Heimskringla

by Snorri Sturluson

  Then the man who first caught his breath said, “Here comes Erling sailing from the south toward you with twenty ships or thereabouts, and many of them plenty large, and you may soon see their sails.”

  Then Eindrithi the Young said, “ Too close to the nose,’ said the fellow when he was shot in the eye.” Then they hurried to the men who were disporting themselves; and forthwith the trumpet was blown and the battle call sounded for all the troops to go on board the fastest they could. It was the time of the day when the meal was about ready. All headed toward the ships. Then everyone boarded the ship nearest to him, so that the crews were unevenly divided. They took to the oars, some raising the platforms,2 and steered north to Véey Island, because they expected to find many auxiliaries from the townsfolk there.

  Chapter 7. King Hákon Is Vanquished and Slain

  Soon they saw the sails of Erling’s fleet, and Erling’s men, theirs. Eindrithi the Young had the ship called Draglaun, a large warship of broad beam. It lacked a sufficient crew, because those who had been on it before had rushed aboard other ships. It was the slowest in Hákon’s fleet. And when Eindrithi was off the island of Sekk, the ship Bœkisúthin which Erling steered came up with it and made fast to it. But Hákon had barely arrived at Véey Island when they heard blasts of trumpets, because the ships nearest to Eindrithi’s turned around, wanting to help him, and both sides gave battle just as opportunity offered. Many sails fell athwart the ships. They were not fastened together and lay side by side. This battle did not last long before disorder broke out on King Hákon’s ship. Some fell; some leapt overboard. Hákon cast a grey cloak over himself and leapt onto another ship. But he had not been there long before he realized that he had landed among his enemies, and when he considered the situation and saw none of his men or ships close by, he boarded Bœkisúthin and went forward to the forecastlemen and asked for quarter, and the forecastlemen accepted him among themselves and gave him quarter.

  In this fray many men had fallen, but more on the side of Hákon. On the ship Bœkisúthin Níkolás, the son of Símun Skálp was among the dead, and his slaying was attributed to Erling’s men themselves.

  After that, there was a lull in the fighting, and the ships separated from one another. Then Erling was told that King Hákon was on his ship and that his forecastlemen had taken him into their company and threatened to defend him. Erling sent a man forward, bidding him tell the forecastlemen to take care that Hákon did not get away; also that he had no objection to giving the king quarter if the chieftains so advised, and if an agreement was reached between the two parties. His forecastle guard as a man called out hailing his decision.

  Thereupon Erling had the trumpets blown furiously, bidding his men attack the ships which had not yet been cleared of their crews, saying that they never would have a better chance to avenge King Ingi. Then all raised the battle cry, each urging on the other, and went to the attack. In this tumult King Hákon received a mortal wound. Now when his men became aware of his fall they rowed hard to the attack. They discarded their shields and hewed with both hands, not caring for their lives. This foolhardiness cost them dear, because Erling’s men could see where they were exposed. A great part of King Hákon’s troops fell there. The chief cause for that was that the odds were altogether on Erling’s side; also, Hákon’s men did not shield themselves. But there was no use for Hákon’s men to ask for quarter, excepting those whom some chieftain or other took under his protection and ransomed. The following fell in Hákon’s army: Sigurth Cape, Sigurth Doublet, Rognvald Kunta. However, some ships escaped, the crews rowing into the fjords and thus saving their lives. The body of King Hákon was brought to Raums Dale and interred there. [Later] King Sverri, his brother,1 had King Hákon’s body moved north to Kaupang and entombed in the stone wall in Christ Church, on the south side of the choir.

  Chapter 8. King Hákon’s Appearance and Character

  Sigurth, Eindrithi the Young, Onund Símunarson, Frírek the Keen, and still other chieftains held their troops together. They left their ships in Raums Dale, and from there journeyed to the Uppland District. Erling Skakki and King Magnús with their fleet proceeded north to Kaupang, subduing all the country to their overlordship wherever they came. Then Erling summoned the Eyrathing Assembly, and there Magnús was elected king over all Norway. Erling remained there but a short time as he did not trust the people of Trondheim to be loyal to him and his son. Magnús was now considered king over all the land.

