CHAPTER XIX.

GUNNAR COMES INTO THE STORY.

There was a man whose name was Gunnar. He was one of Unna's kinsmen, and

his mother's name was Rannveig. Gunnar's father was named Hamond. Gunnar

Hamond's son dwelt at Lithend, in the Fleetlithe. He was a tall man in

growth, and a strong man--best skilled in arms of all men. He could cut

or thrust or shoot if he chose as well with his left as with his right

hand, and he smote so swiftly with his sword, that three seemed to flash

through the air at once. He was the best shot with the bow of all men,

and never missed his mark. He could leap more than his own height, with

all his war-gear, and as far backwards as forwards. He could swim like a

seal, and there was no game in which it was any good for anyone to

strive with him; and so it has been said that no man was his match. He

was handsome of feature, and fair skinned. His nose was straight, and a

little turned up at the end. He was blue-eyed and bright-eyed, and

ruddy-cheeked. His hair thick, and of good hue, and hanging down in

comely curls. The most courteous of men was he, of sturdy frame and

strong will, bountiful and gentle, a fast friend, but hard to please

when making them. He was wealthy in goods. His brother's name was

Kolskegg; he was a tall strong man, a noble fellow, and undaunted in

everything. Another brother's name was Hjort; he was then in his

childhood. Orm Skogarnef was a base-born brother of Gunnar's; he does

not come into this story. Arnguda was the name of Gunnar's sister.

Hroar, the priest at Tongue, had her to wife.

The story of Burnt Njal: From the Icelandic of the Njals Saga · 第 19 / 158 章