Egill Skallagrímsson

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Egill Skallagrímsson (c. 904 – c. 995) was a Viking Age warrior, sorcerer, bard and farmer from Iceland. He is the main figure in Egil’s Saga, a tale about Icelanders and Norse kings written a few centuries after the events it describes.

Egill was the son of Skalla-Grímr and Bera, and the grandson of Kveld-Úlfr. He grew up strong, clever with words, and is said to have written his first poem at age three. He was famous for a fierce temper and for his skill as a fighter.

Throughout his life he fought in many feuds and killed several foes. He spent time as an outlaw in Norway, then moved to Northumbria in England. There he faced King Eiríkr Bloodaxe in court. Thanks to the help of his friend Arinbjörn, Egill was asked to prove his case by composing a long, impressive poem in the king’s honor. He recited it with great power, which led Eiríkr to spare his life.

Egill later fought for King Athelstan in England, including the Battle of Brunanburh. After many adventures, he returned to Iceland to farm and to take part in local politics. He married Ásgerðr Björnsdóttir and had five children: Þorgerðr, Bera, Böðvarr, Gunnar, and Þorsteinn.

Egill is celebrated as one of the finest Old Norse poets. His Sonatorrek, a sad poem about the death of his son, is often called the birth of Nordic personal lyric poetry. He was also known for using runes as magical powers in stories.

In old age Egill is said to have gone blind and died around 995, shortly before Iceland’s Christianization. He buried treasure near Mosfellsbær, an act that added to his legend.