Geirmund Hel-hide

Geirmund Hel-hide
Biographical information
Born	c. 850 Karmøy, Rygjafylke, Norway
Died	c. 905
Species	Human
Political information
Affiliations	Great Heathen Army Hel-hides

Geirmund Hjörrsson (c. 850 – c. 905), also called Geirmund Hel-hide (Old Norse: Geirmund Heljarskinn) due to his dark complexion, was a Viking who lived in the 9th century. He was the son of Ljufvina Bjarmarsdottir and Hjorr Halfsson and the younger twin brother of Hámund.

Born into a lineage of Norwegian kings, Geirmund sought to make a legacy for himself. To this end, he joined the army of Guthrum, one of the leaders of the Great Heathen Army that invaded England. During his travels he was gifted the Hnituðr, a Piece of Eden, by the Isu Völund which helped consolidate him as a fierce warrior of the seas.

Biography

Early life

Geirmund was born alongside his older twin brother Hámund while their father Hjörr was away, though their mother Ljufvina worried over her husband's reactions to newborns that looked so little like him. In her fear, Ljufvina swapped her children with that of the thrall Ágáða who had also recently given birth. While the woman would come to love Geirmund and his twin as if they were her own, her husband treated them no better than dogs. In this way, every day was a struggle to survive and it continued in such a way for four years until Ljufvina, at the urging of the skald Bragi Boddason, confessed to the deception.

Life in Rygjafylke

By 870, while hunting with his brother Hámund, both twins ventured off-course and were soon attacked by a pack of wolves. Although they survived, both brothers were injured, especially Hámund, whose injuries were more severe. Seeing no other choice, Geirmund bandaged up Hámund and carried him and their items back to Avaldsnes. After three days, they were both found by Geirmund's friends, Steinólfur and his charge, Skjalgi. With the help of other warriors, both were tended and carried back home.

Before entering his father's hall, Geirmund was tended by Steinólfur while they discussed his future, with the possibility of being king. Nevertheless, they hushed on the matter before going to meet Hjorr and Ljufvina. Inside, they noticed a feast and their guests, Styrbjorn Sigvaldisson and his adopted daughter, Eivor Varinsdottir. While he was welcomed and hugged by Ljufvina, Geirmund was scolded by his father for his reckless actions. Once his parents met with Styrbjorn privately, Geirmund and Eivor soon met and discussed how their land has nothing left to offer. Before leaving, Eivor stated he must find his own way. Instantly, Geirmund asked Steinólfur to find men loyal to him and a ship to leave his home.

Within six days, Geirmund met with Hámund alone and asked for his help for a ship to leave Avaldsnes, to which his brother stating that he will do his best. Another feast commenced once Jarl Guthrum arrived and met Hjorr and his family. Their meeting ended disappointingly as Hjorr rejected Guthrum's ask to aid in battle against the Saxons in England. After an angry Guthrum left, Geirmund declared his leave to fight for Guthrum. While his parents forbade him, Hámund went back on his word as he stated Guthrum was disrespectful to them. Accosting his family, Geirmund dodged a punch from his father and left after disowning his family.

Before leaving, Geirmund, with Steinólfur and Skjalgi, met with Guthrum as they offered their swords to him. He agreed as Geirmund stated he had last errands to run. He soon met the skald Bragi Boddason at his grandfather's mound. While Bragi knew of Geirmund's departure, the skald told the story of his grandfather's life and how one must be ready for any part of their fate. Before leaving himself, he gifted Geirmund a bronze seax.

After leaving Bragi, Geirmund headed to Ágáða's house and met with her one last time. He thanked her for being his first mother and gifted her silver and his own horse. Praying for him, Ágáða said her last goodbye to him as he left. With everything done, he met with his friends, who presented a sword given by Hámund. Altogether, the three boarded Wave Lover as they left Avaldsnes with Guthrum.

Meeting in Jutland

Along with Guthrum's crew, Geirmund familiarized with Guthrum's men, especially the brothers Rek and Eskil. Arriving in Jutland, Guthrum and Geirmund met with King Bersi and other jarls. However, Geirmund pledged to many Saxons as possible, which caused Bersi to change his demeanor positively. Geirmund was told to leave as the jarls discussed their plans. He soon found his way next to Eskil but was insulted by Rek's ongoing comments. Eskil soon broke up the argument as everyone dispersed. For the next two days, Geirmund and Steinólfur trained Skjalgi for combat. Soon enough, Guthrum stated to his men to make their offerings as they all prepared to leave for England.

