Olaf's Farm
by Jennie Hall · from Viking Tales
Adapted Version
Hello, Harald! You ask me, 'Olaf, were you always a helper?' No. Little friend. I was a brave boy. I had a big trip!
My father was very big and strong. He had a big farm. He said, 'Go on a trip!' So I did.
I built a big ship. I called her "Waverunner." She was so pretty! I made a promise. I said, "I will sail far away. I will find treasures. I will find a home."
Many friends wanted to come with me. They said, "Yes, Olaf! We will go with you!" I was happy.
We sailed far away to a new land. We found many shiny treasures. Gold and rings! We were very happy.
Then winter was coming. It was cold. I wanted a warm home. I saw a big farm. It was in King Halfdan's land. "That is a good farm," I said.
We came to the farm at night. I knocked on the door. The farmer opened it. He was a little scared. But he let us stay. He gave us food. We had a big, warm meal.
My friends stayed near the farm all winter. All were safe. We were warm. We had good food each day.
Then one morning, a bird sang. "Cuckoo! Cuckoo!" Spring was here! I said, "It is time to go!"
The farmer smiled. He was happy now. He said, "Thank you for stories!" My friends gave him gifts. They called him "Sif the Friendly." He liked his new name.
We left the farm and got on Waverunner. "Which way do we go?" my friends asked. I threw a stick up high. It fell down. It showed us which way to go.
Then we saw big ships. They were King Halfdan's ships. There were many of them. Waverunner had to stop. My friends went away. I was alone.
King Halfdan took me to his home. The King was not happy. He said, "You found treasures in my land!" I was brave. I did not cry.
The Queen was there. She was very kind. She smiled and said, "Let Olaf be a helper for our son, Harald." King Halfdan looked at her. He agreed. "Yes," he said.
So, Harald, I am your helper now. But I am still Olaf the Brave. I was brave! I kept my promise! I sailed far. I found treasures. I found a farm. And now I found you, my good friend. Harald, you liked my story very much. And my story is done.
Original Story
Olaf's Farm
At another time Harald asked:
"What is your country, Olaf? Have you always been a thrall?"
The thrall's eyes flashed.
"When you are a man," he said, "and go a-viking to Denmark, ask men whether they ever heard of Olaf the Crafty. There, far off, is my country, across the water. My father was Gudbrand the Big. Two hundred warriors feasted in his hall and followed him to battle. Ten sons sat at meat with him, and I was the youngest. One day he said:
"'You are all grown to be men. There is not elbow-room here for so many chiefs. The eldest of you shall have my farm when I die. The rest of you, off a-viking!'
"He had three ships. These he gave to three of my brothers. But I stayed that spring and built me a boat. I made her for only twenty oars because I thought few men would follow me; for I was young, fifteen years old. I made her in the likeness of a dragon. At the prow I carved the head with open mouth and forked tongue thrust out. I painted the eyes red for anger.
"'There, stand so!' I said, 'and glare and hiss at my foes.'
"In the stern I curved the tail up almost as high as the head. There I put the pilot's seat and a strong tiller for the rudder. On the breast and sides I carved the dragon's scales. Then I painted it all black and on the tip of every scale I put gold. I called her 'Waverunner.' There she sat on the rollers, as fair a ship as I ever saw.
"The night that it was finished I went to my father's feast. After the meats were eaten and the mead-horns came round, I stood up from my bench and raised my drinking-horn[3] high and spoke with a great voice:
"'This is my vow: I will sail to Norway and I will harry the coast and fill my boat with riches. Then I will get me a farm and will winter in that land. Now who will follow me?'
"'He is but a boy,' the men said. 'He has opened his mouth wider than he can do.'
"But others jumped to their feet with their mead-horns in their hands. Thirty men, one after another, raised their horns and said:
"'I will follow this lad, and I will not turn back so long as he and I live!'
"On the next morning we got into my dragon and started. I sat high in the pilot's seat. As our boat flashed down the rollers into the water I made this song and sang it:
"'The dragon runs.
Where will she steer?
Where swords will sing,
Where spears will bite,
Where I shall laugh.'
"So we harried the coast of Norway. We ate at many men's tables uninvited. Many men we found overburdened with gold. Then I said:
"'My dragon's belly is never full,' and on board went the gold.
"Oh! it is better to live on the sea and let other men raise your crops and cook your meals. A house smells of smoke, a ship smells of frolic. From a house you see a sooty roof, from a ship you see Valhalla.
"Up and down the water we went to get much wealth and much frolic. After a while my men said:
"'What of the farm, Olaf?'
