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LAXDAELA
SAGA
TRANSLATED FROM THE ICELANDIC
by
MURIEL A.C. PRESS
MDCCCXCIX
PUBLISHED BY
J.M. DENT AND CO.
ALDINE HOUSE LONDON W.C.
CONTENTS
CHAP.
I. OF KETILL FLATNOSE AND HIS DESCENDANTS, 9TH CENTURY A.D.
II. KETILL AND HIS SONS PREPARE TO LEAVE NORWAY.
III. KETILL's SONS GO TO ICELAND.
IV. KETILL GOES TO SCOTLAND, A.D. 890.
V. UNN GOES TO ICELAND, A.D. 895.
VI. UNN DIVIDES HER LAND.
VII. OF THE WEDDING OF OLAF "FEILAN," A.D. 920.
VIII. THE BIRTH OF HRUT, AND THORGERD'S SECOND WIDOWHOOD, A.D. 923.
IX. HOSKULD'S MARRIAGE, A.D. 935.
X. OF VIGA HRAPP.
XI. ABOUT THORD GODDI AND THORBJORN SKRJUP.
XII. HOSKULD BUYS A SLAVE WOMAN.
XIII. HOSKULD RETURNS TO ICELAND, A.D. 948.
XIV. THE MURDER OF HALL, INGJALD'S BROTHER.
XV. THOROLF'S ESCAPE WITH ASGAUT THE THRALL.
XVI. THORD BECOMES OLAF'S FOSTER FATHER, A.D. 950.
XVII. ABOUT VIGA HRAPP'S GHOST, A.D. 950.
XVIII. OF THE DROWNING OF THORSTEIN SWART.
XIX. HRUT COMES TO ICELAND
XX. MELKORKA'S MARRIAGE AND OLAF THE PEACOCK'S JOURNEY, A.D. 955
XXI. OLAF THE PEACOCK GOES TO IRELAND, A.D. 955
XXII. OLAF THE PEACOCK COMES HOME TO ICELAND, A.D. 957
XXIII. THE MARRIAGE OF OLAF PEACOCK AND THORGERD, THE DAUGHTER OF
EGIL, A.D. 959
XXIV. THE BUILDING OF HERDHOLT, A.D. 960
XXV. ABOUT HOSKULD'S SONS
XXVI. THE DEATH OF HOSKULD, A.D. 985
XXVII. THE FUNERAL FEAST FOR HOSKULD
XXVIII. THE BIRTH OF KJARTAN, OLAF'S SON, A.D. 978
XXIX. OLAF'S SECOND JOURNEY TO NORWAY, A.D. 975
XXX. ABOUT GIERMUND AND THURED, A.D. 978
XXXI. THURED'S SECOND MARRIAGE, A.D. 980
XXXII. OF OSVIF HELGISON
XXXIII. OF GEST ODDLEIFSON AND GUDRUN'S DREAMS
XXXIV. GUDRUN'S FIRST MARRIAGE, A.D. 989
XXXV. GUDRUN'S SECOND MARRIAGE, A.D. 991
XXXVI. ABOUT KOTKELL AND GRIMA
XXXVII. ABOUT HRUT AND ELDGRIM, A.D. 995
XXXVIII. THE DEATH OF STIGANDI. THORLIEK LEAVES ICELAND
XXXIX. OF KJARTAN'S FRIENDSHIP FOR BOLLI
XL. KJARTAN AND BOLLI VOYAGE TO NORWAY, A.D. 996
XLI. BOLLI RETURNS TO ICELAND, A.D. 999
XLII. BOLLI MAKES LOVE TO GUDRUN, A.D. 1000
XLIII. KJARTAN COMES BACK TO ICELAND, A.D. 1001
XLIV. KJARTAN COMES HOME, A.D. 1001
XLV. KJARTAN MARRIES HREFNA, A.D. 1002
XLVI. FEAST AT HERDHOLT AND THE LOSS OF KJARTAN'S SWORD, A.D. 1002
XLVII. KJARTAN GOES TO LAUGAR, AND OF THE BARGAIN FOR TONGUE, A.D. 1003
XLVIII. THE MEN OF LAUGAR AND GUDRUN PLAN AN AMBUSH FOR KJARTAN, A.D. 1003
XLIX. THE DEATH OF KJARTAN
L. THE END OF HREFNA. THE PEACE SETTLED, A.D. 1003
LI. OSVIF'S SONS ARE BANISHED
LII. THE KILLING OF THORKELL OF GOAT'S PEAK
LIII. THORGERD'S EGGING, A.D. 1007
LIV. HALLDOR PREPARES TO AVENGE KJARTAN
LV. THE DEATH OF BOLLI
LVI. BOLLI BOLLISON IS BORN, A.D. 1008
LVII. ABOUT THORGILS HALLASON, A.D. 1018
LVIII. THORKELL AND GRIM, AND THEIR VOYAGE ABROAD
LIX. GUDRUN DEMANDS REVENGE FOR BOLLI, A.D. 1019
LX. THE EGGING OF GUDRUN
LXI. OF THORSTEIN THE BLACK AND LAMBI
LXII. THORGILS AND HIS FOLLOWERS LEAVE HOME
LXIII. THE DESCRIPTION OF HIS ENEMIES BROUGHT TO HELGI
LXIV. THE DEATH OF HELGI, A.D. 1019
LXV. OF GUDRUN'S DECEIT
LXVI. OSVIF AND GEST DIE
LXVII. THE DEATH OF THORGILS HALLASON, A.D. 1020
LXVIII. GUDRUN'S MARRIAGE WITH THORKELL EYJOLFSON
LXIX. THE QUARREL ABOUT GUNNAR AT THE FEAST
LXX. THORLEIK GOES TO NORWAY
LXXI. THE PEACE BETWEEN THE SONS OF BOLLI AND THE SONS OF OLAF, A.D. 1026
LXXII. BOLLI AND THORLEIK GO ABROAD, A.D. 1029
LXXIII. BOLLI'S VOYAGE
LXXIV. THORKELL EYJOLFSON GOES TO NORWAY
LXXV. THORKELL AND THORSTEIN AND HALLDOR OLAFSON, A.D. 1026
LXXVI. THE DROWNING OF THORKELL, A.D. 1026
LXXVII. THE RETURN OF BOLLI, A.D. 1030
LXXVIII. THE DEATH OF SNORRI, AND THE END, A.D. 1031
THE LAXDALE SAGA
[Illustration: Map of the District of Laxdale Saga]
