THEVIKINGS AT HELGELAND

(1858)

CHARACTERS.

The action takes place in the time of Erik Blood-axe (about 933A.D.)at, and in the neighbourhood of, Gunnar’s house, on the island of Helgeland, in the north of Norway.

Pronunciation of Names: Helgeland=Helgheland; Örnulf=Örnoolf; Sigurd=Sigoord; Gunnar=Goonnar; Thorolf=Toorolf; Hiördis=Yördeess; Kåre=Koarë; Egil=Ayghil. The letter “ö” as in German.

THEVIKINGS AT HELGELAND.PLAY IN FOUR ACTS.

THE

VIKINGS AT HELGELAND.

PLAY IN FOUR ACTS.

A rocky coast, running precipitously down to the sea at the back. To the left, a boat-house; to the right, rocks and pinewoods. The masts of two warships can be seen down in the cove. Far out to the right, the sea, dotted with reefs and skerries, on which the surf is running high; it is a stormy snow-grey winter-day.

Sigurdcomes up from the ships; he is clad in a white tunic with a silver belt, a blue cloak, cross-gartered hose, untanned brogues, and a steel cap; at his side hangs a short sword.Örnulfcomes in sight immediately afterwards, high up among the rocks, clad in a dark lamb-skin tunic with a breastplate and greaves, woollen stockings, and untanned brogues; over his shoulders he has a cloak of brown frieze, with the hood drawn over his steel cap, so that his face is partly hidden. He is very tall and massively built, with a long white beard, but is somewhat bowed by age; his weapons are a round shield, sword, and spear.

Sigurdenters first, looks around, sees the boat-shed, goes quickly up to it, and tries to burst open the door.

Örnulf.

[Appears among the rocks, starts on seeingSigurd,seems to recognise him, descends and cries:] Give place, Viking!

Sigurd.

[Turns, lays his hand on his sword, and answers:] ’Twere the first time if I did!

Örnulf.

Thou shalt and must! I need the shelter for my stiff-frozen men.

Sigurd.

And I for a weary woman!

Örnulf.

My men are worth more than thy women!

Sigurd.

Then must outlaws be highly prized in Helgeland!

Örnulf.

[Raising his spear.] Thou shalt pay dear for that word!

Sigurd.

[Drawing his sword.] Now will it go ill with thee, old man!

[Örnulfrushes upon him;Sigurddefends himself.

Dagnyand some ofSigurd’smen come up from the strand;Örnulf’ssix sons appear on the rocks to the right.

Dagny.

[Who is a little in front, clad in a red kirtle, blue cloak, and fur hood, calls down to the ships:] Up, all Sigurd’s men! My husband is fighting with a stranger!

Örnulf’s Sons.

Help! Help for our father! [They descend.

Sigurd.

[To his men.] Hold! I can master him alone!

Örnulf.

[To his sons.] Let me fight in peace! [Rushes in uponSigurd.] I will see thy blood!

Sigurd.

First see thine own!

[Wounds him in the arm so that his spear falls.

Örnulf.

A stout stroke, Viking!Swift the sword thou swingest,keen thy blows and biting;Sigurd’s self, the Stalwart,stood before thee shame-struck.

A stout stroke, Viking!

Swift the sword thou swingest,

keen thy blows and biting;

Sigurd’s self, the Stalwart,

stood before thee shame-struck.

Sigurd.

[Smiling.] Then were his shame his glory!

Örnulf’s Sons.

[With a cry of wonder.] Sigurd himself! Sigurd the Strong!

Örnulf.

But sharper was thy stroke that night thou didst bear away Dagny, my daughter.

[Casts his hood back.

Sigurd and his Men.

Örnulf of the Fiords!

Dagny.

[Glad, yet uneasy.] My father and my brothers.

Sigurd.

Stand thou behind me.

Örnulf.

Nay, no need. [ApproachingSigurd.] I no sooner saw thee than I knew thee, and therefore I stirred the strife; I was fain to prove the fame that tells of thee as the stoutest man of his hands in Norway. Hereafter let peace be between us.

Sigurd.

Best if so it could be.

Örnulf.

Here is my hand. Thou art a warrior indeed; stouter strokes than these has old Örnulf never given or taken.

Sigurd.

[Seizes his outstretched hand.] Let them be the last strokes given and taken between us two; and be thou thyself the judge in the matter between us. Art willing?

Örnulf.

That am I, and straightway shall the quarrel be healed. [To the others.] Be the matter, then, known to all. Five winters ago came Sigurd and Gunnar Headman as vikings to Iceland; they lay in harbour close under my homestead. Then Gunnar, by force and craft, carried away myfoster-daughter, Hiördis; but thou, Sigurd, didst take Dagny, my own child, and sailed with her over the sea. For that I now doom thee to pay three hundred pieces of silver, and thereby shall thy misdeed be atoned.

