United States or San Marino ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
When they got to the western side of the island they found a great stump stranded there. "Here is a fine log for fuel," cried Illugi, "let us carry it home." Grettir gave it a kick with his foot and said: "An ill tree and ill sent. We must find other wood for the fire." He pushed it out into the sea and told Illugi to beware of carrying it home, for it was sent for their destruction.
Yea, much rather do I choose to die." Then Thorbiorn Angle held talk with his fellows, whether they should let Illugi live or not; they said that, whereas he had ruled the journey, so should he rule the deeds; so Angle said that he knew not how to have that man hanging over his head, who would neither give troth, nor promise aught.
"But my mind misgives me," said Asmund, "that thou mayst scarce sit quiet because of the iniquity of men, and I would that all ye of my kin should help him to the uttermost but of Grettir nought can I say, for methinks overmuch on a whirling wheel his life turns; and though he be a mighty man, yet I fear me that he will have to heed his own troubles more than the helping of his kin: but Illugi, though he be young, yet shall he become a man of prowess, if he keep himself whole."
"Blame me not therefor," said Grettir, "I fear me the stroke has been too little, for certes not overmuch weregild were paid for the twain of us, though the price should be one carline's life." "Must she alone be paid?" said Illugi, "little enough then will be laid down for us twain." Now Thorbiorn got him gone homeward, with no greetings at parting. But he said to the carline,
Glaum was as silent as if he had been dipped in water. Thorbjorn said: "Are the brothers in the hut? Why are they not about?" "That would not be so easy," said Glaum, "for Grettir is sick and nigh to death and Illugi is sitting with him." Thorbjorn asked about his condition, and what had happened. Then Glaum told him all about Grettir's wound.
So died Grettir, the bravest man of all who ever dwelt in Iceland. The gallant young Illugi was offered his life by Angle if he would promise not to try to avenge Grettir; but he scorned the offer, and was slain next day; the brothers were buried in a cairn on the island. Noise was taken aboard the boat, but bore himself so ill that he too was killed.
One thing know for certain: do not slay him in open fight, for there are enough men to avenge him. Do not slay Illugi if you can help it. I fear that my counsel may not appear altogether Christian." Halldor then gave him six men; one was named Kar, another Thorleif, the third Brand. The names of the others are not mentioned.
After obtaining the consent of the whole community he took ship and went to Drangey, where he found the bodies of Grettir and Illugi and brought them to Reykir in Reykjastrand and buried them in the church.
His body fell in two parts on the top of Grettir and prevented him from recovering his sword as quickly as he wished, so that Thorbjorn Angle was able to wound him severely between the shoulders. Grettir said: "Bare is his back who has no brother!" Illugi threw his shield before Grettir and defended him so valiantly that all men praised his prowess.
Angle rowed him over, and Hoering did, indeed, scale the precipice, but young Illugi was on the watch, chased him round the island, and Hoering, sore pressed, leapt over the cliff and was killed.
Word Of The Day