 Section 14 of Hymes Kringla by Snorri Sturlson, translated by George Pope Morris and Erica Magnusson. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. The story of Hacon the Good, Part 2, Chapter 14 through 27. Chapter 14, The Peepling of Yompland and Helsingland. Kettle Yomti, the son of Earl O'Nund, of the Sparbiders, went east away over the Keele, and a great company of men with him who had their households with them. They cleared the woods and peopled great countryside there, and that was called Siphons Yompland. The son's son of Kettle was Thorir Helsing, who for slayings he wrought, fled from Yompland and east away through the woods of that land and settled there, and many folk resorted thither to him, and that land is called Helsingland, and go with the east right down to the sea, but all eastern most Helsingland down by the sea the Swedes peopled. Also when King Herald Harefair cleared the land before him, then fled away because of him many men from the land, men of Thrandheim and Nommdale, then befell a new peopling of the east parts of Yompland, and some went right into Helsingland. The folk of Helsingland dealt in chaffer with the Swedes, and were altogether bound and tribute to them, but they of Yompland were much betwixt in between folk, and none took heed thereof until King Haekon established good peace and chaffer with Yompland, and made friends there with the great men. So they came from the east to meet him, and assented to the obeying of him, him, Scott, and so became the king's things, because they had heard tell good of him, and they would leave her be under his rule, than under the sway of the swede king, whereas they were come of the blood of the north men, so he set law amongst them in good ruling of the land, and in this wise did all they of Helsingland, who were come of kin north of the keel. Chapter 15 of King Haekon's Holding and Preaching Christ's Faith King Haekon was a well christened man when he came to Norway, but whereas all the land was heathen, and folk much given to sacrificing, and making great men in the land, and that he deemed he lacked men sorely, and the love of all folk he took such read that he fared privily with his Christian faith. Sunday he held, and the Friday fast, and held in memory the greatest Thai tides, and he made a law that you should be holding the same time as Christian men hold him, and that every man at that tide should brew a meal of malt or pay money else, and keep holy tide while you'll lasted. But a fourth time was you'll hold it on Hogmanay night, that is to say midwinter night, and you'll was holding four or three nights. Now he was minded that when he was set fast in the land, and had gotten it all to him freely to hold, he would then set forth the Christian faith, and at the beginning he wrought in such wise that he lured such as were best beloved by him to become Christians, and so much did his friendship prevail herein that many let themselves be christened, and others some left off blood offering. He abode for the more part in Trantheim because the most strength of the land was therein, so at last when King Haekon deemed he had gotten strength enough to certain mighty men to uphold the Christian faith, he sent to England for a bishop and other teachers, and when they came to Norway then did King Haekon lay bare that he would bid all the land to the Christian faith. But they of Mir and Romsdale put the matter holy on them of Trantheim, so King Haekon let hallow certain churches and set priests there too, and when he came to Trantheim he summoned the bonders to a thing, and bade them take the Christian faith. They answered that they would put off the matter to the frosty thing, and that they will that wither come men from all the countries that are in Trantheim, and they say that then will they answer this hard matter. Chapter 16 of Blood Offerings Earl Sigurd of Ladir was much given to blood offerings, and so had been Haekon's father. Earl Sigurd upheld all feasts of blood offering there in Trantheim on the King's Behoof. It was the olden custom that when a blood offering should be all the bonders should come to the place where it was the temple, bringing with them all the vitals they had need of while the feasts should last, and at that feast should all men have ale with them. There also was slain cattle of every kind and horses withal, and all the blood that came from them was called halat, but halat bowls were they called wherein the blood stood, and the halat tine a rod made in the fashion of a sprinkler, with all the halat should the stalls of the gods be reddened, and the walls of the temple within and without, and the men folk also be sprinkled, but the flesh was to be sodden for the feasting of men. Fires were to be made in the midst of the floor of the temple with cauldrons there over, and the health cups should be borne over the fire, but he who made the feast and was the Lord thereof should sign the cups and all the meat, and first should be drunken Odin's cup for the victory and dominion of the king, and then the cup of Njord and the cup of Frey for plentiful seasons and peas. Thereafter were many men want to drink the Rajai cup, and men drank also a cup to their kinsmen dead who had been noble, and that was called the cup of memory. Now Ural Sigurd was the most bounteous of men, and he did a deed that was great of fame, whereas he made great feasts of sacrifice at Ladir, and alone sustained all the costs thereof. Hereof Teleth Kormak, the son of Augmund, in the Sigurd's drop-off, let none bear bow nor basket unto the Asi's offspring, e'en to the great gold-wounder when gods have feast before them. What creature would encumber the greatness of the glaive god when the Lord of Fen'far feasteth all folk, for gems the king fought? Chapter 17 The Thing at Frosta King Haekon came to the frost of Thing, and thither were come also great throngs of the bonders, and when the Thing was duly ordered, King Haekon spake and began in diswise, that it was his bidding and prayer to bonders and farming theens, to mighty and un-mighty, yea to all the people, young men and old, rich and poor, men and women, that they all should be christened and believe in one God, Christ to it, the son of Mary, that they should put from them all blood-offering, and the heathen gods, that they should keep holy every seventh day, from all work and fast also every seventh day. That as soon as the king had put this before the people, there up rose a great murmur of the bonders murmuring how the king would take from them their work, saying that in this wise the land might have no husbandry, and the workmen and thralls cried out that they might not work if they lacked meat. They said also that such was the turn of mind of King Haekon and his father, and of his kin with all that they were niggered of their meat, how so bountiful of gold they might be. Therewith stood up a speorn of middle house in Gaol Dale, and answered the king's hurang and spake, so deemed we bonders, King Haekon, says he, when thou distoed that first thing here in Thrandon, and we took thee for king, and had of thee our free lands, that we had barely taken hold of heaven. But now what we, not whether we have any, the more gotten our freedom, or whether rather thou wilt not enthrall us anew, in wonderful wise, that we should cast away the troth that our fathers have held before us, and all our forefathers first in the burning age, and now after in the age of house, and far mightier they were than we, and this their troth has availed us well. Such love have we given thee, that we have let thee have that way amongst us in all laws, and ruling of the land, but now this is our will, and the common consent of the bonders, that we will hold to those laws which thou gave us thus here at the frost of thing, and to which we assented. We will all follow thee, and hold thee for king, while we have life each and all of us bonders here at this thing. If thou, O king, wilt forebear somewhat with us, and bid us such things only as we may give thee, and are not a meat for us to do. But if thou wilt take up this matter in so headstronger wise as to deal with us with might and mastery, then are we bonders of one consent to depart us from thee, and to take us another lord who shall rule us, in such wise that we may hold in peace the troth that is most to our mind. Now, shalt thou, O king, choose between these two ways before the thing, be come to an end. At these words was their great stir among the bonders, and they cried out that so would they have it as he spake. But when silence was gotten, then answered Earl, Sigurd, it is the will of king Haekon to be of one accord with you, O bonders, and never to depart the friendship between you and him. Then said the bonders that they would have the king do blood offering on their behoof for plenty of seasons and peace, as his father did before him, and therewith the murmur abated, and they break up the thing. Then talked Earl, Sigurd, to the king, praying him not to deny utterly to do as the bonders would, and saying that there was not else for it. For this is, O king, as thou thyself mayest hear, the will and longing of the lords, and of all folk besides, and some good read shall we find here too, O king. So the king and the Earl accorded hereon. Chapter 18, the bonders compel king Haekon to blood offering. In the autumn tide at winter nights was there a blood offering held at Ladeer, and the king went there too. Hereafter he had ever been wont if he were abiding at any place where it was a feast of blood offering going on to eat his meat in a little house with but few folk, but now the bonders murmured at it that he sat not in his own high seat where the feast of men was greatest. And the Earl said to the king that so he would not do as now. So it was therefore that the king sat in his high seat, but when the first cup was poured, then spake Earl sigured there over, and signed the cup to Odin, and drank off the horn to the king. Then the king took it and made the sign of the cross there over, and car of gridding, spake and said, why doeth the king thus will he not do worship? Earl sigured answers. The king doth as they all do who throw in their own my domain, and he signeth the cup to Thor, for he made the sign of the hammer over it before he drank, so all was quiet that eve. But on the morrow when men went to table the bonders throng the king, bidding him to eat horse flesh, and in those wise the king would. Then they bat him, drink the broth thereof, but this would he none the more. Then would they have him eat of the dripping, but he would not, and it went nigh to there falling on him. Then strove Earl, sigured to appease them, and