egils saga sparknotes
Toiled each morning 'I will,' said he, 'surely give my good word that this match may be made.'. All Egil's children were of good promise and intelligence. And he has gathered such large force as ye cannot withstand if ye encounter it all at once; but he himself goes with two light vessels, and he is even now here close by you.'. There was his merchant ship which he had caused to be moved thither in the spring. Earl Arnvid fled away; but the king took large fines from those landowners whom he thought guilty against him according to the report of those who went after the tribute. Leifur Eirksson . Noble-minded son?'. My stout hammer rings, But it is not told that he had lawsuits with any here in the land; nor is there a word of single combats, or war and slaughter of his after he settled down here in Iceland. So Thorgils made ready a large ship of burden belonging to Thorolf, and put the tribute on board, and taking about twenty men sailed southward after the king, and found him in Naumdale. Egill and Thorolf fought with King thelstan in a battle against "Olaf the Red of Scotland". And so it was that before Thorstein the king put this choice. Goes he who beareth The king received Aulvir well, and bade him sit in the high-seat facing himself, and his comrades outside him. In the summer there had been, as was usual, many ships from Norway. With hood of daring His son was Brynjolf, who was sole heir to all his father's wealth. Egil inquired where in the town Arinbjorn was housed. Better I chaunt my strain, 'Let men then take their weapons,' said Arinbjorn. Spear-music ungentle And when Egil took command of a ship, then Thorfid was his forecastle man. Skallagrim was an old man by this time. Shape into song But inside of the island was a shallow sound between it and other islands. Then the king asked where was that big man who had drunk most that evening. Eleven faced I twice, Then they came to a second village, and a third; all the people fled before them. 'Stand you up,' said she, 'and go to your seat, and let us do our work.' The king asked whether Egil was in the ship. And a little while after Steinar rode up to Stafar-holt, where Einar then dwelt. Aunund had often been on voyages from land to land. Of the brothers, sons of Thorstein, Thorgeir was the strongest, Skuli was the tallest. ', Egil said: 'Sickness of body I have none; but I have much anxiety about this, how I shall get that property which I won when I slew Ljot the Pale northwards in Mra. After Alfred, Edward his son was king in England. Gyda then went to speak with her son Fridgeir, and talked low with him, Egil standing the while and waiting for them. He was to take with him a shield, which Thorstein had sent to Egil Skallagrimsson: it was a valuable treasure. The king let the matter rest. And as the day wore on they stopped to bait their horses; this was near a wooded ridge. We see a very different side of Egill in chapter 56 when he declares his secret love for his future wife, in a love poem. Stylistic and other similarities between Egill's Saga and Heimskringla have led many scholars to believe that they were the work of the same author, Snorri Sturluson. From the tales of old people it is thought pretty sure that these were Egil's bones. Thou wilt not let it be so, father, with him who has been the first to give me such a treasure. Aunund replied that he was there. Long sorrow and pain.'. Steinar, wishing to buy him, bid a large sum: but his owner valued him at three marks of silver, which was twice the price of a common thrall, and at this sum the bargain was made. Thord let him do so, and Egil mounted behind him. Atli the Short so blunted Thorstein explained his cause, and produced witnesses that he was rightful owner of all that inheritance which he claimed. Egil went on to the chief seat, and took Skallagrim by the shoulders, and forced him backwards, and laid him down in the seat, and rendered then the services to the dead. Then he made him ready for the combat. Soon after this Thorolf started with a long-ship and about sixty men, and coasted northwards, till one day at eventide he came to Sandness in Alost; there they moored the ship. But before they parted Thorolf and his father talked together, and Kveldulf said: 'I was not far wrong, Thorolf, in telling thee, when thou wentest to join king Harold's guard, that neither thou nor we thy kindred would in the long run get good-fortune therefrom. They then went their way back, and when they came south over the Dovre-fell, then