was better skilled at arms than most men; he was a deft craftsman, and
the best swimmer of all men. In all deeds of strength he was far
before others, more gentle than any other man, and so engaging that
every child loved him; he was light of heart, and free with his money.
Olaf loved Kjartan best of all his children. Bolli, his
foster-brother, was a great man, he came next to Kjartan in all deeds
of strength and prowess; he was strong, and fair of face and
courteous, and most warrior-like, and a great dandy. The
foster-brothers were very fond of each other. Olaf now remained
quietly in his home, and for a good many years.




CHAP. XXIX

Olaf's Second Journey to Norway, A.D. 975


[Sidenote: Olaf's meeting with Giermund] It is told how one spring
Olaf broke the news to Thorgerd that he wished to go out
voyaging--"And I wish you to look after our household and children."
Thorgerd said she did not much care about doing that; but Olaf said he
would have his way. He bought a ship that stood up in the West, at
Vadill. Olaf started during the summer, and brought his ship to
Hordaland. There, a short way inland, lived a man whose name was
Giermund Roar, a mighty man and wealthy, and a great Viking; he was an
evil man to deal with, but had now settled down in quiet at home, and
was of the bodyguard of Earl Hakon. The mighty Giermund went down to
his ship and soon recognised Olaf, for he had heard him spoken of