  King Hákon was rather handsome, well-grown, tall and slender. He was very broadshouldered, for which reason his followers called him Hákon the Broadshouldered. Because he was still young, other chieftains aided him in the government. He was merry and friendly in his speech, playful, and had a youthful disposition. He was popular among the people.

  Chapter 9. Sigurth Sigurtharson Is Proclaimed King

  Markús of Skóg was the name of a man from the Uppland District, a kinsman of Earl Sigurth. Markús had brought up the son of King Sigurth, who was also called Sigurth. Later, on the advice of Earl Sigurth and other chieftains who had followed King Hákon, this Sigurth was by the people of Uppland proclaimed king. These chieftains still had a considerable force, and this force often proceeded in two parts, the king and Markús keeping to the less exposed locations, while Earl Sigurth and other chieftains with their troops stayed where there was more danger. Their troops kept mostly to the Uppland districts, though sometimes they came down to Vík.

  Erling Skakki always had with him his son Magnús. He had command of all the fleet and took charge of the defence of the land. He resided for some time in Bergen during the fall, and journeyed from there east to Vík, settling in Túnsberg, which he prepared to use as winter quarters; and round about Vík he collected the taxes and tribute owing to the king. Also he kept a large and picked force about him. But Earl Sigurth, having but a small part of the land to draw on and a large force of men, soon ran out of money, and where there were no other chieftains near, he laid his hands on properties in a most lawless fashion, some by unfounded charges, some by open robbery.

  Chapter 10. The Lawlessness of Markús’ Band Is Resented

  At that time the dominion of Norway flourished greatly. The farmers were rich and powerful and unused to tyranny and lawlessness on the part of [roving] bands. It was quickly noised abroad and much was made of it when such robberies occurred. The people of Vík were altogether the friends of Magnús and Erling, for the most part because of the popularity of King Ingi Haraldsson, the people of that district having always served under his banner. Erling had a watch set around the town, with twelve men standing on guard every night. He always met with the farmers, and there was frequent mention of the raids of Sigurth’s men; and what with the representations of Erling and other men in his army, there arose a great clamor among the farmers to the effect that it would be fortunate if a halt were called to the doings of this band. Árni, husband of Queen Ingiríth, made a long speech about this matter, concluding it with harsh words, urging all those present at the assembly, whether enlisted men, farmers, or townsmen, to pass a resolution, according to law, condemning Earl Sigurth and all his followers to hell, both the living and the dead. And owing to the excited feelings and the vehemence of the people, all consented to this. This unheard of decision was made and confirmed according to the laws decreeing how to proceed with judgments at assemblies. Hróald Longspeech, who was a man of great eloquence, talked about the same matter, and largely concurred 1163 in what had been said before. Erling gave a banquet in Túnsberg at Yuletide, and paid off his men at Candlemas [February 2nd].

  Chapter 11. Philippús Is Slain by Sigurth’s Men

  Earl Sigurth with a picked troop went about Vík, and many swore allegiance to him, being overborne by superior force, and many paid money. Thus he went up and down the countryside, appearing in various places. There were some among his troop who secretly sought quarter from Erling; and this reply was made to them, that all who requested it would be given quarter,
but only those would be given permission to stay in the country who had not committed serious offences against him. But when the men in Sigurth’s troop heard that they would not be allowed to stay in the country, that kept the troop together, because there were many who knew themselves guilty of having committed grave misdeeds against Erling. Philippús Gyrtharson came to terms with Erling, regained possession of his properties, and returned to his estates. A short time later, Sigurth’s men came upon him and killed him. Many skirmishes took place between the two parties, with pursuits and manslaughter, but none were put down in writing except where chieftains were concerned.

