THE SCENE: When the legendary King Hrolf welcomed his vassal Hiarvarth for several days of feasting, he opened himself up for a spectacular betrayal that would live on for centuries in infamy.
THE TEXT: The king had marked Hiarvarth’s arrival with the luxury of a sumptuous feast at which he caroused freely, while his guests, contrary to their habit, avoided excessive drinking. When the other therefore were enjoying a profound sleep, the Swedes, who had forgone the normal rest in their eagerness to prosecute the crime, stole furtively from their bedrooms. They directly opened up the cache of arms from which each quietly fitted himself with fighting-gear. Then they made for the palace, broke into the inner chambers and drew their swords on the sleepers. Many were dazed with sleep as they woke to meet the horror of the unexpected coup and offered only a faltering resistance, since the deceptive darkness made it uncertain whether they were running up against friend or enemy.
– Gesta Danorum, Saxo Grammaticus, 12th Century AD