CHAP. I
Of Ketill Flatnose and his Descendants, 9th Century A.D. [Sidenote:
Ketill's family] Ketill Flatnose was the name of a man. He was the son
of Bjorn the Ungartered. Ketill was a mighty and high-born chieftain
(hersir) in Norway. He abode in Raumsdale, within the folkland of the
Raumsdale people, which lies between Southmere and Northmere. Ketill
Flatnose had for wife Yngvild, daughter of Ketill Wether, who was a
man of exceeding great worth. They had five children; one was named
Bjorn the Eastman, and another Helgi Bjolan. Thorunn the Horned was
the name of one of Ketill's daughters, who was the wife of Helgi the
Lean, son of Eyvind Eastman, and Rafarta, daughter of Kjarval, the
Irish king. Unn "the Deep-minded" was another of Ketill's daughters,
and was the wife of Olaf the White, son of Ingjald, who was son of
Frodi the Valiant, who was slain by the Svertlings. Jorunn, "Men's
Wit-breaker," was the name of yet another of Ketill's daughters. She
was the mother of Ketill the Finn, who settled on land at Kirkby. His
son was Asbjorn, father of Thorstein, father of Surt, the father of
Sighat the Speaker-at-Law.
CHAP. II
Ketill and his Sons prepare to leave Norway
[Sidenote: The tyranny of King Harald] In the latter days of Ketill
arose the power of King Harald the Fairhaired, in such a way that no
folkland king or other great men could thrive in the land unless he
alone ruled what title should be theirs. When Ketill heard that King
Harald was minded to put to him the same choice as to other men of
might--namely, not only to put up with his kinsmen being left
unatoned, but to be made himself a hireling to boot--he calls together
a meeting of his kinsmen, and began his speech in this wise: "You all
know what dealings there have been between me and King Harald, the
which there is no need of setting forth; for a greater need besets us,
to wit, to take counsel as to the troubles that now are in store for
us. I have true news of King Harald's enmity towards us, and to me it
seems that we may abide no trust from that quarter. [Sidenote:
Ketill's speech] It seems to me that there are two choices left us,
either to fly the land or to be slaughtered each in his own seat. Now,
as for me, my will is rather to abide the same death that my kinsmen
suffer, but I would not lead you by my wilfulness into so great a
trouble, for I know the temper of my kinsmen and friends, that ye
would not desert me, even though it would be some trial of manhood to
follow me." Bjorn, the son of Ketill, answered: "I will make known my
wishes at once. I will follow the example of noble men, and fly this
land. For I deem myself no greater a man by abiding at home the
thralls of King Harald, that they may chase me away from my own
possessions, or that else I may have to come by utter death at their
hands." At this there was made a good cheer, and they all thought it
was spoken bravely. This counsel then was settled, that they should
leave the country, for the sons of Ketill urged it much, and no one
spoke against it. Bjorn and Helgi wished to go to Iceland, for they
said they had heard many pleasing news thereof. They had been told
that there was good land to be had there, and no need to pay money for
it; they said there was plenty of whale and salmon and other fishing
all the year round there. But Ketill said, "Into that fishing place I
shall never come in my old age." So Ketill then told his mind, saying
his desire was rather to go west over the sea, for there was a
chance of getting a good livelihood. He knew lands there wide about,
for there he had harried far and wide.
