ABSTRACT
The great Icelandic writer of sagas Snorri Sturluson relates an interesting episode about the Norwegian king, St Olaf. While assembling his army to proceed to Trondheim, he was approached by two brothers from the wilds, Gaukapórir and Afrafasti. They were bigger, stronger and braver than all other warriors. ‘Are you Christians?’ the king asked. Gaukapórir answered:
We are neither Christian nor pagan. We and our brothers have no faith, other than in our own strength and skill, and our own fortune in war. This has so far sufficed. Or is there, king, in your army any Christian man who has performed in a day greater deeds than we? 1