said Egil that he would go down to Raumsdale, and after that south by way of the sounds. They did as Ulf bade: Ulf went forward round the brow and ten men with him. Ljot went out beyond the boundary stones far into the field. Athelstan's men said that their tents were all full, so full that their people had not nearly enough room. But when the appointed time had expired, then Athelstan's men sent envoys to king Olaf with these words: 'King Athelstan is ready for battle, and had a mighty host. With bloody blade He is a Berserk and a duellist; he is hated. And when Egil saw the boat, he knew it at once. A son of Eric and Gunnhilda there was named Rognvald, who was then ten or eleven years old, and had the makings of a very handsome man. Lavish ring-despiser They had this to tell, that Egil had put out and sailed to sea, and was gone. The king spoke little about this matter before other men; but it was easy to see that he inclined to believe the words that had been spoken. So went they to the utmost point of Digra-ness. They did so. Then this counsel was adopted, to meet thee with friendly show and bid thee to a banquet: but it was intended, when thou wert well drunk and lying asleep, to attack thee with fire and weapon. Bowed and prostrate laid. King Eric had Atla-island well searched as soon as it was light; this took some time, the island being large, and Egil was not found. There were cattle on it, both sheep and oxen, belonging to Atla-isle. Sport I deem the spear-din, His brother Edmund now ruled England. However, I will atone you, Egil, with the king for this time.'. Grim was swarthy, ill-favoured, like his father both in face and mind; he became a good man of business; skilful was he in wood and iron, an excellent smith. [c] Here Thorolf befriended Prince Eirik Bloodaxe, Harald's favorite son and Thorir's fosterling. Life was harsh, particularly during the long, cold winters, when it was crucial for people to get along and work together. Egil told his father that he wished to go. Thereon I bethink me, And thou, Eric, mayst make him as close to thee as thou wilt, him or more of his kin. King Hacon answered: 'This have I heard, that my brother Eric and with him Gunnhilda both assert that thou, Egil, hast cast a stone beyond thy strength in thy dealings with them. At this the goodman thought to steal out in the dark, but Egil was near, and dealt him his death-blow, as he did to many others. Then Egil took his weapons and clothes and rode home, reaching Borg by eventide. In the spring following that winter Thorolf and Egil made them ready to go again a-freebooting. He made for where the king's standard was, and at this moment fell Thorgils Yeller. Then they saw that the branches moved, whence they guessed that the bear would be there. Then the men separated to their several ships. 'I will go,' said he, 'to Kveldulf; and he will consent to come to you, as soon as he knows that you think it a matter of moment.'. Bold with uplifted brow Arinbjorn answered. The maiden was sad and wept constantly that evening, which they thought strange. Bold king, and his queen. The Best Books to Get Your Finances in Order, Books Based on Your Favorite Taylor Swift Era, Cook a Soul Food Holiday Meal With Rosie Mayes, Apr 26, 2005 Their voyage sped well; from the main they came into Borgar-firth, brought their ship into the haven, carried their baggage on shore. And take we such heed that none escape.' But when spring came Egil signified to the king this, that he purposed to go away in the summer to Norway, and to learn 'how matters stand with Asgerdr, my late brother Thorolf's wife. Olaf king of Scots, drew together a mighty host, and marched upon England. The question was put before the men whether they should go up or not. His voyage sped well. Body of kinsman In thronging crowd But thou, Thorolf, wilt take thine own counsel in thine own business; nor do I fear, though thou enter into the company of Harold's guards, that thou wilt not be thought capable and equal to the foremost in all proofs of manhood. There was now no lack of provision to keep his people through the winter. The king said he would prefer to believe this. Earl Hring and Adils his brother made ready their army, and at once in the night moved southwards for the heath. But when these brothers heard of his coming, Herlaug with twelve men entered the sepulchral mound which they had caused to be made (they were three winters at the making), and the mound then was closed after them. King Eric and queen Gunnhilda came that same evening to Atla-isle, and Bard had prepared there a banquet for the king; and there was to be there a sacrifice to the guardian spirits. Despite the affront, Eirik was persuaded by Thorir (his foster-father) to settle this by compensation. . 