Make Trade, Not War

In Poul Anderson's Mother Of Kings (New York, 2003), Eirik visits Tunsberg, near the Oslofjord. The city of Oslo does not yet exist because it has yet to be built, in the following century, by Harald Hardrada.

The shire-king of Vestfold, residing in Tunsberg, was Bjorn who seldom waged war but instead:

"...sent merchant ships far and wide, growing wealthy thereby." (p. 147)

Well done, Bjorn. It is good to read about this when so many of his fellow kings, including Eirik, still go in viking. Unfortunately, conflict ensues between Bjorn and Eirik and the outcome earns the latter his "...nickname Blood-Ax" (p. 151).

Although this pleases both Eirik and his wife Gunnhild, it is to be regretted that political disputes were still settled by surrounding and burning buildings rather than by peace conferences and majority votes.