—1 
[9.2] 
DANIEL BRUUN. 
outlaw, or who were here to capture and fish, had had a temporary 
residence here. 
Such a man, by name Rorr, had a little dwelling here. Therefore 
unexpectedly Thorgils and his conpanions found a ship or boat-house 
and a dwelling-house here. He was received kindly and spent the 
winter with Rolf (1004—05). The child, who was here left to the care 
of the women, thrived well. 
When spring approached, Rolf gave them a ship, on which they 
reached Brattahlid during the summer. If Thorgils had expected to 
be received in the best way by his old friend Eric he was doomed to sufler 
a great disappointment: 
“Eric received Thorgils somewhat coolly, and his treatment was 
less careful than had been expected. Thorgils discovered that the thralls 
were in the country but pretented not to know it. During the winter it 
happened that a bear often attacked the inhabitants’ cattle, doing great 
damage. One day people came to Thorgils to trade with him, and great 
numbers were collected in the isolated stock-houses, where the wares 
were to be found. Thorfin was also present. He said to Thorgils: 
“Father! there is a big beautiful dog out there.” Thorgils answered: 
“Do not worry about that, only do not go outside.” 
Notwithstanding the boy ran out, where he was met by a bear 
and immediately thrown down. The boy shouted loudly. Thorgils 
sprang out of the earthhouse sword in hand. The animal was then 
playing with the boy. Thorgils struck the bear between the ears and 
split its head, so that it fell down dead, after which he immediately 
grasped the child, who had only suffered slight injury. 
Through this deed Thorgils became very famous, and they thought 
great good fortune had come to him. 
Eric was not very pleased with this deed; but allowed the animal 
to be prepared, some even say, that he — according to ancient custom — 
had paid the animal a sort of cult. 
Here it is told, that once several men sat during the winter in the 
“Badstofa” (bathing room) at Brattahlid, not all at the same time, as 
some stood in front of the house. Amongst them were Kol and Starkad. 
The subjeet of eonversation was the comparison of different people 
with each other; they especially meant Thorgils and Erie. Kol said that 
Thorgils had accomplished many deeds of valour. To which a man, 
called Hart, out of Eric’s household, answered: 
“The comparison is unequal, as Eric is a great and celebrated chief, 
but this Thorgils has lived in misery and thralldom, and I am not quite 
sure as to his being man or woman.” (He here evidently refers to the 
saga’s story of his having suckled his child.) Kol answered: “What 
sayest thou, thou miserable wretch!’ at which he pierced him with his 
spear so that he died at once. Eric bade his men rise and seize Kol, 
but all the traders ran to defend him. 