1573 Words. Long may look in vain. ', Egil said he would risk coming to the Thing all the same: 'There let come what come may to end our matter. Soon they came to a hamlet where dwelt several peasants. There was a man named Thord, son of Grani, at Granastead, who was of great promise; he was then young; very fond he was of Egil, Skallagrim's son. Erewhile, beyond the sea, Sigtrygg and Hallvard were with him: they had heard what Thorolf had done at their house on Hising, what scathe he had wrought on men and property. Then he sang: 'Gloomy on me glowered They all remained together for the night. The king knew him at once, and, darting a keen glance at him, said: 'How wert thou so bold, Egil, that thou daredst to come before me? Thorolf speedily opened to Bjorn his errand, and made his offer, asking Bjorn's daughter Asgerdr to wife. That three, whom but I wot not, Now Egil, before going to the Thing, had had his ship launched and the cargo put on board. Bard and the queen sent Egill a poisoned drink, but the attempt was foiled by Egill, who inscribed runes on the horn and besmeared it with his own blood, causing the horn to shatter. I will say yea to it and not nay. Then Egil and the rest went into the hall and drank. O'er corse-strown lanes, ', Kveldulf answered that he was an old man, not fit for war or to be out in warships. Egil and his company had a prosperous voyage; they came to Norway eastwards in Vik, and sailed their ship right into Osloar-firth. Then the rovers went to their ships, they and the earl parting in friendship with exchange of gifts. Then said Egil, 'You do well, daughter, in that you will follow your father. They resolved to go up there, and left behind a third of their force to guard the ships. Egil took under his arm a large mead-cask, and bare it so. 'Thankful I took it, 'Seek him,' said the king, 'and bring him to me.'. Egil took this offer with thanks. It was inscribed with old tales; and between the writing were overlaid spangles of gold with precious stones set therein. ', The king said: 'So shall it be, Arinbjorn, as thou demandest. Poetry was used to establish a person's reputation for good or evil, and a great poem could make its characters immortal. With gleam of golden armlet: I now declare myself free of debt to you, Steinar, in regard of that help which I promised you; for it was agreed between us that I should help you in carrying through your suit, or to such issue as should content you; free am I, I say, whatever may be the terms adjudged you by Egil.' He understood, ere he had been long there, whither Steinar had had his cattle taken, and he sat by them on Stack-moor. Earl Hroald he set over the Firthfolk. Soon after this Bjorgolf died; but no sooner was he buried than Brynjolf sent away Hildirida and her sons. ', King Eric sate upright while Egil recited the poem, and looked keenly at him. The saga portrays Egill as having a dual nature derived from his mixed descent from fair, extroverted Vikings and dark, taciturn Sami (Lapps). So stout and strong. Gunnhilda is rightful heiress of Bjorn. Let laggards be none! Bjorn stayed for the winter with Skallagrim as did all his shipmates. My foreboding is that it will not be long ere thou and king Eric meet, if ye both live. 'Is it by your counsel,' said Egil, 'that your son Steinar brings a charge against my son Thorstein, and has gathered much people to this end, to make Thorstein an outcast?' An enemy still. Great Athelstan victorious, This done, they closed, and Egil dealt a blow at Ljot, which Ljot parried with his shield, but Egil then dealt blow upon blow so fast that Ljot got no chance for a blow in return. Shivered swords with stroke He saw that the cattle had now come far out on the fenny hollow. Alone can fill. Bard fell dead, the blood welling from the wound. On seeing Steinar's pursuit, these rode outside Long-holt. Egil was matched to play against a boy named Grim, son of Hegg, of Hegg-stead. Egil at once went at the dyke and leapt it, but it was no leap for other men, and no one tried it. Goodly treasure, stolen Before they were aware, breakers were both seaward and ahead. And now the wind came on to blow hard, with much rain and mist. But when all their devices against thee miscarried, then they chose the best course they