Starkad

From Free net encyclopedia

Starkad, Starkotter, Starkodder, Starkadhr (ice.), Störkudhr (ice.) or Starcatherus (Gesta Danorum) was a Scandinavian legendary hero and skald whose adventures are retold in Gesta Danorum and in the legendary sagas.

According to Saxo, he was the son of Storwerk. He was said to have been born east of the Baltic sea, in Jotunheim by a Jotun with many hands which Thor removed until only two remained.

He managed to survive a shipwreck after which he was received by the Danish king Fródi. Fródi gave him a longship and the task of patrolling the shores. No mortal man was his equal as he was endowed with superhuman strength and a noble disposition.

He was not only remarkable by his size and courage but also by his skaldic skills. Odin bestowed upon him the life of three men so that he would be able to commit as many atrocities.

He served many kings, such as Erik and Alrik.