Chap. III
Ketill's Sons go to Iceland
[Sidenote: Of Bjorn in Iceland] After that Ketill made a great feast,
and at it he married his daughter Thorunn the Horned to Helgi the
Lean, as has been said before. After that Ketill arrayed his journey
west over the sea. Unn, his daughter, and many others of his relations
went with him. That same summer Ketill's sons went to Iceland with
Helgi, their brother-in-law. Bjorn, Ketill's son, brought his ship to
the west coast of Iceland, to Broadfirth, and sailed up the firth
along the southern shore, till he came to where a bay cuts into the
land, and a high mountain stood on the ness on the inner side of the
bay, but an island lay a little way off the land. Bjorn said that they
should stay there for a while. Bjorn then went on land with a few men,
and wandered along the coast, and but a narrow strip of land was there
between fell and foreshore. This spot he thought suitable for
habitation. Bjorn found the pillars of his temple washed up in a
certain creek, and he thought that showed where he ought to build his
house. Afterwards Bjorn took for himself all the land between
Staff-river and Lavafirth, and abode in the place that ever after was
called Bjornhaven. He was called Bjorn the Eastman. [Sidenote:
Ketill's doings in Scotland] His wife, Gjaflaug, was the daughter of
Kjallak the Old. Their sons were Ottar and Kjallak, whose son was
Thorgrim, the father of Fight-Styr and Vemund, but the daughter of
Kjallak was named Helga, who was the wife of Vestar of Eyr, son of
Thorolf "Bladder-skull," who settled Eyr. Their son was Thorlak,
father of Steinthor of Eyr. Helgi Bjolan brought his ship to the south
of the land, and took all Keelness, between Kollafirth and Whalefirth,
and lived at Esjuberg to old age. Helgi the Lean brought his ship to
the north of the land, and took Islefirth, all along between Mastness
and Rowanness, and lived at Kristness. From Helgi and Thornunn all the
Islefirthers are sprung.
CHAP. IV
Ketill goes to Scotland, A.D. 890
Ketill Flatnose brought his ship to Scotland, and was well received by
the great men there; for he was a renowned man, and of high birth.
They offered him there such station as he would like to take, and
Ketill and his company of kinsfolk settled down there--all except
Thorstein, his daughter's son, who forthwith betook himself to
warring, and harried Scotland far and wide, and was always victorious.
Later on he made peace with the Scotch, and got for his own one-half
of Scotland. He had for wife Thurid, daughter of Eyvind, and sister of
Helgi the Lean. The Scotch did not keep the peace long, but
treacherously murdered him. [Sidenote: Of Unn the Deep-minded] Ari,
Thorgil's son, the Wise, writing of his death, says that he fell in
Caithness. Unn the Deep-minded was in Caithness when her son Thorstein
fell. When she heard that Thorstein was dead, and her father had
breathed his last, she deemed she would have no prospering in store
there. So she had a ship built secretly in a wood, and when it was
ready built she arrayed it, and had great wealth withal; and she took
with her all her kinsfolk who were left alive; and men deem that
scarce may an example be found that any one, a woman only, has ever
got out of such a state of war with so much wealth and so great a
following. From this it may be seen how peerless among women she was.
Unn had with her many men of great worth and high birth. A man named
Koll was one of the worthiest amongst her followers, chiefly owing to
his descent, he being by title a "Hersir." There was also in the
journey with Unn a man named Hord, and he too was also a man of high
birth and of great worth. When she was ready, Unn took her ship to the
Orkneys; there she stayed a little while, and there she married off
Gro, the daughter of Thorstein the Red. She was the mother of Greilad,
who married Earl Thorfinn, the son of Earl Turf-Einar, son of Rognvald
Mere-Earl. Their son was Hlodvir, the father of Earl Sigurd, the
father of Earl Thorfinn, and from them come all the kin of the Orkney
Earls. After that Unn steered her ship to the Faroe Isles, and stayed
there for some time. [Sidenote: Unn leaves the Faroe Isles] There she
married off another daughter of Thorstein, named Olof, and from her
sprung the noblest race of that land, who are called the Gate-Beards.
CHAP. V
Unn goes to Iceland, A.D. 895
Unn now got ready to go away from the Faroe Isles, and made it known to
her shipmates that she was going to Iceland. She had with her Olaf
"Feilan," the son of Thorstein, and those of his sisters who were
unmarried. After that she put to sea, and, the weather being favourable,
she came with her ship to the south of Iceland to Pumice-Course
(Vikrarskeid). There they had their ship broken into splinters, but all
the men and goods were saved. After that she went to find Helgi, her
brother, followed by twenty men; and when she came there he went out to
meet her, and bade her come stay with him with ten of her folk. She
answered in anger, and said she had not known that he was such a churl;
and she went away, being minded to find Bjorn, her brother in
Broadfirth, and when he heard she was coming, he went to meet her with
many followers, and greeted her warmly, and invited her and all her
followers to stay with him, for he knew his sister's high-mindedness.
She liked that right well, and thanked him for his lordly behaviour. She
stayed there all the winter, and was entertained in the grandest manner,
for there was no lack of means, and money was not spared. [Sidenote: Unn
takes land in Iceland] In the spring she went across Broadfirth, and
came to a certain ness, where they ate their mid-day meal, and since
that it has been called Daymealness, from whence Middlefell-strand
stretches (eastward). Then she steered her ship up Hvammsfirth and came
to a certain ness, and stayed there a little while. There Unn lost her
comb, so it was afterwards called Combness. Then she went about all the
Broadfirth-Dales, and took to her lands as wide as she wanted. After
that Unn steered her ship to the head of the bay, and there her
high-seat pillars were washed ashore, and then she deemed it was easy to
know where she was to take up her abode. She had a house built there: it
was afterwards called Hvamm, and she lived there. The same spring as Unn
set up household at Hvamm, Koll married Thorgerd, daughter of Thorstein
the Red. Unn gave, at her own cost, the bridal-feast, and let Thorgerd
have for her dowry all Salmonriver-Dale; and Koll set up a household
there on the south side of the Salmon-river. Koll was a man of the
greatest mettle: their son was named Hoskuld.
