rling was 7ictorious. Sigur% )gnhot& an% many others of $laf4s men& fell thereA but $laf esca'e% by flight& went south to *enmark& an% was all winter ().*. 11/9# in )laborg in Gutlan%. The following s'ring $laf fell into an illness which en%e% in %eath& an% he was burie% in the .aria churchA an% the *anes call him a saint.

:(. H)2)-*4S *3)TH. King .agnus ha% a len%erman calle% Nikolas Kufung& who was a son of 1al Ska'tason. He took Haral% 'risoner& who calle% himself a son of King Sigur% Haral%son an% the 'rincess Kristin& an% a brother of King .agnus by the mother4s si%e. Nikolas brought Haral% to +ergen& an% %eli7ere% him into 3arl 3rling4s han%s. <t was 3rling4s custom when his enemies came before him& that he either sai% nothing to them& or 7ery little& an% that in all gentleness& when he ha% %etermine% to 'ut them to %eathA or rose with furious wor%s against them& when he inten%e% to s'are their li7es. 3rling s'oke but little to Haral%& an% many& therefore& sus'ecte% his intentionsA an% some begge% King .agnus to 'ut in a goo% wor% for Haral% with the earlA an% the king %i% so. The earl re'lies& 6Thy frien%s a%7ise thee ba%ly. Thou woul%st go7ern this king%om but a short time in 'eace an% safety& if thou wert to follow the counsels of the heart only.6 3arl 3rling or%ere% Haral% to be taken to Nor%nes& where he was behea%e%.

:/. 3CST3<N 3CST3<NS$N )N* TH3 +<2K3+3<NS. There was a man calle% 3ystein& who ga7e himself out for a son of King 3ystein Haral%son. He was at this time young& an% not full grown. <t is tol% of him that he one summer a''eare% in S7ithBo%& an% went to 3arl +irger +rosa& who was then marrie% to +rigi%a& 3ystein4s aunt& a %aughter of King Haral% ;ille. 3ystein eD'laine% his business to him& an% aske% their assistance. +oth 3arl +irger an% his wife listene% to him in a frien%ly way& an% 'romise% him their confi%ence& an% he staye% with them a while. 3arl +irger ga7e him some assistance of men& an% a goo% sum for tra7elling eD'ensesA an% both 'romise% him their frien%shi' on his taking lea7e. Thereafter 3ystein 'rocee%e% north into Norway ().*. 117"#& an% when he came %own to >iken 'eo'le flocke% to him in crow%sA an% 3ystein was there 'roclaime% king& an% he remaine% in >iken in winter. )s they were 7ery 'oor in money& they robbe% all aroun%& wherefore the len%ermen an% bon%es raise% men against themA an% being thus o7er'owere% by numbers& they fle% away to the forests an% %eserte% hill groun%s& where they li7e% for a long time. Their clothes being worn out& they woun% the bark of the birch tree about their legs& an% thus were calle% by the bon%es +irkebeins. They often rushe% %own u'on the settle% %istricts& 'ushe% on here or there& an% ma%e an assault where they %i% not fin% many 'eo'le to o''ose them. They ha% se7eral battles with the bon%es with 7arious successA an% the +irkebeins hel% three battles in regular array& an% gaine% the 7ictory in them all. )t Krokaskog they ha% nearly ma%e an unlucky eD'e%ition& for a great number of bon%es an% men at arms were assemble% there against themA but the +irkebeins felle% brushwoo% across the roa%s& an% retire% into the forest. They were two years ().*. 117( 117/# in >iken before they showe% themsel7es in the northern 'arts of the country.

:7. +<2K3+3<NS& K<N; 3CST3<N& )N* SK)KK3. .agnus ha% been king for thirteen years when the +irkebeins first ma%e their a''earance. They got themsel7es shi's in the thir% summer ().*. 117/#& with which they saile% along the coast gathering goo%s an% men. They were first in >ikenA but when summer a%7ance% they 'rocee%e% northwar%s& an% so ra'i%ly that no news 'rece%e% them until they came to Thron%hBem. The +irkebeins4 troo' consiste% 'rinci'ally of hill men an% 3lfgrims& an% many were from ThelemarkA an% all were well arme%. Their king& 3ystein& was a han%some man& an% with a little but goo% countenanceA an% he was not of great stature& for his men calle% him 3ystein .eyla. King .agnus an% 3arl 3rling were in +ergen when the +irkebeins saile% 'ast it to the northA but they %i% not hear of them. 3arl 3rling was a man of great un%erstan%ing an% 'ower& an eDcellent lea%er in war& an% an able an% 'ru%ent ruler of the countryA but he ha% the character of being cruel an% se7ere. The cause of this was 'rinci'ally that he ne7er allowe% his enemies to remain in the country& e7en when they 'raye% to him for mercyA an% therefore many Boine% the ban%s which were collecte% against

him. 3rling was a tall strong ma%e man& somewhat short necke% an% high shoul%ere%A ha% a long an% shar' countenance of a light com'leDion& an% his hair became 7ery grey. He bore his hea% a little on one si%eA was free an% agreeable in his manners. He wore the ol% fashion of clothes& long bo%y 'ieces an% long arms to his coats& foreign cloak& an% high shoes. He ma%e the king wear the same kin% of %ress in his youthA but when he grew u'& an% acte% for himself& he %resse% 7ery sum'tuously. King .agnus was of a light turn of min%& full of BokesA a great lo7er of mirth& an% not less of women.

