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Title: Laxdæla Saga
       Translated from the Icelandic

Author: Anonymous

Translator: Muriel A.C. Press

Release Date: February 20, 2006 [EBook #17803]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1

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                               LAXDÆLA

                                SAGA


                    TRANSLATED FROM THE ICELANDIC


                                 by


                          MURIEL A.C. PRESS



                              MDCCCXCIX

                            PUBLISHED BY
                          J.M. DENT AND CO.
                      ALDINE HOUSE LONDON W.C.




CONTENTS


CHAP.

I. OF KETILL FLATNOSE AND HIS DESCENDANTS, 9TH CENTURY A.D.

II.  KETILL AND HIS SONS PREPARE TO LEAVE NORWAY.

III.  KETILL's SONS GO TO ICELAND.

IV.  KETILL GOES TO SCOTLAND, A.D. 890.

V. UNN GOES TO ICELAND, A.D. 895.

VI. UNN DIVIDES HER LAND.

VII.  OF THE WEDDING OF OLAF "FEILAN," A.D. 920.

VIII.  THE BIRTH OF HRUT, AND THORGERD'S SECOND WIDOWHOOD, A.D. 923.

IX. HOSKULD'S MARRIAGE, A.D. 935.

X. OF VIGA HRAPP.

XI. ABOUT THORD GODDI AND THORBJORN SKRJUP.

XII. HOSKULD BUYS A SLAVE WOMAN.

XIII. HOSKULD RETURNS TO ICELAND, A.D. 948.

XIV. THE  MURDER  OF  HALL,  INGJALD'S BROTHER.

XV. THOROLF'S ESCAPE WITH ASGAUT THE THRALL.

XVI. THORD BECOMES OLAF'S FOSTER FATHER, A.D. 950.

XVII. ABOUT VIGA HRAPP'S GHOST, A.D. 950.

XVIII. OF  THE  DROWNING  OF  THORSTEIN SWART.

XIX. HRUT COMES TO ICELAND

XX. MELKORKA'S MARRIAGE AND OLAF THE PEACOCK'S JOURNEY, A.D. 955

XXI. OLAF THE PEACOCK GOES TO IRELAND, A.D. 955

XXII. OLAF THE PEACOCK COMES HOME TO ICELAND, A.D. 957

XXIII. THE MARRIAGE OF OLAF PEACOCK AND THORGERD, THE DAUGHTER OF
         EGIL, A.D. 959

XXIV. THE BUILDING OF HERDHOLT, A.D. 960

XXV. ABOUT HOSKULD'S SONS

XXVI. THE DEATH OF HOSKULD, A.D. 985

XXVII. THE FUNERAL FEAST FOR HOSKULD

XXVIII. THE BIRTH OF KJARTAN, OLAF'S SON, A.D. 978

XXIX. OLAF'S SECOND JOURNEY TO NORWAY, A.D. 975

XXX. ABOUT GIERMUND AND THURED, A.D. 978

XXXI. THURED'S SECOND MARRIAGE, A.D. 980

XXXII. OF OSVIF HELGISON

XXXIII. OF GEST ODDLEIFSON AND GUDRUN'S DREAMS

XXXIV. GUDRUN'S FIRST MARRIAGE, A.D. 989

XXXV. GUDRUN'S SECOND MARRIAGE, A.D. 991

XXXVI. ABOUT KOTKELL AND GRIMA

XXXVII. ABOUT HRUT AND ELDGRIM, A.D. 995

XXXVIII. THE DEATH OF STIGANDI. THORLIEK LEAVES ICELAND

XXXIX. OF KJARTAN'S FRIENDSHIP FOR BOLLI

XL. KJARTAN AND BOLLI VOYAGE TO NORWAY, A.D. 996

XLI. BOLLI RETURNS TO ICELAND, A.D. 999

XLII. BOLLI MAKES LOVE TO GUDRUN, A.D. 1000

XLIII. KJARTAN COMES BACK TO ICELAND, A.D. 1001

XLIV. KJARTAN COMES HOME, A.D. 1001

XLV. KJARTAN MARRIES HREFNA, A.D. 1002

XLVI. FEAST AT HERDHOLT AND THE LOSS OF KJARTAN'S SWORD, A.D. 1002

XLVII. KJARTAN GOES TO LAUGAR, AND OF THE BARGAIN FOR TONGUE, A.D. 1003

XLVIII. THE MEN OF LAUGAR AND GUDRUN PLAN AN AMBUSH FOR KJARTAN, A.D. 1003

XLIX. THE DEATH OF KJARTAN

L. THE END OF HREFNA. THE PEACE SETTLED, A.D. 1003

LI. OSVIF'S SONS ARE BANISHED

LII. THE KILLING OF THORKELL OF GOAT'S PEAK

LIII. THORGERD'S EGGING, A.D. 1007

LIV. HALLDOR PREPARES TO AVENGE KJARTAN

LV. THE DEATH OF BOLLI

LVI. BOLLI BOLLISON IS BORN, A.D. 1008

LVII. ABOUT THORGILS HALLASON, A.D. 1018

LVIII. THORKELL AND GRIM, AND THEIR VOYAGE ABROAD

LIX. GUDRUN DEMANDS REVENGE FOR BOLLI, A.D. 1019

LX. THE EGGING OF GUDRUN

LXI. OF THORSTEIN THE BLACK AND LAMBI

LXII. THORGILS AND HIS FOLLOWERS LEAVE HOME

LXIII. THE DESCRIPTION OF HIS ENEMIES BROUGHT TO HELGI

LXIV. THE DEATH OF HELGI, A.D. 1019

LXV. OF GUDRUN'S DECEIT

LXVI. OSVIF AND GEST DIE

LXVII. THE DEATH OF THORGILS HALLASON, A.D. 1020

LXVIII. GUDRUN'S MARRIAGE WITH THORKELL EYJOLFSON

LXIX. THE QUARREL ABOUT GUNNAR AT THE FEAST

LXX. THORLEIK GOES TO NORWAY

LXXI. THE PEACE BETWEEN THE SONS OF BOLLI AND THE SONS OF OLAF, A.D. 1026

LXXII. BOLLI AND THORLEIK GO ABROAD, A.D. 1029

LXXIII. BOLLI'S VOYAGE

LXXIV. THORKELL EYJOLFSON GOES TO NORWAY

LXXV. THORKELL  AND  THORSTEIN  AND HALLDOR OLAFSON, A.D. 1026

LXXVI. THE DROWNING OF THORKELL, A.D. 1026

LXXVII. THE RETURN OF BOLLI, A.D. 1030

LXXVIII. THE DEATH OF SNORRI, AND THE END, A.D. 1031




THE LAXDALE SAGA

[Illustration: Map of the District of Laxdale Saga]




CHAP. I


Of Ketill Flatnose and his Descendants, 9th Century A.D. [Sidenote:
Ketill's family] Ketill Flatnose was the name of a man. He was the son
of Bjorn the Ungartered. Ketill was a mighty and high-born chieftain
(hersir) in Norway. He abode in Raumsdale, within the folkland of the
Raumsdale people, which lies between Southmere and Northmere. Ketill
Flatnose had for wife Yngvild, daughter of Ketill Wether, who was a
man of exceeding great worth. They had five children; one was named
Bjorn the Eastman, and another Helgi Bjolan. Thorunn the Horned was
the name of one of Ketill's daughters, who was the wife of Helgi the
Lean, son of Eyvind Eastman, and Rafarta, daughter of Kjarval, the
Irish king. Unn "the Deep-minded" was another of Ketill's daughters,
and was the wife of Olaf the White, son of Ingjald, who was son of
Frodi the Valiant, who was slain by the Svertlings. Jorunn, "Men's
Wit-breaker," was the name of yet another of Ketill's daughters. She
was the mother of Ketill the Finn, who settled on land at Kirkby. His
son was Asbjorn, father of Thorstein, father of Surt, the father of
Sighat the Speaker-at-Law.




CHAP. II

Ketill and his Sons prepare to leave Norway


[Sidenote: The tyranny of King Harald] In the latter days of Ketill
arose the power of King Harald the Fairhaired, in such a way that no
folkland king or other great men could thrive in the land unless he
alone ruled what title should be theirs. When Ketill heard that King
Harald was minded to put to him the same choice as to other men of
might--namely, not only to put up with his kinsmen being left
unatoned, but to be made himself a hireling to boot--he calls together
a meeting of his kinsmen, and began his speech in this wise: "You all
know what dealings there have been between me and King Harald, the
which there is no need of setting forth; for a greater need besets us,
to wit, to take counsel as to the troubles that now are in store for
us. I have true news of King Harald's enmity towards us, and to me it
seems that we may abide no trust from that quarter. [Sidenote:
Ketill's speech] It seems to me that there are two choices left us,
either to fly the land or to be slaughtered each in his own seat. Now,
as for me, my will is rather to abide the same death that my kinsmen
suffer, but I would not lead you by my wilfulness into so great a
trouble, for I know the temper of my kinsmen and friends, that ye
would not desert me, even though it would be some trial of manhood to
follow me." Bjorn, the son of Ketill, answered: "I will make known my
wishes at once. I will follow the example of noble men, and fly this
land. For I deem myself no greater a man by abiding at home the
thralls of King Harald, that they may chase me away from my own
possessions, or that else I may have to come by utter death at their
hands." At this there was made a good cheer, and they all thought it
was spoken bravely. This counsel then was settled, that they should
leave the country, for the sons of Ketill urged it much, and no one
spoke against it. Bjorn and Helgi wished to go to Iceland, for they
said they had heard many pleasing news thereof. They had been told
that there was good land to be had there, and no need to pay money for
it; they said there was plenty of whale and salmon and other fishing
all the year round there. But Ketill said, "Into that fishing place I
shall never come in my old age." So Ketill then told his mind, saying
his desire was rather to go west over the sea, for there was a
chance of getting a good livelihood. He knew lands there wide about,
for there he had harried far and wide.




Chap. III

Ketill's Sons go to Iceland


[Sidenote: Of Bjorn in Iceland] After that Ketill made a great feast,
and at it he married his daughter Thorunn the Horned to Helgi the
Lean, as has been said before. After that Ketill arrayed his journey
west over the sea. Unn, his daughter, and many others of his relations
went with him. That same summer Ketill's sons went to Iceland with
Helgi, their brother-in-law. Bjorn, Ketill's son, brought his ship to
the west coast of Iceland, to Broadfirth, and sailed up the firth
along the southern shore, till he came to where a bay cuts into the
land, and a high mountain stood on the ness on the inner side of the
bay, but an island lay a little way off the land. Bjorn said that they
should stay there for a while. Bjorn then went on land with a few men,
and wandered along the coast, and but a narrow strip of land was there
between fell and foreshore. This spot he thought suitable for
habitation. Bjorn found the pillars of his temple washed up in a
certain creek, and he thought that showed where he ought to build his
house. Afterwards Bjorn took for himself all the land between
Staff-river and Lavafirth, and abode in the place that ever after was
called Bjornhaven. He was called Bjorn the Eastman. [Sidenote:
Ketill's doings in Scotland] His wife, Gjaflaug, was the daughter of
Kjallak the Old. Their sons were Ottar and Kjallak, whose son was
Thorgrim, the father of Fight-Styr and Vemund, but the daughter of
Kjallak was named Helga, who was the wife of Vestar of Eyr, son of
Thorolf "Bladder-skull," who settled Eyr. Their son was Thorlak,
father of Steinthor of Eyr. Helgi Bjolan brought his ship to the south
of the land, and took all Keelness, between Kollafirth and Whalefirth,
and lived at Esjuberg to old age. Helgi the Lean brought his ship to
the north of the land, and took Islefirth, all along between Mastness
and Rowanness, and lived at Kristness. From Helgi and Thornunn all the
Islefirthers are sprung.




CHAP. IV

Ketill goes to Scotland, A.D. 890


Ketill Flatnose brought his ship to Scotland, and was well received by
the great men there; for he was a renowned man, and of high birth.
They offered him there such station as he would like to take, and
Ketill and his company of kinsfolk settled down there--all except
Thorstein, his daughter's son, who forthwith betook himself to
warring, and harried Scotland far and wide, and was always victorious.
Later on he made peace with the Scotch, and got for his own one-half
of Scotland. He had for wife Thurid, daughter of Eyvind, and sister of
Helgi the Lean. The Scotch did not keep the peace long, but
treacherously murdered him. [Sidenote: Of Unn the Deep-minded] Ari,
Thorgil's son, the Wise, writing of his death, says that he fell in
Caithness. Unn the Deep-minded was in Caithness when her son Thorstein
fell. When she heard that Thorstein was dead, and her father had
breathed his last, she deemed she would have no prospering in store
there. So she had a ship built secretly in a wood, and when it was
ready built she arrayed it, and had great wealth withal; and she took
with her all her kinsfolk who were left alive; and men deem that
scarce may an example be found that any one, a woman only, has ever
got out of such a state of war with so much wealth and so great a
following. From this it may be seen how peerless among women she was.
Unn had with her many men of great worth and high birth. A man named
Koll was one of the worthiest amongst her followers, chiefly owing to
his descent, he being by title a "Hersir." There was also in the
journey with Unn a man named Hord, and he too was also a man of high
birth and of great worth. When she was ready, Unn took her ship to the
Orkneys; there she stayed a little while, and there she married off
Gro, the daughter of Thorstein the Red. She was the mother of Greilad,
who married Earl Thorfinn, the son of Earl Turf-Einar, son of Rognvald
Mere-Earl. Their son was Hlodvir, the father of Earl Sigurd, the
father of Earl Thorfinn, and from them come all the kin of the Orkney
Earls. After that Unn steered her ship to the Faroe Isles, and stayed
there for some time. [Sidenote: Unn leaves the Faroe Isles] There she
married off another daughter of Thorstein, named Olof, and from her
sprung the noblest race of that land, who are called the Gate-Beards.




