The The Life and Death of Cormac the Skald (Kormáks saga) on Narfi

Life And Death Of Cormac The Skald

• attestation: Narfi, a noisy and foolish servant of Thorkel at Tunga, offered to deal with Cormac's visits and taunted Cormac with black-puddings called 'kettle-worms'.

  "Thorkel had a man called Narfi, a noisy, foolish fellow, boastful, and yet of little account. Said he to Thorkel, "If Cormac's coming likes thee not, I can soon settle it.""

• attestation: Narfi suggested to Thorkel of Tunga that they approach Holmgang Bersi as a potential husband for Steingerd, claiming Cormac was 'clean out of the way'; Bersi then asked Thorkel Toothgnasher for Steingerd's hand.

  ""If it's Cormac men fear," cried Narfi, "there is no need; for he is clean out of the way." When Bersi heard that, he opened the matter to Thorkel Toothgnasher, and asked for Steingerd. Thorkel made a good answer, and pledged his sister to him."

• attestation: Narfi brought Cormac news of Bersi's marriage to Steingerd after the wedding party departed; Cormac leaped on Narfi and struck him so he fell from his horse in a swoon.

  ""Bersi wed Steingerd Thorkel's daughter," said Narfi. "When they were gone she sent me here to tell thee the news." "Thou hast never a word but ill," said Cormac, and leapt upon him and struck at the shield: and as it slipped aside he was smitten on the breast and fell from his horse"