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"