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

Life And Death Of Cormac The Skald

• attestation: Skeggi of Midfiord ruled the countryside when Ogmund arrived in Iceland and gave Ogmund his pick of the land.

  "At this time Skeggi of Midfiord ruled the countryside. He came riding toward them and bade them welcome into the firth, and gave them the pick of the land"

• attestation: Skeggi initially refused to lend Skofnung to Cormac, saying the sword was cold and slow while Cormac was hot and hasty, but later relented after Dalla's intercession.

  "Skeggi said he had no mind to lend it. Skofnung and Cormac, said he, would never agree: "It is cold and slow, and thou art hot and hasty.""

• attestation: Skeggi gave Cormac detailed instructions for handling Skofnung: do not let sun shine on the pommel, not to be worn until fighting, sit alone before drawing, blow on the blade, and allow a small worm to creep back under the hilt.

  ""There is a pouch to it, and that thou shalt let be. Sun must not shine on the pommel of the hilt. Thou shalt not wear it until fighting is forward, and when ye come to the field, sit all alone and then draw it. Hold the edge toward thee, and blow on it. Then will a little worm creep from under the hilt. Then slope thou the sword over, and make it easy for that worm to creep back beneath the hilt.""