Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Steve Read and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
The Story of Norway
by Hjalmar H. Boyesen
THE STORY OF THE NATIONS
OCTAVO, ILLUSTRATED. PER VOL., $1.50
THE EARLIER VOLUMES WILL BE
THE STORY OF GREECE. By Prof. JAS. A. HARRISON
THE STORY OF ROME. By ARTHUR GILMAN
THE STORY OF THE JEWS. By Prof. JAS. K. HOSMER
THE STORY OF CHALDEA. By Z. A. RAGOZIN
THE STORY OF NORWAY. By Prof. H. H. BOYESEN
THE STORY OF GERMANY. By S. BARING-GOULD
THE STORY OF SPAIN. By E. E. and SUSAN HALE
THE STORY OF HUNGARY. By Prof. A. VAMBERY
THE STORY OF CARTHAGE. By Prof. ALFRED J. CHURCH
THE STORY OF THE SARACENS. By ARTHUR GILMAN
THE STORY OF ASSYRIA. By Z. A. RAGOZIN
THE STORY OF THE MOORS IN SPAIN. By STANLEY LANE-POOLE
THE STORY OF THE NORMANS. By SARAH O. JEWETT
THE STORY OF PERSIA. By S. G. W. BENJAMIN
THE STORY OF ALEXANDER'S EMPIRE. By Prof. J. P. MAHAFFY
THE STORY OF ANCIENT EGYPT. By GEO. RAWLINSON
THE STORY OF THE GOTHS. By HENRY BRADLEY
For prospectus of the series see end of this volume
G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS NEW YORK AND LONDON
[Illustration]
The Story of the Nations
THE
STORY OF NORWAY
BY
HJALMAR H. BOYESEN
GEBHARD PROFESSOR OF GERMAN IN COLUMBIA COLLEGE, AUTHOR OK "GOETHE &
SCHILLER," "GUNNAR," "IDYLS OF NORWAY," ETC.
NEW YORK & LONDON
G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS
The Knickerbocker Press
COPYRIGHT BY
G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS
1886
Press of
G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS
New York
TO
CHRISTIAN BOeRS
KNIGHT OF ST. OLAF, WASA, AND THE NORTH STAR, CONSUL OF
NORWAY AND SWEDEN IN NEW YORK, THIS HISTORY
OF HIS NATIVE LAND IS DEDICATED BY HIS
FRIEND THE AUTHOR
[Illustration]
PREFACE.
It has been my ambition for many years to write a history of Norway,
chiefly because no such book, worthy of the name, exists in the English
language. When the publishers of the present volume proposed to me to
write the story of my native land, I therefore eagerly accepted their
offer. The story, however, according to their plan, was to differ in
some important respects from a regular history. It was to dwell
particularly upon the dramatic phases of historical events, and concern
itself but slightly with the growth of institutions and sociological
phenomena. It therefore necessarily takes small account of proportion.
In the present volume more space is given to the national hero, Olaf
Tryggvesson, whose brief reign was crowded with dramatic events, than to
kings who reigned ten times as long. For the same reason the four
centuries of the Union with Denmark are treated with comparative
brevity. Many things happened, no doubt, during those centuries, but
"there were few deeds." Moreover, the separate history of Norway, in the
time of her degradation, has never proved an attractive theme to Norse
historians, for which reason the period has been generally neglected.
The principal sources of which I have availed myself in the preparation
of the present volume, are Snorre Sturlasson: _Norges Kongesagaer_
(Christiania, 1859, 2 vols.); P. A. Munch: _Det Norske Folks Historie_
(Christiania, 1852, 6 vols.); R. Keyser: _Efterladte Skrifter_
(Christiania, 1866, 2 vols.); _Samlede Afhandlinger_ (1868); J. E. Sars:
_Udsigt over den Norske Historie_ (Christiania, 1877, 2 vols.); K.
Maurer: _Die Bekehrung des Norwegischen Stammes zum Christenthume_
(Muenchen, 1856, 2 vols.), and _Die Entstehung des Islaendischen Staates_
(Muenchen, 1852); G. Vigfusson: _Sturlunga Saga_ (Oxford, 1878, 2 vols.);
and _Um timatal i Islendinga soegum i fornoeld_ (contained in _Safn til
soegu Islands_, 1855); G. Storm: _Snorre Sturlasson's Historieskrivning_
(Kjoebenhavn, 1878); C. F. Allen: _Haandbog i Faedrelandets Historie_
(Kjoebenhavn, 1863); besides a large number of scattered articles in
German and Scandinavian historical magazines. A question which has
presented many difficulties is the spelling of proper names. To adopt in
every instance the ancient Icelandic form would scarcely be practicable,
because the names in their modernized forms are usually familiar and
easy to pronounce, while, in their Icelandic disguises, they are to
English readers nearly unpronounceable, and present a needlessly
forbidding appearance. Where a name has no well-recognized English
equivalent, I have therefore adopted the modern Norwegian form, which
usually differs from the ancient, in having dropped a final letter. Thus
Sigurdr (which with an English genitive would be Sigurdr's) becomes in
modern Norwegian Sigurd, Eirikr, Erik, etc. Those surnames, which are
descriptive epithets, I have translated where they are easily
translatable, thus writing Harold the Fairhaired, Haakon the Good, Olaf
the Saint, etc. Absolute consistency would, however, give to some names
a too cumbrous look, as, for instance, Einar the Twanger of Thamb (Thamb
being the name of his bow), and I have in such instances kept the Norse
name (Thambarskelver).