Sigurd.

Fair is thy judgment, Örnulf; the three hundred pieces will I pay, and add thereto a silken cloak fringed with gold. ’Tis a gift from King Æthelstan of England, and better has no Icelander yet borne.

Dagny.

Well said, my brave husband; and my father, I thank thee. Now at last is my mind at ease.

[She presses her father’s and brothers’ hands, and talks low to them.

Örnulf.

Then thus stands the troth between us; and from this day shall Dagny be to the full as honourably regarded as though she had been lawfully betrothed to thee, with the good will of her kin.

Sigurd.

And in me canst thou trust, as in one of thine own blood.

Arnulf.

That I doubt not, and will forthwith prove thy friendship.

Sigurd.

Ready shalt thou find me; say, what dost thou crave?

Örnulf.

Thy help in rede and deed. I have sailed hitherto Helgeland to seek out Gunnar Headman and call him to account for the carrying away of Hiördis.

Sigurd.

[Surprised.] Gunnar!

Dagny.

[In the same tone.] And Hiördis—where are they?

Örnulf.

In Gunnar’s homestead, I trow.

Sigurd.

And it is——?

Örnulf.

Not many bow-shots hence; did ye not know?

Sigurd.

[With suppressed emotion.] No, truly I have had scant tidings of Gunnar since we sailed from Iceland together. While I have wandered far and wide and served many outland kings, Gunnar has stayed at home. We made the land here at daydawn, storm-driven. I knew, indeed, that Gunnar’s homestead lay here in the north, but——

Dagny.

[ToÖrnulf.] Sothaterrand has brought thee hither?

Örnulf.

That and no other. [ToSigurd.] Our meeting is the work of the Mighty Ones above; they willed it so. Had I wished to find thee, little knew I where to seek.

Sigurd.

[Thoughtfully.] True, true!—But concerning Gunnar—tell me, Örnulf, art thou minded to go sharply to work, with all thy might, be it for good or ill?

Örnulf.

That must I. Listen, Sigurd, for thus it stands: Last summer I rode to the Council where many honourable men were met. When the Council-days were over, I sat in the hall and drank with the men of my shire, and the talk fell upon the carrying-away of the women; scornful words they gave me, because for all these years I had let that wrong rest unavenged. Then, in my wrath, I swore to sail to Norway, seek out Gunnar, and crave reckoning or revenge, and never again to set foot in Iceland till my claim was made good.

Sigurd.

Ay, ay, since so it stands, I see well that if need be the matter must be pressed home.

Örnulf.

It must; but I shall not crave overmuch, and Gunnar has the fame of an honourable man. I am glad, too, that I set forth on this quest; the time lay heavy on me in Iceland; out upon the blue waters had I grown old and grey, and meseemed that I must fare forth once again before I——; well well—Bergthora, my good wife, was dead these many years; my elder sons sailed on viking-ventures summer by summer; and since Thorolf was growing up——

Dagny.

[Joyfully.] Thorolf is with thee? Where is he?

Örnulf.

On board the ship. [Points towards the background, to the right.] Scarce shalt thou know the boy again, so stout and strong and fair has he grown. He will be a mighty warrior, Sigurd; one day he will equal thee.

Dagny.

[Smiling.] I see it is now as ever: Thorolf stands nearest thy heart.

Örnulf.

He is the youngest, and like his mother; therefore it is.

Sigurd.

But tell me—thy errand to Gunnar—thinkest thou to-day——?

Örnulf.

Rather to-day than to-morrow. Fair amends will content me; should Gunnar say me nay, then must he abide what may follow.

Kåre the Peasantenters hastily from the right; he is clad in a grey frieze cloak and low-brimmed felt hat; he carries in his hand a broken fence-rail.

Kåre.

Well met, Vikings!

Örnulf.

Vikings are seldom well met.

Kåre.

If ye be honourable men, ye will grant me refuge among you; Gunnar Headman’s house-carls are hunting me to slay me.

Örnulf.

Gunnar’s?

Sigurd.

Then hast thou done him some wrong!

Kåre.

I have done myself right. Our cattle grazed together upon an island, hard by the coast; Gunnar’s men carried off my best oxen, and one of them flouted me for a thrall. Then I raised my sword against him and slew him.

Örnulf.

That was a lawful deed.

Kåre.

But this morning his men came in arms against me. By good hap I heard of their coming, and fled; but my foemen are on my tracks, and short shrift can I look for at their hands.

Sigurd.

Ill can I believe thee, peasant! In bygone days I knew Gunnar as I know myself, and this I wot, that never did he wrong to a peaceful man.

Kåre.

Gunnar has no part in this wrong-doing; he is in the southland; nay, it is Hiördis his wife——

Dagny.

