There were then a good many youths growing up in Midfjord. A certain
Skaldtorfa, whose home was in Torfustadir, had a son named Bersi, an
accomplished young man and a clever poet. Two brothers named Kormak
and Thorgils lived at Mel and had with them a youth named Odd, who was
dependent upon them, and was nicknamed Odd the Needy-Skald. Another
was named Audun; he grew up in Audunarstad in Vididal, a pleasant
good-natured youth and the strongest of his age in the North. Kalf the
son of Asgeir and his brother Thorvald lived at Asgeirsa. Grettir's
brother Atli was then growing to a man; he was most gracious in manners
and universally liked.
These youths used to play at ball together at Midfjord Water. Those from
Midfjord and from Vididal used to meet there, and there came many from
Vestrhop and Vatnsnes with some from Hrutafjord. Those who came from
afar used to lodge there. Those who were about equal in the ball-game
were matched together, and generally they had much fun in the autumn.
Grettir went to the sports when he was fourteen years old at the request
of his brother Atli. The parties were made up. Grettir was matched
against Audun, the youth already mentioned, who was a few years the
elder. Audun struck the ball over Grettir's head so that he could not
reach it, and it bounded far away over the ice. Grettir lost his temper,
thinking he had done it out of mischief, but he fetched the ball,
brought it back and going up to Audun drove it straight into his
forehead, so that the skin was broken.
Audun then struck at Grettir with the bat that he was holding, but
Grettir ducked and the blow missed him. Then they seized each other
with their arms and wrestled. It was evident to the people around that
Grettir was stronger than they had supposed, for Audun was very strong
indeed of body. They struggled long together until at last Grettir was
thrown. Audun then set his knees on his stomach and dealt unmercifully
with him. Atli and Bersi and a number of the others ran up and separated
them. Grettir said they need not hold him like a mad dog, and added:
"The thrall alone takes instant vengeance, the coward never."
The rest had no mind to let the affair create discord among them,
and the brothers Kalf and Thorvald tried to reconcile them. Audun and
Grettir were distantly related to each other. The games went on and
there was no further disturbance.