# X: Broken Meats in Upsala explained — Styrbiorn the Strong

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Shame

Styrbiorn's violation of the Queen's honor and King Eric's response underscore the centrality of honor in Norse society, where shame must be avenged or expunged.

### Power and Ambition

Styrbiorn's reckless pursuit of Sigrid reflects his overweening ambition and disregard for the King's authority, leading to his downfall.

### Loyalty and Betrayal

Thorgnyr's loyalty to King Eric is tested as he delivers the banishment order, while Styrbiorn's betrayal of his uncle's trust is the catalyst for the chapter's conflict.

## Character check-ins

### Styrbiorn the Strong

Sleeps tumultuously, has visions, and forces his way into Queen Sigrid's chamber, leading to his banishment.

### Queen Brynhild

Visits Styrbiorn in the night, is trapped by him in her chamber, and later accuses him of violence to King Eric.

### King Eric

Roused by the Queen's cry, hears her accusation, and banishes Styrbiorn from the realm.

### Thorgnyr Thorgnyrson

Witnesses Styrbiorn's flight from the Queen's chamber, is summoned by the King, and delivers the banishment message to Styrbiorn.

### Helgi

Attempts to stop Styrbiorn but is struck senseless.

## Key lines

> Styrbiorn slept the night after that banquet a sleep tumultuous with visions.

After the feast, Styrbiorn had a restless night filled with disturbing dreams.

_Sets the tone for the chapter's tension and Styrbiorn's disturbed state._

> Sigrid’s mouth hardened. She gave him an odd look from half-closed eyelashes, then, daintily as a seagull settles on the sea, sat down at the far end of the bed.

Sigrid's expression turned stern; she glanced at him slyly and then sat gracefully at the foot of the bed.

_Illustrates Sigrid's composed yet provocative demeanor._

> Thorgnyr went out into the garth and came upon Styrbiorn as he went a-horseback, and his Jomsburgers were mounting round about him on every side.

Thorgnyr found Styrbiorn in the courtyard, already mounted and surrounded by his Jomsburg warriors preparing to leave.

_Shows the immediacy of Styrbiorn's departure after the banishment order._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/chapters/x-broken-meats-in-upsala
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/chapters