Hiördis!

Örnulf.

[To himself.] Ay, ay, ’tis like her!

Kåre.

I offered Gunnar amends for the thrall, and he was willing; but then came Hiördis, and egged her husband on with many scornful words, and hindered the peace. Since then has Gunnar gone to the south, and to-day——

Sigurd.

[Looking out to the left.] Here comes a band of wayfarers towards the north. Is it not——?

Kåre.

It is Gunnar himself!

Örnulf.

Be of good heart; I trow I can make peace between you.

Gunnar Headman,with several men, enters from the left. He is in peaceful attire, wearing a brown tunic, cross-gartered hose, a blue mantle, and a broad hat; he has no weapon but a small axe.

Gunnar.

[Stops in surprise and uncertainty on seeing the knot of men.] Örnulf of the Fiords! Yes, surely——!

Örnulf.

Thou seest aright.

Gunnar.

[Approaching.] Then peace and welcome to thee in my land, if thou come in peace.

Örnulf.

If thy will be as mine, there shall be no strife between us.

Sigurd.

[Standing forward.] Well met, Gunnar!

Gunnar.

[Gladly.] Sigurd—foster-brother! [Shakes his hand.] Now truly, since thou art here, I know that Örnulf comes in peace. [ToÖrnulf.] Give me thy hand, greybeard! Thy errand here in the north is lightly guessed: it concerns Hiördis, thy foster-daughter.

Örnulf.

As thou sayest; great wrong was done me when thou didst bear her away from Iceland without my will.

Gunnar.

Thy claim is rightful; what the youth has marred, the man must mend. Long have I looked for thee, Örnulf, for this cause; and if amends content thee, we shall soon be at one.

Sigurd.

So deem I too. Örnulf will not press thee over hard.

Gunnar.

[Warmly.] Nay, Örnulf, didst thou crave her full worth, all my goods were not enough!

Örnulf.

I shall go by law and usage, be sure of that.But now another matter. [Pointing toKåre.] Seest thou yonder man?

Gunnar.

Kåre! [ToÖrnulf.] Thou knowest, then, that there is a strife between us?

Örnulf.

Thy men have stolen his cattle, and theft must be atoned.

Gunnar.

Murder no less; he has slain my thrall.

Kåre.

Because he flouted me.

Gunnar.

I have offered thee terms of peace.

Kåre.

But Hiördis had no mind to that, and this morning, whilst thou wert gone, she fell upon me and now hunts me to my death.

Gunnar.

[Angrily.] Sayest thou true? Has she——?

Kåre.

True, every word.

Örnulf.

Therefore the peasant besought me to stand by him, and that will I do.

Gunnar.

[After a moment’s thought.] Thou hast dealt honourably with me, Örnulf; therefore it is fit that I should yield to thy will. Hear then, Kåre: I am willing to let the slaying of the thrall and the wrongs done toward thee quit each other.

Kåre.

[GivesGunnarhis hand.] It is a good offer; I am content.

Örnulf.

And he shall have peace for thee and thine?

Gunnar.

Peace shall he have, both at home and where soever he may go.

Sigurd.

[Pointing to the right.] See yonder!

Gunnar.

[Disturbed.] It is Hiördis!

Örnulf.

With armed men!

Kåre.

She is seeking me!

Hiördisenters, with a troop of house-carls. She is clad in black, wearing a kirtle, cloak, and hood; the men are armed with swords and axes; she herself carries a light spear.

Hiördis

[Stops on entering.] We meet here in force, meseems.

Dagny.

[Rushes to meet her.] Peace and joy to thee, Hiördis!

Hiördis.

[Coldly.] I thank thee.—’Twas told me thou wert not far off. [Comes forward, looking sharply at those assembled.] Gunnar, and—Kåre, my foeman—Örnulf and his sons, and——[As she catches sight ofSigurd,she starts almost imperceptibly, is silent a moment, but collects herself and says:] Many I see here who are known to me—but little I know who is best minded towards me.

Örnulf.

We are all well-minded towards thee.

Hiördis.

If so be, thou wilt not deny to give Kåre into my husband’s hands.

Örnulf.

There is no need.

Gunnar.

There is peace and friendship between us.

Hiördis.

[With suppressed scorn.] Friendship? Well well, I know thou art a wise man, Gunnar! Kåre has found mighty friends, and doubtless thou deem’st it safest——

Gunnar.

Thy taunts avail not! [With dignity.] Kåre is at peace for us!

Hiördis.

[Restraining herself.] Well and good; if thou hast sworn him peace, the vow must be held.

Gunnar.

[Forcibly, but without anger.] It must and it shall.

Örnulf.

[ToHiördis.] Another pact had been well-nigh made ere thy coming.

