Note to Þhorn Lv 1I
[8] fǫr austmanna ‘the journey of the Easterners’: The term austmaðr usually refers to a Norwegian in Icelandic and Orcadian texts (cf. Þfagr Sveinn 8/2II and Note), and is so understood in Þhorn Harkv 9/3 in this volume, where the term occurs in a kenning for Haraldr hárfagri, allvaldr austmanna ‘sovereign of the Norwegians’. Here, however, Þorbjǫrn may be referring to himself and his two companions as Easterners, suggesting their regional affiliation, possibly in contrast to the people of Nordmøre, where the encounter with the widow takes place.
References
- Internal references
- Kari Ellen Gade (ed.) 2009, ‘Þorleikr fagri, Flokkr about Sveinn Úlfsson 8’ in Kari Ellen Gade (ed.), Poetry from the Kings’ Sagas 2: From c. 1035 to c. 1300. Skaldic Poetry of the Scandinavian Middle Ages 2. Turnhout: Brepols, p. 320.
- R. D. Fulk (ed.) 2012, ‘Þorbjǫrn hornklofi, Haraldskvæði (Hrafnsmál) 9’ in Diana Whaley (ed.), Poetry from the Kings’ Sagas 1: From Mythical Times to c. 1035. Skaldic Poetry of the Scandinavian Middle Ages 1. Turnhout: Brepols, p. 103.