Heimskringla

by Snorri Sturluson

  Thereupon Thórarin continued, “Together with his salutations, the king would in all friendship ask of the people of the Northern Quarter that they give him the island or skerry outside of the Eyafjord which they call Grímsey Island; against which he would give such good things from his own land which they would ask him for. He sent word to Guthmund of Mothruvellir to support this request, because he has been informed that Guthmund had most influence in those parts.”

  Guthmund replied, “I would gladly have the friendship of King Óláf, and would consider that of greater advantage to me than the outlying skerry he asks for. However, the king has not been correctly informed that I have more influence in this matter than others, because it has recently been made into common pasture. Let there be a meeting about this of all those who have most use of the island.”

  Thereupon people went to their booths, and the men of the Northern Quarter had a meeting, where everyone gave his opinion. Guthmund favored the proposal and many others followed him. Then some asked why Einar, his brother, did not say anything about it. “It would seem to us,” they said, “that he sees clearest in most matters.”

  Then Einar answered, “I am chary of my words about this business, because no one has asked me. But if you wish to have my opinion, then I would say that it were best for the people of our country not to subject themselves here to pay tribute to King Óláf, nor to all those taxes such as he has imposed on Norwegians. And we would impose that bondage not only on ourselves but both on ourselves and our sons and all our people who live in this land; and that bondage this land would never be free or rid of. And though this king be a good one, as I believe he is, yet it is likely to be the case, as always hitherto, that when there is a change in the succession there will be some kings who are good and some who are bad. But if our countrymen would preserve their freedom, such as they have had ever since they settled here, then it would be best not to let the king get any hold here, whether it be a piece of land or our promises to pay fixed taxes, which might be interpreted as due from subjects. But I would consider it appropriate for those of us who wish to, to send the king gifts of friendship—hawks or horses, tents or sails or other things which are suitable for sending. That would be a good investment if it is repaid by friendship. But concerning the Island of Grímsey I would say this, that even if nothing is taken from it for supplying people with food, yet a host of men could find food there. And if some army from abroad [made it their base and] sailed from there with their warships, I think many a cotter would find himself in a predicament.”

  And when Einar had spoken and made the state of affairs clear, then all the men were agreed that this should not come about, and Thórarin understood what the outcome of his mission would be.

  Chapter 126. The Icelanders Debate Whether to Accept the King’s Invitation

  On the following day Thórarin went to the Mount of Laws and again spoke about his mission, beginning in this wise: “King Óláf sent word to his friends in this land, mentioning Guthmund Eyólfsson, Snorri the Priest, Thorkel Eyólfsson, Skapti the Lawspeaker, and Thorstein Hallsson. He sent word to you to this effect that you should come to see him and receive his offer of friendship.”

  They answered this speech thanking the king for his invitation, and said that they would tell Thórarin their decision about that journey when they had taken counsel among themselves and their friends. But when the chieftains discussed the matter among themselves, everyone gave his opinion about this journey. Snorri the Priest and Skapti advised against the risk of all of them journeying to Norway at the same time, as they were the men who had most to say in governing the country. They said that this message rather roused their suspicion about what Einar had mentioned, that the king might consider some coercion against the Icelanders if he had the power. Guthmund and Thorkel Eyólfsson strongly urged them to yield to King Óláf’s call and thought it might redound to their great honor. But after having debated the matter between them, they came to the decision that they themselves should not go, but each send a man in their stead whom they considered most fit for the journey. Having agreed on that, they parted at this assembly; and nothing came of any journey abroad during that summer.

  Thórarin sailed back the same summer, and in fall went to see King Óláf and told him about the outcome of his mission, and also, that the chieftains would come to Norway, those to whom he had sent word, or else their sons.

