The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki (Penguin Classics)

by Jesse L. Byock

  The king was pleased that they wanted to test themselves, and the queen said, ‘This man is welcome here.’

  The berserkers answered her, ‘We already know that you want us all dead in Hel, but we are too strong to fall because of mere words or ill will.’

  The queen said there was nothing wrong in the king’s wish to find out how much support he has ‘where you are concerned, since he trusts so much in you’.

  The leader of the berserkers answered the queen, ‘I will block your wishes and curb your haughtiness in a way that will leave us nothing to fear from this man.’

  The next morning a fierce single combat took place.32 The blows struck were powerful, and everyone realized that the newcomer’s sword cut with great strength. As the first berserker fell back before the newcomer, Svipdag killed him. At once a second berserker stepped forward, set on vengeance, but he suffered the same treatment. Svipdag did not cease until he had killed four of the berserkers.

  Then King Adils said, ‘You have caused me grave injury and now you will pay for it.’ He ordered his men to attack and kill Svipdag. Meanwhile the queen, intending to save Svipdag, had assembled her supporters. She told the king that he ought to realize that Svipdag alone had more excellence than all the berserkers together.

  The queen effected a truce, and it seemed to all that Svipdag was a man of exceptional valour. Now upon the advice of Queen Yrsa, Svipdag was seated on a bench directly across from the king.

  Later, as it grew dark, Svipdag began to survey the area, for it seemed to him that he had not sufficiently harmed the berserkers. He decided to goad them into yet another fight, thinking it likely that they would attack him, if they saw him alone. As expected, they started to fight at once. After they had been fighting for a while, the king arrived and separated them.

  The king then outlawed the remaining berserkers, because all together they could not overcome one lone man. The king said he had not known that they were so feeble, because they excelled when it came to boasting. The berserkers were forced to leave, and they threatened to raid the king’s territory. The king seemed unconcerned with their threats, declaring that these she-dogs had no courage in them.

  The berserkers, disgraced and dishonoured, now left. In truth, it was the king who had first urged them to attack and kill Svipdag when they saw him leaving the hall by himself. Had they done so, they would have avenged themselves without the queen’s knowledge. Svipdag, however, had already killed one of the berserkers by the time the king arrived to separate them.

  The king requested that Svipdag support him no less strongly than all the berserkers had done previously. ‘All the more,’ the king said, ‘because the queen wants you to replace the berserkers.’

  Svipdag now remained there for a time.

  Not long afterward, news of war reached the king. The berserkers, having gathered a large force, were raiding his territory. He then asked Svipdag to go against the berserkers, calling it his duty. The king said he was prepared to raise for Svipdag as large a force as necessary. But Svipdag did not want to lead the army; instead he wanted to serve the king, following him wherever he went. The king, however, was adamant that Svipdag be the leader.

  Svipdag replied, ‘Then I want you to grant me the lives of twelve men, whenever I decide on it.’

  The king promised, ‘This, I will grant you.’ Then Svipdag set out for battle; the king, however, remained at home. Svipdag ordered ‘war-spurs’ to be made, and these spikes were to be used against horses.33 He spread them on the ground where the battlefield was marked and also prepared the field with other stratagems. Then a fierce battle began.

  The Vikings* at first reeled back, suffering cruelly from the spikes. One berserker was killed, along with a large part of the invading force. Those raiders still alive fled to their ships and escaped.

  Svipdag, having the victory to boast of, returned to the king. The king thanked him well for his bravery and for his defence of the land.

  Queen Yrsa said, ‘Certainly that seat is better occupied with a hero such as Svipdag than with your berserkers.’ The king agreed.

  Those berserkers who had escaped once again gathered a following and returned to raid King Adils’ kingdom. As before, the king challenged Svipdag to go against them, promising to supply him with a fine troop of warriors. Svipdag prepared for battle, even though he had a third fewer men than the berserkers. The king, however, promised to join him with his own bodyguard, and Svipdag set out sooner than the berserkers had expected. The two sides soon clashed, fighting a hard battle.

