The The Orkneyinga Saga on Swein Ásleifarson

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Lxvii > Of Earl Rognvald And Paul.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson, Jón Væng, and Rikgard burned Thorkel Flettir in his house with nine others, then joined Rögnvald; Haflidi Thorkel's son went to Earl Paul in response.

  "At this time it happened that the kinsmen Swein, Asleif's son, Jón Væng of Uppland in Háey, and Rikgard of Brekkur in Stiórnsey (Stronsay), attacked Thorkel Flettir on the estate which had belonged to Valthióf, and burnt him in the house, with nine others. After that they went to Earl Rögnvald, and told him that they would go to Earl Paul with the whole body of their kinsmen, if he would not receive them; but he did not turn them away.

As soon as Haflidi, Thorkel's son, heard of his father's burning, he went to Earl Paul, who received him well."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Lxviii > Swein Takes Earl Paul Captive.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson visited Earl Maddad and Margaret Hákon's daughter at Athole, then went to Thurso in Caithness to see Earl Ottar, who was Frákork's brother; Ottar made compensation to Swein for Frákork's deeds.

  "EARLY in the spring, Swein, Asleif's son, left the Sudreyar (Hebrides), and went to Scotland to see his friends. He stayed a long time at Atjöklar (Athole) with Earl Maddad and Margaret, Hákon's daughter, and had many secret consultations with them.

They came to Earl Ottar, at Thórsey, the brother of Frákork. Liótólf tried to make them compose the matters that had been done by Frákork's orders, and Earl Ottar made compensation for his part."

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson ambushed Earl Paul of Orkney on Rousay at a stone-heap while he was otter-hunting; Swein's men killed nineteen of Paul's men and lost six, and seized Earl Paul.

  "Earl Paul had spent the night at a feast with Sigurd, at Westness. He had been early up in the morning, and twenty men had gone south on the island to catch otters, which were in the stone-heap beneath the headland. They were going home to get a morning draught.

Swein's men also asked where the Earl was, and the others said he was on the stone-heap there. This was heard by Swein and those that lay hid with him in the skin-bags. Swein told them to row to land, where they could not be seen from the headland. Then he told his men to get their weapons, and slay the Earl's men wherever they found them, and so they did. Swein's party killed nineteen men, and lost six. They seized Earl Paul with violence, and brought him on board their ship"

• attestation: Swein brought Earl Paul to Earl Maddad and Margaret at Athole; Margaret was Earl Paul's sister; Swein's men were locked in a sleeping-room every evening while there.

  "he continued his journey until he came to Earl Maddad[346] and Margaret, Earl Paul's sister, at Atjöklar (Athole). There they were well received. Earl Maddad placed Earl Paul in his high seat, and when they were seated, Margaret entered with a long train of ladies, and advanced to her brother."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Lxxi > Bishop JóN Arrives From Scotland.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson reclaimed all estates belonging to his father Olaf and brother Valthióf; he and Thorbiörn Klerk were considered the two greatest men in the west, with warm friendship between them.

  "Swein, Asleif's son, took possession of all the estates that belonged to his father Olaf and his brother Valthióf; he became a great chief, and had always many men with him. He was a wise man, and far-seeing in many things; but overbearing and rash. No two men in the west were considered at that time greater than the brothers-in-law Swein and Thorbiörn, and there was a warm friendship between them."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Lxxii > The Burning Of Frakork.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson obtained two ships from Earl Rögnvald to take vengeance on Olvir Rosta and Frákork for burning his father Olaf.

  "ON one occasion Swein, Asleif's son, asked Earl Rögnvald to give him troops and ships to take vengeance on Olvir and Frákork for the burning of his father Olaf.

The Earl said he should have what he wished."

• attestation: Swein surprised Olvir Rosta and Frákork at Hjálmundal in Sutherland by approaching through mountains and forests; Olvir met them with sixty men but retreated; Olvir fled to the Hebrides and is not mentioned further.

  "They did not, therefore, perceive the enemy till Swein and his men were in a certain slope behind the house. Olvir Rosta met them there with sixty men, and the fight began immediately. There was little resistance on the part of Olvir's men, and they retreated towards the houses, because they could not reach the wood. A great many were killed, and Olvir ran to Hjálmundal's river, and then up on the mountains. After that he went to Scotland's Firth (on the west coast), and from there to the Sudreyar (Hebrides), and he is not mentioned further in this Saga."

