The standard-bearer stood by the prow of the ship, and the pennant seems to have been carried at the masthead.
Fig. 935.—Bayeux tapestry.
“The pennant, spun by women, played at the masthead of the reindeer of the rollers” (Knutsdrapa).
Fig. 936.—Baptismal font, Church of Lödurup, Scania, Sweden.
“When Eirik blódöx (blood-axe) got the kingship, he had feasts in Hordaland and Firda Fylki. He took hirdmen with him. One spring he made ready to go to Bjarmaland, and selected men for the journey. Thorolf went with him, and was placed in the prow of his ship, and carried his standard. Thorolf was then taller and stronger than other men, and therein like his father” (Egil’s Saga, c. 37).
When Helgi came with his ships to make war at Frekastein he had a golden standard.
Gudmund.
Who is the Skjoldung