Eirik Jarl [English translation]

Come sit around and listen to me, I will tell,

Of happenings that happened in our Saga Time.

Famed men from Iceland and Norway were gathered,

Nidaros was the place, and Eirik, he was Earl.

Also in from Hjaltland, and in from Orknøy,

To the gathering they were bidden, both man and maiden.

In games on the rampart they will show their strength,

And afterwards the Earl will hold a feast and play.

Famed men from Iceland and Norway were gathered,

Nidaros was the place, and Eirik, he was Earl.

The first game upon the rampart, bowshot it became,

And many aimed the long-bow, as the day went on,

But not one struck the spear that was placed upon a hill,

Except Einar from Lade, whom they call Tambarskjelv.

Famed men from Iceland and Norway were gathered,

Nidaros was the place, and Eirik, he was Earl.

The next game they will row out to Nidar Fjord

And then the oar-wood groaned

The giants took off.

Torgaut in from Orknøy was a lad who could row,

And Njål and Ravn from Iceland came in number two.

Famed men from Iceland and Norway were gathered,

Nidaros was the place, and Eirik, he was Earl.

The next games on the rampart were a horse-race and a run,

With many horses famous to the riding men,

But Rimfakse of Earl Eirik, he of course did win,

This was a horse who had no rival.

Famed men from Iceland and Norway were gathered,

Nidaros was the place, and Eirik, he was Earl.

When the games were to end, it was on the fifth day,

When the Earl blew the horn, ending now this contest.

Now we bid all into the feast-hall,

If these hands should want, on the next gathering.

Famed men from Iceland and Norway were gathered,

Nidaros was the place, and Eirik, he was Earl.

• Artist:Harald Foss