Sigurd Slembe, and some men who were in his design, came in the night
to the lodging in which King Harald was sleeping; killed the watchman
first; then broke open the door, and went in with drawn swords. Ivar
Kolbeinson made the first attack on King Harald; and as the king had
been drunk when he went to bed he slept sound, and awoke only when the
men were striking at him. Then he said in his sleep, "Thou art treating
me hardly, Thora." She sprang up, saying, "They are treating thee hardly
who love thee less than I do." Harald was deprived of life. Then Sigurd
went out with his helpers, and ordered the men to be called to him who
had promised him their support if he should get King Harald taken out
of the way. Sigurd and his men then went on, and took a boat, set
themselves to the oars, and rowed out in front of the king's house; and
then it was just beginning to be daylight. Then Sigurd stood up, spoke
to those who were standing on the king's pier, made known to them the
murder of King Harald by his hand, and desired that they would take him,
and choose him as chief according to his birth. Now came many swarming
down to the pier from the king's house; and all with one voice replied,
that they would never give obedience or service to a man who had
murdered his own brother. "And if thou are not his brother, thou hast no
claim from descent to be king." They clashed their weapons together, and
adjudged all murderers to be banished and outlawed men. Now the king's
horn sounded, and all lendermen and courtmen were called together.
Sigurd and his companions saw it was best for them to get way; and
he went northward to North Hordaland, where he held a Thing with the
bondes, who submitted to him, and gave him the title of king. From
thence he went to Sogn, and held a Thing there with the bondes and was
proclaimed king. Then he went north across the fjords, and most people
supported his cause. So says Ivar Ingemundson:--
"On Harald's fall
The bondes all,
In Hord and Sogn,
Took Magnus' son.
The Things swore too
They would be true
To this new head
In Harald's stead."
King Harald was buried in the old Christ church.