  Chapter 12. Erling Counsels His Men to Wait for Daybreak

  Toward the beginning of the Lenten Season, the information came to Erling that Earl Sigurth intended to attack him—he was rumored to be now here, now there, sometimes nearby, sometimes far away. Erling sent out spies to learn where he might be expected, and every night by trumpet signal he summoned his troops out of the town. Several nights they lay gathered there, with all the troops assigned their position. Then Erling was informed that Earl Sigurth and his forces were close by at Ré. Thereupon Erling started from the town, and had with him all the townsmen who could bear arms and had weapons, also merchants, excepting the twelve men whom he left behind to guard the town. He left the town on Tuesday 1163 during the second week of Lent [February 19th], in the afternoon, and every man carried provisions for two days. They travelled during the night, being delayed in moving the troops out of the town. There was one horse and one shield for every two men. When the troops were counted their number was found to be about thirteen hundred [1560]. And when the men sent out to reconnoiter returned, Erling was told that Earl Sigurth was at Ré on the farm called Hrafnsness, with five hundred [600] men.

  Then Erling had his troops called together and gave them the information he had received. All urged him to make haste and surround them in the farm or else at once attack them in the night. Erling spoke as follows: “It seems likely that we shall soon encounter Earl Sigurth. There are in that band also many others whose deeds we may well remember, they being the ones who cut down King Ingi and many others of our friends whom it would take long to enumerate. They did that with the aid of the devil, with magic, and with villainous tricks; because it is written in our laws and statutes that it shall be accounted a rank villainy or murder if men kill one another at night. Now this band, following the counsel of warlocks, has sought its fortune at nighttime, and not when the sun is shining. And with such maneuvers they have been victorious and have overcome and laid low such a chieftain [as Philippús]. Now we have often said and shown how disreputable this habit of theirs seems to us, going to battle at night. For that reason we shall rather follow the example of those chieftains we know better and whom it seems wiser to follow; which is, to do battle in bright daylight and with a regular battle array, rather than to steal on sleeping men at night. We have a good army to fight them, though not a larger one than they. We shall bide daylight and hold together our ranks, in case they want to attack us.”

  Thereupon all the troops sat down. Some tore up some haystacks to make bedding, some sat on their shields and waited for the dawn. The weather was chilly, with sleet and rain.

  Chapter 13. The Opposing Armies Take Up Positions

  Earl Sigurth had just received information about the foe when Erling’s force was close by. His men got up and armed themselves, but were uncertain how large an army Erling had. Some wanted to flee, but most of them wanted to remain. Earl Sigurth was a resourceful man, and eloquent, but not very daring. He too was for fleeing, which brought him much reproach from his followers.

  Now when day dawned both parties began to array themselves in battle formation. Earl Sigurth set up his ranks on a certain hill above the bridge, between it and the farm. A small creek runs there, and Erling placed his men on the other side of the creek. Behind their lines were stationed men on horseback, well-armed. They had the king among them. Earl Sigurth’s men saw that the odds in numbers would be greatly against them and said it would be advisable to take to the forest. The earl made this answer: “You say I have no courage, but now we shall test that. Let everyone take care that he does not flee or flinch before I do. We have a good defence here, let them then cross the bridge, and as soon as their standard is carried over it, let us fall upon them from above, and now let no one desert the others.”

  Earl Sigurth wore a brown kirtle and a red cloak with the tails tucked in, and had on shoes of reindeer hide. He was armed with a shield and a sword called Bastard. The earl said, “God knows, rather than have much gold, I would like to deal Erling Skakki a blow with Bastard.”

