Snorri Sturluson's Heimskringla traces Norwegian kings from legendary origins through Harald Fairhair's unification, weighing skaldic verse and oral tradition as historical evidence. The deck covers Snorri's preface on source reliability and the early sagas of Halfdan the Black and Harald Fairhair.
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Chapter 1 · Question
What does Snorri say about the reliability of skaldic poems as historical sources?
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Chapter 1 · Answer
The author argues that poems sung before chiefs or their sons can be trusted about feats and battles, since no skald would dare recite to a chief what he and his listeners knew to be false, as that would be mockery rather than praise. He adds that songs seem most reliable if sung correctly and judiciously interpreted.
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Section 14 cards
What does Snorri say about the reliability of skaldic poems as historical sources?
The author argues that poems sung before chiefs or their sons can be trusted about feats and battles, since no skald would dare recite to a chief what he and his listeners knew to be false, as that would be mockery rather than praise. He adds that songs seem most reliable if sung correctly and judiciously interpreted.
Chapter 1
According to Snorri's preface, what were the Age of Burning and the Age of Cairns?
The earliest age was the Age of Burning, when all the dead were consumed by fire and standing stones were raised over their ashes. After Frey was buried under a cairn at Upsala, many chiefs raised cairns for relatives. The Age of Cairns began properly in Denmark after Dan Milkillate ordered burial in a cairn with his ornaments, armour, horse and valuables.
Chapter 1
Who was Are Frode, and on what sources did he base his narratives?
Are Frode, son of Thorgils, was the first man in Iceland to write narratives of old and new events in the Norse language, covering settlements, laws, lagmen and kings. He drew on Od Kolson, who took information from Thorgeir Afradskol, and on Hal Thorarinson of Haukadal, with whom Are lived fourteen years, and on Thurid, daughter of Snorre.
Chapter 1
How did Halfdan the Black acquire Sogn after his son Harald died?
Harald Gulskeg gave his dominions and kingly title to his daughter's son Harald, who died at ten; his mother Ragnhild had died the same winter. When Halfdan heard of his son's death he went north to Sogn with a great force, claimed the heritage and dominion, met no opposition, and took the whole kingdom, setting Earl Atle Mjove over the district.
Chapter 1
Section 24 cards
What did Ragnhild's dream tree symbolize, and how was it described?
Ragnhild dreamt she pulled a thorn from her shift that grew into a great tree, one end rooted in the earth and the other rising so high she could scarcely see over it. Its lower part was red with blood, the stem green, and the branches white as snow; its limbs seemed to cover all Norway and more.
Chapter 2
How did King Halfdan come to have a dream, and who interpreted it?
Halfdan never dreamt, which he found extraordinary, so Thorleif Spake advised him to sleep in a swine-sty, where dreams never failed. Halfdan did so and dreamt of beautiful ringlets of varied colors and lengths. Thorleif interpreted them as a great posterity ruling countries with unequal honor, with one ringlet betokening King Olaf the Saint.
Chapter 2
What did Gyda require before agreeing to marry King Harald?
Gyda, daughter of King Eirik of Hordaland, refused Harald's offer to take her as concubine, saying she would not throw herself away on a king ruling only a few districts. She would agree to be his lawful wife only if he first subjected all of Norway to himself, as Gorm the Old ruled Denmark and Eirik ruled at Upsala.
Chapter 2
What law did King Harald impose on land property in conquered lands?
King Harald made a law over all lands he conquered that all udal property should belong to him, and that bondes, great and small, should pay him land dues for their possessions. He set an earl over every district to judge by law and collect dues and fines, keeping a third for himself; each earl had four or more herses under him.
Chapter 2
Section 34 cards
How did King Harald reward Hrollaug after he surrendered Naumudal?
Hrollaug gave up his whole kingdom, offered to serve Harald, and explained his symbolic act of dropping from the king's throne into the earl's seat. Harald fastened a sword to his belt, bound a shield to his neck, made him an earl, led him to the earl's seat, and gave him Naumudal to rule as earl.
Chapter 3
How did the brothers Herlaug and Hrollaug respond differently to Harald's approach?
Herlaug had meat and drink brought into the finished mound and entered it with eleven companions, ordering it covered up. Hrollaug instead mounted the mound, seated himself on a throne, then threw himself down into the earl's seat, taking the title of earl, and went to meet Harald to surrender his kingdom and enter his service.
Chapter 3
What happened to Earl Hakon Grjotgardson and Earl Atle Mjove?
They quarreled over Sogn and Gaular districts after Harald set Hakon over the Fjord district. Both gathered troops and met in battle at Fialar in Stavanger fiord. Earl Hakon fell, and Earl Atle received a mortal wound and was carried to the island of Atley, where he died.
Chapter 3
How did King Harald respond to the Swedish king's claims in Viken?
Harald was angry that Eirik Eymundson claimed Raumarike, Vestfold, Vingulmark and lands south, and that many chiefs had submitted to him. Harald summoned the bondes to a Thing at Fold, accused them of treason, and some defended themselves, some paid fines, some were punished. He then subdued the district and later Raumarike.
Chapter 3
Section 44 cards
How did Harald respond to the Gautlanders' stakes in the Gaut river?
The Gautlanders drove stakes into the Gaut river to prevent King Harald's ships from landing. Harald laid his ships alongside the stakes, plundered the country, and burnt all around. Afterwards the Gautlanders came down with a great army and gave battle, but Harald gained the day, as Thorbjorn Hornklofe's verses recount.
Chapter 4
What happened to Hrane Gauzke, and what lands did Harald take afterward?
Hrane Gauzke fell in one of the many battles Harald fought throughout Gautland on both sides of the river, where he was generally victorious. The king then took Hrane's whole land north of the river and west of the Veneren, and also Vermaland. After turning back, he set Duke Guthorm as chief to defend the country with a great force.
Chapter 4
Who led the opposing forces at the battle in Hafersfjord, and who fell there?
The leaders were Eirik king of Hordaland; Sulke king of Rogaland and his brother Earl Sote; Kjotve the Rich, king of Agder, and his son Thor Haklang; and from Thelemark two brothers, Hroald Hryg and Had the Hard. In the long, hard battle Harald gained the day; Eirik, Sulke, Earl Sote, and the berserk Thor Haklang all fell, and Kjotve fled to a little isle.
Chapter 4
Why did Harald sail west to the isles, and what did he grant Earl Ragnvald?
Vikings wintering in the West sea plundered middle Norway each year, so Harald sailed to Shetland, the Orkneys, the Hebrides, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, clearing out vikings and winning battles. Ivar, son of Ragnvald Earl of More, fell in the war; as compensation Harald gave Ragnvald the Orkney and Shetland isles, which Ragnvald passed to his brother Sigurd.
Chapter 4
Section 54 cards
Why did King Harald go with the Fin Svase on Christmas Eve?
Svase came to the king's door at Thoptar as Harald went to table, and the king was angry at the message. Svase insisted it be delivered again, reminding Harald he had promised to visit the Fin's hut across the ridge. Though some of his men dissuaded him, the king went over the ridge to the hut, where Svase's daughter Snaefrid offered him mead.
Chapter 5
How did King Harald's obsession with Snaefrid end?
After Snaefrid died her corpse stayed fresh and red, and the king sat beside it three years, thinking she would revive. Thorleif the Wise cured him by suggesting it was fitting to raise her and change her clothes. When the body was lifted, corruption and foul smells burst out; it turned blue, worms and reptiles came from it, and it sank into ashes. The king regained his understanding and ruled as before.
Chapter 5
How did Earl Einar become earl over the Orkney Islands?
Earl Ragnvald sent his son Hallad west, but Hallad tired of viking raids, resigned the earldom, and returned to Norway. Einar then offered to go, promising his father would never see him again; Ragnvald gave him a fully equipped vessel. Einar sailed to Orkney, immediately attacked the vikings Thorer Treskeg and Kalf Skurfa, defeated them, and slew both, becoming earl over the islands.
Chapter 5
How did Earl Einar kill Halfdan Haleg?
Halfdan came unexpectedly to Orkney and Einar fled, but returned unnoticed about harvest time. After a short battle Halfdan fled that night; at daylight Einar's men searched the island and found Halfdan hiding on Rinansey. Einar then cut a spread eagle on his back, striking his sword through the back into the belly, dividing the ribs from the backbone and tearing out the lungs, killing him.
Chapter 5
Section 64 cards
What inheritance law did King Harald establish at the Thing?
At a great Thing in the south, King Harald gave all his sons the title of king and made a law that his descendants in the male line should each succeed to the kingly title and dignity, while descendants by the female side should only receive the title of earl. He then divided the country among them, granting each son half his revenues and the right to sit on a high-seat, a step above earls but below his own.
Chapter 6
Why did Eirik Blood-axe kill his brother Bjorn?
Eirik came from his Baltic cruise and demanded that Bjorn deliver King Harald's share of the scat and incomes of Vestfold. Bjorn refused, keeping the old custom of delivering the money himself or sending his own men, and would not give Eirik provisions, tents, and liquor. The brothers quarrelled; Eirik left, then returned at night to Saeheim, surrounded the house, and Bjorn fell fighting with many of his men.
Chapter 6
How did King Harald respond to Athelstan's gift of a sword?
Athelstan's messengers presented Harald with a gilt sword, and when he took it by the handle they said he had thereby become Athelstan's subject. Harald saw the insult, since he would be subject to no man, but he followed his rule of letting his anger cool and consulting friends, who advised letting the ambassadors go home safely. The author notes each king was supreme in his own kingdom.
Chapter 6
How did Hakon come to be fostered by King Athelstan?
The next summer Harald sent Hauk Habrok west to England with his son Hakon. At a feast in London, Hauk set the child on Athelstan's knee, saying Harald bade him foster his servant-girl's child. The angry king drew a sword as if to kill the boy, but Hauk warned he could murder him yet not end all Harald's sons. Hauk and his thirty men left for their ship. Athelstan had Hakon baptized and raised him as his foster-son.
Chapter 6
Section 74 cards
Why did King Harald give Eirik authority over the whole land?
At eighty years of age (A.D. 930) Harald became very heavy and unable to travel through the country or do the business of a king. He therefore brought his son Eirik to his high-seat and gave him power and command over the whole land. Harald lived three years after this, mostly on his great farms in Rogaland and Hordaland, and died of sickness at Hogaland (A.D. 933).
Chapter 7
How did Hakon win the Throndhjem bondes as king?
Hakon, Athelstan's foster-son, sailed to Throndhjem and allied with Sigurd earl of Hlader, who recommended him at a Thing. Hakon spoke and promised to make all the bondes udal-holders and give every man udal rights to the land he lived on. The people shouted approval and took him as king at fifteen, contrasting him with Harald, who had made the people vassals and unfree.
Chapter 7
What agreement did Eirik make with King Athelstan?
After Eirik sailed west to Orkney and raided Scotland and northern England, Athelstan offered him dominions under him, citing friendship with Harald. They agreed Eirik would take Northumberland as a fief from Athelstan and defend it against Danes or other vikings. Eirik was to be baptized with his wife, children, and followers; he accepted, was baptized, and adopted the right faith, residing at York.
Chapter 7
What does the chapter say about Harald Harfager's appearance and character?
According to men of knowledge, Harald was remarkably handsome, great and strong, very generous and affable to his men, and a great warrior in his youth. People think his mother's dream foretold this: the tree's lowest part was red as blood, the stem green and beautiful, the top white, showing his grey-haired old age, and the branches his posterity, for Norway has always had kings of his race.
Chapter 7
Section 84 cards
Why did Gunhild and Eirik's sons leave Northumberland after Eirik's fall?
They believed no peace could be expected for them, so they prepared to depart with all the ships Eirik had left and all men willing to go, taking loose property and goods gathered partly as taxes in England and partly as booty from expeditions. They first steered north to Orkney, where Thorfin Hausakljufer was earl, and stayed there for a time.
Chapter 8
How did Hakon respond to Danish plundering in Viken?
When the Danes heard Hakon approached with a great army, they withdrew to Halland, and those nearest him went to sea over to Jutland. Hakon sailed after them with his whole army, plundered all round Jutland, and when the country people assembled to defend their land, he fought so boldly that he went before his banner without helmet or coat of mail. He won the victory and drove the fugitives far up the country.
Chapter 8
How did King Eystein's dog Saur come to rule the Throndhjem people?
Eystein, king of the Uplands, warred in Throndhjem and offered the people either his slave Thorer Faxe or his dog Saur as king; they chose the dog, thinking they would sooner get rid of him. By witchcraft the dog had three men's wisdom, spoke one word and barked two, wore a gold and silver collar, was carried on shoulders, and sat on a throne on Idre Isle. Wolves tore him apart when he ran from his mound to defend his cattle.
Chapter 8
How did Hakon practice Christianity while Norway remained heathen?
The author states Hakon was a good Christian when he came to Norway, but since the whole country was heathen with much heathenish sacrifice, and great people and common favour had to be conciliated, he resolved to practice Christianity in private. He kept Sundays, Friday fasts, and tokens of the greatest holy-days, and made a law that Yule should begin when Christian people held it, with every man under penalty brewing malt into ale.
Chapter 8
Section 104 cards
How did Egil Ulserk's banner stratagem deceive Eirik's sons at Rastarkalf?
Egil asked King Hakon for ten men with ten banners and placed them near the summit of the ridge with spaces between them. Seen over the ridge, the banners looked like a large force coming behind Eirik's sons' army, between them and their ships. The troops shouted the news along the line and the whole army fled, with Hakon pursuing.
Chapter 10
How did Gamle Eirikson respond to the apparent flanking force on the ridge?
Gamle came up the ridge, turned, and saw that no more people were following than his men had already engaged. He recognized it as a stratagem of war, ordered the war-horns blown and his banner set up, and put his men in battle order. His Northmen stood and turned with him, but the Danes fled to the ships.
Chapter 10
What happened to Egil Ulserk and King Gamle in the fighting?
Egil Ulserk was in front of Hakon's men and made a stout attack. He and King Gamle exchanged blows: Gamle received a grievous wound, but Egil fell along with many of his men. Later Gamle fled down to the plain, and when Eirik's sons' men plunged into the sea, Gamle was drowned.
Chapter 10
Why did the watchmen hesitate to warn King Hakon of the approaching ships?
The watchmen saw many ships coming from the south and thought an armed force was approaching, but none wanted to bring the king a war alarm because he had set heavy penalties on those who raised such alarms falsely. They still thought it wrong for the king to remain ignorant, so one fetched Eyvind Finson, who confirmed the army.
Chapter 10
Section 114 cards
How did King Hakon die after the battle at Stord?
Hakon was struck by an arrow called a flein in the muscles below the shoulder. Sources disagree on the shooter: many say Gunhild's shoe-boy Kisping shot him, but others say the shooter was unknown, which the chapter calls most likely since missiles flew like a snow-drift. The wound bled unstoppably, and Hakon died at the hill where he was born.
Chapter 11
What did Hakon arrange for the kingdom on his deathbed?
Having only a daughter, Thora, and no son, Hakon told his friends to send word to Eirik's sons that they should be kings, asking them to honour his friends. He said if fate prolonged his life he would leave for a Christian land and do penance; if he died in heathen land, they should bury him as they thought fit.
Chapter 11
How was King Hakon buried, and what was believed of his afterlife?
His friends carried the body to Saeheim in North Hordaland and made a great mound, laying the king in full armour and his best clothes but with no other goods. They spoke over the grave as heathen people do and wished him in Valhal. Eyvind Skaldaspiller composed the poem Hakonarmal on his death and reception in Valhal.
Chapter 11
Why does the chapter's endnote say Hakon was given a place in Valhal?
The endnote states that Hakon, although a Christian, appears to have favoured the old religion and spared the temples of Odin, and therefore a place in Valhal is assigned him. The Hakonarmal poem itself says it was well seen that Hakon had saved the temples from all ill, and the gods welcomed him.
Chapter 11
Section 123 cards
How did Harald respond to his mother's proposal to kill Earl Sigurd?
Harald replied it was not so easy to cut off Earl Sigurd as to slay a kid or a calf. He said Sigurd was of high birth, powerful in relations, popular and prudent, and that if the Throndhjem people knew of enmity between them they would take the earl's side. He thought it unsafe for any of the brothers to fall into the Throndhjem people's hands.
Chapter 12
How was Earl Sigurd killed at Oglo?
Grjotgard, Sigurd's younger brother, secretly agreed with King Harald to spy out an opportunity. When Sigurd went to a feast at Oglo with few men, Grjotgard sent word. That evening Harald and Erling sailed into Throndhjem fjord, met Grjotgard, came late at night to Oglo, and set fire to the house, burning the earl and all his men.
Chapter 12
What settlement ended the strife between Earl Hakon and Gunhild's sons?
Friends on both sides intervened and proposed peace, since the bondes suffered from the strife. By advice of prudent men it was agreed that Earl Hakon should have the same power in Throndhjem land his father Sigurd had enjoyed, while the kings should have the same dominion as King Hakon had. The agreement was settled with promises of fidelity, and great friendship arose between Hakon and Gunhild.
Chapter 12
Section 134 cards
How did Earl Hakon evade Gunhild's sons' army at Stad, and where did he raid?
Hearing their overwhelming force was waiting in the Fjords for a fair wind to sail north round Stad, Hakon set out to sea from the north side of Stad, far enough that his sails could not be seen from land. He then sailed eastward along the coast to Denmark, and from there into the Baltic, where he pillaged during the summer.
Chapter 13
How did Earl Hakon return to Throndhjem after raiding in the Bothnian Gulf?
Towards harvest (A.D. 963) Hakon sailed into the Bothnian Gulf to Helsingjaland, drew his ships up on the beach, and took the land-ways through Helsingjaland and Jamtaland, eastwards round the dividing ridge (the Kjol) and down into the Throndhjem district. Many people streamed to him and he fitted out ships.
Chapter 13
Why did the bondes kill King Erling, and what happened to him?
King Harald went south with most of the men-at-arms in autumn (A.D. 968), leaving King Erling behind. Erling raised great contributions from the bondes and pressed severely on them, so they murmured greatly. In winter they gathered a great force and attacked him at a feast; he fell with most of his men (A.D. 969).
Chapter 13
What did Eyvind Skaldaspiller do with the clasps the Icelanders sent him?
Each bonde gave Eyvind three silver pennies for his poem about Iceland; at the Althing the silver was purified and made into a row of clasps valued at fifty marks, which was sent to him. Eyvind had to separate the clasps and sell them to buy food for his household. That spring he sold his arrows to buy herrings.
Chapter 13
Section 144 cards
Why did Gunhild send Hakon to Sweden, and what was the outcome?
Gunhild sent Hakon eastward to King Eirik of Sweden with gifts and friendship, asking help to seize Olaf Trygvason and bring him to Norway to be raised by her. Eirik gave attendants, but Hakon the Old said the decision rested with Olaf's mother Astrid, who refused. A second attempt with threats also failed, and the envoys returned to Gunhild reporting only that they had seen Olaf.
Chapter 14
How was Olaf Trygvason captured and then freed in Eistland?
Sailing to Russia, Astrid and Olaf were captured by Eistland vikings; Olaf was separated from his mother and passed through several owners, spending six years in Eistland. His uncle Sigurd, collecting King Valdemar's taxes, recognized the boy in the market-place, learned his parentage, bought Olaf and Thorgils, and took them to Holmgard, keeping the relationship secret at first.
Chapter 14
What happened after Olaf killed Klerkon in Holmgard?
Olaf recognized Klerkon, who had killed his foster-father Thorolf, and split his skull with a small axe. Holmgard law required death for killing without legal judgment, so the people sought the boy; Queen Allogia protected him with armed men, the king refused bloodshed, and the fine was set and paid by the queen. Olaf then stayed with her and later entered the king's court.
Chapter 14
What scheme did Earl Hakon propose to King Harald Gormson regarding Norway?
Hakon advised Harald to keep Denmark whole and win Norway for Gold Harald instead. He proposed luring Harald Grafeld to Denmark with an offer of fiefs, then having Gold Harald conquer Norway. The king objected that Norway was large and its people fierce, and that deceiving his foster-son would look bad, but the earl argued the Danes would call it better to kill a Norwegian viking than a Danish kinsman.
Chapter 14
Section 154 cards
How did Harald Grafeld die at Limfjord, and who fell with him?
Gold Harald challenged Harald Grafeld to battle at Limfjord. Though Harald had fewer men, he landed and drew up his troops, urging them to draw swords, and he fought in the foremost rank. Harald Grafeld fell there, and most of his men fell with him, including Herse Arinbjorn. Glum Geirason's lay says Fate laid the king low at the narrow Limfjord strand.
Chapter 15
What happened to Gold Harald after Harald Grafeld's fall?
