Earl Erling is forewarned of King Sverri's attack.

34. one day after the Earl had taken his evening meal, Sigurd Nikolasson and Jon of Randaberg came to him; and Sigurd asked him if the outposts were stationed. “We are told, Sire,” he said, “that the Birkibeins will shortly pay us a visit. I would advise that we summon our whole force under arms to the castle, and be ready for them if they visit us here. We believe it true, that they have come into Gaulardale, and some say that they are making their way to the fell. But it is none the less likely, so we are certainly told, that they intend to attack us here.” “I wish it were true with all my heart,” answered the Earl, “that they are coming here; I expect their errand would meet with a fit reception. But I think you may sleep the nigh through without fear of the Birkibeins, for they must have turned to the fell, I am told. Sverri will not venture to attack us here, if we are on our guard, as is the case now.” Then Jon of Randaberg spoke: “The Earl's promise, that we need not fear the Birkibeins, ought to presage good to us. But some men there are, Sire, who say you give yourself excess in mead and wine rather than to devising firm purposes for the good of your men.” And the Earl answered in much anger: “Seldom hitherto has a charge been laid against me, other than of being too cautious. And now I know not whether it is, that you are somewhat more fearful than need be, or that I am capable, as you say, of no thought for my men's safety. However, you shall be able to repose this night without fear, if you have faith in me, because I will keep watch myself. Aforetime that was though full security, and we had greater odds to face then than now.” After this, Sigurd and Jon went away to their ships, and somewhat later the Earl retired to his bed to sleep. All his men did likewise. Except the outposts, which were set as usual.

Speech of King Sverri to his men on the slopes of Steinbiorg.

35. We have now to say of the Birkibeins, that they reached Steinbiorg before daybreak. Here the barons asked King Sverri the object of his march, and he told them that he meant to attack the Earl. And when they had mounted the ridge and were come to Feginsbreck, he alighted from his horse, fell upon his knees, and said his prayers. Afterwards he addressed a few words to his men, bidding them stand well together. “We shall now win a glorious victory,” he said. “I need not detail before you the distresses in which you were involved before our arrival in this land, nor the few gains on which you have laid hands since. I can well infer from my own feelings that you will think the time is come when you should receive more profit than has yet been in our reach from the toil and great danger you have undergone. What we have won by the sword we have taken; entertainment here, money there, where we found it. But now there is a prize to be won in the town of Nidaros, somewhat more valuable than those for which we have often contended. In the town before us are King Magnus and Earl Erling with man barons and King's men; and we may aim at greater honour than comes generally, I imagine, within our power. Victory will be hours, I feel sure, after the dream that has come to me.⁶ Let us now press forward the more eagerly, as we shall gather more fruit than hitherto. I will now make known to you what is to be gained: Whoever slays a baron, and can bring forward evidence of his deed, shall himself be a baron; and whatever title a man shall cause to be vacant, that title shall be his: he shall be King's man who slays a King's man, and he shall receive good honour besides. Such is the prize to be won, and I believe they have no certain knowledge of our movements. There is good reason to suppose that Fortune has abandoned them, and they have come to the end of their days; but we shall win victory and honour as it our due. Thus shall God decide between us and them. For a long time they have held possession of what is ours; maybe they will now lose what aforetime they wrongfully seized and will lose life as well. Let your first onset be fierce to the utmost; what remains will be done easily. Doubtless they are well steeped in drink, heavy with sleep, and so without resource; some of them are on board their ships, others here and there in the town, and they will scarcely know where to turn or what to do.”

When King Sverri finished his speech, which was well received by all, they marched onwards down Steinbiorg.

King Magnus and Earl Erling are roused on the approach of The Birkibeins.

