BOOK REVIEW
Haakon the Good (Vikings of Norway) by Ole Åsli
This easy reading novel of the Viking era takes the reader through the years of transition into Christianity and the end of the Old Norse pagan ways.
An informative glimpse is provided of everyday doings in a very historical and pivotal point in history.
I found the book well done, interesting, and entertaining.
Excerpts:
‘You are right, young man! Let me explain. In our belief all men are God’s children. And as we priests are God’s voice on earth, we tend to say such things like “my son”. I haven’t given it much thought, truth be told, but you are right, it is a bit strange. And maybe we should be better at explaining our behavior so that we don’t put people off. And you are also right that we are concerned about lying. In fact, that is one of the Ten Commandments; “Thou shalt not bear false witness”, which means that you should not tell a lie. Have you heard about the Ten Commandments?’ ‘No,’ Haakon said. ‘Where I am from, kings and jarls and chieftains give the commands.’ ‘Is that so?
But what do you think about God?’ Siegfried poked Haakon in the chest with his index finger. ‘I think he is one God, among many, who likes getting gifts and giving commands, but gives very little in return. Had he been a king, he would’ve been a bad king. Not a very popular king.’ Hauk almost chuckled. But he held it in, worried about how the tiny man and his God would react. They were in his house after all. He would be close by. ‘And your gods, Thor and Odin, are they more generous?’
‘That was a good game,’ Hauk said. ‘You really showed them how it’s done.’ Haakon smiled. ‘It’s not about winning, Hauk. It’s about finding solutions that help everyone. That’s the true mark of a successful negotiation.’ In a real-life negotiation, trust me, most men will give anything to get the upper hand. They can accept a lot, if they just can walk away feeling they won or got a better deal than their adversary.’
Besides making a good deal for everyone, I’ll have to make my adversaries think they won?’
someone chuckled, and laughter rippled through the crowd. Haakon raised a hand. ‘Nonetheless, I promise to do my utmost to be a fair and just king if you will have me. A leader cannot lead without the trust of his people. A king cannot rule without their support.’ Cheers erupted from the assembly. Haakon continued. ‘But these are just words,’ he said, and the crowd hushed again. ‘It’s easy to say words, as the jarl has just demonstrated.’
Haakon raised his horn of ale in a toast, his voice ringing out above the jubilant throng. ‘To Arrow, a warrior reborn! May his victory remind us that strength lies not only in skill, but in the power of unity!
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