He was king by more than blood, for he was the tallest and strongest man in all the land, and the cunningest in battle.

He was for ordinary somewhat grave and silent, a dark man with hair and beard the colour of molten iron, whence came his by-name.

Yet in a fight no Bearsark could vie with him for fury, and his sword Tyrfing was famed in a thousand songs.

On high days the tale of his descent would be sung in the hall--not by Leif, who was low-born and of no account, but by one or other of the chiefs of the Shield-ring.

Biorn was happy on such occasions, for he himself came into the songs, since it was right to honour the gentle lady, the Queen.