[341]. The nine women in black had been the Disir of the family, which was going to forsake the old belief; the Disir wanted to take with them the best member of the family before they left. Therefore they slew Thidrandi, whom the nine white Disir try in vain to defend. The nine white Disir were to be the guardian spirit of the family after it had adopted the new belief. From this we can see that the new religion could not entirely overthrow the old superstition and belief.
[342]. Persuaded by Ivar Vidfadmi, Hrœrek slew his brother Helgi, thinking he was too good friends with his wife. Afterwards Ivar slew Hrœrek in a fight. In the dream Hrœrek is the stag, Helgi is the wild beast, Ivar is the dragon, and the she-bear with the cub is Aud with her son.
[343]. See Exposure of Children, Vol. II., p. [39].
[344]. Cf. also Orvar Odd’s Saga, c. 4.
[345]. This dream seems to have had the power to make the first man who heard it death-fated.
[346]. Cf. Olaf Tryggvason’s Saga, p. 37.
[347]. Gladsheim = Home of the glad.
[348]. Men slain by weapons.
[349]. Coats of mail or chain armour.
[350]. The word in the text means “hangs,” and it is impossible to tell if the wolf is living or dead; it may mean that the wolf is ready to pounce.