If Grimm’s Fairy Tales gives you the shivers, try this scary Viking story.
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Once Upon a Dark Time…
There lived a Rus king, wealthy and powerful, a man blessed with daughters of rare beauty, Brynnhild and Bekkhild. All was well, save this: the common folk whispered of a giant watching in the woods, his evil eyes shining from the dark forest.
King Hertrygg of the Rus sent warriors to find this fearsome beast. Men always returned empty-handed and exhausted. Time slipped by. Leaves changed from green to gold, marking the busy season. The king forgot about the giant.
Harvest kept everyone busy, including the king’s daughters. All labored to bring in crops before winter painted the world with cold and ice. Amidst the reaping, a shadow slid from the forest.
Women screamed. Children ran in terror.
A large, foul-smelling creature thundered his way into the king’s garden. Cracks marked his grey skin everywhere. He growled, baring teeth sharpened to narrow points. But, his glittering, pale eyes lit on the king’s daughters. The giant grabbed the maids with hulking paws and disappeared back into the woods.
The distraught king sent warriors after the giant, but this time none returned. The Rus king tore his beard, wailing, “I’ll give a third of my kingdom to the man who brings back even one of my daughters.”
News spread far and wide. Brave men came and went. Winter breathed chill air and ice, but red streaked the snow…blood of brave men slain by giants. And, the king’s daughters stayed locked away in the Land Beyond Land. The mountains of giants and dwarves.
Winter turned to spring, then summer, and fall. Courageous men dwindled, no longer venturing to the land beyond land. The king lost all hope.
Next Harvest season, the tides brought a Viking ship to Rus shores. Leaping from the dragon head prow, Asmund a warrior of charm and great sword skills teamed with Egil the One-eyed to save the royal maids.
They sought a meeting with the king, who repeated his vow. “A third of my kingdom to the man who brings back one of my daughters.” In a forlorn voice he finished, “If they’re dead, bring me their bones. Your reward will be the same.”
Egil and Asmund, both young warriors refused the king’s mead, swearing they would not drink until they brought the maids back dead or alive. And in the black of night they disappeared into the forest.
They walked with swords and shields ready for battle. Both men used the cover of night to hatch their plan. Before they journeyed to King Hertrygg’s land, they met a seer who cast magic rune stones. The blind old man gave strange advice that rang in their heads:
Meet a giant to slay one.
She’ll be old and want your gold,
But, trust her stew when she asks you to be a goat.
They laughed at the seer’s rhyme, thinking the old man must’ve hit his hoary head.
But, their stomachs rumbled and thoughts turned to food. Ahead a herd of black fleeced goats munched on green grass. They killed the largest one and built their fire to eat it, when a shrill voice blasted their ears.
“You killed my favorite goat!” shrieked a beak-nosed giantess.
A threadbare dress covered her gnarled, grey-skinned body. Her eyes gleamed an evil fiery orange.
Quick-witted Asmund snatched the one gift he could offer to appease her: a gold ring.
Giants loved their goats, but they loved shiny things more.
She snatched the ring and rolled it around her palm. Black nails curved like talons, closing over the small offering. “Mine.”
The Vikings lowered their swords. The men glanced at each other, recalling the seer’s words. Asmund worked his charm on the giantess and she sat with them and shared her story.
Giant King Sidon banished her for an old insult. The gates of Land Beyond Land would open tonight to give refuge to all giants, even those banished. This was the eve of the Dark Festival, a time when Shades roamed the lands of giants and men, stealing souls for the Underworld.
They asked her about the royal Rus maids, Brynnhild and Bekkhild. Yes, they were alive.
The giantess, Oga, pointed to a tower high on a grey cliff. “They weave for King Sidon in that tower.” Oga cackled. Her gap-toothed smile held no mirth. “They die tonight…if they fail to present Sidon with a worthy gift.”
The giantess rocked back and forth on the grass, hypnotized by the gold ring. She whispered to the Vikings her dilemma: bear a gift for Sidon or banishment forever. She confessed she wanted to cook the king in her cauldron and eat him limb for limb. Her eyes flared dark orange when she hissed those words.
“Get us through the gates. We’ll help you kill Sidon. Hide Asmund in your cauldron,” Egil said and pointed to the dead goat. “And sew me into your goat’s skin. Tell the guard at the gate you come to cook a fine meal of goat stew for Sidon.”
The dark deal was struck, and soon night cloaked land. Bonfires crackled everywhere, their flames shooting high. Even giants feared the Shades that roamed freely this one fall night each year. But, Oga honored her word and carried them on her back through the gates, Asmund curled up in her hulking cauldron and Egil sewn into the dead goat’s skin.
Oga set her cauldron in a dark corner and lit her own bonfire. Asmund and Egil hid in the shadows until she gave the signal.
Egil handed over a small pouch to the giantess. “Pour this poison in Sidon’s drink.”
“And I’ll cook him in my cauldron,” she cackled, spewing waves of putrid breath.
The Vikings left before she hatched plans to add them to her stew.
They made their way to the tower up dank, stone stairs. No torches burned. Asmund and Egil moved by stealth, but screeches and cries for help bounced off rock walls. Shades sunk their claws into their victims. Bones crunched, echoing in the cavernous castle.