CHAP. V

Unn goes to Iceland, A.D. 895


Unn now got ready to go away from the Faroe Isles, and made it known to
her shipmates that she was going to Iceland. She had with her Olaf
"Feilan," the son of Thorstein, and those of his sisters who were
unmarried. After that she put to sea, and, the weather being favourable,
she came with her ship to the south of Iceland to Pumice-Course
(Vikrarskeid). There they had their ship broken into splinters, but all
the men and goods were saved. After that she went to find Helgi, her
brother, followed by twenty men; and when she came there he went out to
meet her, and bade her come stay with him with ten of her folk. She
answered in anger, and said she had not known that he was such a churl;
and she went away, being minded to find Bjorn, her brother in
Broadfirth, and when he heard she was coming, he went to meet her with
many followers, and greeted her warmly, and invited her and all her
followers to stay with him, for he knew his sister's high-mindedness.
She liked that right well, and thanked him for his lordly behaviour. She
stayed there all the winter, and was entertained in the grandest manner,
for there was no lack of means, and money was not spared. [Sidenote: Unn
takes land in Iceland] In the spring she went across Broadfirth, and
came to a certain ness, where they ate their mid-day meal, and since
that it has been called Daymealness, from whence Middlefell-strand
stretches (eastward). Then she steered her ship up Hvammsfirth and came
to a certain ness, and stayed there a little while. There Unn lost her
comb, so it was afterwards called Combness. Then she went about all the
Broadfirth-Dales, and took to her lands as wide as she wanted. After
that Unn steered her ship to the head of the bay, and there her
high-seat pillars were washed ashore, and then she deemed it was easy to
know where she was to take up her abode. She had a house built there: it
was afterwards called Hvamm, and she lived there. The same spring as Unn
set up household at Hvamm, Koll married Thorgerd, daughter of Thorstein
the Red. Unn gave, at her own cost, the bridal-feast, and let Thorgerd
have for her dowry all Salmonriver-Dale; and Koll set up a household
there on the south side of the Salmon-river. Koll was a man of the
greatest mettle: their son was named Hoskuld.




CHAP. VI

Unn Divides her Land


After that Unn gave to more men parts of her land-take. To Hord she
gave all Hord-Dale as far as Skramuhlaups River. [Sidenote: Her
followers] He lived at Hordabolstad (Hord-Lair-Stead), and was a man
of the greatest mark, and blessed with noble offspring. His son was
Asbjorn the Wealthy, who lived in Ornolfsdale, at Asbjornstead, and
had to wife Thorbjorg, daughter of Midfirth-Skeggi. Their daughter was
Ingibjorg, who married Illugi the Black, and their sons were Hermund
and Gunnlaug Worm-tongue. They are called the Gilsbecking-race. Unn
spoke to her men and said: "Now you shall be rewarded for all your
work, for now I do not lack means with which to pay each one of you
for your toil and good-will. You all know that I have given the man
named Erp, son of Earl Meldun, his freedom, for far away was it from
my wish that so high-born a man should bear the name of thrall."
Afterwards Unn gave him the lands of Sheepfell, between Tongue River
and Mid River. His children were Orm and Asgeir, Gunbjorn, and
Halldis, whom Alf o' Dales had for wife. To Sokkolf Unn gave
Sokkolfsdale, where he abode to old age. Hundi was the name of one of
her freedmen. He was of Scottish kin. To him she gave Hundidale. Osk
was the name of the fourth daughter of Thorstein the Red. She was the
mother of Thorstein Swart, the Wise, who found the "Summer eeke."
Thorhild was the name of a fifth daughter of Thorstein. She was the
mother of Alf o' Dales, and many great men trace back their line of
descent to him. His daughter was Thorgerd, wife of Ari Marson of
Reekness, the son of Atli, the son of Ulf the Squinter and Bjorg,
Eyvond's daughter, the sister of Helgi the Lean. From them come all
the Reeknessings. Vigdis was the name of the sixth daughter of
Thorstein the Red. From her come the men of Headland of Islefirth.




CHAP. VII

Of the Wedding of Olaf "Feilan," A.D. 920


Olaf "Feilan" was the youngest of Thorstein's children. He was a tall
man and strong, goodly to look at, and a man of the greatest mettle.
Unn loved him above all men, and made it known to people that she was
minded to settle on Olaf all her belongings at Hvamm after her day.
[Sidenote: Unn's advice to Olaf] Unn now became very weary with old
age, and she called Olaf "Feilan" to her and said: "It is on my mind,
kinsman, that you should settle down and marry." Olaf took this well,
and said he would lean on her foresight in that matter. Unn said: "It
is chiefly in my mind that your wedding-feast should be held at the
end of the summer, for that is the easiest time to get in all the
means needed, for to me it seems a near guess that our friends will
come hither in great numbers, and I have made up my mind that this
shall be the last bridal feast arrayed by me." Olaf answered: "That is
well spoken; but such a woman alone I mean to take to wife who shall
rob thee neither of wealth nor rule (over thine own)." [Sidenote:
Olaf's wedding] That same summer Olaf "Feilan" married Alfdis. Their
wedding was at Hvamm. Unn spent much money on this feast, for she let
be bidden thereto men of high degree wide about from other parts. She
invited Bjorn and Helgi "Bjolan," her brothers, and they came with
many followers. There came Koll o' Dales, her kinsman-in-law, and Hord
of Hord-Dale, and many other great men. The wedding feast was very
crowded; yet there did not come nearly so many as Unn had asked,
because the Islefirth people had such a long way to come. Old age fell
now fast upon Unn, so that she did not get up till mid-day, and went
early to bed. No one did she allow to come to her for advice between
the time she went to sleep at night and the time she was aroused, and
she was very angry if any one asked how it fared with her strength. On
this day Unn slept somewhat late; yet she was on foot when the guests
came, and went to meet them and greeted her kinsfolk and friends with
great courtesy, and said they had shown their affection to her in
"coming hither from so far, and I specially name for this Bjorn and
Helgi, but I wish to thank you all who are here assembled." After that
Unn went into the hall and a great company with her, and when all
seats were taken in the hall, every one was much struck by the
lordliness of the feast. Then Unn said: "Bjorn and Helgi, my brothers,
and all my other kindred and friends, I call witnesses to this, that
this dwelling with all its belongings that you now see before you, I
give into the hands of my kinsman, Olaf, to own and to manage."
[Sidenote: Unn's death] After that Unn stood up and said she would go
to the bower where she was wont to sleep, but bade every one have for
pastime whatever was most to his mind, and that ale should be the
cheer of the common folk. So the tale goes, that Unn was a woman both
tall and portly. She walked at a quick step out along the hall, and
people could not help saying to each other how stately the lady was
yet. They feasted that evening till they thought it time to go to bed.
But the day after Olaf went to the sleeping bower of Unn, his
grandmother, and when he came into the chamber there was Unn sitting
up against her pillow, and she was dead. Olaf went into the hall after
that and told these tidings. Every one thought it a wonderful thing,
how Unn had upheld her dignity to the day of her death. So they now
drank together Olaf's wedding and Unn's funeral honours, and the last
day of the feast Unn was carried to the howe (burial mound) that was
made for her. She was laid in a ship in the cairn, and much treasure
with her, and after that the cairn was closed up. Then Olaf "Feilan"
took over the household of Hvamm and all charge of the wealth there,
by the advice of his kinsmen who were there. When the feast came to an
end Olaf gave lordly gifts to the men most held in honour before they
went away. Olaf became a mighty man and a great chieftain. He lived at
Hvamm to old age. [Sidenote: Olaf's children] The children of Olaf and
Alfdis were Thord Yeller, who married Hrodny, daughter of Midfirth
Skeggi; and their sons were, Eyjolf the Grey, Thorarin Fylsenni, and
Thorkell Kuggi. One daughter of Olaf Feilan was Thora, whom Thorstein
Cod-biter, son of Thorolf Most-Beard, had for wife; their sons were
Bork the Stout, and Thorgrim, father of Snori the Priest. Helga was
another daughter of Olaf; she was the wife of Gunnar Hlifarson; their
daughter was Jofrid, whom Thorodd, son of Tongue-Odd, had for wife,
and afterwards Thorstein, Egil's son. Thorunn was the name of yet one
of his daughters. She was the wife of Herstein, son of Thorkell
Blund-Ketill's son. Thordis was the name of a third daughter of Olaf:
she was the wife of Thorarin, the Speaker-at-Law, brother of Ragi. At
that time, when Olaf was living at Hvamm, Koll o' Dales, his
brother-in-law, fell ill and died. Hoskuld, the son of Koll, was young
at the time of his father's death: he was fulfilled of wits before the
tale of his years. Hoskuld was a hopeful man, and well made of body.
He took over his father's goods and household. The homestead where
Koll lived was named after him, being afterwards called Hoskuldstead.
Hoskuld was soon in his householding blessed with friends, for that
many supports stood thereunder, both kinsmen and friends whom Koll had
gathered round him. [Sidenote: Thorgerd's second marriage] Thorgerd,
Thorstein's daughter, the mother of Hoskuld, was still a young woman
and most goodly; she did not care for Iceland after the death of Koll.
She told Hoskuld her son that she wished to go abroad, and take with
her that share of goods which fell to her lot. Hoskuld said he took it
much to heart that they should part, but he would not go against her
in this any more than in anything else. After that Hoskuld bought the
half-part in a ship that was standing beached off Daymealness, on
behalf of his mother. Thorgerd betook herself on board there, taking
with her a great deal of goods. After that Thorgerd put to sea and had
a very good voyage, and arrived in Norway. Thorgerd had much kindred
and many noble kinsmen there. They greeted her warmly, and gave her
the choice of whatever she liked to take at their hands. Thorgerd was
pleased at this, and said it was her wish to settle down in that land.
She had not been a widow long before a man came forward to woo her.
His name was Herjolf; he was a "landed man" as to title, rich, and of
much account. Herjolf was a tall and strong man, but he was not fair
of feature; yet the most high-mettled of men, and was of all men the
best skilled at arms. Now as they sat taking counsel on this matter,
it was Thorgerd's place to reply to it herself, as she was a widow;
and, with the advice of her relations, she said she would not refuse
the offer. So Thorgerd married Herjolf, and went with him to his home,
and they loved each other dearly. Thorgerd soon showed by her ways
that she was a woman of the greatest mettle, and Herjolf's manner of
life was deemed much better and more highly to be honoured now that he
had got such an one as she was for his wife.




CHAP. VIII

The Birth of Hrut and Thorgerd's Second Widowhood, A.D. 923


[Sidenote: Thorgerd returns to Iceland] Herjolf and Thorgerd had not
long been together before they had a son. The boy was sprinkled with
water, and was given the name of Hrut. He was at an early age both big
and strong as he grew up; and as to growth of body, he was goodlier
than any man, tall and broad-shouldered, slender of waist, with fine
limbs and well-made hands and feet. Hrut was of all men the fairest of
feature, and like what Thorstein, his mother's father, had been, or
like Ketill Flatnose. And all things taken together, he was a man of
the greatest mettle. Herjolf now fell ill and died, and men deemed
that a great loss. After that Thorgerd wished to go to Iceland to
visit Hoskuld her son, for she still loved him best of all men, and
Hrut was left behind well placed with his relations. Thorgerd arrayed
her journey to Iceland, and went to find Hoskuld in his home in
Salmonriver-Dale. He received his mother with honour. She was
possessed of great wealth, and remained with Hoskuld to the day of her
death. A few winters after Thorgerd came to Iceland she fell sick and
died. Hoskuld took to himself all her money, but Hrut his brother
owned one-half thereof.




CHAP. IX

Hoskuld's Marriage, A.D. 935


[Sidenote: Of Jorunn Bjorn's daughter] At this time Norway was ruled
by Hakon, Athelstan's fosterling. Hoskuld was one of his bodyguard,
and stayed each year, turn and turn about, at Hakon's court, or at his
own home, and was a very renowned man both in Norway and in Iceland.
Bjorn was the name of a man who lived at Bjornfirth, where he had
taken land, the firth being named after him. This firth cuts into the
land north from Steingrim's firth, and a neck of land runs out between
them. Bjorn was a man of high birth, with a great deal of money: Ljufa
was the name of his wife. Their daughter was Jorunn: she was a most
beautiful woman, and very proud and extremely clever, and so was
thought the best match in all the firths of the West. Of this woman
Hoskuld had heard, and he had heard besides that Bjorn was the
wealthiest yeoman throughout all the Strands. Hoskuld rode from home
with ten men, and went to Bjorn's house at Bjornfirth. He was well
received, for to Bjorn his ways were well known. [Sidenote: Hoskuld
marries Jorunn] Then Hoskuld made his proposal, and Bjorn said he was
pleased, for his daughter could not be better married, yet turned the
matter over to her decision. And when the proposal was set before
Jorunn, she answered in this way: "From all the reports I have heard
of you, Hoskuld, I cannot but answer your proposal well, for I think
that the woman would be well cared for who should marry you; yet my
father must have most to say in this matter, and I will agree in this
with his wishes." And the long and short of it was, that Jorunn was
promised to Hoskuld with much money, and the wedding was to be at
Hoskuldstead. Hoskuld now went away with matters thus settled, and
home to his abode, and stays now at home until this wedding feast was
to be held. Bjorn came from the north for the wedding with a brave
company of followers. Hoskuld had also asked many guests, both friends
and relations, and the feast was of the grandest. Now, when the feast
was over each one returned to his home in good friendship and with
seemly gifts. Jorunn Bjorn's daughter sits behind at Hoskuldstead, and
takes over the care of the household with Hoskuld. It was very soon
seen that she was wise and well up in things, and of manifold
knowledge, though rather high-tempered at most times. Hoskuld and she
loved each other well, though in their daily ways they made no show
thereof. Hoskuld became a great chieftain; he was mighty and pushing,
and had no lack of money, and was thought to be nowise less of his
ways than his father, Koll. [Sidenote: Hoskuld's children] Hoskuld and
Jorunn had not been married long before they came to have children. A
son of theirs was named Thorliek. He was the eldest of their children.
Bard was another son of theirs. One of their daughters was called
Hallgerd, afterwards surnamed "Long-Breeks." Another daughter was
called Thurid. All their children were most hopeful. Thorliek was a
very tall man, strong and handsome, though silent and rough; and men
thought that such was the turn of his temper, as that he would be no
man of fair dealings, and Hoskuld often would say, that he would take
very much after the race of the men of the Strands. Bard, Hoskuld's
son, was most manly to look at, and of goodly strength, and from his
appearance it was easy to see that he would take more after his
father's people. Bard was of quiet ways while he was growing up, and a
man lucky in friends, and Hoskuld loved him best of all his children.
The house of Hoskuld now stood in great honour and renown. About this
time Hoskuld gave his sister Groa in marriage to Velief the Old, and
their son was "Holmgang"-Bersi.