"'Not yet,' I answered. 'Viking is better for summer. When the ice comes, and our dragon cannot play, then we will get our farm and sit down.'
"At last the winter came, and I said to my men:
"'Now for the farm. I have my eye on one up the coast a way in King Halfdan's country.'
"So we set off for it. We landed late at night and pulled our boat up on shore and walked quietly to the house. It was rather a wealthy farm, for there were stables and a storehouse and a smithy at the sides of the house. There was but one door to the house. We went to it, and I struck it with my spear.
"I struck my shield against the door so that it made a great clanging"
"'Hello! Ho! Hello!' I shouted, and my men made a great din.
"At last some one from inside said:
"'Who calls?'
"'I call,' I answered. 'Open! or you will think it Thor who calls,' and I struck my shield against the door so that it made a great clanging.
"The door opened only a little, but I pushed it wide and leaped into the room. It was so dark that I could see nothing but a few sparks on the hearth. I stood with my back to the wall; for I wanted no sword reaching out of the dark for me.
"'Now start up the fire,' I said.
"'Come, come!' I called, when no one obeyed. 'A fire! This is cold welcome for your guests.'
"My men laughed.
"'Yes, a stingy host! He acts as though he had not expected us.'
"But now the farmer was blowing on the coals and putting on fresh wood. Soon it blazed up, and we could see about us. We were in a little feast hall,[4] with its fire down the middle of it. There were benches for twenty men along each side. The farmer crouched by the fire, afraid to move. On a bench in a far corner were a dozen people huddled together.
"'Ho, thralls!' I called to them. 'Bring in the table. We are hungry.'
"Off they ran through a door at the back of the hall. My men came in and lay down by the fire and warmed themselves, but I set two of them as guards at the door.
"'Well, friend farmer,' laughed one, 'why such a long face? Do you not think we shall be merry company?'
"'We came only to cheer you,' said another. 'What man wants to spend the winter with no guests?'
"'Ah!' another then cried out, sitting up. 'Here comes something that will be a welcome guest to my stomach.'
"The thralls were bringing in a great pot of meat. They set up a crane over the fire and hung the pot upon it, and we sat and watched it boil while we joked. At last the supper began. The farmer sat gloomily on the bench and would not eat, and you cannot wonder; for he saw us putting potfuls of his good beef and basket-loads of bread into our big mouths. When the tables were taken out and the mead-horns came round, I stood up and raised my horn and said to the farmer:
"'You would not eat with us. You cannot say no to half of my ale. I drink this to your health.'
"Then I drank half of the hornful and sent the rest across the fire to the farmer. He took it and smiled, saying:
"'Since it is to my health, I will drink it. I thought that all this night's work would be my death.'
"'Oh, do not fear that!' I laughed, 'for a dead man sets no tables.'
"So we drank and all grew merrier. At last I stood up and said:
"'I like this little taste of your hospitality, friend farmer. I have decided to accept more of it.'
"My men roared with laughter.
"'Come,' they cried, 'thank him for that, farmer. Did you ever have such a lordly guest before?'
"I went on:
"'Now there is no fun in having guests unless they keep you company and make you merry. So I will give out this law: that my men shall never leave you alone. Hakon there shall be your constant companion, friend farmer. He shall not leave you day or night, whether you are working or playing or sleeping. Leif and Grim shall be the same kind of friends to your two sons.'
"I named nine others and said:
"'And these shall follow your thralls in the same way. Now, am I not careful to make your time go merrily?'
"So I set guards over every one in that house. Not once all that winter did they stir out of sight of some of us. So no tales got out to the neighbors. Besides, it was a lonely place, and by good luck no one came that way. Oh! that was fat and easy living.
"Well, after we had been there for a long time, Hakon came in to the feast one night and said:
"'I heard a cuckoo to-day!'
"'It is the call to go a-viking,' I said.
"All my men put their hands to their mouths and shouted. Their eyes danced. Big Thorleif stood up and stretched himself.
"'I am stiff with long sitting,' he said. 'I itch for a fight.'
"I turned to the farmer.
"'This is our last feast with you,' I said.
"'Well,' he laughed, 'this has been the busiest winter I ever spent, and the merriest. May good luck go with you!'
"'By the beard of Odin!' I cried; 'you have taken our joke like a man.'
"My men pounded the table with their fists.
