Introduction
According to the Norse chronicler Snorro Sturluson, King Harald Fairhair of Norway struck up a curious friendship with King Athelstan of England, Alfred’s grandson. It all began when Athelstan played a trick on the ageing Harald, which involved a magnificent jewelled sword.
IN 924, Alfred the Great’s grandson Athelstan came to the English throne. Shortly afterwards, Athelstan sent an embassy to King Harald Fairhair in Norway,* charged with presenting him with a ceremonial sword, gilded and set with precious gems. “This treasure” they said to Harald with lavish deference “King Athelstan sends, and bids you accept it.”
Harald grasped the gleaming hilts. At that, the ambassadors cried, “You have taken the sword according to our King’s desire, and henceforth are his subject!” Harald instantly perceived a trick had been played on him; but he mastered his wrath, and coolly consulted with his courtiers, who advised him to let the ambassadors return to London in safety — for now.
The following summer, however, Harald called his friend Hauk to him — a great warrior and a trustworthy man — and gave him a commission: he was to take ship for England and the court of King Athelstan, together with Haakon, Harald’s young son.
It should be said that some modern scholars are doubtful about this tale, and indeed some doubt that Harald Fairhair even existed.
Haakon Haraldsson (?920–961), also known as Haakon the Good, was said to be the son of King Harald Fairhair (r. 872–930) and Thora Mosterstang. Thora is described by Snorro Sturluson as a ‘concubine’ and a ‘maidservant’, but she is also presented as being of noble family, suggesting that ‘mistress’ and ‘member of the royal household’ would be better translations.
Précis
Shortly after becoming King of England in 924, Athelstan sent Harald Fairhair of Norway a magnificent sword. When Harald picked it up, Athelstan’s ambassadors declared that Athelstan was now his acknowledged overlord. This rankled with Harald, but he bided his time, waiting until the following summer to send his minister Hauk to England with Harald’s young son, Haakon. (58 / 60 words)
Shortly after becoming King of England in 924, Athelstan sent Harald Fairhair of Norway a magnificent sword. When Harald picked it up, Athelstan’s ambassadors declared that Athelstan was now his acknowledged overlord. This rankled with Harald, but he bided his time, waiting until the following summer to send his minister Hauk to England with Harald’s young son, Haakon.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: although, may, or, ought, since, unless, whereas, whether.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
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