It is a pleasant duty to acknowledge my indebtedness for valuable
criticism to my friends, E. Munroe Smith, J.U.D., Adjunct Professor of
History in Columbia College, and Hon. Rasmus B. Andersen, United States
Minister to Denmark, without whose kindly aid in procuring books, maps,
etc., the difficulties in the preparation of the present volume would
have been much increased. I am also under obligation to Dr. W. H.
Carpenter, of Columbia College, and to the Norwegian artist, Mr. H. N.
Gausta, of La Crosse, Wis., who has kindly sent me two spirited original
compositions, illustrative of peasant-life in Norway.
HJALMAR H. BOYESEN.
COLUMBIA COLLEGE,
NEW YORK, April 15, 1886.
CONTENTS.
I.
PAGE
WHO WERE THE NORSEMEN? 1-12
The Aryan migrations, 1-3--The physical characteristics of
Norway, 4, 5--Early tribal organization and means of livelihood,
6-10--Sense of independence and aptitude for self-government,
10-12.
II.
THE RELIGION OF THE NORSEMEN 13-24
Theories regarding the origin of the Scandinavian gods, 13-16--The
Eddaic account of the creation of the world and of
man, 16-18--The world-tree Ygdrasil, 18--The _Aesir_, their
functions and their dwellings, 19-23--Loke the Evil-Doer
and his terrible children, 23, 24.
III.
THE AGE OF THE VIKINGS.--ORIGIN OF THE VIKING CRUISES 25-44
The Norsemen launch forth upon the arena of history, 25--The
origin of the viking cruises, 25-27--Kingship among
the Scandinavian tribes, 27, 28--The three periods of the
viking age, 28-30--The contribution of the vikings to the
political life of Europe, 30, 31--Sigfrid of Nortmannia, 31--Godfrey
the Hunter, 31, 32---Charlemagne's prophecy in
regard to the vikings, 32-34--Hasting's stratagem, 34-36--Ragnar,
Asgeir, and Roerek, 36, 37--Thorgisl in Ireland,
38, 39--Olaf the White, 40, 41--The vikings in England,
41--Simeon of Durham's account of the vikings, 42--The
character of the vikings at home and abroad, 43, 44.
IV.
HALFDAN THE SWARTHY 45-51
The descent of the Yngling race, 45--The sacrifices of Aun
the Old, 45--Olaf the Wood-cutter, Halfdan Whiteleg, and
Godfrey the Hunter, 46--Birth of Halfdan the Swarthy, 46
Sigurd Hjort and the _Berserk_ Hake, 47, 48--Halfdan the
Swarthy weds Ragnhild, 48--Ragnhild's dream, 48--King
Halfdan's dream, 49--Birth of Harold the Fairhaired, 49--The
Finn's trick, 50--King Halfdan's death, 51.
V.
HAROLD THE FAIRHAIRED 52-73
Harold the Fairhaired woos Gyda, 52, 53--Harold's vow,
53--Herlaug and Rollaug, 54--Harold's policy toward the
conquered kings, 54, 55--The feudal state, 55--Taxation
and the peasants' loss of allodial rights, 55, 56--Haakon
Grjotgardsson and Ragnvald, Earl of Moere, 56--Kveld-Ulf
and his sons, 56, 57--Erik Eimundsson's invasion of Norway,
57--His meeting with King Harold, 58--The battle of
Hafrs-Fjord, 59--Earl Ragnvald cuts King Harold's hair,
59--Harold marries Gyda, 59, 60--Harold's treachery to
Thorolf Kveld-Ulf's son, 60-62--Kveld-Ulf's vengeance
and migration to Iceland, 62, 63--Duke Rollo in Norway
and France, 64, 65--Emigration of discontented magnates,
65, 66--Snefrid, 67--Queen Ragnhild, 68--Erik Blood-Axe's
feuds with his brothers, 69-71--Guttorm Sindre, 71,
72--Birth of Haakon the Good, 72--Haakon is sent to
Ethelstan, 72, 73--Death of Harold, 73.
VI.
ERIK BLOOD-AXE 74-86
Erik's meeting with Gunhild, 74-76--Erik kills his brothers,
Sigfrid and Olaf, 76--Thorolf, Bald Grim's son, 77--Egil,
Bald Grim's son, kills Baard, 78--Egil kills Berg-Anund,
79, 80--Egil's pole of dishonor, 80--Egil ransoms his head
by a song, 81-85--Erik is exiled, 86.
VII.
HAAKON THE GOOD 87-101
Character of Haakon, 87--Proclaimed king of Norway, 88--Legislative
reforms and restoration of allodium, 89--Signal
fires, 90--First attempt to introduce Christianity, 90-92--Speech
of Asbjoern of Medalhus, 92--The king eats horse-flesh,
92-94--The sons of Erik Blood-Axe make war upon
Norway, 94, 95--Battles of Sotoness and Agvaldsness, 95,
96--Egil Woolsark, 96, 97--Battle of Fraedoe, 96-98--Failure
of attempt to Christianize the country, 98--Battle
of Fitje (Eyvind Scald-Spoiler), 98-101--Death of Haakon
the Good, 101.
VIII.
HAROLD GREYFELL AND HIS BROTHERS 102-114
Unpopularity of the sons of Erik, 102-104--Their characters,
104--Harold Greyfell and Eyvind Scald-Spoiler, 105--Treachery
of Harold toward Earl Sigurd, 105, 106--Independence
of Earl Haakon, 106, 107--Murder of Tryggve
Olafsson, 107, 108--Birth of Olaf Tryggvesson, 108--Adventures
of Aastrid and Thoralf Lousy-Beard, 108-110--Sigurd
Sleva insults Aaluf, 111--Earl Haakon's intrigues in
Denmark, 111, 112--Gold-Harold slays Harold Greyfell,
112--Expulsion of the sons of Erik, 113, 114.
