Eaters Of The Dead

The warriors sail into the lands of the Dans to Trelburg, a military outpost featuring a high wall around 16 wooden longhouses. The warriors are welcomed by the chief of Trelburg, Sagard, who talks with Buliwyf about the task that lays ahead. Sagard reveals that Rothgar’s sons fought among themselves until one named Wiglif emerged as the apparent heir. Herger says that that the strongest defenses in Trelburg are pointed inland “because of the mists” (39). The true danger is not at sea.

They set sail again and Herger tells Ahmad that they are entering “the sea of monsters” (40). As the sea becomes choppy and Ahmad glimpses a sea monster in the froth, though his description of the monster is similar to a pod of whales. That night as they sit around the fire, Buliwyf’s lieutenant Ecthgow tells Ahmad about the time his ship was attacked by sea monsters. They sail on and eventually reach the kingdom of Rothgar. While Ahmad is impressed by the buildings, the Norsemen claim that the mountaintop placement of Rothgar’s great hall is an indication of his vanity.