(133.)
322. Loath I am not, by lot though—
little shall women hear me
whine—the stanch sea-steed I,
storms though bode,1 shall govern,
which Óláf owned, he whom
all called the Stout, and who
himself this very summer
suffered defeat, good women.
Shortly to tell of what happened much later: Jokul fell in with King Óláf’s force on the Island of Gotland2 and was captured. The king had him led forth to be beheaded, and a wand was twisted in his hair by which a man held him fast. Jokul sat down on a bank, and a man came up to behead him. But when Jokul heard the whistle of the blow he suddenly stood up, and the axe struck him on the head, inflicting a deep wound. The king saw that it was mortal, so he ordered to let him be. Jokul sat up and composed this verse:
(134.)
323. Weary me sore wounds, nor
worse befell me ever:
from a gaping gash there
gushes red blood freely.
Maimed with mortal wound, yet
manfully shall I bear me.
His wrath upon me wreaks the
regent helm-clad of Norway.
Then Jokul died.
Chapter 183. Kálf Árnason Is Promised the Rule of Norway
Kálf Árnason travelled north with Earl Hákon to Trondheim. The earl invited him to be his guest and become his man. Kálf said that he would first go to Egg where his estate was and later on come to a decision; and so he did.
When he came home, he soon discovered that his wife, Sigríth, was in an exceedingly virulent frame of mind. She reckoned up the injuries she claimed she had received from King Óláf—first, that he had caused her [first] husband, Olvir, to be killed, “and now, since that,” she said, “my two sons. And you, Kálf, were present at their execution and I would have least expected that of you.” Kálf replied that it was much against his will that Thórir was executed.
“I offered money to reprieve him,” he said. “But when Grjótgarth was executed, I lost my own brother, Árnbjorn.”
She said, “It is good that you had to bear that from the king, because it is likely that him you will wish to avenge, even though you do not care to avenge the wrongs done to me. You saw, when your foster son Thórir was killed, how little the king thought of you then.”
Harangues such as this one she constantly made to Kálf. He often replied to her angrily; still in the end he gave in to her representations and promised to swear loyalty to Earl Hákon if the latter would increase his income. Sigríth sent word to the earl, informing him how it stood with Kálf. And as soon as the earl got to know that, he sent a message to Kálf, to the effect that he should come to the town in order to agree on terms. Kálf did not delay and shortly travelled to Nitharós where he had a good welcome from the earl, and discussed matters with him. They agreed on all points, and in the end Kálf swore fealty to the earl against receiving great revenues from him.
Thereupon Kálf returned to his estate. His authority then reached all the way into the inner reaches of the Trondheimfjord. Now as soon as spring approached, Kálf got ready a ship he owned and, sailing out to sea, he steered it west to England, because he had learned that early in spring King Knút had sailed from Denmark to England. Before that, King Knút had given an earldom in Denmark to Harald, the son of Thorkel the Tall. Kálf Árnason went to the court of King Knút as soon as he landed in England, as says Bjarni Gullbrárskáld:
(135.)
324. Forthwith the folk-warder1
fared to the east o’er salt wave.
Would he then, weary of
war, make his way to Garthar.2
Not used am I to utter
untruths about men’s doings:
slow you were not since, to
seek out Knút after parting.3
And when Kálf came into the presence of King Knút, he was given a cordial welcome, and they discussed matters between them. Among other things, King Knút requested Kálf to engage himself to oppose Óláf the Stout in case he sought to return [to his land]. “Then I shall give you an earldom and let you govern Norway. But as to my kinsman Hákon, he is to join me [then], and that will be best for him, for he is a man so loyal to his oath that I believe he would not hurl one spear at King Óláf if ever they met.” Kálf listened to what King Knút said, and became eager to be elevated to princely rank. So the agreements between him and King Knút were confirmed. Thereupon Kálf made ready to journey home, and at their parting King Knút presented him with valuable gifts. This is mentioned by the skald Bjarni:
(136.)
325. Ow’st thou the English ruler,
earl’s offspring, most noble
gifts; and greatly didst thy
goal advance in this business.