IX.
EARL HAAKON 115-133
Earl Haakon defends Dannevirke, 115, 116--Harold Bluetooth,
117--Haakon's devastations in Sweden and in Viken,
118--Earl Erik and Tiding-Skofte, 119--The funeral feast
of the Jomsvikings, 120, 121--Battle in Hjoerungavaag,
121-125--The Jomsvikings on the log, 125, 126--Haavard
the Hewer, 127--The power and popularity of Earl Haakon,
127, 128--Gudrun Lundarsol, 129--Revolt of the peasants,
130--The earl hides under a pigsty, 130, 131--"Why art
thou so pale, Kark?" 131--Kark murders the earl, 132--Haakon's
character, 132, 133.
X.
THE YOUTH OF OLAF TRYGGVESSON 134-142
Aastrid's flight to Russia, 134, 135--Olaf is sold for a ram,
135--He is taken to Vladimir's court, 135, 136--King
Burislav and Geira, 136, 137--The wooers' market in England,
137--Marriage with Gyda, 137, 138--Olaf's warfare in
England, 138, 139--Thore Klakka tries to entrap Olaf, 139,
140--Return to Norway and proclamation as king, 140-142.
XI.
OLAF TRYGGVESSON 143-172
Olaf Christianizes Viken, 143, 144--Character of old Germanic
Christianity, 144-146--Thangbrand the pugnacious
priest, 147--The chiefs of Haalogaland, 148--Ironbeard
and the peasants of Troendelag, 149, 150--The Yule-tide
feast at Moere, 150-152--Olaf woos Sigrid the Haughty,
152-154--He marries Thyra, 154--Thore Hjort, Eyvind
Kinriva, and Haarek of Thjotta, 154-158--Thangbrand
in Iceland, 158, 159--Olaf's character, 160--Thyra's tears
for her lost possessions, 161--"The Long-Serpent," 161--King
Olaf sails to Wendland, 162, 163--Earl Sigvalde's
treachery, 163--Battle of Svolder, 164-172--King Olaf's
death. 171, 172.
XII.
THE EARLS ERIK AND SWEYN.--IHE DISCOVERY OF VINLAND 173-181
Division of Norway between the victors at Svolder, 173--Erling
Skjalgsson of Sole, 174-176--Earl Erik's character,
176--And attitude toward Christianity, 176, 177--Revival
of the viking spirit, 177--Earl Erik abdicates in favor of his
brother and son, 178, 179--Bjarne Herjulfsson's glimpse of
America, 179--Leif Eriksson's expedition to Vinland, 180,
181--Thorfinn Karlsevne and Gudrid, 181.
XIII.
OLAF THE SAINT 182-224
Birth and childhood of Olaf the Saint, 182, 183--Viking
cruises, 183--Return to Norway, 184--He captures Earl
Haakon, 185--His reception by Aastrid and Sigurd Syr,
186, 187--Family council, 187, 188--Support of the shire-kings,
188--The Troenders recognize Olaf as king, 189--Surprised
by Earl Sweyn in Nidaros, 190--Battle of Nessje,
190, 192--Earl Sweyn's flight and death, 192--Quarrel with
King Olaf the Swede, 193, 194--Bjoern Stallare's mission,
194-196--Speech of Thorgny the Lawman, 196, 197--Olaf
marries Aastrid, 198--Conspiracy of the shire-kings and
their punishments, 199--The play of the sons of Sigurd Syr,
199, 200--Roerek's hard fate, 201--His attempt to murder
Olaf, 202--The attitude of the tribal aristocracy toward
Olaf, 202, 203--Paganism _versus_ Christianity, 204, 205--"Where
are my ancestors?" 205--Olaf's character and appearance,
205-207--Dale-Guldbrand, 207-210--Slaying of
Aasbjoern Sigurdsson, 211--Knut the Mighty bribes the
Norse chieftains, 212, 213--Anund Jacob refuses the bribe,
213, 214--Battle of Helge-aa, 214, 215--Death of Erling
Skjalgsson, 216--Olaf goes to Russia, 217--Bjoern Stallare's
confession, 218--Olaf returns to Norway, 218--His vision,
220, 221--Battle of Sticklestad, 221, 222--Thormod Kolbruna-Scald,
222-224--Burial of St. Olaf, 224.
XIV.
SWEYN ALFIFASSON 225-229
Alfifa and the Norse chiefs, 225--Unpopular and oppressive
laws, 226--King Olaf canonized, 227--Tryggve Olafsson's
defeat, 228--Einar Thambarskelver rebukes Alfifa, 228--Magnus
Olafsson returns from Russia, 229--Expulsion of
Sweyn, 229.
XV.
MAGNUS THE GOOD 230-250
Circumstances of Magnus' birth, 230--Magnus and Harthaknut,
231--Jealousies of the chieftains, 232--Magnus and
Kalf Arnesson at Stiklestad, 233--Sighvat Scald's Lay of
Candor, 234--Sweyn Estridsson rebels, 236, 237--Battle of
Lyrskog's Heath, 237--Thorstein Side-Hall's son, 238--Einar
Thambarskelver's disagreement and reconciliation
with Magnus, 238, 239--Arrival of Harold Sigurdsson, 240--His
adventures abroad, 240-242--Magnus' reception of
Harold, 243--Harold's alliance with Sweyn Estridsson, 244--Agreement
to share the government, 245--The peasant
Toke's speech, 246, 247--Expeditions of Magnus against
Sweyn Estridsson, 247, 247--Death of Magnus the Good,
249, 250.