CHAP. VI
Unn Divides her Land
After that Unn gave to more men parts of her land-take. To Hord she
gave all Hord-Dale as far as Skramuhlaups River. [Sidenote: Her
followers] He lived at Hordabolstad (Hord-Lair-Stead), and was a man
of the greatest mark, and blessed with noble offspring. His son was
Asbjorn the Wealthy, who lived in Ornolfsdale, at Asbjornstead, and
had to wife Thorbjorg, daughter of Midfirth-Skeggi. Their daughter was
Ingibjorg, who married Illugi the Black, and their sons were Hermund
and Gunnlaug Worm-tongue. They are called the Gilsbecking-race. Unn
spoke to her men and said: "Now you shall be rewarded for all your
work, for now I do not lack means with which to pay each one of you
for your toil and good-will. You all know that I have given the man
named Erp, son of Earl Meldun, his freedom, for far away was it from
my wish that so high-born a man should bear the name of thrall."
Afterwards Unn gave him the lands of Sheepfell, between Tongue River
and Mid River. His children were Orm and Asgeir, Gunbjorn, and
Halldis, whom Alf o' Dales had for wife. To Sokkolf Unn gave
Sokkolfsdale, where he abode to old age. Hundi was the name of one of
her freedmen. He was of Scottish kin. To him she gave Hundidale. Osk
was the name of the fourth daughter of Thorstein the Red. She was the
mother of Thorstein Swart, the Wise, who found the "Summer eeke."
Thorhild was the name of a fifth daughter of Thorstein. She was the
mother of Alf o' Dales, and many great men trace back their line of
descent to him. His daughter was Thorgerd, wife of Ari Marson of
Reekness, the son of Atli, the son of Ulf the Squinter and Bjorg,
Eyvond's daughter, the sister of Helgi the Lean. From them come all
the Reeknessings. Vigdis was the name of the sixth daughter of
Thorstein the Red. From her come the men of Headland of Islefirth.
CHAP. VII
Of the Wedding of Olaf "Feilan," A.D. 920
Olaf "Feilan" was the youngest of Thorstein's children. He was a tall
man and strong, goodly to look at, and a man of the greatest mettle.
Unn loved him above all men, and made it known to people that she was
minded to settle on Olaf all her belongings at Hvamm after her day.
[Sidenote: Unn's advice to Olaf] Unn now became very weary with old
age, and she called Olaf "Feilan" to her and said: "It is on my mind,
kinsman, that you should settle down and marry." Olaf took this well,
and said he would lean on her foresight in that matter. Unn said: "It
is chiefly in my mind that your wedding-feast should be held at the
end of the summer, for that is the easiest time to get in all the
means needed, for to me it seems a near guess that our friends will
come hither in great numbers, and I have made up my mind that this
shall be the last bridal feast arrayed by me." Olaf answered: "That is
well spoken; but such a woman alone I mean to take to wife who shall
rob thee neither of wealth nor rule (over thine own)." [Sidenote:
Olaf's wedding] That same summer Olaf "Feilan" married Alfdis. Their
wedding was at Hvamm. Unn spent much money on this feast, for she let
be bidden thereto men of high degree wide about from other parts. She
invited Bjorn and Helgi "Bjolan," her brothers, and they came with
many followers. There came Koll o' Dales, her kinsman-in-law, and Hord
of Hord-Dale, and many other great men. The wedding feast was very
crowded; yet there did not come nearly so many as Unn had asked,
because the Islefirth people had such a long way to come. Old age fell
now fast upon Unn, so that she did not get up till mid-day, and went
early to bed. No one did she allow to come to her for advice between
the time she went to sleep at night and the time she was aroused, and
she was very angry if any one asked how it fared with her strength. On
this day Unn slept somewhat late; yet she was on foot when the guests
came, and went to meet them and greeted her kinsfolk and friends with
great courtesy, and said they had shown their affection to her in
"coming hither from so far, and I specially name for this Bjorn and
Helgi, but I wish to thank you all who are here assembled." After that
Unn went into the hall and a great company with her, and when all
seats were taken in the hall, every one was much struck by the
lordliness of the feast. Then Unn said: "Bjorn and Helgi, my brothers,
and all my other kindred and friends, I call witnesses to this, that
this dwelling with all its belongings that you now see before you, I
give into the hands of my kinsman, Olaf, to own and to manage."
[Sidenote: Unn's death] After that Unn stood up and said she would go
to the bower where she was wont to sleep, but bade every one have for
pastime whatever was most to his mind, and that ale should be the
cheer of the common folk. So the tale goes, that Unn was a woman both
tall and portly. She walked at a quick step out along the hall, and
people could not help saying to each other how stately the lady was
yet. They feasted that evening till they thought it time to go to bed.
