But when King Harald saw that King Magnús meant to do battle with him, he ordered his men, “Cut the cables and move the ships out of their berths. Our kinsman Magnús is furious.” And so they did, and rowed their ships out of the king’s berth. Then King Magnús moved his ships into the king’s berth; and when both parties had made their arrangements, King Harald with a few men went aboard King Magnús’ ship. The king welcomed him cordially.
Then King Harald said, “I had thought that we had come to be friends; but a while back I wondered if you would have it that way. But there is truth in the saying that ‘hasty is youth.’ I shall not consider this as anything but a childish prank.”
Then King Magnús replied, “It was a family trait, not a childish deed, when I bore in mind what I gave and what I withheld. If this little matter had been taken from me without my consent, there would soon be another. But we mean to stick to all agreements we have made; and the same we expect from you, just as we have settled matters between us.”
Then answered King Harald, “It is also an old custom for the wiser one to yield—” and went back to his ship.
In such conflicts between the kings it was seen that it was difficult for them to observe moderation. King Magnús’ followers held that he was in the right; but unreasonable men thought that Harald had been slighted. But as to King Harald’s henchmen, it was their opinion that there were no two ways about it—that King Magnús should occupy the king’s berth if both arrived at the same time, but that Harald was not obliged to move out of the king’s berth if he came there first; and they maintained that Harald had acted wisely and well. But those who wanted to put a worse interpretation on it said that King Magnús wanted to break their agreement and that he had done King Harald a wrong and insulted him.
From such dissensions there soon arose the talk of unwise men which finally brought about discord between the two kings. Then many things occurred about which the kings each had his own opinion; though little is written about that here.
Chapter 28. King Magnús Dies and Gives Svein Denmark
With that fleet King Magnús and King Harald sailed south to Denmark. And when Svein was informed of that, he fled east to Scania. Both King Magnús and King Harald stayed in Denmark for a long time that summer and brought all the land under their sway. They were in Jutland in the fall.
One night, when King Magnús lay in his bed he dreamed that he was in the presence of his father, Holy King Óláf, and that he spoke to him, “Which of these two would you choose, my son: to go with me now or to become the most powerful of all kings and live long and do such misdeeds as you could atone for hardly or not at all?”
King Magnús dreamed that he answered, “I would want you to choose for me.”
Then he thought the king replied, “In that case you shall go with me.”
King Magnús told his men this dream. And a short while after he fell sick and took to his bed at a place called Súthathorpe. And when he was near death he sent his brother Thórir to Svein Úlfsson, with the message that he should help Thórir whenever he needed it. And also, that King Magnús gave Svein the Danish realm after his death, saying that it was proper that Harald ruled over Norway and Svein over Denmark. Thereupon 1047 King Magnús the Good died, and was sorrowed for by all the people. As Odd Kíkinaskáld says:
(99.)
466. Men shed many tears when
Magnús—heavy that sorrow—
to grave was borne—gold he
gave a plenty to lieges.
Housecarls their tears hardly
held back, grieving sorely;
downcast, o’er their dauntless
dealer-of-gold they sorrowed.
Chapter 29. Harald Is Proclaimed King over all Norway
After these events King Harald called an assembly of his army and told them of his intention to proceed with them to the Vebjorg Assembly and there let himself be proclaimed king of the Danish realm and then subdue the land. He claimed Denmark to be his inheritance after his kinsman King Magnús as well as Norway, and asked his army to support him, saying that then Norwegians would for all times be the masters of the Danes.
Thereupon Einar Thambarskelfir answered and said that it was his duty to give burial to King Magnús, his foster son, and bring him to his father, King Óláf, rather than to fight in foreign parts and be bent on acquiring another king’s land and property, and he concluded by saying that he preferred to follow King Magnús in death rather than any other king in life. Thereupon he had King Magnús’ body prepared honorably for burial so that one might see the funeral arrangements on board the royal vessel.