London’s lord assigned thee
land ere thou didst leave him,
eastward sailing—nor is thy
honor little—but lately.
Afterwards Kálf returned to Norway and his estate.
Chapter 184. Earl Hákon Perishes at Sea
Earl Hákon left the country that summer and sailed west to England, and when he arrived there, King Knút made him welcome. The earl had a bride there in England, and he had come in order to fetch her, intending to celebrate his marriage in Norway; and he had gone to England to procure such materials as he thought would be hardest to get in Norway. In fall he made ready for the journey home but was delayed rather long. He sailed finally, but the short and long of that voyage is that his ship went down with all on board. Some say that the ship had been seen in the evening north of Caithness in a bad storm, with the wind blowing out of the Pentland Firth. Those who believe this say that the ship probably got caught in the “Swelchie.”1 So much is sure, that Earl Hákon was lost at sea with all aboard that ship. The same fall merchants said that news was spread about Norway that the earl was believed to have been drowned. Anyway, this all knew—that he did not return to Norway that fall so the land then was without a ruler.
Chapter 185. Bjorn the Marshal Accepts King Knút’s Bribe
Bjorn the Marshal had remained at home since parting with King Óláf. Bjorn was widely known, and soon the news spread that he had settled down for good. Earl Hákon and other men ruling the country had heard of that, so they sent men with messages to Bjorn; and when they arrived, Bjorn gave them a good welcome. Later on, Bjorn asked the messengers what their business was, and he who was their spokesman replied, bringing to Bjorn the greetings of King Knút, Earl Hákon, and several other chieftains; “moreover,” he said, “King Knút has heard a great deal about you and that you have for a long time been a follower of Óláf the Stout and a great enemy of King Knút. He regrets that, because he wants to be your friend as well as that of all other outstanding men, as soon as you drop your hostility to him. And it is your only choice to turn for protection and friendship to where it is found most plentifully and where all men in the northern lands are pleased to find it. You who have followed Óláf can see now how he has parted with you. All of you are helpless against King Knút and his men, you who harried in his land last summer and killed his friends. Seeing that, you ought to be grateful that the king offers you his friendship; and indeed it would be more fitting for you to ask for it and offer money [for what you have done].”
When he ceased speaking, Bjorn answered and said, “I now want to remain at home in peace on my estate and not serve any chieftains.”
The messenger replied, “Men like you ought to serve kings. I can tell you that you have two alternatives open to you: either to depart from your property as an outlaw, as your partner Óláf now is doing; or else—and that will seem the better part—to accept the friendship of King Knút and Earl Hákon and become their man and swear fealty to them—and here is your payment for that”—and with that he poured out English silver from a big purse.
Knút’s emissary bribes Bjorn the Marshal.
Bjorn was an avaricious
man. He was greatly distressed, and grew silent when he saw the silver, pondering what decision to make, for he hated to leave his possessions and considered the restitution to kingship in Norway of King Óláf very unlikely. And when the emissary observed that Bjorn coveted the money he threw down two heavy gold [arm] rings on the table and said, “Take the money now, Bjorn, and swear allegiance. I promise you that this is little money compared to what you are likely to receive when you join King Knút.” But what with the large amount of money, the fair promises, and the large presents, Bjorn was overcome by his avarice. He accepted the money and then swore the oath of allegiance to King Knút and Earl Hákon, whereupon the emissaries departed.
Chapter 186. Bjorn Repents and Journeys to King Óláf
Bjorn the Marshal heard the news according to which Earl Hákon had lost his life. Then he changed his mind, repenting that he had broken his faith with King Óláf. He considered himself released then from the agreement entered into as to obedience to Earl Hákon, and he thought that now there was some hope of King Óláf regaining the kingdom if he returned to Norway, seeing the land was without a leader. So he quickly made ready to depart with a few men, and then travelled day and night—on horseback where he could, and by ship where occasion demanded; nor did he stop till in winter during the Yuletide he arrived east in Gartharíki and found King Óláf. And the king was overjoyed when he saw Bjorn. Then the king was informed of many events which had taken place north [west] in Norway. Bjorn told him that the earl had perished and so the land was without a head. The men who had followed King Óláf from Norway and had possessions, kinsmen, and friends there were glad to hear this news, for homesickness greatly inclined them to return home. Bjorn told the king much besides which he was eager to learn. Then the king inquired about his friends and whether they maintained their loyalty to him.
