had been king
of Norway twenty-seven years (A.D. 1104-1130), and was forty years of
age when he died. The time of his reign was good for the country; for
there was peace, and crops were good.

SAGA OF MAGNUS THE BLIND AND OF HARALD GILLE.

PRELIMINARY REMARKS

An age of conflict now begins in Norway. On his death, in 1130, Sigurd
left his son Magnus and his brother Harald. They soon divided the
government, and then entered upon a five-years' conflict, until Magnus,
in 1135, with eyes picked out, went into a convent.

The next year, 1136, a new pretender appeared in the person of Sigurd
Slembe, who took King Harald's life in 1137. Magnus died in 1139.

Other literature in regard to this epoch is "Fagrskinna" and
"Morkinskinna". The corresponding part of "Agrip" is lost.

Skalds quoted are: Haldor Skvaldre, Einar Skulason, and Ivar
Ingemundson.

1. MAGNUS AND HARALD PROCLAIMED KINGS.

King Sigurd's son Magnus was proclaimed in Oslo king of all the country
immediately after his father's death, according to the oath which the
whole nation had sworn to King Sigurd; and many went into his service,
and many became his lendermen. Magnus was the handsomest man then in
Norway; of a passionate temper, and cruel, but distinguished in bodily
exercises. The favour of the people he owed most to the respect for his
father. He was a great drinker, greedy of money, hard, and obstinate.

Harald Gille, on the other hand, was very pleasing in intercourse, gay,
and full of mirth; and so generous that he spared in nothing for the
sake of his friends. He willingly listened to good advice, so that he
allowed others to consult with him and give counsel. With all this he
obtained favour and a good repute, and many men attached themselves as
much to him as to King Magnus. Harald was in Tunsberg when he heard of
his brother King Sigurd's death. He called together his friends to a
meeting, and it was resolved to hold the Hauga Thing (1) there in the
town. At this Thing, Harald was chosen king of half the country, and it
was called a forced oath which had been taken from him to renounce his
paternal heritage. Then Harald formed a court, and appointed lendermen;
and very soon he had as many people about him as King Magnus. Then men
went between them, and matters stood in this way for seven days; but
King Magnus, finding he had fewer people, was obliged to give way,
and to divide the kingdom with Harald into two parts. The king