Chapter 3

King Haco, leaving the calf of Mull, sailed to Rauney. Here he overtook Balti a vassal of Shetland, with those who had been sent to the Orkneys, and to whom a permission had been given of returning to Norway. King Haco from Rauney steered northwards. The wind being unfavourable, he made for Westerford in Sky, and ordered the islanders to supply him with provisions. Next he sailed past Cape Wrath,[97] and arriving at Dyrness, there happened a calm, for which reason the King ordered the fleet to be steered into Gia-ford.[98] This was done on the feast of the two apostles, Simon and Jude,[99] which fell on a Sunday. The King spent the night there. On this festival, after mass had been sung, some Scots, whom the Norwegians had taken prisoners, were presented to the King. The King detained one as a hostage, and sent the others up the country, at liberty, on giving a promise that they would return with cattle. On the same day it happened that nine men belonging to Andrew Biusa's ship went ashore to procure water, and an outcry was soon heard from the mainland. The crew, therefore, immediately setting off from their ships, found two men swimming, though badly wounded, and took them on board; the other seven, unarmed, and incapable of making any defence, remained by their boat (which was left aground by the tide) and were killed by the Scotch. The Norwegians landing, carried away their dead; and the Scotch, in the meantime, fled to a wood. On the Monday, King Haco sailed from Gia-ford after having liberated the Scottish hostage, and sent him ashore. The King in the evening reached the Orkneys, and anchored in a certain sound, to the north of Asmundsvo,[100] from whence he, with the greatest part of his fleet, steered for Ronaldsvo. In passing over Pentland Firth, a terrible whirlpool appeared, and in which a ship from Rygia-fylke, with all on board, perished. John of Hestby was driven through the straits, and was very near being swallowed up in the gulf; but, by the mercy of God, his ship was forced east to the ocean, and he made for Norway.

While King Haco remained in the Orkneys the most part of his troops sailed to Norway; some went with the King's permission, but others took leave for themselves. King Haco, on his arrival at the islands, had at first given out that he would return immediately to Norway; but, as it was a long time before the wind favoured him, he determined to winter in the Orkneys. He, therefore, named twenty ships that were to remain with him, and dismissed the rest. All the vassals stayed with him, except Eilif of Naustdale; he sailed home. Most of the gentry, however, continued with their Sovereign. The King then despatched letters to Norway, concerning the necessaries he should want. After All Saints Day, the King steered for Medalland[101] harbour; but spent one day at Ronaldsha.

On the Saturday before Martinmas King Haco rode to the port of Medalland, and after mass he was taken very ill. He was aboard his ship during the night; but, on the morning, he ordered mass to be sung on shore. He afterwards held a council to deliberate where the vessels should be laid up; and ordered his men to be attentive, and see after their respective ships. Upon this each captain took the charge of his own galley. Some were laid up in the harbour of Medalland, and others at Skalpeid.[102]

Next King Haco proceeded to Skalpeid, and then rode to Kirkwall. He, with such officers as dined at his table, lodged in the Bishop's palace. Here the King and the Bishop kept separate tables in the halls, each for his own retinue; but the King dined in the upper story. He ordered certain districts to furnish his nobility and household with provisions. Andrew Plytt had the inspection of the King's table, and delivered out to the courtiers, retainers, masters of the Lights, and other attendants their usual allowance. After the proper arrangements were taken concerning the disposal of the fleet, the different captains went whither their ships were laid up. The Barons who remained at Kirkwall were Briniolf Johnston, Erling Alfson, Ronald Urka, Erling of Birkey, John Drotning, and Erlend Red. The other Barons repaired to their proper districts.

