great resort to Shetland, and many men left Norway, flying the country on account of King Harald, and went on viking cruises into the West sea. In winter they were in the Orkney Islands and Hebrides; but marauded in summer in Norway, and did great damage. Many, however, were the mighty men who took service under King Harald, and became his men, and dwelt in the land with him.
When King Harald had now become sole king over all Norway, he remembered what that proud girl had said to him; so he sent men to her, and had her brought to him, and took her to his bed. And these were their children: Alaf—she was the eldest; then was their son Hræereck; then Sigtryg, Frode, and Thorgils. King Harald had many wives [1] and many children. Among them he had one wife, who was called Bagnhild the Mighty, a daughter of King Eric, from Jutland; and by her he had a son, Eric Bloody axe. He was also married to Swanhilde, a daughter of Earl Eystein; and their sons were Olaf Geirstadaalf, Biorn, and Kagnar By skill. Lastly, King Harald married Ashilda, a daughter of King Dagsson, up in Bingerige: and their children were Dag, Bing, Gudrod, Skiria, and Ingigerd. It is told that King Harald put away nine wives when he married Bagnhild the Mighty. So says Hornklofe:
" Harald, of noblest race the head;
A Danish wife took to his bed;
- ↑ Polygamy—possibly brought with them from their original seats in Asia—appears to have been a privilege of the royal race, among the Northmen; down to the 13th century. The kings had concubines as well as a plurality of wives; and the children appear to have been equally udal-born to the kingdom; whether born in marriage or not. It does not appear from the sagas what forms or ceremonies constituted a marriage before the introduction of Christianity. A marriage feast or wedding is mentioned; and one of the wives appears to have been the drottning or queen; but we are not told of any religious ceremony besides the feast.
