Background
Einarr Thambarskelfir was the son of Eindride, a rich and influential farmer at the Viking Age political center of Melhus. Einar Thambarskelfir was a jarl and chieftain at Husaby, and a powerful warlord with his own army. He descended from the Lade jarls, one of the dominant families of Norwegian Viking Age politics. He made his debut both as a saga character and in the political arena at the sea Battle of Svolder in 1000, fighting on the losing King Olaf Tryggvason's side. From his description of this battle, Snorri presents us with one of the saga's most famous passages:
- Einar Tambarskelver, one of the sharpest of bow-shooters, stood by the mast, and shot with his bow. Einar shot an arrow at Earl Eirik Then said the earl to a man called Fin, "Shoot that tall man by the mast." Fin shot; and the arrow hit the middle of Einar's bow just at the moment that Einar was drawing it, and the bow was split in two parts.
- "What is that," cried King Olaf, "that broke with such a noise?"
- "Norway, king, from your hands," cried Einar.
- "No! not quite so much as that," says the king; "take my bow, and shoot," flinging the bow to him.
- Einar took the bow, and drew it over the head of the arrow. "Too weak, too weak," said he, "for the bow of a mighty king!" and, throwing the bow aside, he took sword and shield, and fought valiantly.
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