Part 92 - Of King Olaf's Feats

King Olaf was more expert in all exercises than any man in Norway whose memory is preserved to us in sagas; and he was stronger and more agile than most men, and many stories are written down about it.

One is that he ascended the Smalsarhorn, and fixed his shield upon the very peak.

Another is, that one of his followers had climbed up the peak after him, until he came to where he could neither get up nor down; but the king came to his help, climbed up to him, took him under his arm, and bore him to the flat ground.

King Olaf could run across the oars outside of the vessel while his men were rowing the Serpent.

He could play with three daggers, so that one was always in the air, and he took the one falling by the handle.

He could walk all round upon the ship's rails, could strike and cut equally well with both hands, and could cast two spears at once.

King Olaf was a very merry frolicsome man; gay and social; was very violent in all respects; was very generous; was very finical in his dress, but in battle he exceeded all in bravery.

He was distinguished for cruelty when he was enraged, and tortured many of his enemies. Some he burnt in fire; some he had torn in pieces by mad dogs; some he had mutilated, or cast down from high precipices.

On this account his friends were attached to him warmly, and his enemies feared him greatly; and thus he made such a fortunate advance in his undertakings, for some obeyed his will out of the friendliest zeal, and others out of dread.