Njal's Saga Read online

  From there they continued south to Denmark and then east to Smaland, and they were always victorious. They did not go back in the autumn.

  The following summer they went on to Reval and ran into Vikings there and quickly fought and defeated them. Then they went east to the island of Osel and stayed for a while beside a headland. They saw a man coming down from the headland. Gunnar went ashore to meet him, and they talked together. Gunnar asked him his name, and he said it was Tofi. Gunnar asked what he wanted.

  ‘I wanted to see you,’ he said. ‘There are warships here on the other side of the headland, and I’ll tell you who commands them – two brothers, one named Hallgrim and the other Kolskegg. I know them to be mighty battlers, and also that they have good weapons that no one can match. Hallgrim has a halberd on which he has put a spell so that no weapon but this can kill him. Another thing about it is that you know at once when it is about to strike a death blow, for it first makes a loud singing noise – that’s how much power it has. Kolskegg has a short sword and it too is a very good weapon. They have a third again as many men as you. They have a great treasure and have hidden it ashore, and I know exactly where it is. They sent a scouting ship around the headland and know all about you. They’re now making full preparations and plan to attack you as soon as they’re ready. You have two choices: either sail away at once, or prepare to meet them as quickly as you can. If you are victorious, I’ll bring you to where all their treasure is.’

  Gunnar gave him a ring and then went back to his men and told them that there were warships on the other side of the headland – ‘and they know all about us. Let’s take our weapons and get ready quickly – there’s treasure to be won!’

  They made their preparations, and when they were ready they saw ships coming at them. A fierce battle got under way; they fought long and the losses were great. Gunnar killed many men. Hallgrim and his brother leaped onto Gunnar’s ship, and Gunnar turned to face him. Hallgrim thrust at him with his halberd. A boom lay across the ship, and Gunnar made a backwards leap over it; his shield was still in front of the boom and Hallgrim’s halberd went through it and into the boom. Gunnar struck at Hallgrim’s arm and the arm was crippled, but the sword did not bite. The halberd fell; Gunnar grabbed it and thrust it through Hallgrim. From then on he always had the halberd with him.

  The two Kolskeggs fought, and it was hard to say who would prove the better. Then Gunnar came up and gave Kolskegg his death blow.

  After that the Vikings begged for peace, and Gunnar granted it. He let his men search the slain and take whatever goods the dead men owned, but he let the survivors have their weapons and clothing and gave them peace and told them to return to their homelands. They went away, and Gunnar took everything they left behind.

  Tofi came to Gunnar after the battle and offered to take him to where the Vikings had hidden their treasure and told him that it was both greater and better than what they had already taken. Gunnar said he was willing. He went ashore with Tofi. Tofi went into a wood, and Gunnar followed. They came to where a lot of timber had been gathered together. Tofi said the treasure was under the timber. They cleared it away and found gold and silver and garments and good weapons. They carried it all back to the ships.

  Gunnar asked Tofi how he wanted to be rewarded. Tofi answered, ‘I am a Dane by birth, and I’d like you to transport me to my kinsmen.’

  Gunnar asked him how he had come to the Baltic.

  ‘I was kidnapped by Vikings,’ said Tofi, ‘and put ashore here on Osel, and I’ve been here ever since.’

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  Gunnar took him along and said to Kolskegg and Hallvard, ‘Now let’s return to the northern lands.’

  They were pleased at this and told him to have his way. Gunnar sailed from the Baltic with a large amount of treasure. He had ten ships, and headed for Hedeby in Denmark. King Harald Gormsson was staying there.1 He was told about Gunnar and that no one in Iceland was his equal. The king sent his men to invite Gunnar to visit him. Gunnar went at once to meet the king. The king welcomed him and gave him a seat next to his own.

  Gunnar was there for half a month. For amusement the king had Gunnar contend with his own men in various sports, and there was not one sport in which they were a match for him.

  The king spoke to Gunnar: ‘It appears to me that your equal is not to be found far or near.’

  The king offered to give him a wife and large holdings if he would settle down there. Gunnar thanked the king but said that first he wanted to return to Iceland to see his kinsmen and friends.