Soon after Harald Grafeld's fall, Earl Hakon came up to Gold Harald and immediately gave battle. Hakon won, and Gold Harald was taken prisoner. Hakon had him hanged on a gallows at once. Hakon then went to the Danish king and, the chapter says, no doubt easily settled with him for killing his relative Gold Harald.
Chapter 15
How did King Harald Gormson divide Norway between Earl Hakon and Harald Grenske?
Harald Gormson levied men over his kingdom and sailed with 600 ships (counted by long hundreds, i.e. 720). Earl Hakon got command of the Norwegian forces and rule over seven districts: Rogaland, Hordaland, Sogn, Fjord-district, South More, Raumsdal and North More, with the king's land-estates and land-tax, plus Throndhjem. Harald Grenske, then eighteen, got Vingulmark, Vestfold and Agder to Lindesnes with the title of king.
Chapter 15
What did Earl Hakon do about temples and sacrifices, and what signs favored his rule?
As Hakon subjected the coast, he ordered that over all his dominions the temples and sacrifices be restored and continued as of old; the Vellekla praises him for raising Thor's temples again. The first winter he ruled Norway, herrings set in everywhere through the fjords and the seasons ripened a good crop, so people sowed seed for the next year and hoped for good times.
Chapter 15
Section 164 cards
Why did King Valdemar's men grow envious of Olaf Trygvason in Russia?
Olaf was highly esteemed by King Valdemar and beloved by the queen, and the king made him chief over the men-at-arms. Olaf kept many troops at his own expense, was generous and popular, and the queen often talked with him. Men hinted to the king that Olaf might become dangerous, and the king grew somewhat silent and blunt toward him.
Chapter 16
How did Olaf Trygvason come to marry Queen Geira of Vindland?
Bad weather forced Olaf's ships to seek harbour in Vindland, where they behaved peacefully. Queen Geira, who governed that region, sent her adviser Dixen to invite the strangers to winter with her. Olaf accepted, went to her in harvest (A.D. 982), they liked each other exceedingly, and it was settled that he married her that winter and ruled her dominions with her.
Chapter 16
How did Earl Hakon defend the Danavirke against Emperor Otto's army?
The Danavirke was a great wall of stone, turf, and timber between two fjords, with a deep broad ditch in front and a castle over each gate. Hakon drew men up on the gate-towers but kept most marching along the wall to meet any threatened attack. Many of the emperor's men fell without making an impression, and Otto turned back without further assault.
Chapter 16
What happened to Earl Hakon's baptism after King Harald was baptized?
Bishop Poppo bore red-hot irons and showed unscorched hands, after which King Harald and his whole Danish army were baptized. Harald then forced Earl Hakon and his men to be baptized and ordered him to baptize all Norway. But once at sea, Hakon put the learned men ashore, sailed off raiding, and made a great blood-sacrifice to Odin.
Chapter 16
Section 174 cards
How long had Olaf Trygvason been on his western cruise when he reached the Scilly Isles?
The chapter states Olaf Trygvason had been four years on this cruise (A.D. 985-988) from the time he left Vindland until he came to the Scilly Islands. During that time he ravaged England, Northumberland, Scotland, the Hebrides, Man, Ireland, Bretland and Cumberland, and Valland, as Halfred Vandraskald's verse recounts.
Chapter 17
What prophecy did the hermit on the Scilly Isles give Olaf, and how was it confirmed?
The hermit foretold Olaf would become a renowned king, bring many to baptism, be wounded almost to death in a mutiny and carried on a shield to his ship, then recover within seven days and be baptized. All occurred as predicted, so Olaf returned, accepted the Christian God as the source of the hermit's knowledge, and was baptized with all his followers.
Chapter 17
How did Olaf win Gyda, and what happened in his duel with Alfvine?
Gyda, sister of the king of Dublin and a widow ruling an English earldom, chose Olaf at a Thing despite his coarse clothes. Alfvine, a rejected suitor, challenged him to single combat with twelve men each. Olaf hewed the sword from Alfvine's hand and struck him down, his men likewise beating Alfvine's, then banished Alfvine and took his property.
Chapter 17
Why did Harald Gormson want to attack Iceland, and what did his shape-shifted scout report?
The Icelanders had made lampoons mocking Harald and his bailiff Birger over property taken from a stranded ship, so Harald sailed to Iceland to avenge the scorn. He sent a warlock in whale shape, who found the land guarded by spirits: a dragon with serpents at Vapnafjord, a huge bird at Eyjafjord, a grey bull at Breidafjord, and a hill-giant with an iron staff. Harald turned back.
Chapter 17
Section 182 cards
How did Geirmund prove to Earl Hakon that an enemy army had landed?
Geirmund sailed in a light boat to More and told Earl Hakon that an army from Denmark had come to the south of the land. When the earl asked if he had certainty, Geirmund stretched out an arm with the hand cut off and said, "Here is the token that the enemy is in the land." He then said the Jomsborg vikings had killed many and plundered all around.
Chapter 18
How did Bue the Thick die at the battle of Hjorungavag?
Eirik's men boarded Bue's ship and pressed aft to the quarter-deck where Bue stood. Thorstein Midlang cut across his nose, splitting the nosepiece of his helmet and giving him a great wound; Bue in turn cut Thorstein through the side. Then Bue lifted two chests full of gold, called aloud "Overboard all Bue's men," and threw himself overboard with the chests; many of his people sprang overboard with him.
Chapter 18
Section 193 cards
How did Queen Sigrid of Svithjod deal with the kings courting her?
Harald Grenske and Vissavald of Gardarike both came to court Sigrid and were lodged together in a great old out-building. After drink made all the watch fall asleep, Sigrid ordered an attack by fire and sword; the house was burned and those who escaped were killed. She said she would make these small kings tired of courting her, and was afterwards called Sigrid the Haughty.
Chapter 19
What did Thorer Klakka tell Olaf about Earl Hakon and the Norwegian bondes?
Thorer said the earl was so powerful that no one dared speak against him, but that this came from there being no one else in the country to look to. He claimed many brave men and whole communities would rather see a king of Harald Harfager's race, though no suitable candidate was known. He then encouraged Olaf to press his claim, and Olaf disclosed his name and family.
Chapter 19
How did Olaf Trygvason force Christianity on Earl Sigurd of the Orkneys?
Olaf's fleet and Earl Sigurd's ship met in the same harbour because Pentland Firth could not be passed at that tide. Olaf told the earl he must be baptized, along with all the people of the country, or be put to death, and threatened to lay the islands waste with fire and sword. The earl chose Christianity, was baptized with his men, swore an oath, entered Olaf's service, and gave his son Hvelp as a hostage.
Chapter 19
Section 204 cards
Why did Earl Hakon flee from the bondes at Medalhus?
The earl sent slaves to fetch Gudrun, wife of the bonde Orm Lyrgja, who refused to send her. Orm sent out a message-token to attack and kill the earl, joined by Haldor of Skerdingsstedja. The people revolted and marched on Medalhus, so Hakon fled and hid in a deep glen later called Jarlsdal.
Chapter 20
How did Earl Hakon die, and what happened to his killer Kark?
Kark, the earl's slave, cut his throat with a knife while Hakon slept uneasily, then cut off his head and brought it to King Olaf at Hlader. Olaf had Kark beheaded. The heads of both Hakon and Kark were hung on the gallows at Nidarholm, and the bondes threw stones at them.
Chapter 20
What did Thora of Rimul do to hide Earl Hakon?
Thora warned that he would be hunted inside and outside her house, so she offered the swine-stye as the one place no one would expect. Kark dug a hole there, laid wood over it, and Thora covered it with wood, earth, and dung and drove the swine on top. The stye stood under a great stone.
Chapter 20
How does the chapter describe Earl Hakon's character and the cause of his downfall?
The author says Hakon was in many respects fitted to be a chief: high descent, understanding to govern, courage in battle, and luck in killing enemies. He was generous, yet great misfortunes attended him at the end. The author argues the cause was that the time had come for heathen sacrifices to fall and the holy faith to replace them.
Chapter 20
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How did King Olaf respond to Eyvind Kelda escaping the burning?
The king was ill pleased that Eyvind had escaped death. Eyvind had slipped out through the smoke-hole and sent word that he would never again come into King Olaf's power but would carry on his witchcraft as much as ever.
Chapter 21
What conditions did King Olaf offer the bondes at Dragseid?
At the Thing of the four districts at Dragseid in Stad, King Olaf proposed Christianity to the people of Sogn, the Fjord-districts, South More, and Raumsdal. He offered them two conditions: either to accept Christianity, or to fight. The bondes saw they could not fight the king, so all agreed to be baptized.
Chapter 21
Why did Queen Sigrid break the gold ring King Olaf sent?
The ring, taken from the temple door at Hlader, was highly prized, but Sigrid's two goldsmith brothers weighed it and smiled. Under her command they revealed the ring was false; when broken it was found to be copper inside. The queen was enraged and said Olaf would deceive her in more ways than this one.
Chapter 21
What did Olmod the Old demand in exchange for accepting baptism?
Olmod said the relations had one resolution: if the king forced them to break the old law, they would resist with all their might; but if he advanced their fortunes, they would serve him. Their first proposal was that the king give his sister Astrid in marriage to Erling Skjalgson, their relation, seen as the most hopeful young man in Norway.
Chapter 21
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Who did King Olaf conclude the mysterious old one-eyed guest must be, and why?
The king decided the guest was Odin, whom the heathens had long worshipped. The old man, gifted in words and wearing a broad-brimmed hat, told of many lands and of Ogvald, then vanished. Cooks reported he had given them two thick fat pieces of beef, so the king ordered all the meat thrown away, saying Odin should not deceive them.
Chapter 22
How did King Olaf force the Throndhjem bondes to accept Christianity at Maeren?
After the bondes demanded he sacrifice, Olaf entered the temple and struck Thor's image so it rolled from its seat; his men threw down all the gods. Jarnskegge was killed outside the temple doors by the king's men. Leaderless, the bondes chose surrender over fighting, were baptized, and hostages were taken for their staying true to Christianity.
Chapter 22
What happened on King Olaf's wedding night with Gudrun, Jarnskegge's daughter?
To settle the bloodshed for Jarnskegge's killing, it was agreed Olaf should marry Gudrun. On their first night together she drew a knife, intending to run him through once she thought he slept. The king saw it, took the knife, left the bed and told his men. Gudrun took her clothes and departed with her men, and never came into the king's bed again.
Chapter 22
Why did King Olaf send the priest Thangbrand to Iceland, and what did Thangbrand do there?
Thangbrand was a Saxon priest, a good scholar but passionate, ungovernable and a great man-slayer; the king would not keep him at home because of his misdeeds, so he sent him to bring Iceland to Christianity. Thangbrand preached, baptized Hal of Sida and many chiefs, but killed Thorvald Veile and Veterlide the skald who satirized him, and was the death of three men in two years.
Chapter 22
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How did Eyvind Kinrifa die after refusing baptism?
King Olaf had a pan of glowing coals placed on Eyvind's belly until it burst. When Eyvind asked for the pan to be removed, the king again asked if he would believe in Christ. Eyvind refused, claiming he was an evil spirit placed in a man's body by Finnish sorcery so his parents could have a child, and then died.
Chapter 23
How did King Olaf make Halogaland Christian in A.D. 999?
The spring after Eyvind's death, King Olaf manned his ship the Crane and sailed north past Bryda to Halogaland. Wherever he landed he held a Thing and told the people to accept the right faith and be baptized. No man dared oppose him, so the whole country he passed through became Christian, including Harek of Thjotta and his people.
Chapter 23
How did Raud the Strong escape King Olaf's battle, and how was he later killed?
Raud sailed his dragon ship out to sea with a fair wind from his witchcraft and reached home at Godey. Later Bishop Sigurd's prayers calmed the fjord so Olaf's ships could reach Godey, where Raud was captured. Refusing baptism, he was bound face-up, his mouth forced open, and an adder was forced down his throat until it gnawed out his side.
Chapter 23
What happened to Thorer Hjort when he fled from King Olaf?
After the battle, Thorer Hjort fled to land, but King Olaf followed with his dog Vige, saying 'Vige! Vige! Catch the deer.' Thorer halted and wounded the dog with his sword, but at that moment the king's spear passed under Thorer's arm and through his body, killing him. Vige was carried back to the ships.
Chapter 23
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What condition did Halfred set for accepting baptism from King Olaf?
Halfred agreed to be baptized only if King Olaf himself would serve as his godfather, declaring that he would have no other. The king agreed and held Halfred during the baptism. Halfred then declined to enter the king's service unless promised he would never be driven away from Olaf, and the king ultimately received him into service.
Chapter 24
Why did King Olaf order the Icelanders assembled, and what changed his mind?
Thangbrand returned from Iceland reporting lampoons against him and attempts on his life, with little hope of converting the country. Enraged, Olaf ordered all Icelanders in town assembled by horn and meant to kill them. Kjartan, Gissur, Hjalte and other Christian Icelanders reminded him of his word to forgive those who turned from heathenism; all were then baptized.
Chapter 24
How did Thorberg explain the notches cut into the Long Serpent's planking?
While Thorberg was away, the ship was fully planked. The king found deep notches cut along one side and swore the culprit would die. Thorberg confessed he did it himself. Ordered to restore the planks or forfeit his life, he smoothed the notches, and all declared that side far handsomer, so the king had the other side shaped the same way.
Chapter 24
What skills and traits does the chapter attribute to King Olaf Trygvason?
The chapter says Olaf was more expert in all exercises than any man in Norway remembered in sagas: he climbed Smalsarhorn and fixed his shield on the peak, ran across the oars while men rowed the Serpent, juggled three daggers, walked the ship's rails, struck with both hands, and cast two spears at once. It also calls him merry, generous, finical in dress, and cruel when enraged.
Chapter 24
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Why did Thyre refuse to marry King Burizleif, and how did she resist the wedding?
Thyre, sister of King Svein of Denmark, gave a positive no to marrying the old heathen king Burizleif. Earl Sigvalde nonetheless persuaded Svein to hand her over, and the wedding was held in Vindland. As long as she was among heathens, Thyre would neither eat nor drink with them, and this lasted seven days before she and her foster-father Ozur Agason fled in the dark.
Chapter 25
How did Thyre come to marry King Olaf, and when was the wedding held?
Thyre and Ozur escaped through the woods to Denmark, but she did not dare stay there lest King Svein send her back to Vindland. She traveled secretly to Norway and fell in with King Olaf, who received her kindly. Seeing she was handsome and well-spoken, he proposed; she left the decision to him, and he married her. The wedding was held at harvest after his return from Halogaland (A.D. 999).
Chapter 25
What did Queen Thyre say that provoked Olaf to swear he did not fear King Svein?
Thyre wept that she had great property in Vindland but no suitable possessions in Norway, and urged Olaf to recover it. One spring day the king brought her a large angelica stalk as a gift; she threw it away and said Harald Gormson gave her mother a greater present and dared go abroad to take his own, while Olaf dared not cross Danish dominions for her brother Svein. Olaf sprang up and swore with a loud oath that he never feared Svein, and if they met Svein would give way.
Chapter 25
What conditions did Olaf set for Earl Ragnvald to marry Ingebjorg, and what did Ingebjorg require?
Earl Ragnvald of West Gautland sought friendship with King Olaf and asked for his sister Ingebjorg in marriage. Olaf said Ingebjorg must decide, and she agreed provided she was not married to a heathen man. Olaf then required that Ragnvald accept the true faith and have all his subjects in his land baptized. The earl agreed, he and his followers were baptized, and the wedding was held at Sole.
Chapter 25
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What role did Earl Sigvalde play in arranging the meeting at Svold?
King Svein sent Earl Sigvalde to Vindland to spy on King Olaf Trygvason and use cunning to bring the two kings together. Sigvalde gained Olaf's favour, delayed his homeward sailing with various reasons, and offered eleven well-manned ships. When word came that the Swedish and Earl Eirik's forces waited at Svold, Sigvalde was asked to contrive the meeting there.
Chapter 26
How did King Olaf respond when urged to avoid battle with the larger fleet?
When the enemy fleet came rowing out and his men begged him to hold on his way and not risk battle against so great a force, King Olaf replied from the quarter-deck that the sails should be struck: never shall his men think of flight, he had never fled from battle, and God might dispose of his life, but flight he would never take. His men obeyed.
Chapter 26
How did Earl Eirik's men defeat Olaf's ships one by one?
Earl Eirik laid his ship side by side with the outermost of King Olaf's ships, thinned it of men, cut the cables, and let it drive. He then laid alongside the next and cleared it of men too. As men from smaller ships fled into the larger ones, the earl cut them loose as fast as he cleared them, while the Danes and Swedes kept out of shooting distance.
Chapter 26
What agreement did the three chiefs make about dividing Norway?
King Svein, King Olaf the Swede, and Earl Eirik agreed that if they succeeded against Olaf Trygvason they would divide Norway among them in three parts. Whoever first boarded the Serpent would have her and all the booty found in her, and each would have the ships he cleared for himself.
Chapter 26
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How did Einar Tambarskelver respond when his bow was split by Fin's arrow?
Einar cried out that Norway had broken from King Olaf's hands. The king denied it was quite so much and threw Einar his own bow. Einar drew it and declared it too weak for a mighty king's bow, threw it aside, and took up sword and shield to fight valiantly.
Chapter 27
What did King Olaf do when he saw his men's swords striking gently and rarely cutting?
He called out asking why they struck so gently that they seldom cut. Told the swords were blunt and notched, the king went down into the forehold, opened the chest beneath the throne, and handed out many sharp swords. Observers noticed blood running under his steel glove, but no one knew where he was wounded.
Chapter 27
How was Kolbjorn the marshal captured, and what did Earl Eirik do with him?
Kolbjorn, dressed and armed like the king, sprang overboard holding his shield behind him against spears. It fell under him so he could not sink quickly, and he was taken into a boat and brought before the earl, who supposed he was the king. Seeing it was Kolbjorn, the earl gave him his life.
Chapter 27
What did the chapter report about Olaf's fate after he sprang overboard, and what does Halfred say?
Some said Olaf cast off his mail underwater, dived under the longships to the Vindland cutter, and was carried to Vindland, and many tales were made about him. Halfred says he scarcely knows which to say, since many tell it each way, but that Olaf was grievously wounded. The chapter states Olaf never returned to Norway.
Chapter 27
Section 283 cards
How did Olaf respond when Sigurd Syr told him to saddle his horse?
Olaf went to the goats' pen, took the largest he-goat, put the king's saddle on it, and told Sigurd the riding horse was saddled. Sigurd said it was easy to see Olaf would little regard his orders, that Asta would think it right Sigurd order nothing against Olaf's inclination, and that they were of different dispositions, with Olaf far prouder. Olaf answered little and went his way laughing.
Chapter 28
What did Olaf do at Stoksund to escape the Swedish king's blockade?
The Swedish king laid iron chains across Stoksund and posted troops and a castle there. Olaf dug a canal across the flat land Agnafit out to the sea. Heavy rain fell, and the water rushed into the canal; Olaf had rudders unshipped and all sail hoisted, and with a strong astern breeze the ships rushed over the shallows into the sea undamaged. The passage was later called King's Sound.
Chapter 28
How did Olaf's luck fare against the Finlanders' witchcraft at Herdaler?
The Finlanders conjured a dreadful storm and bad weather on the sea by witchcraft in the night. Olaf ordered anchors weighed and sail hoisted, and beat off all night to the outside of the land. The saga says the king's luck prevailed more than the Finlanders' witchcraft, for he beat round Balagard's side in the night and got out to sea, while the Finnish army proceeded on land.
Chapter 28
Section 294 cards
How did King Olaf's forces destroy London Bridge?
Olaf covered his ships with wooden platforms taken from old houses, protecting men from stones and missiles. The fleet rowed up under the bridge, tied cables around the supporting piles, and rowed hard downstream, loosening and breaking the piles. The bridge collapsed under the crowded troops, many fell into the river, and the rest fled to the castle or Southwark. Southwark was then stormed and taken.
Chapter 29
What did Olaf dream at Karlsa, and how did he interpret it?
While waiting at Karlsa river, intending to sail to Norvasund and on to Jerusalem, Olaf dreamed a great and terrible-looking man told him to abandon that journey and return to his udal, saying he would be king over Norway forever. Olaf interpreted the dream to mean he would be king over the country and his posterity after him for a long time.
Chapter 29
What does the chapter say about Einar Tambaskelfer's abilities and standing?
Einar, son of Eindride Styrkarson, was said to be the strongest man and best archer ever in Norway; with a blunt arrow he shot through a raw, soft ox-hide hanging over a beam. He was skilled on snow-shoes and in all exercises, of high family and rich. The earls Eirik and Svein married their sister Bergliot to him and gave him great fiefs in Orkadal, making him powerful in Throndhjem.
Chapter 29
How does the chapter describe Erling Skialgson's status under Earl Eirik?
