256 SPORT IN NORWAY. 
eastern parts of the country, the principal staple of 
wealth—yet all these, when compared to the employ- 
ment the sea affords to their industry, occupy but a 
subordinate position in their national activities. 
In olden times, when peaceful avocations were held 
in disdain, a sea-roving life, for which the peculiar for- 
mation of the western coast was extremely well adapted, 
was in high esteem ; and there were few of the maritime 
countries of Europe but which suffered severely at the 
hands of the piratical Vikings. 
During the dark and gloomy winters the heroes used 
to assemble in the banqueting-hall, while the “ skjald,” 
or bard, struck the lyre and sang of the glorious deeds 
of their forefathers. But as soon as summer returned 
they started off again anew, spreading terror and alarm 
through our own country, the Netherlands, France, and 
Spain, and indeed wherever anything was to be had. 
And even when laid to his last long sleep, provided that 
he died at home, the Viking was scarcely disunited 
from his favourite element, on which by far the greater 
portion of his life had been passed; for his men would 
bury him close to the sea-shore, together with his 
vessel, beneath a lofty ¢wmulus. 
Still, commerce was not entirely repudiated, for many 
old Arabic coins bear testimony to the commercial 
relations that existed between Scandinavia and eastern 
countries. 
