In autumn the news was brought to King Olaf that the bondes had had a
great feast on the first winter-day's eve, at which there was a numerous
attendance and much drinking; and it was told the king that all the
remembrance-cups to the Asas, or old gods, were blessed according to
the old heathen forms; and it was added, that cattle and horses had been
slain, and the altars sprinkled with their blood, and the sacrifices
accompanied with the prayer that was made to obtain good seasons. It was
also reported that all men saw clearly that the gods were offended at
the Halogaland people turning Christian. Now when the king heard this
news he sent men into the Throndhjem country, and ordered several
bondes, whose names he gave, to appear before him. There was a man
called Olver of Eggja, so called after his farm on which he lived. He
was powerful, of great family, and the head-man of those who on account
of the bondes appeared before the king. Now, when they came to the king,
he told them these accusations; to which Olver, on behalf of the bondes,
replied, that they had had no other feasts that harvest than their usual
entertainments, and social meetings, and friendly drinking parties. "But
as to what may have been told you of the words which may have fallen
from us Throndhjem people in our drinking parties, men of understanding
would take good care not to use such language; but I cannot hinder
drunken or foolish people's talk." Olver was a man of clever speech, and
bold in what he said, and defended the bondes against such accusations.
In the end, the king said the people of the interior of Thorndhjem must
themselves give the best testimony to their being in the right faith.
The bondes got leave to return home, and set off as soon as they were
ready.