Egill Skallagrímsson

ᛉ 904 - 995 ᛣ

Egill Skallagrímsson was a legendary Icelandic poet, warrior, and sorcerer. He was the son of Skalla-Grímr, and grandson of Kveld-Úlfr (“Evening Wolf”), who was rumored to be a werewolf. Descriptions of Egill’s grotesque appearance and other physical conditions has led some to think that he may have had Paget’s disease, which causes bones to continue growing thicker and thicker.

Egill was a remarkable child. He composed his first poem when he was three years old, and in a fit of berserker rage after being cheated in a game, made his first kill at seven. This was the beginning of an infamous career of bloodshed. He was outlawed from Norway when Erik Bloodaxe became king, but this did not stop Egill from raiding the eastern coast, killing Erik’s retainer and son, and using runes and a níð-pole to curse the King and Queen.

King Erik and Queen Gunnhildr were deposed by Hakon Haraldsson, and fled to Northumbria to rule there. Egill also happened to be shipwrecked here, and went to Erik’s court to try and settle their feud. Egill recited a poem, but Gunnhildr was unimpressed and called for his execution. A friend of Egill, Arinbjörn, suggested that they wait to execute him until morning, and told Egil that he must stay up all night to compose the most beautiful poem he could manage.

The next morning, Egill recited a lengthy poem with innovative techniques and much praise for King Erik, who was so impressed that he forgave Egill for his transgressions. Later, Egill fought in service of the rival Northumbrian King Æthelstan at the Battle of Brunanburh, where his brother was slain. Egill returned to Iceland and lived—relatively—peacefully until his old age. Before he died, he buried the two chests of silver he was given in compensation for his military service, and they are still sought after by treasure-hunters today.

Egill has a lengthy saga dedicated to his adventurous life. Today, we remember him for his wild, stubborn, and creative nature which amuses, offends, and stupefies. His life and legacy is an example of the harshness of the North, and what kinds of qualities endure the test of time.

Egill’s Day of Remembrance is December 9th.

By Shade McCurdy