But the day after Olaf went to the sleeping bower of Unn, his
grandmother, and when he came into the chamber there was Unn sitting
up against her pillow, and she was dead. Olaf went into the hall after
that and told these tidings. Every one thought it a wonderful thing,
how Unn had upheld her dignity to the day of her death. So they now
drank together Olaf's wedding and Unn's funeral honours, and the last
day of the feast Unn was carried to the howe (burial mound) that was
made for her. She was laid in a ship in the cairn, and much treasure
with her, and after that the cairn was closed up. Then Olaf "Feilan"
took over the household of Hvamm and all charge of the wealth there,
by the advice of his kinsmen who were there. When the feast came to an
end Olaf gave lordly gifts to the men most held in honour before they
went away. Olaf became a mighty man and a great chieftain. He lived at
Hvamm to old age. [Sidenote: Olaf's children] The children of Olaf and
Alfdis were Thord Yeller, who married Hrodny, daughter of Midfirth
Skeggi; and their sons were, Eyjolf the Grey, Thorarin Fylsenni, and
Thorkell Kuggi. One daughter of Olaf Feilan was Thora, whom Thorstein
Cod-biter, son of Thorolf Most-Beard, had for wife; their sons were
Bork the Stout, and Thorgrim, father of Snori the Priest. Helga was
another daughter of Olaf; she was the wife of Gunnar Hlifarson; their
daughter was Jofrid, whom Thorodd, son of Tongue-Odd, had for wife,
and afterwards Thorstein, Egil's son. Thorunn was the name of yet one
of his daughters. She was the wife of Herstein, son of Thorkell
Blund-Ketill's son. Thordis was the name of a third daughter of Olaf:
she was the wife of Thorarin, the Speaker-at-Law, brother of Ragi. At
that time, when Olaf was living at Hvamm, Koll o' Dales, his
brother-in-law, fell ill and died. Hoskuld, the son of Koll, was young
at the time of his father's death: he was fulfilled of wits before the
tale of his years. Hoskuld was a hopeful man, and well made of body.
He took over his father's goods and household. The homestead where
Koll lived was named after him, being afterwards called Hoskuldstead.
Hoskuld was soon in his householding blessed with friends, for that
many supports stood thereunder, both kinsmen and friends whom Koll had
gathered round him. [Sidenote: Thorgerd's second marriage] Thorgerd,
Thorstein's daughter, the mother of Hoskuld, was still a young woman
and most goodly; she did not care for Iceland after the death of Koll.
She told Hoskuld her son that she wished to go abroad, and take with
her that share of goods which fell to her lot. Hoskuld said he took it
much to heart that they should part, but he would not go against her
in this any more than in anything else. After that Hoskuld bought the
half-part in a ship that was standing beached off Daymealness, on
behalf of his mother. Thorgerd betook herself on board there, taking
with her a great deal of goods. After that Thorgerd put to sea and had
a very good voyage, and arrived in Norway. Thorgerd had much kindred
and many noble kinsmen there. They greeted her warmly, and gave her
the choice of whatever she liked to take at their hands. Thorgerd was
pleased at this, and said it was her wish to settle down in that land.
She had not been a widow long before a man came forward to woo her.
His name was Herjolf; he was a "landed man" as to title, rich, and of
much account. Herjolf was a tall and strong man, but he was not fair
of feature; yet the most high-mettled of men, and was of all men the
best skilled at arms. Now as they sat taking counsel on this matter,
it was Thorgerd's place to reply to it herself, as she was a widow;
and, with the advice of her relations, she said she would not refuse
the offer. So Thorgerd married Herjolf, and went with him to his home,
and they loved each other dearly. Thorgerd soon showed by her ways
that she was a woman of the greatest mettle, and Herjolf's manner of
life was deemed much better and more highly to be honoured now that he
had got such an one as she was for his wife.
CHAP. VIII
The Birth of Hrut and Thorgerd's Second Widowhood, A.D. 923
[Sidenote: Thorgerd returns to Iceland] Herjolf and Thorgerd had not
long been together before they had a son. The boy was sprinkled with
water, and was given the name of Hrut. He was at an early age both big
and strong as he grew up; and as to growth of body, he was goodlier
than any man, tall and broad-shouldered, slender of waist, with fine
limbs and well-made hands and feet. Hrut was of all men the fairest of
feature, and like what Thorstein, his mother's father, had been, or
like Ketill Flatnose. And all things taken together, he was a man of
the greatest mettle. Herjolf now fell ill and died, and men deemed
that a great loss. After that Thorgerd wished to go to Iceland to
visit Hoskuld her son, for she still loved him best of all men, and
Hrut was left behind well placed with his relations. Thorgerd arrayed
her journey to Iceland, and went to find Hoskuld in his home in
Salmonriver-Dale. He received his mother with honour. She was
possessed of great wealth, and remained with Hoskuld to the day of her
death. A few winters after Thorgerd came to Iceland she fell sick and
died. Hoskuld took to himself all her money, but Hrut his brother
owned one-half thereof.
CHAP. IX
Hoskuld's Marriage, A.D. 935
[Sidenote: Of Jorunn Bjorn's daughter] At this time Norway was ruled
by Hakon, Athelstan's fosterling. Hoskuld was one of his bodyguard,
and stayed each year, turn and turn about, at Hakon's court, or at his
own home, and was a very renowned man both in Norway and in Iceland.
