Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - III. Period of the Vikings and Introduction of Christianity - C. Legendary Tales
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Legendary Tales 49
The battle lasted three days. On the night before the
third day Styrbjorn sacrificed to Thor. The same night
there appeared in Styrbjorn’s tent a man with a red
beard and fierce aspect who foretold his fall. Eric
sacrificed to Oden, promising himself to the god after
ten years if he might win the battle. There appeared
before him a tall one-eyed man with a blue cloak and a
large hat on his head. He gave the king a cane which
he was to throw at the enemy with the exclamation,
"Ye all belong to Oden now."
When the battle was joined, and Eric threw the cane,
a general dread possessed Styrbjorn’s men. They fan-
cied that everywhere above their heads arrows flew
and blinded them. This rain of arrows they felt was
Oden’s work. Finally the Jomsvikings lay in heaps on
the battle field. Styrbjorn then set up his standard
and shouted to his men : "Better die with honor than,
flee with shame." Then he rushed with fury into the
midst of the enemy and fell together with the best of
his champions. Henceforth Eric was known as Eric
Segersall (Victorious) .
The Battle of the Three Kings at Svolder. In Nor-
way the spread of Christianity was effected by Olaf
Tryggvesson, a descendant of Harold Fairhair. Dur-
ing one of his many viking expeditions he had been
converted in England and then became as zealous a
Christian as he had before been a viking. When he
reached home he proceeded with an armed following,
accompanied by Christian teachers, from village to
village, and persuaded or compelled the people to
accept the new faith. To those who resisted he meted
out severe punishment; some were exiled, others slain
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