7 Olaf Feilan was the youngest of Thorstein’s children. He was a large, strong man, handsome and highly accomplished. Unn was fonder of him than anyone else and let it be known that she intended to leave all her property at Hvamm to Olaf after her death. As Unn grew weak with advancing age, she sent for Olaf and spoke to him:
‘It has occurred to me, my grandson, that you should think of settling down and marrying.’
Olaf agreed and said he was ready to follow her advice on this matter.
Unn said, ‘It would be best, I think, to hold your wedding feast at the end of this summer, when it is easiest to provide everything we need. If things turn out as I expect, our friends will attend in number, as this will be the last feast I will hold.’
Olaf answered: ‘You have made me a generous offer, and the only wife I take will be one who will rob you of neither your property nor your authority.’
Olaf was married that same autumn to Alfdis and the wedding was celebrated at Hvamm. Unn went to great expense with the feast, to which she invited prominent people from distant districts. She invited her brothers Bjorn and Helgi Bjolan, both of whom attended with large followings. Koll, her granddaughter’s husband, came as did Hord of Hordadal and many other men of distinction. There were large numbers of guests, even though nowhere near as many came as Unn had invited, since those who lived in Eyjafjord had a long distance to travel.
Old age was tightening its grip on Unn. She was not up and about until noon and retired to bed early in the evening. No one was allowed to consult her from the time she went to bed in the evening until she was dressed the next day. She replied angrily if anyone asked after her health. On the day the feast began Unn slept longer than usual, but was up when the guests began to arrive and went out to give her friends and kinsmen a proper welcome. She said they had shown their affection for her by making the long journey.
‘I mean Bjorn and Helgi especially, but to all of you who have come, I give my thanks.’
Unn then entered the hall, followed by a large group of people. When the hall was filled, everyone was impressed by the magnificence of the feast. Unn then spoke:
‘I call upon you, my brothers Bjorn and Helgi, and my other kinsmen and friends, as witnesses. This farm, with all the furnishings you see around you, I hand over to the ownership and control of my grandson, Olaf.’
Unn then rose to her feet and said she would retire to her bedchamber. She urged them to enjoy themselves in whatever way they saw fit, and people could take pleasure in drinking. It is said that Unn was both tall and heavy-set. She walked briskly along the hall and people commented on her dignified bearing.
The evening was spent feasting until everyone went to bed. Olaf Feilan came to the sleeping chamber of his grandmother Unn the following day. As he entered the room, Unn was sitting upright among the pillows, dead. Olaf returned to the hall to announce the news. Everyone was impressed at how well Unn had kept her dignity to her dying day. The feast then continued, in commemoration of both Olaf’s marriage and Unn’s death. On the final day Unn was borne to the burial mound which had been prepared for her. She was placed in a ship in the mound, along with a great deal of riches, and the mound closed.
Olaf Feilan then took over the farm at Hvamm and its property with the consent of his kinsmen who had come to visit. When the feast concluded, Olaf gave generous parting gifts to his most respected guests. Olaf became an influential man and a great chieftain. He lived at Hvamm into his old age. The children of Olaf and Alfdis were Thord Bellower, who married Hrodny, the daughter of Skeggi of Midfjord. Their sons were Eyjolf the Grey, Thorarin Foal’s-brow and Thorkel Kuggi. Olaf’s daughter Thora was married to Thorstein Cod-biter, the son of Thorolf Moster-beard. Their sons were Bork the Stout and Thorgrim the father of Snorri the Godi. Another daughter, Helga, was married to Gunnar Hlifarson. Their daughter Jofrid was married first to Thorodd, the son of Tungu-Odd, and later to Thorstein Egilsson. Another of their daughters, Thorunn, was married to Herstein, the son of Thorkel Blund-Ketilsson. Olaf’s third daughter, Thordis, was married to Thorarin Ragi’s brother the Lawspeaker.
