The people of the house were going to bed by daylight, and after they
were in bed a great noise was heard in the kitchen. Some went to see
whether thieves had not broken in, and when they reached the kitchen
they saw there a tall woman. She was quite naked, with no clothes
whatever upon her, and was busy preparing food. Those who saw her
were so terrified that they dared not go near her at all. When the
funeral party heard of this they went thither, and saw what the matter
was--Thorgunna had come there, and it seemed advisable to them all not
to meddle with her. When she had done all that she wanted, she
brought the food into the room, set the tables and laid the food upon
them. Then the funeral party said to the farmer: "It may happen in
the end, before we part, that you will think it dearly bought that you
would show us no hospitality". Both the farmer and the housewife
answered: "We will willingly give you food, and do you all other
services that you require".
As soon as the farmer had offered them this, Thorgunna passed out of
the room into the kitchen, and then went outside, nor did she show
herself again. Then a light was kindled in the room, and the wet
clothes of the guests were taken off, and dry ones given them in their
place. After this they sat down at table, and blessed their food,
while the farmer had holy water sprinkled over all the house. The
guests ate their food, and it harmed no man, although Thorgunna had
prepared it. They slept there that night, and were treated with great
hospitality.
In the morning they continued their journey, and things went very
smoothly with them; wherever this affair was heard of, most people
thought it best to do them all the service that they required, and of
their journey no more is to be told. When they came to Skalholt, they
handed over the precious things which Thorgunna had sent thither: the
ring and other articles, all of which the priests gladly received.
Thorgunna was buried there, while the funeral party returned home,
which they all reached in safety.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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