CHAP. X

Of Viga Hrapp


Hrapp was the name of a man who lived in Salmon-river-Dale, on the
north bank of the river on the opposite side to Hoskuldstead, at the
place that was called later on Hrappstead, where there is now waste
land. [Sidenote: Of Hrapp and Vigdis] Hrapp was the son of Sumarlid,
and was called Fight-Hrapp. He was Scotch on his father's side, and
his mother's kin came from Sodor, where he was brought up. He was a
very big, strong man, and one not willing to give in even in face of
some odds; and for the reason that was most overbearing, and would
never make good what he had misdone, he had had to fly from
West-over-the-sea, and had bought the land on which he afterwards
lived. His wife was named Vigdis, and was Hallstein's daughter; and
their son was named Sumarlid. Her brother was named Thorstein Surt; he
lived at Thorsness, as has been written before. Sumarlid was brought
up there, and was a most promising young man. Thorstein had been
married, but by this time his wife was dead. He had two daughters, one
named Gudrid, and the other Osk. Thorkell trefill married Gudrid, and
they lived in Svignaskard. He was a great chieftain, and a sage of
wits; he was the son of Raudabjorn. Osk, Thorstein's daughter, was
given in marriage to a man of Broadfirth named Thorarin. He was a
valiant man, and very popular, and lived with Thorstein, his
father-in-law, who was sunk in age and much in need of their care.
Hrapp was disliked by most people, being overbearing to his
neighbours; and at times he would hint to them that theirs would be a
heavy lot as neighbours, if they held any other man for better than
himself. All the goodmen took one counsel, and went to Hoskuld and
told him their trouble. Hoskuld bade them tell him if Hrapp did any
one any harm, "For he shall not plunder me of men or money."




CHAP. XI

About Thord Goddi and Thorbjorn Skrjup


[Sidenote: Thord Goddi and his wife Vigdis] Thord Goddi was the name
of a man who lived in Salmon-river-Dale on the northern side of the
river, and his house was Vigdis called Goddistead. He was a very
wealthy man; he had no children, and had bought the land he lived on.
He was a neighbour of Hrapp's, and was very often badly treated by
him. Hoskuld looked after him, so that he kept his dwelling in peace.
Vigdis was the name of his wife. She was daughter of Ingjald, son of
Olaf Feilan, and brother's daughter of Thord Yeller, and sister's
daughter of Thorolf Rednose of Sheepfell. This Thorolf was a great
hero, and in a very good position, and his kinsmen often went to him
for protection. Vigdis had married more for money than high station.
Thord had a thrall who had come to Iceland with him, named Asgaut. He
was a big man, and shapely of body; and though he was called a thrall,
yet few could be found his equal amongst those called freemen, and he
knew well how to serve his master. Thord had many other thralls,
though this one is the only one mentioned here. Thorbjorn was the name
of a man. He lived in Salmon-river-Dale, next to Thord, up valley away
from his homestead, and was called Skrjup. He was very rich in
chattels, mostly in gold and silver. [Sidenote: Houskuld goes abroad]
He was an huge man and of great strength. No squanderer of money on
common folk was he. Hoskuld, Dalakoll's son, deemed it a drawback to
his state that his house was worse built than he wished it should be;
so he bought a ship from a Shetland man. The ship lay up in the mouth
of the river Blanda. That ship he gets ready, and makes it known that
he is going abroad, leaving Jorunn to take care of house and children.
They now put out to sea, and all went well with them; and they hove
somewhat southwardly into Norway, making Hordaland, where the
market-town called Biorgvin was afterwards built. Hoskuld put up his
ship, and had there great strength of kinsmen, though here they be not
named. Hakon, the king, had then his seat in the Wick. Hoskuld did not
go to the king, as his kinsfolk welcomed him with open arms. That
winter all was quiet (in Norway).




CHAP. XII

Hoskuld Buys a Slave Woman


There were tidings at the beginning of the summer that the king went
with his fleet eastward to a tryst in Brenn-isles, to settle peace for
his land, even as the law laid down should be done every third summer.
This meeting was held between rulers with a view to settling such
matters as kings had to adjudge--matters of international policy
between Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. It was deemed a pleasure trip to
go to this meeting, for thither came men from well-nigh all such lands
as we know of. Hoskuld ran out his ship, being desirous also to go to
the meeting; moreover, he had not been to see the king all the winter
through. There was also a fair to be made for. At the meeting there
were great crowds of people, and much amusement to be got--drinking,
and games, and all sorts of entertainment. Nought, however, of great
interest happened there. Hoskuld met many of his kinsfolk there who
were come from Denmark. [Sidenote: Of Gilli the Russian] Now, one day
as Hoskuld went out to disport himself with some other men, he saw a
stately tent far away from the other booths. Hoskuld went thither, and
into the tent, and there sat a man before him in costly raiment, and a
Russian hat on his head. Hoskuld asked him his name. He said he was
called Gilli: "But many call to mind the man if they hear my
nickname--I am called Gilli the Russian." Hoskuld said he had often
heard talk of him, and that he held him to be the richest of men that
had ever belonged to the guild of merchants. [Sidenote: The bargain
for the slave woman] Still Hoskuld spoke: "You must have things to
sell such as we should wish to buy." Gilli asked what he and his
companions wished to buy. Hoskuld said he should like to buy some
bonds-woman, "if you have one to sell." Gilli answers: "There, you mean
to give me trouble by this, in asking for things you don't expect me
to have in stock; but it is not sure that follows." Hoskuld then saw
that right across the booth there was drawn a curtain; and Gilli then
lifted the curtain, and Hoskuld saw that there were twelve women
seated behind the curtain. So Gilli said that Hoskuld should come on
and have a look, if he would care to buy any of these women. Hoskuld
did so. They sat all together across the booth. Hoskuld looks
carefully at these women. He saw a woman sitting out by the skirt of
the tent, and she was very ill-clad. Hoskuld thought, as far as he
could see, this woman was fair to look upon. Then said Hoskuld, "What
is the price of that woman if I should wish to buy her?" Gilli
replied, "Three silver pieces is what you must weigh me out for her."
"It seems to me," said Hoskuld, "that you charge very highly for this
bonds-woman, for that is the price of three (such)." Then Gilli said,
"You speak truly, that I value her worth more than the others. Choose
any of the other eleven, and pay one mark of silver for her, this one
being left in my possession." Hoskuld said, "I must first see how much
silver there is in the purse I have on my belt," and he asked Gilli to
take the scales while he searched the purse. [Sidenote: Of the dumb
slave woman] Gilli then said, "On my side there shall be no guile in
this matter; for, as to the ways of this woman, there is a great
drawback which I wish, Hoskuld, that you know before we strike this
bargain." Hoskuld asked what it was. Gilli replied, "The woman is
dumb. I have tried in many ways to get her to talk, but have never
got a word out of her, and I feel quite sure that this woman knows not
how to speak." Then, said Hoskuld, "Bring out the scales, and let us
see how much the purse I have got here may weigh." Gilli did so, and
now they weigh the silver, and there were just three marks weighed.
Then said Hoskuld, "Now the matter stands so that we can close our
bargain. You take the money for yourself, and I will take the woman. I
take it that you have behaved honestly in this affair, for, to be
sure, you had no mind to deceive me herein." Hoskuld then went home to
his booth. That same night Hoskuld went into bed with her. The next
morning when men got dressed, spake Hoskuld, "The clothes Gilli the
Rich gave you do not appear to be very grand, though it is true that
to him it is more of a task to dress twelve women than it is to me to
dress only one." After that Hoskuld opened a chest, and took out some
fine women's clothes and gave them to her; and it was the saying of
every one that she looked very well when she was dressed. But when the
rulers had there talked matters over according as the law provided,
this meeting was broken up. Then Hoskuld went to see King Hakon, and
greeted him worthily, according to custom. The king cast a side glance
at him, and said, "We should have taken well your greeting, Hoskuld,
even if you had saluted us sooner; but so shall it be even now."




CHAP. XIII

Hoskuld Returns to Iceland, A.D. 948


[Sidenote: King Hakon bids Hoskuld farewell] After that the king
received Hoskuld most graciously, and bade him come on board his
own ship, and "be with us so long as you care to remain in Norway."
Hoskuld answered: "Thank you for your offer; but now, this summer, I
have much to be busy about, and that is mostly the reason I was so
long before I came to see you, for I wanted to get for myself
house-timber." The king bade him bring his ship in to the Wick, and
Hoskuld tarried with the king for a while. The king got house-timber
for him, and had his ship laden for him. Then the king said to
Hoskuld, "You shall not be delayed here longer than you like, though
we shall find it difficult to find a man to take your place." After
that the king saw Hoskuld off to his ship, and said: "I have found you
an honourable man, and now my mind misgives me that you are sailing
for the last time from Norway, whilst I am lord over that land." The
king drew a gold ring off his arm that weighed a mark, and gave it to
Hoskuld; and he gave him for another gift a sword on which there was
half a mark of gold. Hoskuld thanked the king for his gifts, and for
all the honour he had done him. [Sidenote: Hoskuld's arrival in
Iceland] After that Hoskuld went on board his ship, and put to sea.
They had a fair wind, and hove in to the south of Iceland; and after
that sailed west by Reekness, and so by Snowfellness in to Broadfirth.
Hoskuld landed at Salmon-river-Mouth. He had the cargo taken out of
his ship, which he took into the river and beached, having a shed
built for it. A ruin is to be seen now where he built the shed. There
he set up his booths, and that place is called Booths'-Dale. After
that Hoskuld had the timber taken home, which was very easy, as it was
not far off. Hoskuld rode home after that with a few men, and was
warmly greeted, as was to be looked for. He found that all his
belongings had been kept well since he left. Jorunn asked, "What woman
that was who journeyed with him?" Hoskuld answered, "You will think I
am giving you a mocking answer when I tell you that I do not know her
name." Jorunn said, "One of two things there must be: either the talk
is a lie that has come to my ears, or you must have spoken to her so
much as to have asked her her name." Hoskuld said he could not gainsay
that, and so told her the truth, and bade that the woman should be
kindly treated, and said it was his wish she should stay in service
with them. Jorunn said, "I am not going to wrangle with the mistress
you have brought out of Norway, should she find living near me no
pleasure; least of all should I think of it if she is both deaf and
dumb." Hoskuld slept with his wife every night after he came home,
and had very little to say to the mistress. [Sidenote: Melkorka's
history discovered] Every one clearly saw that there was something
betokening high birth in the way she bore herself, and that she was no
fool. Towards the end of the winter Hoskuld's mistress gave birth to a
male child. Hoskuld was called, and was shown the child, and he
thought, as others did, that he had never seen a goodlier or a more
noble-looking child. Hoskuld was asked what the boy should be called.
He said it should be named Olaf, for Olaf Feilan had died a little
time before, who was his mother's brother. Olaf was far before other
children, and Hoskuld bestowed great love on the boy. The next summer
Jorunn said, "That the woman must do some work or other, or else go
away." Hoskuld said she should wait on him and his wife, and take care
of her boy besides. When the boy was two years old he had got full
speech, and ran about like children of four years old. Early one
morning, as Hoskuld had gone out to look about his manor, the weather
being fine, and the sun, as yet little risen in the sky, shining
brightly, it happened that he heard some voices of people talking; so
he went down to where a little brook ran past the home-field slope,
and he saw two people there whom he recognised as his son Olaf and his
mother, and he discovered she was not speechless, for she was talking
a great deal to the boy. Then Hoskuld went to her and asked her her
name, and said it was useless for her to hide it any longer. She said
so it should be, and they sat down on the brink of the field.
[Sidenote: Of Melkorka's family] Then she said, "If you want to know
my name, I am called Melkorka." Hoskuld bade her tell him more of her
kindred. She answered, "Myr Kjartan is the name of my father, and he
is a king in Ireland; and I was taken a prisoner of war from there
when I was fifteen winters old." Hoskuld said she had kept silence far
too long about so noble a descent. After that Hoskuld went on, and
told Jorunn what he had just found out during his walk. Jorunn said
that she "could not tell if this were true," and said she had no
fondness for any manner of wizards; and so the matter dropped. Jorunn
was no kinder to her than before, but Hoskuld had somewhat more to say
to her. A little while after this, when Jorunn was going to bed,
Melkorka was undressing her, and put her shoes on the floor, when
Jorunn took the stockings and smote her with them about the head.
Melkorka got angry, and struck Jorunn on the nose with her fist, so
that the blood flowed. Hoskuld came in and parted them. After that he
let Melkorka go away, and got a dwelling ready for her up in
Salmon-river-Dale, at the place that was afterwards called
Melkorkastad, which is now waste land on the south of the Salmon
river. Melkorka now set up household there, and Hoskuld had everything
brought there that she needed; and Olaf, their son, went with her. It
was soon seen that Olaf, as he grew up, was far superior to other men,
both on account of his beauty and courtesy.