:8. $? N<K$-)S. Nikolas was a son of Sigur% Hranason an% of Skial%7or& a %aughter of +rynBolf @lfal%e& an% a sister of Hal%or +rynBolfson by the father4s si%e& an% of King .agnus +arefoot by the mother4s si%e. Nikolas was a %istinguishe% chief& who ha% a farm at $ngul in Halogalan%& which was calle% Steig. Nikolas ha% also a house in Ni%aros& below Saint Gon4s church& where Thorgeir the scribe lately %welt. Nikolas was often in the town& an% was 'resi%ent of the towns'eo'le. Skial%7or& Nikolas4s %aughter& was marrie% to 3irik )rnason& who was also a len%erman.

:9. $? 3<2<K )N* N<K$-)S. )s the 'eo'le of the town were coming from matins the last %ay of .arymas (Se'tember 8th#& 3irik came u' to Nikolas& an% sai%& 6Here are some fishermen come from the sea& who re'ort that some long shi's are sailing into the fBor%A an% 'eo'le conBecture that these may be the +irkebeins. <t woul% be a%7isable to call the towns'eo'le together with the war horns& to meet un%er arms out on 3yrar.6 Nikolas re'lies& 6< %on4t go after fishermen4s re'ortsA but < shall sen% out s'ies to the fBor%& an% in the meantime hol% a Thing to %ay.6 3irik went homeA but when they were ringing to high mass& an% Nikolas was going to church& 3irik came to hint again& an% sai%& 6< belie7e the news to be trueA for here are men who say they saw them un%er sailA an% < think it woul% be most a%7isable to ri%e out of town& an% gather men with armsA for it a''ears to me the towns'eo'le will be too few.6 Nikolas re'lies& 6Thou art miDing e7erything togetherA let us first hear mass& an% then take our resolution.6 Nikolas then went into the church. =hen the mass was o7er 3irik went to Nikolas& an% sai%& 6.y horses are sa%%le%A < will ri%e away.6 Nikolas re'lies& 6?arewell& then5 we will hol% a Thing to %ay on

the 3yrar& an% eDamine what force of men there may be in the town.6 3irik ro%e away& an% Nikolas went to his house& an% then to %inner.

"9. TH3 ?)-- $? N<K$-)S. The meat was scarcely 'ut on the table& when a man came into the house to tell Nikolas that the +irkebeins were ro7ing u' the ri7er. Then Nikolas calle% to his men to take their wea'ons. =hen they were arme% Nikolas or%ere% them to go u' into the loft. +ut that was a most im'ru%ent ste'A for if they ha% remaine% in the yar%& the towns'eo'le might ha7e come to their assistanceA but now the +irkebeins fille% the whole yar%& an% from thence scramble% from all si%es u' to the loft. They calle% to Nikolas& an% offere% him Fuarter& but he refuse% it. Then they attacke% the loft. Nikolas an% his men %efen%e% themsel7es with bow shot& han% shot& an% stones of the chimneyA but the +irkebeins hewe% %own the houses& broke u' the loft& an% returne% shot for shot from bow or han%. Nikolas ha% a re% shiel% in which were gilt nails& an% about it was a bor%er of stars. The +irkebeins shot so that the arrows went in u' to the arrow feather. Then sai% Nikolas& 6.y shiel% %ecei7es me.6 Nikolas an% a number of his 'eo'le fell& an% his %eath was greatly lamente%. The +irkebeins ga7e all the towns 'eo'le their li7es.

"1. 3CST3<N 12$C-)<.3* K<N;. 3ystein was then 'roclaime% king& an% all the 'eo'le submitte% to him. He staye% a while in the town& an% then went into the interior of the Thron%hBem lan%& where many Boine% him& an% among them Thorfin S7arte of Snos with a troo' of 'eo'le. =hen the +irkebeins& in the beginning of winter ().*. 1177#& came again into the town& the sons of ;u%run from Saltnes& Gon Ketling& Sigur%& an% =illiam& Boine% themA an% when they 'rocee%e% afterwar%s from Ni%aros u' $rka%al& they coul% number nearly !999 men. They afterwar%s went to the @'lan%s& an% on to Thoten an% Ha%alan%& an% from thence to 2ingerike& an% sub%ue% the country whereso7er they came.

