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DUELS. 247
and a spear (kesja) in hand; but the sword Drag-
vandil he had firmly secured in his right hand. It
was a custom of the h61mgang-men to equip them-
selves so that they had no occasion to draw their
swords upon the holm, but could have the sword in
hand always ready for use. Atli was armed in the
same manner. He was accustomed to the h61m-
gang, and was besides a strong man and very bold.
A large and old ox was then led forth ; this was
called blotnaut, i. e., Ox of Sacrifice, and the victor
was to kill it (hoggva). Sometimes there was one
ox, sometimes each of the combatants led out his
own. When they were equipped and all was ready,
they rushed forth upon each other and first threw
their spears, but neither of them pierced the shield
they were both left sticking in the ground. They
then seized their swords ; they closed in upon each
other and exchanged blows. They hewed thick and
heavy, and soon the shields became useless. As
Atli's shield became much injured, he cast it away,
seized his sword with both hands and hewed briskly.
Egil struck him over the shoulders, but the sword
did not cut; he gave the second and the third
stroke, and it was easy for him to get a stroke at
Atli ; for Atli had not any defense. But although
Egil swung his sword with might and main, still it
did not cut, with all that he hewed. Egil now saw
that all this was of no use, for his own shield was
beginning to give way. So he let go sword and
shield, ran in upon Atli and seized him with his
hands. Now all could see which of them was
strongest. Atli was thrown upon his back; but
;