CHAP. XIV

The Murder of Hall, Ingjald's Brother


[Sidenote: The fishing at Bjorn isles] Ingjald was the name of a man.
He lived in Sheepisles, that lie out in Broadfirth. He was called
Sheepisles' Priest. He was rich, and a mighty man of his hand. Hall
was the name of his brother. He was big, and had the makings of a man
in him; he was, however, a man of small means, and looked upon by most
people as an unprofitable sort of man. The brothers did not usually
agree very well together. Ingjald thought Hall did not shape himself
after the fashion of doughty men, and Hall thought Ingjald was but
little minded to lend furtherance to his affairs. There is a fishing
place in Broadfirth called Bjorn isles. These islands lie many
together, and were profitable in many ways. At that time men went
there a great deal for the fishing, and at all seasons there were a
great many men there. Wise men set great store by people in outlying
fishing-stations living peacefully together, and said that it would be
unlucky for the fishing if there was any quarrelling; and most men
gave good heed to this. It is told how one summer Hall, the brother of
Ingjald, the Sheepisles' Priest, came to Bjorn isles for fishing.
[Sidenote: Thorolf's quarrel] He took ship as one of the crew with a
man called Thorolf. He was a Broadfirth man, and was well-nigh a
penniless vagrant, and yet a brisk sort of a man. Hall was there for
some time, and palmed himself off as being much above other men. It
happened one evening when they were come to land, Hall and Thorolf,
and began to divide the catch, that Hall wished both to choose and to
divide, for he thought himself the greater man of the two. Thorolf
would not give in, and there were some high words, and sharp things
were said on both sides, as each stuck to his own way of thinking. So
Hall seized up a chopper that lay by him, and was about to heave it at
Thorolf's head, but men leapt between them and stopped Hall; but he
was of the maddest, and yet unable to have his way as at this time.
The catch of fish remained undivided. Thorolf betook himself away that
evening, and Hall took possession of the catch that belonged to them
both, for then the odds of might carried the day. Hall now got another
man in Thorolf's place in the boat, and went on fishing as before.
Thorolf was ill-contented with his lot, for he felt he had come to
shame in their dealings together; yet he remained in the islands with
the determination to set straight the humble plight to which he had
been made to bow against his will. [Sidenote: Hall's death] Hall, in
the meantime, did not fear any danger, and thought that no one would
dare to try to get even with him in his own country. So one
fair-weather day it happened that Hall rowed out, and there were three
of them together in the boat. The fish bit well through the day, and
as they rowed home in the evening they were very merry. Thorolf kept
spying about Hall's doings during the day, and is standing in the
landing-place when Hall came to land. Hall rowed in the forehold of
the boat, and leapt overboard, intending to steady the boat; and as he
jumped to land Thorolf happens to be standing near, and forthwith hews
at him, and the blow caught him on his neck against the shoulder, and
off flew his head. Thorolf fled away after that, and Hall's followers
were all in a flurried bustle about him. The story of Hall's murder
was told all over the islands, and every one thought it was indeed
great news; for the man was of high birth, although he had had little
good luck. Thorolf now fled from the islands, for he knew no man there
who would shelter him after such a deed, and he had no kinsmen he
could expect help from; while in the neighbourhood were men from whom
it might be surely looked for that they would beset his life, being
moreover men of much power, such as was Ingjald, the Sheepisles'
Priest, the brother of Hall. [Sidenote: Thorolf's flight] Thorolf got
himself ferried across to the mainland. He went with great secrecy.
Nothing is told of his journey, until one evening he came to
Goddistead. Vigdis, the wife of Thord Goddi, was some sort of relation
to Thorolf, and on that account he turned towards that house. Thorolf
had also heard before how matters stood there, and how Vigdis was
endowed with a good deal more courage than Thord, her husband. And
forthwith the same evening that Thorolf came to Goddistead he went to
Vigdis to tell her his trouble, and to beg her help. Vigdis answered
his pleading in this way: "I do not deny our relationship, and in this
way alone I can look upon the deed you have done, that I deem you in
no way the worser man for it. Yet this I see, that those who shelter
you will thereby have at stake their lives and means, seeing what
great men they are who will be taking up the blood-suit. And Thord,"
she said, "my husband, is not much of a warrior; but the counsels of
us women are mostly guided by little foresight if anything is wanted.
Yet I am loath to keep aloof from you altogether, seeing that, though
I am but a woman, you have set your heart on finding some shelter
here." After that Vigdis led him to an outhouse, and told him to wait
for her there, and put a lock on the door. Then she went to Thord, and
said, "A man has come here as a guest, named Thorolf. He is some sort
of relation of mine, and I think he will need to dwell here some long
time if you will allow it." Thord said he could not away with men
coming to put up at his house, but bade him rest there over the next
day if he had no trouble on hand, but otherwise he should be off at
his swiftest. [Sidenote: Vigdis takes in Thorolf] Vigdis answered, "I
have offered him already to stay on, and I cannot take back my word,
though he be not in even friendship with all men." After that she
told Thord of the slaying of Hall, and that Thorolf who was come there
was the man who had killed him. Thord was very cross-grained at this,
and said he well knew how that Ingjald would take a great deal of
money from him for the sheltering that had been given him already,
seeing that doors here have been locked after this man. Vigdis
answered, "Ingjald shall take none of your money for giving one
night's shelter to Thorolf, and he shall remain here all this winter
through." Thord said, "In this manner you can checkmate me most
thoroughly, but it is against my wish that a man of such evil luck
should stay here." Still Thorolf stayed there all the winter. Ingjald,
who had to take up the blood-suit for his brother, heard this, and so
arrayed him for a journey into the Dales at the end of the winter, and
ran out a ferry of his whereon they went twelve together. They sailed
from the west with a sharp north-west wind, and landed in
Salmon-river-Mouth in the evening. They put up their ferry-boat, and
came to Goddistead in the evening, arriving there not unawares, and
were cheerfully welcomed. Ingjald took Thord aside for a talk with
him, and told him his errand, and said he had heard of Thorolf, the
slayer of his brother, being there. [Sidenote: Ingjald's bargain with
Thord] Thord said there was no truth in that. Ingjald bade him not to
deny it. "Let us rather come to a bargain together: you give up the
man, and put me to no toil in the matter of getting at him. I have
three marks of silver that you shall have, and I will overlook the
offences you have brought on your hands for the shelter given to
Thorolf." Thord thought the money fair, and had now a promise of
acquittal of the offences for which he had hitherto most dreaded and
for which he would have to abide sore loss of money. So he said, "I
shall no doubt hear people speak ill of me for this, none the less
this will have to be our bargain." They slept until it wore towards
the latter end of the night, when it lacked an hour of day.




CHAP. XV

Thorolf's Escape with Asgaut the Thrall


Ingjald and his men got up and dressed. Vigdis asked Thord what his
talk with Ingjald had been about the evening before. Thord said they
had talked about many things, amongst others how the place was to be
ransacked, and how they should be clear of the case if Thorolf was not
found there. "So I let Asgaut, my thrall, take the man away." Vigdis
said she had no fondness for lies, and said she should be very loath
to have Ingjald sniffing about her house, but bade him, however, do as
he liked. After that Ingjald ransacked the place, and did not hit upon
the man there. [Sidenote: The flight of Thorolf and Asgaut] At that
moment Asgaut came back, and Vigdis asked him where he had parted with
Thorolf. Asgaut replied, "I took him to our sheephouses as Thord told
me to." Vigdis replied, "Can anything be more exactly in Ingjald's way
as he returns to his ship? nor shall any risk be run, lest they should
have made this plan up between them last night. I wish you to go at
once, and take him away as soon as possible. You shall take him to
Sheepfell to Thorolf; and if you do as I tell you, you shall get
something for it. I will give you your freedom and money, that you may
go where you will." Asgaut agreed to this, and went to the sheephouse
to find Thorolf, and bade him get ready to go at once. At this time
Ingjald rode out of Goddistead, for he was now anxious to get his
money's worth. As he was come down from the farmstead (into the plain)
he saw two men coming to meet him; they were Thorolf and Asgaut. This
was early in the morning, and there was yet but little daylight.
Asgaut and Thorolf now found themselves in a hole, for Ingjald was on
one side of them and the Salmon River on the other. The river was
terribly swollen, and there were great masses of ice on either bank,
while in the middle it had burst open, and it was an ill-looking river
to try to ford. Thorolf said to Asgaut, "It seems to me we have two
choices before us. One is to remain here and fight as well as valour
and manhood will serve us, and yet the thing most likely is that
Ingjald and his men will take our lives without delay; and the other
is to tackle the river, and yet that, I think, is still a somewhat
dangerous one." Asgaut said that Thorolf should have his way, and he
would not desert him, "whatever plan you are minded to follow in this
matter." [Sidenote: The crossing of the river] Thorolf said, "We will
make for the river, then," and so they did, and arrayed themselves as
light as possible. After this they got over the main ice, and plunged
into the water. And because the men were brave, and Fate had ordained
them longer lives, they got across the river and upon the ice on the
other side. Directly after they had got across, Ingjald with his
followers came to the spot opposite to them on the other side of the
river. Ingjald spoke out, and said to his companions, "What plan shall
we follow now? Shall we tackle the river or not?" They said he should
choose, and they would rely on his foresight, though they thought the
river looked impassable. Ingjald said that so it was, and "we will
turn away from the river;" and when Thorolf and Asgaut saw that
Ingjald had made up his mind not to cross the river, they first wring
their clothes and then make ready to go on. They went on all that day,
and came in the evening to Sheepfell. They were well received there,
for it was an open house for all guests; and forthwith that same
evening Asgaut went to see Thorolf Rednose, and told him all the
matters concerning their errand, "how Vigdis, his kinswoman, had sent
him this man to keep in safety." Asgaut also told him all that had
happened between Ingjald and Thord Goddi; therewithal he took forth
the tokens Vigdis had sent. Thorolf replied thus, "I cannot doubt
these tokens. I shall indeed take this man in at her request. I
think, too, that Vigdis has dealt most bravely with this matter and it
is a great pity that such a woman should have so feeble a husband. And
you, Asgaut, shall dwell here as long as you like." Asgaut said he
would tarry there for no length of time. Thorolf now takes unto him
his namesake, and made him one of his followers; and Asgaut and they
parted good friends, and he went on his homeward journey. [Sidenote:
Ingjald returns to Thord] And now to tell of Ingjald. He turned back
to Goddistead when he and Thorolf parted. By that time men had come
there from the nearest farmsteads at the summons of Vigdis, and no
fewer than twenty men had gathered there already. But when Ingjald and
his men came to the place, he called Thord to him, "You have dealt in
a most cowardly way with me, Thord," says he, "for I take it to be the
truth that you have got the man off." Thord said this had not happened
with his knowledge; and now all the plotting that had been between
Ingjald and Thord came out. Ingjald now claimed to have back his money
that he had given to Thord. [Sidenote: The returning of the money]
Vigdis was standing near during this talk, and said it had fared with
them as was meet, and prayed Thord by no means to hold back this
money, "For you, Thord," she said, "have got this money in a most
cowardly way." Thord said she must needs have her will herein. After
that Vigdis went inside, and to a chest that belonged to Thord, and
found at the bottom a large purse. She took out the purse, and went
outside with it up to where Ingjald was, and bade him take the money.
Ingjald's brow cleared at that, and he stretched out his hand to take
the purse. Vigdis raised the purse, and struck him on the nose with
it, so that forthwith blood fell on the earth. Therewith she
overwhelmed him with mocking words, ending by telling him that
henceforth he should never have the money, and bidding him go his way.
Ingjald saw that his best choice was to be off, and the sooner the
better, which indeed he did, nor stopped in his journey until he got
home, and was mightily ill at ease over his travel.




CHAP. XVI

Thord becomes Olaf's Foster Father, A.D. 950


About this time Asgaut came home. Vigdis greeted him, and asked him
what sort of reception they had had at Sheepfell. He gave a good
account of it, and told her the words wherewith Thorolf had spoken out
his mind. [Sidenote: The reward of Asgaut] She was very pleased at
that. "And you, Asgaut," she said, "have done your part well and
faithfully, and you shall now know speedily what wages you have worked
for. I give you your freedom, so that from this day forth you shall
bear the title of a freeman. Therewith you shall take the money that
Thord took as the price for the head of Thorolf, my kinsman, and now
that money will be better bestowed." Asgaut thanked her for her gift
with fair words. The next summer Asgaut took a berth in Day-Meal-Ness,
and the ship put to sea, and they came in for heavy gales, but not a
long sea-voyage, and made Norway. After that Asgaut went to Denmark
and settled there, and was thought a valiant and true man. And
herewith comes to an end the tale of him. But after the plot Thord
Goddi had made up with Ingjald, the Sheepisles priest, when they made
up their minds to compass the death of Thorolf, Vigdis' kinsman, she
returned that deed with hatred, and divorced herself from Thord Goddi,
and went to her kinsfolk and told them the tale. Thord Yeller was not
pleased at this; yet matters went off quietly. Vigdis did not take
away with her from Goddistead any more goods than her own heirlooms.
The men of Hvamm let it out that they meant to have for themselves
one-half of the wealth that Thord was possessed of. And on hearing
this he becomes exceeding faint-hearted, and rides forthwith to see
Hoskuld to tell him of his troubles. Hoskuld said, "Times have been
that you have been terror-struck, through not having with such
overwhelming odds to deal." Then Thord offered Hoskuld money for his
help, and said he would not look at the matter with a niggard's eye.
Hoskuld said, "This is clear, that you will not by peaceful consent
allow any man to have the enjoyment of your wealth." Answers Thord,
"No, not quite that though; for I fain would that you should take
over all my goods. That being settled, I will ask to foster your son
Olaf, and leave him all my wealth after my days are done; for I have
no heir here in this land, and I think my means would be better
bestowed then, than that the kinsmen of Vigdis should grab it."
[Sidenote: Thord goes to Hoskuld] To this Hoskuld agreed, and had it
bound by witnesses. This Melkorka took heavily, deeming the fostering
too low. Hoskuld said she ought not to think that, "for Thord is an
old man, and childless, and I wish Olaf to have all his money after
his day, but you can always go to see him at any time you like."
Thereupon Thord took Olaf to him, seven years old, and loved him very
dearly. Hearing this, the men who had on hand the case against Thord
Goddi thought that now it would be even more difficult than before to
lay claim to the money. Hoskuld sent some handsome presents to Thord
Yeller, and bade him not be angry over this, seeing that in law they
had no claim on Thord's money, inasmuch as Vigdis had brought no true
charges against Thord, or any such as justified desertion by her.
"Moreover, Thord was no worse a man for casting about for counsel to
rid himself of a man that had been thrust upon his means, and was as
beset with guilt as a juniper bush is with prickles." But when these
words came to Thord from Hoskuld, and with them large gifts of money,
then Thord allowed himself to be pacified, and said he thought the
money was well placed that Hoskuld looked after, and took the gifts;
and all was quiet after that, but their friendship was rather less
warm than formerly. [Sidenote: Olaf surnamed the Peacock] Olaf grew up
with Thord, and became a great man and strong. He was so handsome that
his equal was not to be found, and when he was twelve years old he
rode to the Thing meeting, and men in other countrysides looked upon
it as a great errand to go, and to wonder at the splendid way he was
made. In keeping herewith was the manner of Olaf's war-gear and
raiment, and therefore he was easily distinguished from all other men.
Thord got on much better after Olaf came to live with him. Hoskuld
gave Olaf a nickname, and called him Peacock, and the name stuck to
him.




