When the kings Sigurd and Inge had ruled over Norway about six years,
Eystein, who was a son of Harald Gille, came in spring from Scotland
(A.D. 1142). Arne Sturla, Thorleif Brynjolfson, and Kolbein Hruga had
sailed westward over the sea after Eystein, accompanied him to Norway,
and sailed immediately with him to Throndhjem. The Throndhjem people
received him well; and at the Eyra-thing of Ascension-day he was chosen
king, so that he should have the third part of Norway with his brothers
Sigurd and Inge. They were at this time in the east part of the country;
and men went between the kings who brought about a peace, and that
Eystein should have a third part of the kingdom. People believed what he
said of his paternal descent, because King Harald himself had testified
to it, and he did not resort to the ordeal of iron. King Eystein's
mother was called Bjadok, and she followed him to Norway. Magnus was the
name of King Harald Gille's fourth son, who was fostered by Kyrpingaorm.
He also was chosen king, and got a fourth part of the country; but
Magnus was deformed in his feet, lived but a short time, and died in his
bed. Einar Skulason speaks of them:--
"The generous Eystein money gave;
Sigurd in fight was quick and brave;
Inge loved well the war-alarm;
Magnus to save his land from harm.
No country boasts a nobler race
The battle-field, or Thing, to grace.
Four brothers of such high pretence
The sun ne'er shone upon at once."