Thereupon all Thronders and Norwegians prepared to proceed homeward with the body of King Magnús, and the army broke up. Then King Harald considered it wisest to return to Norway with all his army. And as soon as he arrived there he met with the people at assemblies and had himself proclaimed king over all the land. And thus he proceeded all the way west from Vík, so that he was acknowledged as king in every district of Norway.
Chapter 30. Of King Magnús’ Appearance and Character
Einar Thambarskelfir proceeded with the body of King Magnús, followed by the Thronders in the army, and brought it to Nitharós, where he was buried in the Church of Saint Clement. There was kept the shrine of Holy King Óláf. King Magnús was of middle height, with regular features and light complexion. He had light blond hair, was well-spoken and quick to make up his mind, was of noble character, most generous, a great warrior, and most valorous. He was most popular as a king, both friends and enemies praising him.
Chapter 31. Svein Is Acknowledged as King of Denmark
Svein Úlfsson sojourned in Scania that fall, and was preparing to proceed east to Sweden, intending to give up the royal title he had assumed in Denmark. But when he was about to mount his horse, some men came riding up to him with tidings—first, that King Magnús Óláfsson had died and, also, that all the Norwegian army had left Denmark. Then Svein quickly answered and said, “Swear I by God that never after shall I flee from Denmark whilst I live.” Thereupon he mounted his horse and rode south in Scania. Then a great host joined him straightway. That same winter he took possession of all the Danish realm, and all Danes acknowledged him as their king. Thórir, King Magnús’ brother, came to Svein that fall with the message of King Magnús as written above. Svein received him well, and Thórir dwelled a long time with him in high favor.
Chapter 32. King Harald Raids in Denmark
After the death of King Magnús Óláfsson, King Harald Sigurtharson assumed kingship over all of Norway. But when he had ruled over it one winter, and spring came, he summoned forces for war from the whole country, half a levy of men and ships, and sailed south to Jutland. There he harried and burned far and wide in the summer and anchored in the Gothnarfjord.1 At that time King Harald composed this verse:
(100.)
467. At anchor we lie—while lulls the
linen-goddess2 her husband,
the gait-fair-Gerth2 with songs—in
Gothnarfjord in our dragons.
Then he challenged Thjóthólf the Skald to compose one to match this. He spoke this verse:
(101.)
468. Next summer further southward—
say I truly—shall we
cast our anchor and let
iron-nose3 hold the sea-steed.
And Bolverk in his drápa also mentions that Harald sailed to Denmark in the summer following the death of King Magnús:
(102.)
469. A levy from all the lands you—
lapped the brine your mere-ships,
furrowed the main your fair-decked
fleet—craved the year after.
Fair-dight rode on darkling
deep the sea-steed, booty-
laden, near the land—ill
luck befell the Danes then.
Then they burned down the farm of Thorkel Geysa. He was a great chieftain. Then his daughters were led down to the ships bound. The winter before
they had scoffed much about King Harald’s intending to sail to Denmark with his fleet. They had fashioned anchors out of cheese and said that anchors such as that might well be able to hold fast the ships of the king of Norway. Then this verse was spoken:
(103.)
470. Made the Danish maidens—
much that angered Harald—
anchor-rings and other
outfit of soft whey-cheese.
This morn, though, see maidens
many—no laughing matter
that!—hard hooks of iron
hold the ruler’s vessels.
It is told that the lookout man who had seen the fleet of King Harald said to the daughters of Thorkel Geysa, “You daughters of Geysa said Harald would not come to Denmark.”
Dótta answered, “That was yesterday.”
Thorkel ransomed his daughters with an immense amount of money. As says Grani:4
(104.)
471. Left the ruthless ruler
rarely dry the eyes of
hapless maidens hid in
Horn Forest’s great thickets.
Down King Harald drove the
Danish foe to the seashore.