CHAP. XVII

About Viga Hrapp's Ghost, A.D. 950


The tale is told of Hrapp that he became most violent in his
behaviour, and did his neighbours such harm that they could hardly
hold their own against him. But from the time that Olaf grew up Hrapp
got no hold of Thord. Hrapp had the same temper, but his powers waned,
in that old age was fast coming upon him, so that he had to lie in
bed. [Sidenote: Hrapp's death] Hrapp called Vigdis, his wife, to him,
and said, "I have never been of ailing health in life," said he, "and
it is therefore most likely that this illness will put an end to our
life together. Now, when I am dead, I wish my grave to be dug in the
doorway of my fire hall, and that I be put: thereinto, standing there
in the doorway; then I shall be able to keep a more searching eye on
my dwelling." After that Hrapp died, and all was done as he said, for
Vigdis did not dare do otherwise. And as evil as he had been to deal
with in his life, just so he was by a great deal more when he was
dead, for he walked again a great deal after he was dead. People said
that he killed most of his servants in his ghostly appearances. He
caused a great deal of trouble to those who lived near, and the house
of Hrappstead became deserted. Vigdis, Hrapp's wife, betook herself
west to Thorstein Swart, her brother. He took her and her goods in.
And now things went as before, in that men went to find Hoskuld, and
told him all the troubles that Hrapp was doing to them, and asked him
to do something to put an end to this. Hoskuld said this should be
done, and he went with some men to Hrappstead, and has Hrapp dug up,
and taken away to a place near to which cattle were least likely to
roam or men to go about. After that Hrapp's walkings-again abated
somewhat. Sumarlid, Hrapp's son, inherited all Hrapp's wealth, which
was both great and goodly. Sumarlid set up household at Hrappstead the
next spring; but after he had kept house there for a little time he
was seized of frenzy, and died shortly afterwards. [Sidenote:
Thorstein Swart leaves home] Now it was the turn of his mother,
Vigdis, to take there alone all this wealth; but as she would not go
to the estate of Hrappstead, Thorstein Swart took all the wealth to
himself to take care of. Thorstein was by then rather old, though
still one of the most healthy and hearty of men.




CHAP. XVIII

Of the Drowning of Thorstein Swart


At that time there rose to honour among men in Thorness, the kinsmen
of Thorstein, named Bork the Stout and his brother, Thorgrim. It was
soon found out how these brothers would fain be the greatest men
there, and were most highly accounted of. And when Thorstein found
that out, he would not elbow them aside, and so made it known to
people that he wished to change his abode, and take his household to
Hrappstead, in Salmon-river-Dale. Thorstein Swart got ready to start
after the spring Thing, but his cattle were driven round along the
shore. Thorstein got on board a ferry-boat, and took twelve men with
him; and Thorarin, his brother-in-law, and Osk, Thorstein's daughter,
and Hild, her daughter, who was three years old, went with them too.
Thorstein fell in with a high south-westerly gale, and they sailed up
towards the roosts, and into that roost which is called
Coal-chest-Roost, which is the biggest of the currents in Broadfirth.
[Sidenote: The wreck] They made little way sailing, chiefly because
the tide was ebbing, and the wind was not favourable, the weather
being squally, with high wind when the squalls broke over, but with
little wind between whiles. Thorstein steered, and had the braces of
the sail round his shoulders, because the boat was blocked up with
goods, chiefly piled-up chests, and the cargo was heaped up very high;
but land was near about, while on the boat there was but little way,
because of the raging current against them. Then they sailed on to a
hidden rock, but were not wrecked. Thorstein bade them let down the
sail as quickly as possible, and take punt poles to push off the ship.
This shift was tried to no avail, because on either board the sea was
so deep that the poles struck no bottom; so they were obliged to wait
for the incoming tide, and now the water ebbs away under the ship.
Throughout the day they saw a seal in the current larger by much than
any others, and through the day it would be swimming round about the
ship, with flappers none of the shortest, and to all of them it seemed
that in him there were human eyes. Thorstein bade them shoot the seal,
and they tried, but it came to nought. [Sidenote: Gudmund's story] Now
the tide rose; and just as the ship was getting afloat there broke
upon them a violent squall, and the boat heeled over, and every one on
board the boat was drowned, save one man, named Gudmund, who drifted
ashore with some timber. The place where he was washed up was
afterwards called Gudmund's Isles. Gudrid, whom Thorkell Trefill had
for wife, was entitled to the inheritance left by Thorstein, her
father. These tidings spread far and near of the drowning of Thorstein
Swart, and the men who were lost there. Thorkell sent straightway for
the man Gudmund, who had been washed ashore, and when he came and met
Thorkell, he (Thorkell) struck a bargain with him, to the end that he
should tell the story of the loss of lives even as he (Thorkell) was
going to dictate it to him. Gudmund agreed. Thorkell now asked him to
tell the story of this mishap in the hearing of a good many people.
Then Gudmund spake on this wise: "Thorstein was drowned first, and
then his son-in-law, Thorarin"--so that then it was the turn of Hild
to come in for the money, as she was the daughter of Thorarin. Then he
said the maiden was drowned, because the next in inheritance to her
was Osk, her mother, and she lost her life the last of them, so that
all the money thus came to Thorkell Trefill, in that his wife Gudrid
must take inheritance after her sister. Now this tale is spread abroad
by Thorkell and his men; but Gudmund ere this had told the tale in
somewhat another way. [Sidenote: The ordeal] Now the kinsmen of
Thorarin misdoubted this tale somewhat, and said they would not
believe it unproved, and claimed one-half of the heritage against
Thorkell; but Thorkell maintained it belonged to him alone, and bade
that ordeal should be taken on the matter, according to their custom.
This was the ordeal at that time, that men had had to pass under
"earth-chain," which was a slip of sward cut loose from the soil, but
both ends thereof were left adhering to the earth, and the man who
should go through with the ordeal should walk thereunder. Thorkell
Trefill now had some misgivings himself as to whether the deaths of
the people had indeed taken place as he and Gudmund had said the
second time. Heathen men deemed that on them rested no less
responsibility when ceremonies of this kind had to be gone through
than Christian men do when ordeals are decreed. He who passed under
"earth-chain" cleared himself if the sward-slip did not fall down upon
him. Thorkell made an arrangement with two men that they should feign
quarrelling over something or another, and be close to the spot when
the ordeal was being gone through with, and touch the sward-slip so
unmistakably that all men might see that it was they who knocked it
down. After this comes forward he who was to go through with the
ordeal, and at the nick of time when he had got under the
"earth-chain," these men who had been put up to it fall on each other
with weapons, meeting close to the arch of the sward-slip, and lie
there fallen, and down tumbles the "earth-chain", as was likely
enough. Then men rush up between them and part them, which was easy
enough, for they fought with no mind to do any harm. Thorkell Trefill
then asked people as to what they thought about the ordeal, and all
his men now said that it would have turned out all right if no one
had spoilt it. Then Thorkell took all the chattels to himself, but the
land at Hrapstead was left to lie fallow.




CHAP. XIX

Hrut Comes to Iceland


Now of Hoskuld it is to be told that his state is one of great honour,
and that he is a great chieftain. [Sidenote: Hrut in Norway] He had in
his keep a great deal of money that belonged to his (half) brother,
Hrut, Herjolf's son. Many men would have it that Hoskuld's means would
be heavily cut into if he should be made to pay to the full the
heritage of his (Hrut's) mother. Hrut was of the bodyguard of King
Harald, Gunnhild's son, and was much honoured by him, chiefly for the
reason that he approved himself the best man in all deeds of manly
trials, while, on the other hand, Gunnhild, the Queen, loved him so
much that she held there was not his equal within the guard, either in
talking or in anything else. Even when men were compared, and noblemen
therein were pointed to, all men easily saw that Gunnhild thought that
at the bottom there must be sheer thoughtlessness, or else envy, if
any man was said to be Hrut's equal. [Sidenote: Hrut comes to Iceland]
Now, inasmuch as Hrut had in Iceland much money to look after, and
many noble kinsfolk to go and see, he desired to go there, and now
arrays his journey for Iceland. The king gave him a ship at parting,
and said he had proved a brave man and true. Gunnhild saw Hrut off to
his ship, and said, "Not in a hushed voice shall this be spoken, that
I have proved you to be a most noble man, in that you have prowess
equal to the best man here in this land, but are in wits a long way
before them". Then she gave him a gold ring and bade him farewell.
Whereupon she drew her mantle over her head and went swiftly home.
Hrut went on board his ship, and put to sea. He had a good breeze, and
came to Broadfirth. He sailed up the bay, up to the island, and,
steering in through Broadsound, he landed at Combness, where he put
his gangways to land. The news of the coming of this ship spread
about, as also that Hrut, Herjolf's son, was the captain. Hoskuld gave
no good cheer to these tidings, and did not go to meet Hrut. Hrut put
up his ship, and made her snug. He built himself a dwelling, which
since has been called Combness. Then he rode to see Hoskuld, to get
his share of his mother's inheritance. Hoskuld said he had no money to
pay him, and said his mother had not gone without means out of Iceland
when she met with Herjolf. Hrut liked this very ill, but rode away,
and there the matter rested. All Hrut's kinsfolk, excepting Hoskuld,
did honour to Hrut. [Sidenote: Hoskuld's treatment of Hrut] Hrut now
lived three winters at Combness, and was always demanding the money
from Hoskuld at the Thing meetings and other law gatherings, and he
spoke well on the matter. And most men held that Hrut had right on his
side. Hoskuld said that Thorgerd had not married Herjolf by his
counsel, and that he was her lawful guardian, and there the matter
dropped. That same autumn Hoskuld went to a feast at Thord Goddi's,
and hearing that, Hrut rode with twelve men to Hoskuldstead and took
away twenty oxen, leaving as many behind. Then he sent some men to
Hoskuld, telling them where he might search for the cattle. Hoskuld's
house-carles sprang forthwith up, and seized their weapons, and words
were sent to the nearest neighbours for help, so that they were a
party of fifteen together, and they rode each one as fast as they
possibly could. Hrut and his followers did not see the pursuit till
they were a little way from the enclosure at Combness. And forthwith
he and his men jumped off their horses, and tied them up, and went
forward unto a certain sandhill. Hrut said that there they would make
a stand, and added that though the money claim against Hoskuld sped
slowly, never should that be said that he had run away before his
thralls. [Sidenote: Hrut's fight] Hrut's followers said that they had
odds to deal with. Hrut said he would never heed that; said they
should fare all the worse the more they were in number. The men of
Salmon-river-Dale now jumped off their horses, and got ready to fight.
Hrut bade his men not trouble themselves about the odds, and goes for
them at a rush. Hrut had a helmet on his head, a drawn sword in one
hand and a shield in the other. He was of all men the most skilled at
arms. Hrut was then so wild that few could keep up with him. Both
sides fought briskly for a while; but the men of Salmon-river-Dale
very soon found that in Hrut they had to deal with one for whom they
were no match, for now he slew two men at every onslaught. After that
the men of Salmon-river-Dale begged for peace. Hrut replied that they
should surely have peace. All the house-carles of Hoskuld who were yet
alive were wounded, and four were killed. Hrut then went home, being
somewhat wounded himself; but his followers only slightly or not at
all, for he had been the foremost in the fight. The place has since
been called Fight-Dale where they fought. After that Hrut had the
cattle killed. Now it must be told how Hoskuld got men together in a
hurry when he heard of the robbery and rode home. Much at the same
time as he arrived his house-carles came home too, and told how their
journey had gone anything but smoothly. Hoskuld was wild with wrath at
this, and said he meant to take at Hrut's hand no robbery or loss of
lives again, and gathered to him men all that day. Then Jorunn, his
wife, went and talked to him, and asked him what he had made his mind
up to. He said, "It is but little I have made up my mind to, but I
fain would that men should oftener talk of something else than the
slaying of my house-carles". [Sidenote: Jorunn's good advice] Jorunn
answered, "You are after a fearful deed if you mean to kill such a man
as your brother, seeing that some men will have it that it would not
have been without cause if Hrut had seized these goods even before
this; and now he has shown that, taking after the race he comes from,
he means no longer to be an outcast, kept from what is his own. Now,
surely he cannot have made up his mind to try his strength with you
till he knew that he might hope for some backing-up from the more
powerful among men; for, indeed, I am told that messages have been
passing in quiet between Hrut and Thord Yeller. And to me, at least,
such matters seem worthy of heed being paid to them. No doubt Thord
will be glad to back up matters of this kind, seeing how clear are the
bearings of the case. Moreover you know, Hoskuld, that since the
quarrel between Thord Goddi and Vigdis, there has not been the same
fond friendship between you and Thord Yeller as before, although by
means of gifts you staved off the enmity of him and his kinsmen in the
beginning. I also think, Hoskuld," she said, "that in that matter,
much to the trial of their temper, they feel they have come off worst
at the hands of yourself and your son, Olaf. Now this seems to me the
wiser counsel: to make your brother an honourable offer, for there a
hard grip from greedy wolf may be looked for. I am sure that Hrut will
take that matter in good part, for I am told he is a wise man, and he
will see that that would be an honour to both of you." Hoskuld quieted
down greatly at Jorunn's speech, and thought this was likely to be
true. [Sidenote: Hoskuld and Hrut become friends] Then men went
between them who were friends of both sides, bearing words of peace
from Hoskuld to Hrut. Hrut received them well, and said he would
indeed make friends with Hoskuld, and added that he had long been
ready for their coming to terms as behoved kinsmen, if but Hoskuld had
been willing to grant him his right. Hrut also said he was ready to do
honour to Hoskuld for what he on his side had misdone. So now these
matters were shaped and settled between the brothers, who now take to
living together in good brotherhood from this time forth. Hrut now
looks after his homestead, and became mighty man of his ways. He did
not mix himself up in general things, but in whatever matter he took a
part he would have his own way. Hrut now moved his dwelling, and abode
to old age at a place which now is called Hrutstead. He made a temple
in his home-field, of which the remains are still to be seen. It is
called Trolls' walk now, and there is the high road. Hrut married a
woman named Unn, daughter of Mord Fiddle. Unn left him, and thence
sprang the quarrels between the men of Salmon-river-Dale and the men
of Fleetlithe. Hrut's second wife was named Thorbjorg. She was Armod's
daughter. Hrut married a third wife, but her we do not name. Hrut had
sixteen sons and ten daughters by these two wives. And men say that
one summer Hrut rode to the Thing meeting, and fourteen of his sons
were with him. Of this mention is made, because it was thought a sign
of greatness and might. All his sons were right goodly men.




