Thorolf with his force then stood for the Brenn-islands. The ground was marked out by stones lying round in a ring. I will neither hear his words nor see him. Kveldulf had in his hand a battle-axe; but when he got on board, he bade his men go along the outer way by the gunwale and cut the tent from its forks, while he himself rushed aft to the stern-castle. Egil's Saga tells the story of the long and brutal life of tenth-century warrior-poet and farmer Egill Skallagrmsson: a morally ambiguous character who was at once the composer of intricately beautiful poetry, and a physical grotesque capable of staggering brutality. A good reception Egil found there, and with him Alf was talkative. To me this seems right counsel, while we both live and are so nearly concerned with their quarrel, that we take this cause into our own hands and quash it, and let not Tongue-Odd and Einar match our sons together like fighting horses. They two then drank together for the evening, and were right merry. The door-keepers at once opened the door. "', Armod struck the girl, and bade her hold her tongue: 'You are always,' said he, 'saying what least suits.'. But as autumn came on, Thorolf and his men sailed northward along the Norway coast till they reached the Firths, then went to lord Thorir. Njal's Saga Study Guide. Stout-hearted Thorolf fell. Next spring he moved his ship southwards to the firth, and into the creek close to where Kveldulf came to land; and there he set his homestead, and called it Borg, and the firth Borgar-firth, and so too the country-side further up they named after the firth. To Aulvir Hnuf and his brother he said: 'Take ye Thorolf your kinsman and give him honourable burial; bury also the other men who have fallen, and see to the binding of the wounds of those who have hope of life; but let none plunder here, for all this is my property. In the end the king gave a decision: he said he would accept these terms, if this too were added, that king Athelstan let him have all Northumberland with the tributes and dues thereto belonging. Men said that he had gone out. Now there was a handmaid of Skallagrim's named Thorgerdr Brak, who had nursed Egil when a child; she was a big woman, strong as a man, and of magic cunning. Now show thyself princely to this man. Thither he went. Hath ta'en my warrior son. Better I chaunt my strain, He sang: 'Write we runes around the horn, Skapti then wished to try the thickness of the skull. Of him they craved a day-meal and to bait their horses. So they made them ready with both their boats, and twenty men in each. Such lavish donors now? Hither the earl to seek At that time Gunnhilda bare a son, whom Harold the king sprinkled with water, giving him his own name; and he added this that he should be king after his father if he lived long enough. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. And when the feast was ended, Bard went home with his wife, and remained at home through the summer, and Thorolf with him. The end was that the boat sank under them, and all were lost. His halberd he held before him grasped in both hands, and slung his shield behind his back. The events of the saga come from several different sources, including oral tales, The Book of Settlements (a detailed account of all the lawsuits in medieval Iceland), The Book of . Egil often engaged in wrestling; he was headstrong and hot-tempered, but all had the sense to teach their sons to give way to Egil. To the wasteful tract They made sail, and sailed out to sea. Hrafn was Hing's fifth son. Sigurd received the proposal well; he said there were many reasons for this; first, the king would have it so; next, Bard had asked it; and further he himself knew Thorolf well, and thought it a good match for his daughter. Bard and the queen sent Egill a poisoned drink, but the attempt was foiled by Egill, who inscribed runes on the horn and besmeared it with his own blood, causing the horn to shatter. Afterwards Eirik Bloodaxe was crowned co-king,[f] and as Thorolf headed home to Iceland, the king gave him a gold-inlaid ax as a gift to Skallagrim. May Frey and Njord make flee! And Thorfinn offered to Egil all the furtherance that he might think needful. And when Egil heard of the fall of Arinbjorn, then he sang: 'Mead-givers, glorious men, There was a man named Kettle Hing, son of Thorkel earl of Naumdale, and of Hrafnilda daughter of Kettle Hing of Hrafnista. Bjorn and Thorolf, when they came home, went first to Aurland, but afterwards turned their way northwards to visit lord Thorir at his home. Then