bat them, lay the storm, but the king, eat, bat, gape over a kettle bow. Whereas the reek of seething had gone up from the horse flesh, those that the kettle bow was all greasy, then went the king there too, and spread a linen cloth over the kettle bow, and gape there over, and then went back to the high seat, but neither side was well pleased there at. Chapter 19, a Feast of Blood Offering at Meir. The next winter was the Eul Feast, a raid for the king in Meir, but when time wore towards Eul the eight lords who had most dealing in blood offerings of all Thrandheim appointed a meeting between them, for were from the outer Thrandheim to it car of gridding, aspeorn of Middlehouse, Thorberg of Varnus, and Worm of Leoksa, but they from the inner Thrandheim were Botov of Alvir's show, Narfi of Stath in Berdeo, Thrandochin from Agia, and Thorir Beard from Halspey in the Inner Isle, so these eight men bound themselves to this, that the four of outer Thrandheim should make an end of the Christian faith in Norway, and the four of inner Thrandheim should compel the king to blood offering. So the outer Thrandheimers fared in force, shipped south to Meir, and there slew three priests, and burned three churches, and so got them back again, but when King Haekon came to Meir with his court, and Earl Sigurd there were the bonders come in great throngs. The very first day of the Feast, the bonders pressed hard on the king, bidding him offer, and threatening him with all things ill if he would not. Earl Sigurd strove to make peace between them, and the end of it was that the king Haekon ate some bits of horse liver, and drank, cross-less, all the cups of memory, that the bonders poured for him. But so soon as the Feast was ended, the king and the Earl went out to the deer, of full little cheer was the king, and straight where here arrayed him for departing from Thrandheim with all his court, saying that he would come with more men another time, and pay back the bonders for the enmity they had shown him. But Earl Sigurd prayed the king not to hold them of Thrandheim for his foes for this, and said that no good would come to the king of threatening or warring against the folk of his own land, and the very pith of his realm, as were the folk of Thrandheim. But the king was so wroth that no speech might be held with him. He departed from Thrandheim, and went south to Meir, and about there that winter, and on into spring, and as it summer he drew together and host, and rumour ran that he would fall on the Thrandheimers therewith. Chapter 20 Battle at Ogval's Nest But when King Haekon was come aboard, ship with a great host there came to him, tidings from the south country to it, that the sons of King Eric were come north from Denmark into the Wick, and therewithal that they had chased King Trigvee, Olafson from his ships east away by Sotanus. They had hurried wide about in the Wick, and many men had submitted themselves to them, so when King Haekon heard these tidings, him seemed he needed folk, and he sent word to Earl Sigurd to come to him, and other lords from whom he looked for help. Earl Sigurd came to King Haekon with a very great host, wherein were all they of the Thrandheimers, who in the winter time laid hardest on the king to worry him to blood offering, and all these were taken into peace of the king at the pleading of Earl Sigurd. Then fared King Haekon south along the land, and when he was come south round about the Stod, he heard that Eric's sons were come into North Agdeir. Either side fared against the other, and they met by Cormt Isle. They went both sides from out their ships, and they fought at Ogval's Nest, and either host was of very many men, and there befell a great fight. King Haekon fell on fiercely, and King Guthon, Eric's son, was before him with his company, and the two kings came to handy strokes. There fell King Guthon, and his banner was smitten down, and many of his people died about him. Thereon fell the folk of Eric's sons to flight, and they got them away to their ships, and rode away, and had lost many men. Thereof Guthon's cinder, the acre of Din of Valkyr, let fight moons clash together, over the heads of slain ones, earth's wasters of the hand-warp. The New-Ord of the far-of-wide lands of sound steeds, then departed from the New-Ord of the moon of roaring of the swords, left weapon wounded. King Haekon fared to his ships and sailed south after Goon Hill's sons, and either side did their most might till they were come into East-Ogdeer. Then sailed Eric's sons into the main, and so south to Eutland, as saith Guthon's cinder. The brethren of the war, of bow-draft now full often, must learn of might down-crushing at the hands of Woonfire's boulder. I mind me how fight-seeker of the flood-craft steered ships seaward and rave all sons of Eric, his brother off before him. Then fared King Haekon back into Norway, and Eric's sons abode again in Denmark for a long while. Chapter 21 Lawmaking of King Haekon After this battle, King Haekon made a law for all the land by seaside, and so far up into the land as a salmon swimeth furthest, whereby he ordered all the people of lands, and divided them into ship-raths, and settled the tale of ship-raths and each folkland. In every folkland was it appointed how many ships and how great should be fitted out from each, when the common muster of all men should be, which muster aforesaid should be made when so ever. Outland war was come to the land, and along with the said muster beacon should be made on high mountains, so that each might be seen from the other, and so saith men that in seven days ran the tidings of war from the southernmost beacon to the northernmost thingstead in Ha-Lago land. Chapter 22 Of Eric's Sons Eric's sons fared after warring in the east lands, but whilst they harried in Norway as is aforewrit, when King Haekon ruled over Norway, were there plenty of seasons in the land, and most well beloved he was. With all there was good peace, now when as King Haekon had been King in Norway twenty winters came Eric's sons north from Denmark with an exceeding great host. A great company indeed was that which had followed them in their warring, but far greater was the host of the Danes that King Harold Gormson had given into their hands. They gathered fair wind and sailed out from Vendil, and hove up from the main to Agdir, and then sailed north along the land day and night, but the beacons were not lighted up for this cause. The want was that the beacon fires went west along the land, but east away had none been aware of their going. This went to bring it about more over that the king had laid heavy penalty for the wrongful lighting of the beacons on such as should be found and proven guilty thereof, because warships and Vikings would be a harrying in the outer aisles, and the folk of the land would be thinking that these were none else than the sons of Eric, and then would the bail fires be lighted and all the land would run two weapons, but Eric's sons would go back to Denmark, having no Danish host, not save their own following. Or indeed, would it, whilst be other kind of Vikings and hereof, was King Haekon exceeding Roth, whereas Torlan Koss came thereof in no profit, and with all the bonders for their part cried out when it went thus. So for this cause it was that no tidings of Eric's sons went before them till they came north to Wolf Sound. There they lay seven nights, then fared tidings in land over Ide, and so north across Meir, but King Haekon was, as then in North Meir, in the Isle of Frady, at a stead called Birch Strand, a man of his, and had no folk save his own courtmen, and the bonders who had been bidden to the guesting. Chapter 23 of Eagle Wolf Sark The spies came to King Haekon and told him their errand to wit that Eric's sons were south of the Stod with a great host. Then he let call to him such men as were wisest and sought counsel of them, whether he should fight with Eric's sons for all their greater multitude, or should flee away north and get him more men. Now there was a bonder there, Hyde Eagle Wolf Sark, a very old man now, but once bigger and stronger than any man and the greatest of warriors, and a long while had he borne the banner of King Harold Harefare. So Eagle answered the king's word and said, I have been in certain battles with King Harold thy father, and whilst he fought with more folk, whilst with less, yet ever had he the victory, nor ever did I hear him seek counsel of his friends to teach him how to flee, and no such lesson will we learn thee, King, for a stout-hearted Lord we deem we have, and of us thou shalt have trustee following. Many others there were also who stood by him in his speech, yea, and the king also said that this was what he was faintest of to fight with such folk as might there be gotten, so was it settled, and the king let shear up the war arrow and sent it out on all sides, and let gather what host he might get. Then spake Eagle Wolf Sark, a while was I dreading amid this long peace that I should die availed with indoors on my straw bed, for as faint as I was to fall in battle of following my own Lord, and lo, now may it be even so, ere all is over. Chapter 24 Battle by Freedisburg The sons of Eric sailed north round about the stout as soon as they had winded will, but when they were come north of the stout they heard where King Hacon was, and fair to meet him. King Hacon had nine ships he lay under the north side of Freedisburg in shepi sound, but Eric's sons lay to south of the berg, and had more than twenty ships. King Hacon sent them word, bidding them go a land, and saying that he had pitched a hazel field for them at Raskalp. There are their flat knees and wide, and above them a long rent somewhat low. So Eric's sons go forth from their ships and fair over the neck inward of Freedisburg, and so on to Raskalp, then speak eagle to King Hacon, bidding him give him ten men and ten banners. And the king did so, and eagle went with his men up under the rent, but King Hacon went on to the fields with his folk, and set up his banner and arrayed them sing. We will have a long array, so that they may not encompass us, though they have the more folk. So did they, and there befell a great battle, and full sharp was the onset. Then let eagle wool sark set up those ten banners that he had, and ordered the men that bear them in such rise, that they went as night, the rent's top as might be, and that there be a certain space between each man of them. So did they, going right by the brow of the bent, even as they would fall on the back of the folk of Eric's sons. That saw the hindermost of Eric's sons array, how many banners came on flying a pace, and fluttering over the