King Olaf this summer (A.D. 1024) sent Thorarin Nefiulfson to Iceland
on his errands; and Thorarin went out of Throndhjem fjord along with the
king, and followed him south to More. From thence Thorarin went out
to sea, and got such a favourable breeze that after four days sail he
landed at the Westman Isles, in Iceland. He proceeded immediately to the
Althing, and came just as the people were upon the Lawhillock, to which
he repaired. When the cases of the people before the Thing had been
determined according to law, Thorarin Nefiulfson took up the word as
follows:--"We parted four days ago from King Olaf Haraldson, who sends
God Almighty's and his own salutation to all the chiefs and principal
men of the land; as also to all the people in general, men and women,
young and old, rich and poor. He also lets you know that he will be your
sovereign if ye will become his subjects, so that he and you will be
friends, assisting each other in all that is good."
The people replied in a friendly way, that they would gladly be the
king's friends, if he would be a friend of the people of their country.
Then Thorarin again took up the word:--"This follows in addition to the
king's message, that he will in friendship desire of the people of the
north district that they give him the island, or out-rock, which lies at
the mouth of Eyfjord, and is called Grimsey, for which he will give you
from his country whatever good the people of the district may desire.
He sends this message particularly to Gudmund of Modruvellir to support
this matter, because he understands that Gudmund has most influence in
that quarter."
Gudmund replies, "My inclination is greatly for King Olaf's friendship,
and that I consider much more useful than the out-rock he desires. But
the king has not heard rightly if he think I have more power in this
matter than any other, for the island is a common. We, however, who have
the most use of the isle, will hold a meeting among ourselves about it."
Then the people went to their tent-houses; and the Northland people had
a meeting among themselves, and talked over the business, and every one
spoke according to his judgment. Gudmund supported the matter, and many
others formed their opinions by his. Then some asked why his brother
Einar did not speak on the subject. "We think he has the clearest
insight into most things."
Einar answers, "I have said so little about the matter because nobody
has asked me about it; but if I may give my opinion, our countrymen
might just as well make themselves at once liable to land-scat to King
Olaf, and submit to all his exactions as he has them among his people in
Norway; and this heavy burden we will lay not only upon ourselves, but
on our sons, and their sons, and all our race, and on all the community
dwelling and living in this land, which never after will be free from
this slavery. Now although this king is a good man, as I well believe
him to be, yet it must be hereafter, when kings succeed each other, that
some will be good, and some bad. Therefore if the people of this country
will preserve the freedom they have enjoyed since the land was first
inhabited, it is not advisable to give the king the smallest spot to
fasten himself upon the country by, and not to give him any kind of scat
or service that can have the appearance of a duty. On the other hand,
I think it very proper that the people send the king such friendly
presents of hawks or horses, tents or sails, or such things which are
suitable gifts; and these are well applied if they are repaid with
friendship. But as to Grimsey Isle, I have to say, that although nothing
is drawn from it that can serve for food, yet it could support a great
war-force cruising from thence in long-ships; and then, I doubt not,
there would be distress enough at every poor peasant's door."
When Einar had thus explained the proper connection of the matter,
the whole community were of one mind that such a thing should not be
permitted; and Thorarin saw sufficiently well what the result of his
errand was to be.