King Haco had spent the summer in much watchfulness and anxiety. Being often called to deliberate with his captains, he had enjoyed little rest, and when he arrived at Kirkwall, he was confined to his bed by his disorder. Having lain for some nights, the illness abated, and he was on foot for three days. On the first day he walked about in his apartments; on the second, he attended at the Bishop's chapel to hear mass; and on the third he went to Magnus's Church, and walked round the shrine of St Magnus, Earl of Orkney. He then ordered a bath to be prepared, and got himself shaved. Some nights after he relapsed, and took again to his bed. During his sickness, he ordered the Bible and Latin authors to be read to him. But finding his spirits were too much fatigued by reflecting on what he had heard, he desired Norwegian books might be read to him night and day; first the lives of Saints, and, when they were ended, he made his attendants read the Chronicles of our Kings from Haldan the Black, and so of all the Norwegian Monarchs in succession, one after the other. The King still found his disorder increasing. He, therefore, took into consideration the pay to be given to his troops, and commanded that a mark of fine silver should be given to each courtier, and half a mark to each of the masters of the lights, chamberlains, and other attendants on his person. He ordered all the ungilt plate belonging to his table to be weighed, and to be distributed if his plain silver fell short. At this time also letters were wrote to Prince Magnus concerning the government of the nation, and some things which the King wanted to have settled respecting the army. King Haco received extreme unction on the night before the festival of St Lucia.[103] Thorgisl, Bishop of Stavanger, Gilbert Bishop of Hamar, Henry Bishop of Orkney, Abbot Thorleif, and many other learned men were present; and before the unction, all present bade the King farewell with a kiss. He still spoke distinctly; and his particular favourites asked him if he left behind him any other son than Prince Magnus, or any other heirs that should share in the kingdom, but he uniformly persisted that he had no other heirs in the male or female line, than what were publicly known.

When the histories of all the Kings down to Suerer had been recited, he ordered the life of that Prince to be read, and to be continued night and day, whenever he found himself indisposed to sleep.

The festival of the Virgin St. Lucia happened on a Thursday, and on the Saturday after, the King's disorder increased to such a degree that he lost the use of his speech; and at midnight Almighty God called King Haco out of this mortal life. This was matter of great grief to all those who attended, and to most of those who heard of the event. The following Barons were present at the death of the King, Briniolf Johnson, Erling Alfson, John Drottning, Ronald Urka, and some domestics who had been near the King's person during his illness. Immediately on the decease of the King, Bishops, and learned men were sent for to sing mass. Afterwards all the company went out except Bishop Thorgisl, Briniolf Johnson and two other persons, who watched by the body, and performed all the services due to so illustrious a Lord and Prince as King Haco had been. On Sunday the royal corpse was carried to the upper hall, and laid on a bier. The body was clothed in a rich garb, with a garland on the head, and dressed out as became a crowned monarch. The masters of the lights stood with tapers in their hands, and the whole hall was illuminated. All the people came to see the body, which appeared beautiful and animated, and the King's countenance was as fair and ruddy as while he was alive. It was some alleviation of the deep sorrow of the beholders to see the corpse of their departed Sovereign so decorated. High mass was then sung for the deceased. The Nobility kept watch by the body during the night. On Monday the remains of King Haco were carried to St. Magnus's church, where they lay in state that night. On Tuesday the royal corpse was put into a coffin, and buried in the Choir of St. Magnus's Church, near the steps leading to the shrine of St. Magnus Earl of Orkney. The tomb was then closed, and a canopy was spread over it. It was also determined that watch should be kept over the King's grave all winter. At Christmas the Bishop and Andrew Plytt furnished entertainments, as the King had directed, and good presents were given to all the soldiers.

King Haco had given orders that his remains should be carried east to Norway, and buried near his Father and relations. Towards the end of winter, therefore, that great vessel which he had had in the west was launched, and soon got ready. On Ash-Wednesday the corpse of King Haco was taken out of the ground; this happened on the third of the nones of March. The Courtiers followed the corpse to Skalpeid where the ship lay, and which was chiefly under the direction of Bishop Thorgisl, and Andrew Plytt. They put to sea on the first Saturday in Lent; but meeting with hard weather, they steered for Silavog.[104] From this place they wrote letters to Prince Magnus acquainting him with the news, and then set sail for Bergen. They arrived at Laxavog[105] before the festival of St. Benedict.[106] On that day Prince Magnus rowed out to meet the corpse. The ship was brought near to the King's palace; and the body was carried up to a summer house. Next morning the corpse was removed to Christ-church, and was attended by Prince Magnus, the two Queens, the Courtiers, and the town's people. The body was then interred in the Choir of Christ-church; and Prince Magnus addressed a long and gracious speech to those who attended the funeral procession. All the multitude present expressed great sorrow of mind as Sturlas says.

