324 THEIR SUBJECT-MATTER. 



anotlier man smaller iu stature, but with larger limbs, who 

 defends himself with some cutting weapon. This is pro- 

 bably intended to designate the combat of the Vikingar 

 with such of the inhabitants of the counti'y as were able, 

 on the spur of the moment, to make head against so 

 unexjiected an attack. 



" The middle portion of the picture is occupied by 

 sixteen boats formed in line, and, as it would seem, 

 without crews. To the left again, and over a vessel that 

 is manned, is seen a misshapen human figure with a pair 

 of formless hands, like unto wings, probably betokening 

 strength. This, beyond doubt, is a chieftain, who with 

 his few ships vanquished a fleet drawn up in battle-ai'ray, 

 consisting of as many vessels as the number of boats 

 without crews. The figure to the right of the last named 

 is evidently an unarmed man in a sitting posture, and 

 possibly a prisoner. 



" The lowermost group is one of the most striking of 

 the ' Hallristningar.' Here, surrounded by ships, are seen 

 four men, armed with axes, in combat with each other. 

 Two of them have swords, and the beak-like projection on 

 their faces shows that they wear helmets. At a distance 

 the birds of war await the coming slaughter, that they 

 may feast on the slain. Tlie axes of the two men armed 

 with swords are raised over those of their adversaries, 

 implying that victory is on the side of the former ; in 

 further proof of which, the champion to the right has 

 contemptuously cast to the ground his buckler,* whilst 

 his antagonist retains his on his arm. The handsome 

 ornament above the head of the champion to the left 



* For a man thus to lay aside liis sliield during the figlit was an act of 

 bravado greatly admired Ity the old Northmen, and one not unfrequently 

 displayed by warriors, who, when maddened by the din and roar of 

 battle, would, with a weapon in each hand, rash headlong into the very 

 thick of the enemy's ranks. 



