Heimskringla

by Snorri Sturluson

  Chapter 16. King Eystein’s Appearance and Character

  King Eystein was strikingly handsome in appearance. His eyes were blue and rather large, his hair pale blond and curly. He was a man of middle height, wise and well-informed in all respects—both in the laws, instances, and history—and resourceful, eloquent, and well-spoken. He was of a most cheerful disposition, affable, pleasing in his ways, and beloved by all the people. He was married to Ingibjorg, the daughter of Guthorm, the son of Steigar-Thórir. Their daughter was called Máría and later became the wife of Guthbrand Skafhoggsson.

  Chapter 17. King Sigurth’s Appearance and Character

  King Sigurth was a man of tall stature, and he had reddish brown hair. He was of an imposing appearance, not handsome but well-proportioned, brisk, of few words, and most often gruff, but a good friend, firm of mind, not inclined to talk much, well-mannered and high-minded. King Sigurth was a man who asserted his authority and was inclined to mete out punishment. He observed the laws well, was generous, loved magnificence, and was renowned.

  King Óláf was of tall and slender build, handsome, of cheerful disposition, affable, and popular. When the brothers were kings in Norway they abolished many taxes which the Danes had imposed on the people when Svein Álfífuson ruled there; and because of this they were greatly beloved by both the common people and the chieftains.

  Chapter 18. King Óláf Dies of a Malady

  King Óláf was attacked by a disease which caused his death. He is buried by Christ Church in Nitharós and was much lamented. Thereafter, the two kings, Eystein and Sigurth, ruled the land between them. Before that time the three brothers had been kings for twelve years—five years after Sigurth returned to the land, and seven before that. Óláf was seventeen 1116 when he died, which was on the twenty-second of December. King Sigurth had his residence in the northern part of the country, Eystein in the eastern part; and when the latter had been king of the eastern part for one year he resided for a long time in Sarpsborg during the winter.

  Chapter 19. King Sigurth Deposits the Splinter of the Holy Cross in Konungahella

  There was a wealthy and powerful farmer who lived in Aumorth in Mickle Dale and was called Óláf in the Dale. He had two children—a son, called Hákon Fauk, and a daughter, called Borghild. She was exceedingly handsome and a wise and well-informed woman. Both Óláf and his children lived for a long time in Borg during the winter; and Borghild was constantly in the company of the king, and there were conflicting opinions about their intimacy. In the summer following, King Eystein jǫurneyed to the north of the country, whereas Sigurth journeyed east; and during the following winter Sigurth stayed in the east. He resided for a long time in Konungahella and did much to improve that market town. He built a large stronghold there and surrounded it with a great moat. That stronghold was constructed of sods and stone, and within it he had houses erected and also a church. He placed the Holy Cross in Konungahella, and insofar did not fulfil the promise he had made in the Holy Land. But he established tithes and did most other things he had there vowed to do. But the reason he had the cross placed there east at the very boundary was that he thought it would be a protection for all the land. But it turned out to be most ill-advised to place that holy relic almost within the power of heathens as was evident later on.

  Borghild, the daughter of Óláf learned of the rumor that people were speaking ill about King Eystein and her because of their conversations and friendship. Then she journeyed to Borg and there fasted in preparation for the ordeal of carrying hot iron. She bore it to clear herself of that accusation and proved her innocence. But when King Sigurth heard of that he rode in one day what is a long two-day’s journey, and arrived in Dale where Óláf lived, and stayed there during the night. He made Borghild his concubine and took her away with him. Their son was called Magnús. Very early in his youth he was sent away to be fostered by Víthkun Jóansson in the north at Bjarkey in Hálogaland, and he was brought up there. Magnús was exceedingly handsome, and matured early in stature and strength.

  Chapter 20. Of Queen Málmfríth and Her Kin

  King Sigurth was married to Málmfríth, daughter of King Harald Valdamarsson from the east in Hólmgarth. The mother of King Harald was Queen Gytha the Old, daughter of Harold, the son of Godwine, king of England. Malmfríth’s mother was Kristín, daughter of Ingi Steinkelsson, king of Sweden. Málmfríth’s sister was Ingilborg, who was married to Knút Lávarth, the son of Eirík the Good of Denmark, the son of Svein Úlfsson. The children of Knút and Ingilborg were Valdamar, who succeeded Svein Eiríksson, and Margrét, Kristín, and Katrín. Margrét was married to Stíg Whiteskin. Their daughter was Kristín, who was married to Karl Sörkvisson, king of Sweden. Their son was King Sörkvir.

  Chapter 21. The Kings Match Their Accomplishments

  One winter both King Eystein and King Sigurth were on their visitation in the Uppland District, on separate estates. And since it was but a short distance between the places where the kings were to be entertained, it was decided that they were to be entertained together alternately on their estates. The first time, both were together on the estate King Eystein owned.

  Now in the evening, when the men began to drink, the ale was not good, and not much was said. Then King Eystein said, “Everyone surely is silent here. When drinking it is preferable to have some merriment. Let us have some cheer over our cups. That will be a better entertainment for us. Brother Sigurth, it would seem best that we two have some entertaining chat between us.”

