Studia Islandica - 01.06.1956, Page 45

43
2. In the passage where Ásbjpm’s meeting with Glúmr
is told, four long periods occur, containing a repeti-
tion of what Skúta told Ásbjom to say (104 words).
3. The commentary on Fluga (50 words).
4. After Glúm’s companions have asked Skúta, in dis-
guise, whether he has seen a man riding over the
hill: marnn ríða um leitit fram M, mann riðit hafa
um leitit fram V, mann ríða fram um leitit R.,
Skúta answers in the affirmative: hann kvezk sét
hafa M, hann segir: ‘sá ek víst’ V, Skúta kvaðsk
víst sét hafa R., which then continues: manninn ríða
fram yfir leitit. Hann kvaðsk sjá, at maðrinn fór
hvatlega, ok dró í sundr, er leitit bar í miUi þeira
(17 words in last period).
Again: a repetition of the words addressed to him,
superfluous as to its contents and boring in form.
5. At the end of ch. 16 both M and V briefly state
that Skúta and Glúmr ride away. R. adds two
rather significant points:
a. Glúmr is not going to bring a charge against
Skúta.
b. Skúta gives vent to his disappointment: he
will not have a chance to attack Glúmr un-
awares, and so must be resigned over his ina-
bility to bring his opponent to grief. (33 words
in all).
Especially the last point, which is proof of the author’s
impartiality, would not be out of place in V. Gl., where
Glúmr is the hero.
8.5. In section 8.4 we remarked on the superfluous repeti-
tion of Skúta’s promise to Ásbjom.
This opening passage of ch. 26 in R. is open to cri-
ticism. After Ásbjpm’s request for help Skúta promises