• attestation: Swein burned Frákork in her house with all the inmates; he committed many ravages in Sutherland before returning to his ships.

  "When Olvir escaped, Swein and his men approached the houses, and plundered everything. Then they burnt the houses, with all the inmates, and there Frákork perished. Swein and his men committed many ravages in Sutherland before they went to their ships."

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson received a message from Höldbodi in the Hebrides asking for help against a British Höld who had driven him from his estates; Rögnvald gave Swein two fully manned ships.

  "At this time Swein received a message from Höldbodi, in the Sudreyar, that he should come and help him, because Höld from Bretland had been there, driven him from his estates, and taken much booty.

The Earl said: "It is well if you part good friends, but most of those Sudreyarmen are treacherous. You must, however, act a manly part, and I will give you two ships fully manned.""

• attestation: Swein found Höldbodi in the Isle of Man; there he learned that a British Höld had killed a nobleman Andrew, leaving widow Ingirid with wealth and estates; Höldbodi advised Swein to marry Ingirid.

  "When Swein came to the Isle of Man, Höldbodi was very glad to see him. The British Höld had plundered and killed men, to a large extent in the Isle of Man as well as in the Sudreyar. He had killed a nobleman named Andrew, who left a widow by name Ingirid, and a son by name Sigurd. Ingirid was wealthy, and had large estates. Höldbodi advised Swein to woo her; and when he proposed marriage, she made it a condition of her acceptance that he should avenge her late husband Andrew."

• attestation: Swein and Höldbodi raided Wales (Bretland) with five ships, burning six homesteads before dinner; they besieged Höld in an island called Lund but failed to take it.

  "Then Swein and Höldbodi went out on an expedition with five ships. They plundered in Bretland, landing at a place called Jarlsness,[358] and committing great ravages. One morning they went into a certain village, and met with a little resistance.

After this they went to their ships. They were out reiving all the summer, and obtained much booty, but Höld fled into an island called Lund,[359] where there was a strong place. Swein besieged it for some time, to no purpose. In the autumn they went back to the Isle of Man."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Lxxiii. > Of Swein And HoldböDi'S Raids.

• attestation: Swein married Ingirid that winter and remained in the Isle of Man; Höldbodi secretly made peace with Höld and refused to help Swein in the spring.

  "THIS winter Swein married Ingirid, and remained there, greatly honoured. In the spring he gathered men together, and went to see Höldbodi, and asked for his assistance, but he excused himself, saying that many of his men were occupied, and some on trading trips; so Swein got none there. But the truth was, that he had secretly made peace with Höld, and confirmed their alliance by exchanging presents."

• attestation: Höldbodi led a night attack on Swein's homestead in the Isle of Man; the neighbourhood rallied to Swein's horn and repelled the attackers; Höldbodi fled to Lundy Isle.

  "One night in the spring Swein's watchmen came to him and said that enemies were approaching them. Swein and his men seized their arms, and ran out, and saw a great number of men carrying fire to the homestead. Then Swein and his men ran to a hill, and defended themselves from it. They had a horn[361] which they sounded. The neighbourhood was thickly inhabited, and men came flocking to help Swein, so that the assailants at last gave way. Swein and his men pursued them, and killed many in the flight, but many of both sides were wounded before they parted. The chief of the attacking band was Höldbodi. He escaped in the flight, and did not stop till he came to Lundey (Lundy Isle)."

• attestation: Swein sold his lands in the Isle of Man and went to Lewis; he had committed many ravages during this expedition.

  "Swein went home, and kept a large number of his men about him, maintaining a strict watch, because he distrusted the Sudreyarmen. Late in the winter he sold his lands, and went early in the spring to Liódhús (Lewis). During this expedition he had committed many ravages."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Lxxvi > Of Earl Rognvald And Swein, Asleif'S Son.

• attestation: Earl Rögnvald gave Swein five ships to pursue Höldbodi; Höldbodi fled the Hebrides and never returned; Swein and his men ravaged and burnt widely and obtained great booty.