"'By the hammer of Thor!' shouted Grim. 'Here is no stingy coward. He is a man fit to carry my drinking-horn, the horn of a sea-rover and a sword-swinger. Here, friend, take it,' and he thrust it into the farmer's hand. 'May you drink heart's-ease from it for many years. And with it I leave you a name, Sif the Friendly. I shall hope to drink with you sometime in Valhalla.'
"Then all my men poured around that farmer and clapped him on the shoulder and piled things upon him, saying:
"'Here is a ring for Sif the Friendly.'
"'And here is a bracelet.'
"'A sword would not be ashamed to hang at your side.'
"I took five great bracelets of gold from our treasure chest and gave them to him.
"The old man's eyes opened wide at all these things, and at the same time he laughed.
"'May Odin send me such guests every winter!' he said.
"Early next morning we shook hands with our host and boarded the 'Waverunner' and sailed off.
"'Where shall we go?' my men asked.
"'Let the gods decide,' I said, and tossed up my spear.
"When it fell on the deck it pointed up-shore, so I steered in that direction. That is the best way to decide, for the spear will always point somewhere, and one thing is as good as another. That time it pointed us into your father's ships. They closed in battle with us and killed my men and sunk my ship and dragged me off a prisoner. They were three against one, or they might have tasted something more bitter at our hands. They took me before King Halfdan.
"'Here,' they said, 'is a rascal who has been harrying our coasts. We sunk his ship and men, but him we brought to you.'
"'A robber viking?' said the king, and scowled at me.
"I threw back my head and laughed.
"'Yes. And with all your fingers it took you a year to catch me.'
"The king frowned more angrily.
"'Saucy, too?' he said. 'Well, thieves must die. Take him out, Thorkel, and let him taste your sword.'
"Your mother, the queen, was standing by. Now she put her hand on his arm and smiled and said:
"'He is only a lad. Let him live. And would he not be a good gift for our baby?'
"Your father thought a moment, then looked at your mother and smiled.
"'Soft heart!' he said gently to her; then to Thorkel, 'Well, let him go, Thorkel!'
"Then he turned to me again, frowning.
"'But, young sharp-tongue, now that we have caught you we will put you into a trap that you cannot get out of. Weld an iron collar on his neck.'
"So I lived and now am your tooth thrall. Well, it is the luck of war. But by the chair of Odin, I kept my vow!"
"Yes!" cried Harald, jumping to his feet. "And had a joke into the bargain. Ah! sometime I will make a brave vow like that."
FOOTNOTES:
[3] See note about drinking-horns on page 195.
[4] See note about feast hall on page 196.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Olaf, the youngest son of a Viking chieftain, builds his own dragon ship and vows to raid Norway for riches and a farm. He gathers a loyal crew and successfully plunders the coast before settling into a wealthy farmer's home for the winter, forcing the farmer and his household to host them. After a winter of 'easy living,' Olaf and his men depart, surprisingly having befriended the farmer and showered him with gifts. However, they are intercepted by King Halfdan's fleet, leading to the destruction of Olaf's ship and the death of his men. Captured and brought before the King, Olaf is spared execution by the Queen and made a thrall to their infant son, Harald, proudly declaring he kept his vow despite his changed circumstances.
Themes
Emotional Arc
pride to capture
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects the historical Viking Age practices of raiding, exploration, and social structures, though presented in a romanticized, adventurous narrative.
Plot Beats (15)
- Harald asks Olaf about his country and if he's always been a thrall.
- Olaf recounts his youth as the youngest of ten sons of Gudbrand the Big, where he was told to go a-viking.
- Olaf builds his own dragon ship, 'Waverunner,' and makes a public vow to raid Norway, get rich, and acquire a farm.
- Thirty men, despite his youth, pledge to follow Olaf.
- Olaf and his crew sail to Norway, successfully raiding and accumulating gold.
- As winter approaches, Olaf decides it's time to find a farm and targets a wealthy one in King Halfdan's territory.
- They invade the farm at night, forcing the farmer to provide hospitality and a feast.
- Olaf establishes a system of 'guards' to ensure the farmer and his household cannot leave or report their presence, enjoying a winter of easy living.
- Upon hearing a cuckoo, signaling spring, Olaf announces their departure.
- The farmer, surprisingly, expresses good wishes, having enjoyed the 'merriest' winter, and Olaf's men, impressed, bestow gifts and a new name, 'Sif the Friendly,' upon him.
- Olaf and his men depart, letting a thrown spear decide their direction.
- They encounter King Halfdan's ships, are outnumbered, and defeated; Olaf's ship is sunk, and his men are killed.
- Olaf is captured and brought before King Halfdan, who intends to execute him for piracy.
