[185] It is the name “Maǵûs,” from the Greek Μάγος (Magian, fire-worshipper, cf. [p. 55]), that led the author into this error. Maǵûs was used collectively of heathens in general, but especially of the Norse Vikings [cf. Dozy, 1881, ii. p. 271].
[186] Her name may be read “Bud” (Bodhild ?), or—according to Seippel’s showing—with a trifling correction, “Aud.”
[187] Probably this was made from Edrisi’s design and corresponded to the map of the world in his work. Khalîl aṣ-Ṣafadî (born circa 1296) also relates that Roger and Edrisi sent out trustworthy men with draughtsmen to the east, west, south and north, to draw from nature and describe everything remarkable; and their information was then included in Edrisi’s work. If this is true (which is probably doubtful), these would be real geographical expeditions that were sent out.
[188] Cf. Jaubert’s translation [Edrisi, 1836], where, however, the geographical names must be used with caution. See also Dozy and De Goeje [Edrisi, 1866].
[189] The Arabs have the same word for island and peninsula.
[190] Professor Seippel considers this the probable interpretation of the name, and not “the island of the Danes,” as in Jaubert.
[191] Edrisi reckoned a degree at the equator as 100 Arabic miles, according to which his mile would be fully a kilometre. According to other Arab geographers the degree at the equator has been reckoned as 66⅔ Arabic miles, in which case the mile would be about 1.7 km., or nearly a statute mile.
[192] This name is doubtless a confusion of Finmark and Finland.
[193] Of the names of these towns given on the map there can, according to Seippel’s interpretation, be read with certainty “Oslô” and probably “Trônâ” [Trondheim]. The third name is difficult to determine.
[194] This may be the same idea that we meet with again in the description of the Skrælings in Eric the Red’s Saga, where we are told that they were “breiðir i kinnum.”