22.

Three nights did the brave warriors, the flower of chivalry, continue at Bergen, ere they entombed their wise and glorious Prince. The breakers of temper'd metals, stood crowding around the grave of the ruler of the nation, while in their swimming eyes appear'd no look of joy.--Then commenced those bloody feuds which till our days have reigned.

King Haco was buried three nights before the festival of the annunciation of the Virgin Mary; and after the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ one thousand two hundred and sixty three years.[107]

FINIS.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 1: Sudr-eyiar, (_orig._). The Hebrides or southern division of the Scottish islands, so called in contradistinction to the Orkneys.]

[Footnote 2: Godred, Chrou-ban, _i.e._ the white handed, King of Man.]

[Footnote 3: _Th_ursa sker (_orig._) _i.e._ the giants' rocks, Thurso.]

[Footnote 4: Solunder-haf, (_orig._) the Northern ocean. So called from the Soloe islands near that promontory of Norway called Stad. That species of sea fowl which frequent the Bass, probably received their name from being more commonly found in the Solund isles.]

[Footnote 5: Kiarna-borg, (_orig._), _Fl. Ms._ Kianaborg, from the Irish _carn_ a rock, and the Is. _borg_ a castle. This castle was situated on a rocky islet near Mul. Fordun calls it Carnborg.]

[Footnote 6: Liod-hus, _i.e._ The residence of Liot. It is not unlikely that the isle of Lewes, & the family of McLeod were so named from Liod earl of Orkney.]

[Footnote 7: Kiarareyiar, in the Mss. Kiarbareyiar, the island Kiararey where Alexander died, suddenly, Jul. 8th. 1249.]

[Footnote 8: Perhaps the Author means Frissel afterwards Bishop of St Andrews; or Michael _viz._ de Weymyss, who was ambassador to Norway, A. D. 1290.]

[Footnote 9: Jarlin af Ros ok Kiarnakr son Makamals (_orig._). The text here is much vitiated. The author might have read in some Irish accounts, Jarl na Ross (William) McKerchar, McCalom, _i.e._, the Earl of Ross (William) the son of Ferchard, the son of Malcolm. This William Mac Erchart was a young Hero, and is corruptly called Macentagart by the Scottish historians. Or perhaps, three persons may be alluded to, viz., the Earl of Ross, Kinneach-son (of Kintail), and a MacCamal of Lochaw, all powerful chieftains on the west coast of Scotland. It is, however, not impossible that Kiarnak was some ancient chieftain from whom a branch of the Grants was called Clan-Chiarnach. The Fl. Ms. for Makamals reads Machamals.]

[Footnote 10: I Skid (_orig._). In the Fl. Ms. ístrid e. to war.]

[Footnote 11: The inhuman practice here described was common in those times. From the Landnamaboc we learn that Olver first discouraged this custom. We read, Olver did not permit tossing infants from spear to spear as was usual among pirates, and was therefore surnamed Barna-kall or the protector of Infants.]

[Footnote 12: Jol (_orig._). The great brumal festival among the Scandinavians. Hence the Scotch word Yule, _i.e._, Christmas.]

[Footnote 13: Nid-ar-os (_orig._), _i.e._, the mouth of the river Nid, now Drontheim.]

[Footnote 14: Vikor (_orig._), now Bahus in Sweden.]

[Footnote 15: Elfa, the river at Gottenburg.]

[Footnote 16: An Earl of Sweden and father-in-law to Haco the younger.]

