# Styrbiorn the Strong explained — Styrbiorn the Strong

> Chapter companion for Styrbiorn the Strong by E. R. Eddison.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Shame

Styrbiorn's actions are driven by a need to avenge his father's death and reclaim his honor, culminating in his refusal to flee at Fyrisfield.

### Power and Ambition

Styrbiorn's relentless pursuit of the Swedish throne and his alliance with the Jomsvikings illustrate the theme of unchecked ambition.

## Character check-ins

### Styrbiorn the Strong

Protagonist; son of King Biorn the Old, exiled after slaying Aki, later becomes a Jomsviking leader and dies at Fyrisfield.

### Aki

Slain by Styrbiorn after mocking him for sitting on his father's howe.

### King Eric

Styrbiorn's uncle and rival; refuses to share rule, leading to Styrbiorn's exile and eventual invasion.

### Palnatoki

Leader of the Jomsvikings; welcomes Styrbiorn and helps him rise to prominence.

### Thyri

Queen of Denmark; warns Styrbiorn of danger and later betrays him by revealing his plans to King Eric.

## Key lines

> Styrbiorn sat on his father's howe and swore to avenge him.

Styrbiorn sat on his father's burial mound and vowed to take revenge.

_Opening act of defiance and oath-taking._

> Then Styrbiorn slew Aki, and fled to the woods.

After killing Aki, Styrbiorn escaped into the forest.

_First bloodshed leading to exile._

> King Eric said, 'Thou shalt have no part of the kingdom while I live.'

King Eric refused to share the throne with Styrbiorn.

_Direct cause of Styrbiorn's exile and later invasion._

> Styrbiorn gathered a mighty host and sailed to Sweden.

Styrbiorn assembled a large army and sailed to Sweden to claim the throne.

_Climactic buildup to the Battle of Fyrisfield._

> There fell Styrbiorn the Strong, and all his host.

Styrbiorn and his entire army were killed in the battle.

_Final defeat and death of the protagonist._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/chapters/styrbiorn-the-strong
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/chapters