Olaf was living at Hvamm when his brother-in-law Dala-Koll became ill and died. Hoskuld, Roll’s son, was still a youngster when his father died, but wise beyond his years. Hoskuld was a handsome and accomplished youth. He inherited his father’s property and took over the running of the farm. His name was soon linked with the farm where Koll had lived, and it was called Hoskuldsstadir. Hoskuld was soon a well-liked farmer in the district, as he enjoyed the support of many who had been friends and relatives of his father, Dala-Koll.
His mother Thorgerd, Thorstein the Red’s daughter, was still a young and good-looking woman. After the death of Koll she was unhappy in Iceland and told her son Hoskuld that she wished to take her portion of the property and go abroad. Hoskuld answered that he would deeply regret their parting, but would not oppose her in this or anything else. He proceeded to purchase for his mother a half-share in a ship which was beached at Dagverdarnes. Thorgerd arranged her passage, taking substantial wealth with her. She put out to sea and the ship had a good journey to Norway. In Norway Thorgerd had many relatives and numerous kinsmen of high birth. They welcomed her warmly and offered her whatever hospitality she cared to accept. Thorgerd accepted gladly, saying that she intended to settle in Norway.
Thorgerd did not remain a widow for long before a suitor named Herjolf asked for her hand. He had been granted the rank of landholder, and was wealthy and greatly respected. Herjolf was a large and powerful man. While not handsome, he was still an impressive-looking fellow, and the best of warriors. Under such circumstances, as a widow, Thorgerd was free to decide for herself, and on the advice of her kinsmen she decided not to refuse his offer.
Thorgerd married Herjolf and went to live at his farm; they cared deeply for one another. Thorgerd soon proved herself to be a woman of firm character. Herjolf’s situation was now considered better than before as he enjoyed even greater respect after having married a woman like Thorgerd.
8 Soon after Herjolf and Thorgerd began their life together they had a son. The child was sprinkled with water and named Hrut. From his early childhood he was both big and strong for his age, and no man cut a better figure: tall, broad-shouldered and narrow at the waist, with well-formed arms and legs. Hrut was also very handsome, and in this respect took after his grandfather, Thorstein, and great-great-grandfather, Ketil. He was highly accomplished in all respects.
Herjolf fell ill and died, and was deeply mourned by everyone. Afterwards Thorgerd wanted to return to Iceland and see her son Hoskuld, whom she cared for more than anyone else. Hrut stayed behind with his kinsmen where he was in a favourable position. Thorgerd set out on the trip to Iceland and made her way to her son Hoskuld’s farm in Laxardal. He gave his mother a fitting welcome. Thorgerd was wealthy and spent the remainder of her life with Hoskuld. A few years later she fell ill and died, and was buried in a mound. Hoskuld took over all her wealth, although his brother Hrut was entitled to half.
9 At this time Norway was ruled by King Hakon, foster-son of King Athelstan of England. Hoskuld was one of the king’s men and spent alternate years at court and at home on his farm. He was a well-known person in both Norway and Iceland.
A man named Bjorn had settled in Bjarnarfjord, which cuts into the land north of Steingrimsfjord and is named after him. There is a ridge between the two fjords. Bjorn was a wealthy man and of good family. His wife was named Ljufa and they had a daughter named Jorunn, a good-looking woman, very proud, and no less clever. She was considered the best match in the entire West Fjords.
Hearing of this woman and also that Bjorn was the foremost farmer of the Strandir district, Hoskuld set out with a party of nine men to visit him in Bjarnarfjord. Hoskuld was well received, for Bjorn had heard others speak well of him. Eventually Hoskuld asked for his daughter’s hand. Bjorn consented for his part, and said in his opinion his daughter could not wish for a better marriage, but referred the questio
n to her.
When the question was put to Jorunn, she answered, ‘Nothing I have heard of you, Hoskuld, would make me inclined to refuse you, and I think any woman married to you will be well cared for. In this, however, my father will have the deciding say, as I will abide by his wishes.’
The long and the short of it was that Jorunn was betrothed to Hoskuld with a large dowry. Their wedding was to be celebrated at Hoskuldsstadir. The question settled, Hoskuld rode home to his farm, where he remained until the date set for the wedding. Bjorn came south for the occasion, accompanied by a sizeable following. Hoskuld had also invited a great many guests from among both his friends and his kinsmen, and the wedding feast was a very grand one. Afterwards everyone returned home in a spirit of friendship and bearing worthy gifts.
