384 RELIGION. IDOLS AND WORSHIP OF MEN, ANIMALS, ETC. 



with fire around this, and made it the property of the temple " 

 (Landnama v., c. 3). 



" Onund the wise took up land in the valley east of Merki- 

 gil. When Eirik (from Goddalir) wanted to settle in the 

 valley west of it, Onund threw sacrificing-rods to ascertain 

 when Eirik would come and take up the land. Onund then 

 forestalled him, and shot with a burning arrow across the river, 

 and thus took possession of the land west of it and dwelt on it " 

 (Landnama iii., c. 8). 



The chief Blundketil was burnt in his house by his foes. 

 When the chief Tungu-Odd heard of it he rode to the place 

 with the son of the burnt chief. 



" Odd rode to a house which was not quite burnt down. 

 He stretched out his hand and pulled a rafter of birch-wood 

 out of the house, and then rode against the sun (from west to 

 east) round the houses with the burning brand and said : 

 ' Here I settle on this land, for I do not see any homestead ; 

 may the witnesses present hear it. He then whipped his 

 horse and rode away " (Hoansa Thori's Saga, c. 9). 