"!. TH3 ?)-- $? K<N; 3CST3<N. King .agnus went eastwar% to >iken in autumn with a 'art of his men an% with him $rm& the king4s brotherA but 3arl 3rling remaine% behin% in +ergen to meet the +erkebeins in case they took the sea route. King .agnus went to Tunsberg& where he an% $rm hel% their Cule ().*. 1177#. =hen King .agnus hear% that the +irkebeins were u' in 2e& the king an% $rm 'rocee%e% thither with their men. There was much snow& an% it was %rea%fully col%. =hen they came to the farm they left the beaten track on the

roa%& an% %rew u' their array outsi%e of the fence& an% tro% a 'ath through the snow with their men& who were not Fuite 1(99 in number. The +irkebeins were %is'erse% here an% there in other farms& a few men in each house. =hen they 'ercei7e% King .agnus4s army they assemble%& an% %rew u' in regular or%erA an% as they thought their force was larger than his& which it actually was& they resol7e% to fightA but when they hurrie% forwar% to the roa% only a few coul% a%7ance at a time& which broke their array& an% the men fell who first a%7ance% u'on the beaten way. Then the +irkebeins4 banner was cut %ownA those who were nearest ga7e way an% some took to flight. King .agnus4s men 'ursue% them& an% kille% one after the other as they came u' with them. Thus the +irkebeins coul% ne7er form themsel7es in arrayA an% being eD'ose% to the wea'ons of the enemy singly& many of them fell& an% many fle%. <t ha''ene% here& as it often %oes& that although men be bra7e an% gallant& if they ha7e once been %efeate% an% %ri7en to flight& they will not easily be brought to turn roun%. Now the main bo%y of the +irkebeins began to fly& an% many fellA because .agnus4s men kille% all they coul% lay hol% of& an% not one of them got Fuarter. The whole bo%y became scattere% far an% wi%e. 3ystein in his flight ran into a house& an% begge% for his life& an% that the bon%e woul% conceal himA but the bon%e kille% him& an% then went to King .agnus& whom he foun% at 2afnnes& where the king was in a room warming himself by the fire along with many 'eo'le. Some went for the cor'se& an% bore it into the room& where the king tol% the 'eo'le to come an% ins'ect the bo%y. ) man was sitting on a bench in the corner& an% he was a +irkebein& but nobo%y ha% obser7e% himA an% when he saw an% recognise% his chief4s bo%y he s'rang u' su%%enly an% acti7ely& rushe% out u'on the floor& an% with an aDe he ha% in his han%s ma%e a blow at King .agnus4s neck between the shoul%ers. ) man saw the aDe swinging& an% 'ulle% the king to a si%e& by which the aDe struck lower in the shoul%er& an% ma%e a large woun%. He then raise% the aDe again& an% ma%e a blow at $rm& the King brother& who was lying on a bench& an% the blow was %irecte% at both legsA but $rm seeing the man about to kill him& %rew in his feet instantly& threw them o7er his hea%& an% the blow fell on the bench& in which the aDe stuck fastA an% then the blows at the +irkebein came so thick that he coul% scarcely fall to the groun%. <t was %isco7ere% that he ha% %ragge% his entrails after him o7er the floorA an% this man4s bra7ery was highly 'raise%. King .agnus4s men followe% the fugiti7es& an% kille% so many that they were tire% of it. Thorfin of Snos& an% a 7ery great number of Thron%hBem 'eo'le& fell there.

":. $? TH3 +<2K3+3<NS. The faction which calle% itself the +irkebeins ha% gathere% together in great numbers. They were a har%y 'eo'le& an% the bol%est of men un%er armsA but wil%& an% going forwar% ma%ly when they ha% a strong force. They ha% few men in their faction who were goo% counsellors& or accustome% to rule a country by law& or to hea% an armyA an% if there were such men among them who ha% more knowle%ge& yet the many woul% only allow of those measures which they like%& trusting always to their numbers an% courage.

$f the men who esca'e% many were woun%e%& an% ha% lost both their clothes an% their arms& an% were altogether %estitute of money. Some went east to the bor%ers& some went all the way east to S7ithBo%A but the most of them went to Thelemark& where they ha% their families. )ll took flight& as they ha% no ho'e of getting their li7es from King .agnus or 3arl 3rling.

"". $? K<N; .);N@S 32-<N;S$N. King .agnus then returne% to Tunsberg& an% got great renown by this 7ictoryA for it ha% been an eD'ression in the mouths of all& that 3arl 3rling was the shiel% an% su''ort of his son an% himself. +ut after gaining a 7ictory o7er so strong an% numerous a force with fewer troo's& King .agnus was consi%ere% by all as sur'assing other lea%ers& an% that he woul% become a warrior as much greater than his father& 3arl 3rling& as he was younger.

3n% of The 1roBect ;utenberg 3teDt of Heimskringla& by Snorri Sturlson