Earl Eirik was displeased that Erling held so large a dominion and took the king's estates Olaf Trygvason had given him, but Erling still levied land scat in Rogaland, wasting land of those who refused. The earl did not dare fight him, since Erling had many powerful friends, was rich and popular, and kept a king's-court-sized retinue. People said Erling was the most valiant man ever to hold lands under a king in Norway.
Chapter 29
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What terms did Olaf give Earl Hakon, and what did Hakon do afterward?
Olaf asked what Hakon would give to be released whole and unhurt, then demanded nothing except that Hakon leave the country, give up his kingdom, and swear never to go into battle against him. Hakon took the oath, received life and peace for himself and his men, and got back his ship. He then sailed to England, where Canute received him well and gave him great power.
Chapter 30
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What did King Sigurd Syr do when Olaf and his men arrived at the feast?
Sigurd saluted his stepson Olaf from horseback in a friendly way and invited him and his men to come in and drink a cup with him. He had men take charge of their clothes and give their horses corn, then went to his own high-seat, and the feast was made with the greatest splendour.
Chapter 31
What does Olaf say he intends to do about his inheritance in Norway?
Olaf says he will not supplicate the Danish or Swedish king for anything. He intends to seek his patrimony with battle-axe and sword, with help of friends and relations, so that either he lays the whole kingdom under his rule or falls on his inheritance in his fathers' land.
Chapter 31
How does King Sigurd Syr respond to Olaf's plan?
Sigurd calls it no small affair and says it comes more from hasty pride than prudence. He will not bind himself by promise before knowing other Upland kings' views, but promises his interest with kings and chiefs and all his property to aid Olaf. He advises producing the matter publicly only when some progress and strength appear.
Chapter 31
Why does King Hrorek refuse to join Olaf's league?
Hrorek says Harald Harfager's kingdom has decayed, but the people have experienced many things. He recalls that under Olaf Trygvason the small kings lost scat and duties and men were not free to believe in what god they pleased. Since then they have kept friendly with the Danish king and rule themselves in peace, so he is content as things are.
Chapter 31
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What two conditions did King Olaf offer the bondes at Griotar?
King Olaf offered the assembled bondes two conditions: either to enter his service and be subject to him, or to fight him. He first sent Thorer Gudbrandson to name twelve able men to come speak with him, then explained that Earl Hakon had given him the Throndhjem districts, offering peace and law as King Olaf Trygvason had before him. The bondes chose to submit and swore oaths.
Chapter 32
How did Earl Svein hide his ship from King Olaf's passing fleet?
Earl Svein turned toward land within Masarvik, where a thick wood stood, and lay so near the rocks that leaves and branches hung over the vessel. His men cut down large trees and laid them over the quarter on the sea-side, so the ship could not be seen for leaves, especially in the scarcely clear daylight. King Olaf rowed past among the islands unaware.
Chapter 32
Why did Einar advise Earl Svein to stay quiet instead of assembling men?
Einar Tambaskelfer advised going cautiously and finding out King Olaf's intentions, letting him hear nothing but that they were quiet. He reasoned that if Olaf heard nothing of their assembling, he might sit quietly at Steinker all Yule, where plenty was prepared for the feast; but if he heard they were gathering men, he would row out of the fjord and they would not catch him. The earl took his advice.
Chapter 32
What reward did Sigvat receive for his poem, and what did he then become?
King Olaf initially said he did not want poems composed about him and did not understand the skald's craft. Sigvat sang a lay in the king's honour, and the king gave him a gold ring weighing half a mark. Sigvat was then made one of King Olaf's court-men, and he sang again accepting the gift and pledging faithful service as a generous master's follower.
Chapter 32
Section 334 cards
Why did Earl Svein's ship escape King Olaf's boarding attempt?
When Olaf's men pressed onto the earl's ship and threw grapplings over its timber heads to hold it fast, Svein ordered the forecastle-men to cut the cables and cast the ship loose, then had the timber heads cut away. Einar Tambaskelfer laid his ship alongside and towed the earl's vessel out of the fjord, after which the whole earl's fleet fled.
Chapter 33
What advantage did King Olaf's men have over the earl's larger force?
The earl had more men, but Olaf had a chosen crew who had followed him in all his wars, excellently equipped so that each man had a coat of ring-mail and could not be wounded. Sigvat's verses praise the steel-clad crew. This equipment advantage helped offset Svein's superior numbers in the hard-fought battle.
Chapter 33
What advice did Sigurd Syr give Olaf about pursuing the earl?
Sigurd Syr was eager to pursue the earl and let steel decide the matter, but Olaf said he would first see whether the earl kept his force together or discharged his fleet. Sigurd replied it was the king's to command, but warned that from Olaf's disposition and wilfulness he feared Olaf would some day be betrayed by trusting great people accustomed to defy their sovereigns.
Chapter 33
How did King Olaf secure control of Throndhjem after the earl left?
Olaf sent spies to trace the earl's doings, then sailed west to Viken where he was taken as king at the Thing. Hearing Erling Skialgson had gathered a large force, he sailed to Throndhjem, where there was no opposition and he was elected king. He took his seat in Nidaros, built a king's house and Clement's church, and parcelled out building ground, though he got no land-scat from the interior Throndhjem people.
Chapter 33
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What Christian practices in Iceland did King Olaf find lacking?
The king was told that in Iceland it was permitted to eat horse-flesh and to expose infants as heathens do, besides many other things contrary to Christianity. He asked particularly how Christianity was observed there, and it appeared to him very far from where it ought to be. Skapte Thorodson was then the lagman of the country.
Chapter 34
How did the Throndhjem bondes answer the Swedish messengers' demand for scat?
After consulting each other, the bondes decided to pay the scat the Swedish king required only in so far as King Olaf required none on his own account, but refused to pay scat to both. They gave the same answer and no money at every Thing the messengers held, and at Stjoradal the bondes would not even come to the Thing.
Chapter 34
What happened to Asgaut's men after they continued delivering the Swedish king's message?
King Olaf sent pursuivants after them when he learned Asgaut went into Gaulardal and Orkadal intending to go south to More. They were found at the ness in Stein, their hands bound behind their backs, and led to Gaularas, where a gallows was raised and they were hanged so travellers on the usual sea-way out of the fjord could see them.
Chapter 34
On what terms did Erling Skjalgson finally enter King Olaf's service?
Erling wanted all the fiefs Olaf Trygvason and the Earls Svein and Hakon had given him as a condition of service. The king refused, saying he would bestow fiefs by his own will, not as if lendermen had udal right to his ancestor's heritage. Erling chose to leave it to the king's pleasure, and entered his service on conditions the king himself determined.
Chapter 34
Section 353 cards
What did King Olaf give Brynjolf Ulfalde at the Yule feast, and what title followed?
At the Yule feast (A.D. 1017) King Olaf gave Brynjolf Ulfalde a gold-mounted sword and the farm Vettaland, a very large head-farm of the district. Brynjolf composed a song with the refrain about the good sword and Vettaland. The king afterwards gave him the title of Lenderman, and Brynjolf was ever after the king's greatest friend.
Chapter 35
How did Eyvind Urarhorn avenge Gudleik Gerske and recover King Olaf's goods?
Thorgaut Skarde attacked Gudleik Gerske at Eyland, killed him and many of his crew, and took the goods, including King Olaf's costly articles, saying the Swedish king should have them as scat. Eyvind Urarhorn, arriving soon after at Eyland, sailed east, overtook Thorgaut among the Swedish isles, gave battle, killed Thorgaut and most of his men, and returned Olaf's wares, earning renewed favour.
Chapter 35
What terms did King Olaf give Bjorn the marshal for his embassy to the Swedish king?
Olaf told Bjorn to say he would establish peace up to the frontier Olaf Trygvason had held, each binding himself not to trespass over it; no mention must be made of loss of people, since the Swedish king could not pay with money for men the Swedes had deprived them of. Olaf gave Bjorn a gold-mounted sword from Earl Ragnvald and a gold ring for the earl, as tokens.
Chapter 35
Section 364 cards
What does Ingebjorg urge the earl to do about King Olaf's message?
Ingebjorg tells the earl he must devote himself to laying King Olaf of Norway's message before the Swedish king, whatever answer it receives. She says she would rather risk the Swedish king's anger and their power and property than have it said Olaf's message was neglected out of fear. She reminds the earl of his birth and strong connections, which let him speak freely in Sweden.
Chapter 36
What plan does Hjalte propose when the mission is delayed?
Hjalte offers to go to the king himself, since he is not a Norwegian and the Swedes have nothing against him. He plans to seek out his Icelandic acquaintances, the skalds Gissur Black and Ottar Black, in the king's house, learn what he can about the Swedish king, and invent a suitable errand if the business proves difficult. Bjorn and Ingebjorg judge this the wisest counsel.
Chapter 36
How does Hjalte gain King Olaf's favour in Svithiod?
Hjalte tells the king he collected the landing dues owed by Icelanders in Norway from his own ship's people and hastened to deliver them rather than pay them to the king's enemies. He lays ten marks of silver in Gissur Black's lap. The king thanks him warmly, returns the money as a gift with his friendship, and thereafter favours Hjalte, judging him a man of understanding and eloquence.
Chapter 36
How does the Swedish king respond to talk of peace with Olaf?
The king angrily forbids Hjalte to speak of it, calling Olaf 'that fat fellow' and refusing to hear his name. He claims his line of Upsala kings has long been superior to Norway's small kings, recounts past dealings with Norwegian rulers, and says he will not let slip Norway for this thick fellow. Hjalte sees there is no hope of peace.
Chapter 36
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How did Ingegerd respond to Hjalte's hypothetical proposal from Olaf?
She blushed and answered slowly but gently that she had not made up her mind, but if Olaf were in all respects as perfect as Hjalte described, she could wish for no other husband—unless Hjalte had gilded him over with praise more than sufficiently. She also begged Hjalte to keep the matter secret, fearing the king's rage if it became known.
Chapter 37
What did King Olaf do to the five defeated Upland kings at Ringsaker?
Hrorek, whose fidelity the king could not trust, had both eyes punched out and was carried about in that condition. Gudrod's tongue was cut out. Ring and two others were banished from Norway under oath never to return. Of the lendermen and bondes who took part in the design, some were driven out, some mutilated, and with others Olaf made peace.
Chapter 37
How did Ketil of Ringanes warn King Olaf of the kings' conspiracy?
Ketil had attended the kings' meeting, then went home, took a light vessel (a gift from King Olaf), and rowed across the lake with forty well-armed men, arriving early morning. Leaving twenty to guard the ship, he went with twenty to Eid, where Olaf was, and told him in a private conference of the kings' resolution and agreement.
Chapter 37
What was Hrorek's advice to the five kings about resisting Olaf?
Hrorek recalled foretelling this when they had eagerly raised Olaf over their heads, and said they had but two choices: all go to Olaf and let him do as he likes, which he thought best, or rise against him before he goes farther. He advised against trying their luck against Olaf Haraldson, noting that several of equal strength joined together generally gain less success than one alone at the head of his own force.
Chapter 37
Section 384 cards
What did young Harald reply when King Olaf asked what he would like best to have?
Harald said he would like house-servants, and when asked how many, he answered: so many as would eat up his brother Halfdan's cows at a single meal. The king laughed and told Asta she was bringing up a king. Earlier Harald had pulled the king's whiskers and played at war-ships with chips of wood.
Chapter 38
What old heathen custom at Upsala does the chapter describe, and how did it change after Christianity?
Under heathenism the chief sacrifice took place in Goe month at Upsala, offered for peace and victory to the king, with people coming from all Svithjod; Things and markets were held there for a week. After Christianity took root and kings no longer dwelt at Upsala, the market-time moved to Candlemas and lasted only three days, though the Swedish Thing continued.
Chapter 38
How does the chapter describe the lagman's power over the bondes in Sweden?
Each division has its Lag-thing and laws, and over each a lagman who rules principally in the bondes' affairs: what he determines by his speech becomes law. If king, earl, or bishop holds a Thing, the lagmen reply for the bondes and all follow them, so even the most powerful scarcely dare come to the Al-thing without regard for the bondes' and lagmen's law.
Chapter 38
What does Thorgny promise Earl Ragnvald, and what does he criticize about the earl's conduct?
Thorgny calls the earl and his men ambitious for honour yet without prudence, asking why they promised this adventure without considering they lacked power against King Olaf. He says it is no less honourable to be among the bondes with free speech before the king, and promises to go to the Upsala Thing and give the earl help to speak fearlessly.
Chapter 38
Section 394 cards
What marriage alliance was decided at the Thing between Sweden and Norway?
The Thing resolved that Ingegerd, the Swedish king's daughter, should marry Olaf Haraldson. The Swedish king accepted the terms proposed by Norwegian ambassadors, ending the bondes' murmur, and left the earl full powers to arrange the contract feast. Ingegerd sent Olaf a long cloak of fine linen embroidered with gold and silk points.
Chapter 39
How did Svein's attempt to assassinate King Olaf fail?
Hrorek persuaded Svein, his kinsman and servant, to stab Olaf with a dagger hidden under his cloak at the threshold during vespers. Olaf walked out quicker than expected; Svein paled, his hand sank, and the king noticed his terror and asked if he meant betrayal. Svein threw down cloak and dagger and fell at the king's feet. Olaf had him put in irons, then gave him his life and he left the country.
Chapter 39
How did Hrorek escape Tunsberg and what happened to Thorer Lange?
Little Fin drugged Hrorek's guards with strong mead, and the conspirators lured two court-men out with a staged crash and cut-down tree, killing them. They took Hrorek by boat. Thorer Lange pursued with thirty men; when they closed, Hrorek's men sprang ashore except the king. Fin shot Thorer in the middle of the body, killing him, and Sigurd Hit fled into the forest with his men.
Chapter 39
What happened when Hrorek attacked Olaf during Ascension-day mass?
Hrorek sat beside Olaf in the choir, concealed his face, and felt the king's shoulder, remarking on his fine clothes. Olaf explained the festival of Christ's ascension; Hrorek said he understood nothing of Christ and found much incredible. When Olaf bowed after mass, Hrorek sprang up and struck with a ryting knife, but the blow caught the cloak at the shoulder. Olaf sprang to the floor; Hrorek struck again and missed, taunting, 'Art thou flying, Olaf, from me, a blind man?' He was seized and led out.
Chapter 39
Section 404 cards
Why does King Olaf hesitate to kill Hrorek despite Hrorek's offence?
The king says many have died for less than Hrorek's offence, but he does not want to darken the victory he won over the Upland kings, when in one morning hour he took five kings prisoner and got all their kingdoms. Since they were his relations, he says he should not be their murderer except upon need, and he can scarcely yet see whether Hrorek forces him to kill him.
Chapter 40
How does Thorarin win his wager with King Olaf about ugly feet?
The king sees one of Thorarin's feet and claims no uglier foot exists in the town, wagering on it. Thorarin bets he can find an uglier foot, and the winner gets any demand he chooses. Thorarin then shows his other foot, which is no handsomer and lacks the little toe. The king rules he has won, since the first foot had five ugly toes and this one only four.
Chapter 40
What does King Olaf require of Thorarin after winning the wager, and what does Thorarin request instead?
The king requires Thorarin to take Hrorek to Greenland and deliver him to Leif Eirikson. Thorarin objects that he has never been to Greenland, and the king notes he will now have the chance to see it. Thorarin then reveals his own desired prize had he won: to be received into the king's body of court-men. The king consents, makes him a court-man, and Thorarin takes Hrorek aboard.
Chapter 40
What happens to King Hrorek after Thorarin brings him to Iceland?
Storms prevent the Greenland voyage, so Thorarin lands in Iceland and delivers the king's message to Thorgils Arason, who hosts Hrorek for a winter. Hrorek then goes to Gudmund at Modruveller for another winter, and afterward lives on a small farm called Kalfskin. He says he is most comfortable there, being most respected. He falls sick the next summer and dies, said to be the only king whose bones rest in Iceland.
Chapter 40
Section 414 cards
Why did the king dismiss his assembled army instead of attacking Sweden?
Powerful men argued that the assembled force consisted only of people of weight and power, while a war expedition needed young men seeking property and consideration. They also noted that great men customarily bring many people to send before them for defence, and that men of little property fight no worse, even better, than those raised in wealth. The king therefore dismissed the army and proclaimed a general levy for the next summer.
Chapter 41
What mission did Sigvat the skald undertake for King Olaf, and why?
Sigvat offered to travel east to Earl Ragnvald to spy on the Swedish king's doings and try to secure the settlement of the agreement between the earl and King Olaf. The king approved, since he often and with pleasure spoke to confidential friends about Ingegerd, the Swedish king's daughter. Early in winter A.D. 1019 Sigvat left Sarpsborg with two companions, going east over the moors to Gautland.
Chapter 41
What news did Sigvat bring home about Ingegerd, and how did King Olaf react?
Sigvat learned from Earl Ragnvald, who heard by letters from Ingegerd, that ambassadors from King Jarisleif of Russia had come to ask for Ingegerd in marriage, and the Swedish king had given hopes of agreeing. At first King Olaf was much cast down and expected nothing but evil from King Olaf of Sweden, wishing he could return it so it would be remembered. Later Sigvat praised Astrid, and the king was delighted.
Chapter 41
How did King Olaf come to marry Astrid, and on what terms?
Earl Ragnvald and Astrid traveled to Sarpsborg with 120 chosen men, arriving at Candlemas. After a feast of some days, the king, earl, and Astrid conferred, and Ragnvald contracted Astrid, daughter of the Swedish king Olaf, to Olaf king of Norway, with the same dowry earlier settled for her sister Ingegerd; Olaf would give Astrid the same bride-gift intended for Ingegerd. The wedding was drunk in great festivity.
Chapter 41
Section 424 cards
What did King Olaf initially intend to do to Earl Ragnvald, and what was the final agreement?
The king resolved to hang Earl Ragnvald that summer for treason, having taken his daughter Ingegerd to Norway and given her as a concubine to the king's enemy. Ingegerd begged him to keep his sworn promise, and it was agreed Ragnvald could leave Svithjod in peace but never return or appear before the king while Olaf reigned.
Chapter 42
How did Emund of Skara disguise his complaint about King Olaf before the Thing at Upsala?
Emund, lagman of West Gautland, presented a fictitious lawsuit: two noble-born men of unequal power quarrelled over land, and the stronger paid a gosling for a goose, a sucking pig for a swine, and clay and dirt for half a mark of gold, while threatening those who took such payment. The king judged he must pay faithfully plus threefold to the king, or forfeit his property within a year and a day.
Chapter 42
How did the king's councillors interpret Emund's parable of the two noble-born men?
The king himself concluded the two men meant himself and Olaf the Thick, whose case was judged at the Upsala Thing. Arnvid the Blind explained the bad payment: red gold and clay differ, but king and slave differ more — Olaf was promised Ingegerd, born of kings traced to the gods, yet got Astrid, whose mother was a slave-woman of Vindish race.
Chapter 42
What warning did Freyvid the Deaf give King Olaf about the Retribution-thing?
Freyvid said all Swedes wanted the ancient laws and their full rights, and that most of the king's councillors had ridden out to hold Things with the people. The message-token had gone forth to assemble a Retribution-thing; the brothers were invited but would not be named traitors to the sovereign. Arnvid advised riding to Aros, taking ship on the Maeler lake, and promising the old law and rights.
Chapter 42
Section 434 cards
In the Swedish succession dispute, why did the Uplanders prefer Jacob over Olaf's other son?
Freyvid argued the Uplanders would not let the kingdom leave the old ancestral race while they had so good a choice. Jacob was noble-born and of Swedish race on both sides, while the other son was a slave-woman's son of Vindish race on the mother's side. The assembly applauded and chose Jacob, who was given the name Onund and was then ten or twelve years old.
Chapter 43
What warning did Emund give the Uplanders after they chose Jacob as king?
Emund told the Upland Swedes they had the power to decide the matter this time, but predicted what would happen: some of those who now would hear of nothing but that the kingdom remain in the old race would live to see the day when they would wish the kingdom in another race, as being of more advantage.
Chapter 43
How was the disputed district in Hising settled between the Swedish and Norwegian kings?
Thorstein Frode relates that the kings agreed to cast lots with dice to decide who should have the district, he who threw highest winning it. The Swedish king threw two sixes twice. King Olaf of Norway first matched with two sixes, then threw six on one die and the other split in two, making seven eyes, and the district was adjudged to Norway.
Chapter 43
How did Earl Sigurd of Orkney come to be baptized and introduce Christianity to the islands?
Olaf Trygvason landed in Orkney with his troops and took Earl Sigurd prisoner in South Ronaldsha, where he lay with one ship. Olaf allowed the earl to ransom his life by being baptized, adopting the true faith, becoming his man, and introducing Christianity into all the Orkney Islands. Olaf took his son Hunde as hostage. After Hunde died, Sigurd showed no further obedience to Olaf.