Bjorn was the name of a man who lived at Bjornfirth, where he had
taken land, the firth being named after him. This firth cuts into the
land north from Steingrim's firth, and a neck of land runs out between
them. Bjorn was a man of high birth, with a great deal of money: Ljufa
was the name of his wife. Their daughter was Jorunn: she was a most
beautiful woman, and very proud and extremely clever, and so was
thought the best match in all the firths of the West. Of this woman
Hoskuld had heard, and he had heard besides that Bjorn was the
wealthiest yeoman throughout all the Strands. Hoskuld rode from home
with ten men, and went to Bjorn's house at Bjornfirth. He was well
received, for to Bjorn his ways were well known. [Sidenote: Hoskuld
marries Jorunn] Then Hoskuld made his proposal, and Bjorn said he was
pleased, for his daughter could not be better married, yet turned the
matter over to her decision. And when the proposal was set before
Jorunn, she answered in this way: "From all the reports I have heard
of you, Hoskuld, I cannot but answer your proposal well, for I think
that the woman would be well cared for who should marry you; yet my
father must have most to say in this matter, and I will agree in this
with his wishes." And the long and short of it was, that Jorunn was
promised to Hoskuld with much money, and the wedding was to be at
Hoskuldstead. Hoskuld now went away with matters thus settled, and
home to his abode, and stays now at home until this wedding feast was
to be held. Bjorn came from the north for the wedding with a brave
company of followers. Hoskuld had also asked many guests, both friends
and relations, and the feast was of the grandest. Now, when the feast
was over each one returned to his home in good friendship and with
seemly gifts. Jorunn Bjorn's daughter sits behind at Hoskuldstead, and
takes over the care of the household with Hoskuld. It was very soon
seen that she was wise and well up in things, and of manifold
knowledge, though rather high-tempered at most times. Hoskuld and she
loved each other well, though in their daily ways they made no show
thereof. Hoskuld became a great chieftain; he was mighty and pushing,
and had no lack of money, and was thought to be nowise less of his
ways than his father, Koll. [Sidenote: Hoskuld's children] Hoskuld and
Jorunn had not been married long before they came to have children. A
son of theirs was named Thorliek. He was the eldest of their children.
Bard was another son of theirs. One of their daughters was called
Hallgerd, afterwards surnamed "Long-Breeks." Another daughter was
called Thurid. All their children were most hopeful. Thorliek was a
very tall man, strong and handsome, though silent and rough; and men
thought that such was the turn of his temper, as that he would be no
man of fair dealings, and Hoskuld often would say, that he would take
very much after the race of the men of the Strands. Bard, Hoskuld's
son, was most manly to look at, and of goodly strength, and from his
appearance it was easy to see that he would take more after his
father's people. Bard was of quiet ways while he was growing up, and a
man lucky in friends, and Hoskuld loved him best of all his children.
The house of Hoskuld now stood in great honour and renown. About this
time Hoskuld gave his sister Groa in marriage to Velief the Old, and
their son was "Holmgang"-Bersi.
CHAP. X
Of Viga Hrapp
Hrapp was the name of a man who lived in Salmon-river-Dale, on the
north bank of the river on the opposite side to Hoskuldstead, at the
place that was called later on Hrappstead, where there is now waste
land. [Sidenote: Of Hrapp and Vigdis] Hrapp was the son of Sumarlid,
and was called Fight-Hrapp. He was Scotch on his father's side, and
his mother's kin came from Sodor, where he was brought up. He was a
very big, strong man, and one not willing to give in even in face of
some odds; and for the reason that was most overbearing, and would
never make good what he had misdone, he had had to fly from
West-over-the-sea, and had bought the land on which he afterwards
lived. His wife was named Vigdis, and was Hallstein's daughter; and
their son was named Sumarlid. Her brother was named Thorstein Surt; he
lived at Thorsness, as has been written before. Sumarlid was brought
up there, and was a most promising young man. Thorstein had been
married, but by this time his wife was dead. He had two daughters, one
named Gudrid, and the other Osk. Thorkell trefill married Gudrid, and
they lived in Svignaskard. He was a great chieftain, and a sage of
wits; he was the son of Raudabjorn. Osk, Thorstein's daughter, was
given in marriage to a man of Broadfirth named Thorarin. He was a
valiant man, and very popular, and lived with Thorstein, his
father-in-law, who was sunk in age and much in need of their care.
Hrapp was disliked by most people, being overbearing to his
neighbours; and at times he would hint to them that theirs would be a
heavy lot as neighbours, if they held any other man for better than
himself. All the goodmen took one counsel, and went to Hoskuld and
told him their trouble. Hoskuld bade them tell him if Hrapp did any
one any harm, "For he shall not plunder me of men or money."
CHAP. XI
About Thord Goddi and Thorbjorn Skrjup
[Sidenote: Thord Goddi and his wife Vigdis] Thord Goddi was the name
of a man who lived in Salmon-river-Dale on the northern side of the
river, and his house was Vigdis called Goddistead. He was a very
wealthy man; he had no children, and had bought the land he lived on.
He was a neighbour of Hrapp's, and was very often badly treated by
him. Hoskuld looked after him, so that he kept his dwelling in peace.
Vigdis was the name of his wife. She was daughter of Ingjald, son of
Olaf Feilan, and brother's daughter of Thord Yeller, and sister's
daughter of Thorolf Rednose of Sheepfell. This Thorolf was a great
hero, and in a very good position, and his kinsmen often went to him
for protection. Vigdis had married more for money than high station.
