Gudrun's First Marriage, A.D. 989


Thorvald was the name of a man, son of Haldor Garpdale's Priest. He
lived at Garpsdale in Gilsfirth, a wealthy man, but not much of a
hero. At the Thing he wooed Gudrun, Osvif's daughter, when she was
fifteen years old. [Sidenote: Gudrun marries Thorvald] The matter was
not taken up in a very adverse manner, yet Osvif said that against
the match it would tell, that he and Gudrun were not of equal
standing. Thorvald spoke gently, and said he was wooing a wife, not
money. After that Gudrun was betrothed to Thorvald, and Osvif settled
alone the marriage contract, whereby it was provided that Gudrun
should alone manage their money affairs straightway when they came
into one bed, and be entitled to one-half thereof as her own, whether
their married life were long or short. He should also buy her jewels,
so that no woman of equal wealth should have better to show. Yet he
should retain his farm-stock unimpaired by such purchases. And now men
ride home from the Thing. Gudrun was not asked about it, and took it
much to heart; yet things went on quietly. The wedding was at
Garpsdale, in Twinmonth (latter part of August to the latter part of
September). Gudrun loved Thorvald but little, and was extravagant in
buying finery. There was no jewel so costly in all the West-firths
that Gudrun did not deem it fitting that it should be hers, and
rewarded Thorvald with anger if he did not buy it for her, however
dear it might be. [Sidenote: Her friendship with Thord] Thord, Ingun's
son, made himself very friendly with Thorvald and Gudrun, and stayed
with them for long times together, and there was much talk of the love
of Thord and Gudrun for each other. Once upon a time Gudrun bade
Thorvald buy a gift for her, and Thorvald said she showed no
moderation in her demands, and gave her a box on the ear. Then said