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The Heimskringla on Konungahella

Heimskringla > part in the government with his brother Hardaknut. In the same autumn > 9. Wonderful Omens In Konungahella.

attestation: Dogs went mad, biting people and cattle; all bitten until blood flowed turned raging mad, and pregnant women gave premature birth and went mad.

"The dogs were so affected that nobody could hold them, but they slipped loose; and when they came out they ran mad, biting all that came in their way, people and cattle. All who were bitten by them till the blood came turned raging mad"
attestation: The portents continued nightly from Easter to Ascension-day, causing many to sell their houses and flee to the country.

"From Easter to Ascension-day, these portentous circumstances took place almost every night. People were dreadfully alarmed at these wonders"

attestation: Thirteen merchant ships leaving Konungahella for Bergen were lost, eleven with all hands; only the twelfth lost its cargo but saved its people.

"Thirteen loaded merchant ships made ready to leave the town, intending to proceed to Bergen; but eleven of them were lost, men and goods, and all that was in them; the twelfth was lost also, but the people were saved"
attestation: While the battle raged on the water, the townsmen shot at the heathens from the piers until the fight slackened, then fled to the castle with their valuables.

"when the fight slackened the burgesses fled up to the town, and from thence into the castle; and the men took with them all their valuable articles, and such goods as they could carry."

attestation: Konungahella never recovered its former importance after the Vindland sack, and many ransomed captives throve worse than before on their returned properties.

"The merchant town of Konungahella has never since risen to the importance it was of before this event."