  "SWEIN, Asleif's son, is said to have heard that Höldbodi had arrived in the Sudreyar. Then he asked Earl Rögnvald to give him troops to avenge himself. The Earl gave him five ships, and Thorbiörn Klerk was the commander of one of them; Haflidi, the son of Thorkel Flettir, of another; Dúfniál, the son of Hávard, Gunni's son, the third; Rikgard (Richard), Thorleif's son, the fourth; and Swein, Asleif's son, the fifth. When Höldbodi heard of Swein, he fled from the Sudreyar. Swein and his men killed many people in the Sudreyar, and ravaged and burnt far and wide. They obtained great booty, but could not catch Höldbodi, and he never came to the Sudreyar after that."

• attestation: A dispute arose over booty division: Swein demanded a chief's share beyond the equal division; Thorbiörn contested this but submitted because Swein's men were more numerous in Caithness.

  "When they were going to divide their booty, Swein said they should all share equally, but that he himself should have a chief's share besides, saying that he had been the chief, and that the Earl had sent the others to his assistance. Besides, he added further that he alone had the quarrel with the Sudreyarmen, while the others had none. Thorbiörn, however, said he did not deserve less than Swein, and had not been less a leader than he. They also wished that all the ships' commanders should have equal shares; but they had to submit to Swein, because his men were by far the most numerous there on the Ness (in Caithness)."

• attestation: Swein left Margad Grím's son as his deputy at Dungalsbæ during his absence; Margad became overbearing, killed Hróald and several others, then joined Swein at Lambaborg fortress in Caithness.

  "When Swein was in the Sudreyar, he had placed Margad, Grím's son, over his affairs at Dungalsbæ, and transferred to him the office (of deputy or factor) which he held from Earl Rögnvald, but Margad was resentful and overbearing, and became unpopular on account of his violence. Those who were the first objects of his oppression ran to Hróald (at Wick), and remained there. From this enmity arose between the two. Shortly after Margad went south to Vík (Wick) on business with nineteen men, and before he left he attacked Hróald, and killed him and several others. Then he went to Dungalsbæ to see Swein. The latter gathered men together, and went to Lambaborg,[363] where he fortified himself."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Lxxvii > Of Swein, Asleif'S Son'S Movements.

• attestation: Swein foretold that Thorbiörn would repay Rögnvald worse for the honour done to him; Rögnvald stopped the railing between them; after provisions ran out Swein called his men together.

  "Swein replied: "You need not say much in this case, Thorbiörn, for no respect will be paid to your words. But it is my foreboding that you will repay him worse for all the honour he has done to you, before you part, for nobody will gain good fortune from any dealings with you."

Then Earl Rögnvald said that men should not rail at each other.

Then they besieged the borg, and cut off all communication, and a long time passed, as they could not make an assault. And when the provisions were exhausted, Swein called his men together"

• attestation: Swein and Margad escaped Lambaborg by lowering themselves by rope into the sea at night and swimming to shore; they fled through Sutherland and Moray to Dúfeyrar, where they joined an Orkney trading vessel.

  "Then he tied together ropes which they had, and during the night they let Swein and Margad down from the borg into the sea. They swam along the cliffs till they came to the end of them, then they got on shore and went to Sutherland, thence to Moray, and then to Dúfeyrar.[364] There they met with some Orkneymen in a trading vessel."

• attestation: Swein plundered the monastery at the Isle of May, then found King David of Scots at Edinburgh; the King repaid the plundered monks from his own money and proposed Swein settle in Scotland.

  "They went in along Myrkvifiörd (the Firth of Forth), and found David, the King of Scots, in Edinburgh. He received Swein well, and requested him to stay with him.

King David sent men to those who had been robbed by Swein, and told them to estimate their loss themselves, and then of his own money he made good to every one his loss.

King David proposed to Swein to bring his wife from the Orkneys, and to bestow upon him such honours in Scotland as he might be well satisfied with."

• attestation: Swein refused King David's offers and asked only that the King send word to Earl Rögnvald to be reconciled to him; King David's messengers obtained Rögnvald's pardon and Swein returned to his estates.

  "Swein declared all his wishes to the King. He said it was his wish that Margad should remain with him, and that the King should send word to Earl Rögnvald to be reconciled to him; but he said he would himself leave his case entirely to the decision of Rögnvald.

