rmer. Besides these were, of Halogaland
men, Thrand Skjalge and Ogmund Sande, Hlodver Lange from Saltvik,
and Harek Hvasse; together with these Throndhjem men--Ketil the High,
Thorfin Eisle, Havard and his brothers from Orkadal. The following were
in the fore-hold: Bjorn from Studla, Bork from the fjords. Thorgrim
Thjodolfson from Hvin, Asbjorn and Orm, Thord from Njardarlog, Thorstein
the White from Oprustadar, Arnor from More, Halstein and Hauk from the
Fjord district, Eyvind Snak, Bergthor Bestil, Halkel from Fialer, Olaf
Dreng, Arnfin from Sogn, Sigurd Bild, Einar from Hordaland, and Fin, and
Ketil from Rogaland and Grjotgard the Brisk. The following were in the
hold next the mast: Einar Tambaskelfer, who was not reckoned as fully
experienced, being only eighteen years old; Thorstein Hlifarson,
Thorolf, Ivar Smetta, and Orm Skogarnef. Many other valiant men were
in the Serpent, although we cannot tell all their names. In every half
division of the hold were eight men, and each and all chosen men; and in
the fore-hold were thirty men. It was a common saying among people, that
the Long Serpent's crew was as distinguished for bravery, strength, and
daring, among other men, as the Long Serpent was distinguished among
other ships. Thorkel Nefja, the king's brother, commanded the Short
Serpent; and Thorkel Dydril and Jostein, the king's mother's brothers,
had the Crane; and both these ships were well manned. King Olaf had
eleven large ships from Throndhjem, besides vessels with twenty rowers'
benches, smaller vessels, and provision-vessels.

103. ICELAND BAPTIZED.

When King Olaf had nearly rigged out his fleet in Nidaros, he appointed
men over the Throndhjem country in all districts and communities. He
also sent to Iceland Gissur the White and Hjalte Skeggjason, to proclaim
Christianity there; and sent with them a priest called Thormod, along
with several men in holy orders. But he retained with him, as hostages,
four Icelanders whom he thought the most important; namely, Kjartan
Olafson, Haldor Gudmundson, Kolbein Thordson, and Sverting Runolfson.
Of Gissur and Hjalte's progress, it is related that they came to
Iceland before the Althing, and went to the Thing; and in that Thing
Christianity was introduced by law into Iceland, and in the course of
the summer all the people were baptized (A.D. 1000).

104. GREENLAND BAPTIZED

The same spring King Olaf also sent Leif Eirikson (A.D. 1000) to
Greenland to pr