could; they hushed up their former purpose. With shaft smoke-begrimed: And so ends this story. Sword-edges clashed: Aki went to a trapdoor in the floor and opened it, telling them that they should go down by this to the store-room below. Thus they coasted on southwards, and had no tidings of men till they came eastwards to Vik. He kept about him a large following, whereof the cost was great, and much provision was needed; but the year was good, and needful supplies were easily found. Now have I slain another thrall of yours, for the same fault as the former. He stuck the sword-point within the round of the ring, and drew it to him; then he went back to his place. Kveldulf said all was tending to what he had foreboded, that Thorolf would not in the end have good luck in his friendship with king Harold. That winter the king held court in the north in Throndheim. But robbery of my right But I will soon be certain about this from the king himself. Egil rose up in the morning as soon as it was day. Thus the ships were parted. Whom friends all fail. Then he got possession of Upland; thence he went northwards to Throndheim, and had many battles there before he became absolute over all the Thronds. They went up along White-river till a river was before them coming down from the fells to the north; this they called North-river. And when he ceased speaking, then Bergonund took the word and spoke thus: 'Gunnhilda my wife is the daughter of Bjorn and Alof, the wife whom Bjorn lawfully married. They have a tenuous tenure in Norway, but Egill is outlawed and they roam Scandinavia and serve the king of England. In war-god's wine of song Steinar buried him up on the hillside, and soon got another thrall to go with the cattle, whose name is not told. He was heartily thanked for this work. He was temple-priest, and ruled over that temple, to which all paid tribute within Skards-heath. The saga begins in Norway around 850, with the life of Egill's grandfather Ulf (lfr) aka Kveldulf or "Evening Wolf", and his two sons Thorolf (rlfr) and Skallagrim (Skalla-Grmr). Arinbjorn went home and told Egil the issue of his errand. But when they had doffed their travelling clothes and donned mantles, then Hogni gave orders to bring in a large bowl of beer; and Hildirida, the daughter of the house, bare ale to the guests. But when Thorgils met Thorolf he told him all that had happened. There will be few to become friends with me if this man get nothing by it. This,' said he, 'is the nature of the ground: the road skirts the ridge, close to the foot of which runs the bog, while a rocky brow is above, and the passage lies between these and is no broader than a footpath. When ready they first went to Upland, thence northwards by the Dovre-fell to Throndheim, where they came before king Hacon. But Thorstein slew two thralls of yours. This was told to the king. Armod made Egil sit in the high seat on the lower bench, and his comrades outside him. In the winter following earl Rognvald went the inner way by the Eid-sea southwards to the Firths. Bore him in life, Steinar summoned Thorstein for thrall-slaying, and claimed lesser outlawry as the penalty of each slaying. There were in Steinar's band six grown men in all, and a seventh was Steinar's son, ten years old. Undaunted in courage While visiting, word arrived from Norway that Thorstein's father died leaving him a large inheritance. He gave into his hands a halberd that he had been carrying. They begged the king's leave that they two brothers might go with their usual following and attack Thorolf in his home. So he set earl Rognvald over North and South Mra and Raumsdale, and kept a numerous force about himself. So the cargo was moved from the ship up to the homestead at Borg. Nothing is told of further tidings at that Thing. We strove off Jutland-side: Blows thou bring'st on thee: rnlfur Thorsson . Within York city The case was argued at the Gulaing assembly, where Berg-Onund asserted that Asgerd as a slave-woman entitled to no share (due to the circumstance that her mother eloped without her kinsmen's consent). They now start, and soon come to the island. I will now have Egil in keeping for the night. Son of Eric and Thora was Thorstein; he was brought up with Arinbjorn, and was now fully grown, though quite young. Further he told them at length, as was true, that the king was liberal to his men both in money and in honours. There their wounds were healed. Laud bear I to the king, Egil asked if Thorfinn had seen anything of the rest of his party. But