Tags
Egil, England, Fjord Province, Halberd, Haologaland, Iceland, King Arnvid, King Harald, Kveldulf, Namdalen, Norway, Oslo Fjord, Scandanavia, Shape-changer, Skallagrimsson, Snorri Sturluson, Sweden, Trondheim, Vikings
The same autumn that Harald the Shaggy won that major battle other things were playing out in Norway.
Atli the Slender reappeared in Olvir Hufna’s life. Remember poor Olvir? He had been denied the hand of Solvieg the Beautiful by her father Atli the Slender.
Atli had decided to attack Olvir. Now why he picked on Olvir was beyond everyone. Olvir had no enemies. However, Olvir was outmanned and escaped north to meet with King Harald the Shaggy. Olvir became Harald’s man and the royal poet.
Earl Rognvold, who had been left in charge of both sections of The Mores and also Romsdale, decided to keep an eye on the movements of King Vemund. King Vermund, who had survived his brother only because of the approach of winter, was now in charge of Fjord Province.
One night, as Vemund and many other men were enjoying a feast, Rognvold surrounded the house, set it afire and killed all ninety-one men including King Vemund.
Do you remember Kari, my grandfather’s berserker Viking friend who had retired to the farm?
Well he and his long ship joined Earl Rognvold. They took every ship that King Vemund had owned plus all the goods they could carry. Northward to Trondheim they traveled where Kari became Harald the Shaggy’s man.
King Harald went on to capture all of the nearby provinces that remained. He had yet to capture all of Norway. However, his position was now much stronger.
Every man in the conquered lands had three choices. The first two were the most prudent; become the king’s man or leave the country.
The third choice – - - disobey the king – - - would make a man hunted down like an animal, resulting in the loss of an arm, a leg or a life.
Many men chose to leave the country.
And therefore, Iceland was born.
Harald the Shaggy…. any tie to Harold the fair-haired or Harold I of Norway? Great read… you’ve got me hooked!
Love Viking stuff!
Yes, One and the same fellow. He vowed not to cut his hair until he controlled all of Norway. Then when he had control he cut his hair and became Harald Fair-Hair.
Ahhhh…. I never knew that. Great stuff… I’ll be back!
Thanks Roxi, I will be looking forward to your visits. Wally
Thank you for visiting and reading my posts.
Very creative series!!! Glad it’s getting the attention it deserves…..
Thanks Cindy, I hope you continue to enjoy them. Wally
It’s interesting to learn how Harald the Shaggy became Harald fair-hair. Clearly he was a man of confidence, eh, to vow not to cut his hair until he controlled all of Norway. And so…let me continue reading.
You saw him the way I did; confident (and sometimes ruthless).