  Chapter 127. King Óláf Demands Tribute from the Faroe Islands

  That summer there came from the Faroes to Norway, at the invitation 1027 of King Óláf, Gilli the Lawspeaker, Leif Ozurarson, Thorálf from Dimon, and many other farmers’ sons. Thránd in Gata made preparations to go, but when he was ready to leave, he had a heart attack which incapacitated him, and he stayed behind. Now when the Faroese came to see King Óláf, he called them together and met with them. Then he made clear to them the reason behind his requesting their coming, and told them he wanted to have tribute from the Faroes, and also that the people of the Faroes were to have the laws which King Óláf would give them. In this meeting it became apparent that the king wished to have assurances concerning this matter from the Faroese who had come, whether they would confirm this agreement with oaths, offering those of them who seemed to him most eminent to become his followers and to receive from him high rank and become his friends. But from the words of the king they inferred that there might be reason to suspect how matters would turn out for them if they would not submit to all the king demanded of them. And although there were several other meetings before the matter was settled, yet in the end the king obtained all that he demanded. They offered their submission to the king, Leif, Gilli, and Thórálf becoming members of his bodyguard, and all in their company swearing oaths to King Óláf that they would maintain in the Faroes the laws and statutes which he ordained for them and pay the tribute he imposed.

  Thereupon the Faroese made ready to journey home. At their parting the king made friendly gifts to all those who had sworn fealty to him. They departed when finished with their preparations for the voyage. But the king also had a ship readied and equipped with a crew, and sent men with it who were to receive the tribute the Faroese were to pay him. They were delayed in their preparations; and of their journey we are told only that they never returned and that no tribute was brought back the summer following, because they had not made the Faroes. No one had come there to levy tribute.

  Chapter 128. The King Arranges for the Marriages of Kinsmen and Friends

  In the fall King Óláf proceeded to Vík and sent word to the Uppland districts to prepare entertainment against his coming there, for he intended to proceed about the Uppland districts during the winter. Thereupon he started on his progress to these districts and remained there that winter at the entertainments, putting to rights such matters as appeared to him to need correction, and mending the practice of Christianity where it seemed to him called for.

  When the king was in Heithmork, Ketil Kálf of Hringuness sued for the hand of Gunnhild, the daughter of Sigurth Sýr and Ásta, and thus King Óláf’s [half-] sister. The king thus had to give his consent and make provisions for this marriage. He did this gladly because he knew that Ketil was high-born and wealthy, wise, and a great chieftain. He had for a long time been a close friend of King Óláf, as has been told above. For all these reasons the king was glad to consent to this marriage, and King Óláf was present at the marriage feast.

  From there he proceeded north to Guthbrands Dale and was entertained there. A certain man by the name of Thórth Gothormsson lived on the farm called Steig. Thórth was the most powerful man in the northern part of the Dale. And when the king and he met, Thórth sued for the hand of Isríth, the daughter of Guthbrand, who was the maternal aunt of King Óláf; hence the king was responsible for giving his consent, and after the matter had been discussed, it was agreed that the match was acceptable, and Isríth was given in marriage to Thórth. Thereafter he became a sincere friend of King Óláf, and with him, m
any other kinsmen and friends of his who followed his lead.

  Thereupon King Óláf returned south through Thótn and Hathaland, thence to Hringaríki and to Vík. In spring he journeyed to Túnsberg, 1025 remaining there for a long time while the fair and supplies were at their height. Then he had his fleet put in order and had a great number of followers about him.

  Chapter 129. The Ship Sent to the Faroes to Demand Tribute Disappears

  This summer there came from Iceland, at the request of King Óláf, Stein, the son of Skapti the Lawspeaker, Thórodd, the son of Snorri the Priest, Gellir, the son of Thorkel, Egil, the son of Sithu-Hall and brother of Thorstein. Guthmund Eyólfsson had died the winter before. These Icelanders at once at the earliest opportunity repaired to King Óláf’s court. And when they met the king they were made welcome and stayed with him as a group.

  That same summer King Óláf learned that the ship he had sent to the Faroes the previous summer to collect the tribute, had vanished and never made land so far as could be learned. Then the king equipped another ship with a crew to sail to the Faroes to collect the tribute. They got under way across the ocean, but nothing was heard of them afterwards, no more than the first. And there were many surmises what had become of these ships.

