THE FOSTERING OF IVAR
IVAR throve well, to the delight of his father and mother, and there was
great joy in the family when he cut his first tooth. His father,
according to ancient custom, gave him on that occasion a gift called a
“tooth-fee.” The gift was a knife in a gold sheath attached to a leather
belt, sewn and embroidered with gold thread. The buckle was a beautiful
work of solid gold. He gave him, also, with this, a large farm not far
from Dampstadir, which was to become his residence when he became a man.
As time went on, Ivar grew to be a beautiful child; he was fair, and had
blue eyes resembling the people of his kin; like all boys of his age he
loved to play, and nothing delighted him more than to put in the water a
toy boat with a sail, and watch its going to sea.
When he had attained his sixth year, his parents began to think about
sending him to be fostered, as it was the custom of the land for boys of
prominent and leading men not to be reared at home, for fear they should
become effeminate. They were sent to some distinguished friend, known
for his bravery, tact, wisdom, and accomplishments, so that the fostered
child could have all the education his rank in life should require.
Hjorvard and Sigrlin had had many anxious thoughts in regard to the
education of little Ivar, for they wanted him to become wise, and the
most accomplished of warriors. Their love for him was unbounded, and it
required great strength of character for both to be willing to part from
him for several years; but they felt that their greatest duty was the
welfare of their son. Their thoughts had centred upon a noble man as the
foster-father of Ivar, of the name of Gudbrand, a Hersir, who no longer
undertook to lead expeditions into far-off countries. He ruled over the
island of Engel, which is still called so to this day, and which is
situated in the Cattegat, not far from the beautiful promontory of
Kullen, and close to the present southern Swedish shore. For him both
husband and wife had the greatest friendship, esteem, and admiration. No
better man could be found to educate a boy in all the accomplishments
which were necessary for the high-born to possess in those days.
Gudbrand and Hjorvard were foster-brothers, and had gone on many warlike
expeditions together; many a Roman, Gallic, and British head had fallen
under their saxes and swords; they had shared and escaped many dangers,
and had received dangerous wounds together, and the love one bore
towards the other was very great.
Gudbrand was not as powerful a Hersir as Hjorvard, and did not possess
as many estates and as much gold; but he was closely related to many of
the chiefs who ruled over the large peninsula comprising the present
Sweden and Norway. He was also of Odin’s kin.
Hjorvard and Sigrlin, having made up their minds that Gudbrand should
foster Ivar, concluded to send messengers to him to invite him to come
and make them a visit, but without telling the reason why. They had told
no one of their intentions in regard to the man whom they wanted to
foster Ivar. The vessels were made ready to carry the messengers, when
an unforeseen event prevented their departure. On the morning of the day
appointed for their sailing, a fleet of fifteen sail was signalled from
one of the towers as being seen very far off on the horizon. They were
so far away that they could not be observed from the shore. Finally they
were sighted by those on the beach, and gradually they became more and
more distinct as they approached the land, and there was not the
slightest doubt that they were steering for Dampstadir; the white peace
shields were clearly discerned at the mastheads, also the color of each
ship was clearly seen. The sight was beautiful as the vessels came
nearer and nearer the land. The shields of the warriors lay side by
side, covering each other partly, outside, along the gunwales, and their
variegated colors, especially yellow, red, and black, presented a
picturesque sight. The striped, colored sails added no little to the
beauty of the sight. Ahead of all was a dragon-ship; at its masthead a
standard embroidered with gold, with an eagle in the centre, by which
the people recognized at once the dragon-ship of Gudbrand.
Hjorvard and Sigrlin, who were watching from the highest tower, were
greatly rejoiced at the sight. They considered the arrival, at such an
opportune moment, of Gudbrand, whom they wanted to see so much, as a
good omen for the future of their son. Hjorvard walked towards the shore
to meet his foster-brother, and took a rowboat to go on board and
welcome him as soon as his ship had cast anchor.
Gudbrand was received with hearty demonstrations of joy and with great
honor by Hjorvard, who had not seen his foster-brother for more than two
years. He was led to the great hall, and seated on the high seat
opposite to that of Hjorvard, and all the commanders, or “styrmen,” as
they were called, of Gudbrand’s ships, and his champions were there
also, and seated according to their rank. There was deep drinking that
day; a great feast took place; the ale and the mead were passed freely,
and served in silver and golden horns, and there was much merriment
until the early hours of the morning, after which all retired to their
separate houses. Gudbrand was given the finest house, intended for
high-born guests, for his residence while in Dampstadir.
