The Heimskringla on Erling
Heimskringla > part in the government with his brother Hardaknut. In the same autumn > 29. Erling'S Expedition To Denmark.
attestation: Erling sailed to Jutland with a single long-ship manned with his finest lads, arriving at Randaros where King Valdemar sat at dinner.
"Erling was in Viken, where he fitted out a long-ship, manned it with his finest lads, and sailed (a single ship) over to Jutland. When he heard that the Danish king Valdemar was in Randaros, Erling sailed thither, and came to the town just as the king sat at the dinner-table"
attestation: Erling entered King Valdemar's lodging with twelve armed men wearing hats over helmets and swords under cloaks, and demanded peace and safe conduct.
"Erling landed with twelve men, all in armour, with hats over their helmets, and swords under their cloaks. They went to the king's lodging, where the doors stood open, and the dishes were being carried in. Erling and his people went in immediately, and drew up in front of the high-seat. Erling said, "Peace and safe conduct we desire, king, both here and to return home.""
attestation: Erling and Valdemar agreed that Erling would remain as hostage with the Danish king, while Asbjorn Snara, Bishop Absalon's brother, would go to Norway as hostage.
"They agreed that Erling should remain as hostage with the Danish king; and that Asbjorn Snara, Bishop Absalon's brother, should go to Norway as hostage on the other part."
Heimskringla > part in the government with his brother Hardaknut. In the same autumn > 30. King Valdemar And Erling.
attestation: Erling offered to become King Valdemar's vassal in exchange for the title of earl and rule over the fief his son Magnus would not deny him.
"Now it appears to me, sire, that you, if I become your man and vassal, can allow me to hold of you the fief which my son Magnus will not deny me, by which I will be bound in duty, and ready, to undertake all the service belonging to that title."
attestation: Erling cited the precedent of Hakon Ivarson and Fin Arnason, who came from Norway to Denmark and were made earls by King Svein, ruling over the province of Halland.
"In days of old other men, Hakon Ivarson and Fin Arnason, came also from Norway to Denmark, and your predecessor, King Svein, made them both earls. Now I am not a man of less power in Norway than they were then, and my influence is not less than theirs; and the king gave them the province of Halland to rule over"