CHAPTEK XXXIV. 



THE ORKNEYS AND HEBRIDES. 



Early expeditions The Vikings and the Kings of Scotland The Vikings 



in Wales. 



WE gather from the Sagas that, even for a long time before 

 Harald Harfagr, the Orkneys and Hebrides were a great 

 rendezvous for Vikings ; and in the Orkneyinga Saga we read : 



"Thus it is said that in the days of Harald Harfagr the 

 Orkneys were settled ; but ere that time there was a Viking 

 rendezvous." 



Their geographical position, the prevailing winds during a 

 great part of the year in the North Sea, favourable for vessels 

 going westward from Norway or the Baltic, made these islands 

 of special importance. There met many a Viking fleet, 

 unknown to the enemy, previous to a concerted attack on 

 Scotland, Northumberland, England, or Ireland. 



" King Harald (Fairhair) heard that far and wide, in the 

 middle of the land, ravaged the Vikings, who, during the 

 winters, stayed west of the sea. He had a levy out every 

 summer, and searched islands and outskerries; but as soon as 

 the Vikings became aware of his host, they all fled, and 

 mostly out to sea. The king got tired of this, and one 

 summer (about 880) sailed with his host westward. He first 

 came to Shetland (Hjaltland), and there slew all the Vikings 

 who did not flee. Then he sailed southward to the Orkneys, 

 and cleared them of Vikings. After this he went as far as 

 the Hebrides (Sudreyjar) and ravaged there, killing many 

 Vikings who before had ruled over warriors. He fought 

 there many battles, and was always victorious. Then he 

 ravaged in Scotland, and had a battle there. When he went 

 westward to the Isle of Man, the people had heard what 



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