Chapter 43
Section 444 cards
Why did King Olaf claim Einar's third of Orkney for himself?
The king adjudged Einar's third to his own domain because Einar had killed Eyvind Urarhorn, whom Olaf called his court-man, partner, and dear friend. He then invested Bruse with one third and Thorfin with one third, as they formerly enjoyed them, at a General Thing where both earls acknowledged his right of property to Orkney and Shetland.
Chapter 44
How did Thorkel Fosterer kill Earl Einar?
After spies reported three ambushes on the road, Thorkel delayed departure and gathered armed men. He entered the room, walked between the fire and the seated earl, answered 'Now I am ready,' and struck Einar on the head so he fell to the floor. Thorkel and two comrades escaped out the opposite door to their waiting armed men.
Chapter 44
What terms did King Olaf offer Earl Bruse for the Orkney Islands?
Olaf argued Harald Harfager had appropriated all udal rights in Orkney and the earls since held it as a fief, citing Eirik Blood-axe and Olaf Trygvason. He offered Bruse the islands as a fief if he became his man, promising aid beyond what Thorfin could get from the Scottish king; otherwise Olaf would win back his udal property. Bruse accepted and swore fealty.
Chapter 44
Why did King Olaf trust Bruse more than Thorfin?
The author argues Olaf saw Thorfin as more high-minded and less willing to suffer subjection, so he trusted him less, especially since Thorfin could rely on the Scottish king's aid if he broke the agreement. Bruse, though slow to agree, would promise nothing he did not intend to keep; Thorfin accepted the king's first conditions readily, which made Olaf suspect he would infringe the agreement.
Chapter 44
Section 454 cards
What terms did Earl Thorfin set for reconciliation with Thorkel?
Thorfin required Thorkel to go with him to the Orkney Islands, live with him, never leave without the earl's will, defend his land, and execute all he wanted done for as long as both lived. Thorkel agreed, saying it was entirely at the earl's pleasure, and solemnly ratified the agreement. The earl said he would discuss the money mulct later but took Thorkel's oath on these conditions.
Chapter 45
How did King Olaf secure Earl Bruse's loyalty before Bruse left?
The king gave Bruse the two parts of the country he formerly ruled, so he would not be less powerful after entering the king's service. Olaf kept Bruse's son Ragnvald with him as a pledge of fidelity, judging that with two-thirds of the land and royal help Bruse could defend his own against his brother Thorfin. Bruse was thankful for two-thirds instead of one-third.
Chapter 45
What did Harek of Thjotta do when King Olaf came north?
Harek made a feast for the king with a great multitude of guests, and the feast was very splendid. In return Harek was made lenderman and received the same privileges he had enjoyed under former chiefs of the country. Harek was the most respected man in Halogaland, had long handled the Lapland trade and the king's business there, and was related to the kings of Norway.
Chapter 45
How did Olver of Eggja answer the king's accusation of heathen sacrifices?
Olver said the bondes had held only their usual entertainments and friendly drinking parties, and that wise men would not use such words at drinking parties, though he could not hinder drunken or foolish talk. Later, accused of a mid-winter sacrifice at Maerin, he claimed they had Yule and drinking feasts, and that much was left over and consumed long afterwards. The king said little but looked angry.
Chapter 45
Section 464 cards
What did Thoralde tell King Olaf about the religious practices in Throndhjem's interior?
Thoralde said almost all the people inland were heathen in faith, though some were baptized. Their custom was to offer sacrifice in autumn for a good winter, a second at mid-winter, and a third in summer. The people of Eyna, Sparby, Veradal, and Skaun took part, with twelve men presiding over the sacrifice-feasts; Olver was to arrange the spring feast and was transporting supplies to Maerin.
Chapter 46
How did King Olaf respond to Olver and the sacrifice-feast at Maerin?
The king had the signal sounded, prepared five ships and 300 men, and sailed up the fjord with a favourable wind, arriving at Maerin by night. He surrounded the house with armed men, had Olver and many others put to death, took the feast provisions and valuables to his ships, and divided the booty among his men. Some bondes were plundered, some imprisoned in irons, and some fled.
Chapter 46
Why did the bondes agree to obey King Olaf after the Maerin raid?
The king summoned the bondes to a Thing, but because he had taken many powerful men prisoner and held them in his power, their friends and relations resolved to promise obedience, so there was no insurrection. He brought the people back to the right faith, gave them teachers, and built and consecrated churches. Olver's property was adjudged to the king, and the most guilty men were executed, maimed, exiled, or fined.
Chapter 46
What wager did Gudbrand and Thord Istermage propose at the Thing with King Olaf?
Gudbrand said their god could be seen daily but stayed in because of the wet weather, and asked the king's God to give a cloudy day without rain so they could meet again. After the bishop spoke, Thord asked for clear sunshine the next forenoon, then they would either agree or fight. The king prayed all night, and the weather came as Gudbrand requested.
Chapter 46
Section 474 cards
How did King Olaf defeat Dale-Gudbrand's idol at the Thing?
The king had his men secretly bore holes in the bondes' ships and loose their horses overnight. At the Thing he told the bondes to look east at the rising sun; when they turned, Kolbein Sterke struck the idol with his club so it burst, releasing mice, reptiles and adders. The terrified bondes found their ships waterlogged and horses gone, then chose Christianity over battle.
Chapter 47
What two conditions did King Olaf offer the bondes after the idol broke?
The king told the bondes to take back the gold and ornaments strewn on the grass and give them to their wives and daughters, never again to hang them on stock or stone. He then offered two conditions: either accept Christianity, or fight that very day, with victory going to whichever God they worshipped. Dale-Gudbrand chose Christianity, and the bishop baptized him and his son.
Chapter 47
Why did Olaf only baptize part of Hedemark at first?
The chapter says Olaf had formerly carried away Hedemark's kings as prisoners, so after such a deed he did not venture far into the country with few people at that time. Only a small part of Hedemark was baptized initially. He did not desist, however, until Christianity was introduced over all Hedemark, with churches consecrated and teachers placed.
Chapter 47
How did Erling Skjalgson and King Olaf resolve their conflict at Tunsberg?
The king complained that no man from Sogn Lake to the Naze could enjoy freedom under Erling, citing Aslak Fitiaskalle's grievance. Erling denied injuring anyone for the king's service but admitted he would bow to Olaf, though not to men of slave descent. Friends reconciled them: Erling kept his former fiefs, the king dropped complaints, and Erling's son Skjalg went to the king as hostage.
Chapter 47
Section 484 cards
Why does Thorer Sel refuse to sell corn to Asbjorn?
Thorer tells Asbjorn that the king forbids carrying corn out of Rogaland to the north of the country, so Asbjorn must turn back and sail home. Thorer warns him that sailing back is his safest course, since no corn can be bought there.
Chapter 48
How does Erling of Sole get around the king's corn ban for Asbjorn?
Erling says he has found a way: his slaves have as much corn as Asbjorn needs, and slaves are not subject to law or land regulation like other men. Asbjorn agrees, the slaves sell him corn and malt, and he loads his vessel. The author presents this as Erling evading the king's order.
Chapter 48
What does Asbjorn do when he hears Thorer Sel's false account at Augvaldsnes?
Hearing Thorer claim he wept when the sail was taken, Asbjorn draws his sword, rushes into the hall, and strikes Thorer in the neck, so the head falls on the table before King Olaf and the body at his feet. The king orders him seized and taken out.
Chapter 48
How does Thorarin Nefiulfson delay Asbjorn's execution?
Thorarin argues it would be murder to kill a man at night, so the king has Asbjorn chained until morning. Later Thorarin cites Bishop Sigurd on the King who endured temptation, notes tomorrow is a working day, and persuades the king to spare him that day, taking charge of Asbjorn on pain of his own life.
Chapter 48
Section 491 cards
How did King Olaf resolve the standoff with the armed bondes at Valders?
The bondes shouted down his call to accept Christianity and had too large a force to fight. Olaf instead asked whether any had disputes for him to settle, and the bondes spent the day airing quarrels. While they stayed assembled, the king rowed across the lake at night and burned their homes; seeing the smoke, the bondes dispersed, then begged mercy and were baptized.
Chapter 49
Section 504 cards
Why did Sigvat name the king's son Magnus, and how did King Olaf respond?
Sigvat named the boy Magnus after King Carl Magnus, whom he considered the best man in the world, though the name was not of their race. The king said Sigvat was lucky and that luck accompanying understanding is no wonder; only that luck sometimes attends ignorant men and foolish counsel turns out lucky. The king was overjoyed, and the boy gave good promise as he grew.
Chapter 50
How did Asmund Grankelson kill Asbjorn, and what did Karle do in it?
Asmund received half the Halogaland sheriffdom from King Olaf. Sailing south, Karle identified Asbjorn's ship and pointed out the man at the helm in a blue cloak. Asmund said he would make the blue cloak red, threw a spear that passed through Asbjorn and stuck in the stern-post, and Asbjorn fell dead from the helm.
Chapter 50
How did Sigrid urge Thorer Hund to avenge her son Asbjorn?
Sigrid sent for Thorer Hund and, while Asbjorn's corpse was being dressed, gave him the blood-stained spear that had killed her son. She said it would be a manly deed to throw it so it stood in Olaf's breast, and that he would be called a coward everywhere if he did not avenge Asbjorn. Thorer was so enraged he nearly fell into the sea boarding his ship.
Chapter 50
Why did Einar oppose giving King Olaf Grimsey Isle, and what did the Icelanders decide?
Einar argued that granting even the smallest spot would let the king fasten on the country, and that land-scat and service would burden them and all their descendants with a slavery never afterward escaped. He said friendly presents like hawks or horses were proper, but Grimsey could support a war-force. The community agreed not to permit it, and the chiefs sent men in their place rather than going themselves.
Chapter 50
Section 514 cards
Why did King Olaf approve Ketil Kalf's marriage to his sister Gunhild?
Ketil Kalf of Ringanes courted Gunhild, daughter of Sigurd Syr and Asta and sister of King Olaf, so the king had to give consent. The king took it in a friendly way because he knew Ketil was of high birth, wealthy, of good understanding, a great chief, and long a great friend of King Olaf. Olaf approved the match and was present at the wedding.
Chapter 51
What terms did Canute's ambassadors offer King Olaf for keeping Norway?
Canute claimed all Norway as his property by ancestral right. His ambassadors offered peace if Olaf would come to Canute, receive Norway as a fief from him, become his vassal, and pay the scat the earls before him had paid. The letters contained the same conditions. Olaf refused, vowing to defend Norway with battle-axe and sword and pay scat to no man.
Chapter 51
How did King Olaf answer Canute's claim, and how did Canute respond?
Olaf recounted that Danish kings kept expanding their realms, and asked whether Canute wished to rule all the North and eat up all the kail in England. He declared he would defend Norway with battle-axe and sword as long as life was given him and pay scat to no man. Canute replied that Olaf guessed wrong, saying there was something else than kail under his ribs, and cold kail it should be for him.
Chapter 51
What alliance did Olaf and Onund of Svithjod agree to, and how did Canute try to break it?
Olaf sent messengers to his brother-in-law King Onund, warning that if Canute subdued Norway, Onund would not long enjoy Sweden in peace, so they should unite for defence. Onund agreed that each would stand by the one who first required help with all his kingdom's strength, and they planned to meet. Canute then sent Onund gifts and friendship, urging him to sit quiet; Onund received this unwillingly, and the ambassadors reported Canute should not depend much on his friendship.
Chapter 51
Section 524 cards
According to Thorer, how was a dead rich man's movable property divided in Bjarmaland?
Thorer explains that when a rich man died, his movable goods were split between the dead man and his heirs. The dead man received half, a third, or sometimes less, and that portion was carried into the forest and buried—under a mound, in the earth, or even in a house built over it.
Chapter 52
What did Thorer forbid his men from doing inside the fence, and who disobeyed?
Thorer warned that within the fence stood the Bjarmaland people's god Jomala, and told no one to be so presumptuous as to rob him. Thorer himself then took a silver bowl from Jomala's knee, and Karle cut the gold ornament from the god's neck, striking so hard the head rang.
Chapter 52
Why did the Bjarmaland pursuers fail to catch Thorer's retreating men?
Thorer strewed something like ashes from a sack on the footpath and over the people as he went last. The Bjarmaland men rushed out on both sides, but neither they nor their weapons came near enough to harm the troop, from which the men perceived that the pursuers could not see them.
Chapter 52
How did Thorer kill Karle, and what did he say afterward?
Thorer called Karle aside, then struck him with a spear that went through him. He said Karle had now learned to know a Bjarkey Island man, and that he should feel Asbjorn's spear. Karle died instantly, and Thorer went on board his ship.
Chapter 52
Section 534 cards
Whom does King Olaf suspect of murdering Thoralf, and why?
The king suspects the Farey people themselves: that Sigurd Thorlakson killed the man and Thord the Low cast the comrade into the sea. He believes their motive was to stop Thoralf from telling about the murder the king suspects was committed on his messengers. Nobody at the Thing could answer the king's charge.
Chapter 53
What two ways does Sigurd offer to clear himself of the murder charge?
Sigurd offers to clear himself and his whole ship's crew by oath according to the laws, or, if more satisfactory, by the ordeal of hot iron, asking the king to be present at the proof. Many at the Thing supported him and begged the king to let him clear himself, thinking the accusation might be untrue.
Chapter 53
Why does Sigurd flee by night instead of undergoing the iron ordeal?
Sigurd tells his crew the king is deceitful and crafty, that he first had Thoralf slain and then made them the misdoers, and that the king could manage the iron ordeal so the wrong man fails. With a brisk mountain breeze off the land, he advises hoisting sail; they escape to Farey and home to Gata.
Chapter 53
What does King Olaf demand of Iceland through Geller, and how do Icelanders respond?
The king allows only Geller to return to Iceland with his message: that Icelanders adopt the laws he set in Norway and pay thane-tax and nose-tax, a penny per nose at ten pennies to the yard of wadmal. He promises friendship if accepted and vengeance if refused. The Icelanders unanimously refuse all the taxes and burdens.
Chapter 53
Section 544 cards
Why does Thorberg shelter Stein despite the risk of King Olaf's anger?
Ragnhild, Thorberg's wife, insists that she and Stein either both go or both stay, and her son Eystein Orre backs her. Thorberg warns her that wherever she goes she will soon return, since her importance is greatest at home, and he accuses her of reckoning too much on her descent while disregarding King Olaf's word. Stein remains there all winter (A.D. 1027).
Chapter 54
What terms does King Olaf offer Thorberg and his brothers to make peace?
The king requires the brothers to swear oaths that they will follow him in and out of the country, not leave him without his permission, and not conceal any treasonable design against him. Fin brings these terms back, Thorberg accepts them, and Thorberg, Fin, and Arne go aboard a vessel and swear to the king. Kalf refuses to swear, saying he will stay with Olaf only while he keeps his fiefs and the king's friendship.
Chapter 54
How does Fin Arnason force Thorer Hund to pay the mulct for Karle's murder?
Fin, sent to raise the levy in Halogaland, confronts Thorer at a House-Thing with armed men, including Karle's kinsman Gunstein. Fin sets the mulct at ten marks of gold to the king, ten to Gunstein and the kindred, and ten for the robbery. When Thorer claims he lacks Karle's ornament, Fin puts his spear point to Thorer's breast, and Thorer takes the ornament from his neck and gives it to Fin.
Chapter 54
How does Thorer Hund avoid paying the full mulct to Fin?
Thorer pays slowly, producing silver from one purse and then many knotted nightcaps holding marks, half-marks, and small money, claiming his friends lent it since his travelling money was gone. The payment drags on until evening, when most of the fleet was under sail and only about a third of the mulct was paid. Fin then lets the rest stand, to be paid to the king himself, and Thorer says he is well pleased to part.
Chapter 54
Section 554 cards
Why did King Olaf distrust Thorer, and what did he say about him?
The king says he believes Thorer must be their enemy, and that it always appears to him better to have Thorer at a distance than near. This brief judgment follows the chapter's opening, where the king states his suspicion of Thorer outright and prefers separation over proximity.
Chapter 55
How did King Olaf settle the dispute between Harek and Asmund over the rock?
The king summoned both men and reconciled them so they left the matter entirely to him. Asmund produced witnesses proving Grankel had owned the rock, and the king judged it Grankel's. No mulct was paid for Harek's injured house-servants. Harek said it was no disgrace to obey the king's decision, whatever way the case was decided.
Chapter 55
Why did Thorod Snorrason volunteer to collect the scat in Jamtaland?
Thorod had stayed in Norway by King Olaf's command and was ill pleased that he was not free to travel where he pleased. He offered to go because he cared little what became of him if he could only become his own master again. The king consented, and Thorod set out with eleven men.
Chapter 55
How did Thorod and his comrade escape the cellar, and how did they evade the dogs?
They tore skin clothes into strips, knotted them, and threw up a noose that caught a chest. Thorod's comrade climbed up, then used a cross-beam with wood and stones as a counterweight to haul Thorod out. They took reindeer hides, cut sandals, and bound them underfoot with hooves trailing behind, so the hounds followed the hoof scent back to the house.
Chapter 55
Section 562 cards
Why did Karl Morske volunteer for King Olaf's expedition to the Farey Islands?
Karl Morske, a former viking and robber whom the king had previously sought to kill, volunteered when others declined. He offered to go if no better man would undertake it, and the king accepted his help, reconciled with him, and fitted him out. Karl had been an enemy of the king but was known for his high connections and dexterity.
Chapter 56
What happened to Karl Morske at the Thing in the Farey Islands?
While Karl and Leif were counting silver, a man warned Karl about an axe-stick. Then Leif was called away to help Lagman Gille, who had been wounded by Sigurd Thorlakson. Gaut the Red struck Karl's head with a hand-axe, and Thord the Low struck the axe-blade into Karl's skull, killing him. Thrand grieved and offered money-mulcts, but Leif and Gille refused; Sigurd, Gaut, and Thord were banished.
Chapter 56
Section 573 cards
What did Olaf and Onund do when they heard Canute was coming against them at Helga River?
They held a council and decided Olaf should go inland to the lake feeding the Helga River, where he dammed the lake with timber and turf and dug a deep ditch to raise the water level, while logs were laid in the river-bed. Onund commanded the fleet and army. Olaf managed this artifice; when Canute approached, Olaf broke the dam and let the river rush down.
Chapter 57
What did Canute reply when Queen Emma asked him to pardon Hardaknut?
Canute said Hardaknut had not acted on his own judgement, and that a child without understanding wanting to be called king meant the country would be conquered by foreign princes had his own might not come to its aid. He offered reconciliation only if Hardaknut came and laid down the mock title of king. Hardaknut followed the advice, fell at his father's feet, and was placed in as high a seat as before.
Chapter 57
How does Snorri describe Canute's ship the Dragon and Earl Hakon's?
Canute's dragon-ship had sixty banks of rowers and a head gilt all over; Earl Hakon's dragon had forty banks and also a gilt figure-head. Both had sails striped blue, red, and green, and were painted above the water-stroke, with all their equipment most splendid. Sigvat's song describes Canute's dragon with sails of blue leading the fleet east to Limfjord.
Chapter 57
Section 581 cards
What happened when Earl Ulf and King Canute played chess at Roeskilde?
The king made a false move and the earl took a knight; the king replaced the piece and told him to move again. Ulf grew angry, threw over the board and left. The king called him 'Ulf the coward,' and the earl retorted that Canute would have run farther at Helga river.
Chapter 58
Section 594 cards
How did Sigvat the skald respond when King Olaf questioned his loyalty after visiting Canute?
Sigvat sang a verse saying Canute, whose golden gifts showed a generous heart, would have had him stay and forsake his own Norway king. Sigvat replied that two masters at a time were one too many for men bred where truth and virtue make all men true in Olaf's hall. The king then told him to take his old seat, and soon Sigvat was in as high favour as ever.
Chapter 59
What did King Canute do after learning Olaf had gone overland to Norway?
Canute discharged his army and gave all men leave to go to their winter abodes. In autumn 1027 Erling Skjalgson went to Norway with great presents from Canute, while Thorer Hund stayed behind at Canute's court. Canute sent messengers well provided with money who travelled the country all winter, paying what he had promised and giving gifts to buy friendship, so many turned their support to Canute and agreed to oppose Olaf.
Chapter 59
What did Dag reveal about bailiff Bjorn when the king asked what fault he saw in him?
Dag said Bjorn was a thief and told where Bjorn had concealed on his farm the bones, horns and hides of cattle stolen in autumn, saying Bjorn committed all the thefts he accused others of. The king went to Bjorn's and found all Dag had told him was true, then drove Bjorn out of the country; Bjorn kept life and limbs only thanks to the queen.
Chapter 59
What did Dag tell King Olaf about Thorer, and how was it proven?