CHAP. XX

Melkorka's Marriage and Olaf the Peacock's Journey, A.D. 955


[Sidenote: Of Thorliek Hoskuldson] Hoskuld now remained quietly at
home, and began now to sink into old age, and his sons were now all
grown up. Thorliek sets up household of his own at a place called
Combness, and Hoskuld handed over to him his portion. After that he
married a woman named Gjaflaug, daughter of Arnbjorn, son of Sleitu
Bjorn, and Thordaug, the daughter of Thord of Headland. It was a noble
match, Gjaflaug being a very beautiful and high-minded woman. Thorliek
was not an easy man to get on with, but was most warlike. There was
not much friendship between the kinsmen Hrut and Thorliek. Bard
Hoskuld's son stayed at home with his father, looked after the
household affairs no less than Hoskuld himself. The daughters of
Hoskuld do not have much to do with this story, yet men are known who
are descended from them. Olaf, Hoskuld's son, was now grown up, and
was the handsomest of all men that people ever set eyes on. He arrayed
himself always well, both as to clothes and weapons. Melkorka, Olaf's
mother, lived at Melkorkastead, as has been told before. Hoskuld
looked less after Melkorka's household ways than he used to do, saying
that that matter concerned Olaf, her son. Olaf said he would give her
such help as he had to offer her. [Sidenote: Melkorka's plans]
Melkorka thought Hoskuld had done shamefully by her, and makes up her
mind to do something to him at which he should not be over pleased.
Thorbjorn Skrjup had chiefly had on hand the care of Melkorka's
household affairs. He had made her an offer of marriage, after she had
been an householder for but a little while, but Melkorka refused him
flatly. There was a ship up by Board-Ere in Ramfirth, and Orn was the
name of the captain. He was one of the bodyguard of King Harald,
Gunnhild's son. Melkorka spoke to Olaf, her son, and said that she
wished he should journey abroad to find his noble relations, "For I
have told the truth that Myrkjartan is really my father, and he is
king of the Irish and it would be easy for you betake you on board the
ship that is now at Board-Ere." Olaf said, "I have spoken about it to
my father, but he seemed to want to have but little to do with it; and
as to the manner of my foster-father's money affairs, it so happens
that his wealth is more in land or cattle than in stores of islandic
market goods." [Sidenote: Melkorka's marriage] Melkorka said, "I
cannot bear your being called the son of a slave-woman any longer; and
if it stands in the way of the journey, that you think you have not
enough money, then I would rather go to the length even of marrying
Thorbjorn, if then you should be more willing than before to betake
yourself to the journey. For I think he will be willing to hand out to
you as much wares as you think you may need, if I give my consent to
his marrying me. Above all I look to this, that then Hoskuld will like
two things mightily ill when he comes to hear of them, namely, that
you have gone out of the land, and that I am married." Olaf bade his
mother follow her own counsel. After that Olaf talked to Thorbjorn as
to how he wished to borrow wares of him, and a great deal thereof.
Thorbjorn answered, "I will do it on one condition, and that is that I
shall marry Melkorka for them; it seems to me, you will be as welcome
to my money as to that which you have in your keep." Olaf said that
this should then be settled; whereupon they talked between them of
such matters as seemed needful, but all these things they agreed
should be kept quiet. Hoskuld wished Olaf to ride with him to the
Thing. Olaf said he could not do that on account of household affairs,
as he also wanted to fence off a grazing paddock for lambs by Salmon
River. Hoskuld was very pleased that he should busy himself with the
homestead. Then Hoskuld rode to the Thing; but at Lambstead a wedding
feast was arrayed, and Olaf settled the agreement alone. Olaf took out
of the undivided estate thirty hundred ells' worth of wares, and
should pay no money for them.[1] Bard, Hoskuld's son, was at the
wedding, and was a party with them to all these doings. [Sidenote:
Olaf goes to Norway] When the feast was ended Olaf rode off to the
ship, and found Orn the captain, and took berth with him. Before Olaf
and Melkorka parted she gave him a great gold finger-ring, and said,
"This gift my father gave me for a teething gift, and I know he will
recognise it when he sees it." She also put into his hands a knife and
a belt, and bade him give them to her nurse: "I am sure she will not
doubt these tokens." And still further Melkorka spake, "I have fitted
you out from home as best I know how, and taught you to speak Irish,
so that it will make no difference to you where you are brought to
shore in Ireland." After that they parted. There arose forthwith a
fair wind, when Olaf got on board, and they sailed straightway out to
sea.

[Footnote 1: One hundred = 120 X 30 = 3600 x 120 = 432,000 ells
altogether.]




CHAP. XXI

Olaf the Peacock goes to Ireland, A.D. 955


Now Hoskuld came back from the Thing and heard these tidings, and was
very much displeased. But seeing that his near akin were concerned in
the matter, he quieted down and let things alone. Olaf and his
companions had a good voyage, and came to Norway. Orn urges Olaf to go
to the court of King Harald, who, he said, bestowed goodly honour on
men of no better breeding than Olaf was. Olaf said he thought he would
take that counsel. Olaf and Orn now went to the court, and were well
received. The king at once recognised Olaf for the sake of his
kindred, and forthwith bade him stay with him. Gunnhild paid great
heed to Olaf when she knew he was Hrut's brother's son; but some men
would have it, that she took pleasure in talking to Olaf without his
needing other people's aid to introduce him. [Sidenote: Olaf wishes to
leave Norway] As the winter wore on, Olaf grew sadder of mood. Orn
asked him what was the matter of his sorrow? Olaf answered, "I have on
hand a journey to go west over the sea; and I set much store by it and
that you should lend me your help, so that it may be undertaken in the
course of next summer." Orn bade Olaf not set his heart on going, and
said he did not know of any ships going west over the sea. Gunnhild
joined in their talk, and said, "Now I hear you talk together in a
manner that has not happened before, in that each of you wants to have
his own way!" Olaf greeted Gunnhild well, without letting drop their
talk. After that Orn went away, but Gunnhild and Olaf kept conversing
together. Olaf told her of his wish, and how much store he set by
carrying it out, saying he knew for certain that Myrkjartan, the king,
was his mother's father. Then Gunnhild said, "I will lend you help for
this voyage, so that you may go on it as richly furnished as you
please." Olaf thanked her for her promise. Then Gunnhild had a ship
prepared and a crew got together, and bade Olaf say how many men he
would have to go west over the sea with him. Olaf fixed the number at
sixty; but said that it was a matter of much concern to him, that such
a company should be more like warriors than merchants. She said that
so it should be; and Orn is the only man mentioned by name in company
with Olaf on this journey. The company were well fitted out.
[Sidenote: Olaf's voyage] King Harald and Gunnhild led Olaf to his
ship, and they said they wished to bestow on him their good-luck over
and above other friendship they had bestowed on him already. King
Harald said that was an easy matter; for they must say that no
goodlier a man had in their days come out of Iceland. Then Harald the
king asked how old a man he was. Olaf answered, "I am now eighteen
winters." The king replied, "Of exceeding worth, indeed, are such men
as you are, for as yet you have left the age of child but a short way
behind; and be sure to come and see us when you come back again." Then
the king and Gunnhild bade Olaf farewell. Then Olaf and his men got on
board, and sailed out to sea. They came in for unfavourable weather
through the summer, had fogs plentiful, and little wind, and what
there was was unfavourable; and wide about the main they drifted, and
on most on board fell "sea-bewilderment." But at last the fog lifted
over-head; and the wind rose, and they put up sail. Then they began to
discuss in which direction Ireland was to be sought; and they did not
agree on that. Orn said one thing, and most of the men went against
him, and said that Orn was all bewildered: they should rule who were
the greater in number. Then Olaf was asked to decide. He said, "I
think we should follow the counsel of the wisest; for the counsels of
foolish men I think will be of all the worse service for us in the
greater number they gather together." And now they deemed the matter
settled, since Olaf spake in this manner; and Orn took the steering
from that time. [Sidenote: They get to Ireland] They sailed for days
and nights, but always with very little wind. One night the watchmen
leapt up, and bade every one wake at once, and said they saw land so
near that they had almost struck on it. The sail was up, but there was
but little wind. Every one got up, and Orn bade them clear away from
the land, if they could. Olaf said, "That is not the way out of our
plight, for I see reefs all about astern; so let down the sail at
once, and we will take our counsel when there is daylight, and we know
what land this is." Then they cast anchors, and they caught bottom at
once. There was much talk during the night as to where they could be
come to; and when daylight was up they recognised that it was Ireland.
Orn said, "I don't think we have come to a good place, for this is far
away from the harbours or market-towns, whose strangers enjoy peace;
and we are now left high and dry, like sticklebacks, and near enough,
I think, I come to the laws of the Irish in saying that they will lay
claim to the goods we have on board as their lawful prize, for as
flotsam they put down ships even when sea has ebbed out shorter from
the stern (than here)." Olaf said no harm would happen, "But I have
seen that to-day there is a gathering of men up inland; so the Irish
think, no doubt, the arrival of this ship a great thing. During the
ebb-tide to-day I noticed that there was a dip, and that out of the
dip the sea fell without emptying it out; and if our ship has not been
damaged, we can put out our boat and tow the ship into it." There was
a bottom of loam where they had been riding at anchor, so that not a
plank of the ship was damaged. [Sidenote: The Irish] So Olaf and his
men tow their boat to the dip, cast anchor there. Now, as day drew on,
crowds drifted down to the shore. At last two men rowed a boat out to
the ship. They asked what men they were who had charge of that ship,
and Olaf answered, speaking in Irish, to their inquiries. When the
Irish knew they were Norwegians they pleaded their law, and bade them
give up their goods; and if they did so, they would do them no harm
till the king had sat in judgment on their case. Olaf said the law
only held good when merchants had no interpreter with them. "But I can
say with truth these are peaceful men, and we will not give ourselves
up untried." The Irish then raised a great war-cry, and waded out into
the sea, and wished to drag the ship, with them on board, to the
shore, the water being no deeper than reaching up to their armpits, or
to the belts of the tallest. But the pool was so deep where the ship
was floating that they could not touch the bottom. Olaf bade the crew
fetch out their weapons, and range in line of battle from stem to
stern on the ship; and so thick they stood, that shield overlapped
shield all round the ship, and a spear-point stood out at the lower
end of every shield. Olaf walked fore to the prow, and was thus
arrayed: he had a coat of mail, and a gold-reddened helmet on his
head; girt with a sword with gold-inlaid hilt, and in his hand a
barbed spear chased and well engraved. A red shield he had before him,
on which was drawn a lion in gold. When the Irish saw this array fear
shot through their hearts, and they thought it would not be so easy a
matter as they had thought to master the booty. So now the Irish break
their journey, and run all together to a village near. [Sidenote: Olaf
meets Myrkjartan] Then there arose great murmur in the crowd, as they
deemed that, sure enough, this must be a warship, and that they must
expect many others; so they sent speedily word to the king, which was
easy, as he was at that time a short way off, feasting. Straightway he
rides with a company of men to where the ship was. Between the land
and the place where the ship lay afloat the space was no greater than
that one might well hear men talking together. Now Olaf stood forth in
the same arrayal whereof is written before, and men marvelled much how
noble was the appearance of the man who was the captain of the ship.
But when the shipmates of Olaf see how a large company of knights
rides towards them, looking a company of the bravest, they grow
hushed, for they deemed here were great odds to deal with. But when
Olaf heard the murmur which went round among his followers, he bade
them take heart, "For now our affairs are in a fair way; the Irish are
now greeting Myrkjartan, their king." Then they rode so near to the
ship, that each could hear what the other said. [Sidenote: Their talk
together] The king asked who was the master of the ship. Olaf told his
name, and asked who was the valiant-looking knight with whom he then
was talking. He answered, "I am called Myrkjartan." Olaf asked, "Are
you then a king of the Irish?" He said he was. Then the king asked
Olaf for news commonly talked of, and Olaf gave good answers as to all
news he was asked about. Then the king asked whence they had put to
sea, and whose men they were. And still the king asked, more
searchingly than before, about Olaf's kindred, for the king found that
this man was of haughty bearing, and would not answer any further than
the king asked. Olaf said, "Let it be known to you that we ran our
ship afloat from the coast of Norway, and these are of the bodyguard
of King Harald, the son of Gunnhild, who are here on board. And as for
my race, I have, sire, to tell you this, that my father lives in
Iceland, and is named Hoskuld, a man of high birth; but of my mother's
kindred, I think you must have seen many more than I have. For my
mother is called Melkorka, and it has been told me as a truth that she
is your daughter, king. Now, this has driven me upon this long
journey, and to me it is a matter most weighty what answer you give in
my case." The king then grew silent, and had a converse with his men.
The wise men asked the king what might be the real truth of the story
that this man was telling. The king answered, "This is clearly seen
in this Olaf, that he is high-born man, whether he be a kinsman of
mine or not, as well as this, that of all men he speaks the best of
Irish." [Sidenote: Melkorka's tokens accepted] After that the king
stood up, and said, "Now I will give answer to your speech, in so far
as we grant to you and all your shipmates peace; but on the kinship
you claim with us, we must talk more before I give answer to that."
After that they put out their gangways to the shore, and Olaf and his
followers went on land from the ship; and the Irish now marvel much
how warrior-like these men are. Olaf greeted the king well, taking off
his helmet and bowing to the king, who welcomes Olaf with all
fondness. Thereupon they fall to talking together, Olaf pleading his
case again in a speech long and frank; and at the end of his speech he
said he had a ring on his hand that Melkorka had given him at parting
in Iceland, saying "that you, king, gave it her as a tooth gift." The
king took and looked at the ring, and his face grew wondrous red to
look at; and then the king said, "True enough are the tokens, and
become by no means less notable thereby that you have so many of your
mother's family features, and that even by them you might be easily
recognised; and because of these things I will in sooth acknowledge
your kinship, Olaf, by the witnessing of these men that here are near
and hear my speech. And this shall also follow that I will ask you to
my court, with all your suite, but the honour of you all will depend
thereon of what worth as a man I find you to be when I try you more."
After that the king orders riding-horses to be given to them, and
appoints men to look after their ship, and to guard the goods
belonging to them. The King now rode to Dublin, and men thought this
great tidings, that with the king should be journeying the son of his
daughter, who had been carried off in war long ago when she was only
fifteen winters old. [Sidenote: Melkorka's foster-mother] But most
startled of all at these tidings was the foster-mother of Melkorka,
who was then bed-ridden, both from heavy sickness and old age; yet she
walked with no staff even to support her, to meet Olaf. The king said
to Olaf, "Here is come Melkorka's foster-mother, and she will wish to
hear all the tidings you can tell about Melkorka's life." Olaf took
her with open arms, and set the old woman on his knee, and said her
foster-daughter was well settled and in a good position in Iceland.
Then Olaf put in her hands the knife and the belt, and the old woman
recognised the gifts, and wept for joy, and said it was easy to see
that Melkorka's son was one of high mettle, and no wonder, seeing what
stock he comes of. The old woman was strong and well, and in good
spirits all that winter. The king was seldom at rest, for at that time
the lands in the west were at all times raided by war-bands. The king
drove from his land that winter both Vikings and raiders. [Sidenote:
Olaf's life in Ireland] Olaf was with his suite in the king's ship,
and those who came against them thought his was indeed a grim company
to deal with. The king talked over with Olaf and his followers all
matters needing counsel, for Olaf proved himself to the king both
wise and eager-minded in all deeds of prowess. But towards the latter
end of the winter the king summoned a Thing, and great numbers came.
The king stood up and spoke. He began his speech thus: "You all know
that last autumn there came hither a man who is the son of my
daughter, and high-born also on his father's side; and it seems to me
that Olaf is a man of such prowess and courage that here such men are
not to be found. Now I offer him my kingdom after my day is done, for
Olaf is much more suitable for a ruler than my own sons." Olaf thanked
him for this offer with many graceful and fair words, and said he
would not run the risk as to how his sons might behave when Myrkjartan
was no more; said it was better to gain swift honour than lasting
shame; and added that he wished to go to Norway when ships could
safely journey from land to land, and that his mother would have
little delight in life if he did not return to her. The king bade Olaf
do as he thought best. Then the Thing was broken up. [Sidenote: Olaf
comes to Norway again] When Olaf's ship was ready, the king saw him
off on board; and gave him a spear chased with gold, and a
gold-bedecked sword, and much money besides. Olaf begged that he might
take Melkorka's foster-mother with him; but the king said there was no
necessity for that, so she did not go. Then Olaf got on board his
ship, and he and the king parted with the greatest friendship. Then
Olaf sailed out to sea. They had a good voyage, and made land in
Norway; and Olaf's journey became very famous. They set up their
ship; and Olaf got horses for himself, and went, together with his
followers, to find King Harald.