King David sent men to the Orkneys with presents, and a message requesting that the Earl would make peace with Swein. Then Swein went north to the Islands, and Margad remained behind with the King. King David's messengers went to Earl Rögnvald, who received them well, and also the presents, promising peace to Swein. Then he was fully reconciled to Swein, who now returned to his estates."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Lxxx > Of Earl Rognvald And The Orkneymen.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson killed Arni Spítulegg with an axe for refusing to pay a tenant's debt; Earl Rögnvald settled the compensation for Arni's slaying from his own funds.

  "Swein went on shore alone, carrying an axe with a short handle, and no other weapon.

Swein said he would not ask any further, and at the same time he drove the axe into Arni's skull, so that the iron was buried in it, and he lost hold of the handle. Swein ran out, and Arni's companions after him, to the beach.

Swein escaped to his boat, and went home to Gáreksey. Shortly after he went on his own business over to Caithness, and sent word to Earl Rögnvald to settle the matter about Arni Spítulegg's slaying. And when the Earl received the message, he summoned together those who were entitled to compensation for Arni, and settled the matter to their satisfaction, he himself paying the compensation money."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Lxxxvii. > Of Earl Harald.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson had two wives: first Ragnhild Ingimund's daughter (who bore his son Olaf), then Ingirid Thorkel's daughter (who bore his son Andreas); his brother Gunni Olaf's son had children by Margarét, Earl Harald's mother.

  "Swein's former wife was Ragnhild, Ingimund's daughter, though they lived but a short time together. Their son was Olaf. After that he married Ingirid, Thorkel's daughter. Their son was Andreas."

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson intercepted an Earl Harald revenue ship from Shetland at Lambaborg on Passion Week Wednesday, seizing its cargo and releasing the crew.

  "On Wednesday in Passion week Swein went with some others to Lambaborg. They saw a transport vessel coming from the north across the Pentland Firth, and Swein concluded that they were Earl Harald's men whom he had sent to collect his revenues (scat) in Hjaltland. Swein ordered his men to take a boat and attack the barge, which they did. They seized all its cargo, and put Earl Harald's men on shore, and they went to Vík (Wick) and told him."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Lxxxviii. > Of Swein, Asleif'S Son.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson seized a ship from Fugl Liótólf's son at Scapa and took twelve ounces of gold from Sigurd Klaufi, a housecarl of Earl Harald; then visited King Malcolm of Scots in Aberdeen.

  "IMMEDIATELY after Easter week, Swein, Asleif's son, went with a barge and a boat rowed by oars to the Orkneys; and when they came to Skálpeid (Scapa), they took there a ship from Fugl, Liótólf's son. He was coming from his father at Liódhús (Lewis), and was going to Earl Harald. During the same trip they took twelve ounces of gold from Sigurd Klaufi, a housecarl of Earl Harald's.

Then Swein went over to Ness (Caithness), and up through Scotland. He found Malcolm,[399] King of Scots, who was then nine winters old, in Apardion (Aberdeen)."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Lxxxix > Of Swein And Anakol.

• attestation: Anakol settled the dispute between Swein and Fugl; Anakol then bound himself to reconcile Swein and Earl Erlend who were enemies because of the burning of Frákork.

  "They had a peaceful meeting there, and came to terms; and the result was that Swein should make the award as he liked himself. After that Anakol formed an alliance with Swein, and bound himself to make peace between Swein and Earl Erlend, when he came from the east—for they were bitter enemies on account of the burning of Frákork."

• attestation: Thorfinn Bessason at Stronsay was married to Ingigerd, Swein's sister who had been deserted by Thorbiörn Klerk.

  "At this time Thorfinn Bessason lived at Striónsey. His wife was Ingigerd, Swein's sister, who had been deserted by Thorbiörn Klerk."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Xci > Earl Harald Comes Unperceived To The Orkneys.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson had a presentiment on the eleventh day of Yule that Earl Harald was coming to the Islands, which his men dismissed as unlikely; Earl Harald arrived in Hrossey with four ships and a hundred men during Yule.

  "THE eleventh day of Yule-tide, it happened in Gáreksey that Swein was sitting at his drink with his men. Rubbing his nose, he said: "I think Earl Harald is now on his way to the Islands."

