The Hervarar Saga ok Heiðreks on Bjorn Ironside

Stories And Ballads > Part I > The TháTtr Of Nornagest

• attestation: King Bjorn Ironside turned back from attacking Rome after seeing a man's worn-out iron-bound shoes

  "a certain man came up to King Björn Ironside and saluted him."

• attestation: The man's iron-bound shoes were torn underneath, demonstrating the long distance to Rome

  "he took iron-bound shoes from his feet, and the tops of them were very thick, but underneath they were all torn."

• attestation: Bjorn Ironside decided Rome was too far and turned back his expedition

  "'It must be a very long way,' said the King; 'I shall turn back and give up the idea of attacking the territories of Rome.'"