Vagn Åkesson

Eric gives quarter to a Vagn after the battle of Hjörungavágr. Illustration by Christian Krohg.

Vagn Åkesson was a Norseman of the late 900s, mentioned in the Jómsvíkinga saga. At the age of 12 Vagn, a precocious warrior, applied for admission to the mercenary brotherhood of the Jomsvikings. Intrigued by the courage displayed by Vagn, the Jomsviking chieftain Palnatoke allowed him to prove his worth with a duel against Sigvaldi Strut-Haraldsson, whom Vagn defeated. He was admitted to the order despite the Jomsviking rule that no man under the age of 18 be allowed to join.

Palnatoke adopted Vagn, who is described as one of the most fearless of the Jomsvikings, as a sort of protege. Vagn's courage stand in sharp contrast to the pragmatism (some would say cowardice) displayed by Sigvaldi. After Palnatoke's death, Sigvaldi became leader of the order. At the Battle of Hjörungavágr, he ordered a retreat, an order which Vagn angrily refused to obey. According to the saga, Vagn even threw his spear in Sigvaldi's direction, but missed. Vagn managed to survive the battle with honor and was spared by Eiríkr Hákonarson, while Sigvaldi became the object of ridicule.

References

• Hollander, Lee M., Trans. The Saga of the Jomsvikings. University of Texas Press, 1989.
• Oddr Snorrason (translated by Theodore M. Andersson) (2003). The Saga of Olaf Tryggvason. Cornell University Press. ISBN 0801441498
• Snorri Sturluson (translated by Lee M. Hollander). (1991). Heimskringla : History of the Kings of Norway. University of Texas Press. ISBN 0292730616