36. That night King Magnus's men were out on Eyra keeping watch and playing games. They perceived the force of the Birkibeins as it marched over Steinbiorg, and straightway blew the trumpets, and summoned their men to arm themselves and come forth. King Magnus's troops for the most part were sleeping in the town. They had drunk to excess in the evening, for the King had entertained them during the day, and they lay in the houses where they were quartered. When the Earl heard the tidings of war, he rose and dressed himself, and bade his men take their weapons. Then Ivar Horti, his kinsman, came and said, “Our men are scattered throughout the town; many of them must have lain down to sleep in an incapable state, and we shall not get them together as quickly as is needed. I would advise the signal to be given for all to go on board. We can let the ships move away slowly from the quays, make our preparations at leisure, and fight if you think good. Or we might even row out of the river into the open sea, for the townsfolk here will not give us loyal assistance.” And the Earl answered, “I almost think, Ivar, that your advice is best, but I can't bear to see that devil's priest Sverri seat himself in my son's place.” He stood up, therefore, and calling to his men, bade them all get read y as quickly as they could to go on land. When the force had come ashore, and also the Earl, and the standard was in front, the Earl marched through the town along the street to Kristskirk, wished he kissed. He was here joined by King Magnus with his standard, by Sigurd Nikolasson, Jon of Randaberg, and Ivar Horti, with their companies. Many of the men fell on their knees and said their prayers. The Earl then turned away to leave the church, saying to his men, “Stand up and take your weapons. Some of us maybe will have the opportunity of resting here after awhile.” Earl Erling ws dressed in a scarlet kirtle of fustian, a cap of silk, and a coat of plate-mail, which was not closed in front. His sword was drawn, and as he held it aloft in his hand he said, “You shall say to-day that his old man knows how to make his sword bite.” Then speaking to his trumpeters he bade them blow their hardest. And when they had marched beyond the church tower, the Earl glanced round to right and to left and asked, “What has become of all our men?”

Battle of Nidaros and fall of Earl Erling [June 19, 1179⁷]

37. King Sverri had about three hundred men, or somewhat more, from Gaulardale, but they were poorly armed. The yeoman had sent their labourers, because they themselves dared no join him, fearing the vengeance of Earl Erling. As the force passed over Steinbiorg, one of them ran forward before the rest. He was tall and strong, and carried a huge wooden cudgel on his shoulder, but he had no other weapon. And Ozur Prest said to him, “What do you want, man? Why do you rush on in that way with your cudgel? Where are your weapons? Fighting against Earl Erling is another matter than thrashing corn, where a cudgel may well serve.” The man's name was Eyvind, and he answered, “The weapons I am going fight with are on their way from the town, the Earl;s men have them still.” And Hiarrandi Hvida said, “Well spoken! fellow. You are surely a good man.” He then gave him his own halberd and hand-axe, and said, “Fight with these weapons.”

The Birkibeins now marched up to the town, and the two armies met on the Akr, a little above the town, beyond the church tower. King Magnus and Earl Erling had five hundred men. A great battle arose straight way, and a fight of the sharpest, but not of long duration. Thor Spæla was Earl Erling's standard-bearer, and after some slaughter on both sides, especially among King Magnus's men, a determined onset was made around the Earl's standard. Thori, closely pressed, thrust the pole of the standard into the ground so that it stood upright. The Earl's ranks now began to yield, so that his tandard stood almost at the back of those Birkibeins on pressed on most eagerly; and those in the rear thinking the Earl was with his standard, were afraid, supposing their own men had taken to flight. When King Sverri perceived this, he had the standard cut town. About the same time Earl Erling received a thrust from a halberd which struck him in the stomach. “A serious thrust, Sire,” said one to him. “keep close the King's standard,” answered the Earl, “the wound will not hurt men.” Presently, Osur Prest and Helgi Thorfinnsson came near the Earl and he struck Ozure across the face, making a deep and ugly wound. Afterwards he sank down, and his men who were nearest him fell fighting. As the King fled he came to the spot where the Earl, his father, lay, with his face upwards. The King stooped and kissed him, saying, “We shall meet again on the day of joy, my father.” The Earl's lips quivered, but he had no strength to answer, and the King was unable to stay long as he had to save himself. King Magnus fled into the town, and many with him, and escaped to the Earl's ship, the Ryd, and sailed her out of the river. There fell in the Akr, Sigurd Nikolasson, Jon of Randaberb, Ivar Horti, Einar Litli, a baron, Botulf of the Firdi and his two sones. Biorn Bukk leapt into the river to swim over to Skellingar-hella, but he was drowned; he wore a coat of mail and sank immediately. Many leapt into the river, some of whom perished, and others were saved. Ivar Sveinsson fell there, and Guthorm Snerill. All these were barons of King Magnus. Nearly sixty of the King's guardsmen fell there, and many other men. King Sverri took possession of the Olafssud, the ship which King Magnus had steered hitherto. He captured almost all their ships. He likewise gained possession of his own ships that he had left.