Traveling through England

Aboard the Wave Lover, the crew noticed the storm against them as Rek stated it was Geirmund's fault. Realizing the danger of Rek and other crew members against them, Geirmund did not want to see his friends die and threw himself overboard. Fighting the tides, he began to drown in the sea. He soon woke up in a realm underwater. He came across an arm ring, Hnituðr, as an apparition, Völund, introduced himself. Völund stated the arm ring lies in his lineage and how his fate is predestined from his own choices. However, his fate may end in betrayal and defeat of an unknown entity. Nevertheless, Geirmund was offered to take the arm ring or not, to which Geirmund agreed to take his birthright. Immediately, a light shone too bright from touching the ring.

Waking up on shore, Geirmund felt the arm-ring on him as he figured he washed up in East Anglia. Making his way toward Wessex, he traveled without any sustenance until he came upon a river filled with Christian priests. Soon, he came upon another warrior and introduced himself as a warrior for Guthrum. The warrior, Fasti, welcomed him as he showed him to his company at Ancarig. There, the company asked Geirmund's status as they introduced themselves to be warriors of Ubba Ragnarsson. While there, he met an imprisoned priest, Torthred, who informed him of the Danes' current attitude of killing anyone they like.

Worried, Geirmund thanked the priest as he tried to leave the company secretly. Finding one of the boats, he was soon caught by Fasti, who accused him of being a thief. Before Fasti could call his brothers to come and attack, Geirmund killed him, burnt their other boats, and rowed away from the camp. Before long, Geirmund came across the town Medeshamstede, where he met and befriended a Frankish priest, John. While John gave him bread, they soon discussed helping each other on the road, where Geirmund headed to Readingum as John wanted to go to London.

Together, they traveled through Mercia and made camp at abandoned or destroyed settlements. After passing through a wary soldier, they found themselves at Huntsman's Hill, where Geirmund meets a company of Danes under Jarls Sidroc the Elder and Sidroc the Younger. However, Geirmund unintentionally had John become a prisoner under them. Fortunately, they all headed to Readingum to support Halfdan Ragnarsson and Guthrum's army. Within two days, Geirmund and John marched to Moulsford, as a message dictated to help Halfdan against King Æthelred and Alfred at Ashdown.

Leaving John to stay behind with the wagons, Geirmund aided Sidroc as he and his men went to join Halfdan on the battlefield at Ashdown. Once they arrived, Geirmund fought weaponless as the Saxons gained the upper hand. Once the Vikings' defense broke, Geirmund followed other Vikings to flee as he tried to make his way towards Halfdan. Venturing towards a bridge, he and other warriors noticed Saxons fighting Danes. Charging, they all went to fight them but Geirmund took a massive hit over the bridge into the river.

Fighting for Guthrum

Once the river carried him away from battle, Geirmund woke up to Danes trying to rob him. Once he mentioned his ties to Guthrum, he was brought to their camp and rested to recover his injuries. The next day, he was met by Guthrum as he explained his survival and showed Hnituðr, which Guthrum took as a gift. Soon, Geirmund met with Guthrum, Eskil, Skjalgi, and Steinólfur as he foretold his journey while learning of the deaths from the battle, especially both Sidroc's. However, Rek took his sword after he went overboard and thus Geirmund challenged him. However, still injured, Geirmund lost the fight and was carried off the square due to his fatigue.

Within two days, Geirmund rested and met with Birna Gormsdóttir, a former warrior under the fallen Jarl Osbern, as they discussed the difference between honor and pride. Realizing where their camp was, he informed the commander to build river defenses due to massive amounts of ships the Saxon have. Agreeing with him, all those in the camp built stake-walls, including an injured Geirmund. Correct, they all saw the Saxons attack but were impeded by the defenses and fled after losing many men. Once Halfdan and Guthrum returned, Geirmund explained that the warriors here were responsible for the camp's survival. He was soon gifted his own company, which consisted former warriors under Osbern, especially Birna, Aslef, Thorgrim, Vetr, Rafn, and Muli.

