210 TiiADEits AM> 



" In the spring, after the Jomsviking battle, the Jarl sum- 

 moned before him many chiefs east in the country. Thither 

 also came at the Jail's summons the brothers Jostein and 

 Karlshofnd, sons of Eirik of Ofrustad. There was also a man, 

 by name of Thorir Klakka, a great friend of the Jarl. He 

 was accustomed to go on Viking expeditions in the summer, 

 but sometimes he went on trading journeys, and therefore he 

 knew many countries" (Olaf Tryggvason, c. 51 (Heiin- 

 skringla)). 



"Some time after King Sverrir held a Thing in Bjorgyn 

 /Bergen) and spoke : ' We thank all English men who bring 

 hither wheat and honey, flour or cloth, for coming ; we thank 

 also all men who bring hither linen, wax or kettles. We will 

 also name those who have come from the Orkneys, Hjaltland, 

 Faroes, Iceland, and all who bring into this country things 

 useful for it ' ' (Fornmanna Sogur, vii.). 



He goes on to say that the Germans coming there bring 

 wine and teach men to be drunkards. 



a King Olaf had proclaimed the Christian law in Vikin, in 

 the same manner as in the northern part of the country; 

 and it progressed rapidly, for the people of Vikin were much 

 better acquainted with Christian customs than the men in the 

 north, for both in winter and summer there were many Danish 

 and Saxon traders. The men of Vikin also went much on 

 trading journeys to England and Sax land, or Flaemingj aland 

 (Flamland, Flandres) or Denmark ; but some went on Viking 

 expeditions, and stayed during winter in Christian lands " 

 (St. Olaf, c. 62). 



There were regular places where fairs were held for the 

 barter of wares without fear of molestation, at which the same 

 peace reigned as at the Thing or temple, their inviolability 

 apparently being acknowledged by all. Booths were built in 

 these places, to which native and foreign merchants came, and 

 goods furs, skins, costly cloths, garments, grain, slaves, &c., &c. 

 were sold or exchanged. 



" Melkorka's son Olaf sailed to Ireland, and, as he was 

 about to land, his headman, Orn. said : ' I do not think we 

 shall meet with a good reception here, for this is far off from 

 harbours and those trading-places where foreigners have 

 peace' ' (Laxdaela, c. 21). 



