The Laxdæla Saga on Giermund

Laxdaela > Saga > Chap. Xxix

• attestation: Giermund Roar was a mighty, wealthy former Viking who served in Earl Hakon's bodyguard

  "a man whose name was Giermund Roar, a mighty man and wealthy, and a great Viking; he was an evil man to deal with, but had now settled down in quiet at home, and was of the bodyguard of Earl Hakon."

• attestation: Giermund invited Olaf to stay with him and they spent the winter together

  "Giermund bade Olaf come and stay with him, with as many"

• relationship: Giermund sought to marry Thured, Olaf's daughter, and pressed his suit aggressively

  "[Sidenote: Olaf's meeting with Giermund] It is told how one spring Olaf broke the news to Thorgerd that he wished to go out voyaging--"And I wish you to look after our household and children."

• attestation: Giermund had previously been a great Viking but settled down under Earl Hakon's rule

  "he was an evil man to deal with, but had now settled down in quiet at home"

• attestation: Giermund recognized Olaf from his reputation before they met

  "Giermund went down to his ship and soon recognised Olaf, for he had heard him spoken of before."

Laxdaela > Saga > Chap. Xxx

• attestation: Events concerning Giermund and Thured occurred around 978 AD

  "About Giermund and Thured, A.D. 978"

• attestation: Giermund stayed three winters with Olaf before wanting to leave, abandoning wife Thured and daughter Groa

  "When Giermund had stayed with Olaf three winters he wished to go away, and gave out that Thured and his daughter Groa should remain behind."

• attestation: Giermund had abandoned his family and left without provision for them

  "Giermund would not leave behind any money for them."