When King Sigurd grew up he was a very ungovernable, restless man in
every way; and so was King Eystein, but Eystein was the more reasonable
of the two. King Sigurd was a stout and strong man, of a brisk
appearance; he had light brown hair, an ugly mouth; but otherwise a
well-shaped countenance. He was polite in his conversation beyond any
man, and was expert in all exercises. Einar Skulason speaks of this:--
"Sigurd, expert in every way
To wield the sword in bloody fray,
Showed well that to the bold and brave
God always luck and victory gave.
In speech, as well as bloody deeds,
The king all other men exceeds;
And when he speaks we think that none
Has said a word but he alone."
King Eystein was dark and dingy in complexion, of middle height, and a
prudent able man; but what deprived him of consideration and popularity
with those under him were his avarice and narrowness. He was married to
Ragna, a daughter of Nicolas Mase. King Inge was the handsomest among
them in countenance. He had yellow but rather thin hair, which was much
curled. His stature was small; and he had difficulty in walking alone,
because he had one foot withered, and he had a hump both on his back and
his breast. He was of cheerful conversation, and friendly towards his
friends; was generous, and allowed other chiefs to give him counsel in
governing the country. He was popular, therefore, with the public; and
all this brought the kingdom and the mass of the people on his side.
King Harald Gille's daughter Brigida was first married to the Swedish
king Inge Halsteinson, and afterwards to Earl Karl Sonason, and then to
the Swedish king Magnus. She and King Inge Haraldson were cousins by the
mother's side. At last Brigida married Earl Birger Brose, and they had
four sons, namely, Earl Philip, Earl Knut, Folke, and Magnus. Their
daughters were Ingegerd, who was married to the Swedish king Sorkver,
and their son was King Jon; a second daughter was called Kristin, and a
third Margaret. Harald Gille's second daughter was called Maria, who was
married to Simon Skalp, a son of Halkel Huk; and their son was called
Nikolas. King Harald Gille's third daughter was called Margaret, who was
married to Jon Halkelson, a brother of Simon. Now many things occurred
between the brothers which occasioned differences and disputes; but I
will only relate what appears to me to have produced the more important
events.