The Vikings: Facts and Fictions (Historical Facts and Fictions) by Wolf Kirsten & Mueller-Vollmer Tristan

Author:Wolf, Kirsten & Mueller-Vollmer, Tristan [Wolf, Kirsten]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: ABC-CLIO
Published: 2018-09-29T16:00:00+00:00

‘Towns ten times eight in Serkland,

Say I, then were taken,

The young hater of red-glowing gold

Rushed into the peril.

Before the fighter went to rouse

With clashing shields the Hilds,

Were they long the Serk-men’s foe,

On the plains of Sicily.’

Thus saith Illugi, the skald from Bryn:

‘Harald under Michael strove

For south-lands with his sword

The son of Budli, as ’twas said

Showed friendship by his fellowship.’

Now it came to pass that at this season was Michael King of Greece. Many winters abode he in Africa, and to himself acquired goods and chattels in plenty, gold likewise and all manner of precious things; but all the wealth which he took and thereof had not need for his maintenance sent he by his trusty men to Holmgard (Novgarod), to be bestowed into the hands and care of King Jarizleif. Exceeding wealth did he collect together there, as was like to be, forasmuch as he was pillaging in that part of the world the which is richest in gold and costly things. And so much did he accomplish withal that, as has been writ before, took he as many as eighty towns.

And being come to Sikiley did Harald lay waste on that isle, and set he his host over against a large town in which were many people. So strong were the walls thereof that he feared it were doubtful an he could brake them down. Now the townsfolk had enough of victuals and other commodities which were required to withstand a siege, so hit Harald on the craft of bidding his fowlers to catch small birds, which had nests in the town & flew out during the day to seek food. On the backs of these birds caused he to be tied shavings of red pine-wood on which had he poured melted wax and brimstone; fire thereto was set, and the birds even so soon as they were loose, flew with one accord at once to the town with the intent to seek their young and to hie them to their own nests which were under the roofs. And these roofs were thatched with reeds or straw. Then the fire from the birds spread to the eaves, and though each bird bore but a little burden of fire nevertheless in a brief space was kindled a great fire, for many birds bore fire to the roofs that were of the town. Thereafter there burned one house after the other until the town itself was all aflame, and all the people came out therefrom and begged for grace. Yea was this that same folk that for many a day had talked proudly and with mocking despite of the Greek host and the chief thereof. Harald gave quarter to all men who craved it, and thereafter held authority over this town.

Another town was there to which Harald went with his host, & right well peopled was it and strong withal, so much so indeed that it could not be thought that he would be able to make assault thereon. Flat land

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