378 IDR6TTIE. 



to have games of ball about the winter nights. Men came 

 there from the whole district, and large halls were raised for 

 the games. Men dwelt there for half a month or more" 

 (Eyrbyggja, ch. 43). 



" Games were then held in Asbjarnarnes, and men gathered 

 for them from many districts, from Vididal, from Midfjord, 

 Vatnsnes, Vatnsdal, and all the way from Langadal. There 

 was a crowd of people. All talked about how much Kjartan 

 surpassed others. Then the games were prepared, and Hall 

 managed them. He asked Kjartan to take part in them. 

 ' We want thee, kinsman, to show thy skill in them.' Kjartan 

 answered : ' Little exercise did I have in games during the 

 last time, for King Olaf employed himself with other matters ; 

 but this time I will not refuse thee.' He made ready for 

 the play, and the strongest men present were pitted against 

 him. They played during the day, and no man equalled 

 Kjartan, either in strength or skill. In the evening, when the 

 games were finished, Hall Gudmundsson rose and said : ' It is 

 the offer and will of my father that all those who have come 

 the longest way here shall remain overnight and begin the 

 amusement again to-morrow.' This offer was thought chief- 

 like and much praised. Kalf Asgeir's son was there, and was 

 a great friend of Kjartan ; Hrefna, his sister, was also there, 

 splendidly dressed. That night 100 men were on the farm 

 besides the household. The following day they were divided 

 for the games. Kjartan then sat and looked on " (LaxdaBla, 

 ch. 45). 1 



Skin-pulling, which was like the modern pastime the tug-of- 

 war, is seldom mentioned. 



" The king said : ' We (Hord and himself) will pull a goat's 

 skin across the fire in this hall to-morrow. . . .' Early next 

 morning they went into the hall ; a large fire had been made 

 there. A little after the king came, and said : ' I will get 

 Hastigi to pull with thee, Hord.' Hord answered : ' It is 

 well for us to try skin- pulling ; so make thyself ready, Hastigi.' 

 Hastigi took off all his clothes, but Hord did not take off 

 his fur-cloak. A very strong walrus-hide was given to 

 them. Then they set to with hard grips and tuggings, and 

 each alternately was successful. They soon pulled the hide 

 asunder between them. The king ordered the ox-hide to be 

 brought to them. Then they pulled with all their might, and 

 so hard, that they were in danger of falling into the fire. 



1 Cf. also Egil's Saga, c. 40 ; Gisli Sursson's Saga. 