brow of the Brent, and they deemed that a great host would be coming after, and would fall on their backs and cut them off from their ships. Then arose a great cry, and either told other what was b'tid, and thereon fell flight among their array, and when the king saw that, they fled away. King Hacon set on hard, and followed up the flears, and slew much folk. Chapter 25 of King Gomelie Gomelie, Eric's son, when he came up to the brow of the Brent, turned back, and saw that no more folk were following them, than they had dealt with before, and that this was but a beguiling. Then let King Gomelie blow up the war-blast, and set up his banner, and drew his folk into array, and all the Northmen turned there too, but the Danes fled to the ships. So when King Hacon and his folk came up with them, then was there anew the fiercest fight. Now had King Hacon the more folk, and the end of it was, that Eric's sons fled, making south from the neck, but some of their men ran south on to the Berg, and King Herald followed them. A flat field is to the east of the neck, and goeth west toward the Berg, and sheer rocks cut it off on the westward. Lither on to the Berg ran Gomelie's men, but King Hacon fell on them so fiercely that he slew some, and some leaped west over the Berg, and either bandied, and King Hacon left not till every man of them was slain. Chapter 26 Fall of King Gomelie and of Eagle Woolsart. Gomelie, Eric's son, fled from the neck down to the plain south of the Berg, then yet again turned King Gomelie and upheld the battle, and yet again drew folk unto him. Lither also came all his brethren, each with a great company. Eagle Woolsart was, as then, leading Hacon's men, and set on full fiercely, and Gomelie, and he got to handy strokes, and King Gomelie was so wounded, and Eagle fell, and many men with him. Then came up King Hacon with the company that had followed him, and there was yet again a new battle. Full hard then set on King Hacon, and smote men down on either hand, and felled one on the top of other, so singeth Boothorm's cinder. A fear before gold raster fled all the host of sword song, the Dauntless Warflame's speeder went forth before his banner. The king, who got great plenty of the breeze of money's darling, he spared himself in no wise amidst the fray of spear maids. Eric's sons saw their men falling on all sides for all they could do, and so they turned and fled away to their ships. But they who had fled afar to the ships had thrust out from the shore, and some ships were yet left hot and dry by the ebb. Then Eric's sons leaped into the sea, and swam with such folk as was with them. There fell Gomelie Erikson, but the other brethren got to the ships, and went their ways with such of their folk as was left, and so sailed south to Denmark, and tarried there awhile, and were full evil content with their journey. Chapter 27 Eagle Woolsark laid in Hau So King Hacon let take all the ships of Eric's sons, which had been beached, and let draw them up a land. There King Hacon let lay Eagle Woolsark in his ship, and all those of his folk with him, who were fallen, and let heap over them stones and earth. Then King Hacon let set up yet more ships, and bear them to the field of battle, and one may see the mounds today south of Friedersburg. Ivan's skull spiller made the stave when as glum gear is boasted in his song over the fall of King Hacon. The flight shy king of four-time hath reddened Fenrir's jaw gag in Gomelie's blood. There waxed the hearts of the trees of steel storm, when seaward the unslumbering draved down the eras of Eric. Great grief on all spear waters for the king's fall lieth heavy. High standing stones there are by the howl of Eagle Woolsark. End of the story of Hacon the Good, part 2, chapter 14 through 27. Section 15 of Himes Kringla by Snorri Sterlsson, translated by George Pope Morris and Erica Magnusson. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. The story of Hacon the Good, part 3, chapter 28 to 32. Chapter 28, Tidings of War, told to King Hacon. When King Hacon, Athelostain's foster son, had been king in Norway six and twenty winter since his brother Eric fled the land, it befell that he was abiding in hard land and took guesting and stored at Fitiar, and there had he his court and many bonders as guests. Now when, as the king sat a breakfasting, the waters who were without saw many ships sailing from the south and come no long way from the island, then spake one to other that the king should be told how they deemed that war was coming on them. But it seemed easy to none to tell the king tidings of war, for he had laid heavy penalty on whoso should so do lightly. Yet deemed that it was in no wise to be done that the king should know not thereof, so one of them went into the hall and bade Ivan Vinson come out quickly with him, saying that there was the greatest need thereof. So Ivan went out and as soon as he came once he might see the ships forth with all he saw that there was a great host to coming. So he went straightly back into the hall and before the king and spake, in a little while the hour doth fleet and a long space here sit men at meet. The king looked on him and said what is toward. Ivan sang avengers now of blood axe, king and the play of sheath staff, men say crave bernie meeting. Scant cause have we to tarry, our trouble bringing telling to tell our lord of battle, but well I will thy glory. Swift dawn we the old weapons. The king said the art to good a man, Ivan to tell me tidings of war, but they be soothed, then said many that sooth the tale was. So the king let take away the board and he went out and beheld the ships and saw that they were warships. Then the king asked his men what read to take whether they should fight with such folk as they had or go to their ships and sail away north. It is well seen says he that we shall now have to fight with and host outnumbering us far more than we had to do with a foretime, though for sooth we have off deemed that we dealt few against many when we fought with the sons of Gunnhild. Men were not swift to answer here too till Ivan finced and answered and sang, ne'ord of the shaft rain know wise the bold fame it besiemeth northon to urge the sea steed. All dallying be accursed low, now afleet, wide spreading from south away drives herald on rock knees roaring highway. Now grip and gripe the war board. The king answers, manfully is it spoken, Ivan, and after mine own heart, yet will I harken the mind of more men about this matter? But when men thought they wanted what the king would have, then many said that they had leave her fall with man who had them flee before Danes without trying it, saying that oft had they gotten the victory when they had been the fewer folk in the fight. The king thanked them well for their words and bade them arm, and men did so. The king did a bernie on him and girt himself with the sword. Quernbiter set up four gilded helm on his head and took a glaive in his hand and had his shield by his side. Then he ordered his bodyguard in one battle and the bonders with them and set up his banners. Chapter 29 of the Array of the Sons of Eric. Now King Harold Erickson was lured over the brethren after the fall of Gomelay. The brethren had there a great host from out of Denmark, and they were in their company, their mother's brethren, Ivan, Bregert, and Alf, Ashman, both strong men and stout, and the greatest of man slayers. Erickson's laid their ships by the island and went aland and arrayed their men, and so it is said that so great were the odds that the sons of Erick must have been six to one. Chapter 30, Battle at Fitiar, in Stored. Now King Haekon arrayed his folk, and as men say, he cast his bernie from him, or ever the battle was joined, so say if Ivan scalded Spiller in the Haekon Song. There found they, Bjorn's brother, donning his bernie, the king the most goodly, come neath the war banner. The foemen were drooping, shaken the shafts were, went up hove, the brunts of the battle. The hallow Golan folk, the whole roguel people, the earl's bane was cheering as he went into battle. Good gathering of Northmen, the noble one mustered, neath bright shining helm stood the dread of the Isle Danes. War weed he did off him, on field cast his bernie, the water's leader ere the fight had beginning. There he played with the people, the land's peace of winning, the king merry-hearted, neath gold helm astanding. King Haekon chose mendiligently for his court, for their might's sake and stoutness, even as King Harold his father had done. There was Thoroth, Skolm's son, the strong going on one hand of the king, died with helm and shield, glaven, sword, which same was called foot broad. And as folks said he and Haekon were of like strength, hereof telleth Thoroth see Arkson in the droppa he made about Thoroth. The host went feign to the sword clash, there where the battle-hardy urges of steed of land's belt fought on in stored at Fityar. He, flinger of the glitter in she, giant's drift on lee moon of sea's stead, dared the niest to the Northmen's king to wend there. So when the battle was joined was the fight wild and slaughterous, and when men had shot their spears they drew their swords, and King Haekon went forth before the banner and Thoroth with him and smote on either hand. So, sayeth Ivan the Skald spiller, so bit the sword in the king's hand swayed through vaiv-fad's weed as through the water. Crash there the sword points shivered the shields there, rattled the axe, clash on skulls of the people. Trotten were targes and skulls of the Northmen before the hard feet of the hilt of the ring-tire wore rose in the island where the kings reddened the shield bright, bergs in blood of warriors. Chapter 31 The Fall of Ivan Braggart and Helf Ashman King Haekon was easy to know, above other men for his helm flashed again when the sun shone on it, so great brunt of weapons was about him, then took Ivan fence in a hat and did it over the king's helm. But forthright Ivan Braggart cried out on high, doth now the king of the Northmen hide, or as he fled away, where has gotten the golden helm. Fourth then went Ivan and Helf his brother with him smiting on either hand and making as they were mad or raging. But King Haekon cried on high to Ivan, keep thou the road wherein thou art if thou wits find the king of the Northmen. So say if Ivan scald Spiller, man's friend to gold unfriendly, the speeder of the tempest of slaughter hurdles, Geffen, bad Braggart know wise turn him, if thou for victory yearning wits find that deft craftsmaster of Odin's brunt hold hither to the king of the dowdy Northmen. But little was the while to bide ere thither came Ivan and hove up sword and smote on the king, but