Bjorn answered that they had behaved in very diverse ways. Thereupon Bjorn arose and fell at the king’s feet and embraced his knee, and said, “I am altogether in God’s power and yours, sir king. I have accepted money from Knút’s men and swore them oaths of allegiance; but now I will follow you and not part with you whilst both of us live.”
The king answered, “Stand up quickly, Bjorn. We two shall be reconciled. Make your peace with God in this matter. I can see that most likely there are few in Norway now who remain loyal to me, if men like you fail me. True it is that people there are in great difficulty while I am so far away, and are exposed to hostilities from my enemies.”
Bjorn informed the king what men had been the chief ones to band together to make opposition to him and his followers. He mentioned particularly the sons of Erling in Jathar and other kinsmen of theirs, Einar Thambarskelfir, Kálf Árnason, Thórir the Hound, and Hárek of Thjótta.
Chapter 187. The King Ponders Whether to Return to Norway
Ever since King Óláf arrived in Gartharíki he was greatly concerned, contemplating what plan he should follow. King Jarizleif and Queen Ingigerth had invited King Óláf to take up residence with them and establish himself in the realm which is called Vúlgáríá1 which is a part of Gartharíki where people were heathen. King Óláf considered whether to accept that invitation; but when he consulted his men about this, they all dissuaded him from establishing himself there and urged him to try to return north [west] to his own kingdom. The king also deliberated whether to lay down the royal title and make pilgrimage to Jerusalem or other holy places and submit to holy orders. But most often he considered whether there was any possibility of his regaining his dominion in Norway. And as he was pondering this he called to mind that during the first ten years of his rule all things had gone well and prospered for him, but that later matters had become difficult and gone wrong and that when he had tried his luck everything went against him. So now he was doubtful if it was wise to trust his luck so much as to proceed with a small band against his enemies, seeing that one and everybody had united to oppose him. Such anxious thoughts he often entertained; and he referred the matter to God, praying that He would give some visible sign, so that he might see what were best to do. He revolved that in his mind and was uncertain what to do, because he could easily see the dangerous risk in what he proposed to undertake.
Chapter 188. The King Is Encouraged by a Dream
One night Óláf lay in bed and was awake long during the night, thinking anxiously about his plans; and when he grew tired, thinking so much, he lapsed into sleep, but so light a sleep that he seemed to be awake and to see all that was going on in the house. He saw a man stand before his bed. That man was tall and dignified and was arrayed splendidly. It occurred to the king that this was Óláf Tryggvason. The man spoke to him: “Are you much distressed about what you should do and what plan to follow? It seems strange to me that you are cudgeling your brains about this, and also, that you have considered laying down the royal crown which God has bestowed upon you; and likewise, that it is your intention to stay here and receive a dominion from foreign kings unknown to you. Rather, go back to your own kingdom which you have rightfully inherited and governed long with the support God has given you, nor let your inferiors inspire you with fear. It is the mark of a king to conquer his enemies or else honorably to suffer death in battle, together with his men. Or are you perchance in doubt whether you have the right on your side in the struggle between you [and your enemies]? You certainly should not conceal the truth from yourself. For this reason you may boldly seek to recover your land, because God will bear witness for you that it is your own.”
“It will be Monday tomorrow, sire!”
And when the king awoke he thought he caught a glimpse of the man as he disappeared. But from that time on he hardened in his resolve, and vowed then to pursue his purpose to return to Norway, as indeed before he had been most eager to do. And he found that all his men were of the same mind. He bethought him that the land would be easy to win back, being without a leader, as he had been informed. He considered that if he came there himself, many would again be willing to follow him. And when the king revealed these plans to his men, all were pleased to learn them.
