Svein, a son of King Canute, and of Alfifa, a daughter of Earl Alfrin,
had been appointed to govern Jomsborg in Vindland. There came a message
to him from his father King Canute, that he should come to Denmark;
and likewise that afterwards he should proceed to Norway, and take that
kingdom under his charge, and assume, at the same time, the title of
king of Norway. Svein repaired to Denmark, and took many people with him
from thence, and also Earl Harald and many other people of consequence
attended him. Thorarin Loftunga speaks of this in the song he composed
about King Svein, called the "Glelogn Song":--
"'Tis told by fame,
How grandly came
The Danes to tend
Their young king Svein.
Grandest was he,
That all could see;
Then, one by one,
Each following man
More splendour wore
Than him before."
Then Svein proceeded to Norway, and his mother Alfifa was with him;
and he was taken to be king at every Law-thing in the country. He
had already come as far as Viken at the time the battle was fought at
Stiklestad, and King Olaf fell. Svein continued his journey until
he came north, in autumn, to the Throndhjem country; and there, as
elsewhere, he was received as king.