Speech of King Sverri at the burial of Earl Erling.

38. Earl Erling's body was borne for interment on the south side of the church, but his burial-place now lies within the church. King Sverri made a speech over the grave and thus spoke:-

“It is not fit that silence should be altogether kept at the burial of so noble a man as the one over whom we now stand. Times are greatly changed, as you may see, and have taken a marvelous turn, when one man stands in the place of three- King, Earl, or archbishop-and I am that one. Much to be seen and known is occurring here now, of great import and a cause of thankfulness to men, in that both here and to other churches are borne the bodies of many who sided with King Magnus. For, indeed, it is known to many that Archbishop Eystein and many other learned men have constantly said concerning all who die fighting for King Mangnus and defending his land. That their souls will enter Paradise before their blood is cold upon the ground. We may here rejoice at the sanctity of many men who have become saints, if what the Archbishop said is true, and all these have become saints who died fighting under Earl Erling. We many imagine how great a saint Erl Erling himself has become, who first of all, when King Magnus was a child, caused him to be chosen King, and from that day till now has constantly advanced and supported his kingdom. Of a truth, his intercession with Almighty God will be a powerful help to men, if so be that the Archbishop was not somewhat biased in his pleading when he uttered the words. It has now come to pass that we stand over those who for a long time bore the helm of terror over us and many others. I see many now present here at this grave sorrowing who would have been filled with joy if they so stood over my grave, though the funeral had not been stately. That sorrow seems to me senseless and unkingly, judged by what has often been preached to you of the opinion we ought all to hold of death under such circumstances. It seems to me that it should be a great joy to you and to us that God has thus willed to dispose of men's lives. We might live somewhat more profitably and in less peril than hitherto, because will shall no longer feel dread of him at whose grave we now stand. But you have cause for even greater joy at the death of those with whom you o longer have bodily dealings, for consider now the promise of the Archbishop. The time has come when their blood is cold, and though we cannot yet rejoice at any miracles wrought by them, there must be an abundance of glorified saints in the town at this moment. You will not have lost them; rather, they will now be able to bestow on you great good if you worship them as saints according to your intention. But if, unfortunately, there should be a danger, as my hear tells me there may be, that all the fine promises made to them are unfulfilled, then have they suffered long enough on account of that lie and absurd nonsense, they and all who believed it. I would advise, therefore, another way of acting. Pray rather for those who have departed. Pray God that Earl Erling may be forgiven all the sins which he committed in this life-especially the great sin of arrogance, in that he, a mere baron caused the title of king to be given to his son; and more than that, collected a force and raised his standard against king's sons, King Hakon and King Eystein, both of whom he deprived of their realm, over which he rules with King Magnus without any more rightful title than I now declare to you. Let us pray too for the souls of all those who have come by their death, now and aforetime, in this wrongful trouble. Pray God that He will forgive their sins and save their souls. All the evil they have done to me I willingly forgive them for God's sake. Let every man among you do now what seems best, and what he thinks meetest for himself and for those departed. For they have been summoned hastily and without sacrament from the world, with somewhat less preparation and with sterner feelings than now they would desire. I will maintain that whatever good you do for their souls will be a saving help to you and a full measure of mercy, rather than hold it certain that they have no need of prayers.”

After the king had said this, he changed his language, and spoke in the manner then customary at the interment of noble persons. He first thanked the clergy for their chanting and beautiful service, and then all the people for their prayers and such gifts as each man was minded to add for the souls good of friend or neighbour. He exhorted each one carefully to perform for his intimate friend such kind offices as he himself would desire, declaring that he himself would find men to giver burial to those who had none to care for them. So the King ceased speaking. All who heard his words were pleased with them, and many applauded his speech.

Meeting of King Magnus and Archbishop Eystein at Bergen.

39. King Magnus and those of his force that escaped sailed south to Bergen. Here he found Archbishop Eystein and Orm Kings-brother and told them the tidings. He then summoned an Assembly of his men and the towns-people, spoke to them of his loss, and begged them to help him. Archbishop Eystein responded to the king's speech, and said that all doughty men would be well disposed to strengthen his rule with all their might. “The battle has had one issue Sire,” he said, “that many will welcome: you, whom all the people love, have come out of it safe and sound. And though Earl Erling was a wise and powerful man, yet many found his manner tyrannical, and thought it hard to endure. But all men will consent to risk their lives for yours, that you may win your realm and land.” Great applause followed this speech, all professing that they would rather die with King Magnus than serve priest Sverri. King Magnus and his men then sailed east to Vik. Here he passed the winter, and gathered around him a considerable force and many powerful men. Ships were built and great preparations made for war.