[Footnote 17: Liodhusa, a town of Sweden demolished A.D. 1268.]

[Footnote 18: May 3.]

[Footnote 19: _i.e._, the hilly country. Harald Harfager divided his kingdom into several counties, each of which was to fit out a squadron of ships on an emergency. The counties were again divided into _skipreidor_, or smaller districts, each of which furnished a single vessel properly equipped.]

[Footnote 20: _i.e._, an eminence, near Bergen.]

[Footnote 21: By banks of oars we are only to understand benches for the rowers.]

[Footnote 22: _i.e._, Cape-bay, near Bergen.]

[Footnote 23: An island and excellent harbour near Bergen.]

[Footnote 24: A celebrated poet, uncle to Sigvat Bodvarson, who attended Haco in this expedition, and from whom Sturla probably had his information of facts.]

[Footnote 25: The most northerly province of Norway.]

[Footnote 26: _i.e._, no warrior.]

[Footnote 27: The Scandinavian Scalds and Mythologists often represented treasures as guarded by monsters, dragons, sea snakes, &c. This notion probably originated from the fabulous tales of those who traded to the Indies. An ancient author, speaking of Scythia, says, "nam qvum in plerisque locis auro & gemmis affluant, Gryphorum immanitate, accessus hominum rarus est."]

[Footnote 28: _i.e._, Haco.]

[Footnote 29: _i.e._, ships.]

[Footnote 30: Gestil, a famous sea king or pirate.]

[Footnote 31: _Th_areyiar-fiörd (_orig._), perhaps a mistake for Faroeyiar-fiörd. Torfæus read it Barreyiarfiord.]

[Footnote 32: _i.e._, the column of pillars, perhaps the island Staffa.]

[Footnote 33: _i.e._, the promontory of deer, now Durnish.]

[Footnote 34: 7th of July.]

[Footnote 35: The Norwegians computed by winters: the Scotch did the same, as we see by Winton's chronicle:

"Thretty winters and four than Edan regnyd Max Gowran." ]

[Footnote 36: Val-drosar (_orig._), the Goddesses of Fate, or Valkyriæ, to whom armour was supposed sacred.]

[Footnote 37: _i.e._, Tribute--Ringa elldingom, (_orig._), bright rings: _Ringa_ signify not only rings, or bracelets, but also money; for before the introduction of coinage into the North, very thick spiral gold wires were worn round the wrists of great men, who distributed bits to those who performed any signal service; and such a wire is still to be seen in the Royal Museum at Copenhagen. It is not always easy to discern when by _ringa_ is understood ornaments for the fingers, bracelets, rings of investiture, or the current money of the times.]

[Footnote 38: _i.e._, the islet, a monastery near Bergen.]

[Footnote 39: Afterwards chancellor of Norway.]

[Footnote 40: Probably the son of Dugal, the son of Somerled.]

[Footnote 41: The father of King Dugal was Rory, I suppose. See notes on pages 34 and 42.]

[Footnote 42: Nephew to Sturla author of the Ravens-ode. He attended Haco in this expedition.]

[Footnote 43: _i.e._ ships.]

[Footnote 44: _i.e._ sails.]

[Footnote 45: Bla-dufor (_orig._), _i.e._ Blue pigeons. The Scalds frequently compared ships under sail to birds, horses, and other animals in motion.]

[Footnote 46: _i.e._ gold.]

[Footnote 47: _i.e._ ship.]

[Footnote 48: Kirkio-vog (_orig._) _i.e._ Church-bay. Kirkwall.]

[Footnote 49: Breida-fiardar (_orig._), _i.e._ Broad bay. The firth of Forth.]

[Footnote 50: St Olave's day, July 29.]

[Footnote 51: Mula in Irish and Icelandic signifies a cape or beak.]

[Footnote 52: Kata-nes (_orig._), _i.e._ the promontory of Cadtav or Cathness. Cathness was particularly exposed to the inroads of the Norwegians. On this account great numbers of the inhabitants retired into Murray and the adjacent counties, where they were afterwards known by the name of Clan-Chattan.]

