564 DUELLING. 



and were regulated by a code of law called the "holmganga 



laws" 



It derived its name from the fact that the combatants 

 originally fought upon a small islet (holm), partly in order 

 that they might not be disturbed and parted against their 

 will, and partly that the fighting place might have a natural 

 border, over which they could not retire. 



In later times, instead of an island, places were marked out 

 for duels ; and though they were sometimes marked by stones 

 in a ring, like a dom-ring, they were nevertheless called 

 " holm," because the laws of holmganga prevented any one from 

 passing the boundary. 



The laws of duelling seem to have been recited before the 

 combat. Bjdrn Hitdoelakappi said : 



" ' I left my country because I wanted to seek fame ; there 

 are now two choices before me : the one to bravely get victory, 

 though that is unlikely, in fighting against this man ; the 

 other is to fall with valour like a man, and that is better than 

 to live in shame and not dare to win honour for the king. I 

 will fight against Kaldimar.' The king thanked him, and the 

 laws of the holmganga were read. The champion had an 

 excellent sword called Moering. They fought hard and 

 eagerly ; at last the champion fell, but Bjorn received a severe 

 wound ; on this account he got great fame and honour from 

 the king " (Bjorn Hitdcelakappi's Saga). 



The combatants had sometimes to fight on a cloak, and were 

 allowed to use three shields, in case of these being cut asunder, 

 one after the other. They usually did not themselves carry the 

 shield, each combatant having a friend to hold it, who was 

 called skjaldsvein (shield man). Swords of a certain length 

 only were allowed, and it seems that they were used for 

 striking, not thrusting. 



" A cloak was spread under their feet. Bersi said, ' Thou, 

 Kormak, didst challenge me to holmganga, but instead of it I 

 offer thee einvigi (single-fight). Thou art young and little 

 experienced, and at holmganga there are difficult rules, but 

 none whatever at einvigi.' Kormak answered, ' I shall not fight 

 better in einvigi, and I will risk this, and in all be on equal 

 footing with thee.' ' Thou shalt now have thy way,' said Bersi. 



