[9] i.e. the High Gods, who dwelt in Valhalla, or the home of the immortals.
[10] The great province of Northumbria extended from the Humber to the Firth of Forth.
[11] The English Chronicle, dating his rule in Normandy from this, his first expedition thither, gives him a reign of fifty years; he actually reigned from 911–927 A.D. (see [p. 110]).
[12] In hot weather a tent was erected over the boat.
[13] Scat was a land-tax paid to the king in money, malt, meal, or flesh-meat, and was adjudged to each king on his succession by the “Thing,” or assembly of lawgivers.
[14] The bishop of the islands is still styled Bishop of Sodor (i.e. the Sudreys) and Man. Up to the fifteenth century these bishops had to go to Trondhjem in Norway for consecration.
[15] See chap. xv., “Wild Tales from the Orkneys,” [p. 108].
[16] Probably Olaf, son of Godfrey, King of Dublin.
[17] i.e. Olaf Cuaran.
[18] A sort of fury of war which attacked the Northmen when engaged in battle, and made them half-mad with ferocity.