  ‘Then you will never come back to us,’ said the king.

  ‘Fate must decide that, my lord,’ said Gunnar.

  Gunnar gave the king a good longship and many other valuables. The king gave him stately garments of his own, leather gloves embroidered with gold, a gold-studded headband, and a Russian hat.

  From there Gunnar sailed north to Hising. Olvir welcomed him with open arms, and Gunnar gave him the ships he had taken and said that they were his share. Olvir accepted the booty and called him a fine man, and invited him to stay there for a while. Hallvard asked Gunnar if he wanted to go to Earl Hakon. Gunnar said this was near his heart – ‘because now I’ve been tested somewhat – I was not tested at all the last time you asked me this.’

  They made ready for the voyage and went north to Trondheim to meet Earl Hakon, and he received Gunnar well and invited him to spend the winter with him; Gunnar accepted. He had the respect of everybody there. At Yule the earl gave him a gold bracelet.

  Gunnar fell in love with Bergljot, the earl’s kinswoman, and it was often apparent that the earl would have married her off to Gunnar if he had asked for this.

  32

  In the spring the earl asked Gunnar what his plans were. He said he wanted to return to Iceland. The earl said supplies were low that year – ‘and there will not be much sailing abroad, but you may take on board as much flour and timber as you want’

  Gunnar thanked him and soon had his ship ready. Hallvard went along with him and Kolskegg.

  They reached Iceland early in the summer, before the Althing, and came to land in the river mouth at Arnarbaeli. Gunnar rode home at once, together with Kolskegg, and got men to unload his ship. When they came home people were happy to see them. Gunnar and Kolskegg were cheerful towards their household, and they had not grown haughty.

  Gunnar asked whether Njal was at home and he was told that he was. He had his horse fetched and rode to Bergthorshvol, together with Kolskegg. Njal was happy at their coming and asked them to stay the night. They did, and Gunnar told about his travels.

  Njal said that he was a most valiant man – ‘and though you have been much tried, you will be tried much more, because many men will envy you.’

  ‘I want to get along well with everyone,’ said Gunnar.

  ‘Much will happen,’ said Njal, ‘and you will often have to defend yourself.’

  ‘Then my grounds must be,’ said Gunnar, ‘that my cause is right.’

  ‘It will be,’ said Njal, ‘as long as you do not have to pay for the doings of others.’

  Njal asked Gunnar if he would be riding to the Thing. Gunnar said that he would and asked whether Njal would be riding. He said he would not – ‘and I wish you would do the same.’

  Gunnar gave Njal good gifts and thanked him for looking after his property. Then he rode home.

  Kolskegg urged him to ride to the Thing – ‘your honour will increase there, because many men will seek your company.’

  ‘I haven’t been very keen to puff myself up,’ said Gunnar, ‘but I think it’s good to meet good men.’

  Hallvard had also come to Hlidarendi and offered to ride to the Thing with them.

  33

  Gunnar and all his company rode to the Thing. When they came there they were so well dressed that no others were dressed as well, and people came out of every booth to admire them. Gunnar rode to the booth of the people from the Rangarvellir district and stayed there with his k
insmen. Many men went to him to ask for his news. He was light-hearted and merry with everyone and told them whatever they wanted to hear.

  It happened one day that Gunnar was walking from the Law Rock. He passed below the booth of the people from Mosfell. There he saw some women coming towards him, and they were well dressed. The woman in front was the best dressed. When they met, she greeted Gunnar at once. He took pleasure at this and asked who she was. She gave her name as Hallgerd and said she was the daughter of Hoskuld Dala-Kollsson. She spoke boldly to him and asked him to tell her about his travels, and he said he would not refuse her. They sat down and talked.

  She was dressed like this: she had on a red gown, much ornamented; over that she had a scarlet cloak trimmed with lace down to the hem. Her hair came down to her breasts and was both thick and fair. Gunnar was wearing the stately garments given him by King Harald Gormsson; on his arm he had the bracelet from Earl Hakon.

  They talked aloud for a long time. Eventually he asked if she were unmarried.

  She said that she was – ‘and there aren’t many who would take the risk.’

  ‘Is there no one good enough for you?’ he said.

