THE SCENE: Aud (or Unn) the Deep-Minded was a famed Norse matriarch whose children ruled over large swaths of ancient Scandinavia. The following passage demonstrates how she commanded respect and attention until her last day.
THE TEXT: “I have had it in mind,” said Unn, “that your wedding-feast should be held towards the end of this summer, for that is the best time for getting all the necessary provisions; I am sure that our friends will be coming in large numbers, because I intend this to be the last feast I shall hold.”
By now old age was weighing heavily upon Unn. She never rose before noon and always went early to bed. She allowed no one to come and consult her between the time she went to bed in the evening and the time she was dressed again; and she would give an irate reply if anyone asked about her health.
On the day of the wedding, Unn stayed in bed longer than usual but she was up by the time the guests arrived. She came out to receive them and welcomed her kinsmen and friends most graciously, saying that it was proof of their affection that they had traveled so far to be present. Then she walked into the dining-hall followed by a large company. And when the hall was filled with guests, everyone marveled at the magnificence of this feast.
Then Unn said, “I call upon you to witness – that this house, and everything in sight that goes with it, I am now giving to my grandson Olaf Feilan to own and to administer.”
Thereupon she rose to her feet and said that she was now retiring to her bed-chamber; she urged them all to enjoy themselves in whatever way each thought best, and ordered ale to be served to the whole company. It is said that Unn was tall and stoutly-built. She walked briskly down the length of the hall, and those present remarked on how stately she still was.
There was drinking all that evening until it was thought time to go to bed. Next morning Olaf Feilan went to his grandmother’s bedroom. When he entered, Unn was sitting propped up against the pillows; she was dead. Olaf went back into the hall and announced the news; everyone thought it most impressive how Unn had kept her dignity to her dying day.
Now the feast combined the celebration of Olaf wedding and Unn’s funeral. On the last day of the feast, Unn’s body was carried to the burial mount that had been prepared for her. She was laid in a ship inside the mound, and a load of treasure was laid there with her. Then the burial mound was closed.
– Laxdaela Saga, 13th Century AD
[Image Credit: Andreas Bloch]