  Chapter 130. King Knút Lays Claim to Norway

  Knút [Canute] the Powerful, by some called the Old, at that time was king of England and of Denmark. He was the son of Svein Forkbeard, the son of Harald. Their line had ruled Denmark for a long time. Harald Gormsson, the grandfather of Knút had taken possession of Norway after the fall of Harald, the son of Gunnhild, and laid it under tribute, setting over it Earl Hákon the Powerful to defend the land. Svein, the son of Harald, and king of Denmark, ruled Norway and had set over it to defend the country, Earl Eirík, the son of Hákon. He and his brother, Svein Hákonarson, ruled over the land until Eirík had gone west to England at the bidding of Knút the Powerful, his brother-in-law. In his place, to govern his dominion in Norway, Eirík left Earl Hákon, who was his son and the sister’s son of Knút the Powerful. Now when Óláf the Stout came to Norway, he first of all captured Earl Hákon and deposed him, as was written above. Thereupon Hákon repaired to Knút, his maternal uncle, and stayed with him all the time to this point in our story.

  Knút the Powerful had won England with battles and warfare, and had a long struggle until the people of the land were obedient to him. But when he had gained complete domination of the land he came to think of the claims he had on the dominion he did not have the governance of himself, and that was Norway. He considered that he possessed all of Norway as his inheritance; and Hákon, his sister’s son, likewise considered that he had a claim on part of it, and that he had lost it dishonorably. One reason why Knút and Hákon had kept quiet about their claim to Norway was that, at first, when Óláf Haraldsson came to the land, everybody to a man acclaimed him and wanted to have him as king over all the country. But afterwards, when men feared losing their independence through his power, some left the country. Very many men of influence, and also sons of powerful yeomen, had joined King Knút under various pretexts. And to every one of them who came to him and whom he wished to attach to himself, he gave handfuls of money. Also, at his court one could see much greater splendor than in other places, both as to the multitudes there every day, and as to other furnishings in the buildings he had and occupied himself. Knút the Powerful received tribute and taxes from the richest nations of the North; but in the same measure as he received more income than other kings, he also gave more than any other sovran. In all his lands there was such complete peace that no one dared to break it, and the people themselves enjoyed peace and their ancient laws. For these reasons he was greatly famed in all lands. And many of the men who came from Norway complained to Earl Hákon about the tyranny there, and some even to the king, [intimating] that they were inclined to revert to King Knút and the earl and from them receive back their liberties. These utterances pleased the earl, and he pleaded with the king, requesting him to find out whether King Óláf would yield his kingdom to them or at least come to some terms to share it with him. There were many who pleaded for the earl in this matter.

  Chapter 131. King Óláf Answers King Knút’s Claim

  Knút the Powerful sent ambassadors east to Norway, and they were splendidly equipped for the journey. They carried with them the letters and seal of Knút, king of England. In the spring they arrived at the court of Óláf Haraldsson, the king of Norway, in Túnsberg. But when the king was told that ambassadors had come from Knút the Powerful, he became angry and said that Knút was not likely to send ambassadors to him with any message likely to be of advantage either to him or to his adherents; and it was some days before the ambassadors were allowed to have an audience with the king. But when they received permission to have it they went before the king, producing the letters of King Knút, and read the message contained in them; which was that King Knút claimed as his possession all of Norway and that his forbears had that kingdom before him, but that because King Knút would offer peace to all lands he would not invade Norway if there was a chance to avoid that. However, if King Óláf Haraldsson wished to be king of Norway, then let him come to King Knút and receive his land in fief from him and swear loyalty to him and pay him such tribute as the earls did previously. Thereupon they produced their letters to the same effect.

