Thorstein, Egil’s son.  Thorunn was the name of yet one of his daughters.  She was the wife of Herstein, son of Thorkell Blund-Ketill’s son.  Thordis was the name of a third daughter of Olaf:  she was the wife of Thorarin, the Speaker-at-Law, brother of Ragi.  At that time, when Olaf was living at Hvamm, Koll o’ Dales, his brother-in-law, fell ill and died.  Hoskuld, the son of Koll, was young at the time of his father’s death:  he was fulfilled of wits before the tale of his years.  Hoskuld was a hopeful man, and well made of body.  He took over his father’s goods and household.  The homestead where Koll lived was named after him, being afterwards called Hoskuldstead.  Hoskuld was soon in his householding blessed with friends, for that many supports stood thereunder, both kinsmen and friends whom Koll had gathered round him. [Sidenote:  Thorgerd’s second marriage] Thorgerd, Thorstein’s daughter, the mother of Hoskuld, was still a young woman and most goodly; she did not care for Iceland after the death of Koll.  She told Hoskuld her son that she wished to go abroad, and take with her that share of goods which fell to her lot.  Hoskuld said he took it much to heart that they should part, but he would not go against her in this any more than in anything else.  After that Hoskuld bought the half-part in a ship that was standing beached off Daymealness, on behalf of his mother.  Thorgerd betook herself on board there, taking with her a great deal of goods.  After that Thorgerd put to sea and had a very good voyage, and arrived in Norway.  Thorgerd had much kindred and many noble kinsmen there.  They greeted her warmly, and gave her the choice of whatever she liked to take at their hands.  Thorgerd was pleased at this, and said it was her wish to settle down in that land.  She had not been a widow long before a man came forward to woo her.  His name was Herjolf; he was a “landed man” as to title, rich, and of much account.  Herjolf was a tall and strong man, but he was not fair of feature; yet the most high-mettled of men, and was of all men the best skilled at arms.  Now as they sat taking counsel on this matter, it was Thorgerd’s place to reply to it herself, as she was a widow; and, with the advice of her relations, she said she would not refuse the offer.  So Thorgerd married Herjolf, and went with him to his home, and they loved each other dearly.  Thorgerd soon showed by her ways that she was a woman of the greatest mettle, and Herjolf’s manner of life was deemed much better and more highly to be honoured now that he had got such an one as she was for his wife.

CHAP.  VIII

The Birth of Hrut and Thorgerd’s Second Widowhood, A.D. 923