KINGS OF NORWAY. 99 He was the commander of King Olaf's court-men, saga ix. spoke at the Things *, and took part in all the country affairs with the king. The king offered to give Skule whatever district in Norway he liked, with all the income and duties that belonged to the king in it. Skule thanked him very much for the offer, but said he Avould rather have something else from him. " For if there came a shift of kings," said he, " the gift might come to nothing. I would rather take some proper- ties lying near to the merchant towns, where you, sire, usually take up your abode, and then I would enjoy your Yule-feasts." The king agreed to this, and conferred on him lands eastward at Konghelle, Opslo, Tunsburg, Sarpsburg, Bergen, and north at Nidaros. These were nearly the best properties at each place, and have since descended to the family branches which came from Skule. King Olaf gave Skule his female relative Gudrun, the daughter of Nefstein, in marriage. Her mother was Ingerid, a daughter of Sigurd Syr and Aasta, King Olaf the Saint's mother. Ingerid was a sister of King Olaf the Saint and of King Harald. Skule and Gudrun's son was Asolf of Reine, who married Thora, a daugh- ter of Skopte Ogmundsson ; and this Skopte was a grandson of Thorberg Arneson. Skule's and Gud- run's daughter was Ragnhild, who was married to Orm Kyrping ; and his daughter was Aasa, mother of Biorn Buck. Asolf and Thora's son was Guttorm of Reine, father of Bard, and grandfather of King Inge and of Duke Skule. Asolf and Thora's daughter was Sigrid, who was married to Halkel Huk ; and their son was John, father of Halkel, Rognvald, and Gregorius. Guttorm of Reine married Elrida, sister of Halkel Huk ; and their daughters were Rangrid, Ingrid, and Gudrud. Rangrid was married to Biorn Byrdarswend ;
- Another instance of the old Norse or Icelandic tongue having been
generally known in a part of England. H 2
