Auðunar þáttr vestfirska

The Tale of Auðun of the West Fjords

Auðunar þáttr vestfirska is a short tale preserved in three distinct versions as part of the saga of Harald III of Norway, as the saga is told in the manuscripts Morkinskinna, Flateyjarbók, and several others. Widely translated and anthologised, it is admired for its beautifully simple account of a poor Icelander from the Westfjords, the harshest region of the country, who decides to take a polar bear as a present to Sweyn II of Denmark. Despite having to navigate the court of Haraldr, Sweyn’s rival, Auðun persists in his mission and later embarks on a pilgrimage to Rome. Auðun's mixture of determination, audacity and humility leads him to gain the respect of both kings, and through him their respect for one another increases also.— Wikipedia