Difference between revisions of "Banners from Literature"

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{{Stars2|Category=Weapons}}
 
{{Stars2|Category=Weapons}}
This article lists extracts from all of the primary sources that mention banners. <br>
+
This article contains quotes from primary sources that mention banners. It is not complete and additional quotes will be added as discovered. <br>
 +
<br>
 +
Also see:<br>
 +
[[Banners]] for an overview of Anglo-Saxon, Viking and Norman banners.
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
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==Bede – Ecclesiastical History of the English People, 731AD==
 
==Bede – Ecclesiastical History of the English People, 731AD==
 
*
 
*
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"His [King Edwin] dignity was so great throughout his dominions, that not only were his banners borne before him in battle, but even in time of peace, when he rode about his cities, townships, or provinces, with his thegns, the standard-bearer was always wont to go before him. Also, when he walked anywhere along the streets, that sort of banner which the Romans call Tufa, and the English, Thuuf, was in like manner borne before him." [SELLAR 1907]
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"His [King Edwin] dignity was so great throughout his dominions, that not only were '''his banners borne before him in battle''', but even in time of peace, when he rode about his cities, townships, or provinces, with his thegns, '''the standard-bearer was always wont to go before him'''. Also, when he walked anywhere along the streets, that sort of '''banner''' which the Romans call Tufa, and the English, Thuuf, was in like manner borne before him." [SELLAR 1907]
  
 
* Osthryth, queen of the Mercians
 
* Osthryth, queen of the Mercians
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"...that there might be a perpetual memorial of the royal character of this holy man [King Oswald], they hung up over the monument his banner of gold and purple." [SELLAR 1907]
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"...that there might be a perpetual memorial of the royal character of this holy man [King Oswald], they hung up over the monument his '''banner of gold and purple'''." [SELLAR 1907]
  
 
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==Capitulary of Charles the Bald, 843-877AD==
 
==Capitulary of Charles the Bald, 843-877AD==
 
*
 
*
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">“Let our envoys (missi nostril) see that the troops of every bishop, abbot, and abbess, march forth properly equipped, and with their Gonfalonier (cum Guntfannonario).” [HEWITT 1885: p.166]
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">“Let our envoys (missi nostril) see that the troops of every bishop, abbot, and abbess, march forth properly equipped, and with their '''Gonfalonier''' (cum Guntfannonario).” [HEWITT 1885: p.166]
 +
 
 +
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 +
==Annals of St-Bertin  c.882AD ==
 +
[NELSON 1991]
 +
 
 +
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 +
==Annals of Fulda  c.900AD ==
 +
[REUTER 2012]
  
 
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==The Song of Roland, 1040-115AD==
 
==The Song of Roland, 1040-115AD==
 
*Verse 4  
 
*Verse 4  
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"And Geoffrey of Anjou, the bearer of the King's gonfalon" [BACON 1914]
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"And Geoffrey of Anjou, the bearer of the King's '''gonfalon'''" [BACON 1914]
  
 
*Verse 33  
 
*Verse 33  
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Through Cerdagne, and through the valleys and the mountains they marched on, <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Through Cerdagne, and through the valleys and the mountains they marched on, <br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Until of the French army they saw the gonfalon. <br>
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Until of the French army they saw the '''gonfalon'''. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Where all the twelve companions with the French rear-guard <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Where all the twelve companions with the French rear-guard <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">King Marsile will not tarry till he have joined the fray" [BACON 1914]
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">King Marsile will not tarry till he have joined the fray" [BACON 1914]
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*Verse 39
 
*Verse 39
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"They held Valentian lances, and shield on shoulder wore. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"They held Valentian lances, and shield on shoulder wore. <br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">White and blue and vermilion were the gonfalons they bore." [BACON 1914]
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">'''White and blue and vermilion were the gonfalons they bore'''." [BACON 1914]
  
 
*Verse 59
 
*Verse 59
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Then an embroidered banner he gave unto Grandoign <br>
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Then '''an embroidered banner''' he gave unto Grandoign <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">To lead his men against the Franks that battle they might join. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">To lead his men against the Franks that battle they might join. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And therewithal was given to Grandoign the whole command." [BACON 1914]
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And therewithal was given to Grandoign the whole command." [BACON 1914]
  
 
*Verse 125
 
*Verse 125
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"And onwards Geoffrey of Anjou bore the great Oriflame — <br>
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"And onwards Geoffrey of Anjou bore the great '''Oriflame''' — <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Because it was Saint Peter's, it bore the Roman name." [BACON 1914]
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Because it was Saint Peter's, it bore the Roman name." [BACON 1914]
 
:Note: Oriflame was the name of Charlemagne's banner
 
:Note: Oriflame was the name of Charlemagne's banner
  
 
*Verse 137
 
*Verse 137
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Right through the Prince's body his golden banner bore. <br>
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Right through the Prince's body his '''golden banner''' bore. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">He smote him dead seven hundred of his servitors before." [BACON 1914]
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">He smote him dead seven hundred of his servitors before." [BACON 1914]
  
 
*Verse 142
 
*Verse 142
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Ogier the Dane and Charlemagne well the great strokes laid on, <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Ogier the Dane and Charlemagne well the great strokes laid on, <br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And Neimes and Geoffrey of Anjou that bore the gonfalon. <br>
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And Neimes and Geoffrey of Anjou that bore the '''gonfalon'''. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Ogier the Dane in all things a hero good was he. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Ogier the Dane in all things a hero good was he. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">He spurred the steed beneath him, and let him gallop free. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">He spurred the steed beneath him, and let him gallop free. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">On him who bore the Dragon he let drive a buffet dread. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">On him who bore the Dragon he let drive a buffet dread. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Down to the earth before him he hurled Lord Amboire dead. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Down to the earth before him he hurled Lord Amboire dead. <br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And the banner of King Baligant in that hour came to ground. <br>
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And the '''banner of King Baligant''' in that hour came to ground. <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And Baligant beheld it fall, and the ensign of Mahound <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And Baligant beheld it fall, and the ensign of Mahound <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Without a man to guard it. In his heart he saw it plain <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Without a man to guard it. In his heart he saw it plain <br>
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==Bishop Guy of Amiens, The Carmen de Hastingae Proelio c.1067 ==
 
==Bishop Guy of Amiens, The Carmen de Hastingae Proelio c.1067 ==
 
(Song of the Battle of Hastings)<br>
 
(Song of the Battle of Hastings)<br>
"On the highest point of the summit he planted his banner, and ordered his other standards to be set up." [MORILLO:p.47] The Battle of Hastings: Sources and Interpretations edited by Stephen Morillo
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"On the highest point of the summit he planted his '''banner''', and ordered his '''other standards''' to be set up." [MORILLO:p.47] <br>
 +
The Battle of Hastings: Sources and Interpretations edited by Stephen Morillo
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
 +
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==William of Jumièges, Gesta Normannorum Ducum c.1070AD==
 
==William of Jumièges, Gesta Normannorum Ducum c.1070AD==
 
(Deeds of the Dukes of the Normans)<br>
 
(Deeds of the Dukes of the Normans)<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
"Ragnar Lothbroc saga: Ragnar Lothbroc got a magic shirt from his wife Aslaug and his daughters are said to have woven a magic raven banner" - GET SOURCE [Anglo-Norman Studies VI: Proceedings of the Battle Conference 1983  edited by Reginald Allen Brown: p.116]
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Ragnar Lothbroc saga: Ragnar Lothbroc got a magic shirt from his wife Aslaug and his daughters are said to have woven a magic raven banner" - GET SOURCE <br>
 +
[Anglo-Norman Studies VI: Proceedings of the Battle Conference 1983  edited by Reginald Allen Brown: p.116]
  
 +
 +
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==William of Poitiers, The Deeds of William, Duke of Normandy and King of England c.1071AD ==
 
==William of Poitiers, The Deeds of William, Duke of Normandy and King of England c.1071AD ==
 
(Gesta Willelmi ducis Normannorum et regis Anglorum) <br>
 
(Gesta Willelmi ducis Normannorum et regis Anglorum) <br>
"The duke therefore sought the favour of this apostle for the project he had in hand, and gladly received from him the gift of a banner as a pledge of the support of St Peter whereby he might the more confidently and safely attack his enemy." [DOUGLAS 1981: p.227] <br>
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"The duke therefore sought the favour of this apostle for the project he had in hand, and gladly received from him the gift of a banner as a pledge of the support of St Peter whereby he might the more confidently and safely attack his enemy." [DOUGLAS 1981: p.227] <br>
 
English Historical Documents, 1042-1189 edited by David Charles Douglas, George William Greenaway<br>
 
English Historical Documents, 1042-1189 edited by David Charles Douglas, George William Greenaway<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
"He then advanced in good order with the papal banner which had been granted to him bourne aloft at the head of his troops." [DOUGLAS 1981 :p.233] <br>
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"He then advanced in good order with the papal banner which had been granted to him bourne aloft at the head of his troops." [DOUGLAS 1981 :p.233] <br>
 
English Historical Documents, 1042-1189 edited by David Charles Douglas, George William Greenaway
 
English Historical Documents, 1042-1189 edited by David Charles Douglas, George William Greenaway
 
+
<br>
 
+
Apparently mentions the fighting man standard being sent to Rome. - GET SOURCE
 
+
 
+
 
+
  
 
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==William of Malmesbury, Chronicle of the Kings of England c.1125AD==
 