Dag said Thorer was too greedy for money, not a thief or robber, but a traitor who had taken money from King Canute for the king's head. As proof, Dag said Thorer wore above his right elbow a thick gold ring from Canute that he let no man see. At table the king felt Thorer's arm, and Thorer, seeing concealment useless, took off the ring and laid it on the table.
Chapter 59
Section 604 cards
Why did King Olaf order Thorer killed despite pleas and offers of money?
Thorer admitted he could not deny receiving a gift from King Canute. The king ordered him seized and laid in irons; Kalf and many others entreated for mercy and offered money, but Olaf was so wroth that nobody could get in a word. He said Thorer should suffer the doom he had prepared for himself, then ordered him killed. The deed was much detested in the Uplands and Throndhjem country.
Chapter 60
How did Grjotgard Olverson die after avenging his brother Thorer?
Grjotgard raided the king's goods and men, hiding between whiles in forests and secret places. King Olaf found his night-quarters, surrounded the house at day-dawn, and Grjotgard rushed out with shield over head and drawn sword, refusing to beg mercy. He struck at the king, but Arnbjorn ran in and took the thrust under his armour into his stomach, getting his deathwound. Grjotgard was killed immediately, and most of his people with him.
Chapter 60
How did King Canute conquer Norway, according to the chapter?
Canute assembled an immense armament through all Denmark, said to be no fewer than 1200 vessels, and sailed to Norway. He landed in Agder, summoned Things, and was everywhere accepted as king; bondes came to him from all districts and promised fealty, and hostages were taken. He reached Nidaros and was chosen king of all Norway at a Thing for the eight districts. The chapter says he conquered Norway without stroke of sword and ruled three kingdoms.
Chapter 60
What reward did Thorarin Loftunga receive for his poem about King Canute?
Thorarin, an Icelander and great skald, had composed a short flock in Canute's praise. The king was angry and ordered him to bring a long drapa by the time he went to table, or be hanged for his impudence. Thorarin added a refrain and more strophes, producing the poem called the Headransom, and Canute rewarded him with fifty marks of silver. He also composed the Campaign Poem about Canute's expedition to Norway.
Chapter 60
Section 614 cards
How did King Olaf escape Erling Skjalgson's pursuing fleet?
Olaf ordered his sails to be gently lowered and the booms and outriggers unshipped, making it look as though his ships were getting away. Erling took the bait, ordered more sail, and outsailed his own fleet. Olaf then steered into the Bokn fjord, hid his ships behind a rocky point, and ambushed Erling in the narrow sound.
Chapter 61
What happened when Erling asked for quarter or tried to flee?
No quarter was given or asked. Erling's ship was surrounded on all sides, so flight was impossible, and it is told for certain that no man attempted to fly. All his men fell, leaving Erling alone on the high poop, defending himself manfully against attack from forecastle and other ships, striking aside arrows and spears, until he was finally killed.
Chapter 61
How did Erling Skjalgson die, and how did King Olaf react?
Erling surrendered and entered Olaf's service, but the king struck him in the chin with his battle-axe, marking him as a traitor. Then Aslak Fitiaskalle struck Erling in the head with an axe, a death-wound. The king told Aslak ill luck would attend that stroke, saying he had struck Norway out of his hands, but promised Aslak his protection.
Chapter 61
What did Sigvat the skald say about Aslak's killing of Erling?
Sigvat says Aslak had very unthinkingly committed the murder of his own kinsman, heaping guilt on his own head, and prays few be guilty of such sin. He cites the wise saying of forefathers that kinsmen should be true to kinsmen. The chapter also notes Vigleik Arnason later killed Aslak to avenge Erling's murder.
Chapter 61
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What did King Olaf do when told only two carcasses of cattle remained for 500 men?
The kitchen-master reported only two carcasses of young cattle left for the king's 400 men plus 100 bondes. The king ordered all kettles set on the fire with a little bit of meat in each, made the sign of the cross over each kettle, and told them to prepare the meat. Afterwards an extraordinary supply of provisions arrived from an unknown source, which the king thanked God for.
Chapter 62
How did the road-clearing at Skerfsurd change after the king joined the work?
The people were worn out and Bruse reminded the king he had warned that nothing could be done with the urd. The king laid aside his cloak and told them to work once more; then twenty men could handle stones that 100 men could not move before, and before midday the road was cleared as passable for men and pack-horses as a road in the plain fields.
Chapter 62
What did the spirit in the cattle-fold cry out at the Groningar sheeling?
Bruse said nobody could pass the night at Groningar because of witchcraft and evil beings. The king insisted on going. In the middle of the night, while people slept, a dreadful cry came from the cattle-fold: 'Now Olaf's prayers are burning me, so that I can no longer be in my habitation; now must I fly, and never more come to this fold.'
Chapter 62
According to the chapter, what was the real origin of the great men's hostility to King Olaf?
The chapter says Olaf abolished plundering and punished great and small with equal severity, sparing no one who broke the law. This seemed too severe to the chief people, and animosity rose highest when they lost relatives to his just sentences. The author argues the accusation of stinginess was unjust, since he was generous to friends; the discontent came from his hard retributions, aided by Canute's money and offers of greater dignities.
Chapter 62
Section 634 cards
Why did Kalf Arnason agree to enter Earl Hakon's service?
Kalf's wife Sigrid repeatedly pressed him, reciting grievances against King Olaf: Olaf had her first husband Olver killed, and her two sons were cut off while Kalf was present. Kalf answered angrily but was persuaded, on condition his fiefs were renewed. Sigrid sent word to the earl, and Kalf then went to Nidaros and agreed to serve the earl and receive great fiefs.
Chapter 63
What did King Canute ask Kalf to do, and what did he promise?
Canute asked Kalf to bind himself to raise warfare against King Olaf if Olaf ever returned to Norway. In return Canute promised Kalf the earldom and rule over Norway, while Canute's relation Earl Hakon would come to him. Kalf accepted because he greatly desired the high dignity, and received splendid presents on departure.
Chapter 63
How did Earl Hakon die, and with what certainty?
Earl Hakon left Norway in summer A.D. 1029 for England, where he was well received and had a bride; he returned to procure wedding things difficult to get in Norway. His vessel was lost in autumn and not a man escaped. Some relate it was seen north of Caithness in a storm; with certainty people knew only that Hakon was missing and nothing of the ship came to land.
Chapter 63
Why did Bjorn the marshal break his oath to Canute and rejoin Olaf?
Bjorn took Canute's money and swore fealty to Canute and Earl Hakon, led by covetousness. When he heard Hakon was missing, he was vexed at his treachery to Olaf, thought the oath to Hakon was thereby freed, and hoped Olaf might regain the throne with the country headless. He traveled to Russia, fell at Olaf's feet, and confessed; Olaf reconciled him but told him to reconcile his perjury with God.
Chapter 63
Section 644 cards
Why did King Olaf burn wood shavings on his hand?
One Sunday at dinner, King Olaf fell into deep thought while cutting splinters from fir-wood with a knife. His table-servant told him it was Monday tomorrow, and the king realized he had worked on the Sabbath. He had a candle brought, gathered the shavings, set them on fire, and let them burn on his naked hand, showing he would hold fast to God's law and not trespass without punishment.
Chapter 64
What did King Onund offer Olaf for his Norway expedition?
King Olaf asked King Onund what strength he would give to conquer his kingdom. Onund replied the Swedes were little inclined to campaign against Norway, calling the Northmen rough and warlike and dangerous to attack at home. He gave Olaf 400 chosen court-men, active and warlike and well equipped for battle, plus leave to travel through his country and gather as many men as he could.
Chapter 64
What did Canute tell Einar Tambaskelfer about his promised title?
Einar sailed to England to claim Canute's promise of the highest title of honour in Norway if Earl Hakon were gone. Canute said circumstances had changed: he had sent men and tokens to his son Svein in Denmark and promised him the kingdom of Norway. Einar would keep Canute's friendship and become lenderman with great fiefs, raised above other lendermen as he was more able than they.
Chapter 64
Why did the vagabonds Gauka-Thorer and Afrafaste join King Olaf?
Gauka-Thorer and Afrafaste were robbers with thirty men, larger and stronger than others, who had never fought in a regularly drawn-up battle and were curious to see the king's order of battle. They offered to join Olaf. Asked if they were Christian, Thorer said he believed only in himself, his strength, and the luck of victory. Olaf urged baptism; Afrafaste refused and turned away, but Thorer joined the rear.
Chapter 64
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What did King Olaf promise Thorgeir Flek after his corn was trampled?
Olaf told Thorgeir that God would repair the loss, so that within a week the field would be better than before. It proved the best of the corn, as the king had said. Olaf had told his people to spare the corn, but the crowd behind paid no attention and trod it flat.
Chapter 65
What counsel did Fin Arnason give, and how did King Olaf respond?
Fin advised plundering and burning all habitations to punish the bondes' treason, so men would desert the bondes' army to protect their families. The people applauded. Olaf refused, saying he had burned homes before only because the bondes rejected the faith; this treason was less grievous, and what is burnt is of no use to anyone.
Chapter 65
Why did Olaf place his skalds inside the shield rampart?
Olaf selected the strongest and boldest men for a shield rampart and ordered his skalds to stand within it, so they could see the events themselves rather than follow others' reports in what they later told or sang. The skalds then composed songs of remembrance, which the army got by heart.
Chapter 65
Section 673 cards
Who did Kalf Arnason first propose as leader of the lendermen's army, and why?
Kalf proposed Harek of Thjotta, citing his descent from Harald Harfager's race, the king's particular rage against him over the murder of Grankel, his experience in battles, and that he acts for honour alone. Harek declined, pleading old age and near kinship to King Olaf, and turned the offer to Thorer, who also refused the chief command.
Chapter 67
Why did Thorer Hund decline to be chief, and what vengeance did he vow?
Thorer said he did not confide in himself to raise the banner against Olaf, because the Throndhjem people formed the greatest part of the army and would not obey him or any other Halogaland man. He recalled Olaf's slaying of four kinsmen — Asbjorn, Thorer, Grjotgard, and Olver — and said he had selected eleven of his most daring house-servants for vengeance.
Chapter 67
How did Kalf Arnason answer the leaders' reluctance, and what did the meeting decide?
Kalf warned the enterprise must not become a mockery, arguing that if the chiefs showed fear the common men would lose heart and seek their own safety, making destruction certain against the intrepid Olaf. He urged them to go under one banner and lead boldly. All concurred, and chose Kalf as leader of the army to assign each man his place.
Chapter 67
Section 684 cards
Why did King Olaf's sword fail to cut Thorer Hund?
The saga says Olaf struck Thorer across the shoulders, but the sword would not cut and dust seemed to fly from Thorer's reindeer-skin coat. Sigvat's verse attributes this to Fin-folk's magic craft and magic song, which bewitched the coat so the king's steel could not bite. Thorer was nonetheless wounded in the hands.
Chapter 68
Which wounds does the saga name as causing King Olaf's death?
Three wounds: Thorstein Knarrarsmid's axe blow above the left knee, Thorer Hund's spear thrust under the mail-coat into the belly, and Kalf Arnason's blow to the left side of the neck. The saga notes that not all agree Kalf gave the neck wound. After the king died, most of his advancing force fell with him.
Chapter 68
What happened when Thorer Hund handled King Olaf's body?
Thorer laid the body straight out and spread a cloak over it. He later testified that when he wiped blood from the face it was beautiful, with red cheeks as if the king only slept, clearer than in life. The king's blood ran up between his fingers to his own wound, which healed so quickly it needed no binding. Thorer, a leading opponent, became among the first to spread word of the king's sanctity.
Chapter 68
How did Thormod Kolbrunarskald trick and wound Kimbe?
Wounded by an arrow, Thormod left the fighting and entered a barn, where Kimbe mocked the king's men for bearing wounds badly. Kimbe, seeing Thormod's gold ring, offered to hide him in exchange for it. Thormod said to take it if he could, then swung his sword and cut off Kimbe's hand. The saga notes Kimbe bore his wound no better than those he had blamed.
Chapter 68
Section 694 cards
How did the leek broth reveal whether a wound reached the belly?
The nurse-woman boiled leeks and other herbs in a stone pot and gave the broth to wounded men to eat. If a wound had penetrated into the belly, the wound would smell of leek, revealing its depth. When she offered it to Thormod, he refused, saying he had no appetite for his broth.
Chapter 69
What did Thorgils and Grim do with King Olaf's body to protect it?
They hid the corpse in an empty hut, then moved it to a garden. Fearing enemies might burn or sink it, they made a decorated coffin for the king and a second coffin filled with stones and straw to match a man's weight. The decoy coffin was handed to the bishop's men and sunk in the fjord, while the real body was buried in a sand-hill.
Chapter 69
What new laws did King Svein impose on Norway?
Svein introduced laws partly modeled on Denmark's and partly harsher. No man could leave the country without the king's permission or forfeit his property; killers forfeited land and movables; at Yule each steading owed malt, an ox leg, butter, and lint; the bondes had to build the king's houses; one in seven males from age five was taken for war; and one Danish witness invalidated ten Northmen's.
Chapter 69
What miracle was reported at the hut where Olaf's body was hidden?
A poor blind man, led by a boy, entered the low-doored hut seeking lodging. Feeling moisture on the floor, he raised his hat and touched his eyes with his wet hand; itching followed, and when he wiped his eyes he could see. He told the farmhouse people he had regained his sight after leaving the wet hut. Thorgils and Grim, fearing a search, then moved the body to a garden.
Chapter 69
Section 703 cards
How did Alfifa challenge the claim that Olaf's uncorrupted body proved sanctity?
Alfifa said people buried in sand rot very slowly, and it would not have been so had he been buried in earth. When the bishop showed the clipped hair and beard, she said she would believe in the hair's sanctity only if it would not burn, noting she had seen hair undamaged after longer burial. She then asked that the hair be laid on unconsecrated fire.
Chapter 70
What test did Bishop Grimkel perform on King Olaf's hair, and what was the outcome?
The bishop put live coals into a pan, blessed it, cast incense upon it, and laid King Olaf's hair on the fire. When the incense was burnt he took the hair out and showed the king and chiefs that it was not consumed. Alfifa then asked for unconsecrated fire, but Einar Tambaskelfer told her to be silent and reproached her unbelief.
Chapter 70
According to the chapter, how long did Olaf rule and how old was he at death?
It is reckoned by those who kept an exact account that Olaf the Saint was king of Norway for fifteen years from when Earl Svein left the country, though he had received the title of king from the Uplands people the winter before. Saint Olaf was thirty-five years old when he fell, according to Are Frode the priest, and had been in twenty pitched battles.
Chapter 70
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How did King Trygve die at the battle in Soknarsund?
Trygve landed in Hordaland, then went to Rogaland; when Svein learned he had come from the west, Svein steered north and the fleets met in Bokn in Soknarsund on a Sunday. The battle was great and severe. Trygve threw spears with both hands, saying his father taught him so to celebrate mass. King Trygve fell there with many of his men; some fled, some received quarter and their lives.
Chapter 71
What did Einar Tambaskelfer and Kalf Arnason arrange with King Jarisleif regarding Magnus?
They traveled from Throndhjem through Jamtaland and Helsingjaland to Svithjod, then to Russia and Ladoga, and sent word to King Jarisleif offering to take Magnus, son of King Olaf the Saint, to Norway and help him win his father's heritage. Jarisleif consulted the queen and chiefs, who agreed unanimously. At Novgorod the Northmen became Magnus's men and swore oaths; Magnus promised peace and reconciliation, and Kalf was to be his foster-son.
Chapter 71
How did Queen Astrid persuade Swedes to support Magnus's expedition?
At a Thing at Hangtar, Astrid, widow of King Olaf the Saint and Magnus's stepmother, urged support for her stepson's expedition to Norway. Many Swedes objected, recalling no honourable progress under Olaf and noting Magnus was only a boy. Astrid replied that men who wish to be thought of true courage must not be deterred, and that now was the time to show a man's heart and take vengeance. Many then agreed to go.
Chapter 71
Why did King Svein abandon Norway and go to Denmark?
Svein summoned the bondes in South Hordaland, but his speech met little approval. Some bondes refused bluntly, some stayed silent, some said they would join Magnus when they could, and only about every other man promised help. Svein concluded that force would avail little against Magnus, so he sailed east along the land and over to Denmark, where Hardaknut kindly received him and offered to divide the Danish kingdom.
Chapter 71
Section 724 cards
How did Hardaknut and Magnus resolve their planned battle at the Gaut river?
Their lendermen sent messengers to friends on the other side and proposed reconciliation, helped by both kings being young and childish while powerful men ruled for them. The kings met friendly and swore a brotherly peace for life: if one died without a son, the survivor would take the whole land and people. Twelve principal men in each kingdom swore to observe the treaty, which was kept as long as both lived.
Chapter 72
Why did Queen Astrid and Alfhild quarrel, and how did Sigvat intervene?
Alfhild, Magnus's mother, grew proud with her new honour and resented that Astrid had the higher seat and more respect; she wanted a seat next to the king. Astrid called her her slave-woman, as Alfhild had been when Astrid was queen under King Olaf, and refused her a seat beside her, so they could not lodge in the same house. Sigvat told Alfhild in verse that God raised her, but queen-born Astrid should not be denied due respect.
Chapter 72
How did King Magnus respond to Thorgeir Flek's outburst about Stiklestad?
Thorgeir, ignored while the king listened to others, said loudly that he too had been at Stiklestad with Olaf's men and had seen the men the king trusted thrusting the dead corpse out of their way and striking over his father's gore. There was an uproar and some told him to leave, but the king called him back, settled his business to his satisfaction, and promised him favour and friendship.
Chapter 72
What happened when Magnus took Kalf Arnason to the Stiklestad battle site?
The king asked where the king fell; Kalf pointed with his spear-shaft and said 'There he lay when he fell.' Asked where he himself stood, Kalf said 'Here where I am now standing.' The king turned red and said his axe could well have reached him; Kalf replied his axe did not come near him, then rode off, sailed out into the West sea, and long plundered in Ireland, Scotland, and the Hebudes.
Chapter 72
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What did King Magnus do with the farms of those who fell at Stiklestad?
He confiscated to the king's estate many great farms that had belonged to members of the bonde-army who fell at Stiklestad, including Veggia, Kviststad, and Eggja with Kalf's goods. He also heavily fined those who most opposed King Olaf, drove some out of the country, took money from others, and had others' cattle slaughtered for his use.
Chapter 73
How did Sigvat come to compose the Free-speaking Song?
Twelve of the king's friends met and resolved to cast lots to decide who would tell the king of the people's discontent; the lot fell on Sigvat. He composed the poem, which begins by saying the king had delayed too long to pacify the people, who were threatening to rise in tumult against him.
Chapter 73
What did Sigvat's song urge Magnus to do, and what resulted?
The song exhorted the king to observe the laws his father had established, warning that breaking his pledged word and seizing the bondes' udal land would shake his throne. It had a good effect, and many others said the same. The king consulted prudent men who ordered affairs according to law, and he had the law-book called the Grey Goose written.
Chapter 73
Why was Svein Ulfson made earl over the Danish dominions?
Magnus said the Danes had become his men that summer, leaving the country headless when he was absent, and it was ravaged by Vindland, Kurland, and Saxon peoples. He promised them a chief, and judged Svein Ulfson best fitted by birth and merit, making him earl to govern Denmark while Magnus was in Norway, as Canute had set Earl Ulf over Denmark.
Chapter 73
Section 744 cards
Why did King Magnus sail to Vindland and attack Jomsborg?
King Magnus heard that the Vindland people at Jomsborg had withdrawn from their submission to him. The Danish kings had formerly held a large earldom there and had founded Jomsborg, which had become a strong fortress. Magnus levied a large fleet and army in Denmark and sailed to Vindland, where he took Jomsborg, killed many, and burned the town and countryside.
Chapter 74
What dream did King Magnus have before the Battle of Hlyrskog Heath?
On Michaelmas eve, toward dawn, King Magnus dreamed that his father, King Olaf the Saint, appeared and told him not to fear the heathens despite their numbers, promising to be with him in battle and telling him to give battle when he heard his trumpet. After waking, the king told his men, and all heard bells ringing in the air.
Chapter 74
How did King Magnus choose men to bind wounds after the battle?
There were not enough doctors in the army, so King Magnus went around feeling the hands of those he thought best suited, and named twelve men with the softest hands to bind the wounded. None had tried it before, but all became afterwards the best of doctors. Two were Icelanders: Thorkil, son of Geire, and Atle, father of Bard Svarte.
Chapter 74
What happened at the Battle of Re between Magnus and Svein?
King Magnus turned his army against Svein, whom he called his earl though the Danes called him king. Svein's force included chiefs from Scania, Halland, Seeland, and Fyen, while Magnus had mostly Norwegians and Jutland men. They met at Re near Vestland, and Magnus won; Svein fled to Scania and then Gautland. Magnus stayed in Jutland all winter with many people.