- King Halfdan's queen intervenes, suggesting Olaf be spared and made a thrall for their baby son, Harald.
- Olaf accepts his fate as Harald's thrall, proudly stating he kept his vow, and Harald expresses admiration for Olaf's story.
Characters
Olaf the Crafty ★ protagonist
Lean and agile, with the hardened physique of a seafarer. Though young, his movements are swift and decisive, reflecting his cunning nature. He is of average height for a Norseman, with a strong, athletic build.
Attire: As a thrall, he wears simple, practical Norse peasant clothing: a tunic of coarse wool or linen, likely in muted earth tones, and sturdy trousers. An iron collar is welded around his neck, a mark of his servitude. When a Viking, he would have worn a wool tunic, leather breeches, and a cloak, possibly with some simple leather armor or a helmet.
Wants: To prove himself worthy, to gain wealth and a farm, and to live a life of adventure and freedom, fulfilling his vow.
Flaw: Overconfidence and a tendency to be saucy, which can land him in trouble (like with King Halfdan). His youth also makes him underestimated.
Starts as an ambitious, young Viking seeking fortune and a farm. He achieves his goals through cunning and force, but ultimately loses his freedom and ship in battle. He ends the story as a thrall, but maintains his spirit and pride, having fulfilled his vow.
Cunning, audacious, charismatic, resourceful, and defiant. He is a natural leader who inspires loyalty despite his youth. He enjoys challenges and revels in cleverness.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man, early twenties, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a lean, athletic build, fair skin, and sharp, intelligent blue eyes. His light blonde hair is medium length, pulled back from his face. He wears a simple, practical tunic of coarse grey wool and dark brown trousers. An iron collar is welded around his neck. He has a defiant, slightly smirking expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Harald ◆ supporting
A young boy, likely slender and energetic, as he is described as 'jumping to his feet'. He is the son of King Halfdan and the Queen.
Attire: As the son of a king, he would wear well-made, comfortable Norse children's clothing, likely a tunic of finer wool or linen, possibly embroidered, and soft leather shoes.
Wants: To learn about Olaf's past and to be inspired by heroic tales.
Flaw: Youthful naivety and perhaps a lack of understanding of the harsh realities of Viking life.
Serves as the audience for Olaf's story, becoming inspired by it.
Curious, impressionable, enthusiastic, and admiring of Olaf's adventurous spirit.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy, around eight years old, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a slender build, fair skin, and wide, curious blue eyes. His light brown hair is short and slightly tousled. He wears a knee-length tunic of fine blue wool with simple silver embroidery at the collar and cuffs, and soft brown leather boots. He has an eager, attentive expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Gudbrand the Big ○ minor
A large, imposing man, befitting his name 'the Big'. He would have a powerful build, likely showing signs of age but still retaining a formidable presence.
Attire: As a wealthy Danish chieftain, he would wear rich, heavy wool tunics, possibly with fur trim, and a thick cloak. His attire would be practical but also convey his status.
Wants: To ensure the prosperity and order of his family and farm, and to encourage his sons to make their own way.
Flaw: Perhaps a rigid adherence to tradition, sending his younger sons away.
Introduced as the father who sends Olaf a-viking; his decision sets Olaf's journey in motion.
Authoritative, practical, traditional, and a strong leader.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly, very large man with a powerful, broad-shouldered build, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a weathered face with shrewd grey eyes and a long, thick white beard that reaches his chest. He wears a heavy, dark green wool tunic with a brown leather belt, and a thick, fur-lined cloak draped over his shoulders. He has a stern, authoritative expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Farmer (Sif the Friendly) ◆ supporting
A sturdy, hardworking man, likely with a build accustomed to manual labor on a farm. He is initially fearful but later shows resilience.
Attire: Simple, practical Norse farmer's clothing: a sturdy, undyed wool tunic, rough linen trousers, and perhaps a leather apron or vest, all showing signs of wear from farm work.
Wants: To protect his family and farm, and to survive the winter with his unexpected 'guests'.
Flaw: His initial fear makes him vulnerable to the Vikings.
Transforms from a terrified host to a jovial, accepting 'friend' to the Vikings, even receiving gifts and a new name, Sif the Friendly.
Initially fearful and gloomy, but resilient, good-humored, and hospitable once his fear subsides. He is a survivor.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man with a sturdy, broad-shouldered build, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a plain, honest face with kind brown eyes and a short, practical brown beard. He wears a simple, undyed wool tunic, dark brown linen trousers, and a worn leather apron. He holds a large, carved drinking-horn in his right hand, with a hearty, smiling expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
King Halfdan ○ minor
A powerful and imposing figure, befitting a king. He would have a strong, regal presence.