Addressing his new warriors, he pledged certain conditions to be part of the company, to remain honorable, as the warriors agreed and rejoiced in celebration. However, Geirmund was then tasked by Guthrum and Halfdan to take over Wælingford. Despite some concerns, he agreed on the condition they keep any silver they find. Back to his company, they soon devised of a plan to scare the remaining Saxons out of the settlement. The next night, using dead Saxon corpses and lit crosses, Geirmund addressed the Saxons inside to either fight in the morning or flee. The next morning, the second station of guards fled and Geirmund and his warriors took over Wælingford.

Once they raided Wælingford, Geirmund received his leaders as Guthrum congratulated him. However, he was informed that Halfdan was against Guthrum not him, due to his own growing reputation. Soon, after Halfdan left, Geirmund was told he would receive more men as their next objective was to fight at Bedwyn. Also, the company's new namesake, the Hel-hides, grew as Geirmund finally accepted the surname proudly. Venturing towards Bedwyn, Geirmund met with his leaders as they detailed their war plans. Soon, the Hel-hides followed Guthrum's lead as they charged the Saxons.

Miraculously, Geirmund saw Guthrum uninjured as both of them broke the Saxons' defenses. Soon, they won the battle but Geirmund looked over the fallen warriors, even finding Muli. He soon found Rek and sent him with his sword to Valhalla. Eskil saw and thanked Geirmund for his honor and gave him back his sword. Geirmund humbly accepted the honor as he met with Guthrum on their success. Geirmund received more warriors as they marched forward. After securing Searesbyrig, they all met and strategized to meet the Saxons on the battlefield near Wiltun. Within the next battle, the Vikings won but Guthrum told Geirmund that their numbers are too low to hold it from the newly crowned King Alfred.

After Halfdan and Guthrum signed a truce with Alfred, the Hel-hides followed them to Lunden but Geirmund vowed to come back and fight Wessex again.

On the Run

After several months in Lunden, the Hel-hides made a good home for themselves but Geirmund caught the slight discontent from its governor, Tryggr. Walking with Aslef into town, they were soon attacked by Krok Uxiblóð and his men, who tried to kill over the death of Fasti. Although a crowd emerged and scared Krok away, Aslef was injured as Geirmund took him back to base. At their base, Geirmund and Guthrum talked about the trap Halfdan and Tryggr have for him and was told to leave for his company. Giving Thorgrim temporary command of the Hel-hides, Geirmund left, but not without fellow warriors Birna, Steinólfur, Vetr, Skjalgi, and Rafn joining him consensually.

After a couple of days, the Hel-hides found a Saxon village but Geirmund deduced from a bruised Saxon man that Krok was here and planned an ambush. He soon formulated a plan to walk in with Birna to the blacksmith as the rest scouted a pathway out. At the blacksmith, he outsmarted the female Dane trying to be a blacksmith as the shieldmaiden tried to attack. However, Birna killed her first as Vetr and Steinólfur shouted a way to leave after killing three warriors. After they escape Krok's men, Geirmund and his company made their way to Medeshamstede, which was made into a monastery.

Fortunately, Geirmund met with Torthred again as the priest had now become abbot of the monastery. After some conditions were met, the Hel-hides were allowed entry after helping to safeguard the monastery. After given a tour of the monastery, Geirmund was offered to learn to read and write. For several weeks, the Hel-hides lived there until a priest from Tamworth came and stated the Danes had invaded Mercia. Thus, the peace between Danes and Saxons were broken.

Geirmund was soon told by Torthred about his sister being at Tamworth, thus he sent Rafn and Vetr to scout the area. The next morning, they came back and told both Geirmund and Torthred that she was hostage to Krok. Realizing they wanted a ransom, Geirmund, his company, and the priests came up with a plan after Krok made contact for silver for Tova. Four of Krok's men came and met with Torthred, Brother Almund, and three monks for the trade. However, it was an ambush as the three monks were Geirmund, Vetr, and Rafn, who killed the men and rescued Tova before Krok could respond. Telling the priests to flee, Geirmund surmised to draw Krok towards him instead of him going to get reinforcements.

