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Banners from Literature

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{{Spears}} This article ~~lists extracts~~ contains quotes from ~~all of the~~ 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~~1855: p.166]

==Annals of St-Bertin c.882AD ==

* 865

:"The Northman on the Loire made their way on foot to Poitiers without meeting any resistance, burned the civitas and returned to their ships unscathed. But Robert slew more than 500 of these Northman based on the Loire, without losing any of his own men, and sent to Charles the '''standards''' and weapons captured from the Northmen." [NELSON 1991:p.127]

* 876

:"On the 7th October the emperor, having already given his squadrons their orders, got up during the night, and raising the '''standards''', tried to launch a surprise attack on his nephew and those with him,..." [NELSON 1991:p.196]

==Annals of Fulda c.900AD ==

* 844

:Pippin's duces defeated Charles's army on June 7. In this battle fell Hugh the Abbot, Charles material uncle, Abbot Rihboto, Hrabanus the '''standard-bearer''', with many others of the nobility.[REUTER 1992:p.22]

* 891

:"The shouts of the Christians rose to heaven, and the pagans after their fashion shouted no less; terrible '''battle-standards''' moved through the camps. Swords were drawn on both sides, and the armies clashed like iron on stone." [REUTER 1992:p.122]

:"In that battle two of their kings were killed, that is Sigifrid and Godafrid, and '''sixteen royal standards''' were carried off and were sent to Bavaria as a witness." [REUTER 1992:p.123]

* 894

:"As dawn came the King heard mass and then ranged his army around to storm the town. He himself remained at the top of the hill with his '''battle-standard''' to give assistance to those attacking the wall." [REUTER 1992:p.126]

==The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle B, C, D, E (970-1116AD)==

*AD 878

:“And in the winter of this same year the brother of Ingwar and Healfden landed in Wessex, in Devonshire, with three and twenty ships, and there was he slain, and eight hundred men with him, and forty of his army. There also was taken the war-flag, which they called the RAVEN.” [INGRAM 1912]

Swanton’s translation [SWANTON 2000:p.77] of Anglo-Saxon Chronicle E “.. and there the banner which they called ‘Raven', was taken.” It's also mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle's B, C and D (B was written in the second half of the C10th, probably in the 970's) but it is not mentioned in the oldest surviving copy of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, A (written from c.890AD to 1070AD).

==Asser's The Life of Alfred (1000AD)==

:"...and there they gained a very large booty, and amongst other things the standard called '''Raven'''; for they say that the three sisters of Hingwar and Hubba, daughters of Lodobroch, wove that flag and got it ready in one day. They say, moreover, that in every battle, wherever that flag went before them, if they were to gain the victory a '''live crow would appear flying on the middle of the flag''' ; but if they were doomed to be defeated it would hang down motionless, and this was often proved to be so. " [GILES 1848:p62]

A major doubt exists regarding the authenticity of this chapter in Asser's Life of Alfred. It has been fairly well proved that Bishop Parker added this chapter directly from The Annals of St Neots in his 1574AD published version of Asser's Life of Alfred. [STEVENSON 1904] The original sole surviving Anglo-Saxon manuscript, Cotton MS Otho A xii, was lost in the Cotton Library fire of 1731AD. The two remaining transcripts have both been affected to varying degrees by Bishop Parkers interpolations.

==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]

==The Song of Roland, 1040-~~115AD~~1115AD==*Verse 4 8 :"And Geoffrey of Anjou, the bearer of the King's '''gonfalon'''" [BACON 1914]

*Verse 33 69

:"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 3980

:"They held Valentian lances, and shield on shoulder wore.

