498 DIVISIONS OF PEOPLE INTO CLASSES. 



" At that time there were many kings in Upplond who ruled 

 over Fylkis, and most of them sprang from Harald Fairhair. 

 Two brothers, Hrcerek and Hring, ruled Heidmork, and Gudrod 

 ruled the Gudbrandsdal. There was also a king in Kau- 

 mariki " (St. Olaf, 34). 



" Harald Fairhair reigned over Norway for a long time ; 

 but before that the country was ruled by many kings, some 

 having one Fylld to govern, and others somewhat more. All 

 these kings Harald deposed. . . . He placed a jarl in every 

 Fylki, to rule the land and administer the laws " (Flat- 

 eyjarbok). 



Many of the bold spirits of the North could ill brook the 

 yoke of the first king of Norway. 



Solvi, son of King Hunthjof, escaped from a battle against 

 Harald Fairhair in which his father fell. He went to King 

 Arnvid of Smmmceri and told him to fight against Harald. 



" ' Though this trouble has come on our hands, it will not be 

 long before the same will come on yours, for I guess that 

 Harald will soon come here when he has subjugated and made 

 thralls of any one he pleases in Nordmoeri and Baumsdal. 

 You will have to do the same as we had to do, defend your 

 property and your freedom, and gather together all those from 

 whom you may expect help. I offer my help and that of my 

 warriors against this overbearing and insolence ; else you must 

 do like the men of Naumudal, go of your free will under his 

 yoke and become his thralls. My father thought it a victory 

 to die in his kingship with honour, rather than become the 

 wider-man x of another king in his old age. I expect thee to 

 think the same, and others who are of some rank and wish to 

 use their strength ' " (Egil's Saga, c. 3). 



" Once King Hrolf invited his brother-in-law Hjorvard to a 

 feast ; while Hjorvard stayed at the feast it happened when 

 the kings were outside that King Hrolf untied his breeches belt 

 and meanwhile gave his sword to King Hjorvard ; when King 

 Hrolf had again fastened the belt he took back the sword, and 

 said to King Hjorvard : ' We both know that it has long been 

 said, that he who receives the sword of another man while he 

 unties his breeches belt, shall ever after be his wider-man ; now 

 thou shalt be my under-king, and bear it as well as others.' 

 Hjorvard became exceedingly angry at this, but had to sub- 

 mit. He went home dissatisfied, nevertheless he paid tax to 



1 This custom of becoming an under-man is illustrated in several Sagas. 