  King Sigurth answered rather curtly, “You may talk as much as you please, but let me keep my peace.”

  King Eystein said, “It has often been the custom for men when drinking to choose someone to compare themselves with. Let us do so now.” To that, King Sigurth said nothing. “I see,” said King Eystein, “that it behooves me to start this entertainment. I shall choose you, brother, for my match. And I shall start by saying that we two have the same title and equal possessions. There is no difference between our birth and upbringing.”

  Then King Sigurth replied, “Do you not remember that I had the better of you in wrestling whenever I wanted to, though you were a year older?”

  Then King Eystein answered, “I recall as well that you were no match for me in agility.”

  King Sigurth replied, “Do you remember how it was with our swimming, and that I could duck you whenever I wanted to?”

  King Eystein said, “I could swim as far as you could, nor was I worse at diving. Also, I was so good at skating that I did not know anyone who could vie with me; but you were not better at that than a cow.”

  King Sigurth said, “A more chieftainly sport, and a more useful one, it seems to me, is to shoot well with bow and arrow. And I believe you would not be able to stretch my bow even though you used both feet [to stretch it].”

  King Eystein answered, “I am not as strong at the bow as you are; but there is less difference between our marksmanship. And I am better at the use of skis than you, and that has also been considered a worthwhile accomplishment.”

  King Sigurth said, “It is considered more chieftainly that he who is to command others should stand tall in a group and be stronger and more practiced in arms than others and be easily seen and recognized when men are gathered.”

  King Eystein said, “It is no less distinctive that a man be handsome. And then he is no less easily recognized in a multitude. That too seems to me chieftainly, because fine clothes go best with a handsome exterior. Also, I have better knowledge of the laws than you; and whatever the subject, I am by far the better speaker.”

  King Sigurth answered, “It may be that you have learned more dodges of the law than I, because I have had other things to do. No one doubts that you are glib, but many say that you are not very true to your word, that you attach no importance to your promises, and that you truckle to those who happen to be present; and that does not befit a king.”

  King Eystein answered, “The reason for that is that when people bring thei
r cases before me I endeavor to settle them so as to please both parties. Then frequently someone else appears who contends with a man, and then often there has to be a compromise, so that both shall be pleased. Likewise it often occurs that I promise to do what I am asked to, because I would rather that everyone shall leave me pleased. I might also choose to do as you do, if I cared to—that is, to promise everyone ill; and I have not heard anyone taunting you for not sticking to that.”

  King Sigurth said, “It is people’s opinion that the expedition abroad which I undertook has been a rather chieftainly one. Meanwhile you stayed at home as though you were the daughter of your father.”

  King Eystein replied, “Now you come to the point. I would not have started this controversy if I did not have an answer to that. It seemed to me rather that I dowered you as though you were my sister before you were ready to go on that expedition.”

  King Sigurth said, “You probably have heard that I had a great many battles in Saracen Lands, as you probably have learned, and that I was victorious in all and acquired many kinds of valuable things, such as have never been seen in our land. I was held in the highest esteem wherever I met the most highly placed men; whereas I think you have never got over being a stay-at-home.”

  King Eystein answered, “I have heard that you had some fights abroad; but more useful for our country has been what I did meanwhile: I built five churches from their foundation up and I constructed a harbor at Agthaness where before the coast was harborless and where everyone must pass who sails south or north along the land. Also, I erected the beacon in Sinholm Sound1 and the [royal] hall in Bergen, while you put Moors to the sword in Saracen Land and sent them to the devil. I consider that of little gain to our country.”

  King Sigurth said, “On this expedition, at its farthest point, I journeyed to the River Jordan and swam across it. And beyond, on the river bank, there is a thicket, and there I tied a knot and spoke words over it to the effect that you were to undo it, brother, or else have such challenge as was laid on it.”

  King Eystein said, “The knot you tied for me I shall not undo; but I could have tied that knot for you which you could have undone even less; to wit, when you with one ship sailed into my fleet, the time you returned to the land.”

  Thereafter they both ceased talking, and both were furious. Several things occurred in their dealings between them when one could see that each put himself and his claims forward, and that each wanted to be foremost; yet peace was maintained between the two the while they lived.

  Chapter 22. King Sigurth Shows Signs of Insanity

  [One time] King Sigurth was in the Uppland District at an entertainment given him, and baths were prepared [for the guests]. But when the king was in his bath, which was tented over, it seemed to him that a fish swam by him in the bath. And then he had such a fit of laughter that his mind was unhinged. And that occurred very often later.

  The brothers gave Ragnhild, a daughter of King Magnús Barelegs, in marriage to Harald Kesja. He was the son of Eirík the Good, the king of Denmark. Their sons were Magnús, Óláf, Knút, and Harald.

  Chapter 23. Of King Eystein’s Improvements and Death

  King Eystein had a large ship constructed in Nitharós. It was built on the same scale and in the same manner as was the Long Serpent, which Óláf Tryggvason had had built. A dragon head was on its stem, and a crook on its stern, and both were gilded. The ship had high sides, but the stem and the stern seemed somewhat smaller than was fitting. Also, he had boathouses built in Nitharós, both so large that it was considered a great achievement, and built with the best of materials and excellently constructed.