said Armod that he was sorry he had no beer to give them. They were of his company this winter, and sate next to the two brothers. Though I do not think that we two shall sit at the drinking when the funeral feast is held.' Helgi was father of Brynjolf, father of Serk, Sogn, and Svein. That spring, Yngvar went to Borg, his errand being to bid Skallagrim to a feast at his house, he also named for the party his daughter Bera and Thorolf her son, and any others that Skallagrim liked to bring. Then Egil sang a stave: 'My heritage he steals, This is was decided that they should go eastwards with the messengers. Then Skallagrim took land between fells and firths, all the moors out to Seal-loch, and the upper land to Borgarhraun, and southwards to Hafnar-fell, and all that land from the watershed to the sea. Bjorgolf called to him Hogni the goodman, and said, 'My errand here is this: I will have your daughter to go home with me, and will even now make with her a hasty wedding.'. He and Solvi made a league, and sent messengers to Audbjorn, king of the Firthfolk, that he should come and help them. Nor easily shafted Egil sailed out to sea when he was ready, and of his voyage there is nothing to tell before he came to Norway. To the great spear-lord, Five escaped, all sore wounded, but three fell there. He called Arinbjorn to speak with him. He and Thorir there ratified their atonement. Then gave Athelstan further to Egil as poet's meed two gold rings, each weighing a mark, and therewith a costly cloak that the king himself had formerly worn. Also, if ye want to have some men from hence for this journey, this will be granted you, and all such furtherance of your journey as ye may name to Thorstein.'. The king said that Thorolf had himself taken his own reward. And when it came to this, that death was near, then he called to him his shipmates, and told them that he thought it likely they and he would soon take different ways. Thorir Giant dwelt at Giantstead. egils saga sparknotes meredith lynn davies - davidmatej.com Hing took with him sixty men, and turned to Torgar. Thou wilt also do this because it is a matter of moment to me, if that is of any worth in thy opinion.'. They did so. Words I knew well-fitting Skallagrim gave land to his shipmates. But Egil turned him and cried aloud: 'This do I protest before thee, Arinbjorn, and thee, Thord, and all men that now can hear my word, barons and lawmen and all people, that I ban all those lands that belonged to Bjorn Brynjolfsson, from building and tillage, and from all gain therefrom to be gotten. Egill wanted to claim half-share for his wife, but the prospect was bleak because Berg-Onund was a favorite of Eirik and his consort Gunnhild. ', Egil said: 'I shall try this counsel that you wish, but 'twas the last thing I ever meant, to sing king Eric's praises.'. Einar went to Iceland and lodged with his brother Osvif: but in autumn he rode east and came to Borg, and was guest there. King Eric went thither. King Athelstan therefore gathered him an army, and gave pay to all such as wished to enrich themselves, both foreigners and natives. Of race divine. When guested and rested Then came the king, and bade them bring light; whereupon they saw what had happened, that Aulvir lay there senseless; but Bard was slain, and the floor all streaming with blood. Search was made for him round the premises, but nowhere was he found. The pit-holes black And now Egil said that Thorfinn and his men should go back, but they offered to go further. [25] Egill thanks the king with a number of praise poems showing how considerate and generous the king is. The horse's head he turned inwards to the mainland; but on the pole he cut runes, expressing the whole form of curse. Then Bergonund advised that Hadd and Frodi should run forward between the shrubs and the main forest, and stop the bear from gaining the wood. Fair goddess seems. 'Bent the king his yew, And they found him sore wounded, while Steinar's son lay there by him dead. He had now brought out very great wealth, and was a very rich man. This he bade me when I came west.'