CHAP. XXII

Olaf the Peacock comes Home to Iceland, A.D. 957


Olaf Hoskuldson then went to the court of King Harald. The king gave
him a good welcome, but Gunnhild a much better. With many fair words
they begged him to stay with them, and Olaf agreed to it, and both he
and Orn entered the king's court. King Harald and Gunnhild set so
great a store by Olaf that no foreigner had ever been held in such
honour by them. Olaf gave to the king and Gunnhild many rare gifts,
which he had got west in Ireland. King Harald gave Olaf at Yule a set
of clothes made out of scarlet stuff. So now Olaf stayed there quietly
all the winter. [Sidenote: Olaf goes home] In the spring, as it was
wearing on, Olaf and the king had a conversation together, and Olaf
begged the king's leave to go to Iceland in the summer, "For I have
noble kinsfolk there I want to go and see." The king answered, "It
would be more to my mind that you should settle down with us, and take
whatever position in our service you like best yourself." Olaf
thanked the king for all the honour he was offering him, but said he
wished very much to go to Iceland, if that was not against the king's
will. The king answered, "Nothing shall be done in this in an
unfriendly manner to you, Olaf. You shall go out to Iceland in the
summer, for I see you have set your heart on it; but neither trouble
nor toil shall you have over your preparations, for I will see after
all that," and thereupon they part talking. King Harald had a ship
launched in the spring; it was a merchant ship, both great and good.
This ship the king ordered to be laden with wood, and fitted out with
full rigging. When the ship was ready the king had Olaf called to him,
and said, "This ship shall be your own, Olaf, for I should not like
you to start from Norway this summer as a passenger in any one else's
ship." Olaf thanked the king in fair words for his generosity. After
that Olaf got ready for his journey; and when he was ready and a fair
wind arose, Olaf sailed out to sea, and King Harald and he parted with
the greatest affection. That summer Olaf had a good voyage. He brought
his ship into Ramfirth, to Board-Ere. The arrival of the ship was soon
heard of, and also who the captain was. Hoskuld heard of the arrival
of Olaf, his son, and was very much pleased, and rode forthwith north
to Hrutafjord with some men, and there was a joyful meeting between
the father and son. Hoskuld invited Olaf to come to him, and Olaf said
he would agree to that; so he set up his ship, but his goods were
brought (on horseback) from the north. And when this business was
over Olaf himself rode with twelve men home to Hoskuldstead, and
Hoskuld greeted his son joyfully, and his brothers also received him
fondly, as well as all his kinsfolk; but between Olaf and Bard was
love the fondest. [Sidenote: Melkorka receives Olaf] Olaf became very
renowned for this journey; and now was proclaimed the descent of Olaf,
that he was the daughter's son of Myrkjartan, king of Ireland. The
news of this spread over the land, as well as of the honour that
mighty men, whom he had gone to see, had bestowed on him. Melkorka
came soon to see Olaf, her son, and Olaf greeted her with great joy.
She asked about many things in Ireland, first of her father and then
of her other relations. Olaf replied to everything she asked. Then she
asked if her foster-mother still lived. Olaf said she was still alive.
Melkorka asked why he had not tried to give her the pleasure of
bringing her over to Iceland. Olaf replied, "They would not allow me
to bring your foster-mother out of Ireland, mother." "That may be so,"
she replied, and it could be seen that this she took much to heart.
Melkorka and Thorbjorn had one son, who was named Lambi. He was a tall
man and strong, like his father in looks as well as in temper.
[Sidenote: Hoskuld's advice to Olaf] When Olaf had been in Iceland a
month, and spring came on, father and son took counsel together. "I
will, Olaf," said Hoskuld, "that a match should be sought for you, and
that then you should take over the house of your foster-father at
Goddistead, where still there are great means stored up, and that
then you should look after the affairs of that household under my
guidance." Olaf answered, "Little have I set my mind on that sort of
thing hitherto; besides, I do not know where that woman lives whom to
marry would mean any great good luck to me. You must know I shall look
high for a wife. But I see clearly that you would not have broached
this matter till you had made up your mind as to where it was to end."
Hoskuld said, "You guess that right. There is a man named Egil. He is
Skallagrim's son. He lives at Borg, in Borgarfjord. This Egil has a
daughter who is called Thorgerd, and she is the woman I have made up
my mind to woo on your behalf, for she is the very best match in all
Borgarfjord, and even if one went further afield. Moreover, it is to
be looked for, that an alliance with the Mere-men would mean more
power to you." [Sidenote: Olaf's proposal] Olaf answered, "Herein I
shall trust to your foresight, for if this match were to come off it
would be altogether to my liking. But this you must bear in mind,
father, that should this matter be set forth, and not come off, I
should take it very ill." Hoskuld answered, "I think I shall venture
to bring the matter about." Olaf bade him do as he liked. Now time
wears on towards the Thing. Hoskuld prepares his journey from home
with a crowded company, and Olaf, his son, also accompanies him on the
journey. They set up their booth. A great many people were there. Egil
Skallagrim's son was at the Thing. Every one who saw Olaf remarked
what a handsome man he was, and how noble his bearing, well arrayed as
he was as to weapons and clothes.




CHAP. XXIII

The Marriage of Olaf Peacock and Thorgerd, the Daughter of Egil, A.D.
959


It is told how one day the father and son, Hoskuld and Olaf, went
forth from their booth to find Egil. Egil greeted them well, for he
and Hoskuld knew each other very well by word of mouth. Hoskuld now
broaches the wooing on behalf of Olaf, and asks for the hand of
Thorgerd. She was also at the Thing. Egil took the matter well, and
said he had always heard both father and son well spoken of, "and I
also know, Hoskuld," said Egil, "that you are a high-born man and of
great worth, and Olaf is much renowned on account of his journey, and
it is no wonder that such men should look high for a match, for he
lacks neither family nor good looks; but yet this must be talked over
with Thorgerd, for it is no man's task to get Thorgerd for wife
against her will." Hoskuld said, "I wish, Egil, that you would talk
this over with your daughter." Egil said that that should be done.
[Sidenote: Thorgerd's refusal] Egil now went away to find his
daughter, and they talked together. Egil said, "There is here a man
named Olaf, who is Hoskuld's son, and he is now one of the most
renowned of men. Hoskuld, his father, has broached a wooing on behalf
of Olaf, and has sued for your hand; and I have left that matter
mostly for you to deal with. Now I want to know your answer. But it
seems to me that it behoves you to give a good answer to such a
matter, for this match is a noble one." Thorgerd answered, "I have
often heard you say that you love me best of all your children, but
now it seems to me you make that a falsehood if you wish me to marry
the son of a bonds-woman, however goodly and great a dandy he may be."
Egil said, "In this matter you are not so well up, as in others. Have
you not heard that he is the son of the daughter of Myrkjartan, king
of Ireland? so that he is much higher born on his mother's side than
on his father's, which, however, would be quite good enough for us."
Thorgerd would not see this; and so they dropped the talk, each being
somewhat of a different mind. The next day Egil went to Hoskuld's
booth. Hoskuld gave him a good welcome, and so they fell a-talking
together. Hoskuld asked how this wooing matter had sped. Egil held out
but little hope, and told him all that had come to pass. Hoskuld said
it looked like a closed matter, "Yet I think you have behaved well."
Olaf did not hear this talk of theirs. After that Egil went away. Olaf
now asks, "How speeds the wooing?" Hoskuld said, "It pointed to slow
speed on her side." [Sidenote: Olaf proposes himself] Olaf said, "It
is now as I told you, father, that I should take it very ill if in
answer (to the wooing) I should have to take shaming words, seeing
that the broaching of the wooing gives undue right to the wooed. And
now I shall have my way so far, that this shall not drop here. For
true is the saw, that 'others' errands eat the wolves'; and now I
shall go straightway to Egil's booth." Hoskuld bade him have his own
way. Olaf now dressed himself in this way, that he had on the scarlet
clothes King Harald had given him, and a golden helmet on his head,
and the gold-adorned sword in his hand that King Myrkjartan had given
him. Then Hoskuld and Olaf went to Egil's booth. Hoskuld went first,
and Olaf followed close on his heels. Egil greeted him well, and
Hoskuld sat down by him, but Olaf stood up and looked about him. He
saw a woman sitting on the dais in the booth, she was goodly and had
the looks of one of high degree, and very well dressed. He thought to
himself this must be Thorgerd, Egil's daughter. Olaf went up to the
dais and sat down by her. Thorgerd greeted the man, and asked who he
was. Olaf told his own and his father's name, and "You must think it
very bold that the son of a slave should dare to sit down by you and
presume to talk to you!" She said, "You cannot but mean that you must
be thinking you have done deeds of greater daring than that of talking
to women." [Sidenote: Thorgerd accepts Olaf] Then they began to talk
together, and they talked all day. But nobody heard their
conversation. And before they parted Egil and Hoskuld were called to
them; and the matter of Olaf's wooing was now talked over again, and
Thorgerd came round to her father's wish. Now the affair was all
easily settled and the betrothal took place. The honour was conceded
to the Salmon-river-Dale men that the bride should be brought home to
them, for by law the bride-groom should have gone to the bride's home
to be married. The wedding was to take place at Hoskuldstead when
seven weeks summer had passed. After that Egil and Hoskuld separated.
The father and son rode home to Hoskuldstead, and all was quiet the
rest of the summer. After that things were got ready for the wedding
at Hoskuldstead, and nothing was spared, for means were plentiful. The
guests came at the time settled, and the Burgfirthmen mustered in a
great company. Egil was there, and Thorstein, his son. The bride was
in the journey too, and with her a chosen company out of all the
countryside. Hoskuld had also a great company awaiting them. The feast
was a brave one, and the guests were seen off with good gifts on
leaving. Olaf gave to Egil the sword, Myrkjartan's gift, and Egil's
brow brightened greatly at the gift. Nothing in the way of tidings
befell, and every one went home.




