Styrbiorn the Strong · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Styrbiorn the Strong by E. R. Eddison.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The author dedicates the book to his brother Colin.
Chapter 2
Styrbiorn the Strong
The chapter recounts the life and deeds of Styrbiorn the Strong, from his early acts of vengeance and exile to his rise as a Jomsviking leader, his dalliance with Queen Sigrid, and his ultimate fall at the Battle of Fyrisfield.
Chapter 3
I: On King Olaf's Howe
Styrbiorn the Strong, son of the late King Olaf, refuses to join the sacrificial feast at Upsala and instead sits on his father's howe, demanding his inheritance from his uncle King Eric. After a tense exchange, Styrbiorn is shamed into attending the feast but soon kills Aki, a member of the king's bodyguard, in a brawl. The next day, Styrbiorn returns to the howe, where he meets Queen Sigrid the Haughty; their conversation is charged with ambition and a strange foreboding as Sigrid senses the presence of the dead.
Chapter 4
II: Thorgnyr the Lawman
King Eric returns from a guesting journey to learn that a Thing was summoned in his absence, where bonders proclaimed Lambi the White king of half Sweden in defiance of Styrbiorn. The King confronts Thorgnyr the Lawman, who admits he could not prevent the uproar and warns that Styrbiorn's stubbornness may undo them all. Despite his anger, King Eric reveals his love for Styrbiorn, while Thorgnyr cautions that the bonders will not endure being spur-ridden.
Chapter 5
III: Queen Sigrid the Haughty
King Eric visits Skogul-Tosti and meets his daughter Sigrid. After a feast, the King proposes marriage, but Sigrid initially refuses, believing he is wooing on behalf of Styrbiorn. When King Eric reveals he seeks her hand for himself, she hesitates, torn between pride and ambition, and the chapter ends with her silent deliberation.
Chapter 6
IV: Jomsburg
Styrbiorn the Strong arrives at Jomsburg seeking to join the legendary Viking brotherhood. After a fierce sea battle, Palnatoki tests his mettle and eventually accepts him into the fellowship, which is governed by a strict code of laws.
Chapter 7
V: Yule in Denmark
In the third winter of Styrbiorn's exile, he and his sworn brother Biorn Asbrandson visit King Harald Gormson in Denmark for Yule. Styrbiorn becomes drawn to the king's daughter Thyri, while his presence and jests increasingly rankle Harald. The chapter contrasts the Jomsburgers' pagan ways with the Christian court, and ends with tension over a priest's drunken blasphemy.
Chapter 8
VI: The Dane-King's Daughter
Styrbiorn, feeling the King's fear and hatred, reacts angrily to Harald Gormson's suggestion that he return to Sweden. After a heated exchange, Biorn and Bessi smooth relations, and Styrbiorn departs with gifts. Meanwhile, Thyri secretly warns Biorn of danger, urging the Jomsburgers to leave Denmark, hinting at her father's suspicions about her and Styrbiorn and his plans for her marriage to King Burisleif.
Chapter 9
VII: Eric and Styrbiorn
King Eric's three suspected bastards—Helgi, Thorgisl, and Thorir—plot against Styrbiorn, spreading rumors about his relationship with Queen Sigrid and his ambitions. Styrbiorn returns early from exile with a fleet, but the King tests his obedience. After a tense ball game where Styrbiorn humiliates Helgi, Styrbiorn decides to leave voluntarily, earning the King's approval. Thorgnyr and the King debate the wisdom of the King's handling of the situation.
Chapter 10
VIII: The King and the Queen
Styrbiorn returns to Sweden and is warmly welcomed by King Eric, who arranges for him to be taken as co-king and proposes a marriage to Thyri, daughter of King Harald Gormson. The chapter also depicts Styrbiorn's stay with Earl Strut-Harald in Skaney, his visit to Jomsburg, and the growing tension with Queen Sigrid, who greets him coldly.
Chapter 11
A Banquet in Upsala
King Eric holds a great feast in Upsala, where he intends to grant Styrbiorn half the Swedish kingdom at a Thing. The feast also celebrates Styrbiorn's betrothal to Thyri, daughter of King Harald Gormson. During the banquet, a skald recites the 'Hell-ride of Brynhild,' which deeply affects Styrbiorn, who becomes entranced by Queen Sigrid, imagining her as Brynhild. His gaze meets hers, and he is overwhelmed with desire, drinking heavily to steady himself.
Chapter 12
X: Broken Meats in Upsala
Styrbiorn, tormented by visions, is visited in the night by Queen Sigrid. A tense and dangerous encounter ensues, culminating in Styrbiorn forcing his way into her chamber. The Queen's cries rouse the household, and King Eric confronts her. He banishes Styrbiorn from the Swede-realm on pain of death, and Styrbiorn departs with his Jomsburgers.
Chapter 13
XI: Jomsburg Seawalls
Styrbiorn, standing on the seawall at Jomsburg, watches his fleet struggle through a stormy sea. He reveals to Biorn Asbrandson that he has lost his kingdom and dishonored a queen, and in a fit of despair casts his sword into the sea. Biorn pledges to stay with him.
Chapter 14
XII: The Cowing of the Dane-King
Styrbiorn, brooding over his shaming in Sweden, spends a dark winter in Jomsburg. As spring arrives, he and the Jomsburg vikings sail to Denmark, where after three sea victories they confront King Harald Gormson. Styrbiorn demands a hundred ships and the hand of Thyri, Harald's daughter. After a tense confrontation, Harald yields, and Styrbiorn's mood lightens. He later meets Thyri privately, and she confesses she does not wish to marry King Burisleif, hinting at a renewed bond.
Chapter 15
XIII: The Sailing of the Fleet
Styrbiorn reconciles with King Harald, marries Thyri, and gathers a massive fleet at Jomsburg. Despite omens—Palnatoki's broken leg and Styrbiorn's raven-winged helm—the host sails for Sweden to reclaim his inheritance from King Eric, who has crowned his infant son Olaf as joint king.
Chapter 16
King Eric's Hosting
King Eric receives news of Styrbiorn's approaching invasion and consults with Thorgnyr the Lawman, who advises him to call a Thing at Upsala, improve laws to win the bonders' loyalty, and prepare a hosting. The King follows this counsel, and at the Thing he announces legal reforms that rally the people. As Styrbiorn's fleet approaches, Earl Wolf, Styrbiorn's foster-father, comes to King Eric seeking peace, but the King is resolute. Queen Sigrid proposes a stratagem using beasts of burden armed with pikes to disrupt Styrbiorn's advance, which the King accepts. The chapter ends with the King preparing for battle at Fyriswater.
Chapter 17
XV: Fyrisfield
The Battle of Fyrisfield unfolds as King Eric uses a cunning tactic—stampeding cattle and horses set afire—to break Styrbiorn's formation. Despite the Jomsburgers' ferocity and Styrbiorn's near-supernatural prowess, Eric's fresh reserves and a miraculous scree-fall from the mountain turn the tide. Styrbiorn's host is shattered; the Dane-King Harald Gormson defects; and Styrbiorn, with a handful of men, makes a last stand on a knoll. Queen Sigrid learns of the outcome from Thorgnyr, and later meets the victorious but somber King Eric.
Chapter 18
XVI: Valhalla
The chapter shifts to a cosmic perspective, depicting Odin on his high seat in Valhalla, surrounded by the Einheriar and the Valkyries who bring the souls of slain heroes. The All-Father's gaze falls upon Fyrisfield, and the narrative culminates with the Valkyrie Skogul presenting a chosen warrior—implied to be Styrbiorn—to Odin, who declares his special love for him despite his early death.