Earl Harald commenced his voyage to the Orkneys during Yule-tide. He had four ships, and a hundred men. Two nights he lay under Gáreksey (Grimsey?). They landed in Hafnarvag,[404] in Hrossey, and the thirteenth day of Yule-tide they walked to Fiörd (Firth)."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Xcii > The Reconciliation Of The Earls Harald And Erlend.

• attestation: Earl Erlend and Swein raided south along Scotland, seized a large vessel belonging to the merchant Knút at Berwick-on-Tweed including Knút's wife; fourteen Berwick ships pursued them but Swein escaped.

  "Swein counselled to go on a harrying raid to obtain booty. This they did, and went south to Breidafiord,[409] and made inroads on the east of Scotland. They went south to Beruvík (Berwick-on-Tweed). There was a man named Knút the wealthy, who was a merchant, and always resided in Beruvík. Swein and Erlend seized a large and fine vessel belonging to Knút. On board was a valuable cargo, and Knút's wife.

Knút was at Beruvík when he heard of the plunder. He induced the Beruvík men for a hundred marks of silver to try to recover the goods. Of those who went in pursuit most were merchants. They went in fourteen ships to search for them."

• attestation: Swein escaped the Berwick pursuit ships off the Isle of May; the King of Scots sent silver to ransom him, not knowing he had escaped; King David made light of Knút's loss and sent Swein a costly shield.

  "They put in under Mosey,[411] and Swein sent men to Eidinaborg to tell the King of Scots of his plunder; but before they came to the town they met twelve men on horseback who had saddle-bags filled with silver, and when they met they inquired after Swein, Asleif's son. The Scots said they had been told that Swein was taken prisoner, and the King of Scots had sent them to ransom him.

The King did not make much of Knút's loss, but sent a costly shield to Swein, and other presents besides."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Xcv > Swein'S Plans.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson decided to attack Earls Rögnvald and Harald by night near Scapa where they lay with thirteen ships; Thorbiörn Klerk was absent at Papey with Hákon Karl his brother-in-law.

  "nothing is said of their voyage until they came to Vagaland,[420] in Orkney. There they heard that the Earls were lying at Skálpeid, off Knarrarstadir,[421] with thirteen ships. There were Erlend Ungi, Eirík Slagbrellir, and many other men of note. Thorbiörn Klerk had gone out to Papuley,[422] to Hákon Karl, his brother-in-law. It was four nights before Simon's-mas when Swein, Asleif's son, decided to attack the Earls during the night"

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Xcvi > Battle Between The Three Earls.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson took Earl Rögnvald's personal treasures from his ship but then sent them back to him across to Caithness.

  "Earl Erlend and Swein took the ships belonging to the Earl, and a great quantity of other property. Swein took for his share all Earl Rögnvald's treasures that were in his ship, and sent them to him over to Ness."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Xcvii > Earl Erlend'S Death.

• attestation: Five nights before Christmas, despite Swein's warnings, Earl Erlend slept ashore; Earls Rögnvald and Harald surprised him by night and Earl Erlend was slain; his body was found two nights before Yule with a spear fixed in it.

  "FIVE nights before Christmas, Swein, Asleif's son, went east to Sandvik,[423] to his kinswoman Sigríd

Margad and his companions found Earl Erlend, and told him Swein's words. The Earl's men said: "He is a strange man; sometimes he is afraid of nothing, at other times he is so frightened that he does not know where to look for shelter to himself or others."

This very night the Earls Rögnvald and Harald surprised Earl Erlend, and neither the watchmen who kept guard on the island nor those on board the ship perceived them until they were climbing on board.

The body was found two nights before Yule. A spear was seen standing in a heap of seaweed; and that spear was fast in Earl Erlend's body."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Xcviii > Swein Slays Erlend.

• attestation: After Earl Erlend's death, Swein Ásleifarson killed Erlend—who had boasted of giving Erlend the death-blow—at Rousay; Earl Rögnvald invited Swein to spend Yule with him and promised to make peace between him and Earl Harald.

  "AFTER Earl Erlend's death Swein, Asleif's son, went to Rennadal (Rendale), and there he saw Margad, who was able to give him all the tidings of what happened in Daminsey.

There were Thorfinn, his son Ogmund, and their brother-in-law Erlend.[426] He boasted of having given Earl Erlend the death-blow, and all of them were declaring they had done right well. When Swein heard this, he and his companions went in upon them. Swein was quickest, and immediately dealt Erlend a death-blow. They took Thorfinn prisoner, and brought him away; but Ogmund was wounded.

