ystein was buried in Fors church, and his grave is
in the middle of the church-floor, where a fringed canopy is spread over
it, and he is considered a saint. Where he was executed, and his blood
ran upon the ground, sprang up a fountain, and another under the hill
where his body lay all night. From both these waters many think they
have received a cure of sickness and pain. It is reported by the Viken
people that many miracles were wrought at King Eystein's grave, until
his enemies poured upon it soup made of boiled dog's flesh. Simon Skalp
was much hated for this deed, which was generally ascribed to him; but
some said that when King Eystein was taken Simon sent a message to King
Inge, and the king commanded that King Eystein should not come before
his face. So King Sverre has caused it to be written; but Einar Skulason
tells of it thus:--

"Simon Skalp, the traitor bold,
For deeds of murder known of old,
His king betrayed; and ne'er will he
God's blessed face hereafter see."

SAGA OF HAKON HERDEBREID (HAKON THE BROAD-SHOULDERED) (1)

PRELIMINARY REMARKS.

This saga describes the feud between Hakon Sigurdson and his uncle Inge.

The only skald quoted is Einar Skulason.

ENDNOTES: (1) The period is from A.D. 1157 to 1161.--L.

1. BEGINNING OF HAKON HERDEBREID.

Hakon, King Sigurd's son, was chosen chief of the troop which had
followed King Eystein, and his adherents gave him the title of king. He
was ten years old. At that time he had with him Sigurd, a son of
Halvard Hauld of Reyr, and Andreas and Onund, the sons of Simon, his
foster-brothers, and many chiefs, friends of King Sigurd and King
Eystein; and they went first up to Gautland. King Inge took possession
of all the estates they had left behind, and declared them banished.
Thereafter King Inge went to Viken, and was sometimes also in the north
of the country. Gregorius Dagson was in Konungahella, where the danger
was greatest, and had beside him a strong and handsome body of men, with
which he defended the country.

2. OF GREGORIUS DAGSON.

The summer after (A.D. 1158) Hakon came with his men, and proceeded to
Konungahella with a numerous and handsome troop. Gregorius was then in
the town, and summoned the bondes and townspeople to a great Thing, at
which he desired their aid; but he thought the people did not hear him
with much favour, so he did not much trust them. Gregorius set off with
two ships to Vik