. Goodly treasure, stolen However I will not take back my word about those brothers. Wife's loyal kin lent. Egil declares his business, and demands of Onund's sharing of the heritage of Bjorn. ', The king was slow to speak, but at length answered: 'I know not, Arinbjorn, why thou comest with such pleading for Egil. This Egil accepted. Skallagrim took much pleasure in trials of strength and games; he liked to talk about such. Men offered to go with him, but he would not; so he and his Easterling friend rode two together. ', Egil answered: 'This offer I deem most desirable to take. Then Bard went to the queen and told her there was a man there who put shame on them, for, howsoever much he drank, he still said he was thirsty. A prince ill-beseemed it The ship with all its freight Thorolf took, but Thorir he put out on an island. King Hacon Athelstan's foster-son then ruled Norway, as was told before. Be wary and wait. Egill is in reality a man of many virtues which are central to his character. Egil took under his arm a large mead-cask, and bare it so. Meanwhile forces flocked to them both day and night. The king gave him tokens for this matter. They two had a daughter named Gunnhilda. Thorolf was of a right cheery mood. Life was harsh, particularly during the long, cold winters, when it was crucial for people to get along and work together. Men went between and parted them who were most furious; nor did anything more happen that evening. ', 'That,' said Thorolf, 'is quite contrary to what my mind tells me, for I think I shall get from him much advancement. Twofold they lie, The war-god skilful, It was now autumn, and king Harold was advised not to go south in autumn-tide. . When Thorolf came on shipboard, at once taking the axe which Skallagrim had given into his hands, he cast it overboard into the deep so that it nevermore came up. Egil now made a poem about king Athelstan, and in it is this stave: 'Land-shielder, battle-quickener, That sapling stout Now, when Bjorn and Thorolf had been one winter in Norway and spring came, they made ready a ship and gathered men. Mine honour upheld, After her death Egil gave up his housekeeping to Thorstein, and went south to Moss-fell to Grim, his son-in-law, for he loved Thordis his step-daughter most of all who were then living. His reactions are usually on a grand scale to the point where they are often outrageous and entertaining. Reykjavk . The Courlanders attacked them vigorously, but mostly with spears and javelins, not coming to close quarters. One of these is in chapter 55 when King thelstan acknowledges the death of Egill's brother, Thorolf's, caused by the King's error in judgement. From arm beset with rings, Grim shoved him to the ground, and after consulting his friend Thord (rr Granason), Egil took revenge by driving an axe through Grim's head. Now will I, Eyvind, that thou go north to Halogaland. Then Arinbjorn went away, and had food and drink carried to the upper room. Is he of the Firths, 'Rings he scatters, Egil took the horn, and recited a stave: 'Wizard-worshipper of cairns! Thorir did not deny that he had heard so. The king claimed ownership of the estate at Torgar, and of all the property that Brynjolf had had; and all this he gave into the keeping of Hildirida's sons. To swim and seek the sand Baldric's crystal blade Thorolf made for this ship, and offered Thorir and his crew the choice to defend themselves, but, as they had no force to make defence against such numbers, they yielded. It was the custom with those who fought in single combats so to arrange that the sword should need no drawing during the fight, but be attached to the arm, to be ready at once when the combatant willed. Within that palace The heir of Geir and Kettle. Vermaland had first been cleared and tilled by Olaf Tree-cutter, father of Halfdan Whitebone, who first of his family was king in Norway; and from him on the father's side was king Harold descended, and all his forefathers had ruled over Vermaland and taken tribute therefrom, and set men in charge over the land. Me bird of bane hath followed: I can do no better than does my father: I will not overlive my father and brother.' He had a shield ample and stout, a right strong helmet on his head; he was girded with the sword that he called Long, a weapon large and good. Before Thorolf went away this time he had counted over all the king's tribute that he had brought from the fells, and he put it in Thorgils' hand, bidding him convey it to the king, if he himself came not home before the king returned south. I would have you go by no man's rule but your own, take them wherever the pasture on the moor is best. Wilt not than me of three winters So Steinar prepared to go out to Snfells-strand, and there he set up his household at a place called Ellida. At the age of seven while playing in the ball games (knattleikr), he committed his first murder (axe-killing an older boy who outclassed him in the sport). And when Atli went before the court with his twelve who would