The following day, as Gudbrand was quietly talking with the champions of
Hjorvard in the banqueting hall, and was intensely interested in
listening to one of them who was describing a great wrestling contest
that had taken place a few days before, Hjorvard entered unnoticed, with
Ivar in his arms; and as Gudbrand saluted him, he put little Ivar on his
knees, before he was aware of it. It was an ancient custom that the man
upon whose knee a child had been thus “knee-seated,” as this ceremony
was called, was bound to become his fosterer until he became of age. A
shout of assent arose from Hjorvard’s champions as an approval of the
choice of their chief, for whom every one was ready to sacrifice his
life. No wonder they approved the choice, for Gudbrand was well known
for his wisdom, skill in athletic games, and many other accomplishments.
Hjorvard could have shown no greater proof of friendship, esteem, and
regard to Gudbrand than by what he had just done.
Gudbrand promised his companion-in-arms and foster-brother that he would
bring up little Ivar to the best of his abilities, and then added, with
a thoughtful voice: “Hjorvard, thou knowest well the ancient saying: ‘An
early sown field shall no man trust, nor his son too soon, for the
weather rules the fields, and wits guide the son; each of these is
uncertain.’ Thou knowest well, also,” he continued, “that the Nornir
rule unevenly the fates of men. To a few they predestine a happy and
contented life; to many, a short or a long one; to some, but little
property or praise. Many they have fated to sorrows or to be unlucky; to
one man they give great wealth and a miser’s heart; to a poor man a most
generous disposition. It seems to me that he who has the miser’s heart
ought to have been poor, and the one that has a giving heart to have
been rich. But such are the decrees of the Nornir, and no one can
understand or escape them. Fame and poverty are often given to the poet,
but his name will endure forever; his mound will always be green in the
memory of man, like the deeds of great heroes.”
There was great feasting in Dampstadir during the remainder of
Gudbrand’s stay. Many a warrior drank more than he ought to have done,
as was the custom in those times; but hospitality was most unbounded,
and chiefs did not want to have the reputation of being miserly.
Many evenings were spent in listening to the songs of poets who recited
the great deeds of war of Hjorvard’s and Gudbrand’s ancestors, and also
those that had been accomplished by the two Hersirs. Gudbrand had among
the champions who had come with him a man of the name of Ulf, who was a
great poet, or scald, and only spoke in verse, and answered also in that
manner. His fame was very great, but in despite of offers of great pay
by powerful chiefs, he remained with Gudbrand, for he loved him dearly,
and to him the land of Engel was the most beautiful spot he had ever
seen.
One evening, after Gudbrand and all the champions had retired, Hjorvard
remained all alone with Ulf, who composed on the spot a magnificent song
on the deeds of Hjorvard’s father, and it took a great part of the night
to recite it. Hjorvard thanked him, and the next day spoke to his
intendant, who had charge of all his treasures, and after telling him of
Ulf’s wonderful gift, asked him how he should reward the scald.
“Shall I give him two trading ships?” said he.
“That is too much, I think,” was the treasurer’s reply.
“Other chiefs give costly things—good swords or good gold bracelets—as
rewards for a song made for them,” Hjorvard answered, “but the ruler of
Gotland is above and much richer than many Hersirs.”
So he concluded to present Ulf with a fine trading ship, a new scarlet
cloak, a gold-ornamented sword, and a heavy bracelet of gold, and
invited him to come and stay a whole year with him. Ulf thanked
Hjorvard, and said that he would come in two years, on his return from a
visit to his kinsmen in Britain.
After a sojourn of over three weeks, Gudbrand talked of returning to
Engel. Sigrlin tried with all her power of persuasion to make him stay
longer, and pleaded that Ivar’s outfit was not ready, though she had
been busy with her maids, sewing and making garments for him; and
succeeded in inducing him to remain another week. She was loth to see
the day of Gudbrand’s departure; the thought of parting with her darling
little son broke her heart.
At last the last day came, when Ivar was to leave his mother and father,
and go and learn how to become an accomplished man and warrior. Sigrlin
did not sleep that last night. Ivar slept unconscious in her arms the
whole of the night; she fondled him, and half fancying she was bidding
him farewell then, often pressed him so tightly against her heart that
two or three times during the night she awoke him. No wonder that her
mother’s heart grieved, for it was not a separation of a day from her
child. He was not to be away from her for a month, but for long years.
When she got up in the morning the rosy hues of her cheek had
disappeared. She dreaded to look at the sun and to see it rising higher
and higher, for that betokened that noon, the hour of departure, was
getting nearer and nearer; but Sigrlin was proud, and if it had not been
for her unusual pallor, no one would have guessed the sorrow and anxiety
which she was secretly suffering.