==William of Malmesbury, Chronicle of the Kings of England c.1125AD==
 
(Gesta Regum Anglorum)<br>
 
(Gesta Regum Anglorum)<br>
*
+
 
“The king himself on foot, stood with his brother, near the standard; in order that, while all shared equal danger, none might think of retreating. This standard William sent, after the victory, to the pope; it was sumptuously embroidered, with gold and precious stones, in the form of a man fighting.” [GILES 1847:p.276]
+
*  
 +
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">“The king himself on foot, stood with his brother, near the '''standard'''; in order that, while all shared equal danger, none might think of retreating. This '''standard''' William sent, after the victory, to the pope; it was '''sumptuously embroidered, with gold and precious stones, in the form of a man fighting'''.” [GILES 1847:p.276]
  
 
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==Master Wace, The Chronicle of the Norman Conquest c.1174==
 
==Master Wace, The Chronicle of the Norman Conquest c.1174==
 
(Roman de Rou)<br>
 
(Roman de Rou)<br>
*Line 11,450
+
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">“When Harold had made all ready, and given his orders, he came into the midst of the English, and dismounted by the side of the standard, Leofwin and Gurth, his brothers, were with him; and around him he had barons enough, as he stood by his gonfanon, which was in truth a noble one, sparkling with gold and precious stones. After the victory William sent it to the apostle, to prove and commemorate his great conquest and glory.” [TAYLOR 1837]<br>
+
* CHAPTER XIV.HOW THE ENGLISH CONSULTED, AND WENT TO MEET THE NORMAN HOST; AND :<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">“HAROLD AND GURTH WENT FORTH TO RECONNOITRE.
 +
So he would not be detained, but set out from London, leading his men forward armed for the fight, till he erected his standard and fixed his gonfanon right where THE ABBEY OF THE BATTLE is now built. There he said he would defend himself against whoever should seek him. p.143
 +
 
 +
* CHAPTER XVII, WHO WAS CHOSEN TO BEAR THE DUKE's GONFANON IN THE BATTLE p.168
 +
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">“The duke called a serving man, and ordered him to bring forth the gonfanon which the pope had sent him; and he who bore it having unfolded it, the duke took it, reared it, and called to Raol de Conches; "Bear my gonfanon," said he, "for I would not but do you right; by right and by ancestry your line are standard bearers of Normandy, and very good knights have they all been." "Many thanks to you," said Raol, "for acknowledging our right; but by my faith, the gonfanon shall not this day be borne by me. To-day I claim quittance of the service, for I would serve you in other guise. I will go with you into the battle, and will fight the English as long as life shall last, and know that my hand will be worth any twenty of such men."
 +
<br>
 +
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Then the duke turned another way, and called to him Galtier Giffart. "Do thou take this gonfanon," said he, "and bear it in the battle." But Galtier Giffart answered, "Sire, for God's mercy look at my white and bald head; my strength has fallen away, and my breath become shorter. The standard should be borne by one who can endure long labour; I shall be in the battle, and you have not any man who will serve you more truly; I will strike with my sword till it shall be died in your enemies' blood."
 +
<br>
 +
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Then the duke said fiercely, "By the splendour of God, my lords, I think you mean to betray and fail me in this great need." "Sire," said Giffart, "not so! we have done no treason, nor do I refuse from any felony towards you; but I have to lead a great chivalry, both soldiers and the men of my fief. Never had I such good means of serving you as I now have; and if God please, I will serve you: if need be, I will die for you, and will give my own heart for yours."
 +
<br>
 +
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"By my faith," quoth the duke, "I always loved thee, and now I love thee more; if I survive this day, thou shalt be the better for it all thy days." Then he called out a knight, whom he had heard much praised, Tosteins Fitz Rou le blanc[6], by name, whose abode was at Bec-en-Caux[7]. To him he delivered the gonfanon; and Tosteins took it right cheerfully, and bowed low to him in thanks, and bore it gallantly, and with good heart. His kindred still have quittance of all service for their inheritance[Pg 171] on that account, and their heirs are entitled so to hold their inheritance for ever.
 +
 
 +
* CHAPTER XVIII, HOW THE MEN OF ENGLAND MADE HEADY, AND WHO THEY WERE
 +
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The right of the men of London is to guard the king's body, to place themselves around him, and to guard his standard; and they were accordingly placed by the standard, to watch and defend it.
 +
<br
 +
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">When Harold had made all ready, and given his orders, he came into the midst of the English, and dismounted by the side of the standard, Leofwin and Gurth, his brothers, were with him; and around him he had barons enough, as he stood by his gonfanon, which was in truth a noble one, sparkling with gold and precious stones. After the victory William sent it to the apostle, to prove and commemorate his great conquest and glory” [TAYLOR 1837:p.177]
 +
 
 +
* CHAPTER XIX. HOW THE THREE NORMAN COMPANIES MOVED ON TO ATTACK THE ENGLISH.
 +
<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Then his brother Gurth drew near, and they placed themselves by the standard; each praying God to protect them. p.184
 +
 
 +
* CHAPTER XXIII. THE ROLL OF THE NORMAN LORDS CONTINUED.
 +
:The Normans drew their swords and hewed down the barricades, and the English in great trouble fell back upon their standard, where were collected the maimed and wounded. p.235
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Robert Fitz Erneis[55] fixed his lance, took his[Pg 240] shield, and galloping towards the standard with his keen-edged sword, struck an Englishman who was in front, killed him, and then drawing back his sword, attacked many others, and pushed straight for the standard, trying to beat it down; but the English surrounded it, and killed him with their bills. He was found on the spot, when they afterwards[Pg 241] sought for him, dead, and lying at the standard's foot.p.240
 +
 
 +
* CHAPTER XXIV. WHAT DEEDS OF ARMS DUKE WILLIAM DID; AND HOW HAROLD WAS SLAIN AND THE ENGLISH FLED.
 +
 +
Duke William pressed close upon the English with his lance; striving hard to reach the standard with the great troop he led; and seeking earnestly for Harold, on whose acconnt the whole war was. p.249
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
And now the Normans had pressed on so far, that at last they reached the standard[3]. There Harold had remained, defending himself to the utmost; but he was sorely wounded in his eye by the arrow, and suffered grievous pain from the blow. An armed man came in the throng of the battle, and struck him on the ventaille of his helmet, and beat him to the ground; and as he sought to recover himself, a knight beat him down again, striking him on the thick of his thigh, down to the bone.p.252
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
The standard was beaten down, the golden gonfanon was taken, and Harold and the best of his friends were slain; but there was so much eagerness, and throng of so many around, seeking to kill him, that I know not who it was that slew him. <br>
 +
The English were in great trouble at having lost their king, and at the duke's having conquered and beat down the standard; but they still fought on, and defended themselves long, and in fact till the day drew to a close. Then it clearly appeared to all that the standard was lost, and the news had spread throughout the army that Harold, for certain,[Pg 255] was dead; and all saw that there was no longer any hope, so they left the field, and those fled who could p.254
 +
 
 +
Then he returned thanks to God, and in his pride ordered his gonfanon to be brought and set up on high, where the English standard had stood; and that was the signal of his having conquered, and beaten down the standard. And he ordered his tent to be raised on the spot among the dead, and had his meat brought thither, and his supper prepared there. p.256
 +
 
  
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">“L’apostoile li otreia, un gonfanon li enveia, un gonfanon et un anel, mult precios e riche e bel; si come it dit, desoz la pierre, aveit un des cheveuls Saint Pierre”[MICHEL 1836: p.147]</span> Charlemagne: An Anglo-Norman Poem of the Twelfth Century edited by Francisque Michel 1836
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">“L’apostoile li otreia, un gonfanon li enveia, un gonfanon et un anel, mult precios e riche e bel; si come it dit, desoz la pierre, aveit un des cheveuls Saint Pierre”[MICHEL 1836: p.147]</span> Charlemagne: An Anglo-Norman Poem of the Twelfth Century edited by Francisque Michel 1836
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(The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway)<br>
 
(The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway)<br>
 
* Saga of King Harald Grafeld and of Earl Hakon Son of Sigurd
 
* Saga of King Harald Grafeld and of Earl Hakon Son of Sigurd
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"The sharp bow-shooter on the sea
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"The sharp bow-shooter on the sea<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Spread wide his fleet, for well loved he
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Spread wide his fleet, for well loved he<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The battle storm: well loved the earl
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The battle storm: well loved the earl<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">His battle-banner to unfurl,
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">His '''battle-banner to unfurl''',<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">O'er the well-trampled battle-field
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">O'er the well-trampled battle-field<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">He raised the red-moon of his shield;
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">He raised the red-moon of his shield;<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And often dared King Eirik's son
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And often dared King Eirik's son<br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">To try the fray with the Earl Hakon." [LAING 1844]
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">To try the fray with the Earl Hakon." [LAING 1844]
  
 
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* Harald Harfager's Saga
 
* Harald Harfager's Saga
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The forecastle men were picked men, for they had the king's banner." [LAING 1907]
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The forecastle men were picked men, for they had the '''king's banner'''." [LAING 1907]
  
 
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:* OF ULF AND HALDOR.
 
:* OF ULF AND HALDOR.
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"When Harald came to the castle gate his standard-bearer fell, and Harald said to Haldor, "Do thou take up the banner now."  Haldor took up the banner, and said foolishly, "Who will carry the banner before thee, if thou followest it so timidly as thou hast done for a while?"  But these were words more of anger than of truth; for Harald was one of the boldest of men under arms." [LAING 1907]
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"When Harald came to the castle gate his '''standard-bearer''' fell, and Harald said to Haldor, "Do thou take up the '''banner''' now."  Haldor took up the '''banner''', and said foolishly, "Who will carry the '''banner''' before thee, if thou followest it so timidly as thou hast done for a while?"  But these were words more of anger than of truth; for Harald was one of the boldest of men under arms." [LAING 1907]
  
 
:* BATTLE AT A FOURTH CASTLE.
 
