The earls Hakon and Eirik lay in Halkelsvik, where all their forces
were assembled. They had 150 ships, and they had heard that the Jomsborg
vikings had come in from sea, and lay at the island Hod; and they, in
consequence, rowed out to seek them. When they reached a place called
Hjorungavag they met each other, and both sides drew up their ships in
line for an attack. Earl Sigvalde's banner was displayed in the midst of
his army, and right against it Earl Hakon arranged his force for attack.
Earl Sigvalde himself had 20 ships, but Earl Hakon had 60. In Earl's
army were these chiefs,--Thorer Hjort from Halogaland, and Styrkar from
Gimsar. In the wing of the opposite array of the Jomsborg vikings was
Bue the Thick, and his brother Sigurd, with 20 ships. Against him
Earl Eirik laid himself with 60 ships; and with him were these
chiefs,--Gudbrand Hvite from the Uplands, and Thorkel Leira from Viken.
In the other wing of the Jomsborg vikings' array was Vagn Akason with 20
ships; and against him stood Svein the son of Hakon, in whose division
was Skegge of Yrjar at Uphaug, and Rognvald of Aervik at Stad, with 60
ships. It is told in the Eirik's lay thus:--
"The bonde's ships along the coast
Sailed on to meet the foemen's host;
The stout earl's ships, with eagle flight,
Rushed on the Danes in bloody fight.
The Danish ships, of court-men full,
Were cleared of men,--and many a hull
Was driving empty on the main,
With the warm corpses of the slain."