19. 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 (1). Gunnar's father

was named Hamond (2). 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 any one 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 (3).

The Story of Burnt Njal: The Great Icelandic Tribune, Jurist, and Counsellor · 第 30 / 252 题