The Heimskringla on Halfred
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 115. The Battle Begins.
- attribution: The skald Halfred described King Olaf as facing the power of two great kings and one great earl with only a small band.
"Two great kings' power to withstand, And one great earl's, with his small band"
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 117. Of Earl Eirik.
- attribution: The skald Halfred composed a verse praising Olaf's men for leaping overboard undaunted, sinking five fathoms deep under their weapons.
"The daring lads shrink not from death;-- O'erboard they leap, and sink beneath The Serpent's keel: all armed they leap, And down they sink five fathoms deep."
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 121. The Serpent'S Decks Cleared.
- attribution: The skald Halfred described Olaf speaking to his marshal before springing to his death in the deep sea.
"To his marshal, who of yore Many a war-chance had come o'er, He spoke a word--then drew in breath, And sprang to his deep-sea death."
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 122. Report Among The People.
attribution: The skald Halfred Vandredaskald expressed uncertainty about whether Olaf survived, noting the king was grievously wounded and hemmed in by foes.
"Does Olaf live? or is he dead? Has he the hungry ravens fed? I scarcely know what I should say, For many tell the tale each way."
attribution: Halfred concluded that fate would not allow Olaf to escape from such a perilous strait, dismissing survival rumors.
"It never was the will of fate That Olaf from such perilous strait Should 'scape with life! this truth may grieve-- 'What people wish they soon believe.'"