  King Óláf made reply as follows: “I have heard it told in old accounts that Gorm, the king of Denmark, was considered a great sovran, and he ruled over Denmark only. But the Danish kings who succeeded him have not been satisfied with that. And now it has come about that Knút rules over both Denmark and England, and in addition he has now brought under his sway a large part of Scotland. And now he makes claim to my patrimony. He should at last learn moderation in his ambition. Or does he wish to be sole ruler over all the lands of the North? Or does he mean to eat up all the cabbage of England himself? Let him do that before I tender my submission or bow to him in even one respect. Now you are to report to him these my words, that I mean to defend Norway by all means available to me while I live, and to pay no one tribute from my kingdom.” After being given this answer Knút’s ambassadors left, in no way pleased with the outcome of their mission.

  The skald Sigvat had been at the court of King Knút who gave him a golden [arm] ring which weighed half a mark [four ounces]. At the same time there was at King Knút’s court Bersi Skáldtorfuson,1 and to him he gave two gold rings, each weighing half a mark, as well as an inlaid sword. Sigvat spoke this verse:

  (86.)

  275. Gave us the glorious sovran

  guerdon bounteous, so that

  both our arms, Bersi,

  brightly shine with gold rings.

  One mark or more he gave as

  meed to you, a sword eke,

  sharp-edged: my share is only—

  surely God rules—a half mark.

  Sigvat approached the ambassadors of King Knút to King Óláf and asked them much about what had happened. They replied to his questions and told them about their talk with King Óláf and also what the outcome was. They reported that he had given a truculent answer to their message. “And we do not know,” they said, “how he has the courage to refuse to swear allegiance to King Knút and journey to his court. Yet that would be the best thing he could do, because King Knút is so gracious that however much any chieftains have offended against him, he will forgive them as soon as they come to him and submit to him. Only a short while ago two kings came to him from Fife in Scotland in the north, and he gave up his wrath against them and bestowed on them all the lands they had had before, together with great gifts of friendship. Then Sigvat spoke this verse:

  (87.)

  276. Princes twain did purchase

  peace from Knút, they from

  Fife in Scotland, fealty—

  fie on them!—both offering.

  Óláf the Stout not e’er to

  any man in this world

  bended hi
s knee, bowing—

  battles won he many.

  The ambassadors of Knút went their way and had favorable winds across the sea. Then they repaired to King Knút and told him about the result of their mission, and also the final words King Óláf had spoken to them. King Knút made this reply: “King Óláf gaesses wrong if he thinks that I myself want to eat up all the cabbage in England. I would, rather, that he find out that there is more inside my ribs than cabbage only; because hostile measures shall issue henceforth from under my every rib-bone.”

  That same summer there came to King Knút from Norway Áslák and Skjálg, the sons of Erling of Jathar, and they were well received by him, because Áslák was married to Sigríth, the daughter of Earl Svein Hákonarson. And Earl Hákon Eiríksson and she were brother’s children. King Knút gave the two brothers large revenues from his kingdom.

  Chapter 132. Kings Óláf and Onund Form an Alliance

  King Óláf summoned his landed-men to join him and collected many troops during the summer, because rumors were abroad that Knút the Powerful would come sailing from the west in summer. People believed they had it from [the crews] of merchantmen from the west that Knút was drawing together a large army in England. And as the summer wore on some affirmed, and others denied, that a fleet would be coming. King Óláf was in Vík during the summer and sent men to reconnoiter if King Knút would be coming to Denmark. In the fall King Óláf sent envoys east to Sweden to his brother-in-law, King Onund, to tell him about the message of King Knút and the claims he had made on Norway, adding that he thought that if Knút subdued Norway, Onund would not long rule Sweden in peace. It was advisable [therefore], that Onund and he concluded an alliance to oppose Knút. Then they would have sufficient forces to make head against King Knút. King Onund took King Óláf’s advice in good part and sent him the reply that he would make common cause with him, in such fashion that each would lend assistance from his country to whoever needed it first. Moreover, in their negotiations they agreed to meet and deliberate on what measures to take. King Onund intended to journey through West Gautland in the following winter and King Óláf made ready to have his winter quarters in Sarpsborg.