Þorsteins saga Víkingssonar

Þorsteins saga Víkingssonar, also called The Saga of Thorstein, Viking's Son, is a legendary saga that unfolds during the 7th century. It tells the story of the father of Frithjof the Bold and acts as a prequel to Friðþjófs saga ins frœkna. The action starts in Norway and Sweden—mentioning places like Ulleråker—and later moves into far-off regions such as India. Though not among the most famous sagas, it is still regarded as an entertaining tale.

Scholars have linked this saga to the runestone Sö 54 in Bjudby, Södermanland, Sweden, because both mention a prominent family. Besides the father named Víkingr, the stone names three sons with the same names found in the saga, and other names also match closely.

The plot opens with the origins and exploits of Viking. At age fifteen, he is called to defend King Hring and his daughter Hunvor from a powerful man from India named Harek the Ironhead, whose own background and family are described. Viking receives the magic sword Angurvadel from his father, the only weapon that can kill Harek, and he does so in a holmgang. Viking becomes betrothed to Hunvor but decides not to marry her right away, choosing instead to win fame through war and raiding. His return is delayed by Harek’s brothers and sister, who seek revenge; Viking and his foster-brother Halfdan must fight them. Eventually, Harek’s family is defeated. Viking marries Hunvor, and Halfdan marries her handmaid Ingeborg, daughter of jarl Herfinn. Hunvor dies after giving birth to a son, Hring, who later becomes king of Sweden. In Denmark, Viking and Halfdan meet Njorfe, King of Upplands in Norway, and battle him at sea for many days. Since neither side gains a clear victory, Viking and Njorfe swear foster-brotherhood.

Later, Viking has nine sons by a second wife. Thorsten (also called Thorstein, meaning Thor’s Stone) is the eldest, and Thorer is the second. Njorfe also has nine sons (though ten are named). When the eldest sons of each group turn twenty, the two sets of sons become fiercely competitive. After a brutal ball game, Thorer is injured by Olaf, Njorfe’s second son, and Thorer kills Olaf with his spear. Viking scolds Thorer and sends him to an island in Lake Vänern. Thorsten objects, and he and the other brothers go with Thorer to Vänern. Viking gives Thorsten the sword Angurvadel and tells him to wait quietly on the island until the danger passes.