XVI.
HAROLD HARD-RULER 251-272
The tribal chieftains and the hereditability of the crown,
251, 252--Harold decides to conquer Denmark, 252--Determination
to break the power of the aristocracy, 253--Einar
Thambarskelver's hostility, 254, 255--Harold marries
Thora, 255--St. Hallvard and the founding of Oslo, 256--Burning
of Heidaby, 257--Sweyn's pursuits and Harold's
stratagems, 257-259--Battle of Nis-aa, 259--Peace of
Goetha Elv, 260--Feuds with Einar Thambarskelver, 260,
261--Harold tests the loyalty of the chieftains, 261, 262--Hoegne
Langbjoernsson, 262, 263--Murder of Einar and his
son, 264--Harold's treachery to Kalf Arnesson and Haakon
Ivarsson, 265-267--Arrival of Earl Tostig in Norway, 268--Battles
of Fulford and Stamford Bridge, 268-270--Styrkaar
and the yeoman, 270-272--Position of the Norwegian
Church, 272.
XVII.
OLAF THE QUIET AND MAGNUS HAROLDSSON, 273-284
Olaf and Magnus divide the country, 273--War with Sweyn
Estridsson, 273, 274--Death of Magnus, 274--Character of
Olaf the Quiet, 275, 276--Gradual cessation of viking
cruises, 276, 277--Gradual abolition of serfdom, 278--Vikings
and merchants, 278, 279--Appearance and appointments
of dwellings, 280, 281--Increased splendor of the
court, 281, 282--Establishment of guilds, 282, 283--Skule
Tostigsson, 283--Death of Olaf the Quiet, 284.
XVIII.
MAGNUS BAREFOOT AND HAAKON MAGNUSSON, 285-290
The Troenders proclaim Haakon king, 285--Magnus' expedition
to Scotland and Ireland, 285, 286--Death of
Haakon, 286--Punishment of his partisans, 286, 287--War-like
spirit of Magnus, 287--War with Sweden, 288--War
with Ireland, 289--Death of Magnus in Ulster, 290.
XIX.
EYSTEIN SIGURD THE CRUSADER AND OLAF MAGNUSSON 291-305
Division of the land, 291--Sigurd's crusade, 292, 293--Eystein's
meritorious activity at home, 294--Hostility of the
brothers, 295--The case of Sigurd Ranesson, 295, 296--Borghild
of Dal, 297--The "man-measuring," 297-301--Death
of Eystein, 301--Ottar Birting, 301-303--Arrival of
Harold Gille, 303--Cecilia, 303--Death of Sigurd, 304, 305.
XX.
MAGNUS THE BLIND AND HAROLD GILLE 306-310
Character of Magnus and of Harold, 306--Battle of Fyrileiv,
307--Magnus captured and maimed, 307, 308--Sigurd
Slembedegn, 308--Harold Gille murdered, 309--Burning of
Konghelle by the Wends, 310.
XXI.
THE SONS OF HAROLD GILLE 311-321
The sons of Harold Gille proclaimed kings, 311--Sigurd
Slembedegn allies himself with Magnus the Blind, 311, 312--Inge
Crookback's first experience of war, 312--Battles of
Krokaskogen, 312, and Holmengraa, 313--Sigurd Slembedegn's
fortitude, 313--Arrival of Eystein Haroldsson, 314--Feuds
between the brothers, 314-316--Character and appearance
of Sigurd Mouth, 314-316--Death of Sigurd, 316--Death
of Eystein, 317--Erling Skakke and Gregorius
Dagsson, 318-320--Fall of Inge at Oslo, 320--The cardinal's
visit, 320, 321.
XXII.
HAAKON THE BROAD-SHOULDERED 322-325
Christina bribes the priest, 322--Erling Skakke's intrigues,
323--Seeks aid in Denmark, 323, 324--Battle of Sekken,
324.
XXIII.
MAGNUS ERLINGSSON 326-349
Rebellion of the "Sigurd party," 326, 327--Battle of Ree,
327--Erling's alliance with Archbishop Eystein, 327--Magnus
takes the land in fief from St. Olaf, 327, 328--Magnus
crowned, 328--King Valdemar's expedition to Norway, 328,
329--The rebellion of the Hood-Swains, 329--Battle of
Djursaa, 330--Erling accepts an earldom from Valdemar,
330--Kills his stepson Harold, 332--Eystein Meyla and the
Birchlegs, 333, 334--Childhood and youth of Sverre Sigurdsson,
334-337--Sverre becomes the chief of the Birchlegs,
337--Vicissitudes and adventures of the Birchlegs,
337-341--Battle of Kalvskindet, 341-343--Death of Erling
Skakke, 343--Social revolution inaugurated by Sverre, 343-345--Battle
at Nordness, 346--Warfare between Birchlegs
and Heklungs, 346-348--Battle of Norefjord and death of
Magnus, 348, 349.
XXIV.
SVERRE SIGURDSSON 350-378
A dangerous precedent, 350--Erik Kingsson, 351--The
lawmen and prefects, 351, 352--The new democracy, 352,
353--Rebellion of the Kuvlungs, 353, 354; the Varbelgs,
354; and the Oyeskeggs, 354-357--Sverre's controversy
with the Church, 357, 358--Nicholas Arnesson, 358--Sverre
is put in the ban, 359--Origin of the Bagler party,
360, 361--Nicholas shows the white feather, 361--Treason
of Thorstein Kugad, 362--The Baglers besiege the block-house
in Bergen, 362-365--Burning of Bergen, 365--The
traitor's return, 366--The Papal bull and Sverre's defence,
366-368--The Bagler's defeated at Strindsoe, 369--The
great peasant rebellion, 370-373--Sverre's magnanimity,
374--Aristocracy _versus_ Democracy, 374, 375--Siege and
surrender of Tunsberg, 375, 376--Death of Sverre, 376, 377--His
character, 377, 378.