[Footnote 53: _i.e._, the promontory, or Cathness.]

[Footnote 54: Baug-gerdar (_orig._), _i.e._ imposer of rings. _Baug_ signifies anything circular, therefore, in compounded words, it is not easy to discern when it denotes rings or shields, &c. See note on _ringa_, p. 19.]

[Footnote 55: This eclipse happened on the 5th of August 1263.]

[Footnote 56: St Laurence's wake or vigil, 9th of Aug.]

[Footnote 57: Cathness by the ancient Britons was called Pentîr, _i.e._ the headland, whence the neighbouring firth had its name.]

[Footnote 58: _i.e._ John the Queen, perhaps the ancestor of the McQueens.]

[Footnote 59: Asleifarvik (_orig._). Fl. MS., Hals-eyiar-vic.]

[Footnote 60: _i.e._ The old woman's rock. _Cailleach_ in Irish, and _kerling_ in Icelandic signify an old woman.]

[Footnote 61: _i.e._ The promontory. This island was so called because, from its propinquity to the opposite shore, it appeared like a cape. The old Venetian edition of Pliny has "Mella xxv mill. pass. amplior proditur;" in the other copies it is "Reliquarum nulla" &c. Hence the true reading appears to be Reliquarum Mulla &c.]

[Footnote 62: Ken-tîr, _i.e._ the promontory, a Peninsula in Scotland, Kintire.]

[Footnote 63: _i.e._ God's-Island. I take this to be Giga, or, as Fordon calls it, Gia, compounded of the Gaelic _Dhia_, God, and the Islandic _ey_, an island.]

[Footnote 64: Who this Margad was does not appear from history, I believe.]

[Footnote 65: Angus, Lord of Kintire and Ila, was grandson & heir of Reginald king of the isles. His posterity succeeded to the county of Ross, & John, the second Earl, A.D. 1449, gave to his Brother Hugh the Barony of Slate &c. Lord McDonald Baron of Slate, is the direct male representative of Reginald.]

[Footnote 66: _i.e._, rings or bracelets.]

[Footnote 67: _i.e._, ships.]

[Footnote 68: _i.e._ the sea.]

[Footnote 69: A celebrated adventurer or sea king.]

[Footnote 70: Rudri or Ruari is the Irish abbreviation of Roderic. The person here meant is, no doubt, the second son of King Reginald, & the same who in a donation to the abbey of Sandale, is stiled Rodericus de Kintire filius Reginaldi. This Roderic, it seems, besides Allan & Dougal, had another son Angus McRorie, Lord of Bute, whose daughter and heiress Jean was married to Alexander sixth Lord High Steward, Grand father to Robert II. King of Scotland. Robert, A.D. 1400., gave Bute to his son John from whom the present family of Bute is lineally descended.]

[Footnote 71: _i.e._ the Scotch.]

[Footnote 72: _i.e._ the Scotch.]

[Footnote 73: _i.e._ sea.]

[Footnote 74: _i.e._ ships.]

[Footnote 75: Irar. (_orig._), _i.e._ Irish. As the native Irish had suffer'd so much from the Scandinavians it is improbable they would apply for assistance to the _Siol Lochlin na beum_. We may therefore reasonably conclude that the People here mentioned were the descendants of those Norwegians or Ostmen, who long inhabited the eastern coast of Ireland and founded some of its best towns. A. D. 1201 those Ostmen or Easterlings were still so considerable that, at a recognition taken of the diocese of Limerick, the arbitrators consisted of 12 English, 12 Irish, & 12 Ostmen. Edw. I. gave Gilchrist, William, & John Gilmorys, with other Ostmen in the County of Waterford, peculiar privileges; &, by the rolls of Edw. II. they evidently subsisted, as a distinct people, during the reign of that prince.]

