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 93 - Of King Harald Godwinson
King Harald Godwinson had come with an immense army, both of cavalry and infantry. Now King Harald Sigurdson rode around his array, to see how every part was drawn up. He was upon a black horse, and the horse stumbled under him, so that the king fell off.
He got up in haste and said,
"A fall is lucky for a traveller."
The English king Harald said to the Northmen who were with him,
"Do ye know the stout man who fell from his horse, with the blue kirtle and the beautiful helmet?"
"That is the king himself." said they.
The English king said,
"A great man, and of stately appearance is he; but I think his luck has left him."