  Meanwhile King Adils assembled his force, intending to surprise the berserkers from the rear.

  Now we return to farmer Svip. He awoke suddenly from his sleep, sighed deeply and said to his sons, ‘Your brother Svipdag is in need of your support. He is engaging in a battle not far from here and has by far the smaller force. He has lost one of his eyes34 and has suffered many wounds. Although he has killed three berserkers, another three are still fighting.’

  The brothers quickly armed themselves and set off for the battle­ ground, where the Vikings had twice as many men as Svipdag. By then, Svipdag had accomplished much, but he was sorely wounded and had lost one eye. Also, many of his followers had been killed. The king still had not come to his aid.

  Arriving at the battlefield, the brothers entered into the fighting. They pushed resolutely forward until they were opposite the berserkers. Now they finished the contest, and all the berserkers were felled by the brothers. With the tide of battle changing, the death toll mounted in the ranks of the Vikings. Those, however, among the berserkers’ men who chose to accept their lives from the brothers, swore allegiance to them.

  Then the brothers went to the king to tell him what had happened. The king thanked them well for the impressive victory. Svipdag had two arm wounds, a large head wound and was one-eyed for the rest of his life. For a time he lay disabled by these wounds, the queen nursing him.

  After regaining his health, Svipdag told the king he was planning to leave: ‘I want to look for a king who will honour us more than you do. You have rewarded me poorly for defending your land and for our winning so great a victory for you.’

  King Adils appealed to Svipdag to remain with him. He promised to do full well by the brothers, declaring that no one would be valued more than they. Svipdag, however, wanted only to ride away, mainly because the king, undecided about whether he wanted Svipdag or the berserkers to win the victory, had not come to the battlefield before the fighting had ended. The whole time the king had watched the contest from the woods and could have joined in whenever he chose. In fact, to the king it would have made no difference if Svipdag had been defeated and lay with his face in the dirt.

  15. Svipdag and His Brothers Join King Hrolf’s Men

  The brothers prepared to leave and nothing could stop them. The king asked where they intended to go, but they said they had not yet decided on a plan. ‘Right now, we will just leave. I want to learn the ways of other kings and not grow old here in Sweden.’ They thanked the queen graciously for the honour she had shown to Svipdag and went to their horses.

  Mounting their horses, they rode out and finally arrived back at their father’s place. They wanted his advice about what tasks they should now undertake.

  Svip said that in his opinion the greatest renown was to be had in joining King Hrolf and his champions in Denmark: ‘There you are most likely to find a way to distinguish yourselves, while quenching your thirst for violence and your greed for fame. I have had trustworthy reports that the most formidable champions from the northern lands have assembled there.’

  Svipdag asked, ‘What is King Hrolf like?’ His father answered, ‘I have heard that King Hrolf is open-handed and generous and so trustworthy and particular about his friends that his equal cannot be found. He withholds neither gold nor treasure from nearly everyone who wants or needs them. He is handsome in looks, powerful in deeds and a worthy opponent. The fairest of men, Hrolf is fierce with the gr
eedy, yet gentle and accommodating with the unpretentious and modest. Toward all those who do not threaten him, he is the most humble of men, responding with equal mildness to both the powerful and the poor. Hrolf is so great that his name will not be forgotten as long as the world remains inhabited. He has exacted tribute from all kings who are near him, for everyone is willing to serve him.’

  Svipdag said, ‘After hearing your report, father, I and all my brothers are determined to serve King Hrolf, if he will accept us.’

  Farmer Svip said, ‘You must decide for yourself about your travels and other affairs, but I would like you to stay home with me.’

  The brothers said there was no hope of that. Then they wished their father and mother a good life and set off on their way, journeying until they reached King Hrolf.

  Svipdag went immediately before the king and greeted him. King Hrolf asked who the newcomer was. Svipdag then gave the king his name and the names of all the brothers, saying that they had been for a time with King Adils.