Earl Rögnvald went to Daminsey, but Earl Harald was at Kirkiuvag during Yule-tide. Earl Rögnvald sent men to Thingavöll, to Helgi, and asked him to tell his kinsman Swein, if he knew anything of his whereabouts, that Earl Rögnvald invited him to spend the Yule with him"

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Xcix > Of Earl Harald And Swein, Asleif'S Son.

• attestation: A peace meeting was held; Swein was awarded one mark of gold to each Earl and half his estates; Rögnvald refused his mark, saying Swein's faithfulness was worth more than money.

  "AFTER Christmas a meeting was appointed to make peace between the Earls and Swein, when they should finally settle all matters about which reconciliation had been made.

at last, however, they agreed upon this—that Swein should pay a mark of gold to each of the Earls, and should keep one-half of his estates and a good long-ship.

Earl Rögnvald would not accept the payment from Swein, saying that he would in no way oppress him, as he considered his faithfulness and friendship worth more than money."

• attestation: Earl Harald wasted Swein's property at Gairsay; Swein went with ten men to Gairsay intending to burn Harald in his hall, but was dissuaded from burning women inside; he took Harald's wife and daughter hostage and poured out all the beer.

  "After the peace-meeting, Earl Harald went to Gáreksey, and used Swein's corn and other property rather wastefully.

Swein was not to be dissuaded, and went with ten men in a boat to Gáreksey, and arrived there late in the evening. They went behind the houses, and Swein wished to set fire to the hall, and burn down the homestead, and the Earl within it. A man named Swein, Blákári's son, the most notable of Swein's companions, dissuaded him from doing so

Swein gave quarter to all Earl Harald's men. He poured out all his beer, and took away his wife and daughter."

• attestation: Pursued by Earl Harald, Swein Ásleifarson chose to hide in a sea cave rather than face the Earl with inferior numbers.

  "When Swein saw that they gained on him, he said: "We must devise some scheme, because I do not care to meet the Earl with so great odds against me as I suspect there are. Let us go to the cave and see how we fare.""

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter C > Of Rognvald And Swein.

• attestation: Swein and Earl Rögnvald met by chance at an island; Rögnvald raised a truce-shield and they came to shore; Swein said his greatest satisfaction was to be at peace with Earl Rögnvald.

  "ONE morning early Swein and his men saw a large long-ship coming from Hrólfsey (Hrossey?) to Rögnvaldsey,[433]

When Earl Rögnvald perceived it, he took a shield and held it before him, but Swein did not throw the spear. When the Earl saw that they would get away from them, he ordered a truce-shield to be held aloft, and asked Swein to go on shore. When Swein saw this, he told his men to put to land, saying that it was his greatest satisfaction to be at peace with Earl Rögnvald."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Ci > Of Earl Harald And Swein.

• attestation: Amundi Hnefi's son put Swein and Earl Harald in the same bed at Stroma, having reconciled them to the previous winter's peace agreement.

  "A man named Amundi, the son of Hnefi, who was Earl Harald's friend, and father's brother to Swein, Asleif's son's stepchildren, went between them, and succeeded so far that they agreed to keep the agreement of peace which they had made the previous winter. A gale arose, and they were both obliged to remain there during the night, and Amundi put Earl Harald and Swein in the same bed, and many of their men slept in the same house."

• attestation: Swein humiliated Jón Vœng's brothers Bunu-Pétr and Blán by threatening to hang them, then releasing them to suffer on the hills in hard frost, severely frostbitten.

  "After Easter Swein went from the south, and met on his way two of Jón Vœng's brothers—one was called Bunu-Pétr, the other Blán. Swein and his men seized them, and took from them all their goods, and brought them to land. A gallows was erected for them, and when everything was ready Swein said they should be allowed to run up the country, adding that they were greater shame to their brother Jón alive than dead."

• attestation: Jón Vœng took Swein's son Olaf and Kolbein Hruga's foster-son as hostages; Earl Rögnvald ordered Jón to return Olaf immediately under threat of being unsafe in the Islands.