When the morning meal was over, the bustle which took place told that
preparations were being made for the departure of Gudbrand. Men were
going to their ships, and bidding good-by to their old or new friends.
Many parting bumpers were drunk. Hjorvard had given a great number of
costly presents of gold to Gudbrand and to many of his warriors. Finally
all the men had gone on board of their respective ships, and only the
vessel of Gudbrand remained near the shore. At last the sight of the
sun, to the great sorrow of Sigrlin, showed that it was noon. The time
had arrived for her to show her courage and hide her emotion, and she
must appear cheerful despite her anguish.
The horns for departure were sounded, for everything was ready on board
the ships, the sails were unfurled, and the anchors were raised. Father,
mother, and all the household, and many people, including the poor
slaves, who in despite of their servitude loved their master and
mistress, accompanied Gudbrand and Ivar to the shore; the little fellow
walked between his parents, chatted merrily as he went along, each one
holding one of his hands, and looking down fondly upon him. Finally they
reached the gangway, and after wishing each other often good-by, they
parted with expressions of great love and friendship. Sigrlin remained
on the headland near Dampstadir until the ships had disappeared below
the horizon, and then with a deep sigh she retraced her steps homewards,
and while alone in her bower the flood-gates of her mother’s heart gave
way, and she wept long.
The wind was fair, and after an eventless sail of three days, Gudbrand’s
fleet reached Hrafnista, the burg and residence of Gudbrand on Engel.
Sigrid, Gudbrand’s wife, was enthusiastically delighted when she saw her
husband with little Ivar to foster, and no wonder; for he was such a
dear little fellow, and so handsome besides. Sigrid prepared a nice room
close to hers for him, for her first thought was to try to make him as
comfortable as when he was at home. She and her husband intended to
bring him up with the greatest care and affection, for they felt the
great responsibility that had been thrown upon them. For a few days Ivar
was homesick. He missed his mother and father very much, and also his
playmates; everything was new to him in Hrafnista, but gradually he
became reconciled to his new home, and began to love more and more his
foster-parents.
Gudbrand and Sigrid had a son named Hjalmar, who was a year older than
Ivar. Father and mother determined that Hjalmar should be educated at
home also, so that the two boys might become foster-brothers, as was the
custom of the time for children that were brought up together. A close
friendship sprang up between the two lads, and as they grew up they
became inseparable, and in any dispute that one had with other boys, the
other was sure to take the part of his foster-brother. At times other
children of their age were invited to join them in their play, and
occasionally contests of strength and skill took place among these young
lads for the championship in each of their games, during which they were
applauded and cheered by those of their elders who were present.
The education of the two boys began in earnest as they grew older, and
both made steady progress. They were taught gymnastic exercises, games
of ball, wrestling, running, jumping, swimming. They also learned how to
row, to steer, and to furl or to reef a sail, and became excellent
riders on horseback, as well as sailors. They were even taught the
practical side of shipbuilding, and were often to be seen working very
hard in the shipyards. The greatest attention was paid to their physical
training, which was considered of the highest importance, for skill and
agility were absolutely necessary to a warrior; without them he could
not obtain victory over his foe, or escape danger, besides which, these
exercises made them strong and healthy.
As time went along, the love between Ivar and his foster-parents
increased greatly. As he became older he grew in strength and manliness,
each following year showing great improvement of mind and body. Both
lads had been taught how to write runic characters, and also had learned
the meaning of mystic runes—a knowledge that was only acquired by the
sons of high-born men—so that when necessary they might send messages
that could only be deciphered by those for whom they were intended. They
could write beautifully on birch bark, which was made almost as thin as
papyrus for that purpose, or they could engrave runic letters upon wood,
stone, and jewels of gold and silver, and inlay mystic letters in the
blades of weapons. The art of writing was so ancient in the North that
the people believed that it had been taught to them by Odin; but at the
period we are speaking of, the Romans, Greeks, and Norsemen were the
only people who knew how to read and write in Europe.
Ivar and Hjalmar as they grew older became great athletes, and excelled
in skill and dexterity all the lads of their age. They could swim like
seals, people said, clad with their armor, and carried then their
weapons on their backs. They could throw a spear as well with the left
as with the right hand; they could handle a sword, an axe, or a shield
in the same manner; and, in a word, could shoot and strike with both
hands equally well. They could handle the sword, or sax, with such
rapidity of movement that the blade could not be seen in the air, and
only its hissing be heard. They could shoot with the bow with an
unerring eye, and hit a checker on the head of a man without wounding
his scalp; they could throw a stone with a sling with fatal accuracy,
and woe to the man for whom the stone was intended. Ivar could leap
almost equally well forward or backward, and had even greater dexterity
than his foster-brother, and no young man of his age could compete with
him in any of the athletic games.
