CHAPTER XXVI. 



CHAMPIONS AND BERSERKS. 



The warrior's aim to be a Berserk Berserk frenzy The twelve sons of Arn- 

 grirn They fight without coats of mail Hrolf's champions Hakon 

 Jaii's Berserks The life of a Berserk Disregard for death. 



To be considered the foremost champion or Kappi was the 

 greatest ambition of every warrior ; and to attain this proud 

 position was no easy task among so many men who were 

 equally brave and perfectly reckless of their lives, and 

 thoroughly skilled in the handling of weapons. 



After such a reputation had been acquired, the champion 

 had either to challenge or be challenged by those who vied with 

 him, and these duels or trials of strength and skill generally 

 took place before a large assembly. 



The aim of every champion was to become a " Berserk " (so 

 called, probably, because they fought without serk (shirt)), who 

 was regarded as the bravest of men. When within sight of 

 their foe Berserks wrought themselves into such a state of 

 frenzy, that they bit their shields and rushed forward to the 

 attack, throwing away their arms of defence, reckless of every 

 danger, sometimes having nothing but a club, which carried 

 with it death and destruction. 



" In the time of Hakon, ^Ethelstan's foster-son, there lived in 

 Norway Bjorn the Pale, who was a Berserk. He went round 

 the country and challenged men to liolmganya (duel) if they 

 would not do his will " (Gisli Sursson's Saga, p. 1). 



This berserk-fury was not only utilised in war, but for the 

 performance of hard feats which were held to be out of the 

 power of ordinary people. In some cases this fury seems to 

 have come over the Berserks apparently without cause, when 

 they trembled and gnashed their teeth. 