Thoroth thrust forth his shield against him, so that Ivan staggered, and the king took his sword, quorn-biter, in both hands and smote down on Ivan's helm and clove helm and head down to the shoulders. Therewith Thoroth slew Elf Ashmann, so say if Ivan scald Spiller, I wot that in both hands brandished sharp-bit King Haekon's wound wand on him, the middling dowdy dweller in Hulk sea gliding, the fearless one that eketh the squall of the boar of Ali, the dain's hurt clave, the hair-mounds with war brand gold and hilted. After the fall of those brethren, King Haekon went forth so hard that all folk shrank aback before him, and anon therewith fell terror and fleeing among the folk of Eric's sons. But King Haekon was in the vanward of his array and followed fast on the fleers and smote off and hard, then flew forth a shaft such as is called a dart and smote King Haekon on the arm up in the muscle below the shoulder, and the talk of many men it is that a foot-page of Goon-hilled one named Kip Sping ran forth into the press, crying out give room to the king's bane, and so shot the arrow at King Haekon. Yet some say that none knoweth who shot, as may well be, because arrows and spears and all kind of shot were flying as thick as the snow drifts. Many men fell of the folk of Eric's sons, both on the field of battle, and on the way to the ships, yea, and on the very beach, and many leaped into the deep sea. Many there were who came aboard the ships amongst whom were all Eric's sons, and they rode away forthwith, yet followed of King Haekon's men. So saith Thord Searxon, Wolves slayer wards the coast folk, thus doodly peace is broken. That king, all men, were wishing at home to grow old, hoary. But toil for sooth hove upward when Goon-hilled's air from the south land, the golds well wanted scarer, fled, and the king was fallen. Now fainting was and fleeing when no few wounded bonders sat by the strong road, gunwale, and a man and another perished. Sure this, too prowess, pointeth when the all-rich neord of Gondol, who giveth drink to Hugen, went next the king in battle. Chapter 32 The Death of King Haekon King Haekon went forth unto his ship, and let bind his hurt, but so fast the blood ran from it that it might not be stanched. And as day wore, the kings might waned. Then he tells his men that he would fare north to his house at Al-Rex dead, but when they came to Haekon's crag, they brought to there, for the king was nigh departing. Then he calls his friends to him and tells them how he will have his realm ordered. He had one child, a daughter, named Thora, but no son, so he bade send word to the sons of Eric, saying that they shall be kings in the land, but bidding them hold his kin, and friends in honor. For, said he, though life be fated me, yet will I get me from the land unto Christian men, and atone for what I have misdone against God, yet if I die here amongst the heathen, then give me grave, such as seemeth good to you. A little thereafter King Haekon gave up the ghost, there on the very rock, whereas he had been born. So was King Haekon sorrowed for, that both friends and foes wept his death, and said that never again would so good a king come to Norway. His friends brought his body north to Seaham in North Hoardland, and raised there a great howl, and laid the king therein, all armed with the best of his array, but set no wealth therein beside. Such words they spoke over his grave as heathen men had custom, wishing him welfare to Valhau. Ivan Skald Spillert did a song on the fall of King Haekon, and of how he was welcomed to Valhau. It is called Haekon's song, and this is the beginning thereof. Gondel and Skogel sent forth the God from the king folk to choose him what kindred of Ig V should fare unto Odin for Valhau's abiding. There found they, Bjorn's brother, adonning his burning. The king, the most goodly, come neath the war banner. The foemen were drooping, shaken, the shafts were, went up-hove, the brunt of the battle. The Haloga land folk, the home roga people, the earl's bane, was cheering as he went into battle. Good gathering of Northmen, the noble one mustered. Neath bright shining helm stood the dread of the Isle Danes. War weed, he did off him on field, cast his burning. The war waters leader ere the fighting had beginning. There he played with the people, the land's peace a-winning. The king, merry-hearted, neath gold helm a-standing. So bit the sword in the king's hand, swayed through the fad's weed as through the water. Crash there the sword points, shivered the shields there, rattled the axe-clash on skulls of the people. Trotten were targes and skulls of the Northmen before the hard feet of the hilt of the ring-tire. War rose in the island where the kings reddened the shield-bright-burgs in blood of warriors. Burnt their wound-fires amid the wound's bloody, there were the long swords at men's lives out-louting. High swell the wound see about the sword's nesses, the flood of spears fell on the foreshore of stored. Blended were they neath the red shields heaven, neath Skogul's cloudstorm for rings they strove there. Roared the spear-waves in Odin's weather, fell many a man before the sword's stream. There sat the lords, with swords all naked, with sharded shields and shot-pierced burnies. This was the host, with hearts downfallen, who had to win their ways to Val Hall. So Gondel spake on spear-shafts steadied, great now the gods' folk groweth, whereas Haekon the High and a mighty host they bid to their home to abide. That heard the king, what the Valkyrs spake, the glorious ones, from a horse-back, wise ways they had as helmed they sat there and hove up shield before them. Spake, Haekon, why sharest thou war's lot in such wise gear of Skogul? Worthy we were of the gains of the gods. Spake, Skogul, yea, and have we not wrought that the field thou hast held, and fled, are thy foemen away? Come, ride, we away them, quote the rich Skogul, to the green homes of God-folk. Come, tell we to Odin how a great king is coming to gaze on his godhead itself. Spake out the High God Ye, Hermod and Bragi, go forth now the mighty to meet, for this is a king and a champion, far famed, who ferreth his way to our hall. Spake now the king from the battle-roar come, and he stood with blood bedrifted, Odin besiems, looketh awfully on us, grim of heart, we behold him to-day. Nay the peace of all heroes, here hast thou gotten, come drink of the ale of the icer, O foe of the earl-folk, herein shalt thou find, eight brethren of thine, quote Bragi. The good king spake, our own, our war-gear, here, will we have of us old. Helm and Bernie are good for heeding, full-seemly to handle the spear. Now was it wadded how well the king had upheld holy places, whereas all powers and all the God-folk, bad Hacon, welcome home. On a goodly day were a great one born to get him such good will, and the days of his life shall be told of for good, for ever and ever more. Two free unbound mid-folk of men, the Fenrir's wolf shall fare, no one so good to his empty path of the kingly folk shall come. Now dithe wealth, dithe friends in kin, and lay in land lie waste, since Hacon, fair to the heathen gods, are a many folk enthralled. End of the story of Hacon the Good, Part 3, Chapter 28-32, Section 16 of Himes-Kringle by Snorri Sturlson, translated by George Pope Morris and Ira Kerr Magnuson. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. The story of King Harold Gray Cloak and of Earl Hacon the son of Sigurd, chapters 1 through 18. Chapter 1, the uprising of Eric's sons and of Ivan's scald spiller. So Eric's sons took to them the kingdom of Norway after that King Hacon was fallen. Harold was the most accounted amongst those brethren, and the eldest of them yet alive. Goonhill, their mother, had much to do with the ruling of the land along with them, and she was called the king's mother. These were lords in the land in those days, to wit Trigvie, Olaf's son, in the east country, Gudrad Bjornsson in west fold, and Sigurd the Earl of Ladeer in Thrandheim. But Goonhill's sons held but the midland, the first winter, then went word betwixt Goonhill's sons, and Trigvie and Gudrad in all that was said went toward peace, to wit that they should hold such like share of the realm of Goonhill's sons as they had a foretime held of King Hacon. There was one named Glum, Gheersson the scald of King Harold, and a man of great daring, and he made this song on the fall of King Hacon. Good vengeance then get Harold for Gomley, but sword bearers lost life when as the fight strong war leader fame was winning, when battle god's black falcons drank of the blood of Hacon, I heard how the ruddy wound reed beyond the sea was reddened. Right dear was this song deemed, but when Ivan Finnsson heard thereof he made this song which is of four writ. The flight shy king of foretime hath reddened Fenrir's jaw gag in Gomley's blood. There waxed the hearts of the trees of steel storm, when Seward the unslumbering draved down the heirs of Eric. Great grief on all spear-waters for the king's fall lie of heavy. And this stave also was given forth far and wide, but when King Harold heard thereof he laid a death-guilt on Ivan till at last their friends brought peace about between them, so that Ivan should become King Harold's scald, even as Ursty had been the scald of King Hacon. They were nigh again for Goon Hill the mother of Ivan, was the daughter of Earl Houthdown, but her mother was Inge Bjorg, daughter of King Harold Harefair. So Ivan made this stave on King Harold. Horde's landward little say they thou lettest thine heart falter when burst wounds hail on bernie's, and bows were bent against thee. That tide the full edged sheath ice naked screamed out in battle in hands of thine, O Harold, for the hungry wolfs fulfilling. The sons of Goon Hill abode mostly in the midland, for they trusted not to abide under the hands either of the Thrandheim men or of those of the Wick who had been the greatest friends of King Hacon, and with all there were many great men in either country. But now men went about to make peace between Goon Hill's sons and Earl Sigurd, for hitherto had they gotten no dues from Thrandheim, and so at last they made peace between them, the kings and the Earl, and bound the same with oaths. Earl Sigurd was to have such dominion and Thrandheim from them as he had had, a foretime from King Hacon, and so they were at peace in words at least. All Goon Hill's sons were called miserly, and it was said of them that they buried treasure in the earth, whereof made Ivan's skull spiller a stave, Uller of leak of battle through all the life of Hacon, the seed of Fairey's meadows on the falcon fells we carried. But now the folks foe hideth