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The Heimskringla on Asta

Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 49. Birth Of Olaf, Son Of Harald Grenske.

attestation: Asta went to her father in the Uplands after learning of Harald's death and his plan to abandon her

"When Asta got these tidings she set off directly to her father in the Uplands"
attestation: In summer 995 AD Asta gave birth to a boy named Olaf, and Hrane poured water over him at birth

"In summer (A.D. 995) Asta, Gudbrand's daughter, was confined, and had a boy child, who had water poured over him, and was called Olaf. Hrane himself poured water over him"

relationship: Asta, daughter of Gudbrand, married Sigurd Syr after the death of Harald Grenske.

"Asta, the daughter of Gudbrand, soon after the fall of Harald Grenske married again a man who was called Sigurd Syr, who was a king in Ringerike"

attestation: Asta immediately began elaborate preparations upon hearing of Olaf's approach: ordering hangings, benches, straw, tables, drinking-jugs, victuals, and ale.

"Asta stood up directly, and ordered the men and girls to put everything in the best order. She ordered four girls to bring out all that belonged to the decoration of the room and put it in order with hangings and benches."
attestation: Asta sent messengers for Sigurd's dress-clothes, gilt saddle, and jeweled bridle, and dispatched four men to the four quarters inviting great people to a feast.

"Messengers went to seek King Sigurd wherever he might be, and brought to him his dress-clothes, and his horse with gilt saddle, and his bridle, which was gilt and set with precious stones. Four men she sent off to the four quarters of the country to invite all the great people to a feast"

attestation: Asta urged Sigurd through messengers to comport himself like Harald Harfager's race rather than like his maternal grandfather Hrane Thin-nose or Earl Nereid the Old.

"Asta told us to bring thee word how much it lay at her heart that thou shouldst on this occasion comport thyself in the fashion of great men, and show a disposition more akin to Harald Harfager's race than to thy mother's father's, Hrane Thin-nose, or Earl Nereid the Old"

attestation: Asta took Olaf by the hand and led him to the high-seat; Sigurd arranged for their clothes and horses, and the feast was made with greatest splendour.

"Then she took him by the hand, and led him into the room to the high-seat. King Sigurd got men to take charge of their clothes, and give their horses corn; and then he himself went to his high-seat, and the feast was made with the greatest splendour."

attestation: Asta declared she would rather Olaf be supreme king of Norway even for as short a time as Olaf Trygvason, than live as a lesser king like Sigurd Syr and die of old age.

"I would rather that thou shouldst be the supreme king of Norway, even if thou shouldst not sit longer in thy kingdom than Olaf Trygvason did, than that thou shouldst not be a greater king than Sigurd Syr is, and die the death of old age."
attestation: Asta said she would spare nothing in her power for Olaf's advancement, though her help would be little.

"For my part, my son, I am rejoiced at thy arrival, but much more at thy advancing thy honour. I will spare nothing for that purpose that stands in my power, although it be but little help that can be expected from me."