Heimskringla

by Snorri Sturluson

  As soon as King Magnús learned where Svein was he sailed with his fleet to Funen. When Svein heard this he took ship at once and landed in Scania, from where he proceeded to Gautland and then to Sweden, to join the king. But King Magnús disembarked on Funen and had his men plunder and burn the estates of many [followers of Svein]. All of them on the island scattered and fled. As says Thjóthólf:

  (58.)

  425. Storm winds stir up flames from

  stout oak-rafters blazing.

  Furious fires, kindled,

  flickering glow in southland.

  Houses burn still higher by

  half o’er folks on Funen.

  Roof and rafters suffer

  ruin through the Northmen.

  (59.)

  426. Magnús’ men ought now be

  mindful to make free with

  Svein’s warriors’ women, having

  won three battles against him:

  fair ones we shall find in

  Funen: redden weapons!

  Forward now to fight in

  foremost ranks in sword-din!

  After that, all people in Denmark submitted to King Magnús. Then there was good peace during the latter part of that winter, and King Magnús appointed his own men to administer all of Denmark. But with approaching spring he proceeded to Norway with his army and remained there a long time during the summer.

  Chapter 33. Magnús Defeats Svein in the Battle off Helganess

  Now when Svein learned that, he straightway rode down to Scania with a large army he had from Sweden. The people of Scania gave him a good welcome. He increased his army there and thereupon proceeded to Seeland and made himself master of it as well as of Funen and all the other islands. But when King Magnús heard of that he mustered an army and a fleet and then proceeded south to Denmark. He learned where Svein and his fleet lay at anchor, and proceeded against him. The fleets met at Helganess, toward evening (1045). When the battle began, King Magnús had a smaller fleet but larger ships and better equipped. As says Arnór:

  (60.)

  427. A headland broad, heard I,

  Helganess is called, where

  he-who-well-feeds-wolf-brood

  wave-steeds many emptied.

  As eve wore on, the ruler

  asked us to join battle.

  All night the rain-of-rocks did

  rage, and warriors went Hel-ward.

  The battle was fiercely fought, and as the night wore on there was great carnage. King Magnús threw javelins all night long. As says Thjóthólf:

  (61.)

  428. At headland there which hight is

  Helganess, Svein’s army

  whelmed was in the hail-of-

  halberds—men drowned wounded.

  Thong-sped darts were thrown by

  Thronders’ famous liege-lord.

  Ashen rods he reddened

  rapidly toward night-fall.

  To be brief about this battle, King Magnús was victorious, and Svein was put to flight. His ship was cleared from stem to stern, and all other ships of Svein were cleared, likewise. As says Thjóthólf:

  (62.)

  429. Fled the ill-starred earl from

  emptied warship, fearing

  flight barred by the embattled

  bold offspring of Óláf.

  Shedded blood did sheathe the

  sharp-edged blade of Magnús’

  brand, whetted to bite strong

  byrnies. He fought for his kingdom.

  Arnór says furthermore:

  (63.)

  430. From Bjorn’s1 brother took then,

  baleful to Scanings,2 Magnús—

  thither thronged the war-ships

  thickly—all his vessels.

  A great host of Svein’s men fell there. King Magnús and his men obtained much booty. As says Thjóthólf:

  (64.)

  431. Buckler good and byrnie

  bore I, by lot gotten—

  fierce the din of furious

  fighting—from that battle.

  Arms fair and feat, as before

  I told my leman,

  got I where gallant Magnús

  gave the Danes a drubbing.

  Svein then fled up into Scania, together with all those who managed to get away; but King Magnús and his army pursued them far into the country, and little resistance was made by Svein’s men and the farmers there. As says Thjóthólf:

  (65.)

  432. Bade then Óláf’s heir his

  army to invade the country.

  Lusting for battle, the liege-lord

  left his ships in harbor.

  Brave king had us harry—

  here is tumult—in Denmark.

  Storm our steeds to eastward,

  streaking over Scania.

  Thereupon King Magnús had his men harry widely about the countryside. As says Thjóthólf:

  (66.)

  433. Now flock the Norse to follow

  flags, high-borne, of Magnús.

  At my side but seldom

  sword and shield I carry.

  Scuttled the scamps o’er all

  Scania in great hurry—

  few lands have I found more

  fair e’er—south to Lund town.

  Then they took to burning down the houses all over the countryside, and the people fled far and wide. As says Thjóthólf:

  (67.)

  434. With ice-cold iron we drove the

  earl’s followers [southward].

  A halt was called to haughty

  hopes of Scanings’ victory.

  Red-blazing fires ravage

  rich villagers’ houses,

  kindled by keen warriors

  quickening this havoc.

  (68.)

  435. With flaming firebrands kindled,

  fast the son of Óláf

  with war-host great lays waste the

  wealth of Danish folklands.

  O’er moors of Denmark marching,

  men wearily shields bear.

  Wounded, Earl Svein’s warriors—

  Victory ours!—flee before us.

  (69.)

  436. Yesteryear our liege-lord

  youthful had his war-host—

  truth I tell—on Funen

  tread the olden folk-paths.