XXV.
HAAKON SVERRESSON 379-384
Peace with the Church, 379--Popularity of Haakon, 380--Discontent
of the queen-dowager, 381--Abduction of Princess
Christina, 381, 382--The fatal Yule-tide feast, 382,
383--Death of Haakon by poison, 383--Flight of Queen
Margaret, 384.
XXVI.
GUTTORM SIGURDSSON AND INGE BAARDSSON, 385-399
The Bagler troop reorganized under Erling Stonewall, 385--Successful
ordeal, 386--Death of Guttorm Sigurdsson by
poison, 387--Inge Baardsson proclaimed king, 388--Society
disorganized by the civil wars, 388, 389--Unbidden guests
at the bridal feast, 389, 390--Philip Simonsson made king
of the Baglers, 390--Birth and childhood of Haakon
Haakonsson, 391, 392--Compromise of Hvitingsoee, 393--The
intrigues of Haakon Galen, 394, 395--Helge Hvasse
and the boy Haakon, 396, 397--Discontent of the Birchlegs,
398--Death of King Inge, 399.
XXVII.
HAAKON HAAKONSSON THE OLD 400-432
Haakon proclaimed king, 400--Rebellion of the Slittungs,
401--Effects of the civil war, 401, 402--The intrigues of
Earl Skule, 402-404--Inga of Varteig carries glowing irons,
404-406--Rebellion of the Ribbungs, 407, 408--Skule's
double-dealing, 408-410--Assembly of notables in Bergen,
410--Bishop Nicholas' hypocrisy, 411--Sigurd Ribbung renews
the rebellion, 412--Haakon's campaign in Vermeland,
412, 413--Duke Skule's leaky ships, 413--Death of Bishop
Nicholas and Sigurd Ribbung, 414--Squire Knut as the
chief of the Ribbungs, 416--Skule's "Crusade," 416, 417--Skule
allies himself with Valdemar the Victorious, 417, 418--Skule
called to account, 418-420--Intrigues at the Roman
Curia, 420, 421--The plot revealed, 421, 422--Skule proclaims
himself king, 423--Battle of Laaka, 424--Skule defeated
at Oslo, 425--Death of Skule, 426, 427--Coronation
of Haakon, 427-429--His power and fame at home and
abroad, 429-431--Expedition to Scotland, and death, 431,
432.
XXVIII.
THE STURLUNGS IN ICELAND 433-441
Snorre Sturlasson's _Heimskringla_, 433, 434--Snorre's parentage
and youth, 434--Character of Snorre, 434--Reykjaholt,
436--Brother feuds, 436--Snorre's visit to Norway, 437--Plots
and counterplots, 437-440--Snorre's death, 440--Sturla
Thordsson, 440, 441.
XXIX.
MAGNUS LAW-MENDER 442-450
Cession of Man and the Shetland Isles to Scotland, 442--Reasons
for and against the cession, 443--Condition of Icelandic
society and submission of the island to Norway, 444--Magnus
as a law-giver, 445-447--The tribal aristocracy
and the court nobility, 447, 448--Concessions to the Church,
448, 449--Degeneracy of the old royal house, 450--Death
of Magnus, 450.
XXX.
ERIK PRIEST-HATER 451-456
The barons increase their power, 451--Quarrels with the
clergy, 452--The false "Maid of Norway," 453--Depredations
of "Little Sir Alf," 453, 454--War with Denmark and
the Hansa, 454, 455--Capture and death of Little Sir Alf,
456--Death of King Erik, 456.
XXXI.
HAAKON LONGLEGS 457-460
Sir Audun's treason, 457--The dukes Erik and Valdemar
458--Complications with Sweden, 459--War with Denmark,
460--Death of Haakon, 460.
XXXII.
MAGNUS SMEK, HAAKON MAGNUSSON, AND OLAF THE YOUNG 461-466
Magnus Smek becomes king of Norway and Sweden, 461--Duchess
Ingeborg's unpopularity, 461, 462--Discontent with
Magnus, 462--Alliance with Valdemar Atterdag, 462, 463--Magnus
deposed in Sweden, 463--Haakon's war with Albrecht
of Mecklenberg, 464--The power of the Hansa in
Norway, 464--Death of Magnus, 465--The Black Death,
465, 466--Olaf the Young, 466.
XXXIII.
NORWAY DURING THE KALMAR UNION 467-474
Margaret unites the three kingdoms, 467-469--The Kalmar
Union, 469, 470--Reasons for its disastrous consequences,
470-472--Death of Margaret, 472--Erik of Pomerania's
misrule and extortions, 472, 473--Christopher of Bavaria,
473, 474.
XXXIV.
THE UNION WITH DENMARK 475-488
The condition of Norway and Denmark during the union
compared, 475, 476--Charles Knuttson elected king of Sweden,
478--Christian I.'s war with Charles Knutsson, 479,
480--Misrule in Norway, 480--The Scottish Isles pawned,
480, 481--King Hans, 481, 482--Christian II.'s accession,
482--His attempt to humble the nobility, 483--The carnage
of Stockholm, 483, 484--His vain appeal to the bourgeoisie,
484, 485--Christian's flight, 485--Frederick I., 485, 486--Struggle
about the succession, 486, 487--Christian III., 487,
488--Norway becomes a province of Denmark, 488.