After receiving silver and thanks from Torthred, the Hel-hides left and tried to corner Krok. However, they were spotted and made a run towards a nearby river. Coincidentally, a longship was there and it was run by fellow Viking Eivor. Geirmund and Krok were stopped by Eivor, who demanded to know what had transpired. After discussing the cost of either blood or money with Krok, Geirmund asked the same for Aslef but Krok insulted his dead comrade. Without any hesitation, Geirmund offered to do a holmgang.

Once the fight began, Geirmund began to grow wary as he was running out of shields. Instantly, he began to taunt Krok over his losses and mistakes as Krok became more sloppy in his attacks. An opportunity arose as Geirmund found a moment to stab him fatally. While Krok lied dying, Geirmund took his sword and sent him to Valhalla. However, before he could declare peace, Krok's men attacked but not before Eivor, her crew, and the Hel-hides reciprocated quickly by killing them. Eivor soon offered them an invitation to her settlement, to which Geirmund and his company accepted.

At Ravensthorpe, Geirmund and the Hel-hides as he and Eivor caught up with their lives, especially how his parents were now living in Jorvik. While there, he meets Eivor's friend Hytham as he asked to meet a seeress. Eivor agreed, while Geirmund was led by Hytham to the Seer's Hut. There, he met with Valka, who helped determine the current status of his fate. Using the Christian seax as a means of sacrifice, Geirmund and Valka learned that betrayal and surrender still lie in his fate but he has the tools to overcome them. Thanking Valka, he rejoined the feast as he discussed his childhood with Eivor. She then offered him a ship to Jorvik to visit his parents as he agreed to the plan.

Reconciling with his parents

Once the ship arrived at Jorvik's docks, Geirmund traced the location of his parents' home, where he knocked on the door. He was met by Ljufvina, who embraced him tightly and cried along with him. He soon saw his father Hjorr, who teared and welcomed him as well. Spending the day together, they explained their work as Geirmund remained adamant to fight for Guthrum. Once Hjorr left for work, Ljufvina told Geirmund of their concessions for peace between Saxons and Danes. Wanting to see his father, he headed to the Royal Hall but could not find his father. He was soon told that Hjorr went to a wharf besides the Ouse River.

Tracking his father's location, Geirmund found him standing and staring out and finally asked why they left Avaldsnes. Hjorr admitted he rather be no king than to have more bloodshed and only wanted peace and a home. However, Geirmund received an apology from his father from trying to stop him. Grateful, Geirmund and Hjorr walked back home to meet his mother. Within days, he learned more of their parents' work in Jorvik before needing to leave to meet Guthrum. Wishing him luck, they gifted him a horse from the Picts as he rode to meet with his Hel-hides and Guthrum.

Fighting against Wessex

Geirmund made his way to Grantebridge as he met with all of his Hel-hides as well as Guthrum. After learning Aslef died a day after their departure, Geirmund met Guthrum, who explained them fighting only with Ubba, as Halfdan had lost his fire after Ivarr the Boneless's death. Nevertheless, both agreed on their plans against Wessex as Guthrum tasked the Hel-hides to cause raids and havoks in Mercia to distract Alfred while the army moves forward. In response, Geirmund asks for ten pounds of silver, new equipment, and to be a jarl in Wessex. Guthrum agreed as Geirmund convinced his company to ready themselves.

After raiding along the River Thames, Geirmund and his company noticed that most settlements are empty before they raid. One raid at Abingdon led Geirmund to meet a young soldier, who was adamant in following Alfred's plans while being allowed to flee. The next raid led to an ealdorman's land, which was guarded by an elderly archer, who shot down one of the Hel-hides but died from Birna and Thorgrim's attacks. Realizing that the soldiers left to be Alfred, Geirmund tasked Rafn, Vetr, and Skjalgi to find Alfred's homeplace.

Despite Rafn being injured after they fought five soldiers, Geirmund was informed of Wanating and ordered his warriors to march. However, the settlement was empty of soldiers but filled with food and drinks. Spending a night of feasting, Geirmund awoke the next day with Skjalgi joining him near the gates' wall. However, they soon noticed Alfred's army outside as their numbers pale in comparison to Alfred's soldiers. Having the element of surprise, the Hel-hides readied their defenses as the Saxons attacked. Despite the Saxons' efforts, the Hel-hides held their stand, but lost many warriors and had Thorgrim injured. Although they won, Geirmund wondered why the Saxons were traveling west.