  The king replied, ‘Why, then, have you come here? There is no love lost between us and Adils’ men.’

  Svipdag responded, ‘I know that, Lord. Nevertheless, if it is possible, I and all my brothers want to become your men, though we might seem to you to be of little significance.’

  The king answered, ‘I had never intended to make friends among King Adils’ men. But, because you have approached me first, I will receive you. I can guess that the man who does not refuse you has the best of the bargain, because I see that you and your companions are admirable warriors. I heard that you have won much fame in killing King Adils’ berserkers and accomplishing many other feats.’

  ‘Where do you want us to sit?’ asked Svipdag.

  The king replied, ‘Sit next to the man called Bjalki, but leave enough room farther in on the benches for twelve men.’

  Before leaving King Adils, Svipdag had promised to return to him, but now the brothers went to the seats assigned them by King Hrolf. Svipdag asked Bjalki why space was being saved farther in from them. Bjalki said that the king’s twelve berserkers always sat there when they came home. At that moment they were still out fighting.

  Skur was the name of one of King Hrolf’s daughters; another, called Drifa, was now at home with the king. Drifa, the most courteous of women, showed kindness to the brothers, making life altogether more pleasant for them.

  So the situation continued throughout the summer, until the berserkers returned to the king’s guard in the fall. According to their custom, when the berserkers entered the hall they confronted each man in turn. The leader of the berserkers stood, asking each man seated before him if he reckoned himself as an equal. In reply, the king’s men tried to find different expressions, which they regarded as either the most fitting or the least dishonourable. It could be felt that everyone thought himself sorely lacking in being the equal of the berserkers.

  Then the berserkers’ leader came to Svipdag, asking whether he thought himself an equal. Svipdag leapt up and drew his sword, claiming that he was in no way less than the berserker.

  The berserker replied, ‘Then strike at my helmet.’ Svipdag did so but his sword did not cut into the helmet. The two men then got ready to fight.

  King Hrolf, quickly positioning himself between the two, forbade their fighting. He said that they should be called equal from now on, declaring them ‘both my friends’. Thus the two, accepting equality, were reconciled. From that time on they were always in agreement, standing together in war and winning victory wherever they went.

  King Hrolf sent men to Sweden to meet with Queen Yrsa, his mother. He requested her to send him the treasure that had belonged to King Helgi, his father. King Adils had taken this treasure for himself when King Helgi was killed.

  Yrsa said it would be proper for her to arrange this matter with King Adils, if only she could. ‘If you yourself seek the treasure, my son, then I will be faithful to you in this matter, but King Adils is so greedy a man that he never cares how he comes by his wealth.’ She asked that her reply be given to King Hrolf and, along with her message, she sent him costly gifts.

  16. King Hrolf Tricks King Hjorvard

  Because King Hrolf was out raiding, his encounter with King Adils was delayed. With the large force he had assembled, Hrolf succeeded in making all the kings he fought pay tribute to him. A deciding factor was that all the best warriors wanted to be in his following. They chose to serve Hrolf, because he was far more generous with rewards than any of the other kings.

  King Hrolf had established the seat of his kingdom at a place in Denmark called Hleidargard,35 where his fortress was large and strong. He and his followers lived lavishly, and there was more splendour at Hleidargard than at any other noble establishment known at the time.

  Hjorvard was the name of a powerful king.36 He married Skuld, the sister of King Hrolf. The arrangement had been made with the consent of King Adils, Queen Yrsa and King Hrolf, her brother.

  Some time later, King Hrolf invited his brother-in-law, King Hjorvard, to a feast. One day during the festivities, the two kings found themselves standing together outside. King Hrolf unfastened his belt and, while doing so, he handed his sword to King Hjorvard to hold.

  When King Hrolf had fastened his belt again, he took back his sword, saying to King Hjorvard, ‘We both know the old adage that he who holds the sword of a man who is undoing his belt, will from then on be the lesser of the two. Therefore, you are now a king under my rule and you must endure this status as patiently as the others do.’