  ‘It’s not that,’ she said, ‘but I’m very demanding when it comes to men.’1

  ‘How would you answer if I were to propose to you?’ said Gunnar.

  ‘You can’t have that on your mind,’ she said.

  ‘But I do,’ he said.

  ‘If it is on your mind,’ she said, ‘you must go to my father.’

  With this they ended their talk.

  Gunnar went straight to the booth of the people from Dalir and found men in front of the booth and asked them whether Hoskuld was inside, and they said that he was. Gunnar went in.

  Hoskuld and Hrut welcomed him. He sat down between them, and there was no sign in their talk that there had been any clash between them. Gunnar came around to the point and asked how the brothers would answer if he asked to marry Hallgerd.

  ‘Favourably,’ said Hoskuld, ‘if your mind is set on this.’

  Gunnar said that he was serious – ‘but our last parting was such that not many people would think a bond between us likely.’

  ‘What do you think of this, brother Hrut?’ said Hoskuld.

  Hrut answered, ‘This doesn’t seem an even match to me.’

  ‘What makes you say that?’ said Gunnar.

  Hrut said, ‘I’ll answer this with the truth: you are a valiant and accomplished man, but she has a mixed character, and I don’t want to deceive you in any way.’

  ‘I suppose you mean well,’ said Gunnar, ‘but I will take it that you are keeping up our old hostility if you’re not willing to make this match.’

  ‘It’s not that,’ said Hrut, ‘but rather that I see you cannot restrain yourself. Even if we didn’t make a marriage agreement, we would still want to be your friends.’

  ‘I’ve been talking with her, and she’s not against it,’ said Gunnar.

  ‘I see that you’re both eager for this match, and you’re the ones who take the greatest risk as to how it works out.’

  Hrut told Gunnar, without being asked, everything about Hallgerd’s character, and though it seemed to Gunnar at first that there were many faults, it finally came about that they made an agreement. Then Hallgerd was sent for, and it was talked about in her presence. As before, they let her betroth herself. The wedding feast was to take place at Hlidarendi, and at first it was to be a secret, but soon everybody knew about it.

  Gunnar rode home from the Althing and then went to Bergthorshvol and told Njal about the agreement. Njal was upset over it. Gunnar asked him why he found it so ill-advised.

  ‘Every kind of evil will come from her when she moves east,’ said Njal.

  ‘She shall never spoil our friendship,’ said Gunnar.

  ‘It will come close to that,’ said Njal, ‘but you will always make amends for her.’

  Gunnar invited Njal to the wedding feast with as many of his household as he wanted to bring along. Njal promised to come. After that Gunnar rode home and then rode about the district to invite guests.

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  There was a man named Thrain, the son of Sigfus, the son of Sighvat the Red. He lived at Grjota on Fljotshlid. He was Gunnar’s uncle1 and a man of great worth. His wife was Thorhild the Poetess; she was harsh with words and made up mocking verses. Thrain had little love for her. He was invited to the feast at Hlidarendi, and his wife was to wait on the guests, along with Bergthora Skarphed-insdottir, Njal’s wife.

  Ketil was the second son of Sigfus. He lived at Mork, to the east of the Markarfljot river, and was married to Thorgerd Njalsdottir.

  Thorkel was the third son of Sigfus, Mord the fourth, Lambi the fifth, Sigmund the sixth, and Sigurd the seventh. They were all uncles to Gunnar, and great fighters. Gunnar had invited them all to the feast.

  He had also invited Valgard the Grey and Ulf Aur-Godi, and their sons Mord and Runolf.

  Hoskuld and Hrut came to the wedding in a large company; Thorleik and Olaf, the sons of Hoskuld, were among them. The bride came with them, and her daughter Thorgerd, a very beautiful woman; she was then fourteen. Many other women came with her as well.