Chapter 74
Section 754 cards
What did Magnus do to Seeland after Svein fled there, and why?
Magnus pursued Svein to Seeland, then had his men go up the country at night and return at morning with great booty in cattle. The chapter says Magnus later carried fire and sword through Seeland and burnt all round because their men had joined Svein's troop in harvest.
Chapter 75
How did the battle at Helganes begin and who won?
The battle began about the fall of day. Magnus had fewer men but larger and better equipped vessels. He threw hand-spears throughout the night, and the chapter states Magnus won the victory while Svein fled, his ship cleared of men from stem to stern.
Chapter 75
What happened to Svein after Helganes and where did he end up?
Svein fled up to Scania with the men who escaped, then fled eastwards along Scania. Magnus returned to his ships and steered east along the coast. Svein fled to Gautland and sought refuge with the Swedish king, remaining there all winter (A.D. 1046) and being treated with great respect.
Chapter 75
What does the chapter say about Magnus's battles and his rule over Denmark?
The chapter says Magnus remained in Denmark all that winter (A.D. 1046) in peace, having held many battles and gained victory in all. It states he had three battles with Svein Ulfson, and that he ruled both over Denmark and Norway.
Chapter 75
Section 764 cards
Why did Norwegians call Harald Hardrade 'tyrant', and did Icelanders use that name?
The chapter states Norwegians gave Harald the epithet 'tyrant' in contrast to the 'debonairete' of Magnus, while the Icelanders never applied this epithet to him. 'Hardrade' is glossed as the severe counsellor or tyrant. The chapter also notes Harald helped the Icelanders in the famine of A.D. 1056 and sent them timber for a church at Thingvol.
Chapter 76
How did Harald escape after the battle of Stiklestad, and who led him?
Harald, son of Sigurd Syr and brother of Olaf the Saint, was fifteen at Stiklestad and was wounded. Ragnvald Brusason led him from the battle and took him that night to a bonde in a forest, where he was hidden until cured. The bonde's son then guided him east over the ridge by forest paths, avoiding the common road, through Jamtaland and Helsingjaland to Svithjod.
Chapter 76
How did Harald win the dispute with Gyrger over tent ground and precedence?
Gyrger ordered the Varings to move from the high ground they had chosen. Harald argued the Varings were free and bound only to serve the emperor and empress. It was agreed to settle by lots drawn from a box. Harald saw Gyrger's mark, marked his own, then snatched the drawn die and threw it into the sea, calling it their lot; the remaining lot showed Gyrger's mark, so the Varings won first choice.
Chapter 76
How did Harald capture the Sicilian castle whose walls could not be breached?
Harald had his bird-catchers catch small birds nesting inside the castle but flying out by day for food. He bound tarred wood splinters to their backs, smeared them with wax and sulphur, and set them alight. Released, the birds flew to their nests under reed or straw roofs, spreading fire until the castle burned. The people begged for mercy, and Harald granted life and safety to all who asked quarter.
Chapter 76
Section 774 cards
How did the Varings conceal weapons before attacking the castle?
The Varings went to their sports with swords hidden under their cloaks and helmets under their hats. When they saw the castle people off guard, they seized their weapons and rushed the gate. The defenders came out fully armed, and the Varings, having no shields, wrapped their cloaks around their left arms. Harald then arrived with the men from camp to help them.
Chapter 77
How did Harald's men take the fourth castle despite his illness?
They besieged it so no supplies could enter. Harald fell sick and his death was expected. The Varings told the castle-men their commander had died and asked the priests to grant burial inside. Priests came out in procession with cross and relics, eager for rich offerings. Once the coffin was set across the gate and barred open, the Varings sounded trumpets, drew swords, and rushed in, killing all the men and taking great booty.
Chapter 77
What happened to Harald after he left the Greek service?
The empress Zoe accused Harald of misapplying the emperor's property. He had courted Maria, Zoe's brother's daughter, but Zoe refused him; reports said Zoe herself wanted Harald and blamed his plan to leave. Emperor Constantinus Monomachus had Harald imprisoned. Saint Olaf appeared and a noblewoman, once cured by Olaf, lowered a rope into the tower and hauled Harald, Haldor and Ulf up.
Chapter 77
How did Harald escape Constantinople by ship?
He took Maria by force, then seized two Varings' galleys and rowed into Sjavid sound, where an iron chain crossed the water. Harald had the rowers pull hard while the rest ran to the stern with their luggage; the galleys ran onto the chain. Then all ran to the bow, so Harald's galley tipped forward over the chain, while the other split in two and many men were lost.
Chapter 77
Section 784 cards
What terms did King Magnus offer Harald to settle their conflict?
Magnus offered Harald half of Norway with all scat and duties, on condition that Magnus be first in seat, service and salutation when both were together, sit in the middle if three of equal dignity were present, and hold the royal tent-ground and landing-place. Harald accepted, and Thorer of Steig gave him the title of King at the Thing.
Chapter 78
How did Harald escape Svein's nighttime assassination attempt?
Harald suspected treachery after his angry exchange with Svein and told his footboy he would not sleep in his bed. He slept elsewhere and laid a billet of wood in his place. At midnight a man rowed alongside, entered the tent, and struck the bed with a great ax that stuck fast in the wood. The axe remained as evidence, and Harald's men rowed away north to Magnus.
Chapter 78
How did Harald and Magnus divide their movable property?
Harald had an ox-hide spread out and poured gold from caskets onto it, then divided it by weight into equal shares with scales, matching their equal halves of Norway. People marveled at the amount, understood to be the Greek emperor's wealth. When Harald displayed a large ingot, Magnus admitted he had only a ring, which he gave to Harald.
Chapter 78
What dispute arose over the ring Magnus gave Harald?
Harald said it was little gold for a king owning two kingdoms and hinted Magnus might not be its rightful owner. Magnus replied that his father, King Olaf the Saint, gave him the ring at their last parting. Harald laughed and said this was true, but that Olaf had taken the ring from Harald's father for a trifling cause, and it was not a good time for small kings when Olaf held full power.
Chapter 78
Section 794 cards
What choice did King Magnus face in his dream before his death?
Magnus dreamed his father Saint Olaf asked whether he would follow him, or become a mighty king with long life but commit a crime he could never expiate. Magnus let his father choose, and the answer was that he would follow him. Soon after, he fell sick and died at Sudathorp in A.D. 1047.
Chapter 79
How did Magnus divide his dominions at death, and who received them?
Near death, Magnus sent his brother Thorer with tokens to Svein Ulfson, requesting aid for him and giving Svein the Danish dominions after his death. Magnus said it was just that Harald should rule Norway and Svein Denmark. Thorer was well received and stayed long with Svein.
Chapter 79
Why did Einar Tambaskelfer refuse to join Harald's plan to claim Denmark?
Harald told his men he meant to go to Viborg Thing and be proclaimed king over all Denmark by hereditary right. Einar replied that bringing his foster-son Magnus's corpse to the grave beside King Olaf in Throndhjem was the greater duty, and said he would rather follow King Magnus dead than any other king alive.
Chapter 79
How did Harald escape Svein's pursuing fleet near Hlesey?
Harald saw gilded dragon-heads shining in cleared fog and knew the Danes were coming. His ships were water-soaked and heavy, so he threw overboard wood, clothes and valuables; the Danes turned aside to collect the floating goods. He then cast overboard malt, wheat, bacon and let the liquor run out to lighten the ships further.
Chapter 79
Section 804 cards
What did King Harald do to help Iceland during a dear time?
The chapter states that when a very dear time set in, King Harald allowed four ships to transport meal to Iceland and fixed that the shippund should not be dearer than 100 ells of wadmal. He also permitted poor people who could provision themselves for the voyage to emigrate from Iceland to Norway, after which subsistence improved and seasons turned out better.
Chapter 80
Why does the narrator say many of Harald's feats are not written down?
The narrator explains this is partly due to uncertainty about them and partly to a wish not to put stories into the book for which there is no testimony. Although many things were heard talked about and even circumstantially related, the narrator thinks it better that something may be added than that something must be taken away from the narrative.
Chapter 80
How were Einar Tambaskelfer and his son Eindride killed?
At a meeting in the king's Thing-room by the river Nid, Einar entered and said it was dark; men then ran at him with spears and swords. Eindride rushed in with his sword and was killed along with his father. The bondes lost courage without a leader, and the king rowed out of the fjord.
Chapter 80
What did Fin Arnason criticize about King Harald's conduct?
Fin told the king bluntly that he was managing ill in two ways: first, in doing all manner of mischief, and next, in being so afraid that he did not know what to do. The king laughed and sent Fin to reconcile with the bondes and to reach an understanding with Hakon Ivarson.
Chapter 80
Section 814 cards
What terms did Hakon Ivarson demand to be reconciled with King Harald?
Hakon agreed to reconcile with King Harald if the king gave him in marriage his relative Ragnhild, King Magnus Olafson's daughter, with a dower suitable to her and acceptable to her. Fin Arnason accepted this on the king's part, and the agreement quashed the disturbance so the king kept his kingdom in peace at home.
Chapter 81
Why did Hakon Ivarson leave Norway for Denmark after meeting King Harald?
Hakon asked for an earl's title so Ragnhild would accept him, but the king refused, saying only one earl at a time was allowed and he would not take the title from Orm. Hakon and Fin were angry, claiming the king broke his word, and Hakon sailed to his relative King Svein of Denmark, who gave him great fiefs and command of the coast defence.
Chapter 81
How did Hakon Ivarson respond to King Svein's taunt about Asmund?
King Svein complained that Hakon was shy when danger threatened, so Hakon sought Asmund, gave battle when their ships met, boarded his ship, and killed him. Hakon cut off Asmund's head and laid it on the king's dinner table. The king said nothing, turned red, and soon ordered Hakon to leave his service, though promising him no harm.
Chapter 81
How was Hakon Ivarson finally reconciled with King Harald?
After Earl Orm died, Hakon returned to his estates in Norway, and friends worked to reconcile him with King Harald. It was settled that Hakon got Ragnhild, the king's daughter, and King Harald gave him the earldom with the same power Earl Orm had held. Hakon swore an oath of fidelity to all the services he was liable to fulfill.
Chapter 81
Section 824 cards
What happened to the count who forced his servant-girl to bake on Olaf's holy day?
The count, an evil-minded Dane who mocked Olaf's sanctity, ordered the girl to bake on Olaf's feast day. She wept and threatened she would not believe in Olaf unless he avenged the misdeed. In that same hour the count went blind in both eyes, and the bread in the oven turned to stone. Some of these stones were kept in St. Olaf's temple, and Olafsmas has been held holy in Denmark since.
Chapter 82
How was the cripple in Valland cured at Olaf's church in London?
A cripple who went on his knees and elbows dreamed a gallant man told him to go to Saint Olaf's church in London to be cured. He awoke and traveled there, asking the way. At London Bridge a man offered to guide him. At the churchyard gate the guide mounted over the half-door while the cripple rolled himself in, and rose up immediately sound and strong. When he looked around, his conductor had vanished.
Chapter 82
How did King Harald find water on the barren island in Limfjord?
Harald's men, wanting drink, found no water on the uncultivated island. Harald had them find a long earthworm, baked it before a fire so it would be thirsty, tied a thread to its tail, and let it loose. The worm crawled away, unwinding the thread, and the men followed it until it burrowed down. There the king had them dig, and they found so much water they had no want of it.
Chapter 82
What did King Harald do when his fleet was trapped in Limfjord by Svein?
Hearing Svein had come with a large armament to the fjord's mouth, where only one ship at a time could enter, Harald steered to the broadest part at Lusbreid. At night he unloaded his ships, drew them over the narrow neck of land dividing the fjord from the West sea, reloaded, and was ready before day. He then sailed north along Jutland, escaping the Danes, and said he would return with more people and larger vessels.
Chapter 82
Section 834 cards
How did Earl Hakon turn the tide at Nis-river during the night battle?
The earl did not fasten his ships in the fleet but rowed against the loose Danish ships, slaying their crews. When told another wing of King Harald's fleet was giving way, he rowed there and assaulted so severely the Danes retreated. He moved all night wherever he was most needed, and none could stand against him.
Chapter 83
How did King Svein escape after his ship was cleared of its crew?
Svein's banner was cut down and his ship cleared, all his crew falling or springing overboard. A stout man in a white hat hailed Earl Hakon's ship as Vandrad and asked the earl to accept his life. The earl sent two men to take him to Karl the bonde with the token of the horse and saddle given yesterday and Karl's son to attend him.
Chapter 83
What did the housewife say about King Svein, and how did Vandrad answer her?
Karl told his wife the Northmen gained, and she said their king would have fled. Told nobody knows if he fled or fell, she called him a useless king, both slow and frightened. Vandrad replied that frightened he was not, but he was not lucky. She also scolded him for wetting the whole towel.
Chapter 83
How did King Harald learn Earl Hakon had spared King Svein, and what did Hakon do?
Men drinking in town disputed the Nis-river battle; one said Hakon's greatest luck was giving King Svein quarter, claiming the man who brought the king to land told him. The king heard, gathered horses and rode with 900 men. A man named Gamal paid a bonde to warn Hakon by private paths; Hakon removed his property to the forest and fled east to King Steinkel in Svithjod.
Chapter 83
Section 844 cards
What terms did Harald and Svein agree to in their peace settlement?
The wisest men mediated a peace: Harald should have Norway and Svein Denmark, according to the old-established boundaries between the countries. Neither should pay the other for damages sustained; the war should cease as it stood, each keeping what he had got; and the peace should last as long as they were kings. It was confirmed by oath, and hostages were exchanged.
Chapter 84
How did Earl Hakon's men fare against King Harald's forces, and how did Hakon escape?
Harald's men sat under their shields on the hillside in frosty weather while the thinly clothed Gautlanders waited. When the war-cry was raised, the earl's banner advanced; Harald's army rushed down, killed some and put the rest to flight. The Northmen took Hakon's banner, but a rider later galloped across the path, speared the banner-bearer, seized the banner and escaped into the forest — so Harald said the earl was alive.
Chapter 84
Why did Thormod Eindridason kill Hal, and how did King Harald react?
Hal had killed Kodran, who was Thormod's great-uncle: Kodran was a son of Gudmund Eyjolfson, and Valgerd, Gudmund's sister, was Thormod's grandmother on his mother's side. Thormod was a year old when Kodran died and had never seen Hal before. Hearing Hal named while breaking ice, Thormod gave him a death-wound. Hal was dear to the king, who was enraged; Magnus let the killer escape and offered to pay the mulct, and friends reconciled them.
Chapter 84
What did King Harald do to the Upland bondes who withheld his scat and duties?
The bondes said they would hold everything for Earl Hakon until he came. That winter Harald went to Raumarike, accused them of withholding scat and aiding his enemies, seized them, maimed some, killed others and robbed many of their property; those who could fled. He burned and wasted Raumarike, Hedemark, Hadeland and Ringerike until the bondes submitted to his mercy. Thiodolf says the king brought the bonde power down in eighteen months.
Chapter 84
Section 854 cards
How did Harald Godwinson secure the English crown after Edward's death?
The chapter says that as King Edward approached his last hour, Harald leaned over him and called witnesses that the king had given him the kingdom and all England; the king was then taken dead from the bed. At a meeting of chiefs the same day, Harald produced these witnesses, and the meeting chose him as king. He was consecrated and crowned in Paul's church, and all the chiefs and people submitted to him.
Chapter 85
Why did Earl Toste refuse King Svein of Denmark's offer of an earldom?
Svein invited Toste to stay and promised him so large an earldom in Denmark that he would be an important chief. Toste replied that his inclination was to return to his estate in England, but if Svein would not help him for that purpose, he would help Svein win England with the Danish army, as Canute had done. Svein declined, doubting he could match Canute, and they parted not the best friends.
Chapter 85
What argument did Earl Toste use to persuade King Harald to invade England?
Toste said nothing was wanting to place him beside his brother Harald but the king's name, and promised to make most of England's principal men Harald's friends. He noted Harald had fought fifteen years for Denmark yet would not take England lying open to him. The chapter says Harald weighed his words, saw truth in much of them, and had a great desire to acquire dominions, so resolved to conquer England in summer.
Chapter 85
What dreams and forebodings preceded King Harald's expedition to England?
Gyrd dreamed of a witch-wife with fork and trough on the island, and ravens or ernes on every ship's stern. Thord dreamed of a witch-wife riding a wolf that ate men's bodies before the English army. King Harald himself dreamed that his brother King Olaf sang that his death was near and the crow would feed on his corpse. The chapter says many other gloomy dreams and forebodings were told.
Chapter 85
Section 864 cards
What battle plan did King Harald Sigurdson use against the English cavalry?
He arranged his army in a wide, equally thick ring, shield to shield in front and rear, with himself, his retinue, and the banner inside the circle. He bent both wings back so they met. He knew horsemen charge hard but turn back quickly, so he ordered spearmen in the first rank to set spear-points against the horseman's breast and the second rank against the horse's breast.
Chapter 86
What offer did King Harald Godwinson make Earl Toste before the battle?
Twenty armored horsemen rode forward, and one relayed that Toste's brother, King Harald Godwinson, offered him all of Northumberland, and rather than have him not submit, a third of the kingdom to rule with him. Toste asked what Harald Sigurdson would get; the reply was seven feet of English ground, or more if he were taller than other men. Toste refused.
Chapter 86
How did King Harald Sigurdson die at Stamford Bridge?
King Harald Sigurdson was hit by an arrow in the windpipe, which was his death-wound. He fell, and all who had advanced with him fell except those who retired with the banner. Earl Toste then took charge of the king's banner. After a pause, Harald Godwinson offered Toste peace and the surviving Northmen quarter, but they all refused.
Chapter 86
What happened when Eystein Orre arrived from the ships?
Eystein Orre came up from the ships with his men, all clad in armor. He took King Harald's banner Land-ravager, and a third sharp conflict began, called Orre's storm, in which many Englishmen fell and they nearly fled. Eystein's men had hurried so fast they were exhausted and scarcely fit to fight when they arrived.
Chapter 86
Section 874 cards
How did Styrkar the marshal escape and obtain a coat after the battle?
Styrkar, King Harald Sigurdson's marshal, escaped on horseback in the evening wearing little but his shirt, a helmet, and a drawn sword. Cold, he met a waggoner in a lined skin-coat and asked to buy it. The peasant refused, saying Styrkar was a Northman and that he would kill him if he had a weapon. Styrkar then struck off his head, took the coat, and rode to the strand.
Chapter 87
Why did William the Bastard claim the English throne, and how did he treat his wife?
William heard of King Edward's death and that Harald Godwinson was chosen, crowned, and consecrated king. He believed he had a better right through his relationship to Edward, and also wanted to avenge an affront Harald had put upon him regarding his daughter. He gathered a great army and shipping in Normandy. As he rode from the castle to his ships, his wife came to speak with him; he struck at her with his heel and set his spurs so deep into her breast that she fell down dead.
Chapter 87
How did Earl Valthiof die, and what does Thorkel's ballad say of William?
After William was proclaimed king, he sent Valthiof a message offering reconciliation and safe conduct to a meeting. The earl set out with a few men, but two of William's officers with many followers met him on a heath north of Kastala-bryggia, took him prisoner, put him in fetters, and beheaded him; the English call him a saint. Thorkel's ballad says William came over the sea with a bloody sword, and that cold heart and bloody hand now rule the English land.
Chapter 87
How did Haldor compare the dispositions of Saint Olaf and King Harald?
Haldor, son of Brynjolf Ulfalde the Old, said he was in great friendship with both brothers and knew their dispositions intimately, and never knew two men more alike. Both had the highest understanding, were bold in arms, greedy of power and property, of great courage, but not skilled at winning the people's favour, zealous in governing, and severe in revenge. He notes Olaf forced Christianity and good customs on the people and punished disobedient chiefs cruelly; that severity led the chiefs to raise an army and kill him, which is why he is held a saint, while Harald marauded for glory and died in another king's dominions.
Chapter 87
Section 884 cards
What seating and household innovations does the chapter credit to King Olaf?
The chapter says Olaf moved the king's high-seat from the middle of a long bench to a high bench across the room, and that he first had chimney-places in the rooms and floors strewn both summer and winter. It also credits him with founding a merchant town at Bergen, completing the old wooden Christ church, and building a feasting-house in Nidaros.
Chapter 88
How does the chapter describe Olaf's court arrangement and retinue?
Olaf adopted foreign court fashion: a grand-butler stood at the end of the table filling cups, and torch-bearers held as many candles as there were distinguished guests. A marshal's bench sat outside the table-circle facing the high-seat. He kept 120 courtmen-at-arms, 60 pursuivants, and 60 house-servants; when bondes complained, he answered that he did not do it merely to plague them.
Chapter 88
Why did Olaf Kyrre decline to lead the expedition to England?
