Heimskringla, or the Chronicle of the Kings of Norway by Snorri Sturluson
page 275 of 1179 (23%)
page 275 of 1179 (23%)
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could still carry their arms were gathered. Then Earl Eirik lay
with his ship by the side of the Serpent, and the fight went on with battle-axe and sword. So says Haldor: -- "Hard pressed on every side by foes, The Serpent reels beneath the blows; Crash go the shields around the bow! Breast-plates and breasts pierced thro' and thro! In the sword-storm the Holm beside, The earl's ship lay alongside The king's Long Serpent of the sea -- Fate gave the earl the victory." 117. OF EARL EIRIK. Earl Eirik was in the forehold of his ship, where a cover of shields (1) had been set up. In the fight, both hewing weapons, sword, and axe, and the thrust of spears had been used; and all that could be used as weapon for casting was cast. Some used bows, some threw spears with the hand. So many weapons were cast into the Serpent, and so thick flew spears and arrows, that the shields could scarcely receive them, for on all sides the Serpent was surrounded by war-ships. Then King Olaf's men became so mad with rage, that they ran on board of the enemies ships, to get at the people with stroke of sword and kill them; but many did not lay themselves so near the Serpent, in order to escape the close encounter with battle-axe or sword; and thus the most of Olaf's men went overboard and sank under their weapons, thinking they |
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