:'''White and blue and vermilion were the gonfalons they bore'''." [BACON 1914]

*Verse 5982:"And from their gold wrought helmets a blazing light did dance on shield and broidered hauberk, on '''pennant''' and on lance." [BACON 1914] *Verse 92:"With all his armor on him that became him well indeed.:He bore the good spear in his hand with the point unto the height. :Upon the summit of the spear was laced a '''pennant white'''." [BACON 1914] *Verse 95:"Therewith the shield he shattered, and the hauberk all to-broke. :Through the side the '''pennant-fringes''' were driven at the stroke." [BACON 1914] *Verse 110:"What store of spears were shattered and drenched in the blood! How many '''gonfalons and flags''' were tattered in the fray." [BACON 1914] *Verse 113:"Blazing were all their helmets with precious stones and gold. :'''Pennants''' and spears and bucklers and broidered coats had they and seven thousand war-horns were bellowing for the fray." [BACON 1914] *Verse 114a:"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~~114b:"Down he rode through the valley as swiftly as might be. :His '''gonfalon''' was fastened with three fair nails of gold" [BACON 1914] *Verse 117:"He shattered all the buckler, :through the hauberk did he shear. :He thrust into the body the '''pennant''' of the spear." [BACON 1914] *Verse 120:"He thrust into the body his '''azure battle-flag'''. :And dead he struck Count Gerin beside a mighty crag." [BACON 1914] *Verse 126:"To rally men in battle the Dragon aye he bore." [BACON 1914] *Verse 138:"The Emperor his war-horns forthwith he let them peal. :From the steeds the Franks dismounted and girded on the steel. :The hauberks and the helmets and the great swords of gold, :and splendid shields and lances heavy and strong they hold, :with the '''vermilion gonfalons, and the azure and the white'''. :There mounted on the chargers of the army every knight." [BACON 1914] *Verse 139:"And all the armor of the host was flashing in the sun. :The hauberks and the helmets shone with a mighty glare, :and likewise the good bucklers with flowers painted fair, :and gleaming were the lances and the '''gonfalons of gold'''." [BACON 1914] *Verse 218:"They deem there will be a battle, if they come upon the foe. :Down over their bright helmets the '''gonfalons''' hang low." [BACON 1914] *Verse 223:"Aloft they bore the lances. Laced were the '''flags of war'''" [BACON 1914] **Verse 226:"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~~237:"Baligant the Amiral was a gallant man of might. He had his '''Dragon borne before, and Termagant's ensign'''" [BACON 1914] *Verse 239:"It was Amboire of Olifern who bore his '''gonfalon'''." [BACON 1914] *Verse 241:"But when the Emperor Charlemagne the Amiral surveyed, And the '''Dragon and the ensign and the standard''' there displayed." [BACON 1914] *Verse 244:"And shattered all the byrnie. And furthermore he ran his '''gonfalon''' right through the midst of the body of the man." [BACON 1914] *Verse 249:"Right through the Prince's body his '''golden banner ''' bore.

:He smote him dead seven hundred of his servitors before." [BACON 1914]

*Verse ~~142~~259

:"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

==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 1996:p.47]

==William of Jumièges, Gesta Normannorum Ducum c.1070AD==

(Deeds of the Dukes of the Normans)

:<brspan 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 [~~Anglo-Norman Studies VI: Proceedings of the Battle Conference 1983 edited by Reginald Allen Brown~~BROWN 1984: 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~~& GREENAWAY 1995: 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~~ & GREENAWAY 1995:p.233] ~~English Historical Documents, 1042~~Apparently mentions the fighting man standard being sent to Rome. -~~1189 edited by David Charles Douglas, George William Greenaway~~ GET SOURCE

==The Annals of St Neots (1120-1140AD)==

:""

Although written in the C12th, The Annals of St Neots was based in part on a now missing early version of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. [SWANTON 2000]

==Henry of Huntingdon, Historia Anglorum c.1129-c.1154==

* AD 752 Battle of Burford

:“Ethelhun who led the West-Saxons, bearing the royal standard, a golden dragon, transfixed the standard-bearer of the enemy.” [BOHN 1853:p.130]

* AD 1016 Battle of Assandun

:“King Edmund distinguished himself for his valour. For perceiving that the Danes were fighting with more than ordinary vigour, he quitted his royal station which, as was wont, he had taken between the dragon and the ensign called the Standard,....” [BOHN 1853:p.194]

==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)

*Line 11,450

:“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]

* 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.

