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LITEEAEY INFLUENCE 71
On the other hand Icelandic sources mention at least
three skalds who made their way to Ireland during the
tenth century :
Thorgils Orraskald,
"
who was with Olaf
Cuaran in Dublin,
1
and Kormak (Ir. Cormac) who fought
with Harold Greycloak in Ireland (c. 961).* In Gunnlaugs
Saga Ormstungu (ch. 8) there is a charming account of the
poet’s reception in Dublin, shortly after Sigtryggr became
king (c. 994) :
Gunnlaug went before the king and said :
"
I have composed a poem about you, and I would like to
get a hearing for it."
The king answered :
"
No man has yet made a poem about
me, and I will certainly listen to yours."
Then Gunnlaug recited his poem in praise of
"
Cuaran’s
son," and the king thanked him for it.
Sigtryggr then called his treasurer and asked :
"
How
shall I reward him for this poem ?
"
"
As you will, lord," replied the treasurer.
"
Shall I give him two merchant-ships ?
"
asked the
king.
"
That is too much," said the treasurer,
"
other kings
give, as rewards for songs, costly gifts, good swords or
gold rings."
So the king gave Gunnlaug his own garments of new
scarlet cloth, a tunic ornamented with lace, a cloak lined
with choice furs, and a gold ring which weighed a mark.
Gunnlaug remained for a short time there and then went
to the Orkneys.
It is to be noted, too, that among the original settlers
in Iceland there were a not inconsiderable number who
came from Ireland and the islands ofi the west coast of
Scotland. These included some of the most important
*Landndmab6k, I., ch. 19.
2
K&rmak’s Saga, ch. 19.
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