Canute the Holy proposed they send an army west to England for revenge, offering Olaf either sixty ships to lead or sixty ships to follow. Olaf replied that Canute's family had more luck conquering England, while Olaf's father Harald got his death there and Norway was emptied of its best men. He gave Canute sixty large ships with lendermen as chiefs instead.
Chapter 88
What happens when the king tests the bonde who understands birds?
The king has the bonde's horse killed without blood touching the ground, then asks the bonde to pilot him. Three crows screech overhead; the bonde finally sings that the birds say his old mare's head is rowed along and the thief was the land's chief. The king gives him good presents and remits all the land-rent of his place.
Chapter 88
Section 894 cards
How long was Olaf Kyrre king, and where was he buried?
Olaf had been king of Norway for twenty-six years (A.D. 1068–1093), having been made king the year after King Harald's death. He died of a disease at Haukby in Ranrike and his body was taken north to Nidaros and buried in Christ church, which he himself had built. The chapter calls him the most amiable king of his time and says Norway much improved in riches and cultivation during his reign.
Chapter 89
How did Magnus and Hakon divide Norway after Olaf's death?
Magnus, Olaf's son, was proclaimed at Viken king of all Norway immediately after Olaf's death. The Upland people, hearing of Olaf's death, chose Hakon, Thorer's foster-son and Magnus's cousin, as king. Hakon went to Nidaros, summoned the Eyrathing, and the Throndhjem people proclaimed him king of half of Norway, as his father King Magnus had been before.
Chapter 89
What privileges did Hakon grant, and how did he die?
Hakon relieved the Throndhjem people of all harbour duties, gave many other privileges, abolished Yule-gifts, and extended the same privileges to the Upland people. He died of a sickness that came over him while he chased a ptarmigan over the Dovrefield mountains. His body was carried to Nidaros, where the townspeople wept, and he was buried in Christ church after ruling two years.
Chapter 89
Why were Thorer and Egil hanged, and what did Egil say?
Thorer of Steig, Hakon's foster-father, feared Magnus's power and raised a troop with Svein and Egil Aslakson against the king. After being captured at Hesjutun, Thorer and Egil were taken to Vambarholm and hanged on Magnus's order. Egil told the king's thralls they deserved hanging more than he did, and Magnus remarked that Egil's great friends helped him poorly in time of need.
Chapter 89
Section 904 cards
What proverb does the Elfgrim spokesmen use to mock Sigurd's errand?
The spokesman in the Elfgrim troop twice answers Sigurd with proverbs: first, "Here is no need of wheels, says the fox, when he draws the trap over the ice," and later, "The lads run well, say the Laplanders, who have skates for nothing." He offers no direct reply, sitting down after each remark, which Sigurd treats as scornful jesting rather than a serious answer to the king's demand.
Chapter 90
What does King Magnus demand of Sveinke Steinarson through Sigurd Ulstreng?
Sigurd demands from Sveinke the king's just land-dues together with his own land, or else banishment from the country. He warns that excuses and sharp words are useless, since men equal to Sveinke in power can be found. Sveinke responds with scornful words and reminds Sigurd of his former cowardice when King Hakon, Sveinke's foster-son, was alive.
Chapter 90
How does Kolbjorn Klakke persuade Sveinke to leave Norway?
Kolbjorn and the lendermen offer to manage Sveinke's estates faithfully and never, against his will, to pay scat for his land until he returns, pledging their lives and property. Sveinke agrees to leave for the winter, saying he does so on their account, not the king's. The king then sets the absence at three years, and Sveinke accepts, departing for Gautland.
Chapter 90
How does the feud between King Magnus and Sveinke finally end?
After Sveinke leaves, marauding gangs infest the leaderless Elfgrims, and the king twice sends for him without success. They meet only when King Magnus is south in Denmark, where they make a full reconciliation. Sveinke returns home to his estates and becomes King Magnus's best and trustiest friend, strengthening the kingdom's eastern border, and their friendship lasts as long as they live.
Chapter 90
Section 914 cards
How did King Magnus claim the land beyond Cantire?
After peace with the Scottish king Melkolm, it was agreed that islands west of Scotland which a ship could pass with its rudder shipped belonged to Norway. At Cantire Magnus had a skiff drawn over the neck of land and shipped its rudder, sitting in the stern and holding the tiller, thus appropriating the land on the farboard side.
Chapter 91
How did King Inge retake the island stronghold from the Northmen?
King Inge rode over the frozen Vener lake with nearly 300 men and demanded the Northmen leave their booty. They refused, so he assaulted them, filled the ditch with timber and stones, fastened anchors to long spars to tear down the timber walls, and flung lighted brands among them. The Northmen asked quarter and left without weapons or cloaks.
Chapter 91
How did Ogmund Skoptason help King Magnus escape at Foxerne?
When the Northmen fled and the Gautlanders pursued, Ogmund asked the king for his red short cloak, which Magnus gave him. On the open plain Ogmund and his men rode off across the road, and the Gautlanders, supposing him to be the king, followed him. Ogmund escaped with great difficulty but reached the ships safely, and Magnus sailed north to Viken.
Chapter 91
Why did Giparde's lawsuit against the skalds fail?
Giparde claimed the Northmen slandered him for hiding during the battle. The count judging the case said he was young, new to office, and least understood poetry, but asked to hear the verse. Eldjarn's verse ironically praised Giparde as winning the fight alone, and the count ruled it was praise, not slander, though Giparde felt mocked.
Chapter 91
Section 924 cards
How did Skopte Ogmundson and his sons die after quarreling with King Magnus?
Skopte prepared five longships and sailed abroad with his sons Ogmund, Fin, and Thord. They wintered in Flanders, sailed to Valland, then through Norvasund to Rome, where Skopte died. All the father and sons died on the journey; Thord died in Sicily and lived longest. People commonly say Skopte was the first Northman to sail through Norvasund, and the voyage was much celebrated.
Chapter 92
How was King Magnus killed in Ireland?
After cattle arrived, Magnus went ashore with most of his men. Irish forces attacked from the brushwood as the Northmen crossed boggy ground. A spear pierced both his thighs; he broke the shaft and urged his men on. Then an Irish axe struck his neck, his death-wound. Vidkun Jonson killed the attacker, took three wounds, and carried the banner and sword Legbit to the ships.
Chapter 92
What did King Magnus say about kings and long life?
The chapter reports that when his friends observed he proceeded incautiously on expeditions abroad, King Magnus said, "The kings are made for honour, not for long life." He was nearly thirty when he fell. He ruled Norway ten years with good peace inside the country, but the people were sorely oppressed with levies; his men loved him, while the bondes thought him harsh.
Chapter 92
What happened to the man who struck King Olaf's shrine during the fire?
When fire spread through the merchant town, Olaf's shrine was carried out and set opposite the fire. A crazy man struck the shrine and threatened the saint, saying all would burn unless he saved them by his prayers. The church burning ceased, but the man got sore eyes the following night and lay there until King Olaf entreated God to be merciful; then he recovered in the same church.
Chapter 92
Section 934 cards
How did King Sigurd take the cave on Forminterra?
The heathens defended a stone wall before a cave in a precipice, throwing stones down on the Northmen. Sigurd had two small boats, called barks, hauled up the precipice above the cave mouth and lowered by thick ropes in front of it, with men aboard shooting stones and missiles into the cave. This drove the heathens from the wall; the Northmen broke it down, then lit a great fire of trees in the cave mouth.
Chapter 93
What conditions came with the splinter of the holy cross given to Sigurd?
King Baldwin and the patriarch gave Sigurd a splinter of the holy cross, on which both swore it came from the cross on which God was tortured. Sigurd and twelve men with him had to swear to promote Christianity with all his power, erect an archbishop's seat in Norway if he could, keep the relic where holy King Olaf reposed, and introduce tithes and pay them himself.
Chapter 93
How did Duke Roger of Sicily become a king?
Duke Roger received King Sigurd kindly and feasted him splendidly, standing at the table doing service each day. On the seventh day, after people had come to table and wiped their hands, Sigurd took the duke by the hand, led him to the high-seat, saluted him as king, and gave the right that Sicily should always have a king, though before it had only earls or dukes.
Chapter 93
Why did Sigurd wait at Engilsnes instead of sailing north?
At Engilsnes a breeze blew daily for going north, but Sigurd waited a fortnight for a side wind, so the sails would stretch fore and aft. His sails had silk joined in before and behind, and if a vessel ran before the wind, neither those ahead nor behind could see any trace of it. So he preferred to wait for a side wind rather than sail on.
Chapter 93
Section 944 cards
What choice did Emperor Kirjalax offer King Sigurd, and which did Sigurd pick?
The emperor sent men to ask whether Sigurd would rather accept six lispund of gold or have the emperor stage the games at the Padreim in his honour. Sigurd chose the games. The messengers noted the spectacle would cost the emperor no less than the money offered, and the emperor then had the games held in the usual way.
Chapter 94
According to the Greeks, what did it mean when the king's men beat the queen's at the Padreim?
The queen always has half the part in the games, so her men and the king's men strive against each other in all contests. The Greeks therefore think that when the king's men win more games at the Padreim than the queen's, the king will gain the victory when he goes into battle.
Chapter 94
How did King Sigurd solve the firewood shortage when he feasted the emperor?
Sigurd ordered men to buy firewood in the street where it was sold, but it was all gone. He told them to try walnuts instead, saying they would answer as well as wood for fuel, and they got as many as needed. The queen, who had contrived the shortage to test him, called him a magnificent king who spares no expense for his honour.
Chapter 94
How did King Eystein bring Jamtaland under his rule, and how does the chapter contrast this with his forefathers?
Eystein invited the most powerful men of Jamtaland, received them kindly, gave presents, and sent gifts to those who did not come, winning influence. He argued they had wrongly withdrawn taxes and allegiance from Norway, citing their submission since Hakon Athelstane's foster-son. They offered themselves to him and swore oaths. The chapter says he conquered Jamtaland by wisdom, not hostile inroads like some forefathers.
Chapter 94
Section 954 cards
How does King Eystein interpret Sigurd's dream of Saint Olaf visiting the brothers?
Eystein reads the bench as their shared kingdom. Saint Olaf's glad approach to young King Olaf betokens that Olaf will die soonest and have good to expect hereafter, being amiable and little given to excess. Olaf's lesser joy toward Eystein means Eystein may live a few years longer but not grow old, trusting providence despite his sins. The delay toward Sigurd betokens not death but long life, though some heavy accident may occur; Eystein foretells Sigurd will be oldest and rule longest.
Chapter 95
What legal objection did King Eystein raise against trying Sigurd Hranason's case?
Eystein argued the case fell under the law of the land, not Bjarkey law, and that Sigurd Hranason should produce witnesses and be judged at the Thing, not at a meeting. He objected that parties summoned belonged to the Thing-district while the deed and parties belonged to Halogaland, making the Thing incompetent. He also had Sigurd Hranason hand the case over to him by hand-shake before witnesses, so King Sigurd faced Eystein, not Hranason.
Chapter 95
How did the dispute between Sigurd and Eystein over Sigurd Hranason finally end?
At the Nidaros Thing, Bergthor Sveinsson testified that Sigurd Hranason had concealed part of the Laplanders' taxes. Eystein noted the case had already been dismissed from three Things and a town meeting, and required the lagmen to acquit Hranason, which they did. Sigurd then prepared to give battle at Iluvellir, but that evening Sigurd Hranason threw himself at the king's feet; Bishop Magne, Queen Malmfrid and others pleaded for him, and Sigurd raised him up, restored him among his men, and was afterward his friend. The brothers, however, were never much together again.
Chapter 95
What does the chapter say about King Sigurd's oath and the holy cross at Konungahella?
The chapter says Sigurd greatly enlarged and improved Konungahella, building a castle of turf and stone with a ditch, church and houses. He allowed the holy cross to remain there, and thereby did not fulfill the oath he had taken in Palestine; but he established tithe and most other things he had bound himself by oath to do. The author states Sigurd kept the cross east at the frontier thinking it would protect the land, but it proved the greatest misfortune to place the relic within the heathens' power, as afterwards turned out.
Chapter 95
Section 964 cards
What did Sigurd and Eystein each claim as their accomplishments in their exchange?
Sigurd boasts of wrestling, swimming, archery, battles in Saracen land, and swimming the Jordan; Eystein counters with snow-skates, skees, handsome appearance, knowledge of law, fluent speech, building five churches, a harbour at Agdanes, a warping post and iron ring in the Sinholm sound, and a royal hall in Bergen. The author presents both claims through their own words in the quarrel.
Chapter 96
How does Eystein defend himself against Sigurd's charge that his promises cannot be trusted?
Eystein explains that when people bring cases before him he first wishes to give each man the satisfaction he desires, but afterwards the opposite party comes and something must often be given or taken away to mediate so both are satisfied. He adds that he often promises whatever is desired so all may be joyful, and notes it would be easy to do as Sigurd does and promise evil to all.
Chapter 96
What does Sigurd do when he falls ill at the bath in the Upland?
At a feast in the Upland a bath was prepared for King Sigurd, and when he came to the bath and the tent was raised over the tub, he thought there was a fish in the tub beside him. A great laughter came upon him so that he was beside himself and out of his mind, and these fits often returned afterwards.
Chapter 96
How did King Eystein die and how was he mourned?
Six years after King Olaf's death, Eystein was seized at a feast at Hustadir in Stim with an illness that soon carried him off. He died 29 August 1123, and his body was carried north to Nidaros and buried in Christ church. It is generally said so many mourners never stood over any man's grave in Norway, at least since Magnus the Good died.
Chapter 96
Section 974 cards
How did King Sigurd test Ottar, and what did Ottar do?
Sigurd sprang up in pretended rage, drew his sword, and swung it over Ottar's head as if to cut him down. Ottar stood quiet and upright, did not stir, and showed no fear. The king then turned the blade and gently touched him on the shoulder. Sigurd admitted the rage was feigned, praised Ottar's fearless and tactful speech, and made him a lenderman, the most distinguished of them.
Chapter 97
What did King Sigurd dream, and how did he interpret it?
He dreamed he was in Jadar looking out to sea and saw something black moving that became a large tree with branches above the water and roots in the sea. When it reached shore it broke into pieces that drove all about the land, mainland and out-islands, into every bight. The king interpreted it as a man arriving who would settle there, whose posterity would spread over the land with unequal power.
Chapter 97
How did Aslak Hane stop King Sigurd from eating flesh-meat on a Friday?
Aslak, a small but fiery man of no great family, asked what was smoking on the dish. He reminded the king that after rising from Jordan with palm-leaves and the cross, Sigurd promised something other than eating flesh-meat on a Friday, and said a meaner man would merit heavy punishment. The king sat silent, did not eat the meat, and had other food brought. He later gave Aslak three farms.
Chapter 97
What ordeal did Harald Gille undergo, and on what condition?
Sigurd would not deny Harald proof of his father by ordeal, on condition that if he proved his descent he would not seek the kingdom during Sigurd's or Magnus's lifetime, bound by oath. Harald trod over nine glowing plowshares with bare feet, attended by two bishops; three days later his feet were found unburnt. Sigurd acknowledged the relationship, but Magnus hated him.
Chapter 97
Section 984 cards
Why did King Sigurd order Sigurd Sigurdson to stay away from his presence?
Sigurd sprang overboard, swam to the king, and grabbed him to stop him from killing a man, saying everyone could see the king was the better swimmer. The king replied that the man would destroy their people under water. After the Icelander reached land, the king got loose and ordered that Sigurd should not presume to come into his presence.
Chapter 98
How did King Olaf's intercession resolve the conflict between Harald and Svein Rimhildson?
Svein struck Harald's footboy with a riding-whip, and Harald retaliated with a pole-axe, wounding Svein's hands. Svein's friends seized Harald and were about to hang him. Sigurd Sigurdson woke the king, who rushed to the gallows and took Harald to him. The king ordered Svein and his comrades out of the country as outlaws, but by intercession of good men let them remain and keep their properties, with no mulct paid for Svein's wound.
Chapter 98
According to the chapter, how was Kolbein's cut-out tongue restored?
Thora, King Sigurd the Crusader's mother, had Kolbein's tongue cut out because he took a piece of meat from her tub that the cook said he had given him. The man went about speechless for a long time. Later, watching in the Christ church at Nidaros, he fell asleep at the second mass for Olaf before matins, dreamed Saint Olaf came and pulled the stump of his tongue, and awoke restored, thanking God and the saint.
Chapter 98
Why did Bishop Magne forbid King Sigurd's planned marriage to Cecilia?
The king intended to divorce his queen and marry Cecilia, a great man's daughter, with a wedding feast in Bergen. Bishop Magne went to the hall with the priest Sigurd and, in the name of God, the holy King Olaf, Peter the apostle, and the other saints, forbade the wickedness, saying it betrayed God's word and law and showed contempt for the episcopal and royal offices. The king said nothing and returned to the hall.
Chapter 98
Section 994 cards
What duty did King Sigurd impose on Konungahella's districts and townspeople?
Every person aged nine years and upwards had to bring to the castle five missile stones for weapons, or as many large stakes sharp at one end and five ells long. The duty fell on the neighbouring districts as well as the townspeople, and Sigurd built a king's house in the castle and stayed there long to defend the frontiers.
Chapter 99
What did King Sigurd place in the cross-church at Konungahella, and when was it consecrated?
The cross-church was built of timber in the castle and consecrated in the 24th year of Sigurd's reign (A.D. 1127). He deposited there a piece of the holy cross and many other relics. Before the high altar he placed gilt copper and silver tables made in the Greek country, jewelled, plus the shrine sent by the Danish king Eirik Eimune and the gold-lettered altar book from the patriarch.
Chapter 99
How did King Sigurd's reign end, and what was said of his reign?
Three years after the cross-church's consecration, Sigurd fell sick at Viken and died the night before Mary's-mass (August 15, 1130), buried in Halvard's church in the stone wall outside the choir on the south side. He had been king twenty-seven years and was forty at death. The saga says his reign was good for the country: there was peace and crops were good.
Chapter 99
How did Harald Gille come to share Norway's kingdom with Magnus?
Harald called his friends to the Hauga Thing in Tunsberg, where he was chosen king of half the country; the oath taken from him to renounce his paternal heritage was called a forced oath. For seven days matters stood so, then Magnus, having fewer people, gave way. They divided the kingdom on October 3, 1130, but Magnus alone inherited his father's fleet, table service, valuables and movable effects.
Chapter 99
Section 1002 cards
What advice does Sigurd give King Magnus, and how does Magnus respond?
Sigurd advises going north to Throndhjem, where the country's main strength favors them, gathering men along the way, hoping the Elfgrims tire of the pursuit. The king refuses to flee from those he beat in summer and demands better counsel. Sigurd then says he will give the counsel Magnus will actually take: sit in Bergen until Harald comes, and suffer death or disgrace.
Chapter 100
What omens occurred in Konungahella five years after Sigurd's death?
On Sunday nights after Easter week, a great noise ran through the streets as if the king passed with his court-men. Dogs broke loose, ran mad, and bit people and cattle; those bitten till blood came turned raging mad, and pregnant women went into premature labour and became mad. This recurred almost nightly from Easter to Ascension-day, alarming people, many of whom sold their houses and left.
Chapter 100
Section 1014 cards
How did Saemund and Asmund defeat the Vindland bowman?
Saemund Husfreyja told his son Asmund they should both shoot at the bowman. Saemund aimed at the man holding the shield in front, knocking it down slightly, and in the same instant Asmund shot between the shields, hitting the bowman in the forehead so the arrow came out at his neck and he fell dead.
Chapter 101
How did priest Andres kill the heathen who was immune to weapons?
The heathen fought so bravely he reached the castle gate and pierced a man with his sword; arrows and stones could not touch him because he was skilled in witchcraft. Priest Andres took consecrated fire, blew on it, cut tinder, laid it on an arrow-point and gave it to Asmund, whose shot killed the warlock.
Chapter 101
What did Unibur conclude from the defenders fighting with sticks?
Unibur told the Vindlanders the defenders were brave but had first used arrows and spears, then stones, and now sticks and staves as against dogs. He concluded they lacked weapons and means of defense, and urged one more hard assault to test their strength. The Christians then split each stake in two as the stakes diminished.
Chapter 101
What happened to Konungahella after the Vindlanders took it?
The heathens did not keep Rettibur's promised terms: they took men, women and children, killed the wounded, young, or those hard to carry, plundered the Cross church, and burned the castle church and houses. Many captives were long in slavery in Vindland; those ransomed throve worse than before, and the merchant town never again rose to its former importance.
Chapter 101
Section 1024 cards
Why did King Harald turn against Sigurd Slembe after Sigurd claimed kinship?
The king gave no immediate answer but consulted his friends. At that meeting Harald accused Sigurd of involvement in the killing of Thorkel Fostre in the West, a man who had come to Norway with Harald and was among his best friends. The case was pressed so severely, with the lendermen's advice, that a capital accusation was made against Sigurd.