  Chapter 14. Earl Sigurth Is Defeated and Slain

  Erling Skakki’s troops wanted to advance to the bridge, but he said they should turn up along the creek. “This creek is small and presents no difficulty, because there is flat land on either bank.” They did so. The earl’s troops went along the ridge opposite Erling’s force. But when the ridge ended and levelled off, and it thus was easy to ford the creek, Erling bade his men sing the Lord’s Prayer and pray that they might be victors who had the right on their side. Then all sang the Kyrie Eleison [Lord, be merciful] aloud and beat on their shields with their swords. Hearing this din, some three hundred [360] of Sigurth’s men took to flight. Erling and his men forded the creek, and Earl Sigurth’s men raised their battle cry, but nothing came of their rushing down the hill at Erling’s ranks, and the battle started in front of the ridge. First, spears were hurled, then right away they fought at close quarters. The earl’s banner fell back, so that Erling and his men got up on the slope of the hill. It was not long before the earl’s men fled into the woods which lay in their rear. Earl Sigurth was told that, and his men begged him to flee. He answered, “Forward now whilst we may.” Then they advanced most boldly, wielding their swords with both hands. In this charge, Earl Sigurth fell, and also Jón Sveinsson, with nearly sixty men. Erling’s men suffered few losses and pursued the enemy to the woods. Then Erling mustered his troops and turned back. He came upon some of the king’s thralls who were about to pull the clothes off Earl Sigurth. He had not yet altogether breathed his last, but was unconscious. He had stuck his sword into the scabbard lying by his side. Erling took it up and belabored the thralls with it, bidding them to be gone. Thereupon Erling returned with his force and settled in Túnsberg. Seven days after the earl’s death, Erling’s men captured Eindrithi the Young and slew him.

  Erling and his men wade the river.

  Chapter 15. Erling Pursues Markús’ Band

  When spring came, Markús of Skóg and his foster son Sigurth journeyed to Vík and procured some ships. And when Erling learned that he sailed east [south] after them and encountered them at Konungahella. Markús and his company fled onto the island of Hísing. There, the inhabitants of Hísing came down to the shore, making common cause with Markús and his men. Erling and his crew rowed to the land, but were shot at by Markús’ men. Then Erling said to his men, “Let us capture their ships, but don’t let us land to battle with the inhabitants. It is not easy to fight the men of Hísing, they are tough and thickheaded. They won’t have this band [of Markús] with them for long, because Hísing is but a small land.” So was done; they captured their ships and brought them over to Konungahella. Markús and his men retired to the Forest District [between Norway and Sweden], intending to make incursions from there. Both parties had men out to reconnoiter. Erling had many troops, summoning men from the country-side. Each party made forays on the other.

  Chapter 16. Archbishop Eystein Demands Payment of Dues in Pure Silver

  Eystein, the son of Erling Himaldi, was chosen archbishop after 1161 the death of Archbishop Jón. Eystein was consecrated the same year as King Ingi fell. Now when Archbishop Eystein succeeded to the see, he was well-thought of by all the people. He was a most capable man and of noble lineage. The people of the Trondheim District gave him a good reception, because most of the leaders there we
re connected with him by kin or by other relationship, and all were close friends of his. He began negotiations with the farmers, mentioning first the establishment’s need of funds, and also how much support it needed if he was to be maintained more suitably than before in the same measure as he was elevated higher than before, considering that now the see was established as an archbishopric. He requested the farmers to pay him in pure silver coin for fines due him. Before that, he was given current coin such as was paid the king for mulct. The difference between the two standards of money was that the pure silver coin which he demanded was worth twice as much as the other. And with the support of the kinsfolk and friends of the archbishop, as well as by his own urging, this was accepted; and it was decreed by law in all districts of Trondheim as well as in all the districts belonging to his archbishopric.

  Chapter 17. Sigurth Sigurtharson Is Again Proclaimed King

  When Sigurth and Markús had lost their ships in the [Gaut Elf] River and saw that they could not take Erling unawares, they turned back to the Uppland District and then marched over the mountains to Trondheim. They were well received there, and at the Eyrathing Assembly Sigurth was elected king. There, many sons of eminent men joined his force. They obtained ships, got them ready quickly, and toward summer sailed to Mœr, taking all royal taxes wherever they came. In Bergen there were set, for the defence of the realm, Níkolás Sigurtharson, Nokkvi Pálsson, and still other captains, as Thórólf Dryll, Thorbjorn the Treasurer, and many others. Markús and his fleet sailed south and heard that Erling’s men had a great force in Bergen, so they sailed south outside the skerries. It was the talk of people that Markús and his men had favorable breezes that summer wheresoever they wished to sail.