the meal of the woeful maidens of Frody in the fair flesh of the troll wife's foe-man's mother. The quaff son of the brow-fields of Fulla, shown on the mountains of Uller's keel, for skull folk all through the life of Hacon, now the son of the deep river in the mother's corpse is hidden of the giant's foe, so mighty are the spells of the folk strong-hearted. But when King Harold heard of the staves he sent word to Ivan to come to him, but when Ivan came before him the king laid guilt on him and called him his foe, and it befitted the ill said he to be untrusty to me, whereas thou hast now become my man. Then sang Ivan the stave, Dear King, I had one master, or ever thee I get me. I pray for me no third one, for Eld Lord against me beateth. True to the dear King was I, with two shields, played I never. O King of thy flock am I, now on my hands Eld fallen. King Harold made Ivan Hansel himself doom in the case. Now Ivan had a gold ring great and goodly which was called Muldy, and had long agon been taken from out the earth. This ring the king saith he will have, and there was not else for it. Then sang Ivan, surely from henceforth should I, speeder of skates of aisle mead, find setting fair to meward thy breeze of giant maidens. Since now we needs must hand thee, chooser of hawklands jewels, that very lair of the lingworm which long time was my father's. Therewith fared Ivan home, nor is it told that he ever met King Harold again. Chapter 2 of Goon Hill's sons and how they held the Christian faith. Goon Hill's sons had been christened in England, as is aforeit, but when they came to the ruling of Norway they might know wise bring about the christening of men in the land. But whensoever they might compass it they break down temples and undid the feasts of offerings, and get great hatred thereby. Early in their days came to naught the plenteous seasons for many kings there were, and each with his court about him, and much they needed at great cost, and with all they were most greedy of wealth. Neither held they the laws that King Haekon had set up save when it pleased them. They were all the good list of men, strong and big and great of prowess, so saith Glam Gyarsson in that dropper which he made on Harold Goon Hill's son. The terror staff of the jaw teeth of Haimdall, he that oft times pressed on in fight, was master of twelve-fold kingly prowess. Off those brethren went about altogether but while each by himself they were men heart-hearted and bold, great warriors and right happy in battle. Chapter 3 The Plotting of Goon Hill and Her Sons Goon Hill the king's mother and her sons would oft be meeting for talk and counsel and turned over the matters of the land thereby. And on a time Goon Hill asked of her sons, what way are ye minded to let things fair in the matter of the dominion of Thrandheim? Ye bear the name of kings indeed as your fathers did before you, but little have ye of land or folk, and yet are ye many to share. East in the Wick, Trigvee, and Goodrod bear rule, but they indeed may have some claim there too, seeing of what kin they be, but are sigured rules alone over all Thrandheim, nor what eye how this may be meet to suffer but a very earl to take so great dominion from under you. And marvelous, me seameth, that year by year ye go awaring in other lands while ye let an earl of your own country take from you the heritage of your fathers. A little matter had it seemed to King Harrell, by namesake, thy father's father, to take from one earl life and land when he won all Norway and held it unto elders. Harold answers, it is not so easy, says he, to end the days of earl Sigurd's life, as it is to cut the throat of a kid or a calf. Earl's Sigurd is of high blood and hath much kin, and is well beloved and wise. We may wot well that if he know surely that he may look for enmity at our hands, all the Thrandheimers will be as one man with him. And then we have no errandither but an ill one. With all, me seameth, none of us, brethren, deems it safe to abide under the hand of the Thrandheimers. Then Spagoon Hilled, fare our reeds, then, by clean another way, and let us but take us to a lesser business. Ye, Harold and Earling, shall abide this autumn in Northmere, and I also may fare with you, and then shall we try altogether what may be done. So in this wise did they. Chapter 4 The Plotting of Goon Hilled's Sons with Grio Guard The brother of Earl's Sigurd was called Grio Guard. He was far the youngest and the least accounted of, with all, no title of honor had he but kept a company of men about him, and went to warring in the summer tide, and so got him well. Now King Harold sent men into Thrandheim to Earl's Sigurd with friendly gifts and friendly words, and the messengers said that King Harold would strike up such friendship with the Earl as had been a foretime betwixt him and King Haekon, and therewith bidding the Earl come see King Harold that they might bind their friendship fast and fully. Earl's Sigurd received well the King's messengers and the King's friendship, but said that he might not go see him because of his much business, but he sent the King friendly gifts and good words and kindness in return for his friendship. So fared away the messengers and fared to find Grio Guard and bear him the same errand, the friendship of King Harold to Witt and the bidding to his house and goodly gifts with all, and by then the messengers departed for home. Grio Guard had promised to go, and so on a day appointed came Grio Guard to meet King Harold and Goonhild and a right-blithe welcome he had of them. There was he holding in the greatest well-liking and was with them in the closest talk, and many hidden matters, till it came to this that the matter of Earl's Sigurd came uppermost, even as was afore agreed betwixt the King and the Queen. Then they showed forth to Grio Guard how Earl's Sigurd had long held him of small account, and if he would be with them in this read, then says the King that Grio Guard should be his Earl and have all the dominion which Earl's Sigurd had had ear to fore. So it came about that they agreed to this with solemn words that Grio Guard should spy out a likely time for falling on Earl's Sigurd and send word to King Harold thereof. So Grio Guard fared home with so much done and had good gifts of the King. Chapter 5 The Burning of Earl's Sigurd Earl's Sigurd fared in autumn tide into Stewardale and abode there a guesting. Thence he fared out to Aglo their two guests. Now ever would the Earl have many men with him for he trusted the King's but little, yet now where as such friendly words had passed betwixt him and King Harold he had no great company of men. So now Grio Guard did King Harold to it that there would be no hopefuler time to fall on Earl's Sigurd. So the self-same knight, the King's Harold and Earling, went up the Thrandime Firth with four ships and a great company and sailed in by night and starlight. Then came Grio Guard and met them, and when the night was far spent they came to Aglo whereas Earl's Sigurd was a guesting. There they set fire to the house and burned the stead and the Earl therein and all his folk with him. So then early in the morning they went their ways down the Firth and so south to Meir and dwelt there a long while. Chapter 6 The Uprising of Earl Hacons Sigurdsson Hacon, the son of Earl Sigurd, was up in Thrandime when he heard of these tidings. Then was their forthright great running to arms throughout all Thrandime and every keel that was anywise meet for war was thrust into the sea and when the host came together they took for Earl and captain of their host Hacon, son of Earl Sigurd, and there with the host put out down the Thrandime Firth. But when the sons of Goonhill knew thereof they fared south to Romsdale and Southmere and either side kept watch on the other. Earl's Sigurd was slain two winters after the fall of King Hacon. Ivan's Skull Spillers says thus in the Haloga tale and Sigurd he the swans that feedeth of the burdened tire with the Rook's beer from Hattings chosen the land's wielders left life bereft down there at Oglo. There then the giver of the arms gold worm who nourished never fear of the fish land laid his life down when as the land's lords in trust betrayed tires very kindred. Earl Hacon held Thrandime with the might of his kin to help him for three winters so that the sons of Goonhill got no dues from Thrandime. Hacon had many battles with Goonhill's sons and each slew many men for the other hereof telleth Ainar Jingle Skale in the gold lac which he made about Earl Hacon. The truth fast spirit point dealer wide sea host out he drew there. The merry king laid sleeping all sloth in storms of gondol. The trier of the red moon that is of Odin's elbow eager uphold the fight sail for the king's fight moods allaying. And again he saith the gladdener of the swan foul of the heavy sword stream no wise had any white laid on him for the shaft storm of the spearwife stoutly the lord of fight crash shook from Halak's sail the bow hail and he of the sword unsparing goodly the wolves life nourished for many a storm of Ali most mighty was befalling ere the death grove of the shield leak took the Eastland athlete God's will. And moreover Ainar telleth how Earl Hacon avenged his father loud praise I bear forth herewith for that vengeance for his father which the water of waves raven wreaked with the sword of battle male rain of the sword storms urger rained wide on the life of her sirs and he for battle minded gave many a thing to Odin the vidur of gale of sea steds let wax the life cold sword storm against the shelter of the warriors that raise the high ones tempest after these things the friends of either side went between them with words of peace for the bonders were weary of war and unrest in the very land and so it was brought by the reeds of wise men that peace was made between them and Hacon was to have such dominion in frantime as earl sigurd his father had had but the kings the dominion therein that king Hacon had had before them and this was bound with full oath and troth and now befell great love betwixt earl Hacon and goon hilled though now and again they baited each other with guile and so time war for other three winters and Hacon a boat in peace in his dominion chapter seven of gray cloak king harold abode oftenest in horde land and rogueland and yet more of the brethren also and oft was there dwelling at hardang now on a certain summer came our ship of burden from iceland and owned of icelanders and laden with gray cloaks they brought the ship up to hardang because they had heard that there already was the greatest concourse of men but when men came to deal with them they would not buy their gray