Heimskringla
The Chronicle of The Kings of Norway
by Snorri Sturlson | c.1179-1241 | 320,198 words
The "Heimskringla" of Snorri Sturlason is a collection of sagas concerning the various rulers of Norway, from about A.D. 850 to the year A.D. 1177....
Part 222 - Of Thorgils Halmason
A bonde, by name Thorgils Halmason, father to Grim the Good, dwelt in Stiklestad farm. Thorgils offered the king his assistance, and was ready to go into battle with him.
The king thanked him for the offer.
"I would rather,"
says the king,
"thou shouldst not be in the fight. Do us rather the service to take care of the people who are wounded, and to bury those who may fall, when the battle is over.
Should it happen, bonde, that I fall in this battle, bestow the care on my body that may be necessary, if that be not forbidden thee."
Thorgils promised the king what he desired.