Dótta’s father forthwith
for her paid huge ransom.
All that summer King Harald harried in Denmark, taking immense booty, but did not stay there for good, and in the fall returned to Norway, where he resided during the winter.
Chapter 33. King Harald Marries Thóra
King Harald married Thóra, the daughter of Thorberg Árnason, the winter after King Magnús the Good died. They had two sons. The older was called Magnús, the other Óláf. King Harald had two daughters with Queen Ellisif. The one was called Máría, the other, Ingigerth. The spring following the expedition we just told of, King Harald summoned a levy of men and ships and in the summer sailed to Denmark where he harried, one year after another. As says the skald Stúf:
(105.)
472. We hear that Falster was harried.
Haunted were people with terror.
Fed were wolves with fallen.
Feared the Danes each summer.
Chapter 34. King Harald Harries in Denmark
King Svein ruled over the entire Danish realm after King Magnús died. He kept the peace during the winter, but in summer he mustered his forces and vowed to sail north to Norway with the Danish fleet and do as much damage there as Harald had done in Denmark. One winter King Svein challenged King Harald to meet him the following summer in the [Gaut Elf] River and there fight it out or else come to an agreement. Both of them had outfitted their ships all that winter and summoned a half levy of men and ships by the following summer.
That summer, Thorleik the Fair came from Iceland and began to compose a poem about King Svein Úlfsson.1 When he had arrived in northern Norway he learned that King Harald had sailed south to the river to fight King Svein. Then Thorleik spoke this verse:
(106.)
473. Before long, belike, the
levy of In-Thronders2
on the main will meet a
martial king in battle.
There, who life or land shall
lose, almighty Godhead—
Svein distrusts oaths sworn and
seldom kept—will settle.
And still further:
(107.)
474. In wrath he who with red shield3
roamed oft foreign lands, now
brings on Buthli’s-pathways4
broad warships from northland.
But the beauteous ships of
battle-tested Svein, with
gilded prows and painted
planks advance from southward.
King Harald with his fleet came to the place agreed on. Then he learned that King Svein and his fleet were in the south, off the coast of Seeland. So King Harald divided his force and let most of the yeoman army return; and he himself, with his bodyguard, his stewards, picked men, and those of the yeomen who lived [in Norway] nearest to Denmark, sailed on. They sailed south to Jutland, south of the Skaw, then south past Thjóth,5 harrying wherever they came. As says the skald Stúf:
(108.)
475. Fled those in Thjóth Shire the
thane’s oncoming straightway.
Stout-hearted, he aimed highly.
Hereafter dwell with Jesus.6
They sailed all the way south to the town of Heithabýr, took it by storm, and burned it. Then men in King Harald’s forces composed this verse:
(109.)
476. Burned down was at both ends—
bold methinks this deed was—
by Harald’s valiant henchmen
Heithabýr altogether.
Dire damage to Svein we’ll
do; before dawn was I—
high flames out of houses
whirled—in the town’s outskirts.
This is mentioned also by Thorleik in his flokk, composed when he learned that no battle had taken place by the river:
(110.)
477. How that to Heithabýr the
hate-filled king then travelled,
that, he who heard not, needs to
have his shipmates tell him—
the time when, to no purpose,
toward King Svein’s borough
Harald headed west—ah,
had it never been thus!
Chapter 35. King Svein Pursues Harald’s Fleet
Then Harald sailed north with sixty ships, of which most were large and loaded down with the booty they had taken that summer. But when they sailed north past Thjóth, King Svein came down to the coast with a great force and challenged King Harald to do battle on land. King Harald had an army smaller by half than Svein. Yet he challenged King Svein to do battle with him on the sea. As says Thorleik the Fair:
When it dawns they see the Danish fleet.
(111.)
478. Bade he, on earth who born was
best, noble King Svein, his
lordly lieges, in fray on
land their shields to redden.