CHAP. XXIV

The Building of Herdholt, A. D. 960


Olaf and Thorgerd lived at Hoskuldstead and loved each other very
dearly; it was easily seen by every one that she was a woman of very
high mettle, though she meddled little with every-day things, but
whatever Thorgerd put her hand to must be carried through as she
wished. Olaf and Thorgerd spent that winter turn and turn about at
Hoskuldstead, or with Olaf's foster-father. In the spring Olaf took
over the household business at Goddistead. [Sidenote: Thord's death]
The following summer Thord fell ill, and the illness ended in his
death. Olaf had a cairn raised over him on the ness that runs out into
the Salmon-river and is called Drafn-ness, with a wall round which is
called Howes-garth. After that liegemen crowded to Olaf and he became
a great chieftain. Hoskuld was not envious of this, for he always
wished that Olaf should be consulted in all great matters. The place
Olaf owned was the stateliest in Salmon-river-Dale. [Sidenote: The new
house built] There were two brothers with Olaf, both named An. One was
called An the White and the other An the Black. They had a third
brother who was named Beiner the Strong. These were Olaf's smiths, and
very valiant men. Thorgerd and Olaf had a daughter who was named
Thurid. The land that Hrapp had owned all lay waste, as has been told
before. Olaf thought that it lay well and set before his father his
wishes on the matter; how they should send down to Trefill with this
errand, that Olaf wished to buy the land and other things thereto
belonging at Hrappstead. It was soon arranged and the bargain settled,
for Trefill saw that better was one crow in the hand than two in the
wood. The bargain arranged was that Olaf should give three marks of
silver for the land; yet that was not fair price, for the lands were
wide and fair and very rich in useful produce, such as good salmon
fishing and seal catching. There were wide woods too, a little further
up than Hoskuldstead, north of the Salmon-river, in which was a space
cleared, and it was well-nigh a matter of certainty that the flocks of
Olaf would gather together there whether the weather was hard or mild.
One autumn it befell that on that same hill Olaf had built a dwelling
of the timber that was cut out of the forest, though some he got
together from drift-wood strands. This was a very lofty dwelling. The
buildings stood empty through the winter. The next spring Olaf went
thither and first gathered together all his flocks which had grown to
be a great multitude; for, indeed, no man was richer in live stock in
all Broadfirth. Olaf now sent word to his father that he should be
standing out of doors and have a look at his train as he was moving to
his new home, and should give him his good wishes. Hoskuld said so it
should be. Olaf now arranged how it should be done. He ordered that
all the shiest of his cattle should be driven first and then the
milking live stock, then came the dry cattle, and the pack horses came
in the last place; and men were ranged with the animals to keep them
from straying out of straight line. When the van of the train had got
to the new homestead, Olaf was just riding out of Goddistead and there
was nowhere a gap breaking the line. Hoskuld stood outside his door
together with those of his household. [Sidenote: The naming of
Herdholt] Then Hoskuld spake, bidding Olaf his son welcome and abide
all honour to this new dwelling of his, "And somehow my mind forebodes
me that this will follow, that for a long time his name will be
remembered." Jorunn his wife said, "Wealth enough the slave's son has
got for his name to be long remembered." At the moment that the
house-carles had unloaded the pack horses Olaf rode into the place.
Then he said, "Now you shall have your curiosity satisfied with regard
to what you have been talking about all the winter, as to what this
place shall be called; it shall be called Herdholt." Every one thought
this a very happy name, in view of what used to happen there.[2] Olaf
now sets up his household at Herdholt, and a stately one it soon
became, and nothing was lacking there. And now the honour of Olaf
greatly increased, there being many causes to bring it about: Olaf was
the most beloved of men, for whatever he had to do with affairs of
men, he did so that all were well contented with their lot. His father
backed him up very much towards being a widely honoured man, and Olaf
gained much in power from his alliance with the Mere-men. Olaf was
considered the noblest of all Hoskuld's sons. The first winter that
Olaf kept house at Herdholt, he had many servants and workmen, and
work was divided amongst the house-carles; one looked after the dry
cattle and another after the cows. The fold was out in the wood, some
way from the homestead. [Sidenote: Hrapp's ghost] One evening the man
who looked after the dry cattle came to Olaf and asked him to make
some other man look after the neat and "set apart for me some other
work." Olaf answered, "I wish you to go on with this same work of
yours." The man said he would sooner go away. "Then you think there is
something wrong," said Olaf. "I will go this evening with you when you
do up the cattle, and if I think there is any excuse for you in this I
will say nothing about it, but otherwise you will find that your lot
will take some turn for the worse." Olaf took his gold-set spear, the
king's gift, in his hand, and left home, and with him the house-carle.
There was some snow on the ground. They came to the fold, which was
open, and Olaf bade the house-carle go in. "I will drive up the cattle
and you tie them up as they come in." The house-carle went to the
fold-door. And all unawares Olaf finds him leaping into his open arms.
Olaf asked why he went on so terrified? He replied, "Hrapp stands in
the doorway of the fold, and felt after me, but I have had my fill of
wrestling with him." Olaf went to the fold door and struck at him
with his spear. Hrapp took the socket of the spear in both hands and
wrenched it aside, so that forthwith the spear shaft broke. Olaf was
about to run at Hrapp but he disappeared there where he stood, and
there they parted, Olaf having the shaft and Hrapp the spear-head.
After that Olaf and the house-carle tied up the cattle and went home.
Olaf saw the house-carle was not to blame for his grumbling. The next
morning Olaf went to where Hrapp was buried and had him dug up. Hrapp
was found undecayed, and there Olaf also found his spear-head. After
that he had a pyre made and had Hrapp burnt on it, and his ashes were
flung out to sea. After that no one had any more trouble with Hrapp's
ghost.

[Footnote 2: _i.e._, in view of the fact stated above that Olaf's
flocks would always be gathering there.]




CHAP. XXV

About Hoskuld's Sons


[Sidenote: Of Thorliek Hoskuldson] Now Hoskuld's sons shall be told
about. Thorliek, Hoskuld's son, had been a great seafarer, and taken
service with men in lordly station when he was on his merchant voyages
before he settled down as a householder, and a man of mark he was
thought to be. He had also been on Viking raids, and given good
account of himself by reason of his courage. Bard, Hoskuld's son, had
also been a seafarer, and was well accounted of wherever he went, for
he was the best of brave men and true, and a man of moderation in all
things. Bard married a Broadfirth woman, named Astrid, who came of a
good stock. Bard's son was named Thorarin, and his daughter Gudney,
who married Hall, the son of Fight Styr, and from them are descended
many great families. Hrut, Herjolf's son, gave a thrall of his, named
Hrolf, his freedom, and with it a certain amount of money, and a
dwelling-place where his land joined with Hoskuld's. [Sidenote: Hrut's
quarrel with Thorliek] And it lay so near the landmark that Hrut's
people had made a mistake in the matter, and settled the freedman down
on the land belonging to Hoskuld. He soon gained there much wealth.
Hoskuld took it very much to heart that Hrut should have placed his
freedman right up against his ear, and bade the freedman pay him money
for the lands he lived on "for it is mine own." The freedman went to
Hrut and told him all they had spoken together. Hrut bade him give no
heed, and pay no money to Hoskuld. "For I do not know," he said, "to
which of us the land belonged." So the freedman went home, and goes on
with his household just as before. A little later, Thorliek, Hoskuld's
son, went at the advice of his father to the dwelling of the freedman
and took him and killed him, and Thorliek claimed as his and his
father's own all the money the freedman had made. Hrut heard this, and
he and his sons liked it very ill. They were most of them grown up,
and the band of kinsmen was deemed a most forbidding one to grapple
with. Hrut fell back on the law as to how this ought to turn out, and
when the matter was searched into by lawyers, Hrut and his son stood
at but little advantage, for it was held a matter of great weight that
Hrut had set the freedman down without leave on Hoskuld's land, where
he had made money, Thorliek having slain the man within his and his
father's own lands. Hrut took his lot very much to heart; but things
remained quiet. [Sidenote: The birth of Bolli] After that Thorliek had
a homestead built on the boundary of Hrut and Hoskuld's lands, and it
was called Combness. There Thorliek lived for a while, as has been
told before. Thorliek begat a son of his wife. The boy was sprinkled
with water and called Bolli. He was at an early age a very promising
man.




CHAP. XXVI

The Death of Hoskuld, A.D. 985


[Sidenote: Hoskuld's death] Hoskuld, Koll o' Dales' son, fell ill in
his old age, and he sent for his sons and other kinsfolk, and when
they were come Hoskuld spoke to the brothers Bard and Thorliek, and
said, "I have taken some sickness, and as I have not been much in the
way of falling ill before, I think this may bring me to death; and
now, as you know, you are both begotten in wedlock, and are entitled
to all inheritance left by me. But there is a third son of mine, one
who is not born in wedlock, and I will ask you brothers to allow him,
Olaf to wit, to be adopted, so that he take of my means one-third with
you." Bard answered first, and said that he would do as his father
wished, "for I look for honour from Olaf in every way, the more so the
wealthier he becomes." Then Thorliek said, "It is far from my wish
that Olaf be adopted; he has plenty of money already; and you, father,
have for a long time given him a great deal, and for a very long time
dealt unevenly with us. I will not freely give up the honour to which
I am born." Hoskuld said, "Surely you will not rob me of the law that
allows me to give twelve ounces to my son, seeing how high-born Olaf
is on his mother's side." To this Thorliek now agreed. Then Hoskuld
took the gold ring, Hakon's gift, that weighed a mark, and the sword,
King's gift whereon was half a mark of gold, and gave them to Olaf,
his son, and therewith his good luck and that of the family, saying he
did not speak in this way because he did not know well enough that the
luck had already come to him. Olaf took his gifts, and said he would
risk how Thorliek would like it. Thorliek liked it very ill, and
thought that Hoskuld had behaved in a very underhand way to him. Olaf
said, "I shall not give up the gifts, Thorliek, for you agreed to the
gift in the face of witnesses; and I shall run the risk to keep it."
Bard said he would obey his father's wishes. [Sidenote: The funeral
feast postponed] After that Hoskuld died, and his death was very much
grieved for, in the first place by his sons, and next by all his
relations and friends. His sons had a worthy cairn made for him; but
little money was put into it with him. And when this was over, the
brothers began to talk over the matter of preparing an "arvale"
(burial feast) after their father, for at that time such was the
custom. Olaf said, "It seems to me that we should not be in a hurry
about preparing this feast, if it is to be as noble as we should think
right; now the autumn is very far worn, and the ingathering of means
for it is no longer easy; most people who have to come a long way
would find that a hard matter in the autumn days; so that it is
certain that many would not come of the men we most should like to
see. So I will now make the offer, next summer at the Thing, to bid
men to the feast, and I will bear one-third of the cost of the
wassail." The brothers agreed to that, and Olaf now went home.
Thorliek and Bard now share the goods between them. Bard had the
estate and lands, which was what most men held to, as he was the most
popular; but Thorliek got for his share more of the chattels. Olaf and
Bard got on well together, but Olaf and Thorliek rather snappishly.
Now the next winter passed, and summer comes, and time wears on
towards the Thing. The sons of Hoskuld got ready to go to the Thing.
It was soon seen clearly enough how Olaf took the lead of the
brothers. When they got to the Thing they set up three booths, and
make themselves comfortable in a handsome manner.




CHAP. XXVII

The Funeral Feast for Hoskuld


[Sidenote: Olaf's invitation to the chiefs] It is told how one day
when people went to the law rock Olaf stood up and asked for a
hearing, and told them first of the death of his father, "and there
are now here many men, kinsmen and friends of his. It is the will of
my brothers that I ask you to a funeral feast in memory of Hoskuld our
father. All you chieftains, for most of the mightier men are such, as
were bound by alliances to him, I let it be known that no one of the
greater men shall go away giftless. And herewith I bid all the farmers
and any who will accept--rich or poor--to a half month's feast at
Hoskuldstead ten weeks before the winter." And when Olaf finished his
speech good cheer was made thereto, and his bidding was looked upon as
a right lordly one. And when Olaf came home to the booth he told his
brothers what he had settled to do. The brothers were not much
pleased, and thought that this was going in for far too much state.
After the Thing the brothers rode home and the summer now wears on.
[Sidenote: The funeral feast] Then the brothers got ready for the
feast, and Olaf put forward unstintedly his third part, and the feast
was furnished with the best of provisions. Great stores were laid in
for this feast, for it was expected many folk would come. And when the
time came it is said that most of the chief men came that were asked.
There were so many that most men say that there could not be far short
of nine hundred (1080). This is the most crowded burial feast that has
been in Iceland, second to that which the sons of Hialti gave at the
funeral of their father, at which time there were 1440 guests. But
this feast was of the bravest in every way, and the brothers got great
honour therefrom, Olaf being at the head of the affair throughout.
Olaf took even share with his brothers in the gifts; and gifts were
bestowed on all the chiefs. When most of the men had gone away Olaf
went to have a talk with Thorliek his brother, and said, "So it is,
kinsman, as you know, that no love has been lost between us; now I
would beg for a better understanding in our brotherhood. I know you
did not like when I took the heirlooms my father gave me on his dying
day. Now if you think yourself wronged in this, I will do as much for
gaining back your whole good-will as to give fostering to your son.
For it is said that ever he is the lesser man who fosters another's
child." Thorliek took this in good part, and said, as was true, that
this was honourably offered. And now Olaf took home Bolli, the son of
Thorliek, who at this time was three winters old. They parted now with
the utmost affection, and Bolli went home to Herdholt with Olaf.
Thorgerd received him well, and Bolli grew up there and was loved no
less than their own children.




CHAP. XXVIII

The Birth of Kjartan, Olaf's Son, A.D. 978


[Sidenote: Birth of Kjartan] Olaf and Thorgerd had a son, and the boy
was sprinkled with water and a name was given him, Olaf letting him be
called Kjartan after Myrkjartan his mother's father. Bolli and Kjartan
were much of an age. Olaf and Thorgerd had still more children; three
sons were called Steinthor and Halldor and Helgi, and Hoskuld was the
name of the youngest of Olaf's sons. The daughters of Olaf and his
wife were named Bergthora, Thorgerd, and Thorbjorg. All their children
were of goodly promise as they grew up. At that time Holmgang Bersi
lived in Saurby at an abode called Tongue. He comes to see Olaf and
asked for Halldor his son to foster. Olaf agreed to this and Halldor
went home with him, being then one winter old. That summer Bersi fell
ill, and lay in bed for a great part of the summer. [Sidenote: Bersi
and Halldor] It is told how one day, when all the men were out
haymaking at Tongue and only they two, Bersi and Halldor, were left in
the house, Halldor lay in his cradle and the cradle fell over under
the boy and he fell out of it on to the floor, and Bersi could not
get to him. Then Bersi said this ditty:

    Here we both lie
    In helpless plight,
    Halldor and I,
    Have no power left us;
    Old age afflicts me,
    Youth afflicts you,
    You will get better
    But I shall get worse.

Later on people came in and picked Halldor up off the floor, and Bersi
got better. Halldor was brought up there, and was a tall man and
doughty looking. Kjartan, Olaf's son, grew up at home at Herdholt. He
was of all men the goodliest of those who have been born in Iceland.
He was striking of countenance and fair of feature, he had the finest
eyes of any man, and was light of hue. He had a great deal of hair as
fair as silk, falling in curls; he was a big man, and strong, taking
after his mother's father Egil, or his uncle Thorolf. Kjartan was
better proportioned than any man, so that all wondered who saw him. He
was better skilled at arms than most men; he was a deft craftsman, and
the best swimmer of all men. In all deeds of strength he was far
before others, more gentle than any other man, and so engaging that
every child loved him; he was light of heart, and free with his money.
Olaf loved Kjartan best of all his children. Bolli, his
foster-brother, was a great man, he came next to Kjartan in all deeds
of strength and prowess; he was strong, and fair of face and
courteous, and most warrior-like, and a great dandy. The
foster-brothers were very fond of each other. Olaf now remained
quietly in his home, and for a good many years.




CHAP. XXIX

Olaf's Second Journey to Norway, A.D. 975


[Sidenote: Olaf's meeting with Giermund] It is told how one spring
Olaf broke the news to Thorgerd that he wished to go out
voyaging--"And I wish you to look after our household and children."
Thorgerd said she did not much ca