Medieval Icelandic Literature
The Saga of Hromund Gripsson
13th century, Old Norse.
The swan is Lara, the mistress of one of the opposing warriors who has turned herself into a bird.
Hromund Gripsson has dreamed badly and has severe misgivings about taking part in this particular battle. But King Olaf’s sister has given him a magic garter to wear around his wrist and so he agrees to help her brother. He has already recovered a ring from the barrow of a warrior king of Gaul.
The day of the battle arrives and a swan can be seen flying over the ice of the battlefield. The swan is Lara, the mistress of one of the opposing warriors who has turned herself into a bird, recalling the swan-maidens of Germanic mythology who can take the form of either a swan or a woman. By the use of her witchcraft, and by astute aerial reconnaissance, this swan is playing an active and indeed a pivotal role in the battle.
Story fragment recounted from: the medieval Icelandic saga of Hromund Gripsson, translated by Gavin Chappell, chapters 6–7.
references
Sagas of Icelanders – Wikipedia
The Saga of Hromund Gripsson – translated by Gavin Chappell: New Northvegr Center
Fornaldar Sögur – Sagas of Ancient Times in modern English translation: New Northvegr Center