: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. [TAYLOR 1837: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. [TAYLOR 1837:p.235]

:Robert Fitz Erneis fixed his lance, took his 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 sought for him, dead, and lying at the '''standard's''' foot.[TAYLOR 1837: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. [TAYLOR 1837:p.249]

:And now the Normans had pressed on so far, that at last they reached the '''standard'''. 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.[TAYLOR 1837: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 [TAYLOR 1837: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. [TAYLOR 1837: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~~1907]

* Harald Harfager's Saga

:The forecastle men were picked men, for they had the '''king's banner'''." [LAING 1907]

:* 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.

* 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

* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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 wasadvancing 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 1907]

:* 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 1907]

:* 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:

::Where the king's banner flamed in air.

::The king beneath his banner stands,

::And there the battle he commands." [LAING 1907]

:* 239. THORGEIR OF KVISTSTAD'S FALL::"At the same instant Thord stuckthe 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 1907]

At :* 240. KING OLAF'S FALL.::"Warrior! who Olaf dared withstand, ::Who against Olaf held the ~~same time Dag Hringson came up with his people~~land, ~~and began~~ ~~to put his men in array~~::Thou hast withstood the bravest, ~~and~~ best, ::Who e'er has gone to ~~set up~~ his ~~banner; but on account~~long rest. of ::At Stiklestad thou wast the ~~darkness the onset could not go~~ head; ::With flying banners onwards led ::Thy bonde troops, and still fought on ~~so briskly~~, ~~for they~~ ~~could not see exactly whom they had before them~~::Until he fell -- the much-mourned one." [LAING 1907]

:* 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 1907]

~~240~~:* 246. ~~KING OLAF'S FALL~~OF THORMOD KOLBRUNARSKALD.::" Thormod Kolbrunarskald was under King Olaf ~~dared withstand,~~ ~~Who against Olaf held~~ 's banner in the ~~land~~battle; but when the king had fallen, ~~Thou hast withstood~~ the ~~bravest, best,~~ ~~Who e~~battle was raging so that of the king'~~er has gone to his long rest.~~ ~~At Stiklestad thou wast~~ s men the ~~head;~~ ~~With flying banners onwards led~~ ~~Thy bonde troops~~one fell by the side of the other, and ~~still fought~~ the most of those who stood on, ~~Until he fell -- the much-mourned one~~their legs were wounded."[LAING 1907]

* 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 1907]

~~241~~:* 34. ~~BEGINNING OF DAG HRINGSON~~BATTLE AT HELGANES::"And now the Norsemen storm along, ::Following their banner in a throng: ::King Magnus'~~S ATTACK~~banner flames on high, ::A star to guide our roaming by. ~~There~~ ::To Lund, o'er Scania's peaceful field, ::My shoulder bore my useless shield; ::A fairer land, a ~~great number of the bondes fell~~better road, ~~and these lendermen~~::As friend or foe, ~~Erlend of Gerde and Aslak of Finey~~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, thefoes appear. ~~banner also which~~ ::Then up our numerous banners flare ::In the cold early morning air; ::And they ~~had stood under was cut down~~from Magnus' power who fly ::Cannot this quick war-work deny." [LAING 1907]

~~246~~:* 35. OF ~~THORMOD KOLBRUNARSKALD~~KING MAGNUS'S CAMPAIGN.~~Thormod Kolbrunarskald was under King Olaf~~::"To fair Fiona's grassy shore ::His banner ~~in the~~now again he bore: ~~battle~~::He who the ~~king had fallen, the battle was raging sothat of the king~~mail-shirt's ~~men the one fell by the side of the other~~linked chains ::Severs, andall its lustre stains, -- ~~the most of those who stood on~~ ::He will be long remembered there, ::The warrior in his twentieth year, ::Whom their ~~legs were wounded~~black ravens from afar ::Saluted as he went to war. " [LAING 1907]

