Sigrid was a mighty queen of the north
A widow with many and great estates
And many a king did seek her hand
From afar they came to her land
♪
Sigrid gave the small kings lodging
And all their folk she did host
But when all were drunk and asleep
They were put to fire and sword
Sigrid was now called the Haughty
Yet still courted by many a king
Among them Olaf traitor vile
Who sent her a false gold ring
♪
Sigrid agreed to meet with Olaf
He insisted she be baptised
When her gods she would not forsake
Furious the ill-hearted king became
He struck and insulted her gravely
And Sigrid straight away foretold
This would be his death one day
She plotted revenge to make him pay
♪
Sigrid married the Danish king
And created a powerful alliance
With her son the king of Sweden
And Earl Eirik son of Hakon
♪
"The king-subduer raised a host
Of warriors on the Swedish coast.
The brave went southwards to the fight,
Who love the sword-storm's gleaming light;
The brave, who fill the wild wolf's mouth,
Followed bold Eirik to the south;
The brave, who sport in blood -- each one
With the bold earl to sea is gone."
(Haldor the Unchristian, quoted in Heimskringla,
Translation Samuel Laing)
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On the raging sea their foe they met
The clang of sword and shield began
A fierce battle did unfold
One of the severest ever told
Many people were slain that day
And all of Olaf's ships cleared of men
Save the king's own mighty vessel
Until at last the allies boarded
♪
Most of the men on Olaf's ship fell
Finally the king leaped overboard
Never to be seen or heard again
The allies raised a shout of victory
Sigrid had gotten her revenge
Against the king who affronted her
The traitor who abandoned his faith
Paid the price in the end