XXXV.
NORWAY AS A PROVINCE OF DENMARK 489-515
The Reformation introduced, 489, 490--The power of the
Hansa broken, 490-492--Frederick II., 492-494--Christian
IV.'s interest in Norway, 494--The Kalmar War, 495--Participation
in the Thirty Years' War, 495, 496--The
Hannibal's feud, 496--Frederick III.'s disastrous war with
Sweden, 498--Absolutism introduced, 499, 500--Christian
V., 500, 501--Frederick IV.'s accession, 501--The Great
Northern War, 502-504--Tordenskjold, 503, 504--Christian
VI., 506-508--Frederick V, 508--Christian VII., 508-512--The
armed neutrality, 509, 510--Frederick VI. mounts
the throne, 512--War with Sweden, 512, 513--Christian
August as viceroy, 512-514--The Treaty of Paris, 513--Protest
of the Norsemen, 514--Separation from Denmark, 515.
XXXVI.
NORWAY RECOVERS HER INDEPENDENCE 516-538
Christian Frederick as viceroy, 516-518--Constitutional convention
at Eidsvold, 518-520--War with Sweden, 520, 521--Armistice
at Moss, 521--Charles XIII. accepts the constitution,
522--Charles XIV. John becomes king of Norway,
522--His controversies with the _Storthing_, 522-526--Henrik
Wergeland, 526, 527--Count Wedel-Jarlsberg as
viceroy, 527--Oscar I., 528-530--The character of the
Norse peasantry, 528-530--Charles XV., 530, 531--Oscar
II., and the constitutional struggle, 531-534--Impeachment
of the ministry Selmer, 534--"The Pure Flag," 535--Present
condition of Norway and her place among the nations,
536--Literature and science, 536-538.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE.
STONE AXES FROM THE LATER STONE AGE 5
STONE USED FOR SHAPING INSTRUMENTS 7
STONE HAMMER 7
STONE KNIFE 8
ADZE OF ELK-HORN 9
STONE WEDGE 9
ROCK PICTURE OF A SHIP AT LOeKEBERG 10
ROCK PICTURE AT BORGEN 11
BRONZE SWORD 14
LOOR OR WAR HORN OF BRONZE 15
BRONZE SWORD 7
BUCKLES FROM THE EARLY IRON AGE 19
THE VIKING SHIP RECENTLY UNEARTHED AT SANDEFJORD 26
THE VIKING SHIP, VARIOUS VIEWS OF 29
ST. ANSGARIUS THE APOSTLE OF THE NORTH 33
IRON IMPLEMENT--USE UNKNOWN 35
TWO-EDGED SWORD 37
BUCKLE FROM THE IRON AGE 39
RUIN OF NORSE TOWER AT MOSOe 43
BUCKLE WITH BYZANTINE ORNAMENTATION 51
GILT BUCKLE FOUND AT SKEDSMO 72
CYLINDRICAL MOUNTING IN BRONZE 76
IRON POINT OF SPEAR, IRON CHISEL 84
FRYING-PAN OF BRONZE 89
BREASTPIN OF BRONZE 91
OVAL BRONZE BUCKLE 93
EGIL WOOLSARK'S MONUMENT 96
ORNAMENTAL BRONZE MOUNTING 97
CHURCH AT EGILOe 103
SCISSORS AND ARROW-HEAD OF IRON 107
HAROLD BLUETOOTH 117
RUNESTONE FROM STRAND IN RYFYLKE 121
OBLONG BUCKLE 133
OLAF TRYGGVESSON'S ARRIVAL IN NORWAY 141
OLD NORSE LOOM 145
RUNIC STONE FROM GRAN IN HADELAND 153
INSTRUMENT OF UNKNOWN USE 155
OLD LOOM FROM THE FAEROE ISLANDS 159
CHURCH AT MOSTER ISLAND 167
SHUTTLES OF IRON AND WHALEBONE 175
KNIVES OF IRON FOUND IN HEDEMARK AND HADELAND 208
ST. OLAF FROM DRONTHEIM CATHEDRAL 219
ST. OLAF AND THE TROLDS 223
MAGNUS THE GOOD AND KALF ARNESSON AT STIKLESTAD 235
MARBLE LION FROM THE PIRAEUS 241
POMMEL OF GILT BRONZE FROM THE VIKING AGE 250
THE OLD MAN OF HOY 271
INTERIOR OF ORKHAUGEN 279
HITTERDAL CHURCH 299
VILLAGE DURING FISHING SEASON 315
THE RAFT SUND IN VESTFJORD 331
HORNELEN 339
THORGHAeTTEN 363
HOeNEFOSS 371
HAAKON HAAKONSSON AND HELGE HVASSE 397
WEST FRONT OF DRONTHEIM CATHEDRAL 403
OLD NORSE CAPITALS 409
ON THE SOGNE FJORD 415
A STORM ON THE FJORD 419
NORWEGIAN STABBUR OR STORE-HOUSE 431
HOeRGADAL IN THE NORTH OF ICELAND 435
ALMANNAGJAA WITH THE HILL OF LAWS 439
QUEEN MARGARET 471
CHRISTIAN I. 479
BELT WRESTLING 491
THE NORTH CAPE 493
FREDERICK III., KING OF DENMARK AND NORWAY 497
THE CAPERCAILZIE IN NORWAY 505
CARVED LINTEL, STABBUR, AND BEER-MUGS 507
PEASANTS DANCING 511
PRINCE CHRISTIAN FREDERICK, VICEROY OF NORWAY 517
CHARLES XIV. JOHN (BERNADOTTE) 521
SKEE-RUNNING 525
BRIDE AND GROOM 529
PORTRAIT OF OSCAR II. 533
BJOeRNSTJERNE BJOeRNSON 537
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
THE STORY OF NORWAY.
