CHAPTER XLII. 



DUELLING. 



Two forms of duelling 'I 'he challeuge The places of combat Rules of 

 duelling Plan of duelling-ground Length of sword used Offer of 

 sacrifice before a duel- A peculiar duel Women a constant cause 

 of duels Famous duels The abolition of duelling. 



THE custom of duelling, which was frequently resorted to as a 

 form of ordeal, prevailed very extensively. 



There were two kinds of duels, the einvigi and the 

 holmganf/a. When used as a form of ordeal, or means of 

 proof, if the challenger was victorious, then the object 

 demanded was his, for his victory was thought to be the 

 j udgment of the gods. 



" It was the law of holmganga in those times, that if he who 

 challenged another man in order to get something gained the 

 victory, he should have the prize for which he had challenged ; 

 but if he was defeated, he should release himself with as much 

 property as had been agreed upon ; but if he fell in the holm- 

 ganga he should forfeit all his property, and he who killed 

 him was to take all the inheritance " (Egil's Saga, c. 67). 



In the einvigi 1 there were no settled rules, and each party 

 could use such weapons as he wished, and proceed in such 

 manner as he thought most advantageous to himself. It was 

 the simpler mode of duelling. One of its peculiarities was that 

 the place for the fight was marked out. The combatants were 

 allowed to use other weapons besides swords, and themselves 

 carried the shield,' while in the Iwlmganga it was carried for 

 them. 



The holmganga, which took place after a formal challenge ;it 

 which the time and place were fixed, was the form of duelling 

 that chiefly prevailed. Its rules were most strict and binding. 



''Einvigi Kormak, c. 10. 



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