Hamond's son dwelt at Lithend, in the Fleetlithe. He was a tall man in
growth, and a strong man--best skilled in arms of all men. He could cut
or thrust or shoot if he chose as well with his left as with his right
hand, and he smote so swiftly with his sword, that three seemed to flash
through the air at once. He was the best shot with the bow of all men,
and never missed his mark. He could leap more than his own height, with
all his war-gear, and as far backwards as forwards. He could swim like a
seal, and there was no game in which it was any good for anyone to
strive with him; and so it has been said that no man was his match. He
was handsome of feature, and fair skinned. His nose was straight, and a
little turned up at the end. He was blue-eyed and bright-eyed, and
ruddy-cheeked. His hair thick, and of good hue, and hanging down in
comely curls. The most courteous of men was he, of sturdy frame and
strong will, bountiful and gentle, a fast friend, but hard to please
when making them. He was wealthy in goods. His brother's name was
Kolskegg; he was a tall strong man, a noble fellow, and undaunted in
everything. Another brother's name was Hjort; he was then in his
childhood. Orm Skogarnef was a base-born brother of Gunnar's; he does
not come into this story. Arnguda was the name of Gunnar's sister.
Hroar, the priest at Tongue, had her to wife.

CHAPTER XX.

OF NJAL AND HIS CHILDREN.

There was a man whose name was Njal. He was the son of Thorgeir Gelling,
the son of Thorolf. Njal's mother's name was Asgerda. Njal dwelt at
Bergthorsknoll in the land-isles; he had another homestead on
Thorolfsfell. Njal was wealthy in goods, and handsome of face; no beard
grew on his chin. He was so great a lawyer, that his match was not to be
found. Wise too he was, and foreknowing and foresighted.[7] Of good
counsel, and ready to give it, and all that he advised men was sure to
be the best for them to do. Gentle and generous, he unravelled every
man's knotty points who came to see him about them. Bergthora was his
wife's name; she was Skarphedinn's daughter, a very high-spirited,
brave-hearted woman, but somewhat hard-tempered. They had six children,
three daughters and three sons, and they all come afterwards into this
story.

CHAPTER XXI.

UNNA GOES TO SEE GUNNAR.

Now it must be told how Unna had lost all her ready money. She made her
way to Lithend, and Gunnar greeted his kinswoman well. She stayed there