:* BATTLE AT A FOURTH CASTLE.
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"The coffin was borne high in the air, and over it was a tent of costly linen and before it were carried many banners." [LAING 1907]
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"The coffin was borne high in the air, and over it was a tent of costly linen and before it were carried '''many banners'''." [LAING 1907]
  
 
:* TREATY BETWEEN HARALD AND SVEIN BROKEN.
 
:* TREATY BETWEEN HARALD AND SVEIN BROKEN.
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* The Ynglinga Saga
 
* The Ynglinga Saga
 
:* OF KING HAKE
 
:* OF KING HAKE
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"There was a great battle, in which King Hake went forward so bravely that he killed all who were nearest to him, and at last killed King Eric, and cut down the '''banner''' of the two brothers."
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"There was a great battle, in which King Hake went forward so bravely that he killed all who were nearest to him, and at last killed King Eric, and cut down the '''banner''' of the two brothers."  
  
 
:* OF EGIL AND TUNNE
 
:* OF EGIL AND TUNNE
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* King Olaf Trygvason's Saga
 
* King Olaf Trygvason's Saga
 
:* BATTLE WITH THE JOMSBORG VIKINGS
 
:* BATTLE WITH THE JOMSBORG VIKINGS
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Earl Sigvalde's banner was displayed in the midst of his army, and right against it Earl Hakon arranged his force for attack."
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Earl Sigvalde's banner was displayed in the midst of his army, and right against it Earl Hakon arranged his force for attack." [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* THE THRONDHJEM PEOPLE BAPTIZED.
 
:* THE THRONDHJEM PEOPLE BAPTIZED.
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"But as Skegge was killed, there was no leader in the bondes' army to raise the '''banner''' against King Olaf; so they took the other condition, to surrender to the king's will and obey his order.
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"But as Skegge was killed, there was no leader in the bondes' army to raise the '''banner''' against King Olaf; so they took the other condition, to surrender to the king's will and obey his order. [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* CREW ON BOARD OF THE LONG SERPENT.
 
:* CREW ON BOARD OF THE LONG SERPENT.
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Ulf the Red was the name of the man who bore King Olaf's '''banner,''' and was in the forecastle of the Long Serpent; and with him was Kolbjorn the marshal, Thorstein Uxafot, and Vikar of Tiundaland, a brother of Arnliot Gelline."
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Ulf the Red was the name of the man who bore King Olaf's '''banner,''' and was in the forecastle of the Long Serpent; and with him was Kolbjorn the marshal, Thorstein Uxafot, and Vikar of Tiundaland, a brother of Arnliot Gelline." [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* OF KING OLAF.
 
:* OF KING OLAF.
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"When King Olaf saw that the scattered forces of the enemy gathered themselves together under the '''banners''' of their ships, he asked, "Who is the chief of the force right opposite to us?""
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"When King Olaf saw that the scattered forces of the enemy gathered themselves together under the '''banners''' of their ships, he asked, "Who is the chief of the force right opposite to us?"" [LAING 1844]
  
 
<!-- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->
 
<!-- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->
 
* Saga of Olaf Haraldson
 
* Saga of Olaf Haraldson
 
:* OF THE FEAST
 
:* OF THE FEAST
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"As they rode up to the house, and were near the room, they saw on the other side of the house the '''banners''' of Olaf coming waving; and there was he himself, with about 100 men all well equipped."
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"As they rode up to the house, and were near the room, they saw on the other side of the house the '''banners''' of Olaf coming waving; and there was he himself, with about 100 men all well equipped." [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* OF THE BATTLE AT NESJAR.
 
:* OF THE BATTLE AT NESJAR.
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"He had a white banner on which was a serpent figured. but when they saw the king's fleet coming they began to bind the ships together, to set up their '''banners''', and to make ready for the fight."
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"He had a white banner on which was a serpent figured. but when they saw the king's fleet coming they began to bind the ships together, to set up their '''banners''', and to make ready for the fight." [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* EARL SVEIN'S FLIGHT.
 
:* EARL SVEIN'S FLIGHT.
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Their banner was brought up to the ship that was nearest the earl's, and the king himself followed the banner.  So says <br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Their banner was brought up to the ship that was nearest the earl's, and the king himself followed the banner.  So says <br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Sigvat: -- <br>
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Sigvat: -- <br>  
  
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"`On with the king!' his banners waving:
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"`On with the king!' his banners waving:<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">`On with the king!' the spears he's braving!
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">`On with the king!' the spears he's braving!<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">`On, steel-clad men! and storm the deck,
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">`On, steel-clad men! and storm the deck,<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Slippery with blood and strewed with wreck.
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Slippery with blood and strewed with wreck.<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">A different work ye have to share,
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">A different work ye have to share,<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">His banner in war-storm to bear,
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">His banner in war-storm to bear,<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">From your fair girl's, who round the hall
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">From your fair girl's, who round the hall<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Brings the full mead-bowl to us all.'"
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Brings the full mead-bowl to us all.'"<br> [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* MURDER OF OLAF'S COURT-MEN.
 
:* MURDER OF OLAF'S COURT-MEN.
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">There were twelve of Hrorek's men there, and among them Sigurd Hit, who had been his banner-man, and also little Fin."
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">There were twelve of Hrorek's men there, and among them Sigurd Hit, who had been his banner-man, and also little Fin." [LAING 1844]
 +
 
 
:* OF THE BAPTISM OF THE VAGABOND FOREST-MEN
 
:* OF THE BAPTISM OF THE VAGABOND FOREST-MEN
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The king then took them into the troop of his court-men, and said they should fight under his banner in the battle."
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The king then took them into the troop of his court-men, and said they should fight under his banner in the battle." [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* KING OLAF'S SPEECH.
 
:* KING OLAF'S SPEECH.
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">I will let my banner go forward in the middle of the army, and my-court-men, and pursuivants shall follow it, together with the war forces that joined us from the Uplands, and also those who may come to us here in the Throndhjem land.  On the right hand of my banner shall be Dag Hringson, with all the men he brought to our aid; and he shall have the second banner.  And on the left hand of our line shall the men be whom the Swedish king gave us, together with all the people who came to us in Sweden; and they shall have the third banner.<br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">I will let my banner go forward in the middle of the army, and my-court-men, and pursuivants shall follow it, together with the war forces that joined us from the Uplands, and also those who may come to us here in the Throndhjem land.  On the right hand of my banner shall be Dag Hringson, with all the men he brought to our aid; and he shall have the second banner.  And on the left hand of our line shall the men be whom the Swedish king gave us, together with all the people who came to us in Sweden; and they shall have the third banner.<br>
 
<br>
 
<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Now let the men divide themselves into separate flocks, and then each flock into ranks; then let each man observe well his proper place, and take notice what banner he is drawn up under."
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Now let the men divide themselves into separate flocks, and then each flock into ranks; then let each man observe well his proper place, and take notice what banner he is drawn up under." [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* OF KING OLAF'S SKALDS.
 
:* OF KING OLAF'S SKALDS.
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Thormod replies, "It may be, sire, that ye now require prayers most; but it would be thin around the banner-staff if all thy court-men were now on the way to Rome."
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Thormod replies, "It may be, sire, that ye now require prayers most; but it would be thin around the banner-staff if all thy court-men were now on the way to Rome." [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* KING OLAF COMES TO STIKLESTAD
 
:* KING OLAF COMES TO STIKLESTAD
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Then he placed his army in battle array, and raised his banner. Dag was not yet arrived with his men, so that his wing of the battle array was wanting.  Then the king said the Upland men should go forward in their place, and raise their banner there."
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Then he placed his army in battle array, and raised his banner. Dag was not yet arrived with his men, so that his wing of the battle array was wanting.  Then the king said the Upland men should go forward in their place, and raise their banner there." [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* THORD FOLASON.
 
:* THORD FOLASON.
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Thord Folason carried King Olaf's banner.  So says Sigvat the skald, in the death-song which he composed about King Olaf, and put together according to resurrection saga: --<br>
 
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Thord Folason carried King Olaf's banner.  So says Sigvat the skald, in the death-song which he composed about King Olaf, and put together according to resurrection saga: --<br>
  
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Thord. I have heard, by Olaf's side,
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Thord. I have heard, by Olaf's side,<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Where raged the battle's wildest tide,
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Where raged the battle's wildest tide,<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Moved on, and, as by one accord
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Moved on, and, as by one accord<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Moved with them every heart and sword.
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Moved with them every heart and sword.<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The banner of the king on high,
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The banner of the king on high,<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Floating all splendid in the sky
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Floating all splendid in the sky<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">From golden shaft, aloft he bore, --
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">From golden shaft, aloft he bore, --<br>
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The Norsemen's rallying-point of yore."
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The Norsemen's rallying-point of yore."<br> [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* KING OLAF'S DREAM.
 
