Page:History of the Literature of the Scandinavian North.djvu/72

54, Saga of the Foster-brothers (1010-1030) tells of Thormod Kolbrunarskald and Thorgeir Havarsson. Finally, we must mention, the story of Hen-Thore (about 960) and the saga of (950-990).

In the North of Iceland we find (930-984) of the above-mentioned skald of that name. His love is the chief topic, wherefore it contains a number of love-songs. Fine descriptions of Icelandic customs are found in (988-1008) and in, the story of the Waterdale Men (870-1000), which especially throw light upon the conditions as shaped by the transition to Christianity. , the story of Grette the Strong (872-1033), is a saga adorned with mythic exaggerations and fables, but still abounding in interest, excellently told, and giving the history of the outlaw Grette the Strong, celebrated for his courage and strength and regarded by the Icelanders as a national hero. Viga-Glum's Saga (920-1000) distinguished for its graphic and attractive descriptions, and, the story of the Lightwater Men (990-1050), in the latter of which the chieftain Gudmund the Mighty is the hero, also belong to the north of Iceland.

Of the sagas relating to the of Iceland the  (970-990) telling of the feuds between the men of Hof in Weapenfirth (whence the name of the saga) and the men of Crosswick, and the  (about 950), the saga of the Hrafnkel, Priest of Frey, are the most important. The latter especially gives a characteristic picture of social conditions together with interesting sketches of the worship of the heathen gods, of the administration of law and of political institutions of Iceland.