THE SCENE: All it would have taken is a little common sense for Thorkel Sursson to have avoided a bloody death.
THE TEXT: Thorkel was wearing a Russian hat and a grey fur cloak that was pinned at the shoulder with a gold clasp. He carried a sword in his hand. Then Hallbjorn went over to where Thorkel was sitting, and the young men went with him.
One of the lads spoke. He said, “Who is this noble-looking man sitting here? Never have I seen such a fine and handsome man.” The man replied, “Well spoken. My name is Thorkel.” Then the lad said, “That must be a very good sword you have there in your hand. Would you allow me to look at it?”
Thorkel answered him, “Your behavior is rather unusual, but all right, I’ll allow you to,” and he handed him the sword. The young man took it, turned to one side, unfastened the peace straps and drew the sword. When Thorkel saw that he said, “I did not give you permission to draw the sword.”
“I did not ask your permission,” said the lad. Then he raised the sword in the air and struck Thorkel on the neck with such a fearsome blow that it took off his head.
– Gisli Sursson’s Saga, 13th Century AD