:* KING OLAF'S DREAM.
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">There a slumber came upon him, and he slept a little while; but at the same time the bondes' army was seen advancing with raised banners, and the multitude of these was very great.
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">There a slumber came upon him, and he slept a little while; but at the same time the bondes' army was seen advancing with raised banners, and the multitude of these was very great. [LAING 1844]
 
+
  
 
:* OF ARNLJOT GELLINE'S BAPTISM
 
:* OF ARNLJOT GELLINE'S BAPTISM
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Thereupon Arnljot was baptized.  The king taught him so much of the holy faith as appeared to him needful, and placed him in the front rank of the order of battle, in advance of his banner, where also Gauka-Thorer and Afrafaste, with their men, were.
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Thereupon Arnljot was baptized.  The king taught him so much of the holy faith as appeared to him needful, and placed him in the front rank of the order of battle, in advance of his banner, where also Gauka-Thorer and Afrafaste, with their men, were. [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* OF THE LENDERMEN
 
:* OF THE LENDERMEN
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Thorer replies thus to his speech: "I do not confide in myself so much as to raise the banner against King Olaf, or, as chief, to lead on this army;
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Thorer replies thus to his speech: "I do not confide in myself so much as to raise the banner against King Olaf, or, as chief, to lead on this army; [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* KALF ARNASON'S SPEECH
 
:* KALF ARNASON'S SPEECH
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Will ye now adopt my proposal -- then shalt thou, friend Thorer, and thou, Harek, go under the banner which we will all of us raise up, and then follow.  
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Will ye now adopt my proposal -- then shalt thou, friend Thorer, and thou, Harek, go under the banner which we will all of us raise up, and then follow. [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* HOW THE LENDERMEN SET UP THEIR BANNERS.
 
:* HOW THE LENDERMEN SET UP THEIR BANNERS.
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Kalf Arnason then raised his banner, and drew up his house-servants along with Harek of Thjotta and his men.  Thorer Hund, with his troop, was at the head of the order of battle in front of the banner; and on both sides of Thorer was a chosen body of bondes, all of them the most active and best armed in the forces. This part of the array was long and thick, and in it were drawn up the Throndhjem people and the Halogalanders.  On the right wing was another array; and on the left of the main array were drawn up the men from Rogaland, Hordaland, the Fjord districts, and Scgn, and they had the third banner."
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Kalf Arnason then raised his banner, and drew up his house-servants along with Harek of Thjotta and his men.  Thorer Hund, with his troop, was at the head of the order of battle in front of the banner; and on both sides of Thorer was a chosen body of bondes, all of them the most active and best armed in the forces. This part of the array was long and thick, and in it were drawn up the Throndhjem people and the Halogalanders.  On the right wing was another array; and on the left of the main array were drawn up the men from Rogaland, Hordaland, the Fjord districts, and Scgn, and they had the third banner." [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* OF THE PREPARATIONS OF THE BONDES.
 
:* OF THE PREPARATIONS OF THE BONDES.
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"When the bondes' men and array were drawn up the lendermen addressed the men, and ordered them to take notice of the place to which each man belonged, under which banner each should be, who there were in front of the banner, who were his side-men, and that they should be brisk and quick in taking up their places in the array; for the army had still to go a long way, and the array might be broken in the course of march.  Then they encouraged the people; and Kalf invited all the men who had any injury to avenge on King Olaf to place themselves under the banner which was
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"When the bondes' men and array were drawn up the lendermen addressed the men, and ordered them to take notice of the place to which each man belonged, under which banner each should be, who there were in front of the banner, who were his side-men, and that they should be brisk and quick in taking up their places in the array; for the army had still to go a long way, and the array might be broken in the course of march.  Then they encouraged the people; and Kalf invited all the men who had any injury to avenge on King Olaf to place themselves under the banner which was advancing against King Olaf's own banner.  They should remember the distress he had brought upon them; and, he said, never was there a better opportunity to avenge their grievances, and to free themselves from the yoke and slavery he had imposed on them. "Let him," says he, "be held a useless coward who does not fight this day boldly; and they are not innocents who are opposed to you, but people who will not spare you if ye spare them." [LAING 1844]
advancing against King Olaf's own banner.  They should remember the distress he had brought upon them; and, he said, never was there a better opportunity to avenge their grievances, and to free themselves from the yoke and slavery he had imposed on them. "Let him," says he, "be held a useless coward who does not fight this day boldly; and they are not innocents who are opposed to you, but people who will not spare you if ye spare them."
+
  
 
:* OF THE KING'S AND THE BONDES' ARMIES.
 
:* OF THE KING'S AND THE BONDES' ARMIES.
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Thereafter the bondes' army advanced to Stiklestad, where King Olaf was already with his people.  Kalf and Harek went in front, at the head of the army under their banners."
+
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Thereafter the bondes' army advanced to Stiklestad, where King Olaf was already with his people.  Kalf and Harek went in front, at the head of the army under their banners." [LAING 1844]
  
 
:* BEGINNING OF THE BATTLE OF STIKLESTAD.
 
:* BEGINNING OF THE BATTLE OF STIKLESTAD.
:<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Now came Thorer Hund, went forward in front of the banner with his troop, and called out, "Forward, forward, bondemen!"<br>
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Now came Thorer Hund, went forward in front of the banner with his troop, and called out, "Forward, forward, bondemen!"<br>
 
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Midst in their line their banner flies,<br>
 
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Midst in their line their banner flies,<br>
 
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Thither the stoutest bonde hies:<br>
 
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Thither the stoutest bonde hies:<br>
Line 284: Line 334:
 
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Where the king's banner flamed in air.<br>
 
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Where the king's banner flamed in air.<br>
 
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The king beneath his banner stands,<br>
 
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The king beneath his banner stands,<br>
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And there the battle he commands."<br>
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And there the battle he commands."<br> [LAING 1844]
  
239. THORGEIR OF KVISTSTAD'S FALL
+
:* 239. THORGEIR OF KVISTSTAD'S FALL
At the same instant Thord stuck
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"At the same instant Thord stuck the banner-pole so fast in the earth that it remained standing. Thord had got his death-wound, and fell beneath the banner. At the same time Dag Hringson came up with his people, and began to put his men in array, and to set up his banner; but on account of the darkness the onset could not go on so briskly, for they could not see exactly whom they had before them." [LAING 1844]
the banner-pole so fast in the earth that it remained standing.
+
Thord had got his death-wound, and fell beneath the banner.  
+
  
At the same time Dag Hringson came up with his people, and began
+
:* 240. KING OLAF'S FALL.
to put his men in array, and to set up his banner; but on account
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Warrior!  who Olaf dared withstand,<br>
of the darkness the onset could not go on so briskly, for they
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Who against Olaf held the land,<br>
could not see exactly whom they had before them.
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Thou hast withstood the bravest, best,<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Who e'er has gone to his long rest.<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">At Stiklestad thou wast the head;<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">With flying banners onwards led<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Thy bonde troops, and still fought on,<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Until he fell -- the much-mourned one."<br> [LAING 1844]
  
 +
:* 241. BEGINNING OF DAG HRINGSON'S ATTACK.
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">" There a great number of the bondes fell, and these lendermen, Erlend of Gerde and Aslak of Finey; and the banner also which they had stood under was cut down." [LAING 1844]
  
240. KING OLAF'S FALL.
+
:* 246. OF THORMOD KOLBRUNARSKALD.
"Warrior!  who Olaf dared withstand,
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">" Thormod Kolbrunarskald was under King Olaf's banner in the battle; but when the king had fallen, the battle was raging so that of the king's men the one fell by the side of the other, and the most of those who stood on their legs were wounded." [LAING 1844]
    Who against Olaf held the land,
+
    Thou hast withstood the bravest, best,
+
    Who e'er has gone to his long rest.
+
    At Stiklestad thou wast the head;
+
    With flying banners onwards led
+
    Thy bonde troops, and still fought on,
+
    Until he fell -- the much-mourned one."
+
  
 +
* Saga of Magnus the Good
 +
:* 32. SVEIN'S FLIGHT
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"Spattered with mud from heel to head,<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Our gallant lord his true men led.<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Will Lund's earl halt his hasty flight,<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And try on land another fight?<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">His banner yesterday was seen,<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The sand-bills and green trees between,<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Through moss and mire to the strand,<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">In arrow flight, leaving the land."<br> [LAING 1844]
  
241. BEGINNING OF DAG HRINGSON'S ATTACK.
+
:* 34. BATTLE AT HELGANES
There a great number of the bondes fell,
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"And now the Norsemen storm along,<br>
and these lendermen, Erlend of Gerde and Aslak of Finey; and the
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Following their banner in a throng:<br>
banner also which they had stood under was cut down.
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">King Magnus' banner flames on high,<br>
 
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">A star to guide our roaming by.<br>
246. OF THORMOD KOLBRUNARSKALD.
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">To Lund, o'er Scania's peaceful field,<br>
Thormod Kolbrunarskald was under King Olaf's banner in the
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">My shoulder bore my useless shield;<br>
battle; but when the king had fallen, the battle was raging so
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">A fairer land, a better road,<br>
that of the king's men the one fell by the side of the other, and
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">As friend or foe, I never trod."<br>
the most of those who stood on their legs were wounded.
+
<br>
 
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Across Fiona's moor again,<br>
Saga of Magnus the Good
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The paths late trodden by our men<br>
32. SVEIN'S FLIGHT
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">We tread once more, until quite near,<br>
"Spattered with mud from heel to head,
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Through morning mist, the foes appear.<br>
    Our gallant lord his true men led.
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Then up our numerous banners flare<br>
    Will Lund's earl halt his hasty flight,
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">In the cold early morning air;<br>
    And try on land another fight?
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">And they from Magnus' power who fly<br>
    His banner yesterday was seen,
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Cannot this quick war-work deny."<br> [LAING 1844]
    The sand-bills and green trees between,
+
    Through moss and mire to the strand,
+
    In arrow flight, leaving the land."
+
 