swear, then went Egil to meet him, and said that he would not accept Atli's oaths for his own property. But when Thorgils met the king he gave him greeting from Thorolf, and said that he was come thither with the Finns' tribute sent by Thorolf. Eric Bloodaxe now took a share in the realm. But before Thorolf left Borg Skallagrim went and took down from the rafters over the door the axe, the king's gift - and came out with it. I will that we both travel the same road.' Steinar rode to the Thing also with a numerous company, as did Tongue-Odd, and Einar from Stafar-holt; they roofed their booths. He had gone westwards to England with Arinbjorn. Of high-born chief. ', Then Eric took the word. After that, in solemn form of curse, he thus spake: 'Here set I up a curse-pole, and this curse I turn on king Eric and queen Gunnhilda. King Eric and queen Gunnhilda came that same evening to Atla-isle, and Bard had prepared there a banquet for the king; and there was to be there a sacrifice to the guardian spirits. ', Thorolf said: 'Herein ye have so wrought, methinks, that it will not serve us as our autumn plan to go to Norway.'. I will, if you wish it, change places with you. Egil\'s Saga. 'Soared battle-cranes Then Thorolf went to his ship, and had it drawn up and made snug, whereafter he and Egil went to lord Thorir. The king caused some to make proclamation at the door, bidding women, children, old men, thralls, and bondmen to come out. Thord and Egil were set against Skallagrim in the game; and he became weary before them, so that they had the best of it. ', They resolved on this, that Egil should equip a swift cutter, whereon they embarked some twenty men, and went south to Hordaland and on to Askr. By clicking SIGN UP,I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random Houses, certain categories of personal information, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information. Egill became frail and blind. Then the messengers ride all together, and find king Athelstan in the town that was close to the heath on the south. But when Egil sat down, then Thorstein named witnesses to his decision. For minstrel skill, And after parting with Arinbjorn, he and his went their way to Stone-sound, till they came to his ship, which lay there afloat in the haven with tent overspread. Then, as soon as ever the wind was fair, they sailed out to sea. Much ado had they with the horses; but the walking for the men was of the heaviest, and sorely wearied were they when they came off the ridge and saw before them a large house, for which they made. Egil in the summer made ready his merchant-ship and got thereto a crew. In the summer there had been, as was usual, many ships from Norway. He told them of Bard's death; also how Bard had left him both lands and chattels, and her that had been his wife; then he showed the king's order and tokens. Come, busk we for combat; He asked wither Egil had gone, and where he had gotten those ships with which they came. [35][36] These poems are also meant to honor the two. In the night came on a furious gale, a south-wester. In the summer Egil prepared his ship, and, when all was ready, at once set sail for Iceland. Odd was then head-man in Borgar-firth, south of White-river. One of the first negative poems in Egill's saga is a threatening poem in chapter 27 that displays Skallagrim's power after he had just plundered a ship and killed many men. At times in Egill's saga Egill comes across as a brute who often acts quickly and irrationally for no reason. The king gave leave for this, adding a message and tokens that Thorolf should take all that Bard had given him, showing that the gift was with the counsel of the king, and that he would have it so. Thou hast done much good to king Eric, and this he hath fully rewarded. My stout hammer rings, ', Egil answered, 'Are you very short of money, father? Egill tries to reclaim property back in Norway (as his wife's inheritance), but this is blocked, and Egill develops a personal vendetta against the King. Arinbjorn bade take up the tables; then went he out and all his house-carles with him. The descendants of Kveldlfr find themselves involved in two complicated inheritance feuds, at one time rejecting the claims of illegitimate children of a second marriage, and at another time claiming land on behalf of another illegitimate child born to similar circumstances.[32]. And when he had been in Iceland one winter, in the spring following he made ready his ship in Brakar-sound.
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