CHAPTER I.
WHO WERE THE NORSEMEN?
The Norsemen are a Germanic race, and belong, accordingly, to the great
Aryan family. Their next of kin are the Swedes and Danes. Their original
home was Asia, and probably that part of Asia which the ancients called
Bactria, near the sources of the rivers Oxus and Jaxartes. Not only the
Norsemen are supposed to have come from this region, but the ancestors
of all the Aryan nations which now inhabit the greater portion of the
civilized world. Among the first to leave this cradle of nations were
the tribes which settled upon the eastern islands and peninsulas of the
Mediterranean, and, under the name of Hellenes, developed, long before
the Christian era, an art and a literature which are, in some respects,
yet unrivalled. The early Italic tribes, from which sprung in time the
world-empire of Rome, trace their descent from the same ancestry; as do
also the Kelts, who in ancient times inhabited England, Ireland, and
France; the Slavs who settled in the present Russia, Bohemia, and the
northern Turkish provinces; and the Germans, who occupied the great
central regions of the European continent. Among Asiatic nations, the
Iranians inhabiting Persia, and the Hindoos in India, have Aryan blood.
It seems almost incredible that persons differing so widely in
appearance, habits, and disposition, as, for instance, a Hindoo and an
Englishman, should, if you go sufficiently far back, have the same
ancestry. And yet there cannot be the slightest doubt that such is the
case. The question, then, naturally arises: "If they were once alike,
what can have made them so different?" And the answer is: "The climate,
the soil, and the general character of the countries in which they
settled."
The country from which the first Aryans emigrated was mountainous, with
fertile valleys, and an even, temperate climate. There was no excessive
heat to make men drowsy and indolent, nor excessive cold to stunt them
in their growth and paralyze their energies. The earth did not, as in
the tropics, produce a luxurious vegetation which would support the
inhabitants without labor, but it offered sustenance to herds of cattle
which, with the proper care, would supply the simple needs of primitive
men. The race, thus situated, progressed physically as well as mentally,
until it became superior to all the tribes inhabiting the neighboring
regions. War followed, in which the weaker succumbed. The Aryans,
increasing rapidly in numbers, took possession of the conquered
territories, enslaved the indigenous population, or drove it back into
localities where the conditions of life were less favorable. It is not
positively known when the first migration on a large scale took place;
but some scholars have supposed that the Hindoos separated from the
parent race as early as 1500 B.C. The dates of the Greek, Italic,
Keltic, and Slavic migrations are likewise uncertain, and the period
which has been fixed upon for the Aryan occupation of Germany is also
conjectural. The same uncertainty prevails regarding the earliest
history of the Scandinavian tribes; although there is a strong
probability that their invasion of the countries which they now inhabit
must have taken place during the second century preceding the Christian
era. It is not unlikely that they left their Asiatic home simultaneously
with the Germans, with whom they were then almost, if not entirely,
identical, and that their conquering hordes spread northward, subduing
the Finns and Lapps, whom they found in possession of the land, partly
exterminating them, partly forcing them up into the barren mountains of
the extreme North. Among the tribes whose path of conquest was turned in
this direction, the Goths (_Gauter_), the Swedes (_Svear_), and the
Danes (_Daner_) were the most prominent, though several other names are
mentioned, both by native and foreign authors. The name Norseman, or
Northman, is not found among these, because it refers not to any of the
Aryan tribes, but is solely derived from the country in which they
settled. Their country soon became known as Norway (Noregr or Norvegr),
_i. e._, the Northern Way. It is the long strip of territory extending
north and south between the mountain chain Kjoelen, which separates it
from Sweden and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. It looks on the map like
a big bag slung across the shoulders of Sweden.
It is a wonderful country--this land of the Norsemen. The ocean roars
along its rock-bound coast, and during the long, dark winter the storms
howl and rage, and hurl the waves in white showers of spray against the
sky. Great swarms of sea-birds drift like snow over the waters, and
circle screaming around the lonely cliffs. The aurora borealis flashes
like a huge shining fan over the northern heavens, and the stars glitter
with a keen frosty splendor. But in the summer all this is changed,
suddenly, as by a miracle. Then the sun shines warmly, even within the
polar circle; innumerable wild flowers sprout forth, the swelling rivers
dance singing to the sea, and the birches mingle their light-green
foliage with the darker needles of the pines. In the northern districts
it is light throughout the night, even during the few hours while the
sun dips beneath the horizon; the ocean spreads like a great burnished
mirror under the cloudless sky, the fishes leap, and the gulls and
eider-ducks rock tranquilly upon the shining waters. All along the coast
there are excellent harbors, which are free of ice both winter and
summer. A multitude of islands, some rocky and barren, others covered
with a scant growth of grass and trees, afford hiding-places for ships
and pasturage for cattle. Moreover, long arms of the ocean--the
so-called fiords--penetrate far into the country, and being filled with
water from the gulf-stream which strikes the western coast of Norway,
tend greatly to moderate the climate. About the shores of these fiords
narrow strips of arable land stretch themselves, with many
interruptions, along the edge of the water, and here the early Germanic
settlers built their houses and began their fight for existence. Behind
them and before them the great snow-hooded mountains rose threateningly,
sending down upon them avalanches, floods, and sudden whirlwinds. But,
nothing daunted, they clung to the soil, explored the land and the sea,
and selected the most favorable sites for their permanent dwellings.