  May the men of Svein scarce

  Magnús hinder, fleeing—

  this morning, martial banners

  many flew—from winning.

  Svein then fled east in Scania while King Magnús returned to his ships and proceeded east along the coast of Scania after hurried preparations. Then Thjóthólf spoke this verse:

  (70.)

  437. Naught have I now, save this

  nasty sea, to drink of.

  From salty sea I take a

  swallow on board the king’s ship.

  Lies now Scania low on

  leeshore—greatly have we

  labored for our leader;

  little fear we the Swedish.

  Svein fled to Gautland and then sought out the Swedish king. There he stayed all winter and was accorded a good reception.

  Chapter 34. King Magnús Ravages Falster and Funen

  King Magnús turned back after subduing Scania, and first went on land in the island of Falster, where he harried and killed many who had supported Svein. This is mentioned by Arnór:

  (71.)

  438. Well repaid the prince their

  perfidy to the Danish:

  many Falster farmers

  felled he then wrathfully.

  Heaped he—and his henchmen

  helped him not a little—

  hills of high-piled slain for

  hungry wolves on the island.

  Thereupon King Magnús proceeded with his army to the island of Funen where he harried, greatly ravaging the land. As says Arnór:

  (72.)

  439. Reddened the ring-sarks’-dyer—for

  rapine he repaid them—

  fought the
folk-lord young on

  Fuñen—their bright banners.

  Men may not call to mind that

  many other leaders

  gave equal food to eagles,

  agèd twenty winters.

  Chapter 35. King Magnús’ Battles Are Rehearsed

  King Magnús resided in Denmark that winter; and good peace prevailed then. He had fought many battles in Denmark and had victory in all. Odd Kíkinaskáld1 says thus:

  (73.)

  440. Michaelmas before was

  murderous battle foughten—

  Wends did fall. To war-din

  waxed men much accustomed.

  At Yule before was fought out

  fiercely still another:

  savage sword-fight was there

  south of Árós started.

  Still further Arnór says:

  (74.)

  441. 2Óláf’s avenger, grist thou givest,

  glorious ruler, for my poem:

  Dew-of-wounds3 thou lettest drink the

  dun-hued wolves: I sing thy praises.

  Battles four, folk-ruler, hast thou

  foughten in one winter, hard ones—

  stern art called, destroyer-of-shields—and

  storms-of-arrows urged in Denmark.

  Three battles King Magnús fought with Svein Ulfsson. As says Thjóthólf:

  (75.)

  442. With omens goodly urged was

  Óthin’s-weather4 by Magnús.

  The vikings’-foe’s victory

  vaunt I in my poem:

  reddened his sword the Raumers’

  ruler; in three battles

  the upper hand had he,

  whelming aye his enemies.

  Chapter 36. King Magnús Lays Claim to England

  Now then King Magnús ruled over both Denmark and Norway. But when he had taken possession of the Danish realm he sent emissaries west to England. They went to the court of King Eadward and showed him the letter and seal of King Magnús. In his letter there stood, together with the greetings of King Magnús:

  “You will have learned of the agreement made between Hortha-Knút and me that the one of us who survived the other, if the latter died without a son, should take over the land and subjects of the deceased. Now it has turned out so, as I know you have heard, that I have taken possession of all of the Danish realm as my heritage after Hortha-Knút. But when he died he had power over England no less than over Denmark. So now I claim England according to our agreement. I desire that you give up your kingdom to me. Otherwise I shall attempt to gain it with the forces both of Norway and Denmark. And then he will govern the land who wins the victory.”

  Chapter 37. King Eadward Refuses to Give Up His Kingdom

  But when Eadward had read this letter, he made reply as follows:

  “All men in this country know that King Æthelred, my father, was entitled by birth to this realm, according to both old and recent covenants. We four were his sons. But when he left us by death, Eadmund, my brother, took over the power and the realm, because he was the oldest of us brothers. Therewith I was well pleased, the while he lived. After him, King Knút, my stepfather, took possession of the kingdom. And while he lived it was not easy to lay claim to the throne. After him, Harald, my brother, ruled during his lifetime. But when he died, my brother, Hortha-Knút governed Denmark; and it was thought the right and proper division between us brothers that he should be king both over England and Denmark. But I had no kingdom to govern. Now he has died; and it was the counsel of all men in this country to have me as king here in England. But during the time I did not have princely rank, I served those above me without any more overbearing than they who had no hereditary claims to kingship. Now I have been consecrated king of this country with as complete authority as had my father before me. And I shall not give up this title while I live. But if King Magnús comes here with his army, I shall gather no army against him, and he may then take possession of England after depriving me of my life. Tell him these my words.”

  Thereupon the messengers returned to King Magnús and reported to him what they had heard. The king answered slowly in this wise: “I consider it best and most fitting to let King Eadward have his kingdom in peace, so far as I am concerned, and to hold on to the one which God has permitted me to possess.”