+
34. BATTLE AT HELGANES
+
"And now the Norsemen storm along,
+
    Following their banner in a throng:
+
    King Magnus' banner flames on high,
+
    A star to guide our roaming by.
+
    To Lund, o'er Scania's peaceful field,
+
    My shoulder bore my useless shield;
+
    A fairer land, a better road,
+
    As friend or foe, I never trod."
+
 
+
Across Fiona's moor again,
+
    The paths late trodden by our men
+
    We tread once more, until quite near,
+
    Through morning mist, the foes appear.
+
    Then up our numerous banners flare
+
    In the cold early morning air;
+
    And they from Magnus' power who fly
+
    Cannot this quick war-work deny."
+
 
+
35. OF KING MAGNUS'S CAMPAIGN.
+
"To fair Fiona's grassy shore
+
    His banner now again he bore:
+
    He who the mail-shirt's linked chains
+
    Severs, and all its lustre stains, --
+
    He will be long remembered there,
+
    The warrior in his twentieth year,
+
    Whom their black ravens from afar
+
    Saluted as he went to war."
+
 
+
Magnus Barefoot's Saga
+
 
+
27. FALL OF KING MAGNUS
+
The king answered, "Call all the men together with the war-horns
+
under the banner, and the men who are here shall make a rampart
+
with their shields, and thus we will retreat backwards out of the
+
mires; and we will clear ourselves fast enough when we get upon
+
firm ground."
+
 
+
Vidkun Jonson instantly killed the man who had
+
given the king his death-wound, and fled, after having received
+
three wounds; but brought the king's banner and the sword Legbit
+
to the ships.
+
 
+
Saga of Magnus the Blind and of Harald Gille
+
 
+
2. OF THE FORCES OF HARALD AND MAGNUS.
+
Then the war-horns sounded, and all Harald's men went out from
+
the house to an enclosed field, and set up their banners.  King
+
Harald had on two shirts of ring-mail, but his brother Kristrod
+
had no armour on; and a gallant man he was.
+
  
12. OF MAGNUS THE BLIND.
+
:* 35. OF KING MAGNUS'S CAMPAIGN.
On Hlesey's plain the foe must quail
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">"To fair Fiona's grassy shore<br>
    'Fore him who dyes their shirts of mail.
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">His banner now again he bore:<br>
    His storm-stretched banner o'er his head
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">He who the mail-shirt's linked chains<br>
    Flies straight, and fills the foe with dread."
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Severs, and all its lustre stains, --<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">He will be long remembered there,<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The warrior in his twentieth year,<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Whom their black ravens from afar<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Saluted as he went to war."<br> [LAING 1844]
  
Saga of Sigurd, Inge, and Eystein, the Sons of Harald
+
* Magnus Barefoot's Saga
 +
:* 27. FALL OF KING MAGNUS
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The king answered, "Call all the men together with the war-horns under the banner, and the men who are here shall make a rampart with their shields, and thus we will retreat backwards out of the mires; and we will clear ourselves fast enough when we get upon firm ground."<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Vidkun Jonson instantly killed the man who had given the king his death-wound, and fled, after having received three wounds; but brought the king's banner and the sword Legbit
 +
to the ships. [LAING 1844]
  
2. OF SIGURD SLEMBIDJAKN
+
* Saga of Magnus the Blind and of Harald Gille
It is related that Thjostolf Alason carried King
+
:* 2. OF THE FORCES OF HARALD AND MAGNUS.
Inge in his belt as long as the battle lasted, and stood under
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Then the war-horns sounded, and all Harald's men went out from the house to an enclosed field, and set up their banners.  King Harald had on two shirts of ring-mail, but his brother Kristrod had no armour on; and a gallant man he was. [LAING 1844]
the banner
+
  
27. OF GREGORIUS DAGSON
+
:* 12. OF MAGNUS THE BLIND.
It is true that there is but little help in thee on account of thy ill health, but I should think thy will should not be less to hold thy hand
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">On Hlesey's plain the foe must quail<br>
over thy friends, and I am now quite ready to go from hence to
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">'Fore him who dyes their shirts of mail.<br>
meet Sigurd, and my banner is flying in the yard."
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">His storm-stretched banner o'er his head<br>
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Flies straight, and fills the foe with dread."<br> [LAING 1844]
  
Saga of Hakon Herdebreid ("Hakon the Broad-Shouldered")
+
* Saga of Sigurd, Inge, and Eystein, the Sons of Harald
 +
:* 2. OF SIGURD SLEMBIDJAKN
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">It is related that Thjostolf Alason carried King Inge in his belt as long as the battle lasted, and stood under the banner [LAING 1844]
  
3. KING HAKON'S FLIGHT
+
:* 27. OF GREGORIUS DAGSON
There the man who carried his banner was slain,
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">It is true that there is but little help in thee on account of thy ill health, but I should think thy will should not be less to hold thy hand over thy friends, and I am now quite ready to go from hence to meet Sigurd, and my banner is flying in the yard." [LAING 1844]
just as he was going to step on shore.  Gregorius ordered Hal, a
+
son of Audun Halson, to take up the banner, which he did, and
+
bore the banner up to the pier.
+
  
11. KING HAKON'S FLIGHT
+
* Saga of Hakon Herdebreid ("Hakon the Broad-Shouldered")
Thereupon he ordered his banner to be set up, which
+
:* 3. KING HAKON'S FLIGHT
was done; and they rowed across the river.  
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">There the man who carried his banner was slain, just as he was going to step on shore.  Gregorius ordered Hal, a son of Audun Halson, to take up the banner, which he did, and
 +
bore the banner up to the pier. [LAING 1844]
  
14. OF THE FALL OF GREGORIUS DAGSON
+
:* 11. KING HAKON'S FLIGHT
Then he ordered the banner to be advanced, and
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Thereupon he ordered his banner to be set up, which was done; and they rowed across the river. [LAING 1844]
immediately went out on the ice with the men.
+
  
18. KING INGE'S FALL
+
:* 14. OF THE FALL OF GREGORIUS DAGSON
An assault was made against King Inge's banner, and in this conflict
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Then he ordered the banner to be advanced, and immediately went out on the ice with the men. [LAING 1844]
King Inge fell; but his brother Orm continued the battle, while
+
many of the army fled up into the town.
+
  
Magnus Erlingson's Saga
+
:* 18. KING INGE'S FALL
 +
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">An assault was made against King Inge's banner, and in this conflict King Inge fell; but his brother Orm continued the battle, while many of the army fled up into the town. [LAING 1844]
  
10. EARL SIGURD'S CONDEMNATION
+
* Magnus Erlingson's Saga
The people of Viken were very friendly to Erling and
+
:* 10. EARL SIGURD'S CONDEMNATION
King Magnus, principally from the popularity of the late King
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">The people of Viken were very friendly to Erling and King Magnus, principally from the popularity of the late King Inge Haraldson; for the Viken people had always served under his
Inge Haraldson; for the Viken people had always served under his
+
banner. [LAING 1844]
banner.
+
  
13. OF EARL SIGURD'S BATTLE ARRAY
+
:* 13. OF EARL SIGURD'S BATTLE ARRAY
We have a good battle-field.  Let them
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">We have a good battle-field.  Let them cross the bridge; but as soon as the banner comes over it let us then rush down the hill upon them, and none desert his
cross the bridge; but as soon as the banner comes over it let us
+
neighbour." [LAING 1844]
then rush down the hill upon them, and none desert his
+
neighbour."
+
  
14. EARL SIGURD'S FALL
+
:* 14. EARL SIGURD'S FALL
They first used spears then edge weapons; and the earl's banner soon
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">They first used spears then edge weapons; and the earl's banner soon retired so far back, that Erling and his men scaled the ridge [LAING 1844]
retired so far back, that Erling and his men scaled the ridge
+
  
42. THE FALL OF KING EYSTEIN.
+
:* 42. THE FALL OF KING EYSTEIN.
Then the Birkebeins' banner was cut down; those who
+
::<span style="font-style: italic; color: green">Then the Birkebeins' banner was cut down; those who were nearest gave way and some took to flight [LAING 1844]
were nearest gave way and some took to flight
+
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 446: Line 451:
 
<nocite>
 
<nocite>
 
BACON1914
 
BACON1914
 +
BROWN1983
 +
DOUGLAS1981
 
GILES1847
 
GILES1847
 
GUMMERE1910
 
GUMMERE1910
 
HEWITT1885
 
HEWITT1885
 +
LAING1844
 
LAING1907
 
LAING1907
 
OAKESHOTT1960
 
OAKESHOTT1960
 +
MORILLO
 +
NELSON1991
 +
REUTER2012
 
SELLAR1907
 
SELLAR1907
 
SWANTON2000
 
SWANTON2000

Revision as of 17:31, 4 February 2015


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This article contains quotes from primary sources that mention banners. It is not complete and additional quotes will be added as discovered.

Also see:
Banners for an overview of Anglo-Saxon, Viking and Norman banners.

