The Lay of Biarki
Set during the reign of the legendary Rolf Kraki, the lay of Biarki narrative unfolds the doom that came to Lejre, seat of the Scylding dynasty. One of the poem's main themes is the stark divergence in the loyalty and moral character of Biarki and Hiarthwar. Both owe their landholdings and marital ties to Rolf, yet their destinies take dramatically different turns. Biarki epitomizes the ideal retainer, unwavering in his allegiance to Rolf. His loyalty extends beyond the bounds of life itself, standing as a paragon of devotion and martial prowess. On the contrary, Hiarthwar succumbs to the seductive schemes of Skulda, one of Rolf's sisters. This betrayal culminates in a rebellion against the king, ultimately leading to the fall of Lejre and Rolf's demise at the hands of Hiarthwar. A recurring theme in the poem is the emphasis on loyal retainers repaying their master's gifts through martial service. Saxo constantly revisits the web of reciprocity between lords and their