Olaf's Fight with Havard
by Jennie Hall · from Viking Tales
Adapted Version
Olaf the Brave loved to tell stories. He told a story. It was about a clever time. He and his friends stayed at a farm. It was a big adventure.
Olaf the Brave and friends made the farm home. They shut the doors. They felt safe inside. They looked around the big house.
Suddenly, they heard loud shouts. King Havard the Angry was outside. He had many, many men. They wanted to get inside. The friends felt worried.
King Havard had so many men. Olaf the Brave had few friends. "We must be brave," said Hakon the Helper. Olaf the Brave thought of a plan. He was very clever.
Thorkel the Strong was near a big cupboard. He fell and hit the wall. A secret door opened! "Look!" he shouted. It was a secret passage. This was good news.
Olaf the Brave had a clever idea. "Some friends will stay here," he said. "They will make loud noise. Other friends will go through the passage. We will go to our ship."
The friends made big noises. They yelled and shouted. King Havard thought many men were inside. It was very dark. The friends were very brave. They helped Olaf.
King Havard's men came through the door. Olaf the Brave and his friends hid. Then they ran very fast. They ran to their ship. They were quick.
Olaf the Brave ran to his ship. Hakon the Helper ran too. They saw their ship. It was called 'Waverunner'. They were so happy. They climbed aboard quickly.
King Havard came to the shore. Hakon the Helper was not on the ship. He could not get on. Olaf the Brave felt sad. They sailed away fast.
Thorkel the Strong was on the ship. He smiled a big smile. "King Havard's ships do not work," he said. "They cannot sail now. We broke their oars." Thorkel was very clever.
King Havard the Angry stood on the shore. He was very mad. Olaf the Brave and Thorkel waved. They smiled and sailed away. They were safe now.
Original Story
Olaf's Fight With Havard
At another time Harald said:
"Tell me of a fight, Olaf. I want to hear about the music of swords."
Olaf's eyes blazed.
"I will tell you of our fight with King Havard," he said.
"One dark night we had landed at a farm. We left our 'Waverunner' in the water with three men to guard her. The rest of us went into the house. The farmer met us at the door, but he died by Thorkel's sword. The others we shut into their beds.[5] The door at each end of the hall we had barred on the inside so that nobody could surprise us. We were busy going through the cupboards and shouting at our good luck. But suddenly we heard a shout outside:
"'Thor and Havard!'
"Then there was a great beating at the doors.
"'He has two hundred fighters with him,' said Grim; 'for we saw his ships last night. Thirty against two hundred! We shall all drink in Valhalla to-night.'
"'Well,' I cried, 'Odin shall have no unwilling guest in me.'
"'Nor in me,' cried Hakon.
"'Nor in me,' shouted Thorkel.
"And that shout went all around, and we drew out our swords and caught up our shields.
"'Hot work is ahead of us,' said Hakon. 'Besides, we must leave none of this mead for Havard. Lend a hand, some one.'
"Then he and another pulled out a great tub that sat on the floor of the cupboard.
"'I drink to Valhalla to-night,' cried Thorkel the Thirsty, and he plunged his horn deep into the tub.
"When he brought it up, his sleeve was dripping and the sweet mead was running over from the horn.
"'Sloven!' cried Hakon, and he struck Thorkel with his fist and knocked him over into the cupboard.
"He fell against the wooden wall at the back, and a carved panel swung open behind him. He dropped down head first. In a minute he put his head out of the hole again. We all stood staring.
"'I think it is a secret passage,' he said.
"'We will try it,' I answered in a whisper. 'Throw dirt on the fire. It must be dark.'
"So we dug up dirt from the earth floor and smothered the fire. All this time there was a terrible shouting and hammering at the doors, but they were of heavy logs and stood.
"'I with four more will guard this door,' I said, pointing to the east end.
"Immediately four men stepped to my side.
"'And I will guard the other,' Hakon said, and four went with him.
"'The rest of you, down the hole!' I said. 'Close the door after you. If luck is with us we will meet at the ships. Now Thor and our good swords help us! Quick! The doors are giving way.'
"Then he turned to the shore and sang out loudly"
"So we ten men stood at the doors and held back the king's soldiers. It was dark in the room, and the people out of doors could not tell how many were inside. Few were eager to be the first in.
"'Thirty swords are waiting in there to eat up the first man,' we heard some one say.
"We chuckled at that.
"But the king stood in the very doorway and fought. Our five swords held him back for a long time, but at last he pushed in, and his men poured after him. We ran back and hid behind some tubs in a dark corner. The king's men went groping about and calling, but they did not find us. The room was full of shouting and running and sword-clashing; for in the dark and the noise the men could not tell their own soldiers. More than one fell by his friend's sword. When it was less crowded about the doorway, I whispered:
"'Follow me in double line. We will make for the ships. Keep close together.'