[Illustration: STONE AXES FROM THE LATER STONE AGE.]
It is tolerably certain that the Aryan settlers in Norway knew at that
time very little of agriculture, but made their living by hunting,
fishing, and cattle-raising. The huts which they built of logs were rude
contrivances which could be easily torn down and moved. But, as at a
very early period, they began to devote themselves more to the culture
of the ground, their dwellings were made larger, and were built with
greater care. When a horde of warriors invaded a valley their first task
was to clear away the forests which grew dense and dark up over the
mountain sides. Their chieftain then built a _hov_ or temple for the
gods, where sacrifices were made at certain stated times. Whether it was
the chieftain's task to allot to each his share of land, or whether each
one chose according to his own preference, is not known, but the former
is the more probable; for the Norsemen, proud and pugnacious as they
were, subordinated themselves, in historic times, readily to their local
chiefs, and accorded them great honor. This sense of kinship within the
tribe and willing recognition of authority was the more important in
Norway, because the character of the ground there compelled the people
to live far apart on scattered _gaards_ or farms, between which
communication was often difficult. It would therefore have been easy for
the _boender_ or peasants to forget all public concerns and gradually to
lapse into isolation and savagery. But here their Germanic nature, which
had in it the germs of social progress, asserted itself. As the
centuries passed the people were bound more strongly together by common
pursuits and common interests. First of all, their religious observances
brought them together, then the necessity of defence against external
enemies. Life and property were in those days insecure possessions, and
it was only by acting in concert, under the leadership of a valiant
chief, that the scattered peasants could hope to preserve either. Men
had then fiercer and more inflammable passions than they have now, and
only fear of retaliation could teach them self-restraint.
[Illustration: STONE HAMMER.]
[Illustration: STONE USED FOR SHAPING IMPLEMENTS.]
It happened in this way that almost every separate valley in Norway
became a little kingdom by itself. Such a diminutive kingdom was called
a _fylki_. There was not always a king, but a chief there was always,
and sometimes more than one. To the king belonged the leadership in war.
He was in some district called a _jarl_ or earl, though this name came
in later times to mean not an independent ruler, but rather a
land-grave, a royal governor. The king could not tax the peasants for
his support, nor impose any burden upon them which they did not of their
own free choice accept. As a rule, his dignity was inherited by his son,
though the people were at liberty, in case they disapproved of the heir,
to select another. This right was repeatedly exercised in historic
times, both in Sweden and Norway. Sometimes, when the crops failed or
bad weather destroyed their herds, the peasants sacrificed their king to
their gods. All public misfortunes they interpreted as a sign that the
gods were angry, and craved bloody atonement. If the crops were good it
was evident that their king was in favor with the gods.
[Illustration: STONE KNIFE.]
It thus appears that the royal dignity among the early Norsemen was
burdened with unpleasant responsibilities. It involved more duties than
privileges, for, besides commanding in war, the king had also to conduct
the public sacrifices at the great pagan festivals. He was thus priest
as well as king. In fact, as before stated, he built the _hov_ or temple
himself, and it was chiefly his ownership of this, which raised him to a
dignity superior to that of other chieftains. It was by dint of this
same authority that he acted as judge at the _fylkis thing_, or popular
assembly, where all freeman met to consult concerning public and private
affairs. The _fylkis thing_ was neither a parliament nor a court of law,
but both combined. Private quarrels were settled, blood-wites or fines
agreed upon for homicides and other injuries, and resolutions taken
concerning peace and war. It was not a representative assembly, the
members of which were elected by vote, but rather a county meeting
(_shiremote_) where every man who could bear arms had a right to make
himself heard. You would scarcely wonder that where so many fierce and
turbulent warriors were gathered, breaches of the peace were frequent.
But when swords were drawn, it was impossible to judge and deliberate.
Therefore the _fylkis thing_ was hallowed, and to break the peace of the
_thing_ was regarded as the greatest of crimes. If a man killed another,
and publicly proclaimed himself his slayer, the crime could be atoned
for by money (blood-wite) paid to the nearest surviving relative of the
dead man. If the relatives accepted the blood-wite, they were not at
liberty to seek revenge. But in ancient times it was regarded as more
honorable to refuse the money and resort to the sword. If a man slew
another secretly and denied the crime he was held to be a murderer, and
could not offer blood-wite. He was then outlawed, and every man who saw
him was at liberty to slay him.
[Illustration: ADZE OF ELK-HORN.]
[Illustration: STONE WEDGE.]
[Illustration: ROCK PICTURE OF A SHIP AT LOKEBERG IN BOHUSLEN.]
Such were the Norsemen during the first centuries after their
settlement in their present home. In spite of their violence and
proneness to bloodshed, you will yet admit that they had many traits
which were admirable. They could recognize authority, and yet preserve
their sturdy sense of independence. Simple and imperfect as their
_fylkis things_ were, they suffice to show an aptitude for
self-government, and a recognition of the people itself, as the source
of authority. These tall blonde men with their defiant blue eyes, who
obeyed their kings while they had confidence in them, and killed them
when they had forfeited their respect, were the ancestors of the Normans
who under William the Conqueror invaded England, and founded the only
European state which has since reached the highest civilization and the
highest liberty, through slow and even stages of orderly development.
[Illustration: ROCK PICTURE AT BORGEN IN SMAALENENE.]
[Illustration]
[Illustration]