THE SCENE: Facing execution, a young Viking changes his fate by relying on his core strengths: unbearable arrogance and a capacity for unexpected violence.
THE TEXT: Then another Jomsviking was released from the rope, but it twisted round his foot so that he could not move. He was big, young and very nimble. Thorkell [Liera] asked him what he thought about dying. “It won’t worry me,” he said, “provided I first fulfil the other part of my vow.”
Earl Eirikr asked: “What is your name?” “I am called Vagn,” he said. The earl asked who was his father. He said that he was Aki’s son. The earl said: “What was the vow you made the fulfilment of which would enable you to die contentedly?” “It was this,” he said, “that if I came to Norway, I should lie with Ingibjorg, the daughter of Thorkell Liera, without the consent of her relatives and that I should kill Thorkell myself.”
“I shall prevent that,” said Thorkell. He rushed at him and swung his sword at him with both hands. But Bjorn the Welshman pushed Vagn with his foot so that he fell over. The blow went over Vagn causing Thorkel to stumble. He lost his grip on the sword which cut the rope and set Vagn free. Vagn sprang up, seized the sword and slew Thorkell Liera. Then said: “Now I have accomplished half of my vow and I’m much more satisfied.”
Then Earl Hakon said: “Don’t let him go free, but kill him immediately.” Earl Eirikr said: “He’s not going to be killed any more than I am.” Earl Hakon said: “It’s no good my trying to interfere if you want to have the last word.” Earl Eirikr said: “Vaign is a great acquisition, and I think it would be a good exchange if he were to fill Thorkell Liera’s place.” Earl Eirikr let Vagn join his own following.
– The Saga of the Jomsviking, 13th Century AD
