The Heimskringla on Thorberg Skafhog
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 95. Building Of The Ship Long Serpent.
attestation: The ship's keel was seventy-four ells long, and the master builder was Thorberg Skafhog.
"The length of keel that rested upon the grass was seventy-four ells. Thorberg Skafhog was the man's name who was the master-builder of the ship"
attestation: While Thorberg was away on business, the ship was planked on both sides; but upon his return, someone had cut deep notches down one side.
"While they were planking the ship, it happened that Thorberg had to go home to his farm upon some urgent business; and as he remained there a long time, the ship was planked up on both sides when he came back"
attestation: Thorberg confessed to cutting the notches himself.
"Thorberg says, "I will tell you, king, who did it. I did it myself.""
attestation: Thorberg smoothed the notched planks, and the result was so handsome that the king ordered the other side shaped the same way.
"Thorberg went and chipped the planks until the deep notches were all smoothed and made even with the rest; and the king and all present declared that the ship was much handsomer on the side of the hull which Thorberg, had chipped, and bade him shape the other side in the same way; and gave him great thanks for the improvement"