  Hjorvard became enraged at this but nonetheless was obliged to let it stand. He went home with matters as they were, but he was little pleased with his lot. Despite his discontent, he delivered his tribute to King Hrolf, acting just like Hrolf’s other underkings, who showed obedience.

  And here ends the story of Svipdag.

  17. King Hring of Norway Marries Hvit

  It is said that to the north in Norway a king named Hring ruled over Uppdales.37 He had a son named Bjorn.38 It is told that the queen died, and the king and many others found this a great loss. Hring’s countrymen and counsellors asked him to remarry, and so he sent men to the south seeking a wife. But strong headwinds and powerful storms forced them to turn their prows around, letting the ships run before the wind. So it happened that driven by the wind, they were forced north to Finnmark, where they remained for the winter.39

  One day they went onshore. They walked inland and came to a house. Inside sat two beautiful women, who received them well. The women asked them where they had come from, and the king’s men gave an account of their journey and explained their errand. They asked the women about themselves, inquiring why women so beautiful and refined were there alone, so far from other people.

  The older woman answered, ‘For everything, friends, there is a reason. We are here because a powerful king asked for my daughter’s hand. Because she did not want to marry him, he threatened her with rough treatment. So I am keeping her here in this secret hiding place while her father is away at war.’

  They asked who her father might be.

  ‘She is the daughter of the King of the Lapps,’ said the woman.

  The men asked for their names.

  The older woman replied, ‘I am called Ingebjorg and my daughter is named Hvit.* I am the Lapp king’s mistress.’

  A girl was there to serve them. The king’s men, much taken with these women, decided to ask whether Hvit would go back with them and marry King Hring. The man in charge of the king’s mission brought up the question. Hvit did not respond quickly; instead, she deferred the issue to her mother’s consideration.

  ‘As the old saying goes,’ said her mother, ‘out of every trouble comes some gain. But it displeases me that we are making this arrangement without first asking her father’s consent. Nevertheless, it must be ventured, if Hvit is to get ahead.’

  Hvit then prepared herself to go with them, and they started on the journey to King Hring. The messengers at onc
e inquired whether the king wanted to marry the woman or if she should be sent back. The king, well pleased with the woman, married her at once. He was not concerned that she was neither rich nor powerful. At this time, the king was getting on in years, and the effects of his age were soon apparent in the queen’s behaviour.

  18. The Love of Bera and Bjorn

  A freeman’s farm lay a short distance from the king’s estate. The farmer had a wife and one daughter, who was named Bera.40 She was young and lovely to look at. Bjorn, the king’s son, and Bera, the freeman’s daughter, had played together as children, and the two were very close. The freeman was wealthy; he had long been out raiding and in his youth had been a great champion. Bera and Bjorn loved each other deeply and they often met.

  Time passed and nothing noteworthy took place. Bjorn, the king’s son, matured to manhood. He grew large and strong; he was well bred and was accomplished in all skills. When King Hring was away at war for long periods, which frequently happened, Hvit stayed at home and governed the land. She was not well liked by the people; toward Bjorn, however, she was gentle and tender, though he paid no heed.

  One time when the king was about to set out from home, the queen suggested that Bjorn should stay home to help her govern the land. The king thought that her proposal was advisable. The queen was now becoming overbearing and arrogant. The king told his son Bjorn to stay at home and watch over the kingdom with the queen. Bjorn replied that he had little liking for this idea and that he liked the queen even less. The king then told Bjorn to remain behind, and he then set out with a large force.

  19. Bjorn Rejects Queen Hvit’s Advances: The Curse

  Bjorn went back to his quarters after arguing with his father, each thinking the other to be wrong. Bjorn, downcast and angry, his face as red as blood, then took to his bed. The queen, wanting to lift his spirits, spoke tenderly to him. He asked her to go away, which she did for a time.