The printed book’s only clue about authorship is in the Notes. All other information comes from the Norwegianedition and some illustrators’ initials.
Original author: Snorri Sturluson (generally spelled Snorre Sturlason inNorwegian).
Modern (1899) Norwegian translation: Gustav Storm.
Illustrators: Halfdan Egedius; Christian Krogh (CK); Gerhard Munthe;Hjalmar Eilif Emanuel Peterssen; Erik Theodor Werenskiold (EW); WilhelmLaurits Wetlesen (WW). The illustrators are listed as a group; somemay not be represented within these two sagas.
English translation (based on modern Norwegian, not on original): EthelHarriet Hearn.
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THE SAGAS OF
OLAF TRYGGVASON
AND OF HARALD
THE TYRANT
(HARALD HAARDRAADE)
LONDON
WILLIAMS AND NORGATE
MCMXI
The places of notes in the text are indicated thus §. The
relative matter will be found at the end of
the book in due order as to
page and line.
Note markers shown in brackets [§] were missing from the printed text.Moved markers are individually noted.
THE SAGA OF OLAF
TRYGGVASON, CMLXVIII-M
8
OW it befell in the days of King Tryggvi Olafsonthat the woman he had wedded was Astrid & she was the daughter ofEirik Biodaskalli, a wealthy man who dwelt at Oprostad. ¤ When thedownfall of Tryggvi had been accomplished, Astrid fled away bearing withher what chattels she might. And with her went her foster-father ThorolfLouse-Beard, who never left her, whereas other trusty men, loyal to her,fared hither and thither to gather tidings of her foes or to spy outwhere they might lurk. Now Astrid being great with child of King Tryggvicaused herself to be transported to an islet on a lake & there tookshelter with but few of her company. ¤ In due time she bare a man-child,and at his baptism he was called Olaf after his father’s father. Allthat summer did she abide there in hiding. But when the nights grew aslong as they were dark and the weather waxed cold, she set forth oncemore and with her fared Thorolf and the others of her train. Only bynight could they venture in those parts of the country that wereinhabited being in fear lest they should be seen of men or meet withthem. In time, at even, came they to the homestead of Eirik of Oprostad.And since they were journeying by stealth, Astrid sent a messenger tothe goodman of the house, who bade them to be led to an outhouse &there had set before them the best of cheer. Thence, when Astrid hadabided for a while, her followers went unto their homes, but sheremained there & with her to bear her company were two women, herbabe Olaf, Thorolf Louse-Beard and his son Thorgills who was six wintersold. They rested in that place until the winter was done.
¶ After they had made an