THE HEIMSKRINGLA; OR, CHHONICLE OF THE KINGS OF NOEWAY. IX. SAGA OF HAEALD HAEDEADA.* ^^fij^ Harald, son of Sigurd Syr, brother of Olaf the Saint Chatter by the same mother, was at the battle of Stiklestad, Haraid and was fifteen years old Avhen King Olaf the Saint fro^'ti,e fell, as before related. Harald was wounded, and battle of escaped with other fugitives. Of this Thiodolf the scald makes mention in the poem he composed about King Harald, which he called Sexstefia:" — ^' At Haugf the fire-sparks from his shield Flew round the king's head on the field. As blow for blow, for Olaf's sake, His sword and shield would give and take. Bulgaria's conqueror :|:, I ween. Had scarcely fifteen winters seen, When from his murdered brother's side His unhelmed head he had to hide." Eognvald Brusesson led Harald from the battle, and the night after the fray took him to a bonder who dwelt in the forest far from other people. The pea- sant received Harald, and kept him concealed ; and Harald was waited upon until he was quite cured of
- Harald Hardrada (the Stern) reigned from about 1046 to 1066.
f Haug is a farm near Stiklestad farm in Vaerdal, where the battle was fought. J An allusion to Harald's exploits in the East with the Vseringers. VOL. III. B
