The Gesta Danorum (Books I-IX) on Hiarn
The Danish History, > Book Six.
attestation: Hiarn won the Danish crown by composing a four-line epitaph praising the dead King Frode
"one HIARN, very skilled in writing Danish poetry, wishing to give the fame of the hero some notable record of words, and tempted by the enormous prize, composed, after his own fashion, a barbarous stave"
attestation: Hiarn chose to fight rather than resign, causing a civil war in which popular support favored Fridleif due to Frode's memory
"he resolved to fight for his present estate, that he might not have to resume his former one stripped of his royal honours"
attestation: Hiarn was defeated twice—first in battle, then in Jutland—and fled to an island that bears his name (Hiarno)
"he met Fridleif in the field, was crushed, and fled into Jutland, where, rallying a band, he again attacked his conqueror. But his men were all consumed with the sword, and he fled unattended, as the island testifies which has taken its name from his (Hiarno)"
attestation: Hiarn disguised himself as a salt-distiller and infiltrated Fridleif's household to attempt assassination
"he turned his mind to craft, and went to Fridleif with his face disguised, meaning to become intimate, and find an occasion to slay him treacherously"