Thord had a thrall who had come to Iceland with him, named Asgaut. He
was a big man, and shapely of body; and though he was called a thrall,
yet few could be found his equal amongst those called freemen, and he
knew well how to serve his master. Thord had many other thralls,
though this one is the only one mentioned here. Thorbjorn was the name
of a man. He lived in Salmon-river-Dale, next to Thord, up valley away
from his homestead, and was called Skrjup. He was very rich in
chattels, mostly in gold and silver. [Sidenote: Houskuld goes abroad]
He was an huge man and of great strength. No squanderer of money on
common folk was he. Hoskuld, Dalakoll's son, deemed it a drawback to
his state that his house was worse built than he wished it should be;
so he bought a ship from a Shetland man. The ship lay up in the mouth
of the river Blanda. That ship he gets ready, and makes it known that
he is going abroad, leaving Jorunn to take care of house and children.
They now put out to sea, and all went well with them; and they hove
somewhat southwardly into Norway, making Hordaland, where the
market-town called Biorgvin was afterwards built. Hoskuld put up his
ship, and had there great strength of kinsmen, though here they be not
named. Hakon, the king, had then his seat in the Wick. Hoskuld did not
go to the king, as his kinsfolk welcomed him with open arms. That
winter all was quiet (in Norway).
CHAP. XII
Hoskuld Buys a Slave Woman
There were tidings at the beginning of the summer that the king went
with his fleet eastward to a tryst in Brenn-isles, to settle peace for
his land, even as the law laid down should be done every third summer.
This meeting was held between rulers with a view to settling such
matters as kings had to adjudge--matters of international policy
between Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. It was deemed a pleasure trip to
go to this meeting, for thither came men from well-nigh all such lands
as we know of. Hoskuld ran out his ship, being desirous also to go to
the meeting; moreover, he had not been to see the king all the winter
through. There was also a fair to be made for. At the meeting there
were great crowds of people, and much amusement to be got--drinking,
and games, and all sorts of entertainment. Nought, however, of great
interest happened there. Hoskuld met many of his kinsfolk there who
were come from Denmark. [Sidenote: Of Gilli the Russian] Now, one day
as Hoskuld went out to disport himself with some other men, he saw a
stately tent far away from the other booths. Hoskuld went thither, and
into the tent, and there sat a man before him in costly raiment, and a
Russian hat on his head. Hoskuld asked him his name. He said he was
called Gilli: "But many call to mind the man if they hear my
nickname--I am called Gilli the Russian." Hoskuld said he had often
heard talk of him, and that he held him to be the richest of men that
had ever belonged to the guild of merchants. [Sidenote: The bargain
for the slave woman] Still Hoskuld spoke: "You must have things to
sell such as we should wish to buy." Gilli asked what he and his
companions wished to buy. Hoskuld said he should like to buy some
bonds-woman, "if you have one to sell." Gilli answers: "There, you mean
to give me trouble by this, in asking for things you don't expect me
to have in stock; but it is not sure that follows." Hoskuld then saw
that right across the booth there was drawn a curtain; and Gilli then
lifted the curtain, and Hoskuld saw that there were twelve women
seated behind the curtain. So Gilli said that Hoskuld should come on
and have a look, if he would care to buy any of these women. Hoskuld
did so. They sat all together across the booth. Hoskuld looks
carefully at these women. He saw a woman sitting out by the skirt of
the tent, and she was very ill-clad. Hoskuld thought, as far as he
could see, this woman was fair to look upon. Then said Hoskuld, "What
is the price of that woman if I should wish to buy her?" Gilli
replied, "Three silver pieces is what you must weigh me out for her."
"It seems to me," said Hoskuld, "that you charge very highly for this
bonds-woman, for that is the price of three (such)." Then Gilli said,
"You speak truly, that I value her worth more than the others. Choose
any of the other eleven, and pay one mark of silver for her, this one
being left in my possession." Hoskuld said, "I must first see how much
silver there is in the purse I have on my belt," and he asked Gilli to
take the scales while he searched the purse. [Sidenote: Of the dumb
slave woman] Gilli then said, "On my side there shall be no guile in
this matter; for, as to the ways of this woman, there is a great
drawback which I wish, Hoskuld, that you know before we strike this
bargain." Hoskuld asked what it was. Gilli replied, "The woman is
dumb. I have tried in many ways to get her to talk, but have never
got a word out of her, and I feel quite sure that this woman knows not
how to speak." Then, said Hoskuld, "Bring out the scales, and let us
see how much the purse I have got here may weigh." Gilli did so, and
now they weigh the silver, and there were just three marks weighed.
Then said Hoskuld, "Now the matter stands so that we can close our
bargain. You take the money for yourself, and I will take the woman. I
take it that you have behaved honestly in this affair, for, to be
sure, you had no mind to deceive me herein." Hoskuld then went home to
his booth. That same night Hoskuld went into bed with her. The next
morning when men got dressed, spake Hoskuld, "The clothes Gilli the
Rich gave you do not appear to be very grand, though it is true that
to him it is more of a task to dress twelve women than it is to me to
dress only one." After that Hoskuld opened a chest, and took out some
fine women's clothes and gave them to her; and it was the saying of
every one that she looked very well when she was dressed. But when the
rulers had there talked matters over according as the law provided,
this meeting was broken up. Then Hoskuld went to see King Hakon, and
greeted him worthily, according to custom. The king cast a side glance
at him, and said, "We should have taken well your greeting, Hoskuld,
even if you had saluted us sooner; but so shall it be even now."