"So that double line of men, with swords swinging from both sides, ran out through the dark. Swords struck out at us, and we struck back. Men ran after us shouting, but our legs were as good as theirs. But I and Hakon and one other were all that reached the ship. There we saw our 'Waverunner' with sail up and bow pointing to open sea. We swam out to her and climbed aboard. Then the men swung the sail to the wind, and we moved off. Even as we went, a spear whizzed through the air, and Hakon fell dead; for the king and all his men were running to the shore.
"'After them!' they were shouting.
"Then we heard the king call to the men in his boats lying out in the water:
"'Row to shore and take us in.'
"Thorkel was standing by my side. At that he laughed and said:
"'They do not answer. He left but a handful to guard his ships. They tasted our swords. And we went aboard and broke the oars and threw the sails into the water. It will be slow going for Havard to-night.'
"Then he turned to the shore and sang out loudly:
"'King Havard's ships are dead:
Olaf's dragon flies.
King Havard stamps the shore:
Olaf skims the waves.
King Havard shakes his fist.
Olaf turns and laughs.'
"That was the end of our meeting with King Havard."
FOOTNOTES:
[5] See note about beds on page 196.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Olaf recounts a tale of how he and his thirty men were trapped in a raided farm by King Havard and his two hundred warriors. After a secret passage is discovered, Olaf devises a plan: a small group creates a diversion while the rest escape to their ship. Though they suffer a casualty, they successfully flee, having sabotaged Havard's fleet, leaving the king stranded and furious on the shore.
Themes
Emotional Arc
danger to escape
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects the raiding culture and warrior ethos of the Viking Age, where cunning and bravery in battle were highly valued.
Plot Beats (12)
- Olaf recounts a story to Harald about a raid on a farm.
- Olaf's men secure the farm, kill the farmer, and begin looting.
- King Havard and 200 men arrive, surrounding the farm.
- Olaf's men, outnumbered, prepare for a desperate fight.
- Thorkel accidentally discovers a secret passage behind a cupboard.
- Olaf devises a plan: ten men will guard the doors as a diversion, while the rest escape through the passage to the ships.
- The ten men hold off Havard's forces in the dark, making it seem like more men are inside.
- Havard breaks through the door, and Olaf's remaining men hide, then make a dash for the ships.
- Olaf, Hakon, and one other reach their ship, the 'Waverunner'.
- Hakon is killed by a spear as they set sail, with Havard's men on the shore.
- Thorkel reveals that he and the other men from the passage had sabotaged Havard's ships.
- Olaf and Thorkel taunt the stranded King Havard as they sail away.
Characters
Olaf ★ protagonist
A robust and agile Viking warrior, likely of average to tall height with a strong, muscular build from years of seafaring and combat. His movements are quick and decisive, even in the dark.
Attire: Practical Norse warrior attire: likely a tunic of coarse wool or linen, possibly with leather or simple chainmail armor for protection, sturdy breeches, and leather boots. He would carry a shield and sword.
Wants: Survival, loyalty to his crew, and the thrill of adventure and battle. He seeks to outsmart his enemies and ensure his crew's escape.
Flaw: Perhaps a slight overconfidence or enjoyment of taunting his enemies, which could put him in unnecessary danger.
He successfully leads a daring escape against overwhelming odds, solidifying his reputation as a cunning leader.
Brave, cunning, resourceful, decisive, and a natural leader. He is quick-witted in battle and enjoys the thrill of a fight, but also values the lives of his men.
Image Prompt & Upload
A strong adult Norse warrior, male, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a muscular build, a weathered face with a short, neatly trimmed brown beard, and intense blue eyes. He wears a practical, dark green wool tunic, brown leather breeches, and sturdy leather boots. Over his tunic, he wears a simple leather jerkin. He holds a round wooden shield with an iron boss in his left hand and a Norse longsword with a plain hilt in his right. He has a determined, slightly amused expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
King Havard ⚔ antagonist
A formidable and powerful Norse king, likely of a commanding height and broad build, reflecting his status as a warrior leader. He is strong enough to hold back five swords at a doorway.
Attire: Royal Norse attire, perhaps a finely woven wool tunic in rich colors, possibly with some embroidered details, and a cloak fastened with a decorative brooch. He would wear sturdy boots and carry a sword and shield befitting a king.
Wants: To capture or kill Olaf and his men, likely to avenge a previous raid or to assert his dominance. He wants to prevent their escape.
Flaw: His pride and anger make him susceptible to taunts and can cloud his judgment, leading him to abandon his ships.
He is outsmarted and humiliated by Olaf, losing his ships and failing to capture his enemies. He ends the story defeated and enraged.
Aggressive, determined, vengeful, and proud. He is relentless in pursuing his enemies and easily angered by their taunts.