  The Saga of Harald Sigurtharson [Hardruler]

  Chapter 1. Harald Escapes from the Battle of Stiklarstathir

  Harald, the son of Sigurth Sýr, brother of King Saint Óláf by the same mother, was at the battle of Stiklarstathir where Holy King Óláf was slain. Harald was wounded and escaped with others who took to flight; as says Thjóthólf:

  (76.)

  443. Heard have I that near to

  Haug did rage the shield storm;

  by his brother stood, though,

  Bulgary’s-destroyer.1

  Parted from his peerless

  prince he, all unwilling—

  fifteen years the youth then—

  beyond the woods to hide him.

  Rognvald Brúsason helped Harald to escape from the battle and led him to a certain farmer who lived in the forest far from other people. There Harald was healed, and stayed till he was entirely recovered. Then the son of the farmer accompanied him on the way east of the Keel. They took to paths in the woods, avoiding, as far as possible, the commonly travelled roads. The farmer’s son did not know whom he was following. And when they were riding through some wild woods, Harald spoke this verse:

  (77.)

  444. Through endless woods I wend my

  way now, honored little.

  Who knows but my name will be

  noised abroad hereafter?

  He journeyed east through Jamtaland and Helsingjaland till he came to Sweden. There he found Earl Rognvald Brúsason and many others of King Óláf’s men who had escaped from the battle.

  Chapter 2. Harald Repairs to Gartharíki and to Miklagarth

  In the following spring they procured for themselves a ship and in summer travelled to Gartharíki to the court of King Jarizleif and stayed there during the winter. As says Bolverk:1

  (78.)

  445. Bold prince! Blood didst wipe from

  brand ere leaving combat:

  You filled the ravens with flesh of

  fallen—wolves howled in forests.

  Passed then—of more peerless

  peace-destroyer2 not heard I

  ever speak—the atheling

  east, next year, to Garthar.

  King Jarizleif made Harald and his followers welcome. Harald became chieftain of the men charged with the defence of the country, as did Eilíf, the son of Earl Rognvald. As says Thjóthólf:

  (79.)

  446. 3 The same was done

  by Rognvald’s son:

  in phalanx taut

  both chieftains fought

  East-Wends, pent tight

  in sorry plight;

  to Poles hard driven

  harsh terms were given.

  Harald remained several years in Gartharíki and made forays in the eastern Baltic. Later, he proceeded to Greece with a great host of men, all the way to Miklagarth [Byzantium]. As says Bolverk:

  (80.)

  447. Fresh gales drove our gallant

  galley scurrying shoreward—

  with armored prows and poops our

  proud ships rode to harbor.

  Of Miklagarth the golden

  gables our famous prince saw.

  Many a mere-ship fair-dight

  moved toward the high-walled city.

  Chapter 3. Harald Becomes the Leader of the Varangians

  At that time there ruled over the Greek Empire Queen Zóë1 the Powerful together with Michael Kátalactús. And when Harald arrived in Byzantium and had had a meeting with the queen he took military service with her and right away in fall sailed with some galleys together with the fleet into the Greek Sea. Harald had command over a troop of his own men. The leader over the fleet was called Gyrgir [Georgios
]. He was a kinsman of the queen. Harald had joined the expedition but a short time before the Varangians2 became greatly attached to him, so they all fought together in battles. And at last Harald became the leader of all Varangians. Gyrgir and his fleet sailed widely about the Greek islands, making war upon the corsairs.

  Chapter 4. Harald Outwits Gyrgir

  Once, when they had been marching overland and were about to choose night quarters near some forest, the Varangians had arrived first at the spot where they intended to camp for the night and had chosen for their tents the places which had the best and highest location; for the land there is swampy, and when the rains come it is bad to be camped in low places. Then Gyrgir, the general of the army, arrived and when he saw where the Varangians had pitched their tents he commanded them to leave that place and camp somewhere else, saying that he wanted to pitch his tent there. Harald answered him thus:

  “Whenever you are the first to arrive at night quarters, then you choose the location for camping, and then we pitch our tents somewhere else to suit ourselves. Do this now, you too, and pitch your tent where you will, in some other place. It was my impression that it was the privilege of the Varangians here in the empire of the Greek kings to be free and independent of everyone in all respects, owing service only to the king and the queen.”

  They quarrelled about this with great heat, and it went so far that both parties armed themselves and were ready to fight. Then the wisest men intervened and parted them, saying that it would be better for them to come to an agreement about this and arrive at a clear understanding, so that there would be no occasion in the future for an argument. A meeting was arranged with the best and wisest men to judge between them. At that meeting, following their counsel, all were agreed that Greeks and Varangians should cast lots as to who was to be first in riding or rowing or choosing a berth in harbor or selecting a place for pitching their tents. And each side was to be satisfied with the outcome.

  Thereupon the lots were made ready and marked. Then Harald said to Gyrgir, “I want to see how you mark your lot, so that we don’t mark them the same way.” This Gyrgir did. Then Harald marked his lot and threw it into the bag, as did Gyrgir.

  The man who was to draw the lots took one between his fingers and held it up, saying, “These shall be first to ride, to row, to choose a berth in harbor, and to select a place for pitching their tents.”