Hiördis.

[Sharply.] Between thee and Gunnar?

Örnulf.

[Nods.] It had to do with thee.

Hiördis.

Well can I guess what it had to do with; but this I tell thee, foster-father, never shall it be said that Gunnar let himself be cowed because thou camest in arms to the isle. Hadst thou come alone, a single wayfarer, to our hall, the quarrel had more easily been healed.

Gunnar.

Örnulf and his sons come in peace.

Hiördis.

Mayhap; but will it sound otherwise in the mouths of men; and thou thyself, Gunnar, didst show scant trust in the peace yesterday, in sending our son Egil to the southland so soon as it was told us that Örnulf’s warship lay in the fiord.

Sigurd.

[ToGunnar.] Didst thou send thy son to the south?

Hiördis.

Ay, that he might be in safety should Örnulf fall upon us.

Örnulf.

Scoff not at that, Hiördis; what Gunnar has done may prove wise in the end, if so be thou hinder the pact.

Hiördis.

Life must take its chance; come what will, I had liever die than save my life by a shameful pact.

Dagny.

Sigurd makes atonement, and will not be deemed the lesser man for that.

Hiördis.

Sigurd best knows what his own honour can bear.

Sigurd.

On that score shall I never need reminding.

Hiördis.

Sigurd has done famous deeds, but bolder than all was Gunnar’s deed, when he slew the white bear that guarded my bower.

Gunnar.

[With an embarrassed glance atSigurd.] Nay, nay, no more of that!

Örnulf.

In truth it was the boldest deed that e’er was seen in Iceland; and therefore——

Sigurd.

The more easily can Gunnar yield, and ne’er be held faint-hearted.

Hiördis.

If amends are to be made, amends shall be craved as well. Bethink thee, Gunnar, of thy vow!

Gunnar.

That vow was ill bethought; wilt thou hold me to it?

Hiördis.

That will I, if we two are to dwell under one roof after this day. Know then, Örnulf, that if atonement is to be made for the carrying away of thy foster-daughter, thou, too, must atone for the slaying of Jökul my father, and the seizing of all his goods and gear.

Örnulf.

Jökul was slain in fair fight;[8]thy kinsmen did me a worse wrong when they sent thee to Iceland and beguiled me into adopting[9]thee, unwitting who thou wert.

Hiördis.

Honour, and no wrong, was thy lot in fostering Jökul’s daughter.

Örnulf.

Nought but strife hast thou brought me, that I know.

Hiördis.

Sterner strife may be at hand, if——

Örnulf.

I came not hither to bandy words with women!—Gunnar, hear my last word: art willing to make atonement?

Hiördis.

[ToGunnar.] Think of thy vow!

Gunnar.

[ToÖrnulf.] Thou hearest, I have sworn a vow, and that must I——

Örnulf.

[Irritated.] Enough, enough! Never shall it be said that I made atonement for slaying in fair fight.

Hiördis.

[Forcibly.] Then we defy thee and thine.

Örnulf.

[In rising wrath.] And who has the right to crave atonement for Jökul? Where are his kinsmen? There is none alive! Where is his lawful avenger?

Hiördis.

That is Gunnar, on my behalf.

Örnulf.

Gunnar! Ay, hadst thou been betrothed to him with thy foster-father’s good-will, or had he madeatonement for carrying thee away, then were he thy father’s lawful avenger; but——

Dagny.

[Apprehensive and imploring.] Father, father!

Sigurd.

[Quickly.] Speak it not!

Örnulf.

[Raising his voice.] Nay, loudly shall it be spoken! A woman wedded by force has no lawful husband!

Gunnar.

[Vehemently.] Örnulf!

Hiördis.

[In a wild outburst.] Flouted and shamed! [In a quivering voice.] This—this shalt thou come to rue!

Örnulf.

[Continuing.] A woman wedded by force is in law no more than a leman! Wilt thou regain thine honour, then must thou——

Hiördis.

[Controlling herself.] Nay, Örnulf, I know better what is fitting. If I am to be held as Gunnar’s leman—well and good, then must he win me honour by his deeds—by deeds so mighty that my shame shall be shame no more! And thou, Örnulf, beware! Here our ways part, and from this day shall I make war at all times upon thee and thine; thou shalt know no safety for life or limb, thou, nor any whom thou——[Looking fiercely atKåre.]Kåre! Örnulf has stood thy friend, forsooth, and there is peace between us; but I counsel thee not to seek thy home yet awhile; the man thou slewest has many avengers, and it well might befall——See, I have shown thee the danger; thou must e’en take what follows. Come, Gunnar, we must gird ourselves for the fight. A famous deed didst thou do in Iceland, but greater deeds must be done here, if thou wouldst not have thy—thy leman shrink with shame from thee and from herself!

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