There is much in the main features of the lives of Siward and Bjarki
that is similar. Both were men of extraordinary prowess and bravery;
both gave up a great heritage at home (Siward, an earldom; Bjarki, a
kingdom); both left their native land to enter the service of a foreign
monarch (Siward entering the service of Edward the Confessor; Bjarki,
that of Hrolf Kraki); both slew a ferocious monster; both paused in
another land (Siward, on the Orkney Islands; Bjarki, in Sweden) before
reaching what was to be their destination; both displayed their warlike
qualities by slaying a man of great prominence who was closely connected
with the king (Siward slaying Tosti, and Bjarki slaying Agnar); both
were the king's chief support in his wars against his enemies; and both
invaded a foreign land (Siward making an expedition to Scotland, and
Bjarki accompanying Hrolf on his expedition to Sweden).

Certain features of the life of Bjarki mentioned above, such as his
bravery, strength, his being in the service of Hrolf Kraki, his killing
a fierce beast, and slaying Agnar, the saga-man found ready to his hand;
but not the renunciation of his kingdom. Earldoms and kingdoms are not
renounced "for light and transient causes." As regards Siward, who
renounced his earldom, he seemed to be destined for a greater career, as
subsequent events show and as is indicated by the fact that Odin (for
the old man on the hill whom Siward met was none other than Odin) took a
hand in directing his course. But when Bjarki renounced his kingdom, it
was altogether unmotivated. The saga says: "Soon afterwards [i.e., after
Bjarki's revenge on his evil stepmother] King Hring fell sick and died,
whereupon Bothvar succeeded to the throne and was for a time satisfied.
Later, he called his subjects together to a 'þing' [i.e., assembly] and
said he wished to leave the country, married his mother to a man named
Valsleit, who had been an earl, celebrated their wedding, and
departed".[44] He became Hrolf's most noted warrior, but neither sought