180. KING CANUTE'S EXPEDITION TO NORWAY.

Canute the Great collected his forces, and went to Limfjord. When he was

ready with his equipment he sailed from thence with his whole fleet to

Norway; made all possible speed, and did not land to the eastward of

the Fjords, but crossed Folden, and landed in Agder, where he summoned a

Thing. The bondes came down from the upper country to hold a Thing with

Canute, who was everywhere in that country accepted as king. Then he

placed men over the districts, and took hostages from the bondes, and

no man opposed him. King Olaf was in Tunsberg when Canute's fleet sailed

across the mouth of the fjord. Canute sailed northwards along the coast,

and people came to him from all the districts, and promised him fealty.

He lay a while in Egersund, where Erling Skjalgson came to him with many

people, and King Canute and Erling renewed their league of friendship.

Among other things, Canute promised Erling the whole country between

Stad and Rygiarbit to rule over. Then King Canute proceeded; and, to be

short in our tale, did not stop until he came to Throndhjem, and landed

at Nidaros. In Throndhjem he called together a Thing for the eight

districts, at which King Canute was chosen king of all Norway. Thorer

Hund, who had come with King Canute from Denmark, was there, and also

Harek of Thjotta; and both were made sheriffs of the king, and took the

oath of fealty to him. King Canute gave them great fiefs, and also right

to the Lapland trade, and presented them besides with great gifts. He

enriched all men who were inclined to enter into friendly accord with

him both with fiefs and money, and gave them greater power than they had

before.

Heimskringla; Or, The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway · 第 479 / 1013 题