But fearless Harald fain would
fight on his sail-horses
if the crafty king would
keep him from his own land.
Then Harald sailed north past the Skaw. There they got contrary winds and they lay to in the lee of Hlésey Island and remained there during the night. Then there was a heavy mist. But when morning came and the sun rose, it looked on the opposite side as though fires were burning on the sea. That was told King Harald. And when he saw it he said straightway, “Cast the tent coverings off the ships and let men take to the oars. Most likely the Danish fleet is approaching us. The fog probably has lifted over there and the sun is shining on the dragon heads of theirs which are gilt.” And it was as Harald said: there was Svein, the king of the Danes, with an overwhelming fleet. Then both parties rowed with all their might. The Danes had faster-rowing vessels, whereas the ships of the Norwegians were both water-logged and very deep in the water, so that the distance between them grew less. Then Harald said that would not do.
King Harald’s dragon ship went slowest of them all. Then King Harald gave orders to throw pieces of wood overboard and lay clothes and valuable things on them. The weather was so calm that all these drifted with the current. But when the Danes saw their property floating on the sea, those who were foremost steered toward it, thinking it easier to gather up things floating than to go for them on board the Norwegian ships, and so the pursuit lagged. But when King Svein caught up with them with his ship he urged them on and said it was a big shame that so large a fleet as theirs should not overtake the enemy when they had so few ships, and overpower them.
Thereupon the Danes took to rowing harder again. But when King Harald saw that the Danish ships were gaining on them, he bade his men to lighten the ships by throwing overboard malt and wheat and bacon, and to jettison their drinks, and that helped for a while. Thereupon King Harald ordered bulwarks and the casks and barrels which were empty to be thrown overboard, toge
ther with captives. And when all this drifted on the sea, King Svein gave command to rescue the men; and so they did, and with that the distance between them became greater. Thereupon the Danes gave up the pursuit, and the Norwegians went their way. As says Thorleik the Fair:
(112.)
479. Heard I have, on ship’s-road
how that Northmen were by
Svein pursued—how nathless
slipped away sly Harald.
Scattered, as they ’scaped, on
squally Jutland waters—
laden ships they lost—was
loot they took in Denmark.
King Svein returned with his fleet and anchored under the lee of Hlésey Island. There they found seven Norwegian ships. They were manned by men levied by Harald—all farmers. But when King Svein bore down upon them they asked quarter, offering goods in return. As says Thorleik the Fair:
(113.)
480. Eagerly for quarter asked the
atheling’s confederates:
blenching, the brave warriors1
battle shunned, outnumbered.
And the unflinching farmers
fighting wished to stave off—
loath they were their life to
lose—by their much parleying.
Chapter 36. Of King Harald and His Skalds
King Harald was a powerful and able ruler of his land, and one extremely resourceful, so that it is common opinion that in the northlands no prince ever was his equal as to sagacity and wise counsel. He was a great warrior and greatly skilled in arms. He was stronger and more dexterous in arms than any other man, as was written above. Yet many more of his famous deeds have not been set down, both because of our lack of information and because we do not wish to put down in writing stories not sufficiently witnessed. Even though we have heard mentioned, or touched upon, a number of things, it seems better that they be added later, rather than that they need to be omitted then. Much about King Harald is incorporated in poems delivered by Icelanders before him or his sons. For that reason he was a great friend of theirs. Also, he befriended greatly all countrymen of ours who came to Norway. And when there was a bad season in Iceland, King Harald gave permission to four ships to export flour to Iceland and determined that the shippound1 should not cost more than a hundred and twenty ells of homespun. He allowed all poor people to come to Norway [from Iceland] if they could find transportation across the sea; and thus our land was able to recover with better seasons and better conditions. King Harald sent out to Iceland the bell for the church for which Holy King Óláf had sent the timber and which was built on the site of the Althing.2 Memories of King Harald such as these are cherished here as well as that he made noble presents to those who sought him out.
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