cloaks so went the skipper to king harold for he had known him to speak to a foretime and told him of his trouble the king said he would come to them and did so king harold was a kindly mannered man and a merry hearted he was come there in a cutter all manned he looked on there lading and spake to the skipper wilt thou give me one of thy gray cloaks with the good will would I said the skipper yay and even more then the king took a gray cloak and cloaked him therewith and so went down into the barge and before they rode away every one of his men had bought a cloak moreover a few days thereafter came there so many men every one of them wanting to buy a gray cloak that not the half of them that wanted them could get them so ever after was the king called harold gray cloak chapter eight the birth of url eric url hay con fared on a winter to the uplands to a feast and there as it happened he lay with a certain woman and she lowly of kin and as time wore the woman went with child and when it was born it was a man child so it was sprinkled with water and called eric the mother brought the lad to url hay con and said that he was the father thereof so the url left the lad be nourished at the house of one called thor leaf the sage he dwelt up in middle dale and was a wise man and a wealthy and a great friend of the urls eric speedily waxed hopeful he was of the fairest aspect and great and strong from his earliest days the url had but little to say to him url hay con was the goodliest to look on of all men not high of stature yet strong enough and well skilled in all prowess wise of wit and the greatest of warriors chapter nine the slaying of king trig v on a certain autumn url hay con fared to the uplands and when he came on to heathmark there came to meet him king trig v olive son and king good rod beyond son and there also came good brand a dale these hill counseled together and sat long in privy talk where of this came uppermost that each should be friend of the other and their worth they parted and went home each to his own realm now goon held in her sons here hereof and missed out them of it that they have been plotting against the kings so often they talk hereof together but in spring tide king herald and king good rod his brother give out that they will be affaring a war voyage in the summer west over the sea or into the east countries as their want was so they gather their folk together and thrust their ships into the water and array them for departure but when they drank their ale of departure great drinking there was and a many things spoken over the drink and so they got to the sport of likening man to man and the talk fell on the kings themselves then spake a man saying that king herald was the foremost of those brethren in all matters then wax king good rod very wroth and says so much as that he will be none the worse in any wise than king herald and that he is ready to prove the same then speedily were they full wrath either of them so that either bad other come and fight and ran to their weapons with all but they who had their wits about them and were the less drunken stayed them and ran betwixt so they went both to their ships but it was no longer to be looked for that they should sail together good rod sailed east along the land and herald made out into the main saying that he would sail west over the sea but when he was gotten without the aisles he turned and sailed east along the land keeping out to see king good rod sailed by the common course east away to the wick and so east across the fold then see sent word to king trig v to come and meet him and they would go both together that summer a warring in the east lands king trig v took the message well and hopefully he had heard that king good rod had but few folk so he went to meet him with but one cutter and they met at the walls east of sotness but when they came to the council king good rods men leaped forth and slew king trig v and twelve men with him and he lyeth at the place which is now called trig v's cairn chapter 10 the fall of king good rod now king herald sailed far out to sea and he made in for the wick and came a night time to tansberg there heard he that king good rod was a guesting a little way up the country so king herald and his folk went thither and came there a night time and took the house over their heads king good rod came forth he and his but short was the stour or ever king good rod fell and many men with him then king herald fared away to find king good rod his brother and they twain laid all the wick under them chapter 11 of herald the green lander king good rod beyond sin had wedded well and neatly and had a son by his wife called herald he was sent into green land to roi the white a lord of the land to be fostered there the son of roi was ronnie the white fairing and herald and he were a foster brother and much of an age after the fall of good rod his father herald who was called the green lander fled away to the uplands with ronnie his foster brother and but few other men and herald tarried a while with his kin now eric's sons pried closely into all such as had enmity against them and on those the most whom they deemed like to rise up against them herald's kindred gave him the reed that he should depart from the land so herald the green lander fared east to sweden and sought for himself a crew so that he might fall into company with such men as went a warring to gather well and herald was the doughtiest of men there was one toasty in sweden the mightiest and noblest of all men of that land who lacked title of dignity he was the greatest of warriors and was for the most part a warring and he was called skogul toasty into his fellowship herald the green lander but took himself and was with skogul toasty a warring in the summer and every man deemed well of herald and herald abode behind with toasty through the winter sigrid was the name of toasty's daughter young and fair she was an exceeding high-minded she was afterward wedded to eric the victorious the swede king and their son was oloth the swede who was king in sweden in after times king eric died of sickness at upsala ten winters after stir Bjorn fell chapter 12 the warring of earl hay con the sons of goon hill drew a great host out of the wick and so fair north along the land gathering ships and folk from every country and they lay it there that they are bringing that same host north to thrandhan against earl hay con thereof here at the earl and gather folk and go with a shipboard but when he heard of the host of goon hill's sons how many they were he led his folk south to mir and herried where so he came and slew much folk then he sent back the host of thrandhan and the whole crowd of the bonders but himself fared a warring all about either mir and romsdale and had spies abroad south of the stad on the host of goon hill's sons but when he heard that they were come into the first and a boat of wind there to sail north about the stad then sailed earl hay con south of the stad but out to sea so that none might behold his sails from the land then he held his course by the open sea east along the land till he came right on to denmark then sees sail for the east lands and herried there the summer long the sons of goon hill led their host north into thrandhan and a boat there a long while through the summer and took all scat and dues there but when summer was far spent sigurd slaver and good rod abode behind there and king herald and the other brethren went into the east country with the host that had gone with them in the summer season chapter 13 of earl hay con and the sons of goon hill earl hay con fared in autumn tide to helsing land and laid up his ships there and then fared by land through helsing land and yam land so west over the keel down into thrandhan much folk drew unto him and he got a shipboard but when goon hill's sons hear thereof they get abort their ships and make down the furth but earl hay con goeth to the deer and abode there the winter while goon hill's sons dwelt in mir and neither made raids on the other and slew men each of the other earl hay con held dominion in thrandhan and was there oftest in winter tide but whilst in the summer he fared east into helsing land and took his ships there and went into the east lands and harried there in summer tide but whilst he abode in thrandhan and had his host out and then goon hill's sons might not hold them north of the stad chapter 14 the slaying of sigurd slaver herald gray cloak fared on a summer north to bearm land and harried there and had a great battle with the folk of the land at the winna side there had king herald the victory and slew much folk then he harried wide abode in the land and got to him exceeding great wealth hereof telleth glum giersen the word strong king's oppressor reddened the fire brand east there all northward of the township where saw i bearm folk running spear gale the youthful athling got him on that same journey good word the men's appeaser found on the side of duinna king sigurd slaver came to the house of clip the her sir he was the son of thord the son of hordakari and was a mighty man and of great kin now clip was not at home as then but aloft his wife gave the king good welcome and there was noble feast and great drinking aloft was the daughter of aspion and the sister of yarnskegi from mirar in the north country ride or the brother of aspion was the father of stir car the father of eindred the father of inar thrombar scale fur now the king went a nighttime to the bed of aloft and lay with her against her will and thereafter fared the king away thereafter in the autumn tide king herald and sigurd his brother fared up to vores and there summoned the bonders to a thing at which thing the bonders fell on them to slay them but they escaped and went their ways king herald went to hard anger but king sigurd to alrex dead but when her sir clip heard there of he called together his kinsmen to sit on the king and the captain of the company was the mond knuckle breaker and so when they came to the house they fell on the king and so tells the tale that clip thrust the king through with the sword and slew him but forthright earling the old slew clip on the spot chapter 15 the fall of griot guard king herald gray cloak and goudrad his brother drew together a great host from out the east country and made forth randheim with that folk but when earl hay con heard thereof he gathered folk to him and made from here and harry there there was griot guard his father's brother and was charged with the warding of the land for goon hill's sons he drew out folk even as the kings had sent him word earl hay con went to meet him and join battle with him there fell griot