THE SCENE: Thorkel, eavesdropping on his wife Asgerd, hears her speaking to her friend Aud about her attraction to another man. Fitting an Icelandic woman, Asgerd’s plan for dealing with this situation is both simple and effective.
THE TEXT: “I’ve thought of a plan,” said Asgerd, “that I think will work for me.”
“What is it?” asked Aud.
“I’ll put my arms around Thorkel’s neck when we are in bed and said it’s a lie.”
Thorkel ate very little that evening and was the first to retire to bed.
Once he was there, Asgerd came to him, lifted the blanket and was about to lie down when Thorkel said, “I will not have you lying here tonight, nor for a very long time to come.”
Asgerd replied, “Why this sudden change? What is the reason for this?”
“We both know what’s behind this,” said Thorkel, though I have been kept in the dark about it for a long time. It will not help your reputation if I speak more plainly.”
“You think what you will,” answered Asgerd, “but I am not going to argue with you about whether I may sleep in this bed or not. You have a choice – either you take me in and act as if nothing has happened or I will call witnesses this minute, divorce you and have my father reclaim my bride-price and my dowry. Then you wouldn’t have to worry about my taking up room in your bed ever again.”
Thorkel was quiet for a while, then he said, “I advise you to do as you wish. I will not stop you from sleeping her all night.”
She soon made clear what she wanted to do, and they had not been lying together for too long before they made up as if nothing had happened.
– Gisli Sursson’s Saga, 13th Century AD