Jorunn Bjarnardottir remained at Hoskuldsstadir and assumed her duties in running the farm along with Hoskuld. She soon showed herself to be both clever and experienced, and skilled at many things, though often somewhat headstrong. She and Hoskuld got along well together, but they seldom showed strong affection for each other.
Hoskuld soon became a great chieftain. He was both powerful and ambitious, and did not lack wealth. People felt him to be at least the equal of his father, Koll, in all respects. Not long after their marriage Hoskuld and Jorunn had a child. This son was named Thorleik and was the eldest of their children. A second son was named Bard. Their daughter Hallgerd was later called Long-legs. Another daughter was named Thurid. All their children were promising.
Thorleik was a big, strong man with striking features, who spoke little and was unruly. Judging from his character as a youngster people felt he would hardly prove to be easy to get along with. Hoskuld often said that Thorleik reminded him of his relatives in the Strandir district. Bard was exceptionally good-looking, strong and intelligent, and in character resembled more his father’s side of the family. As a youngster Bard was even-tempered, and he grew up to be a popular man. Of all the children he was Hoskuld’s favourite.
Hoskuld’s situation was by this time extremely prosperous and he was highly respected. At this point Hoskuld married his sister Groa to Veleif the Old. Their son was Bersi the Dueller.
10 A man named Hrapp lived north of the Laxa river, across from Hoskuldsstadir. His farm, later called Hrappsstadir, is now deserted. Hrapp was the son of Sumarlidi and was called Killer-Hrapp. He was of Scottish descent on his father’s side, but his mother’s family had lived in the Hebrides, where he was born. A big, strong man, he was never willing to back down, even when facing an opponent who was considered more than his equal. He had fled from the Hebrides to Iceland and purchased the farm where he now lived because this same belligerence had led him to commit misdeeds for which he refused to make retribution. His wife was Vigdis Hallsteinsdottir and their son was named Sumarlidi.
Vigdis’s brother was Thorstein Hallsteinsson, who lived at Thorsnes. Sumarlidi grew up there and was a promising youth. Thorstein had been married, but his wife had died by this time. He had two daughters, one named Gudrid and the other Osk. Gudrid was married to Thorkel Scarf who lived at Svignaskard, an important chieftain and wise man; he was the son of Red-Bjorn. Osk, Thorstein’s other daughter, was married to a man named Thorarin who lived in Breidafjord. He was a robust and popular man who farmed with his father-in-law Thorstein, now an elderly man and much in need of help.
Most people cared little for Hrapp. He pushed his neighbours around and had on occasion hinted to them that they could expect trouble if they showed anyone else more respect than they did him. The farmers got together and agreed to approach Hoskuld and tell him of their difficulties.
Hoskuld told them to let him know if Hrapp did them any harm, ‘for he’ll deprive me of neither men nor means’.
11 A man named Thord Goddi lived on the north side of the Laxa river on a farm which has since been called Goddastadir. He was very wealthy and had no children. He had purchased the farm where he lived. As a neighbour of Hrapp’s, he was often the victim of his aggression. Hoskuld gave him protection so that he could remain on his farm. Thord’s wife Vigdis was the daughter of Ingjald, who was the son of Olaf Feilan and brother of Thord Bellower. On her mother’s side she was the niece of Thorolf Red-nose of Saudafell. Thorolf was a noted warrior and a man of means; his kinsmen could always look to him for support. Vigdis had been married to Thord more for his wealth than his worth.
Thord had a slave, who had immigrated to Iceland with him, named Asgaut. He was a large and capable man, and, though he was called a slave, there were few among those called free men who could regard themselves as his equals. He was exceptionally loyal to his master. Thord had other slaves, but only Asgaut is mentioned by name.
A man named Thorbjorn, who was called Pock-marked, lived on the next farm up the valley from Thord. He was a man of wealth, much of it in gold and silver. He was a big man, very strong, and tight-fisted in his dealings with most people.
