Hrolf Gautreksson
Summary based on the translation by Hermann Pálsson and Paul Edwards.
Chapter 1
King Gautrek of Gotaland is a widower, and he heavily mourns the loss of his wife. 1 His friends
convince him to marry again, so he travels to Thorir in Sogn, who has a daughter of marriageable age
named Ingibjorg. Prince Olaf also wants to marry her, so Thorir decides that his daughter can choose
between the suitors. Ingibjorg concludes that, though Olaf is young, he is inexperienced and
unproven as a ruler and warrior. Gautrek may be old, but he is already a successful and beloved king,
so she chooses him. Gautrek is delighted, Olaf is furious.
Chapter 2
After receiving a generous dowry, Gautrek and Ingibjorg leave for
Gotaland, where they’ll marry. On their way, they are attacked by
Olaf and his army. Gautrek defeats them and kills Olaf. Gautrek and
Ingibjorg get married. They love each other dearly and become very
famous and well-loved. They get two sons: Ketil Mite, who is small,
ambitious and impulsive; and Hrolf, who is tall, quiet, true to his
word but takes very thorough revenge. People like Hrolf.
Chapter 3
There is a king in Denmark named Hring, who is best buddies and blood-brothers with Gautrek.
Slanders and lies, however, have made him fear that Gautrek is going to attack him, so he tells his
wife he wants to attack first. His wife tells him not to be an idiot and start a war on baseless rumours
and instead tells him to offer to foster Gautrek’s son Hrolf. Hring realises his wife is wiser than him
and goes with one (1) ship to Gotaland. Gautrek sees this one (1) ship and immediately thinks Hring
is attacking him. Ingibjorg tells her husband not to be an idiot, and warmly welcome his friend.
During the subsequent feast, the kings realise that their suspicions were based on lies, become bffs
again, and when Hring goes home he takes Hrolf with him to foster him. 2 Hrolf and Ingjald, Hring’s
son, become best buddies. Ketil and his dad don’t get along well.
Chapter 4
King Eirik rules Sweden. He has one child, a daughter named Thornbjorg, who is hot, smart, amazing
at feminine arts AND fighting. Her dad isn’t very happy about that latter bit though, but she says that
she has to be able to defend the kingdom when she inevitably offends someone by refusing their
1
You can find the full family tree here.
2
Hrolf is 7 at this moment.
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