  Also at the wedding were Thorhalla, the daughter of Asgrim Ellida-Grimsson, and two daughters of Njal, Thorgerd and Helga.2

  Gunnar had invited many people from the neighbourhood, and he seated his guests in this way: he himself sat in the middle of the bench, and next to him, on the inside, sat Thrain Sigfusson, then Ulf Aur-Godi, Valgard the Grey, Mord, Runolf, and then the sons of Sigfus, with Lambi innermost. On the other side of Gunnar, towards the door, sat Njal, then Skarphedin, Helgi, Grim, Hoskuld,3 Haf the Wise, Ingjald from Keldur, and then the sons of Thorir from Holt in the east. Thorir himself wanted to sit at the outer edge of the men of worth, for then everyone would think himself well seated.

  Hoskuld Dala-Kollsson sat in the middle of the opposite bench, with his sons further in. Hrut sat on the other side of Hoskuld, towards the door. There is no report of how the others were seated.

  The bride sat in the middle of the cross-bench. On one side of her sat her daughter Thorgerd, and on the other Thorhalla, the daughter of Asgrim Ellida-Grimsson.

  Thorhild waited on the guests, and she and Bergthora carried the food to the tables. Thrain Sigfusson had his eyes fixed on Thorgerd. His wife Thorhild noticed this; she became angry and made a couplet for him.

  ‘Thrain,’ she said,

  2.

  ‘This gaping is not good,

  Your eyes are all agog.’

  Thrain jumped at once across the table and named witnesses and declared himself divorced from her – ‘I won’t take any more of her mocking and malicious language.’

  He was so vehement about this that he would not stay at the feast unless she were sent away. And so it was – she went away. After that, each man sat in his seat and they drank and were merry.

  Then Thrain spoke up: ‘I won’t make a secret of what’s on my mind. I want to ask you this, Hoskuld Dala-Kollsson: will you give your granddaughter Thorgerd to me as my wife?’

  ‘I don’t know about that,’ said Hoskuld. ‘It seems to me that you have barely parted from the one you had before. What kind of man is he, Gunnar?’

  Gunnar answered, ‘I don’t want to say anything – the man is related to me. You say something, Njal, since everybody will believe you.’

  Njal spoke: ‘About this man it can be said that he is well off for property and skilled in every way and very powerful, and you may well make this match with him.’

  Then Hoskuld said, ‘What do you think, Hrut?’

  Hrut answered, ‘You may give your approval, since it’s an even match for her.’

  They talked about the agreement until they were agreed on all terms. Gunnar and Thrain then stood up and went to the cross-bench. Gunnar asked mother and daughter whether they would accept this agreement. They said they had nothing against it, and Hallgerd betrothed her daughter.

&nb
sp; The women’s places were shifted; now Thorhalla sat between the brides. The feast went on well. When it was over, Hoskuld and his people rode west, and the people from the Rangarvellir district returned to their homes. Gunnar gave gifts to many and this was much to his credit.

  Hallgerd took over the running of the household and was bountiful and assertive. Thorgerd took over the household at Grjota and was a good housewife.

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  It was the custom between Gunnar and Njal, because of their close friendship, that every winter one of them would invite the other to his home for a winter feast. It was now Gunnar’s turn to be Njal’s guest at the winter feast, and so he and Hallgerd went to Bergthorshvol. Helgi and his wife were not there. Njal welcomed them, and when they had been there a while Helgi and his wife Thorhalla returned.

  Bergthora went up to the cross-bench, together with Thorhalla, and spoke to Hallgerd: ‘You must move aside for this woman.’

  Hallgerd spoke: ‘I’ll not move aside for anyone, and I won’t sit in the corner like a cast-off hag’

  ‘I decide things here,’ said Bergthora.

  After that Thorhalla sat down.

  Bergthora came to the table with water for washing hands. Hallgerd took her hand and said, ‘There’s not much to choose between you and Njal – you have gnarled nails on every finger,1 and he’s beardless.’

  ‘That’s true,’ said Bergthora, ‘and yet we don’t hold it against each other. But your husband Thorvald was not beardless, and yet you had him killed.’

  ‘There’s little use to me in being married to the most manly man in Iceland,’ said Hallgerd, ‘if you don’t avenge this, Gunnar.’

  He sprang up and leaped across the table and spoke: ‘I’m going home, and it would be best for you to pick quarrels with your servants, and not in the dwellings of others. I’m in debt to Njal for many honours, and I’m not going to be a cat’s-paw for you.’