Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - III. Period of the Vikings and Introduction of Christianity - B. Introduction of Christianity - C. Legendary Tales
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46 A History of Sweden
his drink was water. He was untiring in giving alms
and in helping the unfortunate. His greatest joy was
to purchase freedom for Christian slaves. Mild and
kindly as he ever was, his eyes could flash with holy
wrath so that even the mighty of earth would trem-
ble beneath his look, when he reproved them for their
misdeeds. But his own sins and shortcomings were ever
a torment to him; he often said he could weep over
them all his life. On his deathbed he lamented that he
was not permitted to die a martyr’s death. But his
friends comforted him with the thought that all his
life had been a martyrdom.
He fell peacefully asleep with an appeal to those in
power to provide for the Christian work in the North.
But when the news of his death reached Birka the little
church bell tolled out the people’s deep sorrow and
rang the hope of a triumph over heathenism.
C. LEGENDARY TALES
Eric Segersall and Styrbjorn Starke. The old viking
spirit long remained unbroken. Especially dreaded was
an association of vikings having their stronghold in
Jomsborg, a strongly fortified place on the Island of
Wollin at the mouth of the River Oder. Within the
fortifications was a fine harbor with a capacity of 300
ships. Over the entrance, which was closed by heavy
iron gates, there rose a strong tower.
Here the Jomsvikings lived as foster brothers under
the strictest rules. No one was allowed within the
stronghold who was not fit for battle ; hence, no women
were allowed there, nor men under 18 or over 60 years
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