  "Jón Vœng went to Eyin Helga (Enhallow), and took Olaf, the son of Swein, Asleif's son, and Kolbein Hruga's foster-son, and brought him to Westrey. They met Earl Rögnvald at Hreppisnes,[435]

The Earl said: "Take him back again as quickly as you can, and do not dare to do him any harm, whatever may have become of your brothers, for if you do, you will not be safe in the Islands from either Swein or Kolbein.""

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Cii > Of Earl RöGnvald.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson captured Hákon Karl at Rousay, who ransomed himself with three marks of gold; Swein found his ship damaged by Earl Rögnvald's order; he then visited Rögnvald at Birsay and spent the spring with him.

  "AFTER Easter Swein commenced a journey to the Sudreyar, taking with him sixty men. He went to the Orkneys, and landed first in Hrólfsey (Rousay). There they took a man, by name Hákon Karl,[436] who had been with Earl Harald when Earl Erlend was slain. Hákon ransomed himself with three marks of gold, and thus saved himself from Swein.

Swein went from there to Hrossey, and met Earl Rögnvald at Birgishérad (Birsay). The Earl received him well, and Swein spent the spring with him. Earl Rögnvald said that he had ordered the planks of the ship to be cut, because he did not wish him to row about rashly among the Islands when he came from the Sudreyar."

• attestation: A peace compact between Earl Harald and Swein was renewed and confirmed at St. Magnus's church in Kirkwall during holy week.

  "Earl Harald came from Hjaltland in the spring during the Whitsuntide, and when he came to the Orkneys Earl Rögnvald sent men to him to say that he wished the compact of peace between him and Swein to be renewed, and a peace meeting was appointed in St. Magnus's church on Friday during the holy week. Earl Rögnvald carried a broad axe to the meeting, and Swein went with him. Then the peace compact which had been made in the winter was confirmed."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Ciii > Of Swein, Asleif'S Son.

• attestation: Earl Harald restored Swein's long-ship and half his property and estates, and invited his friendship; Swein immediately told Rögnvald, who urged him to prevent them becoming enemies again.

  "THEN Earl Rögnvald gave Earl Harald the ship which had belonged to Swein, but all other things which had been awarded him from Swein he returned to him.

Earl Harald restored to him the long-ship which had belonged to him, and the half of his property and estates. He asked him to stay with him, and said their friendship should never be dissolved. Swein accepted all this gladly, and went immediately the same night and told Earl Rögnvald how matters had turned out between him and Earl Harald. Earl Rögnvald said he was much pleased with this, and told Swein to take care that they did not become enemies again."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Civ > Of The Earls.

• attestation: Swein, Thorbiörn Klerk, and Eirík raided the Hebrides and Scillies, gaining a great victory at Maríuhöfn on Columba's Day; when they returned, Thorbiörn went to advise Earl Harald while Swein went home to Gairsay.

  "A SHORT time after, the three chiefs—Swein, Thorbiörn, and Eirik—went out on a plundering expedition. They went first to the Sudreyar, and all along the west to the Syllingar, where they gained a great victory in Maríuhöfn[437] on Columba's-mas (9th June), and took much booty.

When the Earls Harald and Rögnvald had made peace with Swein, Asleif's son, they were always together, and Earl Rögnvald governed, but they agreed very well. When they came home from the Syllingar, Thorbiörn Klerk went to Earl Harald, and became his counsellor."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Cv > Swein Slays Sumarlidi.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson killed Sumarlidi Höld in battle with five ships against seven; he then separately killed Gillaodran and fifty men in the Firth of Forth (Myrkvifiörd).

  "THEN Swein went on a marauding expedition, having five long-ships. When he came west to Scotland's Fiord, he heard that Sumarlidi Höld had gone on board a ship, and was about to set out on an expedition. He had seven ships, and Gillaodran commanded one.

When Swein heard of Sumarlidi, he gave him battle, and it was a fierce fight. Sumarlidi Höld was killed in that fight, and many men with him. When Swein became aware that Gillaodran was not there, he went in search of him, and slew him in Myrkvifiörd,[440] and fifty men with him."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Cix > Of Harald And Swein.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson kept eighty men at his own expense at Gairsay in winter; he conducted spring-viking raids in the Hebrides and Ireland, returning after midsummer; then autumn-viking raids, returning after a month of winter.