~~Saga of~~ * Magnus ~~the Good~~Barefoot's Saga32:* 27. ~~SVEIN'S FLIGHT~~FALL OF KING MAGNUS::The king answered, "Call all the men together with ~~mud from heel to head~~the war-horns under the banner, ~~Our gallant lord his true~~ and the men ~~led~~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." ~~Will Lund's earl halt~~ ::Vidkun Jonson instantly killed the man who had given the king his ~~hasty flight,~~ ~~And try on land another fight?~~ ~~His banner yesterday was seen,~~ ~~The sand~~death-~~bills~~ wound, and ~~green trees between~~fled, ~~Through moss~~ after having received three wounds; but brought the king's banner and ~~mire to~~ the ~~strand,~~sword Legbit ~~In arrow flight, leaving~~ to the ~~land~~ships."[LAING 1907]

~~34. BATTLE AT HELGANES"And now~~ * Saga of Magnus the ~~Norsemen storm along,~~Blind and of Harald Gille ~~Following their banner in a throng~~: ~~King Magnus' banner flames on high,~~ ~~A star to guide our roaming by~~* 2. OF THE FORCES OF HARALD AND MAGNUS. ~~To Lund~~::Then the war-horns sounded, ~~o'er Scania~~and all Harald's ~~peaceful~~ men went out from the house to an enclosed field, ~~My shoulder bore my useless shield~~and set up their banners. King Harald had on two shirts of ring-mail, but his brother Kristrod had no armour on; ~~A fairer land,~~ and a ~~better road,~~ ~~As friend or foe, I never trod~~gallant man he was."[LAING 1907]

~~Across Fiona~~:* 12. OF MAGNUS THE BLIND.::On Hlesey's ~~moor again,~~ ~~The paths late trodden by our men~~ ~~We tread once more, until quite near,~~ ~~Through morning mist,~~ plain the ~~foes appear.~~ ~~Then up our numerous banners flare~~foe must quail ~~In the cold early morning air~~::' ~~power~~ Fore him who ~~fly~~dyes their shirts of mail. ~~Cannot this quick war~~::His storm-stretched banner o'er his head ::Flies straight, and fills the foe with dread." [LAING 1907]

35* Saga of Sigurd, Inge, and Eystein, the Sons of Harald:* 2. OF ~~KING MAGNUS'S CAMPAIGN.~~SIGURD SLEMBIDJAKN::It is related that Thjostolf Alason carried King Inge in his belt as long as the ~~mail-shirt's linked chains~~ ~~Severs~~battle lasted, 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."~~stood under the banner [LAING 1907]

~~Magnus Barefoot's Saga~~:* 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 1907]

27* Saga of Hakon Herdebreid ("Hakon the Broad-Shouldered"):* 3. ~~FALL OF~~ KING ~~MAGNUS~~HAKON'S FLIGHT~~The king answered,~~ ::There the man who carried his bannerwas slain, ~~and the men who are here shall make a rampartwith their shields~~just as he was going to step on shore. Gregorius ordered Hal, ~~and thus we will retreat backwards out~~ a son of Audun Halson, to take up the~~mires;~~ banner, which he did, and ~~we will clear ourselves fast enough when we get uponfirm ground~~bore the banner up to the pier."[LAING 1907]

~~Vidkun Jonson instantly killed the man who had~~:* 11. KING HAKON'S FLIGHT~~given the king~~ ::Thereupon he ordered his ~~death-wound~~banner to be set up, ~~and fled, after having receivedthree wounds~~which was done; ~~but brought the king's banner~~ and they rowed across the ~~sword Legbitto the ships~~river. [LAING 1907]