Bede – Ecclesiastical History of the English People, 731AD

"His [King Edwin] dignity was so great throughout his dominions, that not only were his banners borne before him in battle, but even in time of peace, when he rode about his cities, townships, or provinces, with his thegns, the standard-bearer was always wont to go before him. Also, when he walked anywhere along the streets, that sort of banner which the Romans call Tufa, and the English, Thuuf, was in like manner borne before him." [SELLAR 1907]
  • Osthryth, queen of the Mercians
"...that there might be a perpetual memorial of the royal character of this holy man [King Oswald], they hung up over the monument his banner of gold and purple." [SELLAR 1907]

Capitulary of Charles the Bald, 843-877AD

“Let our envoys (missi nostril) see that the troops of every bishop, abbot, and abbess, march forth properly equipped, and with their Gonfalonier (cum Guntfannonario).” [HEWITT 1885: p.166]

Annals of St-Bertin c.882AD

[NELSON 1991]

Annals of Fulda c.900AD

[REUTER 2012]

Beowulf, c.1000AD

"High o'er his head they hoist the standard,
a gold-wove banner; let billows take him,
gave him to ocean." [GUMMERE 1910]
"To Beowulf gave the bairn of Healfdene
a gold-wove banner, guerdon of triumph,
broidered battle-flag" [GUMMERE 1910]
"His glance too fell on a gold-wove banner
high o'er the hoard, of handiwork noblest,
brilliantly broidered; so bright its gleam," [GUMMERE 1910]

The Song of Roland, 1040-115AD

  • Verse 4
"And Geoffrey of Anjou, the bearer of the King's gonfalon" [BACON 1914]
  • Verse 33
"Through Cerdagne, and through the valleys and the mountains they marched on,
Until of the French army they saw the gonfalon.
Where all the twelve companions with the French rear-guard
King Marsile will not tarry till he have joined the fray" [BACON 1914]
  • Verse 39
"They held Valentian lances, and shield on shoulder wore.
White and blue and vermilion were the gonfalons they bore." [BACON 1914]
  • Verse 59
"Then an embroidered banner he gave unto Grandoign
To lead his men against the Franks that battle they might join.
And therewithal was given to Grandoign the whole command." [BACON 1914]
  • Verse 125
"And onwards Geoffrey of Anjou bore the great Oriflame
Because it was Saint Peter's, it bore the Roman name." [BACON 1914]
Note: Oriflame was the name of Charlemagne's banner
  • Verse 137
"Right through the Prince's body his golden banner bore.
He smote him dead seven hundred of his servitors before." [BACON 1914]
  • Verse 142
"Ogier the Dane and Charlemagne well the great strokes laid on,
And Neimes and Geoffrey of Anjou that bore the gonfalon.
Ogier the Dane in all things a hero good was he.
He spurred the steed beneath him, and let him gallop free.
On him who bore the Dragon he let drive a buffet dread.
Down to the earth before him he hurled Lord Amboire dead.
And the banner of King Baligant in that hour came to ground.
And Baligant beheld it fall, and the ensign of Mahound
Without a man to guard it. In his heart he saw it plain
How wickedness was on his side and the right with Charlemagne" [BACON 1914]

Bishop Guy of Amiens, The Carmen de Hastingae Proelio c.1067

(Song of the Battle of Hastings)

"On the highest point of the summit he planted his banner, and ordered his other standards to be set up." [MORILLO:p.47]

The Battle of Hastings: Sources and Interpretations edited by Stephen Morillo

William of Jumièges, Gesta Normannorum Ducum c.1070AD

(Deeds of the Dukes of the Normans)

"Ragnar Lothbroc saga: Ragnar Lothbroc got a magic shirt from his wife Aslaug and his daughters are said to have woven a magic raven banner" - GET SOURCE

[Anglo-Norman Studies VI: Proceedings of the Battle Conference 1983 edited by Reginald Allen Brown: p.116]


William of Poitiers, The Deeds of William, Duke of Normandy and King of England c.1071AD

(Gesta Willelmi ducis Normannorum et regis Anglorum)

"The duke therefore sought the favour of this apostle for the project he had in hand, and gladly received from him the gift of a banner as a pledge of the support of St Peter whereby he might the more confidently and safely attack his enemy." [DOUGLAS 1981: p.227]

English Historical Documents, 1042-1189 edited by David Charles Douglas, George William Greenaway

"He then advanced in good order with the papal banner which had been granted to him bourne aloft at the head of his troops." [DOUGLAS 1981 :p.233]

English Historical Documents, 1042-1189 edited by David Charles Douglas, George William Greenaway
Apparently mentions the fighting man standard being sent to Rome. - GET SOURCE


William of Malmesbury, Chronicle of the Kings of England c.1125AD

(Gesta Regum Anglorum)

“The king himself on foot, stood with his brother, near the standard; in order that, while all shared equal danger, none might think of retreating. This standard William sent, after the victory, to the pope; it was sumptuously embroidered, with gold and precious stones, in the form of a man fighting.” [GILES 1847:p.276]

Master Wace, The Chronicle of the Norman Conquest c.1174

(Roman de Rou)

  • CHAPTER XIV.HOW THE ENGLISH CONSULTED, AND WENT TO MEET THE NORMAN HOST; AND :“HAROLD AND GURTH WENT FORTH TO RECONNOITRE.

So he would not be detained, but set out from London, leading his men forward armed for the fight, till he erected his standard and fixed his gonfanon right where THE ABBEY OF THE BATTLE is now built. There he said he would defend himself against whoever should seek him. p.143

  • CHAPTER XVII, WHO WAS CHOSEN TO BEAR THE DUKE's GONFANON IN THE BATTLE p.168
“The duke called a serving man, and ordered him to bring forth the gonfanon which the pope had sent him; and he who bore it having unfolded it, the duke took it, reared it, and called to Raol de Conches; "Bear my gonfanon," said he, "for I would not but do you right; by right and by ancestry your line are standard bearers of Normandy, and very good knights have they all been." "Many thanks to you," said Raol, "for acknowledging our right; but by my faith, the gonfanon shall not this day be borne by me. To-day I claim quittance of the service, for I would serve you in other guise. I will go with you into the battle, and will fight the English as long as life shall last, and know that my hand will be worth any twenty of such men."


Then the duke turned another way, and called to him Galtier Giffart. "Do thou take this gonfanon," said he, "and bear it in the battle." But Galtier Giffart answered, "Sire, for God's mercy look at my white and bald head; my strength has fallen away, and my breath become shorter. The standard should be borne by one who can endure long labour; I shall be in the battle, and you have not any man who will serve you more truly; I will strike with my sword till it shall be died in your enemies' blood."


Then the duke said fiercely, "By the splendour of God, my lords, I think you mean to betray and fail me in this great need." "Sire," said Giffart, "not so! we have done no treason, nor do I refuse from any felony towards you; but I have to lead a great chivalry, both soldiers and the men of my fief. Never had I such good means of serving you as I now have; and if God please, I will serve you: if need be, I will die for you, and will give my own heart for yours."


"By my faith," quoth the duke, "I always loved thee, and now I love thee more; if I survive this day, thou shalt be the better for it all thy days." Then he called out a knight, whom he had heard much praised, Tosteins Fitz Rou le blanc[6], by name, whose abode was at Bec-en-Caux[7]. To him he delivered the gonfanon; and Tosteins took it right cheerfully, and bowed low to him in thanks, and bore it gallantly, and with good heart. His kindred still have quittance of all service for their inheritance[Pg 171] on that account, and their heirs are entitled so to hold their inheritance for ever.
  • CHAPTER XVIII, HOW THE MEN OF ENGLAND MADE HEADY, AND WHO THEY WERE
The right of the men of London is to guard the king's body, to place themselves around him, and to guard his standard; and they were accordingly placed by the standard, to watch and defend it.

<br

When Harold had made all ready, and given his orders, he came into the midst of the English, and dismounted by the side of the standard, Leofwin and Gurth, his brothers, were with him; and around him he had barons enough, as he stood by his gonfanon, which was in truth a noble one, sparkling with gold and precious stones. After the victory William sent it to the apostle, to prove and commemorate his great conquest and glory” [TAYLOR 1837:p.177]
  • CHAPTER XIX. HOW THE THREE NORMAN COMPANIES MOVED ON TO ATTACK THE ENGLISH.

Then his brother Gurth drew near, and they placed themselves by the standard; each praying God to protect them. p.184

  • CHAPTER XXIII. THE ROLL OF THE NORMAN LORDS CONTINUED.
The Normans drew their swords and hewed down the barricades, and the English in great trouble fell back upon their standard, where were collected the maimed and wounded. p.235



Robert Fitz Erneis[55] fixed his lance, took his[Pg 240] shield, and galloping towards the standard with his keen-edged sword, struck an Englishman who was in front, killed him, and then drawing back his sword, attacked many others, and pushed straight for the standard, trying to beat it down; but the English surrounded it, and killed him with their bills. He was found on the spot, when they afterwards[Pg 241] sought for him, dead, and lying at the standard's foot.p.240
  • CHAPTER XXIV. WHAT DEEDS OF ARMS DUKE WILLIAM DID; AND HOW HAROLD WAS SLAIN AND THE ENGLISH FLED.