[Footnote 76: Kumr-eyiar (_orig._), _i.e._ the Islands of the Cumbrians, two small islands to the West of Scotland.]

[Footnote 77: Skipa-fiörd in Islandic, and Loch-Lhong, in Gaelic, signifies the Bay of Ships.]

[Footnote 78: Allan & Dougal his brother were, I imagine, the sons of Rudri (see the note on page 34.) This Allan we may suppose to be the same who, in Rymer's Foedera, is called "Alanus filius Rotherici," & who A. D. 1284 was one of the Barons that engaged to support Margaret of Norway's title to the crown of Scotland. Dugal was probably the predecessor of McDougal of Dunoly _i.e._ Olave's tower. The place might receive this name, from having been the residence of Olave, the youngest Son of Somerled thane of Argyle.]

[Footnote 79: To avoid long, or dangerous circumnavigations, it was usual for the antients to draw their light canoes over isthmuses. Among the Greeks such places were termed [Greek: _diolchoi_] _i.e._ dragging-places, and there was a very remarkable one near Corinth. By the Scotch they were called Tarbats, from the Gaelic _tarn_ to draw, and _baat_ a boat. There was a Tarbat between Loch-Lomond and Loch-Long.]

[Footnote 80: Alwin McArkel, as appears from the Chartulary of Glasgow, was created Earl of Levnach by Maol-Coluim IIII., A. D. 1153.]

[Footnote 81: No doubt the neighbouring inhabitants retired to the isles of Loch-Lomond in times of danger.]

[Footnote 82: _i.e._ Haco.]

[Footnote 83: _i.e._ without an awning.]

[Footnote 84: _i.e._ ships.]

[Footnote 85: _i.e._, the Scotch.]

[Footnote 86: Kerti-sveina (_orig._), _i.e._ Inspectors of the Lights, who were to see that the Norwegian palace was properly illuminated. The office corresponded exactly to the Canhowllyd of the Welsh Princes.]

[Footnote 87: In the Fl. Ms. the Norwegians are said to have entered the transport.]

[Footnote 88: Fl. MS., Five hundred.]

[Footnote 89: Perus or Pherus (_orig._), probably Fergus.]

[Footnote 90: A quotation from Giraldus's account of the Irish will both illustrate this passage & the antient method of fighting. "Utuntur--securibus quoque amplis, fabrili diligentiâ optimè chalybatis, quas a Norwegiensibus & Oustmannis sunt mutuati. Unâ tantum manu, & non ambabus, securi percutiunt, pollice desuper manubrium in longum extenso ictu regente, a quo nec galea, caput, in conum erecta, nec reliquum corpus ferrea loricæ tricatura tuetur. Unde & in nostris contigit temporibus totam militis coxam ferro utcunque fideliter vestitam, uno securis ictu præcisam fuisse, ex unâ equi parte coxâ cum tibiâ, ex altera verò, corpore cadente moribundo. Lapides quoque pugillares, cum alia arma defecerint, hostibus in conflictu damnosissimos, præ alia gente promptius, & expeditius ad manum habent."]

[Footnote 91: Knights at their creation were invested with belts ornamented with gems. See Malmsb., book 2, chap. 6.]

[Footnote 92: A district of Norway.]

[Footnote 93: Melanzeiar (_orig._). Fl. Ms. Melas eyiar, perhaps the island of Lamlash or Alisa.]

[Footnote 94: Mylar-Kalf (_orig._). Among the Norwegians a small island adjoining to a greater was called its calf, as the calf of Mull, the calf of Man, &c.]

[Footnote 95: A subdivision of Norway.]

[Footnote 96: Yngua (_orig._), one of Haco's predecessors.]

[Footnote 97: Hvarf, (_orig._), signifies an intervening ridge that intercepts the prospect--Farohead.]

[Footnote 98: Giafiörd (_orig._) Fl. Ms. Goa-fiörd.]

[Footnote 99: October 28.]

[Footnote 100: Asmundar-vogi (_orig._), _i.e._, Asmund's Bay.]