THE SCENE: This description of the viking hero Sigurd places as much emphasis on his skills as a lawyer as it does on his martial prowess.
THE TEXT: He well knew how to handle a sword, hurl a spear, cast a javelin, hold a shield, bend a bow, and ride a horse. Sigurd had also learned many courtesies in his youth. He was a wise man, knowing events before they happened, and he understood the language of birds. Because of these abilities, little took him by surprise. He could speak at length, and with such eloquence, that when he took it upon himself to press a matter, everybody agreed even before he was finished speaking that no course other than the one he advocated was possible.
– The Saga of the Volsungs, 13th Century AD