Duke William pressed close upon the English with his lance; striving hard to reach the standard with the great troop he led; and seeking earnestly for Harold, on whose acconnt the whole war was. p.249

And now the Normans had pressed on so far, that at last they reached the standard[3]. There Harold had remained, defending himself to the utmost; but he was sorely wounded in his eye by the arrow, and suffered grievous pain from the blow. An armed man came in the throng of the battle, and struck him on the ventaille of his helmet, and beat him to the ground; and as he sought to recover himself, a knight beat him down again, striking him on the thick of his thigh, down to the bone.p.252

The standard was beaten down, the golden gonfanon was taken, and Harold and the best of his friends were slain; but there was so much eagerness, and throng of so many around, seeking to kill him, that I know not who it was that slew him.
The English were in great trouble at having lost their king, and at the duke's having conquered and beat down the standard; but they still fought on, and defended themselves long, and in fact till the day drew to a close. Then it clearly appeared to all that the standard was lost, and the news had spread throughout the army that Harold, for certain,[Pg 255] was dead; and all saw that there was no longer any hope, so they left the field, and those fled who could p.254

Then he returned thanks to God, and in his pride ordered his gonfanon to be brought and set up on high, where the English standard had stood; and that was the signal of his having conquered, and beaten down the standard. And he ordered his tent to be raised on the spot among the dead, and had his meat brought thither, and his supper prepared there. p.256


“L’apostoile li otreia, un gonfanon li enveia, un gonfanon et un anel, mult precios e riche e bel; si come it dit, desoz la pierre, aveit un des cheveuls Saint Pierre”[MICHEL 1836: p.147] Charlemagne: An Anglo-Norman Poem of the Twelfth Century edited by Francisque Michel 1836

Snorri Sturluson, Heimskringla c.1225AD

(The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway)

  • Saga of King Harald Grafeld and of Earl Hakon Son of Sigurd
"The sharp bow-shooter on the sea
Spread wide his fleet, for well loved he
The battle storm: well loved the earl
His battle-banner to unfurl,
O'er the well-trampled battle-field
He raised the red-moon of his shield;
And often dared King Eirik's son
To try the fray with the Earl Hakon." [LAING 1844]
  • Harald Harfager's Saga
The forecastle men were picked men, for they had the king's banner." [LAING 1907]
  • Saga of Harald Hardrade
  • OF ULF AND HALDOR.
"When Harald came to the castle gate his standard-bearer fell, and Harald said to Haldor, "Do thou take up the banner now." Haldor took up the banner, and said foolishly, "Who will carry the banner before thee, if thou followest it so timidly as thou hast done for a while?" But these were words more of anger than of truth; for Harald was one of the boldest of men under arms." [LAING 1907]
  • BATTLE AT A FOURTH CASTLE.
"The coffin was borne high in the air, and over it was a tent of costly linen and before it were carried many banners." [LAING 1907]
  • TREATY BETWEEN HARALD AND SVEIN BROKEN.
"A little after this it happened that Harald and Svein one evening were sitting at table drinking and talking together, and Svein asked Harald what valuable piece of all his property he esteemed the most.
He answered, it was his banner Land-waster.
Svein asked what was there remarkable about it, that he valued it so highly.
Harald replied, it was a common saying that he must gain the victory before whom that banner is borne, and it had turned out so ever since he had owned it.
Svein replies, "I will begin to believe there is such virtue in the banner when thou hast held three battles with thy relation Magnus, and hast gained them all."" [LAING 1907]
  • THE FALL OF EINAR AND EINDRIDE.
"After Einar's murder the king was so much disliked for that deed that there was nothing that prevented the lendermen and bondes from attacking the king, and giving him battle, but the want of some leader to raise the banner in the bonde army." [LAING 1907]
  • OF KING SVEIN'S ARMAMENT.
"And when King Svein's banner was cut down, and his ship cleared of its crew, all his forces took to flight, and some were killed." [LAING 1907]
  • KING HARALD'S BATTLE WITH EARL HAKON
"Earl Hakon had the same banner which had belonged to King Magnus Olafson." [LAING 1907]



"When the war-cry was raised the earl let his banner advance; but when they came under the hill the king's army rushed down upon them, and killed some of the earl's people, and the rest fled. The Northmen did not pursue the fugitives long, for it was the fall of day; but they took Earl Hakon's banner and all the arms and clothes they could get hold of. King Harald had both the banners carried before him as they marched away. They spoke among themselves that the earl had probably fallen. As they were riding through the forest they could only ride singly, one following the other. Suddenly a man came full gallop across the path, struck his spear through him who was carrying the earl's banner, seized the banner-staff, and rode into the forest on the other side with the banner. When this was told the king he said, "Bring me my armour, for the earl is alive." Then the king rode to his ships in the night; and many said that the earl had now taken his revenge." [LAING 1907]
  • THORD'S DREAM.
"He saw a great battle-array on the land; and he thought both sides began to fight, and had many banners flapping in the air." [LAING 1907]
  • OF HARALD'S ORDER OF BATTLE.
"The king's banner was next the river, where the line was thickest. It was thinnest at the ditch, where also the weakest of the men were. When the earls advanced downwards along the ditch, the arm of the Northmen's line which was at the ditch gave way; and the Englishmen followed, thinking the Northmen would fly. The banner of Earl Morukare advanced then bravely." [LAING 1907]
  • THE BATTLE AT THE HUMBER.
"He ordered the banner which was called the Land-ravager to be carried before him, and made so severe an assault that all had to give way before it;" [LAING 1907]
  • EARL TOSTE'S COUNSEL.
"Then King Harald ordered his banner Land-ravager to be set up; and Frirek was the name of him who bore the banner." [LAING 1907]
  • OF KING HARALD'S ARMY.
"The king himself and his retinue were within the circle; and there was the banner, and a body of chosen men. Earl Toste, with his retinue, was at another place, and had a different banner." [LAING 1907]
  • FALL OF KING HARALD.
"King Harald Sigurdson was hit by an arrow in the windpipe, and that was his death-wound. He fell, and all who had advanced with him, except those who retired with the banner. There was afterwards the warmest conflict, and Earl Toste had taken charge of the king's banner." [LAING 1907]
  • SKIRMISH OF ORRE.
"Eystein Orre came up at this moment from the ships with the men who followed him, and all were clad in armour. Then Eystein got King Harald's banner Land-ravager; and now was, for the third time, one of the sharpest of conflicts, in which many Englishmen fell, and they were near to taking flight." [LAING 1907]
  • The Ynglinga Saga
  • OF KING HAKE
"There was a great battle, in which King Hake went forward so bravely that he killed all who were nearest to him, and at last killed King Eric, and cut down the banner of the two brothers."
  • OF EGIL AND TUNNE
"As soon as King Egil perceived the tumult, he prepared for defence, and set up his banner; but many people deserted him, because Tunne and his men attacked them so boldly, and King Egil saw that nothing was left but to fly."
  • King Olaf Trygvason's Saga
  • BATTLE WITH THE JOMSBORG VIKINGS
"Earl Sigvalde's banner was displayed in the midst of his army, and right against it Earl Hakon arranged his force for attack." [LAING 1844]
  • THE THRONDHJEM PEOPLE BAPTIZED.
"But as Skegge was killed, there was no leader in the bondes' army to raise the banner against King Olaf; so they took the other condition, to surrender to the king's will and obey his order. [LAING 1844]
  • CREW ON BOARD OF THE LONG SERPENT.
"Ulf the Red was the name of the man who bore King Olaf's banner, and was in the forecastle of the Long Serpent; and with him was Kolbjorn the marshal, Thorstein Uxafot, and Vikar of Tiundaland, a brother of Arnliot Gelline." [LAING 1844]
  • OF KING OLAF.
"When King Olaf saw that the scattered forces of the enemy gathered themselves together under the banners of their ships, he asked, "Who is the chief of the force right opposite to us?"" [LAING 1844]
  • Saga of Olaf Haraldson
  • OF THE FEAST
"As they rode up to the house, and were near the room, they saw on the other side of the house the banners of Olaf coming waving; and there was he himself, with about 100 men all well equipped." [LAING 1844]
  • OF THE BATTLE AT NESJAR.
"He had a white banner on which was a serpent figured. but when they saw the king's fleet coming they began to bind the ships together, to set up their banners, and to make ready for the fight." [LAING 1844]
  • EARL SVEIN'S FLIGHT.
"Their banner was brought up to the ship that was nearest the earl's, and the king himself followed the banner. So says
Sigvat: --
"`On with the king!' his banners waving:
`On with the king!' the spears he's braving!
`On, steel-clad men! and storm the deck,
Slippery with blood and strewed with wreck.
A different work ye have to share,
His banner in war-storm to bear,
From your fair girl's, who round the hall
Brings the full mead-bowl to us all.'"
[LAING 1844]
  • MURDER OF OLAF'S COURT-MEN.
There were twelve of Hrorek's men there, and among them Sigurd Hit, who had been his banner-man, and also little Fin." [LAING 1844]
  • OF THE BAPTISM OF THE VAGABOND FOREST-MEN
The king then took them into the troop of his court-men, and said they should fight under his banner in the battle." [LAING 1844]
  • KING OLAF'S SPEECH.
I will let my banner go forward in the middle of the army, and my-court-men, and pursuivants shall follow it, together with the war forces that joined us from the Uplands, and also those who may come to us here in the Throndhjem land. On the right hand of my banner shall be Dag Hringson, with all the men he brought to our aid; and he shall have the second banner. And on the left hand of our line shall the men be whom the Swedish king gave us, together with all the people who came to us in Sweden; and they shall have the third banner.


