THE SCENE: Break out the popcorn and enjoy this account of an epic night-time fight between two knights, where the only illumination in the dark night comes from the sparks flying off their swords.
THE TEXT: Then he drew his sword, Nagelring, and struck a stone so that sparks flew from the stone. Then he could see an olive tree, and he tied his horse to it. Didrik was angry then, with all his heart, and it was not a good time to stand against him. He trod so heavily that the stones flew under his feet where he walked. When Sir Eckia saw that Didrik wanted to fight, he was very glad. He drew his sword, and struck a stone so that sparks flew from the stone. They had no other light than the sparks that came from the stones. They came together and fought so bravely that since then no-one has heard of two men who fought as bravely. They could see where they struck each on the other’s weapon as though it was a heather fire. And it crashed in the forest with their blows as though thunder struck. They each cut the armour off the other, but still neither of them was wounded. Sir Eckia struck Didrik’s helmet so that Sir Didrik fell to the ground unconscious.
Sir Eckia fell upon him at once and took both his arms and said: “Either I will tie you up, or you will not live any longer. Give up your weapons at once. I want to take you home with me, and let the king’s children see who equipped me today.” Sir Didrik answered: “I would rather die here and now than let the 9 king’s daughters or their mother see me bound, and after that be insulted by all ladies and maidens as long as I live.”
Then Didrik’s hands became loose. He grabbed Sir Eckia’s neck and they fought like that for a long time. Sir Didrik’s horse, Falke, saw that his lord was in great trouble. He tore his bridle apart, and ran to Sir Eckia. He lifted up both his foreleg, and trampled with all his might onto Sir Eckia’s back so that it nearly broke. Then Didrik got up, and at once he struck Sir Eckia on the neck so that his head came off.
– The Saga of Didrik of Bern, 15th Century AD
