Denmark -- History -- To 1241; Folklore -- Scandinavia
men, brought an armed company to the war, the chiefs of whom were Grim
and Grenzli; next to whom are named Geir the Livonian, Hame also and
Hunger, Humbli and Biari, bravest of the princes. These men often fought
duels successfully, and won famous victories far and wide.
The maidens I have named, in fighting as well as courteous array, led
their land-forces to the battle-field. Thus the Danish army mustered
company by company. There were seven kings, equal in spirit but
differing in allegiance, some defending Harald, and some Ring. Moreover,
the following went to the side of Harald: Homi and Hosathul (Eysothul?),
Him...., Hastin and Hythin (Hedin) the Slight, also Dahar (Dag), named
Grenski, and Harald Olafsson also. From the province of Aland came Har
and Herlewar (Herleif), with Hothbrodd, surnamed the Furious; these
fought in the Danish camp. But from Imisland arrived Humnehy (?) and
Harald. They were joined by Haki and by Sigmund and Serker the sons of
Bemon, all coming from the North. All these were retainers of the king,
who befriended them most generously; for they were held in the highest
distinction by him, receiving swords adorned with gold, and the choicest
spoils of war. There came also.... the sons of Gandal the old, who were
in the intimate favour of Harald by reason of ancient allegiance. Thus
the sea was studded with the Danish fleet, and seemed to interpose a
bridge, uniting Zealand to Skaane. To those that wished to pass between
those provinces, the sea offered a short road on foot over the dense
mass of ships. But Harald would not have the Swedes unprepared in
their arrangements for war, and sent men to Ring to carry his public
declaration of hostilities, and notify the rupture of the mediating
peace. The same men were directed to prescribe the place of combat.
These then whom I have named were the fighters for Harald.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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