guard into earls with him and much other folk hereof telleth inart jingle scale the hardy king caused helm storm to fall upon his foeman thereof were friends a waxing in lofts friends hall of friendship three earl's sons fierce were fallen in fiery rain of odin where of the pride of the people great praise and fame hath gotten thereafter earl hay con sailed out to sea and so by the outer course south along the land so came he south right on to denmark to king herald gormson the dain king there had he good welcome and abode with him the winter through there also with the dain king was a man called herald who was son of canute the son of gorm and was the brother's son of king herald he was new come from warring wherein he had long been and had gotten thereby very great wealth so he was called gold herald he was deemed to have good right to be king in denmark chapter 16 the fall of king earling king herald gray cloak and those brethren brought their folk north through frantime and found not to withstand them there so they took scat and dues and all kings revenues and made the bounders pay great fines for the kings had now for a long while gotten but little money from frantime since earl hay con had abided there with many men and had been at war with the kings in the autumn king herald went into the south country with the more part of the folk that were home born there but king earling abode behind with his folk and he had yet again plenty's goods of the bonders and dealt them out hard measure thereof the bonders bemoaned them soren took their scathe ill and so in the winter they gathered together and got a great company and went against king earling as he was out of guessting and had battle with him there fell king earling and many men with him chapter 17 famine in norway in the days when goon hill's sons ruled over norway befell great scarcity and ever the greater it grew the longer they ruled over the land and the bonders laid it to the account of the kings whereas they were greedy of money and dealt hardly with the bonders to such a pitch it came at last that all up and down the land folk well night lacked all corn and fish in how low the land was there such hunger and need that well night no corn grew there and the snow lay all over the land at mid summer and all the livestock was bound in stall at the very mid-summer thus saying Ivan scald spiller when he came forth from his house and it was snowing hard on swole nears dame it snowed and so have we as thin folk to bind the hind of birch buds in buyer amidst of summer chapter 18 of the Icelanders and Ivan scald spiller Ivan made a droppa on all the men of Iceland and they gave him this reward that each bonder gave him a scat penny of the weight of three silver pennies and which would cut white but when this silver came forth at the all thing men took counsel to get smiths to refine the silver and thereafter was a cloak clasp made thereof and the smithing being paid for the clasp was worth fifty marks and this day sent to Ivan but now Ivan let sheer the clasp asunder and bought him stuff therewith that same spring with all came a shoal of herring to certain outward lying fishing steds so Ivan manned a rowboat of his with his house carls and tenants and rode the other where as the herring were being netted and he sang now did we set our sea horse be spurring from the northward after the turns thin tailored for boaters of the long nets to what oh dear fire goddess if silver weeds of the ice fields through which the waves swine rudeth my friends be feigned to sell me so utterly were his goods expended that he must needs by herring with the arrows of his bow as he singeth we fetched the fair cloak buckle the sea heavens folk had sent us from over the sea and sold it for store of the swimming furth herd the more part of the herrings that leap from hands of eagle to mar for sea shafts sold I and all this came of hunger end of the story of king harrell gray cloak and of earl hay con son of sigurd chapter one through 18 section 17 of hymes quingla by snorrie stirrelson translated by george pope morris and iraqur magnuson this the revox recording is in the public domain the story of king olav trig vison part one chapter one through ten chapter one the birth of olav trig vison astrid was the name of the woman whom king trig v olav son had had for wife she was the daughter of eric by a dascali who dwelt at off for a stead a mighty man now after the fall of king trig v astrid fled away and fared prively with such chattels as she might have with her in her company was her foster father tharoth loose beard by name he never departed from her but other trusty men of hers went about spying of tidings of her foes and their comings and goings now astrid went with child of king trig v and she let herself be flitted out into a certain water and lay hidden in a home there amidst with but few folk in her company there she brought forth a child a man child who was sprinkled with water and named olav after his father's father there lay astrid hidden through the summer tide but when the nights grew dark and the days grew short and the weather waxed cold then astrid got her gone then with tharoth and few other folk but they went into people parts only when they might be hidden by the night and met no men so on a day in the evening they came to oh frosted to eric the father of astrid and fared prively their astrid sent men to the house to tell eric who let bring them to a certain outbower and spread a table for them with the best of cheer and when astrid had been there a little while her folk got them gone and she abode behind with two serving women of hers her son olav and tharoth loose beard with his son thorgills of six winters old and there they dwelt through the winter chapter two of goon hill's sons herald gray cloak and good rod his brother after the slaying of trig v olav's son fared to the steds he had owned but astrid was gone and they might hear no tidings of her but the rumor reached them that she was with child of king trig v so in autumn tide they went into the north country as is a for writ and when they saw goon hill their mother they told her all matters concerning what had bended them in their journey and she asked closely of all that had to do with astrid and they told her such babel as they had heard there of but now whereas that autumn goon hill's sons had strife with earl hay conye and the winter thereafter as is writ of four with all there was no search made after astrid and her son that winter chapter three the journeying of astrid the next spring goon hill sent spies to the uplands and all the way to the wick to spy what astrid would be doing who when they came back had chiefly to tell goon hill that astrid would be with her father eric and they said that it was more like than not that she would be nourishing there the son of her and king trig v then goon hill sped messengers and arrayed them well with weapons and horses and they were 30 men in company and their leader was a man of might a friend of goon hill's hay con by name she bad them fair to eric get oh frost dead and have then saway this son of king trig v's and bring him to her so the messengers go all the way and when they were come but a little way from oh frost dead the friends of eric were aware of them and bear him tidings of the goings of them at eve of the day so straightway at night tide erica rate astrid for departure and gave her good guides and sent her east away into sweden to hay con the old a friend of his and a man of might so they departed while the night was yet young and came by eve of the next day into a country calls gone and saw there a great stead and went there to and craved a night's lodging they had disguised them and their raiment was but sorry the bonder there at was called beyond poison sore a wealthy man but a churlish he draped them away so they went that eve to another Thorpe hard by which was called at wood one Thorstein was the bonder there who lodged them and gave them good entertainment that night and so they slept there well cared for now hay con and the men of goon hill came to oh frost dead the times in the morning and asked after astrid and her son but eric says she is not there so hay con and his men ransacked all the stead and abode there far on into the day and had some inkling of astrid's goings so they ride away the self same road that she had gone and come late in the evening to beyond poison sore in scon and their take lodging then hay con asks of beyond if he had ought to tell him of astrid beyond says that certain folk had come there that day craving lodging but i draved them away and they will be lodged somewhere or other in the township now a workman of Thorsteins went that eve from the wood and came to beyonds because it lay on his road so he found that guests will come there and learn their errand and so goes and tells master Thorstein and so when the night had yet one third to endure Thorstein waked his guests and bade them get them gone speaking roughly to them but when they were come their ways out from the garth Thorstein told them that goon hill's messengers were at the orn's and were about seeking them they prayed him to help them somewhat and he gave them guides and some little and their guide brought them forth the way into the wood where it was a certain water and a home there in groan about with reeds thither to the home might they wade and there they lay hid in the reeds the times on the morrow rode hay con from beyonds into the country's side asking after astrid where so ever he came and when he came to Thorsteins he asked if they were there Thorstein says that certain folk had come thither but had gone away against a brick east into the wood so hay con bad Thorstein go with them seeing that he knew the wood both way and thicket so he went with them but when he came into the wood he brought them right away from where astrid lay and they went about seeking all day long and found them nowhere so they went back and told goon hill how their errand had sped but astrid and her fellows went their ways and came forth into sweden to hay con the old and there about astrid and Olaf her son in all welcome a long while chapter four hay con sent into sweden now goon hill the king's mother hears that astrid and Olaf her son are in the swede realm so she sent hay con yet again and a goodly company with him east to Eric the swede king with good gifts and fair words and friendly there had the messengers good welcome and about their in good entertainment then hay con laid his errand before the king saying that goon hill sent this word that the king should be to hay con of such avail that he might have Olaf trigvison back with