Frithiof’s Suit
When the visit was ended and the guests had departed, Frithiof informed his confidant and chief companion, Björn, of his determination to follow them and openly ask for Ingeborg’s hand. His ship was set free from its moorings and it swooped like an eagle over to the shore near Balder’s shrine, where the royal brothers were seated in state on Belé’s tomb to listen to the petitions of their subjects. Straightway Frithiof presented himself before them, and manfully made his request, adding that the old king had always loved him and would surely have granted his prayer.
“No king was my sire, not a jarl, ev’n—’tis true;
Yet Scald-songs his mem’ry and exploits renew;
The Rune-stones will tell
On high-vaulted cairn what my race hath done well.
“With ease could I win me both empire and land;—
But rather I stay on my forefathers’ strand;
While arms I can wield—
Both poverty’s hut and king’s palace I’ll shield.
“On Belé’s round barrow we stand; each word
In the dark deeps beneath us he hears and has heard;
With Frithiof pleadeth
The old Chief in his cairn: think! your answer thought needeth.”
Tegnér, Frithiof Saga (G. Stephens’s tr.).
Then he went on to promise lifelong fealty and the service of his strong right arm in exchange for the boon he craved.
Frithiof cleaves the Shield of Helgé
Knut Ekwall
By Permission of F. Bruckmann, Munich
As Frithiof ceased King Helgé rose, and regarding the young man scornfully, he said: “Our sister is not for a peasant’s son; proud chiefs of the Northland may dispute for her hand, but not thou. As for thy arrogant proffer, know that I can protect my kingdom. Yet if thou wouldst be my man, place in my household mayst thou have.”
Enraged at the insult thus publicly offered, Frithiof drew his invincible sword; but, remembering that he stood on a consecrated spot, he struck only at the royal shield, which fell in two pieces clashing to the ground. Then striding back to his ship in sullen silence, he embarked and sailed away.
“And lo! cloven in twain at a stroke
Fell King Helge’s gold shield from its pillar of oak:
At the clang of the blow,
The live started above, the dead started below.”
Tegnér, Frithiof Saga (Longfellow’s tr.).