46 THE BIRTH AND BRING ING-VP OF CHILDREN. 



punishment was given for having a son fostered in secret. 

 Aslak replied that he did not know, but that a man might 

 have his child fostered where he pleased. The king answered 

 that he would lose lands and life. Aslak confessed he could 

 not see why such a severe punishment should be imposed, but, 

 however, it did not concern him. The king informed him 

 that it did, as he had been told that he had a son fostered in 

 secret, at the same time naming the man who told him. 

 Aslak then acknowledged having had a son named Heming, 

 who at first was very promising, but after awhile became 

 insane, and therefore had been sent far away from Torgar 

 (Aslak's home), and he now did not know whether this son 

 lived or was dead. The king said he should soon go away, but 

 would return next season, and then expect to see either 

 Heming or his bones, if he should be dead " (Flateyjarbok, iii.). 



The children seem to have amused themselves in a manner 

 Very similar to that which is customary in the present day. 



" The boys Guthorm and Halfdan, Asta's sons (St. Olaf's 

 half-brothers) were playing with large boar and barns, cattle 

 and sheep, which they had themselves made. Harald (the third 

 son) was a short way off at a muddy creek of the lake with 

 many chips of wood floating on the water. (St.) Olaf asked 

 him what they were for. He said they were his war-ships. 

 The King laughed and said : ' It may be, kinsman, thou wilt 

 rule ships in time to come ' (this boy was Harald Hardradi) " 

 (St. Olaf's Saga, c. 75). 



