Palnatoki prepares to kill King Harald, by Jenny Nyström (1895).
A note before we begin : Because I am picking up the story " midstream", let me give a little background for the first character you will meet, Palnatoki. Palnatoki was a real person. He was the Chieftain of the Island of Fyn and was a Danish hero who has become over time a legend. Saxo Grammaticus tells the story of how King Harald made Palnatoki shoot an arrow off of the head of his own son as he was running down hill. He is a master at archery and does the " trick " with ease. He later kills King Harald, with an arrow, supposedly in revenge for Harald's killing of his grandfather Jarl Ottar. His skills in battle were well known.................
Palnatoki, sailed east to Wendland after the death of his wife Alof, for he felt that he had no reason to remain in Wales. He had with him 40 ships and a great army of men. King Burisleif, ruled Wendland during this period, and he feared Palnatoki because of his many victories in battle. The king sent messengers inviting the great warrior to his court in an act of friendship. As would later happen in France, King Burisleif offered Palnatoki a part of his lands in exchange for his allegiance, and alliance in defending his lands.
Palnatoki accepted this generous offer because the land offered a huge harbor that could hold hundreds of warships, and the land extended out allowing for a great fortification to be built there. The fort that they toiled to build would become known as Jomsborg, and it was protected by a great arch on which they built their stronghold.
One of the first things that Palnatoki established were laws that the Jomsvikings would live by. The first law was an age requirement. Only those over 18 and under 50 could join their ranks. Family, nor standing, were not to be considered when membership was judged. They would be judged on merit alone. No man was to flee from a man equally armed for battle. Each of them had to swear a blood oath to avenge their fellow members when they are killed. To show fear or speak words of fear was forbidden. All booty was to be shared equally among the men. Anyone not doing so would be expelled. None of the members was allowed to start a quarrel or fight within the compound. All information was to be reported to Palnatoki because only he had the right to make announcements. Having a woman in the fort was forbidden. You could not leave the fortress for more than a three day period. Palnatoki, as the Chieftain, alone was to be the ultimate judge in all matters.
And so with the Fortress of Jomsborg complete, and the laws set down for all to know, proud Vikings came from all realms seeking membership into this exclusive warrior society. Some made it in and were added to their ranks, but many more were turned away as being too weak of mind or body. But one would soon come who would make Palnatoki break his own laws. His name was Vagn !
Part 2 : Vagn: Son of Aki and Thorgunn.
Glenn Bergen
Go with Odin's wisdom, Freyja's love, and Thor's protection !
Palnatoki, sailed east to Wendland after the death of his wife Alof, for he felt that he had no reason to remain in Wales. He had with him 40 ships and a great army of men. King Burisleif, ruled Wendland during this period, and he feared Palnatoki because of his many victories in battle. The king sent messengers inviting the great warrior to his court in an act of friendship. As would later happen in France, King Burisleif offered Palnatoki a part of his lands in exchange for his allegiance, and alliance in defending his lands.
Palnatoki accepted this generous offer because the land offered a huge harbor that could hold hundreds of warships, and the land extended out allowing for a great fortification to be built there. The fort that they toiled to build would become known as Jomsborg, and it was protected by a great arch on which they built their stronghold.
One of the first things that Palnatoki established were laws that the Jomsvikings would live by. The first law was an age requirement. Only those over 18 and under 50 could join their ranks. Family, nor standing, were not to be considered when membership was judged. They would be judged on merit alone. No man was to flee from a man equally armed for battle. Each of them had to swear a blood oath to avenge their fellow members when they are killed. To show fear or speak words of fear was forbidden. All booty was to be shared equally among the men. Anyone not doing so would be expelled. None of the members was allowed to start a quarrel or fight within the compound. All information was to be reported to Palnatoki because only he had the right to make announcements. Having a woman in the fort was forbidden. You could not leave the fortress for more than a three day period. Palnatoki, as the Chieftain, alone was to be the ultimate judge in all matters.
And so with the Fortress of Jomsborg complete, and the laws set down for all to know, proud Vikings came from all realms seeking membership into this exclusive warrior society. Some made it in and were added to their ranks, but many more were turned away as being too weak of mind or body. But one would soon come who would make Palnatoki break his own laws. His name was Vagn !
Part 2 : Vagn: Son of Aki and Thorgunn.
Glenn Bergen
Go with Odin's wisdom, Freyja's love, and Thor's protection !
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