CHAP. XIII
Hoskuld Returns to Iceland, A.D. 948
[Sidenote: King Hakon bids Hoskuld farewell] After that the king
received Hoskuld most graciously, and bade him come on board his
own ship, and "be with us so long as you care to remain in Norway."
Hoskuld answered: "Thank you for your offer; but now, this summer, I
have much to be busy about, and that is mostly the reason I was so
long before I came to see you, for I wanted to get for myself
house-timber." The king bade him bring his ship in to the Wick, and
Hoskuld tarried with the king for a while. The king got house-timber
for him, and had his ship laden for him. Then the king said to
Hoskuld, "You shall not be delayed here longer than you like, though
we shall find it difficult to find a man to take your place." After
that the king saw Hoskuld off to his ship, and said: "I have found you
an honourable man, and now my mind misgives me that you are sailing
for the last time from Norway, whilst I am lord over that land." The
king drew a gold ring off his arm that weighed a mark, and gave it to
Hoskuld; and he gave him for another gift a sword on which there was
half a mark of gold. Hoskuld thanked the king for his gifts, and for
all the honour he had done him. [Sidenote: Hoskuld's arrival in
Iceland] After that Hoskuld went on board his ship, and put to sea.
They had a fair wind, and hove in to the south of Iceland; and after
that sailed west by Reekness, and so by Snowfellness in to Broadfirth.
Hoskuld landed at Salmon-river-Mouth. He had the cargo taken out of
his ship, which he took into the river and beached, having a shed
built for it. A ruin is to be seen now where he built the shed. There
he set up his booths, and that place is called Booths'-Dale. After
that Hoskuld had the timber taken home, which was very easy, as it was
not far off. Hoskuld rode home after that with a few men, and was
warmly greeted, as was to be looked for. He found that all his
belongings had been kept well since he left. Jorunn asked, "What woman
that was who journeyed with him?" Hoskuld answered, "You will think I
am giving you a mocking answer when I tell you that I do not know her
name." Jorunn said, "One of two things there must be: either the talk
is a lie that has come to my ears, or you must have spoken to her so
much as to have asked her her name." Hoskuld said he could not gainsay
that, and so told her the truth, and bade that the woman should be
kindly treated, and said it was his wish she should stay in service
with them. Jorunn said, "I am not going to wrangle with the mistress
you have brought out of Norway, should she find living near me no
pleasure; least of all should I think of it if she is both deaf and
dumb." Hoskuld slept with his wife every night after he came home,
and had very little to say to the mistress. [Sidenote: Melkorka's
history discovered] Every one clearly saw that there was something
betokening high birth in the way she bore herself, and that she was no
fool. Towards the end of the winter Hoskuld's mistress gave birth to a
male child. Hoskuld was called, and was shown the child, and he
thought, as others did, that he had never seen a goodlier or a more
noble-looking child. Hoskuld was asked what the boy should be called.
He said it should be named Olaf, for Olaf Feilan had died a little
time before, who was his mother's brother. Olaf was far before other
children, and Hoskuld bestowed great love on the boy. The next summer
Jorunn said, "That the woman must do some work or other, or else go
away." Hoskuld said she should wait on him and his wife, and take care
of her boy besides. When the boy was two years old he had got full
speech, and ran about like children of four years old. Early one
morning, as Hoskuld had gone out to look about his manor, the weather
being fine, and the sun, as yet little risen in the sky, shining
brightly, it happened that he heard some voices of people talking; so
he went down to where a little brook ran past the home-field slope,
and he saw two people there whom he recognised as his son Olaf and his
mother, and he discovered she was not speechless, for she was talking
a great deal to the boy. Then Hoskuld went to her and asked her her
name, and said it was useless for her to hide it any longer. She said
so it should be, and they sat down on the brink of the field.
[Sidenote: Of Melkorka's family] Then she said, "If you want to know
my name, I am called Melkorka." Hoskuld bade her tell him more of her
kindred. She answered, "Myr Kjartan is the name of my father, and he
is a king in Ireland; and I was taken a prisoner of war from there
when I was fifteen winters old." Hoskuld said she had kept silence far
too long about so noble a descent. After that Hoskuld went on, and
told Jorunn what he had just found out during his walk. Jorunn said
that she "could not tell if this were true," and said she had no
fondness for any manner of wizards; and so the matter dropped. Jorunn
was no kinder to her than before, but Hoskuld had somewhat more to say
to her. A little while after this, when Jorunn was going to bed,
Melkorka was undressing her, and put her shoes on the floor, when
Jorunn took the stockings and smote her with them about the head.
Melkorka got angry, and struck Jorunn on the nose with her fist, so
that the blood flowed. Hoskuld came in and parted them. After that he
let Melkorka go away, and got a dwelling ready for her up in
Salmon-river-Dale, at the place that was afterwards called
Melkorkastad, which is now waste land on the south of the Salmon
river. Melkorka now set up household there, and Hoskuld had everything
brought there that she needed; and Olaf, their son, went with her. It
was soon seen that Olaf, as he grew up, was far superior to other men,
both on account of his beauty and courtesy.
CHAP. XIV
The Murder of Hall, Ingjald's Brother