The Heimskringla on Hafersfjord

Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 19. Battle In Hafersfjord.

• attestation: The decisive battle took place in Hafersfjord north of Jadar

  "The whole met together north of Jadar, and went into Hafersfjord, where King Harald was waiting with his forces."

• attestation: The enemy fleet at Hafersfjord included warships decorated with dragon and beast figureheads on the prows

  "Each war-ship, with its threatening throat Of dragon fierce or ravenous brute (1) Grim gaping from the prow"

• attestation: The opposing force at Hafersfjord included English, Scottish, and French swordsmen from western countries

  "And many a mailed spearman stout From the West countries round about, English and Scotch, a foreign host, And swordemen from the far French coast."

• attestation: Berserkers and warriors clad in wolf-skins fought among the forces opposing Harald at Hafersfjord

  "Savage berserks roaring mad, And champions fierce in wolf-skins clad, (3) Howling like wolves"

• attestation: Wounded warriors lay face-down under the rowing seats in the ships during the retreat from Hafersfjord

  "All in the bottom of the ships The wounded lay, in ghastly heaps; Backs up and faces down they lay Under the row-seats stowed away"