With Thorgrim and Birna, Geirmund was there to aid him in his final hours. After he and Birna honored his last wished to extract the arrowhead, Thorgrim admitted his love for Birna and wished to see England fall before dying. After sending Thorgrim and other fallen warriors to Valhalla, the Hel-hides followed the trail to Ubba, only to find multiple Danes dead and thieves stealing. Before Birna killed them, they learned that Ubba fell. Immediately, Geirmund led his company to Wayland's Smithy and he told Birna to lead the rest while he checked out the mound.

Going into the mound alone, Geirmund asked if Völund was there. He appeared but had not recollection of Geirmund. While Völund explained his memories were scattered, Geirmund asked about the meaning behind Hnituðr. Geirmund was told the arm-ring was meant for the fore-bearer's lineage and no one else. Once he left, Geirmund knew what he had to do as he left further into Wessex. Marching further, he learned that the thousands of ship of Danes were lost to a storm as the Hel-hides wondered if they could win. They all were met by Eskil, who informed of Guthrum's possible surrender but his current meeting with Eivor.

Being told that was a battle nearing at Chippenham, Geirmund and his Hel-hides headed with Eskil towards the town to aid Eivor, Guthrum, and his own parents. After making camp at Selwood for a night, they all readied themselves to march, until Rafn fell over. Realizing Rafn's arm was severely infected, Geirmund and a small company stayed to help him as he gave Birna the reins to lead the Hel-hides into battle. Following Steinólfur's advice, Geirmund, Skjalgi, Vetr, and Eskil helped amputate Rafn's arm. After the procedure, Vetr asked to stay with Rafn as the rest left to join the battle.

The final betrayal

Geirmund and his warriors rode to Chippenham but caught sight of Alfred and his men fleeing. Tracking them, they found him to be stashed in another defended hold. Realizing Rafn may be recovered, they all traveled to Selwood and checked on Rafn. Luckily, Vetr stopped himself from killing Geirmund as they all rode to Chippenham to join their fellow warriors. However, upon their arrival, the battle ended with the Vikings being victorious. He soon found his mother grieving as he soon realized his father died in battle. In response, Ljufvina gifted him Hjorr's seax as he left to meet Guthrum. Soon, he met with Eivor, who stated to be cautious as Guthrum did not want to meet anyone.

After a brief meeting with a broken Guthrum, Geirmund and his company soon waited for days for Guthrum to come to a decision. However, he soon caught John being a messenger between Guthrum and Alfred one night. Taking his messages and threatening John, Geirmund left to read the notes. He deduced that Guthrum planned to surrender as the Hel-hides heard the truth. One night, he confronted Guthrum and accused of betraying them. Wanting no more war, Guthrum stated his surrender and the arm-ring to be given to Alfred. Quickly, Geirmund attacked him but his sword was stopped by the arm-ring's power.

Realizing his weapons were not working and he was losing, Geirmund used Bragi's bronze seax and sliced Guthrum's thigh successfully. Realizing he could be hurt, Guthrum surrendered. Holding him a knifepoint, Geirmund demanded the ring and saw their oath was broken. After taking Hnituðr back, Geirmund left Guthrum in the temple and never looked back.

Later life and death

After some time, Geirmund and his Hel-hides rode north as they met with his brother Hámund again. Making a name for themselves in trading and raids across the seas, the Hel-hides held their influence over the seas. Although equipped with the arm-ring, Geirmund's legacy was known as a prevalent sea-king, but Hnituðr's status was left unknown after Geirmund passed.

Behind the scenes

Geirmund Hel-hide is a historical figure and character appearing in the 2020 novel Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Geirmund's Saga written by Matthew J. Kirby. He is on the cover art drawn by Kim Jung Gi, where he is featured as the center-piece. When researching the character, Kirby found that Geirmund was briefly mentioned in two Icelandic texts, the 9th century Landnámabók and the 12th century Sturlunga saga, while his ancestor Half has his own legendary adventures in the 14th century text Hálfs saga ok Hálfsrekka. In more modern works, Geirmund's descendant Professor Bergsveinn Birgisson has also written about Geirmund in his 2013 book Den Svarte Vikingen (The Black Viking), though it still had yet to be fully translated into English as of 2020.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Geirmund's Saga (first appearance)