Effect on the Birkibeins of the Victory at Nidaros.

40. After this battle and the fall of Earl Erling, King Sverri's power grew to such a height that there was no one in Norway, except King Magnus and his men, who did not call him King. Hitherto wherever in market towns or other places great persons were present, if a man was called Birkibein it was thought a mark of contempt; henceforth the name was a title of honour, and the bearers of it were highly esteemed. The very men who had been lavourers, or even robbers or ribalds, and had joined King Sverri's force and had a share in the victory, now wore scarlet and fine cloth. They carried good weapons, which aforetime were borne by the guardsmen of King Magnus or the barons. Those who recognized them concealed the fact that they were same men whom they had known in poverty; yea, the Birkibeins themselves would scarcely remember their former condition. It is a common saying among men that no braver troops have been seen in Norway than those with King Sverri at this time. The King himself bore witness to it ever afterwards, and spoke of those Birkibeins whenever his men fell into sloth or overdrank, kept a careless watch, or complained of toil and fatigue.

King Sverri now distributed pay among his guardsmen, and conferred many titles of honour; and he appointed bailiffs over the whole of Throndham.

How the party of King Magnus got the name of Heklungs.

41. It happened east in Vik that an old beggar woman died, how left behind her a cowled frock or Hekla, and a great quantity of silver was found stitched up in it. King Magnus's men hear of this, and took and burnt the frock, dividing the silver among themselves. This became known to the Bikibeins, and hence-forth they called them Hehlaufs, that his Cowl-heirs, or Heklungs.

King Sverri's dream before the battle of Nidaros.

42. Before the fall of Earl Erling, King Sverri had a dream from which he learnt beforehand, as he supposed, to the issue of the action between him and the Earl. He dreamt that he was sleeping in an upper room of the town, on a bright night, and that a man entered the room and came up to the bed in which he lay. “Rise up, Sverri,” said the vision, “and come with me.” The man inspired him with awe, and he felt that he dared not do otherwise than he was bid. The man walked out of the town and he followed until they came to a fire, on which a man lay roasted. Then the vision bade Sverri sit down and eat, placing the man before him. But Sverri thought in his dream, and so answered, that he had never eaten any unclean thin, and would not then eat. And the vision said, “Though wilt and shalt eat, for so wills He who governs all things.” Sverri dreamt that he now began to eat the flesh from the bones, and every mouthful seemed difficult to swallow. But the longer he ate, the less disgust he seemed to feel at eating the remainder. Coming to the head, he was about to eat it also; but the man who had led him there told him to cease eating, and took the head himself. Sverri's unwillingness to leave off now seemed to him little less than his former unwillingness to begin, but the stronger man had his way. Then they went back into the town and to the same house; and when Sverri in his dream had returned to the same bed, he saw his guide leave the room, and then he awoke.

It was this dream that caused the King to urge his men forward so eagerly on their march to the town. He so interpreted it that the man lying on the fire⁸ was Earl Erling, then beginning to grow old, and that king Magnus and his men were senile in counsel and feeble in resource, His eating the man foretold that he and his troop would destroy the greater part of the barons and guardsmen; the uneaten head, that King Magnus would escape.

King Sverri and the Thronds. Voyage to Bergen and back.

43. Adter the battle, many rich men of the noble families of the Thrond communities crowded to King Sverri, and many who remained at home became his friends. The King placed great trust in the Thronds, for they had all along been unfriendly to Earl Erling, as was before told in his dealings with them.⁹ King Sverri ever afterwards spoke of Thronham as his home. Of all the people of the land he held the Thronds in most affection, and always declared what trusty friends the Thronds had been to his father King Sigurd, to his brother King Hakon and the Eystein the Birkibein, having always served under the same shield.

King Sverri remained for a time north in Kaupang. He made a levy of men and food all over Throndham, and obtained ships from the yeomen of the districts. When he was ready he followed King Magnus south, but coming to Bergen, he found that the King had sailed way east with all his force. On this voyage from the north, King Sverri set his bailiffs over all those parts of the realm; and in autumn he sailed back to Kaupang, where he abode during the winter.