Now let the men divide themselves into separate flocks, and then each flock into ranks; then let each man observe well his proper place, and take notice what banner he is drawn up under." [LAING 1844]
  • OF KING OLAF'S SKALDS.
Thormod replies, "It may be, sire, that ye now require prayers most; but it would be thin around the banner-staff if all thy court-men were now on the way to Rome." [LAING 1844]
  • KING OLAF COMES TO STIKLESTAD
Then he placed his army in battle array, and raised his banner. Dag was not yet arrived with his men, so that his wing of the battle array was wanting. Then the king said the Upland men should go forward in their place, and raise their banner there." [LAING 1844]
  • THORD FOLASON.
Thord Folason carried King Olaf's banner. So says Sigvat the skald, in the death-song which he composed about King Olaf, and put together according to resurrection saga: --
"Thord. I have heard, by Olaf's side,
Where raged the battle's wildest tide,
Moved on, and, as by one accord
Moved with them every heart and sword.
The banner of the king on high,
Floating all splendid in the sky
From golden shaft, aloft he bore, --
The Norsemen's rallying-point of yore."
[LAING 1844]
  • KING OLAF'S DREAM.
There a slumber came upon him, and he slept a little while; but at the same time the bondes' army was seen advancing with raised banners, and the multitude of these was very great. [LAING 1844]
  • OF ARNLJOT GELLINE'S BAPTISM
Thereupon Arnljot was baptized. The king taught him so much of the holy faith as appeared to him needful, and placed him in the front rank of the order of battle, in advance of his banner, where also Gauka-Thorer and Afrafaste, with their men, were. [LAING 1844]
  • OF THE LENDERMEN
Thorer replies thus to his speech: "I do not confide in myself so much as to raise the banner against King Olaf, or, as chief, to lead on this army; [LAING 1844]
  • KALF ARNASON'S SPEECH
Will ye now adopt my proposal -- then shalt thou, friend Thorer, and thou, Harek, go under the banner which we will all of us raise up, and then follow. [LAING 1844]
  • HOW THE LENDERMEN SET UP THEIR BANNERS.
"Kalf Arnason then raised his banner, and drew up his house-servants along with Harek of Thjotta and his men. Thorer Hund, with his troop, was at the head of the order of battle in front of the banner; and on both sides of Thorer was a chosen body of bondes, all of them the most active and best armed in the forces. This part of the array was long and thick, and in it were drawn up the Throndhjem people and the Halogalanders. On the right wing was another array; and on the left of the main array were drawn up the men from Rogaland, Hordaland, the Fjord districts, and Scgn, and they had the third banner." [LAING 1844]
  • OF THE PREPARATIONS OF THE BONDES.
"When the bondes' men and array were drawn up the lendermen addressed the men, and ordered them to take notice of the place to which each man belonged, under which banner each should be, who there were in front of the banner, who were his side-men, and that they should be brisk and quick in taking up their places in the array; for the army had still to go a long way, and the array might be broken in the course of march. Then they encouraged the people; and Kalf invited all the men who had any injury to avenge on King Olaf to place themselves under the banner which was advancing against King Olaf's own banner. They should remember the distress he had brought upon them; and, he said, never was there a better opportunity to avenge their grievances, and to free themselves from the yoke and slavery he had imposed on them. "Let him," says he, "be held a useless coward who does not fight this day boldly; and they are not innocents who are opposed to you, but people who will not spare you if ye spare them." [LAING 1844]
  • OF THE KING'S AND THE BONDES' ARMIES.
"Thereafter the bondes' army advanced to Stiklestad, where King Olaf was already with his people. Kalf and Harek went in front, at the head of the army under their banners." [LAING 1844]
  • BEGINNING OF THE BATTLE OF STIKLESTAD.
"Now came Thorer Hund, went forward in front of the banner with his troop, and called out, "Forward, forward, bondemen!"
"Midst in their line their banner flies,
Thither the stoutest bonde hies:
But many a bonde thinks of home,
And many wish they ne'er had come."
Now the ranks in front of the king's banner began to be thinned, and the king ordered Thord to carry the banner forward, and the king himself followed it with the troop he had chosen to stand nearest to him in battle; and these were the best armed men in the field, and the most expert in the use of their weapons. Sigvat the skald tells of this: --
"Loud was the battle-storm there,
Where the king's banner flamed in air.
The king beneath his banner stands,
And there the battle he commands."
[LAING 1844]
  • 239. THORGEIR OF KVISTSTAD'S FALL
"At the same instant Thord stuck the banner-pole so fast in the earth that it remained standing. Thord had got his death-wound, and fell beneath the banner. At the same time Dag Hringson came up with his people, and began to put his men in array, and to set up his banner; but on account of the darkness the onset could not go on so briskly, for they could not see exactly whom they had before them." [LAING 1844]
  • 240. KING OLAF'S FALL.
"Warrior! who Olaf dared withstand,
Who against Olaf held the land,
Thou hast withstood the bravest, best,
Who e'er has gone to his long rest.
At Stiklestad thou wast the head;
With flying banners onwards led
Thy bonde troops, and still fought on,
Until he fell -- the much-mourned one."
[LAING 1844]
  • 241. BEGINNING OF DAG HRINGSON'S ATTACK.
" There a great number of the bondes fell, and these lendermen, Erlend of Gerde and Aslak of Finey; and the banner also which they had stood under was cut down." [LAING 1844]
  • 246. OF THORMOD KOLBRUNARSKALD.
" Thormod Kolbrunarskald was under King Olaf's banner in the battle; but when the king had fallen, the battle was raging so that of the king's men the one fell by the side of the other, and the most of those who stood on their legs were wounded." [LAING 1844]
  • Saga of Magnus the Good
  • 32. SVEIN'S FLIGHT
"Spattered with mud from heel to head,
Our gallant lord his true men led.
Will Lund's earl halt his hasty flight,
And try on land another fight?
His banner yesterday was seen,
The sand-bills and green trees between,
Through moss and mire to the strand,
In arrow flight, leaving the land."
[LAING 1844]
  • 34. BATTLE AT HELGANES
"And now the Norsemen storm along,
Following their banner in a throng:
King Magnus' banner flames on high,
A star to guide our roaming by.
To Lund, o'er Scania's peaceful field,
My shoulder bore my useless shield;
A fairer land, a better road,
As friend or foe, I never trod."


Across Fiona's moor again,
The paths late trodden by our men
We tread once more, until quite near,
Through morning mist, the foes appear.
Then up our numerous banners flare
In the cold early morning air;
And they from Magnus' power who fly
Cannot this quick war-work deny."
[LAING 1844]
  • 35. OF KING MAGNUS'S CAMPAIGN.
"To fair Fiona's grassy shore
His banner now again he bore:
He who the mail-shirt's linked chains
Severs, and all its lustre stains, --
He will be long remembered there,
The warrior in his twentieth year,
Whom their black ravens from afar
Saluted as he went to war."
[LAING 1844]
  • Magnus Barefoot's Saga
  • 27. FALL OF KING MAGNUS
The king answered, "Call all the men together with the war-horns under the banner, and the men who are here shall make a rampart with their shields, and thus we will retreat backwards out of the mires; and we will clear ourselves fast enough when we get upon firm ground."
Vidkun Jonson instantly killed the man who had given the king his death-wound, and fled, after having received three wounds; but brought the king's banner and the sword Legbit

to the ships. [LAING 1844]

  • Saga of Magnus the Blind and of Harald Gille
  • 2. OF THE FORCES OF HARALD AND MAGNUS.
Then the war-horns sounded, and all Harald's men went out from the house to an enclosed field, and set up their banners. King Harald had on two shirts of ring-mail, but his brother Kristrod had no armour on; and a gallant man he was. [LAING 1844]
  • 12. OF MAGNUS THE BLIND.
On Hlesey's plain the foe must quail
'Fore him who dyes their shirts of mail.
His storm-stretched banner o'er his head
Flies straight, and fills the foe with dread."
[LAING 1844]
  • Saga of Sigurd, Inge, and Eystein, the Sons of Harald
  • 2. OF SIGURD SLEMBIDJAKN
It is related that Thjostolf Alason carried King Inge in his belt as long as the battle lasted, and stood under the banner [LAING 1844]
  • 27. OF GREGORIUS DAGSON
It is true that there is but little help in thee on account of thy ill health, but I should think thy will should not be less to hold thy hand over thy friends, and I am now quite ready to go from hence to meet Sigurd, and my banner is flying in the yard." [LAING 1844]
  • Saga of Hakon Herdebreid ("Hakon the Broad-Shouldered")
  • 3. KING HAKON'S FLIGHT
There the man who carried his banner was slain, just as he was going to step on shore. Gregorius ordered Hal, a son of Audun Halson, to take up the banner, which he did, and

bore the banner up to the pier. [LAING 1844]

  • 11. KING HAKON'S FLIGHT
Thereupon he ordered his banner to be set up, which was done; and they rowed across the river. [LAING 1844]
  • 14. OF THE FALL OF GREGORIUS DAGSON
Then he ordered the banner to be advanced, and immediately went out on the ice with the men. [LAING 1844]
  • 18. KING INGE'S FALL
An assault was made against King Inge's banner, and in this conflict King Inge fell; but his brother Orm continued the battle, while many of the army fled up into the town. [LAING 1844]
  • Magnus Erlingson's Saga
  • 10. EARL SIGURD'S CONDEMNATION
The people of Viken were very friendly to Erling and King Magnus, principally from the popularity of the late King Inge Haraldson; for the Viken people had always served under his

banner. [LAING 1844]

  • 13. OF EARL SIGURD'S BATTLE ARRAY
We have a good battle-field. Let them cross the bridge; but as soon as the banner comes over it let us then rush down the hill upon them, and none desert his

neighbour." [LAING 1844]

  • 14. EARL SIGURD'S FALL
They first used spears then edge weapons; and the earl's banner soon retired so far back, that Erling and his men scaled the ridge [LAING 1844]
  • 42. THE FALL OF KING EYSTEIN.
Then the Birkebeins' banner was cut down; those who were nearest gave way and some took to flight [LAING 1844]

References

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