when Gunnhilda heard what they were talking of, then said she: 'This I think, Eric, that 'tis now going again as it has gone often before; thou lendest easy ear to talk, nor bearest long in mind the ill that is done thee. Hkon denied Egill's claim, so Arinbjrn compensated Egill with forty marks of silver. It may be they will have no fear for themselves, now they know that their king is near with a large army. Dauntless in bearing Stubborn in fight is he. He produced tokens and a message from Arinbjorn to the king and also to Egil, that he might be his advocate with the king, so that king Athelstan might send a message from himself to king Hacon, his foster-son, advising that Thorstein should get his inheritance and possessions in Norway. All these things happened in one and the same summer, to wit, king Eric's going with his army eastwards to Vik to fight with his brothers, and (before that) the strife of Egil and Bergonund at the Gula-thing, with the other events that have just been related. Of him I have had neither good or bad; but Egil has done to me much that is very good. These tidings when Arinbjorn and Thorstein heard, they resolved that Thorstein should go east and see after the inheritance. Everything that precedes him are tales of his grandfather and his father. Burning helm-fire flashed, 'Then I would fain,' said Bjorn, 'that you should go and plead Thorolf's cause before him, for one lot shall befall me and Thorolf; he did as much for me when I was in Iceland.'. Egil was now furious, so that there was no speaking with him. 'Oft to my mind They thrust at Thorolf at once with many halberds, and there by the wood he fell. Two or three men whom they deemed of least note they seized, and gave them their lives, asking of them who had been in the ship, and what had been the purport of the voyage. [k] Egill and Thorolf fought with King thelstan in a battle against "Olaf the Red of Scotland". Further feats and glory, ', 'I shall then,' said Egil, 'offer you, as I offered Onund, that Gula-thing laws decide our cause. The messengers went back to the king, and told him how their errand had sped; but Kveldulf sat at home on his estates. Spiller of foemen's blood. And so ended this suit. 'This I forebode,' said Egil, 'that the longer our quarrel lasts, the worse will be the fortune of you and your son. Then it was told king Olaf that both his earls Hring and Adils were fallen, and a multitude of his men likewise. Thou, as I judge, wilt think the same, and so will others who have any high spirit and claim to be men of valour.'. Thorstein Egil's son dwelt at Borg. Gave as fourth gift to young Egil Next to him sat Thorbjorn Raven, then Aulvir Hnuf, and next to him was placed Bard; he was there by-named Bard the White or Bard the Strong. I launched my floating oak [15] Some time later, Asgerd's father Bjorn the Wealthy died in Norway, but she received no inheritance, the entire estate having been claimed by Berg-Onund, married to Gunnhild Bjarnardottir (Asgerd's half-sister). Egill traveled with some of King Hkon's men to Vrmland and fought battles, Egill killing many times more foes than his companions. 'Yet I to this ruler Egil went to lodge at Borg, and with him Thofid Strong and many of their company; and they were there with Skallagrim for the winter. The descendants of Kveldlfr find themselves involved in two complicated inheritance feuds, at one time rejecting the claims of illegitimate children of a second marriage, and at another time claiming land on behalf of another illegitimate child born to similar circumstances.[32]. Now I would fain, father, that we should lengthen our lives, so that you may compose a funeral poem on Bodvar, and I will grave it on a wooden roller; after that we can die, if we like. e- resources of books, journals, manual, theses, abstract, magazine etc. Thither flocked numbers from the firths and from the fells, and from Sogn, and almost all the great men. ', Gunnhilda said: 'Why shall not Egil be slain at once? 'Above his ears Chapter 1 - Of Kveldulf and his sons. Full soon from Odin's thane Frosty and cold, Life was harsh, particularly during the long, cold winters, when it was crucial for people to get along and work together. Kveldulf said he was too old to travel: 'I shall sit at home,' said he. Thorstein followed, and he and Grani met in the gate. He had a son named Brynjolf, who was like his father. Thorolf Skallagrim's son now sounded Thorir as to how he would take the matter should Thorolf ask in marriage Asgerdr his kinswoman.