The buildings on Hoskuld’s farm were far from his liking, as he felt them unworthy of a man in his situation. He purchased a ship from a man from the Shetland Islands which was beached at Blonduos. He made the ship ready and declared his intention to travel abroad, leaving Jorunn to look after his farm and children. They set out to sea, had favourable winds and made land in the south of Norway, in Hordaland, where the trading town of Bergen was later established. He had the ship drawn ashore there, as important kinsmen of his lived nearby, although they are not mentioned by name. King Hakon was then in Vik. Hoskuld did not proceed on to the king, as his kinsmen received him with open arms. Nothing of note occurred all that winter.
12 The coming summer was the occasion of a royal expedition east to the Brenno Islands. Intended to keep the peace in the region, the excursion was made every third summer, according to the law. An assembly of chieftains was called to choose the cases in which the kings were to pass judgement. Attending the assembly was regarded as an entertainment, as men attended from all the lands of which we have reports.
Hoskuld had his ship set afloat. He also wanted to attend the assembly, as he had not yet paid his respects to the king that winter. The assembly attracted a gathering of traders. People attended in large numbers, and there was plenty of entertainment, drinking and games, and festivities of all sorts. Nothing especially newsworthy occurred, but Hoskuld met many of his kinsmen who lived in Denmark.
One day, when Hoskuld was on his way to the festivities with several companions, he noticed a highly decorated tent some distance away from the others. Hoskuld went over and entered the tent, where a man sat dressed in costly clothing and wearing a Russian hat.
When Hoskuld asked him his name he replied that it was Gilli, ‘but many know me better by my nickname; I am called Gilli the Russian’.
Hoskuld replied that he had often heard him mentioned and called him the richest of the merchants trading there.
Hoskuld then said, ‘I suppose you can provide me with anything I might want to buy?’
Gilli asked what it was that he and his companions wished to buy.
Hoskuld said that he wanted to purchase a slave-woman, ‘if you should happen to have one for sale’.
Gilli replied, ‘You hope to put me on the spot by asking for something you assume I don’t have. I wouldn’t be too sure of that, however.’
Hoskuld then noticed an inner curtain drawn across the tent. When Gilli lifted the curtain Hoskuld saw twelve women sitting behind it. Gilli told Hoskuld to go inside and take a look, to see whether he cared to buy any of these women. Hoskuld did so. The women sat in a row across the width of the tent. When Hoskuld looked more closely he noticed one of the women sitting near the outer side of the tent. She was poorly dressed, but Hoskuld thought her to be a good-looking woman, as far as he could judge.
Hoskuld then spoke: ‘Say I wanted to buy this woman, how much would she cost?’
Gilli answered: ‘For her you will weigh out and pay me three marks of silver.’
‘It seems to me,’ said Hoskuld, ‘
that you value this slave-woman rather highly; that is the price of three.’
To this Gilli answered, ‘Right you are, I do value her more highly than the others. Choose one of the eleven others instead, for one mark of silver; I will keep this one.’
Hoskuld said, ‘Tell me first how much silver is in this purse on my belt,’ and asked Gilli to bring out his scales while he sought his purse.
Gilli then said, ‘I’m not out to trick you in this transaction – the woman has a major flaw and I wish you to know of it, Hoskuld, before we conclude the bargain.’
When Hoskuld asked what it was, Gilli replied: ‘The woman cannot speak. I have tried in many ways to get her to speak, but never got so much as a word from her. To my mind, at least, she doesn’t know how to speak.’
To this Hoskuld replied, ‘Bring out your scale and we will see how much the money I have here weighs.’
This Gilli did, and weighed the silver, which proved to weigh three marks.
Hoskuld then said, ‘Since that’s the case, we’ll call it a bargain. You take the silver, and I will take the woman. I must say you acted fairly, in not trying to trick me into a purchase.’
Hoskuld then went back to his own booth.
Hoskuld slept with the woman that same evening. The next morning, as they were dressing, Hoskuld spoke:
‘There’s not much sign of pride in this clothing which the wealthy Gilli has provided you with. But I suppose it’s more of a burden for him to dress twelve than for me to dress one.’
The Sagas of the Icelanders Page 42