  King Eystein was at an entertainment [given him] at Stim near Hústathir. There he took suddenly ill, and that was his death. He died on the fourth of the Kalends of September [29th of August], and his body was 1122 brought north to Kaupang, and there he is interred in Christ Church. It is said that over no man’s body in Norway had ever stood so many men in sorrow, since the death of King Magnús, the son of Holy King Óláf, as over him. Eystein was king in Norway for twenty years. After the death of King Eystein, Sigurth was sole king in Norway as long as he lived.

  Chapter 24. Kings Sigurth and Níkolás Agree on a Crusade to Smáland

  Níkolás Sveinsson, king of Denmark, afterwards married Margrét, the daughter of Ingi, who had before been the wife of King Magnús Barelegs. Their son was called Magnús the Strong. King Níkolás sent messengers to King Sigurth Jerusalemfarer, asking him to support him with troops and all the force of his kingdom, and proceed with King Níkolás east along the coast of Sweden to Smáland, in order to convert the people there; for the inhabitants of that province had not maintained their faith even though some had accepted Christianity. At that time far and wide in Sweden many still were heathen and many, Christian only superficially, because there had been some kings of theirs who had renounced Christianity and kept up sacrifices, as did Sacrifice-Svein and later, Eirík Ársæl. King Sigurth promised to come, and the kings agreed to meet in the Eyrar Sound.

  Thereupon King Sigurth summoned a full levy in all Norway, of both troops and ships. And when this force was assembled he had fully three hundred [360] ships. King Níkolás came to the meeting place much earlier, and waited there a long time. Then the Danes began to grumble and complain, saying that the Norwegians were not likely to come, and then disbanded. Both the king and the whole fleet departed. Later, King Sigurth did arrive and was ill-pleased. They sailed east to Svimrarós and held a meeting there. King Sigurth spoke about King Níkolás not living up to his word; and they agreed on doing some plundering in his country on account of that.

  They seized on the village of Tumathorp, which lies not far from Lund,1 and then steered east to the market town which is called Kalmar. They harried there and also in the District of Smáland, levying contributions of food, to the extent of fifteen hundred [1800] head of cattle; and the people of Smáland accepted Christianity.

  Thereupon King Sigurth returned with his army and arrived in his kingdom with many and valuable pieces of goods and property which he had won on this expedition. And this expedition was called the Kalmar Expedition. That was in the summer before the great eclipse [August 1124 11th]. It was the only warlike expedition undertaken by Sigurth while he was king.

  Chapter 25. King Sigurth’s Dream

  One time King Sigurth was at one of his estates, and in the morning, when he had dressed, he was glum and silent, and his friends feared that he had one of his seizures. But his steward [at the place] was a wise and courageous man, and accosting the king he asked if perchance any tidings had come to his ears which were so weighty that they depressed him, or if it could be that he was not satisfied with his entertainment, or if anything else were amiss that he could set right. King Sigurth replied that none of the things he had mentioned were at fault; “but the reason is,” he said, “that I am thinking of the dream I had last night.”

  “Sire,” he said, “I hope it was a good dream, and we would be glad to hear it.”

  The king said, “I thought I was out in the open, here at Jathar, and that I was looking out to sea and that I saw a great darkness, and it was approaching hither. Then it seemed to me that it was a big tree, with its branches looming above the water and its roots down in the sea. And when that tree drifted on land it broke into pieces and they were scattered far and wide over the land, both on the mainland and the outlying islands, skerries, and strands; and then the vision was given me that I could see all of Norway’s coastlands, and I could look into every cove and see that pieces of that tree had drifted into them. Most of them were small, but some, larger.”

  Then the steward answered, “It would seem best to me that you interpret this dream yourself, and I would gladly hear you do that.”

  The king said, “It appears to me most likely that it foretells of the arrival in this land of some man, and that he will take up his abode here and that his offspring will be scattered about this land and be of widely diff
ering importance.”

  Chapter 26. Harald Gilli Undergoes the Ordeal

  Hallkel Húk, the son of Jóan Smjórbalti, was the steward [of the king] in the District of Mœr. He sailed west across the sea, all the way to the Hebrides. There, a man from Ireland came to see him who was called Gillikrist [Servant of Christ] and who declared that he was the son of King Magnús Barelegs. His mother accompanied him and said that he also was called Harald. Hallkel espoused his cause and took them to Norway, and straightway went to see King Sigurth with Harald and his mother. They presented their case to the king. King Sigurth laid it before the chieftains, so that each one should give his advice according to his disposition; but all asked him to decide for himself.

  Thereupon King Sigurth had Harald called before him and told him that he would not deny him the right to prove his paternity by undergoing the ordeal; provided that a pledge was given that, even in the event his paternity was proved, he should make no claim to the kingdom while King Sigurth or Magnús, his son, was alive. And these pledges were given and confirmed by oaths.