Attire: Rich, royal Norse attire: a finely woven wool tunic, possibly embroidered with gold thread, a heavy cloak fastened with a large brooch, and a circlet or simple crown. He would carry a sword at his hip.
Wants: To maintain order in his kingdom, punish wrongdoers, and protect his family.
Flaw: His quick temper and perhaps a slight inflexibility in judgment, though softened by his wife.
Acts as the judge and punisher of Olaf, ultimately sparing his life at the Queen's request.
Stern, just (by his own laws), easily angered by defiance, but also influenced by his queen's compassion.
Image Prompt & Upload
A powerful, middle-aged man with a regal, broad-shouldered build, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a stern, square-jawed face with dark, piercing eyes and a neatly trimmed dark brown beard. He wears a rich, deep blue wool tunic with gold embroidery at the collar, a heavy red cloak fastened with a large silver and amber brooch, and a simple silver circlet on his head. He has a commanding, slightly frowning expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Queen ○ minor
A graceful and compassionate woman, likely with a gentle demeanor, reflecting her 'soft heart'.
Attire: Elegant Norse noblewoman's attire: a long, flowing gown of fine linen or wool, possibly in soft colors, with intricate embroidery. She would wear a finely crafted brooch and perhaps a simple head covering or circlet.
Wants: To show mercy and to find a suitable companion for her child.
Flaw: Her 'soft heart' could be seen as a weakness by some, but it is also her strength.
Intervenes to save Olaf's life, demonstrating her compassionate nature and shaping Olaf's immediate future.
Compassionate, gentle, influential, and wise.
Image Prompt & Upload
A graceful, middle-aged woman with a gentle demeanor, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind, oval face with warm blue eyes and long, braided blonde hair adorned with a simple silver circlet. She wears a flowing, floor-length gown of soft green linen with delicate silver embroidery along the neckline and cuffs, and a large, ornate silver brooch pinned at her chest. She has a compassionate, gentle smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Gudbrand the Big's Feast Hall
A large, traditional Norse longhouse, likely constructed of heavy timber with a central hearth. Benches line the sides for many warriors to feast. The air would be thick with the smell of roasted meats and mead.
Mood: Boisterous, celebratory, filled with the camaraderie of warriors, but also a place of serious vows and declarations.
Olaf makes his grand vow to sail to Norway, harry the coast, fill his boat with riches, and get a farm.
Image Prompt & Upload
A warm, dimly lit interior of a large Norse longhouse. A central fire pit casts flickering light on rough-hewn timber walls and a high, smoke-stained ceiling. Long wooden benches are filled with burly warriors, some raising ornate drinking horns. The air is hazy with smoke and the warmth of many bodies. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Olaf's Farm (The Wealthy Farm)
A prosperous Norse farmstead located up the coast in King Halfdan's country. It includes a main longhouse, stables, a storehouse, and a smithy, suggesting a self-sufficient and well-established property. The surroundings are likely rugged coastal terrain.
Mood: Initially tense and foreboding due to the Viking raid, but later becomes a place of unexpected conviviality and easy living.
Olaf and his men land and take over the farm for the winter, establishing their 'easy living' arrangement.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dark, snow-dusted Norse farmstead nestled into a rugged coastal landscape under a moonlit winter sky. A sturdy timber longhouse stands centrally, flanked by smaller outbuildings like stables and a smithy. The ground is uneven, possibly with patches of frozen earth or sparse, hardy vegetation. A longship is pulled up onto the rocky shore nearby. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Farmer's Feast Hall (inside Olaf's Farm)
A smaller, more intimate version of a Norse feast hall within the farmer's longhouse. It features a central fire pit, benches for about twenty men, and a back door leading to other parts of the house or storage. The interior is initially dark and cold.
Mood: Initially tense and fearful, as the farmer and his family are confronted by Vikings. Gradually shifts to a surprisingly merry and boisterous atmosphere as the Vikings settle in.
Olaf and his men feast, establish their 'laws' for the winter, and eventually share a surprisingly cordial farewell with the farmer.
Image Prompt & Upload
A cozy, fire-lit interior of a Norse longhouse feast hall. A central hearth blazes, casting warm, dancing light on rough-hewn timber walls and a low, smoky ceiling. Wooden benches line the sides, some occupied by burly Vikings feasting, others by a wary farmer and his huddled family. A large cooking pot hangs over the fire from a metal crane. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