Image Prompt & Upload
A powerful adult Norse king, male, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a broad, muscular build, a stern face with a long, braided brown beard, and piercing grey eyes. He wears a deep blue wool tunic with silver embroidery, a heavy brown leather belt, and a flowing crimson wool cloak fastened with a large silver brooch. He wears sturdy leather boots. He holds a large, ornate shield in his left hand and a royal Norse longsword with a decorated hilt in his right. He has an angry, frustrated expression, with his jaw clenched. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Thorkel ◆ supporting
A large, perhaps somewhat clumsy, but strong Viking warrior. His actions suggest a robust build, capable of wielding a sword effectively.
Attire: Standard Norse warrior attire, similar to Olaf's but perhaps less refined. Practical wool tunic, breeches, and boots. He would carry a sword.
Wants: To fight bravely, enjoy the spoils of battle (like mead), and survive alongside his comrades.
Flaw: His thirst for mead and occasional clumsiness can lead to minor mishaps, though in this case, it leads to a crucial discovery.
He accidentally discovers a secret passage that saves the crew, and later taunts King Havard, showing his resilience and humor.
Boisterous, thirsty (earning him the nickname 'Thorkel the Thirsty'), brave, and quick to laugh. He is a loyal fighter and enjoys taunting enemies.
Image Prompt & Upload
A large adult Norse warrior, male, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a robust, slightly unkempt build, a broad face with a thick, unruly brown beard, and twinkling blue eyes. He wears a practical, sturdy grey wool tunic, dark brown breeches, and worn leather boots. His left sleeve is visibly damp from spilled mead. He holds a large drinking horn in his right hand. He has a jovial, slightly mischievous expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Hakon ◆ supporting
A strong and capable Viking warrior, a trusted lieutenant to Olaf. He is agile enough to lead a charge and fight effectively.
Attire: Practical Norse warrior attire, similar to Olaf's. Wool tunic, breeches, and boots, with a sword and shield.
Wants: Survival, loyalty to his crew, and effective combat. He wants to ensure their escape and defeat their enemies.
Flaw: His sternness can lead him to be harsh with his comrades, though it is usually for practical reasons.
He fights bravely and leads a group of men, ultimately sacrificing his life during the escape, ensuring the others' survival.
Brave, decisive, practical, and somewhat stern. He is a loyal second-in-command and takes initiative in battle preparations.
Image Prompt & Upload
A strong adult Norse warrior, male, standing upright and facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a muscular build, a stern face with a short, dark brown beard, and keen grey eyes. He wears a practical, dark blue wool tunic, sturdy leather breeches, and leather boots. He holds a round wooden shield in his left hand and a Norse longsword in his right. He has a determined, serious expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Viking Farmhouse Hall
A long, single-room hall of a Norse farmhouse, constructed from heavy logs, with an earth floor. It features a central fire pit, cupboards built into the walls, and heavy log doors at each end. There is a hidden carved wooden panel in the back wall of a cupboard, concealing a secret passage.
Mood: Tense, chaotic, claustrophobic, desperate
Olaf and his men are ambushed by King Havard. They fight defensively, discover a secret passage, and use the darkness and confusion to escape.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dark, smoky interior of a Norse longhouse hall at night, lit only by faint moonlight filtering through smoke vents and the last embers of a smothered fire. Heavy, rough-hewn log walls rise to a high, timbered ceiling. The earth floor is churned with footprints. In the background, a large wooden tub sits near a cupboard with a partially open, intricately carved wooden panel revealing a dark void. Swords clash in the near distance, and shadows dance wildly. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Secret Passage
A narrow, dark, and likely earthen or roughly hewn tunnel, leading away from the farmhouse hall.
Mood: Mysterious, escape, claustrophobic
Olaf's men use this passage to escape the besieged farmhouse.
Image Prompt & Upload
A narrow, dark, and winding secret passage, roughly hewn from earth and rock, with just enough space for a person to squeeze through. The air is thick with the smell of damp earth. Faint, cool blue light from an unknown source ahead suggests an exit. The passage walls are uneven and textured, with occasional exposed roots or small stones. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Shoreline and Open Sea
A dark, rocky or sandy shoreline leading to the open sea. Olaf's 'Waverunner' (a Viking longship) is anchored offshore, with its sail up and bow pointed towards the open water. King Havard's boats are also in the water, but their oars are broken and sails removed.
Mood: Desperate escape, triumphant defiance, tragic loss
Olaf and his remaining men make a desperate dash to their ship, escape to sea, and mock King Havard, though Hakon is killed.
Image Prompt & Upload
A dramatic night scene on a rugged, dark Norse shoreline. The choppy, moonlit sea stretches into the distance. In the foreground, a sleek Viking longship, 'Waverunner,' with its single square sail billowing, is pulling away from the shore. On the dark beach, King Havard and his enraged men are silhouetted, shaking fists. Further out, several of Havard's longships drift helplessly, their oars broken and sails missing. A single spear is frozen mid-air, arcing towards Olaf's departing ship. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
