It is told that King Sigurd, one Whitsunday, sat at table with many
people, among whom were many of his friends; and when he came to his
high-seat, people saw that his countenance was very wild, and as if he
had been weeping, so that people were afraid of what might follow.
The king rolled his eyes, and looked at those who were seated on the
benches. Then he seized the holy book which he had brought with him
from abroad, and which was written all over with gilded letters; so that
never had such a costly book come to Norway. His queen sat by his side.
Then said King Sigurd, "Many are the changes which may take place during
a man's lifetime. I had two things which were dear to me above all when
I came from abroad, and these were this book and the queen; and now
I think the one is only worse and more loathsome than the other, and
nothing I have belonging to me that I more detest. The queen does not
know herself how hideous she is; for a goat's horn is standing out on
her head, and the better I liked her before the worse I like her
now." Thereupon he cast the book on the fire which was burning on the
hall-floor, and gave the queen a blow with his fist between the eyes.
The queen wept; but more at the king's' illness than at the blow, or the
affront she had suffered.
Then a man stood up before the king; his name was Ottar Birting; and he
was one of the torch-bearers, although a bonde's son, and was on service
that day. He was of small stature, but of agreeable appearance; lively,
bold, and full of fun; black haired, and of a dark skin. He ran and
snatched the book which the king had cast into the fire, held it out,
and said, "Different were the days, sire, when you came with great state
and splendour to Norway, and with great fame and honour; for then all
your friends came to meet you with joy, and were glad at your coming.
All as one man would have you for king, and have you in the highest
regard and honour. But now days of sorrow are come over us; for on
this holy festival many of your friends have come to you, and cannot be
cheerful on account of your melancholy and ill health. It is much to be
desired that you would be merry with them; and do, good king, take this
saving advice, make peace first with the queen, and make her joyful whom
you have so highly affronted, with a friendly word; and then all your
chiefs, friends, and servants; that is my advice."
Then said King Sigurd, "Dost thou dare to give me advice, thou great
lump of a houseman's lad!" And he sprang up, drew his sword, and swung
it with both hands as if going to cut him down.
But Ottar stood quiet and upright; did not stir from the spot, nor show
the slightest sign of fear; and the king turned round the sword-blade
which he had waved over Ottar's head, and gently touched him on the
shoulder with it. Then he sat down in silence on his high-seat.
All were silent who were in the hall, for nobody dared to say a word.
Now the king looked around him, milder than before, and said, "It is
difficult to know what there is in people. Here sat my friends, and
lendermen, marshals and shield-bearers, and all the best men in the
land; but none did so well against me as this man, who appears to you
of little worth compared to any of you, although now he loves me most. I
came here like a madman, and would have destroyed my precious property;
but he turned aside my deed, and was not afraid of death for it. Then he
made an able speech, ordering his words so that they were honourable to
me, and not saying a single word about things which could increase my
vexation; but even avoiding what might, with truth, have been said.
So excellent was his speech, that no man here, however great his
understanding, could have spoken better. Then I sprang up in a pretended
rage, and made as if I would have cut him down; but he was courageous as
if he had nothing to fear; and seeing that, I let go my purpose; for he
was altogether innocent. Now ye shall know, my friends, how I intend to
reward him; he was before my torchbearer, and shall now be my lenderman;
and there shall follow what is still more, that he shall be the most
distinguished of my lendermen. Go thou and sit among the lendermen, and
be a servant no longer."
Ottar became one of the most celebrated men in Norway for various good
and praiseworthy deeds.