Both foster-brothers were constantly trained in naval exercises,
especially when a great number of vessels had come together. They were
also taught foreign languages, for it was absolutely necessary for
Vikings to understand the language of the countries with which they
traded or upon which they made war, for, as we have said, their
commercial or warlike expeditions extended far and wide. They could
write impromptu poetry, but poetry being a gift of the gods, only its
rules and metres were taught to them, for to be a scald one had to be
born a scald. They had also learned how to play chess, which was a game
much in vogue among the Norsemen.
Gudbrand filled the minds of the lads with the love of fame by
recounting to them the great expeditions he had undertaken conjointly
with Hjorvard, or sang to them the valorous deeds recorded by the scalds
of the old warriors who had gone to Valhalla, so that when the time came
they both might emulate their examples.
As Ivar grew older he became deeply inquisitive concerning divers
subjects in regard to which he began to take great interest. One early
morning he saw Gudbrand seated, as was often his wont, upon the mound of
his father, contemplating the sea, and going up to him on a sudden
impulse he said: “Foster-father, tell me how things were in the
beginning, and about the creation.”
Gudbrand answered: “Thou knowest well that our worship is the true one;
we belong to Odin, and are loved by him and by the gods. Before the
creation the universe was a gaping void called Ginnungagap, and nothing
existed. On each side of this gaping void there were two
worlds—Niflheim, the world of cold; and Muspelheim, the world of heat,
in the south. The part of the gaping void turning towards the north was
filled with weight of ice and rime, and the opposite side with drizzle
and gusts of wind. The southern part of Ginnungagap became less heavy,
from the sparks and glowing substances which came flying from
Muspelheim; and just as the cold and all things come from Niflheim, the
things near Muspelheim were hot and shining. Ginnungagap was as warm as
windless air, so that when the rime and the breath of the heat met, the
rime melted into drops. From Elivagar, the stream flowing from the well
Hvergelmir, in Niflheim, spurted drops of poison, which froze and grew
into a Jotun, who was called Ymir, but the Hrimthursar call him
Orgelmir, and the kin of the Hrimthursar have sprung from him. When Ymir
lived, in early ages, there were neither sands nor sea, nor cool waves,
no earth, no grass, and no heavens above. There was only Ginnungagap.
Numberless years before the earth was shaped was Bergelmir born.
Trudgelmir was his father, and Orgelmir his grandfather.”
“On what did Ymir live, or by what?” asked Ivar.
Gudbrand replied: “It happened that when the hoar frost fell in drops,
the cow Audhumla grew out of it; four rivers of milk ran from her teats,
and she fed Ymir. Audhumla for food licked the rime stones, covered with
salt and rime, and the first day she licked them a man’s hair came out
of them; the second day a man’s head; the third day a whole man was
there. He was called Buri, and was handsome in looks, large and mighty.
He had Bor for son, who got Besla, daughter of the Jotun, or Hrimthurs
Bolthorn, for a wife, and she had three sons, Odin, Vili, and Ve. From
them the Asar, or the kin of Odin, are descended. It is said that the
sons of Bor, Odin, Vili, and Ve slew Ymir, and that so much blood flowed
from his wounds that he drowned the whole race of the Hrimthursar,
except Bergelmir and his wife, who escaped in a flour bin, and from them
is descended a new race of Hrimthursar.”
“How was the world created?” asked Ivar.
“From Ymir’s flesh the earth was shaped, and from his blood the sea; the
mountains from his bones; from his hair the trees, and the sky from his
skull. From his brow the gods made Midgard for the sons of men, and from
his brain the gloomy clouds created. A triad of Asar found on the ground
Ask and Embla; they had no breath and no mind, neither blood nor motion
nor proper complexion. Odin gave the breath, Hœnir gave the mind, Lodur
gave the blood and befitting hues, and from them mankind is descended.”
Once in a while Ivar’s father would stop at Hrafnista when he passed
before Engel with his fleet, bound for some expedition against the Roman
provinces, or on his return from them; then there was great joy in the
household, and it was with pride that he saw the great progress his son
was making in all manly exercises and mental training. His mother came
to see him about once in two years, and how proud she was of her son
need not be told.
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