Geirmund Hel-hide

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 during 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 Norweigian 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.

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.

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)