took her to wife, and received with her the land of Laugarbrekka, at
Hellisvollr (the cave-hill). To that spot Thorbjorn removed his abode,
and became great and worshipful. He was the temple-priest, and had a
magnificent estate. Thorbjorn's daughter was Gudrid, the fairest of
women, and of peerless nobility in all her conduct. There was a man
named Orm, who dwelt at Arnarstapi (eagle-rock), and he had a wife who
was named Halldis. He was a well-to-do franklin, a great friend of
Thorbjorn, and Gudrid lived at his house as his foster-child for a
long time. There was a man named Thorgeir, who dwelt at Thorgeirsfjall
(fell). He was mighty rich in cattle, and had been made a freedman. He
had a son, whose name was Einar, a handsome man, well mannered, and a
great dandy. Einar, at this time, was a travelling merchant, sailing
from land to land with great success; and he always passed his winter
either in Iceland or in Norway. Now after this, I have to tell how
that one autumn, when Einar was in Iceland, he proceeded with his
wares along Snœfellsnes, with the object of selling; he came to
Arnarstapi; Orm invited him to stay there, and Einar accepted his
invitation, because there was friendship between him and Orm's people,
and his wares were earned into a certain outhouse. There he unpacked
his merchandise, showed it to Orm and the housemen, and bade Orm take
therefrom such things as he would. Orm accepted the offer, and
pronounced Einar to be a goodly gallant traveller, and a great
favourite of fortune. When now they were busy with the wares, a woman
passed before the door of the outhouse; and Einar inquired of Orm who
that fair woman might be, passing before the door. “I have not seen
her here before,” said he. “That is Gudrid, my foster-child,” said
Orm, “daughter of Thorbjorn the franklin, from Laugarbrekka.” “She
must be a good match,” said Einar; “surely she has not been without
suitors who have made proposals for her, has she?” Orm answered,
“Proposals have certainly been made, friend, but this treasure is not