Styrbiorn the Strong · Chapter
VII: Eric and Styrbiorn explained
King Eric's three suspected bastards—Helgi, Thorgisl, and Thorir—plot against Styrbiorn, spreading rumors about his relationship with Queen Sigrid and his ambitions.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Ambition
Styrbiorn's early return and the rumors of his desire to seize the throne drive the chapter's conflict.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Helgi and his companions plot to betray Styrbiorn, while Thorgnyr remains loyal to the King.
Kingship and Legitimacy
The question of who is the rightful heir—Styrbiorn or Olaf—underpins the scheming and the King's test.
Characters to notice
- Styrbiorn the Strong
Returns early from exile with a fleet, plays ball aggressively, then voluntarily agrees to leave again.
- King Eric
Tests Styrbiorn's obedience by remaining aloof; ultimately approves of Styrbiorn's decision to leave.
- Thorgnyr Thorgnyrson
Lawman who refuses to spread rumors against Styrbiorn; debates the King's strategy.
- Helgi
One of King Eric's suspected bastards; plots against Styrbiorn and is humiliated in the ball game.
- Thorgisl
Another of the King's suspected bastards; participates in the plot against Styrbiorn.
- Thorir
Third of the King's suspected bastards; joins in the scheming against Styrbiorn.
- Queen Brynhild
Mentioned as carrying the infant Olaf; rumors link her to Styrbiorn.
- Earl Wolf
Observes the ball game and discusses the situation with Thorgnyr.
Key passages
“There goeth one shall be King yet in our time.”
That child will become king someday.
Thorgisl predicts Olaf's future kingship.
“a foe's child is a wolf to cherish.”
An enemy's child is dangerous to keep around.
Helgi warns that Olaf is a threat to Styrbiorn.
“I was not wrong.”
I maintain that I was correct.
Thorgnyr insists his earlier judgment was right, despite the King's success.