Chapter 102
How did Sigurd Slembe escape the boat sent to seize him?
Sigurd sat on a chest in the stern, suspecting foul play. When the crew were drunk and rowing hard past the ness, he rose and went to the deck; the two guards followed holding his cloak. Fearing they would grab more of his clothes, he seized both men and leaped overboard with them, then dived and swam ashore before the boat could be turned.
Chapter 102
How did Sigurd learn where King Harald would sleep on Saint Lucia's day?
Two men at the king's table staged a wager of a basket of honey over whether Harald would sleep with Queen Ingerid or with Thora, Guthorm's daughter. The king answered laughing, unsuspecting, that the one who guessed Ingerid had lost. This told the conspirators his location, while the main guard stood outside the queen's house.
Chapter 102
How did the people on the pier respond when Sigurd announced he had killed King Harald?
They came swarming down and with one voice refused obedience or service to a man who had murdered his own brother, adding that if he were not the brother he had no claim by descent to be king. They clashed weapons and adjudged all murderers banished and outlawed. Sigurd then went north, where bondes in Hordaland and Sogn proclaimed him king.
Chapter 102
Section 1034 cards
What happened to St. Halvard's shrine during Eirik's attack on Oslo?
Thjostolf took the shrine of St. Halvard up to Raumarike, where it remained for three months. Meanwhile King Eirik set fire to Halvard's church and to the town, which was entirely burnt. Thjostolf returned toward the town in the morning with men he had collected overnight, but Eirik sailed off with his fleet.
Chapter 103
How did Sigurd Slembidjakn escape the Tunsberg men at Portyrja?
The Tunsberg men came unexpectedly while Sigurd's men were ashore dividing booty, and blocked the harbour with their ships. Sigurd ran to his ship and rowed out; Vatnorm's ship fell behind the line, so Sigurd rowed clear past and escaped with one ship, losing many men. A verse was made on Vatnorm about the water-serpent slipping away from Portyrja.
Chapter 103
How did Sigurd Slembe kill Beintein Kolbeinson?
Sigurd's men surrounded the house at Lister and began setting fire to the buildings. Beintein came out of a store-house fully armed and stood in the low doorway with drawn sword and shield. None of Sigurd's men hurried to go in, so Sigurd rushed past Beintein, who struck and missed; Sigurd turned on him, exchanged blows, gave him his death-stroke, and carried out his head.
Chapter 103
What did King Inge's letter to King Sigurd threaten if he refused to come?
King Inge's letter asked Sigurd to come to him as soon as possible with as many troops as he could, noting their childhoods (Sigurd five, Inge three) meant they needed counsel. Inge warned that if Sigurd refused, he would come against him with an armament and let God decide between them, since Inge could not bear the expense of troops while Sigurd took half the revenues.
Chapter 103
Section 1044 cards
How was Sigurd Slembe captured after his ship lost its crew?
Sigurd stripped off his armour underwater and swam with a shield over him, since among many floating shields no one could identify his. A captured swimmer offered to reveal his location and pointed out the red shield he was under. Thrand's men rowed there, took him aboard, and Thrand sent word to Thjostolf, Ottar, and Amunde.
Chapter 104
What does the chapter say about Sigurd Slembe's character and his death?
Both enemies and friends agreed no man in Norway within living memory was more gifted or experienced, though he was in some respects unlucky. Under torture he spoke little, never moved, and kept his voice steady, singing psalms until he died. Hal cited this as proof of a brave hero's courage.
Chapter 104
How did Eystein Haraldson become king in Norway?
Eystein, a son of Harald Gille, came from Scotland in spring (A.D. 1142) with Arne Sturla, Thorleif Brynjolfson, and Kolbein Hruga. The Throndhjem people received him well, and at the Eyra-thing on Ascension-day he was chosen king with a third of Norway. People believed his descent because King Harald himself had testified to it.
Chapter 104
How was Ottar Birting killed, and what did King Sigurd do?
Ottar was killed in Nidaros at twilight while going to evening song. He raised his cloak against the blow, thinking it a snowball. His son Alf Hrode chased the killer and killed him at the choir corner. Ottar's friends accused King Sigurd of instigating it; he offered to clear himself by the ordeal of iron, peace was made, and the ordeal was never heard of again.
Chapter 104
Section 1054 cards
What did Cardinal Nikolas establish regarding the Norwegian church seat?
The cardinal moved the brothers to have Jon Birgerson consecrated archbishop of Throndhjem and gave him the pallium, settling that the archbishop's seat should be in Nidaros, in Christ church, where King Olaf the Saint reposes. Before that time there had only been common bishops in Norway. He also introduced a law that no man appearing with arms in the merchant-town should go unpunished, except the twelve men attending the king.
Chapter 105
How does the chapter describe King Inge's appearance and why was he popular?
Inge was the handsomest in countenance, with yellow but rather thin, much-curled hair. His stature was small and he had difficulty walking alone, having one withered foot and a hump on both back and breast. He was cheerful and friendly to friends, generous, and allowed other chiefs to counsel him in governing. The author says he was therefore popular with the public, which brought the kingdom and the mass of people to his side.
Chapter 105
What injuries did Einar and Andres inflict on the priest Richard?
They had a servant strike him with an axe-hammer, broke his leg-bones, bound him to a board, and used a wedge and axe to force out his eye-stones, tearing an eyelid. They cut off his tongue, then seized the stump with tongs and cut it twice more to the roots, leaving him half dead. A poor housewife and her daughter carried him to their farm, where a priest bound his wounds.
Chapter 105
How was the priest Richard healed, according to the chapter?
As he slept after midnight he thought a gallant man came, said he was ill off and would receive compassion, pulled the tongue-stump hard, and stroked his eyes, legs, and other wounded members. Asked who he was, the man said 'Olaf, come here from Throndhjem,' and vanished. The priest awoke altogether sound and gave thanks to God and the holy King Olaf.
Chapter 105
Section 1064 cards
What did King Inge and Gregorius hear that prompted them to march to Bergen?
They heard a report that the brothers' conference meant Inge should have only two or three farms and enough income to keep thirty men, since he lacked the health to be king. The author presents this as a report of the settlement, and Inge and Gregorius responded by coming to Bergen with many followers.
Chapter 106
What conditions ended the reconciliation between Inge and Eystein at the Seleys?
Eystein was bound to pay forty-five marks of gold, with thirty going to Inge for the burning of the docks and ships; Philip and accomplices in that deed were outlawed; men proved to have struck King Sigurd were banished; and Gregorius received fifteen marks for his burnt property. The author notes Eystein saw the treaty as forced on him.
Chapter 106
How did King Eystein die after his men deserted him?
His ships slipped away at night until he had only ten, so he abandoned and destroyed the Great Dragon and fled by land. Left with one man near Fold, he was found by Simon Skalp, asked to hear mass, then laid face down and had the cross cut between his shoulders before being slain. The author says he suffered manfully.
Chapter 106
What did Gregorius warn would happen if Inge tolerated killings of his men?
Gregorius argued that if Inge stayed indifferent while his house-man and court-man were killed, Sigurd's men would next chase Gregorius or another lenderman Inge valued, and finally take the royal dignity from him once his friends were dead. He said he would not stay to be slaughtered like an ox.
Chapter 106
Section 1074 cards
Who was chosen as chief of the troop that had followed King Eystein, and how old was he?
Hakon, King Sigurd's son, was chosen chief of the troop that had followed King Eystein, and his adherents gave him the title of king. He was ten years old at the time. With him were Sigurd, son of Halvard Hauld of Reyr, and Andreas and Onund, the sons of Simon, his foster-brothers, along with many chiefs who were friends of King Sigurd and King Eystein.
Chapter 107
What terms did the Throndhjem people set when they took Hakon as king?
It is said that the Throndhjem people took Hakon as king on the terms that he should have from Inge the third part of Norway as his paternal heritage. The Throndhjem people received him well, for they had always served under that shield. Hakon had proceeded by the upper road to Throndhjem and arrived there before Easter.
Chapter 107
What was Erling Skakke's objection to attacking Hakon's fleet up the river?
Erling argued it was foolhardy to fight while rowing against the river-current: of the three men in each half-room, one must row, another must shield the rower, leaving only one third of the men to fight. He said men sitting at their oars with their backs to the enemy could be of little use, and asked for time to devise a better plan.
Chapter 107
How did Erling's plan trick Hakon's men into leaving their moorings?
Erling advised sending boats and light vessels outside the island and up the east arm, then down with the stream to cut the enemy loose from the piles, while the large ships rowed against them from below. Hakon's men, seeing the boat-squadron, believed Inge's men were fleeing, so they cut their land-ropes, seized their oars, and rowed after them in pursuit.
Chapter 107
Section 1084 cards
What advice did Gregorius give King Inge about taking part in the battle?
Gregorius advised King Inge not to join the assault, arguing that everything is preserved if the king is safe, since no man knows where an arrow may hit even from a bad bowman. He said the enemy had prepared missiles and stones on high stages, and that the lendermen could engage their men well enough. All thought well of this advice.
Chapter 108
How did Gregorius escape being dragged overboard by Ivar, and what exchange did they have?
Ivar hooked Gregorius by the waist with a boat-hook and dragged him against the ship's rails, but the hook slipped aside. Gregorius was little wounded because he wore a plate coat of armour. Ivar called out that he had a 'thick bark,' and Gregorius replied that Ivar would 'require it all, and not have too much.'
Chapter 108
Why did King Inge finally join the battle despite earlier advice?
When Inge saw Gregorius was aground, he urged his crew to row to his assistance, calling it imprudent to lie still while friends fought. He said he owed Gregorius the most, that victory would belong to him, and that their place was where their friends were. He then had his banner set up and rowed across.
Chapter 108
What happened to Eindride Jonson after he begged King Inge for his life?
Eindride Jonson leaped aboard King Inge's ship when his own was cleared and begged for his life. King Inge wished to grant it, but Havard Klining's son ran up and gave him a mortal wound, which was much blamed; he claimed Eindride had caused his father's death. There was much lamentation, chiefly in the Throndhjem district.
Chapter 108
Section 1094 cards
How did Gregorius Dagson die at the river Befia?
King Hakon's men cut a rent in the unsound ice and covered it with snow. Gregorius warned that the ice was bad and advised crossing by the nearby bridge, but the bonde-troops mocked his caution. He advanced anyway; the ice broke, most men turned back, and an arrow from Hakon's troop struck him under the throat, killing him.
Chapter 109
How did King Inge react to the news of Gregorius's death?
He said those who gave the advice understood the least, and wept like a child. He regretted not going to Gregorius after Haldor's murder, blaming the people's attachment to their Yule feasts. He swore to march against Hakon, vowing either to die or defeat him, since no vengeance could equal Gregorius's worth.
Chapter 109
Why did Gudrod and Jon's wing collapse at the battle against King Hakon?
Gudrod and Jon signaled Hakon's men to show where they stood in the line. When Hakon's force turned toward them, Gudrod fled with 1500 men, and Jon with a great body crossed over to Hakon's army and fought against King Inge. Inge remarked that Gregorius would never have done so.
Chapter 109
What did King Inge say about fleeing when advised to ride to Raumarike?
He refused, noting that flight did little for his brother King Eystein despite his kingly qualities. Inge said he had been king since age two and was now twenty-five, with more sorrow than pleasure in his reign, and that though he had fought many battles he had never fled. He left his life to God but would never take flight.
Chapter 109
Section 1104 cards
Who did Erling Skakke and the assembled chiefs choose as king, and why?
At a meeting of King Inge's former friends, Arne argued that Kristin's son Magnus was nearest by descent to the crown, since Kristin was daughter of King Sigurd the Crusader, and that Erling Skakke should be his adviser. Erling agreed to lead the force if all bound themselves by oath. At a Thing in the town, Magnus Erlingson, then five years old, was elected king of the whole country (A.D. 1161).
Chapter 110
What treaty did Erling and King Valdemar make in Denmark?
Erling took King Magnus and ten ships south to Denmark, where King Valdemar received them hospitably; Valdemar was Magnus's blood-relation through Ingebjorg and Malmfrid, who were cousins. They agreed that Valdemar would aid Magnus with help from his kingdom to win and retain Norway, and in return Valdemar should get the whole of Viken as far north as Rygiarbit, the domain his ancestors Harald Gormson and Svein Forked-beard had held. The agreement was confirmed by oath and a fixed treaty.
Chapter 110
How did Erling use a burning ship at the Battle of Tunsberg?
Erling's men took a merchant vessel, filled it with wood and straw, set it on fire, and let the wind drive it toward the town. Two cables were fastened to two boats that rowed along and held the vessel back so the town would not burn, while thick smoke spread over the town and hid the king's array. Erling then brought the fleet in where the wind carried the fire and shot at the enemy.
Chapter 110
Why did Onund Simonson and Hakon's men flee at Tunsberg?
When the townspeople's array dispersed after the priest Hroald's plea was granted, the men on the piers were thinned. Onund Simonson, who had most influence over the army, said he would not fight for Earl Sigurd's earldom since Sigurd was not there himself. Onund fled, followed by all the people and the king himself; King Hakon lost many men, and Thorbjorn Skakkaskald made verses about it.
Chapter 110
Section 1114 cards
How did King Hakon die at the battle against Erling Skakke?
Hakon jumped aboard another ship, found himself among enemies, and begged the forecastle-men of the Baekisudin for his life; they gave him quarter. Erling sent orders to guard him well and hinted he might spare the king if the chiefs agreed to peace. Then Erling ordered a new attack, and in the tumult Hakon received his death-wound. His body was buried at Raumsdal, later moved by King Sverre to Christ church in Nidaros.
Chapter 111
What sentence did the Thing pass against Earl Sigurd and his men?
At Erling's Things in Viken, Arne the king's relation spoke severely and demanded that all present—men-at-arms, bondes, townsmen, and merchants—sentence Earl Sigurd and his whole troop according to law and deliver them to Satan, living and dead. From the people's hatred this was agreed by all and confirmed by oath, as if a legal judgment had been delivered. The priest Hroald the Long-winded spoke to the same purpose.
Chapter 111
Why did Erling refuse to attack Earl Sigurd's men at night?
Erling argued it was villainy and cowardly murder under the laws and country rights to kill a man in the night, however guilty he was. He said Sigurd's band had won by witchcraft and night-fighting, and urged his men to imitate better chiefs, fight by open day in regular array, and wait for dawn since they outnumbered the enemy. His army then waited in raw weather and wet snowdrift.
Chapter 111
How does Snorri describe King Hakon's appearance and character?
Snorri says Hakon was handsome, well grown, tall and thin but rather broad-shouldered, which earned him the nickname Herdebreid. Being young in years, his lendermen ruled for him. He was cheerful and friendly in conversation, playful and youthful in his ways, and much liked by the people. This portrait follows the account of his fall and the flight of his chiefs.
Chapter 111
Section 1124 cards
Why did Erling avoid fighting the Hisingers on land at Konungahella?
Erling told his men to take the ships but not go up to fight a land force, saying the Hisingers were a bad set to quarrel with—hard and without understanding—and would keep the troop only a little while, since Hising is but a small spot. His men accordingly took the ships and brought them to Konungahella, while Markus and his followers went up to the forest district.
Chapter 112
What change did Archbishop Eystein request from the Throndhjem bondes, and on what grounds?
Eystein asked the bondes to give him, for determining law-suits, an ore of silver value instead of the ore of judgment money previously paid to the king in judging cases; the new ore was half greater than the other. He cited the see's great want of money and the need for greater revenues. With help from his relations and friends and his own activity, it was carried and fixed by law.
Chapter 112
How did Erling respond when the archbishop accused him of lawbreaking over Magnus's kingship?
The archbishop said it was a greater breach that one not a king's son ruled with no support in law or precedent. Erling replied that Magnus's election was done with the archbishop's knowledge and consent and that of all the bishops, and that they should hold firmly to their agreement rather than accuse each other. The conversation then took a more friendly turn.
Chapter 112
What arguments did Erling use to persuade the archbishop to consecrate Magnus as king?
Erling argued that although Magnus was not chosen according to old custom, the archbishop's power could give him consecration by anointing, and then no man could take royalty from him. He cited William Bastard, not a king's son, consecrated and crowned king of England with his race crowned since, and Svein Ulfson in Denmark, a crowned king whose descendants were crowned. He noted Norway now had an archiepiscopal seat, so it should also have a crowned king.
Chapter 112
Section 1134 cards
At the Sarpsborg Thing, how did the Viken bondes respond to Erling's proposal to serve the Danish king?
They refused outright, vowing never to become the Danish king's men while any Viken man lived, and the whole assembly shouted that Erling should keep his oath to defend his son's dominions, even if they all had to follow him to battle. The Thing then dissolved, and the Danish ambassadors returned home.
Chapter 113
How did Erling expose the Throndhjem leaders' dealings with the Danish king at the Evrar Thing?
Erling accused them of intending to betray the country. His writer produced sealed letters the leaders had sent to the Danish king, and a Danish man in Erling's service recounted each man's exact words, including Razabard's boast that the counsels came from his breast. Bard admitted he had been wrong in the head, and the case was submitted to Erling's sentence.
Chapter 113
Why did King Valdemar choose not to ravage Viken, and what did his troops do instead?
Seeing the country people hostile and no one attending his Hauga-thing, Valdemar said it was more his inclination to lead the army east against the heathens than to kill Christian people who had deserved it. The others wanted a foray, but the king ruled and they returned to Denmark without effecting their purpose, though they pillaged distant islands where the king was not present.
Chapter 113
How did Erling become Earl and reconcile with King Valdemar?
After Kristin urged peace, Erling sailed alone to Jutland and, entering Valdemar's hall with twelve armed men, asked for peace and safe conduct, which the king granted. In later talks Erling argued that Valdemar could grant him as fief what his son Magnus would not deny, citing Hakon Ivarson and Fin Arnason as precedent. Erling became Valdemar's vassal, was given the earl's title and Viken as fief, and peace was kept thereafter.
Chapter 113
Section 1144 cards
Why was Olaf's night attack on Erling at Rydiokul considered unlucky for Olaf's men?
Olaf's men marched six miles by night and fell on Erling's men at Rydiokul, but darkness kept them from distinguishing the earl's men, who kept drawing back toward their ships. Erling escaped wounded, though the account says he was in a manner sold into their hands had they acted with common prudence. Olaf was afterwards called Olaf the Unlucky.
Chapter 114
What custom of Earl Erling's preceded Harald's execution, and what did Erling tell King Magnus?
When enemies were brought before Erling, he either said little or nothing in gentleness if he meant to kill them, or raged at them if he meant to spare them. He spoke little to Harald, so men suspected his intent. When Magnus pleaded for Harald, Erling replied that the king's friends advised him badly, since following only the heart's counsels would let him rule but briefly in peace. Harald was beheaded at Nordnes.
Chapter 114
How did Eystein's followers come to be called Birkebeins?
Eystein, claiming to be a son of King Eystein Haraldson, was proclaimed king in Viken in 1174. His men were poor, robbed around, and were driven by the lendermen and bondes into forests and deserted hill grounds. Their clothes wore out, so they wound birch bark about their legs, and the bondes called them Birkebeins. They later won three pitched battles.
Chapter 114
How did Nikolas respond to Eirik's warnings about approaching long-ships, and what happened to him?
Eirik twice urged Nikolas to arm the townspeople or ride out, but Nikolas dismissed the fishermen's reports, sent spies, and insisted on holding a Thing and hearing mass first. Eirik rode away. When the Birkebeins came, Nikolas took his men into a loft, where they were overwhelmed; he refused quarter and fell, and his death was greatly lamented.
Chapter 114
Section 1153 cards
How does the chapter characterize the Birkebeins as a fighting force?
The Birkebeins were hardy, bold under arms, and numerous, but wild and reckless when strong. They had few good counsellors or men accustomed to ruling by law or heading an army; even knowledgeable men were overruled by the many, who trusted in numbers and courage.
Chapter 115
Where did the defeated Birkebeins flee after the battle?
The survivors were mostly wounded, stripped of clothes and arms, and destitute of money. Some went east to the borders, some all the way east to Svithjod, but most went to Thelemark where their families were. They fled because they had no hope of their lives from King Magnus or Earl Erling.
Chapter 115
What reputation did King Magnus gain from the victory?
King Magnus returned to Tunsberg with great renown. People had called Earl Erling the shield and support of his son and himself, but after defeating so strong and numerous a force with fewer troops, Magnus was considered by all to surpass other leaders and to become a warrior greater than his father, as much as he was younger.
Chapter 115
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Text used: Project Gutenberg eBook #598 (Public domain in the United States). Generated from the full text; cards paraphrase the source.
Version: Public domain edition. Retrieved 2026-10-30. Cards reviewed 2026-10-30.
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