~~Saga of Magnus~~ :* 14. OF THE FALL OF GREGORIUS DAGSON::Then he ordered the ~~Blind~~ banner to be advanced, and ~~of Harald Gille~~immediately went out on the ice with the men. [LAING 1907]

~~2. OF THE FORCES OF HARALD AND MAGNUS~~:* 18.KING INGE'S FALL~~Then the war~~::An assault was made against King Inge's ~~men went out fromthe house to an enclosed field~~banner, and ~~set up their banners.~~ in this conflict King~~Harald had on two shirts of ring-mail,~~ Inge fell; but his brother ~~Kristrodhad no armour on; and a gallant man he was~~Orm continued the battle, while many of the army fled up into the town. [LAING 1907]

~~12. OF MAGNUS THE BLIND.On Hlesey~~* Magnus Erlingson's ~~plain the foe must quail~~Saga :* 10. EARL SIGURD'~~Fore him who dyes their shirts of mail.~~S CONDEMNATION ~~His storm~~::The people of Viken were very friendly to Erling and King Magnus, ~~and fills~~ principally from the popularity of the ~~foe with dread~~late King Inge Haraldson; for the Viken people had always served under his banner."[LAING 1907]

~~Saga of Sigurd, Inge~~:* 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 ~~Eystein, the Sons of Harald~~none desert his neighbour." [LAING 1907]

2:* 14. OF EARL SIGURD ~~SLEMBIDJAKN~~'S FALL~~It is related that Thjostolf Alason carried KingInge in his belt as long as~~ ::They first used spears then edge weapons; and the ~~battle lasted~~earl's banner soon retired so far back, that Erling and ~~stood under~~his men scaled the ~~banner~~ridge [LAING 1907]

27:* 42. ~~OF GREGORIUS DAGSONIt 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 handover thy friends, and I am now quite ready to go from hence tomeet Sigurd, and my banner is flying in the yard."~~ ~~Saga of Hakon Herdebreid ("Hakon the Broad-Shouldered")~~ ~~3. KING HAKON'S FLIGHTThere the man who carried his banner was slain,just as he was going to step on shore. Gregorius ordered Hal, ason of Audun Halson, to take up the banner, which he did, andbore the banner up to the pier.~~ ~~11. KING HAKON'S FLIGHTThereupon he ordered his banner to be set up, whichwas done; and they rowed across the river.~~ ~~14. OF~~ THE FALL OF ~~GREGORIUS DAGSONThen he ordered the banner to be advanced, andimmediately went out on the ice with the men.~~ ~~18.~~ KING ~~INGE'S FALLAn assault was made against King Inge's banner, and in this conflictKing Inge fell; but his brother Orm continued the battle, whilemany of the army fled up into the town~~EYSTEIN. ~~Magnus Erlingson's Saga~~ ~~10. EARL SIGURD'S CONDEMNATIONThe people of Viken were very friendly to Erling andKing Magnus, principally from the popularity of the late KingInge Haraldson; for the Viken people had always served under hisbanner.~~ ~~13. OF EARL SIGURD'S BATTLE ARRAYWe have a good battle~~::<span style="font-~~field. Let themcross the bridge~~style: italic; ~~but as soon as the banner comes over it let usthen rush down the hill upon them, and none desert hisneighbour.~~color: green" ~~14. EARL SIGURD'S FALLThey first used spears then edge weapons; and the earl's banner soonretired so far back, that Erling and his men scaled the ridge~~ ~~42. THE FALL OF KING EYSTEIN.~~>Then the Birkebeins' banner was cut down; those whowere nearest gave way and some took to flight[LAING 1907]

==References==

~~<nocite>~~

~~BACON1914~~

~~GILES1847~~

~~GUMMERE1910~~

~~HEWITT1885~~

~~LAING1907~~

~~OAKESHOTT1960~~

~~SELLAR1907~~

~~SWANTON2000~~

~~TAYLOR1837~~

~~</nocite>~~

~~<biblio force=false>#[[Template:Bib]]</biblio>~~

[[Category:Literature]]

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