him to norway where goon hill would foster him so the king gave him men and they ride unto hay con the old their hay con craved for Olaf to fare with him with many friendly words hay con the old answered him well but said that Olaf's mother should order his going but astrid will you know why suffer the boy to go so the messengers go their ways until king Eric how matters stand then they arrayed them for their journey home but crave somewhat a force of the king to have the lad away whether hay con the old will or not so the king gave them again a company of men and the messengers go their with to hay con the old and crave once more for the lad to fare with them but whereas the message was taken coldly they fall to big words and threats and grow right raw then sprang forth a thrall named bristle and would smite hay con and scarce may they get away unbeaten of the thrall then home they fared to norway until goon hill did their journey and how they have seen Olaf trigbison chapter five of sigurd ericsson sigurd son of eric be a dascali was the brother of astrid he had been a long while away from the land east in garth realm with king baldemar where he dwelt in great honor now astrid would feign go thither to sigurd her brother so hay con the old gave her a goodly fellowship and all fair array and she went with certain Chapman she had now been two winters with hay con the old and Olaf was three winters old but now as they made into the eastern sea vikings fell on them estlanders who took both men and money and some they slew and some they shared between them for bond slaves there was Olaf parted from his mother and an estlander called clerk con got him along with thoroth and thorgills clerk on deemed thoroth over old for a thrall and could not see any work in him so he slew him but had the lads away with him and sold them to a man named clerk for right good he goat a third man bought Olaf and gave therefore a good coat or cloak he was called Reese and his wife Reckon and their son Reconi there about Olaf long and was well served and the bonder loved him much he was six winters exiled thus in estland chapter six the freeing of Olaf from estland Sigurd Ericsson came into estland on a message of king Valdemar of Holmgarth to it the claiming of the king scat in that land he fared like a mighty man with many men and plenty as well now he saw in a certain marketplace a lad full fair and knew him for an outlander and asked him of his name and Kim he named himself Olaf and called his father Trigby Olaf's son and his mother astrid daughter of Eric Beardascali so Sigurd knew that the lad was his sister's son so he asked the lad what made him there and Olaf told him all that had befallen in his matter so Sigurd about him showed the way to the good man Reese and when he came there he bought both the lads Olaf and Thorgils and had them with him to Holmgarth but gave out naught about the kinship of Olaf though he did well to him chapter seven the slaying of clercon Olaf Trigby's son was standing one day in the gate and there were many men about amongst whom he saw clercon who had slain his fosterer Thorough loose beard Olaf had a little axe in his hand which same he draved into clercon's head so that it stood right down in the brain of him then he fell to running home to the house and told Sigurd his kinsmen thereof so Sigurd straightway brought Olaf into the queen's house and told her these tidings she was called Allergia her Sigurd prayed help the lad she answered looking on the lad that they should not slay so fair a child and that call to her men all armed now in Holmgarth was the peace so hallowed that according to the law thereof who so slew a man unduned should himself be slain and now all the people made a rush together according to their custom and law and sought after the lad where he were and it was told that he was in the queens garth and that there was an host of men all armed hereof was the king told and he went there too with his folk and would not that they fought and so brought about truce and peace thereafter and the king adjudged the weird guild and the queen paid the fine thereafter abode Olaf with the queen and was right dear to her it was law at that time in garth realm that kingly born men might not abide there saved by the king's council so Sigurd told the queen of what kin Olaf was and for why he was come thither and how he might not abide in his own land because of his foes and prayed her deal with the king concerning this she did so praying him to help this king's son so hardly dealt with and she did so much by her words that the king assented her to and took Olaf under his power and did well and wordily to him as was meat for a king's son to be served Olaf was nine winters old when he came into garth realm and he abode with King Voldemort other nine winters Olaf was the fairest and tallest and strongest of all men and in prowess surpassing all men told of among the northmen chapter eight of Earl Hacon Earl Hacon Sigurd sent abode with Harold gormson the dain king the winter after he had fled from Norway before the sons of goon hilled so great imagining had Hacon through the winter season that he lay in his bed and waked long and ate and drank not saved to sustain his might then he sent men of his prively north into frantan to his friends there and gave them counsel to slay king earling if they might compass it and said with all that he would come back to his realm when summer was again that winter they a frantan slew earling as is a forrit now betwixt Hacon and gold herald was dear friendship and herald showed all his mind to Hacon saying that he would faint settle in the land and lie out no more in warships and he asked Hacon what he thought of it whether king herald would be willing to share the realm with him if he craved it miss seameth said Hacon that the dain king would not deny thee any rights but thou wilt know the utter most of the matter if thou lay it before the king and i weaned that will not get the realm if thou crave it not so a little after this talk gold herald fell to talk here over with king herald when as there were standing by many mighty men friends of either of them there crave gold herald of the king to share the realm and half with him even as his birth warranted and his kin there in the dain realm at this asking grew king herald exceeding wroth saying that no man had craved it of king gorm his father that he should become half king over the dain realm nay nor of his father horde canute nor of sigurd worm in eye nor of ragnar lad brock and therewith he waxed so would wroth that none might speak to him chapter nine of gold herald now was gold herald worse content than a four whereas he had gotten the king's wrath and of realm no wit more than erst so he came to hacon his friend and bewailed his trouble to him and prayed him for a wholesome read if such could be how he might get the realm to him and said with all that it had come uppermost in his mind to seek his realm with might and weapons hey combat him not speak that word before any lest it become known said he thy life lyeth on it see thou to it of what avail thou art herein needs must he who dealeth with such big deeds be high hearted and dauntless and spare neither for good nor ill in bringing to pass what he has set his hand to but it is unworthy to take up high councils and then lay them down with dishonor gold herald answers in such wise shall I take up this claim of mine that I will not spare to slay the king himself with mine own hand if occasions serve since he must needs gain say me this realm which I ought of right to have therewith they left talking now king herald went to hacon and they follow talking and the king tells the earl what claim gold herald had made on him for the realm and how he had answered it saying with all that for not would he diminish his realm yeah if gold herald will yet hold by this claim I shall deem it but a little matter to let slay him for I trust him ill if he will not give this up the earl answers misceemeth that herald hath put this matter forth then only when he will by no means let it fall and I must needs deem that if he raise war in the land he will not lack for folk chiefly for the dear remembrance of his father yet is it most unmeet for thee to slay thy kinsmen when as the matter now is all folk shall call him cyclist nevertheless I would not have thee think that I counsel thee to become less of a king than was gorm thy father who indeed brought increase to his realm and diminished it in no wise then said the king what is thy read then hacon must I needs neither share the realm then nor have this bugbear off my hands we shall be meeting a few days hence said hacon and I will turn my mind before that to this trouble and clear it up in some wives then the king went his ways with all his men chapter 10 the council of king herald and earl hacon earl hacon now fell again to the greatest brooding and plotting and let few men be in the house with him but a few days thereafter came king herald to the earl and they fell a talking and the king asked if the earl had been thought him on that matter they were on the other day says the earl I have wait day and night ever since and the best read basimuth is that thou hold and rule all the realm which thou hast from thy father but get for herald thy kinsman another kingdom whereof he shall be a man well honored what realm is that said the king that I may lightly give to herald keeping the dain realm whole the while the earl says norway is it such kings as are there are ill beloved of all the folk of the land and every man wishes them ill as is but meet the king says norway is a great land and a hardy folk an ill land to fall on with an outland host such hap we had when king hacon defended the land that we lost much folk and one no victory and herald ericsson is my foster son and hath sat on my knee then saith the earl I knew this long while that thou hadst off given help to the sons of gun hill yet have they rewarded thee with not but ill but we shall come far lightlier by norway than by fighting for it with all the host of the danes send out for thy foster son herald bidding him take from thee the lands and fiefs which they had a foretime here in danmark and summon him to meet thee and then may gold herald in that little while win him a kingdom in norway from herald gray cloak the king says that it will be called an evil deed to betray his foster son saith the earl the danes will account it a good exchange the slaying a Norse viking rather than a brother's son a dane so they talked the matter over a long while till it was accorded between them end of the story of Olaf Trigbison part one chapter one through ten