King Olaf and likewise went many of the
peasantry, and with them bare they the heads of Earl Hakon and Kark. In
those days it was the custom to use this island as a place whereon might
be slain thieves & criminals, and on it stood a gallows. And the King
caused that on this gallows should be exposed the heads of Earl Hakon
and Kark. Then went thither the whole of the host, and shouted up at
them and cast stones, and said that they went to hell each in goodly
company, ever one rascal with another. Thereafter did they send men up
to Gaulardal, & after they had dragged thence the body of Earl Hakon did
they burn it.

So great strength was there now in the enmity that was borne against
Earl Hakon by the folk that were of Throndhjem that no one durst breathe
his name save as the 'bad Earl,' and for long afterwards was he called
after this fashion.

Nevertheless it is but justice to bear testimony of Earl Hakon that he
was well worthy to be a chief, firstly by the lineage whereof he was
descended, then for his wisdom and the insight with which he used the
power that pertained to him, his boldness in battle, and withal his
goodhap in gaining victories and slaying his foemen. Thus saith Thorleif
Raudfelldarson:

'Hakon! no Earl more glorious 'neath the moon's highway:
In strife and battle hath the warrior honour won,
Chieftains mine to Odin hast thou sent,
(Food for ravens were their corses)
Therefore wide be thy rule!'

|| The most generous of men was Earl Hakon, yet even to such a chief
befell so great mishap on his dying-day. And this was brought about by
the coming of the time when blood-offerings & the men of blood-offerings
were doomed, & in their stead were found the true Faith and righteous
worship.

|| In general Thing at Throndhjem was Olaf Tryggvason chosen to be King
of the land, even as Harald Fair-hair had been King. Indeed the folk
rose up, & the crowds would hear of nought else but that Olaf Tryggvason
should be King; and Olaf went throughout the country conquering it,
& all men in Norway vowed allegiance to him.

Even the lords of the Uplands and Vik who had before held their lands
from the Danish King now became men unto Olaf and held their lands from
him. Then in the first winter & the summer thereafter fared he through
the country.

Earl Eirik Hakonson, and Svein his brother, & others of their kith and
friendship fled from the land, & going eastward to Sweden, even unto
King Olaf the