Chapter 189. The King Miraculously Heals a Boy
We are told that when King Óláf was in Gartharíki, the son of a well-to-do widow had a boil in his throat which grew so bad that the boy could not swallow any food, so it was thought he would die. The mother of the boy went to Queen Ingigerth, for she was acquainted with her, and showed her the boy. The queen said she did not know of any remedy. “Go to King Óláf,” she said. “He is the best healer here; and ask him to lay his hands on the boy’s sore, and bring him my greetings if he will not do so otherwise.”
She did as the queen told her, and when she found the king she told him that her son was not expected to live because of the boil in his throat, and prayed him to lay his hands on the boil. The king said he was no physician. She said that the queen had told her to go to him, “and she bade me greet you and request that you apply the remedies that you know of, and she said that you were the best physician in this place.” Then the king laid his hands on the boy’s throat and felt of the boil until the boy moved his mouth. Then the king took some bread, broke it, and placed it on his palm in crosswise, then put it into the boy’s mouth, and he swallowed it down. From that time on all the soreness left his throat. In a few days he had altogether recovered. His mother was very glad, and so were other kinsfolk and acquaintances of the boy. The common opinion was then at first that King Óláf had such good healing power in his hands as is ascribed to such persons who excel in the art of having healing hands; but later, when it became known that he performed miracles, this was taken to be a true miracle.
Chapter 190. The King Does Penance for Breaking the Sabbath
It so happened one Sunday that King Óláf sat in his high-seat at table and was so busy with his thoughts that he was not aware of the lapse of time. He had a knife in his hand and cut chips from a piece of wood. A page stood before him, holding a drinking vessel. He saw what the king was doing, and
gathered that he was thinking of other matters. He said, “It will be Monday tomorrow, sire.” The king looked at him when he heard these words and became aware then of what he had done. Then the king asked that a candle be brought to him. He swept all the shavings which he had cut into his hand, then set them on fire and let them burn his palm; from which one could gather that from that time on he would strictly observe the laws and commandments, nor do anything but what he knew was right.
Chapter 191. Jarizleif and Ingigerth Promise to Help King Óláf
After King Óláf had made up his mind that he meant to return to his own land he brought the matter up before King Jarizleif and Queen Ingigerth. They tried to dissuade him from that undertaking, saying that in their dominions he could have such rule as he thought befitted him, and begged him not to deliver himself into the power of his enemies with so small a band as he had there. Then King Óláf told them the dream he had and also that he thought it God’s will. And when they found that the king had made up his mind to return to Norway, they offered him all the assistance they could give to further his journey if he would accept it of them. The king thanked them with fair words for their good will, saying that he would gladly accept from them what he needed for his expedition.
Chapter 192. King Óláf Departs for Sweden
Right after Yule King Óláf began with his preparations. He had with him there nearly two hundred [240] men. All these, King Jarizleif provided with horses and such equipment as they required. And when ready, King Óláf departed, conducted honorably on his way by King Jarizleif and Queen Ingigerth. His son Magnús he left in the keeping of the king. Then King Óláf journeyed west, first by the frozen rivers, all the way to the sea. And when spring came and the ice broke up, they got their ships ready, and with the first favorable breeze set sail and had a good journey. King Óláf steered his ships to the Island of Gotland, and there he got news both from Sweden and Denmark and also all the way from Norway. Then the truth of the report that Earl Hákon had perished was confirmed and that Norway thus was without a ruler. Then the king and his men felt hopeful about their expedition. They sailed from there as soon as they had a favorable breeze and steered a course to Sweden. The king conducted his force into Lake Mælaren and all the way up to Árós [Uppsala], from where he sent messengers to Onund, the king of Sweden, to arrange a meeting with him. King Onund was glad to hear from his brother-in-law and journeyed to meet King Óláf as had been arranged. Together with him came also Queen Ástríth, accompanied by the men who had gone with her. There was a joyous reunion of them all, and the king of Sweden gave a kind reception to King Óláf, his brother-in-law, when they met.
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