  "Swein used to reside at home in Gáreksey, in winter, keeping there eighty men at his own expense. He had such a large drinking-hall that there was none equal to it anywhere else in the Orkneys. In the spring he was very busy sowing a large breadth of seed, and he usually did a great part of the work himself. When this work was finished, he went every spring on marauding expeditions. He plundered in the Sudreyar and Ireland, and returned home after midsummer. This he called spring-viking. Then he stayed at home till the fields were reaped and the corn brought in. Then he went out again, and did not return until one month of winter had passed. This he called autumn-viking."

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Cx > Swein Goes To Ireland.

• attestation: On a spring raid with Harald's son Hákon, Swein seized two English merchant ships near Dublin laden with cloth; he used the cloth to decorate his ships' sails, which he named 'the Skrud-viking'.

  "ONCE it happened that Swein went out on a spring expedition, taking with him Hákon, the son of Earl Harald. They had five rowing ships, all large.

when they were approaching Dýflin (Dublin) two merchant-ships came from England, laden with English cloth and other merchandise; they were going to Dýflin. Swein made for the vessels, and offered them battle.

Swein's party took every penny in the vessels, leaving to the Englishmen only what they stood in, and a small quantity of provisions.

when they sailed to the Orkneys, they sewed the cloth upon their sails, and then it looked as if the sails were made entirely of the fine stuffs. This they named the Skrud-viking.[448]"

• attestation: Earl Harald urged Swein at a feast to retire from raiding; Swein replied with a smile that he would make one final autumn expedition and then stop, as he was getting old.

  "The Earl said: "I wish, Swein, you would now leave off your marauding expeditions; it is good now to drive home a whole waggon. You know that your plundering has fed you and your men a long time, but to most men of violence it happens that they perish in their raiding, if they do not leave it off in time."

Swein replied: "Your intention is no doubt good, my Lord; and it shall be so, that I will discontinue my marauding expeditions, for I am getting old, and my strength is wasting away in the wet work and the fighting. I am now going to make an autumn expedition, and I wish it to be not less glorious than the spring one. Then I shall leave off war-going.""

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Cxi > Swein, Asleif'S Son'S (Last) Expedition.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson with seven ships surprised Dublin, captured its rulers, and they surrendered the city and promised payment; Swein's men went to their ships for the night while the Dubliners secretly dug pit-traps inside the gates.

  "SHORTLY after this Swein prepared to go on a marauding expedition with seven long-ships, all of them large. Hákon, the son of Earl Harald, went with him.

They went all the way south to Dýflin (Dublin), and took the inhabitants by surprise, so that they did not know till they were in the town. They took a great deal of plunder, and took captive the rulers of the city, and their negotiations ended in the surrender of the town to Swein, and they promised to pay as much money as he might levy on them.

Now it is to be told what was going on in the town during the night. The rulers of the town had a meeting, and considered the difficulties in which they were placed. They thought it a grievous hardship that they should have to surrender their town to the Orkneymen, especially to him whom they knew to be the most exacting man in the whole West; and they came to the determination to play him false if they could. They resolved to dig large pits inside of the city gates"

The Orkneyinga Saga > Chapter Cxii > Swein, Asleif'S Son'S Fall.

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson and his men fell into pit-traps inside the Dublin gates; Swein perished in the pit with all who had entered the town; his last words were that he was the holy Earl Rögnvald's henchman.

  "NEXT morning Swein and his men arose and armed themselves, and went to the town; and when they came near the gates the Dýflin men ranged themselves on both sides from the gates along by the pits. Swein and his men, not being on their guard, fell into them.

Swein perished there in the pit, with all those who had entered the town. It was said that Swein was the last man who died there, and that he spake these words before his fall: "Know all men, whether I die to-day or not, that I am the holy Earl Rögnvald's henchman, and my confidence is where he is with God.""

• attestation: Swein Ásleifarson was said to be the greatest man in the western lands of those without a higher title; his sons Olaf and Andrés divided his estate; Andrés married Frída daughter of Kolbein Hruga and sister of Bishop Bjarni.

  "Here is the end of Swein's history; and it has been said that he was the greatest man in the Western lands, either in old times or at the present day, of those who had not a higher title than he had. After his death his sons Olaf and Andrés divided their patrimony.

Andrés, the son of Swein, married Frída, the daughter of Kolbein Hruga, and sister to Bishop Bjarni."