Giants hovered around bonfires, seeking light in darkness. None bothered to guard the Rus maid’s tonight. Every giant sought to save his own grey skin.
The brave warriors pushed open the great oaken door and found the maids frantically braiding a thick rope. Their shabby dresses hung on thin bodies. Candles burned everywhere, shining on a rope that stretched like a serpent across the vast room. The taller one beckoned them.
“Don’t just stand there with your mouths open, Vikings. Come help.” She pointed to a beam. “Tie the end to that post.”
Asmund and Egil did as she asked. The courageous women didn’t need them after all.
The smaller one said, “They come for us at midnight.”
Her glassy gaze darted to the door and then to a large hourglass in the room. Sands slipped through the narrow middle but the hourglass’s fat bottom was almost full. The maids told them a similar hourglass sat near Sidon’s throne. Time was almost out.
“We’ve worked all year…our gift for the giant king.” The taller one smirked and gave her name as Brynnhild.
“We must take a candle with us…the Shades,” the smaller one whispered, her hands trembling.
Beyond the door, giants’ voices grumbled. A pair of them argued who would hold the torch and who would go first up the stairs. A loud, keening scream seeped through the door.
“The Shades…they’re coming.” Bekkhild jumped up from her stool and looked to her sister. “Brynn, we must leave. NOW!”
All four climbed out the lone window, a square opening cut in stone. They bit down on tapered candles, their hands and feet holding fast to the silken rope. All stayed black save the candle’s flickering yellow light in front of their eyes. Wind blew cold fingers on their necks.
Or was it a Shade testing their flesh?
Once the Shades were done with Giants, they’d move on to smaller prizes — humans.
Clouds and mist caused Asmund’s candle to fizzle to a dim, glowing orange wick. Egil’s soon followed. They inched lower and lower down the rope into empty darkness. When would this rope end and all could put their feet on the ground?
Bekkhild’s candle sputtered when a thick cloud circled around her. She opened her mouth. The candle dropped. No one heard the comforting sound of an object hitting earth.
“Brynn? Can you see the ground?”
“No. I’m, I’m at the end of the rope.” Strong Brynnhild held the knot with one hand and the candle in the other.
The others made their way closer to the thick knot that marked the rope’s end. The men dangled in a cluster with the women and looked down. One candle lit the jet black cavern. The earth made a black hole, its maw ready to swallow them. None had the strength to crawl back up the rope.
“We can’t go back,” Egil said. And the rope began to tear. The silken threads rent an awful ripping sound.
“Should we let go and hope the ground is near?” Brynnhild asked, her voice shaking as she began to cry. One diamond drop tear slipped down her thin cheek.
The Viking warriors, who faced death in the shield wall, sweated despite the cold. This was not the same as facing an enemy in battle. What lurked below?
“Are we all going to do this?” Asmund’s breath billowed a small cloud. The air turned colder and colder around them.
“I’m scared,” Brynnhild wailed.
Wind shrieked. An creepy chorus of howls sounded in the distance, moving closer.
“The Shades…they’re coming.”
“Our only chance. Let go and hope the earth’s near.”
The rope jolted, shaking them as more silk threads ripped. The women screamed. The Shade’s keening screeched closer…closer.
Asmund spoke in a loud voice, trying to be heard over the Shades flying at them. “On the count of three, we let go at the same time.”
All nodded their assent.
“One,” he shouted over the wind.
“Two,” Egil yelled.
“Three!” They cried out as one body and dropped to the yawning black hole below.
None heard of the four who braved an escape from the Giant’s Land Beyond Land. When harvest draws near, visitors to Iceland claim to hear voices when they venture close to the famous Viking volcano. Some drop candles to give light to the fallen four. The End. (click to tweet)
***This is a VERY loose adaptation of the Saga of Asmund and Egil. To find out the real story, read Egil’s Saga committed to vellum around 1300. Asmund and Egil get a happily ever after. Looking for more of Entangled Pub.’s Tricks or Treats? Click the buttons below and explore more of Entangled Pub.’s authors and their amazing books & blogs. (click to tweet)
Hop along and see how other romance authors feel about Halloween. Prizes are offered at EVERY stop! The GRAND prize for the Hop is a KINDLE PAPERWHITE and gift card! And TWO e-books bundles will be given away! The TREAT bundle includes:
- FOOL’S GOLD, The Diamond Series Book 2 by Cassandra Dean
- Her Wicked Sin (Sins of Salem #1) historical romance (Entangled Scandalous) via Amazon or BN gift copy
- Hot Winter Kiss, Irish Kisses bk4 by Joanne Kenrick
- Norse Jewel by Gina Conkle
- Once Her Man, Always Her Man by Heather Long
- Then, Again by Karen Stivali
- Reforming the Cowboy: A South Beach Book, gifted as an Amazon ebook by Marisa Cleveland
- Scrap Metal by Jennah Scott
- Brazen (Whispering Cove) by Cathryn Fox
- A Date with Death (1NS ) by Louisa Bacio
and the TRICK bundle includes:
- Fight or Flight by Natalie J. Damschroder
- Silken Edge by Lacey Paige
- Sleepy Hollow Dreams by Taryn Kincaid
- Lightning by Taryn Kincaid
- Ruby Hill supernatural romance (Entangled Ever After) via Amazon or BN gift copy
- ebook bundle, Tales from the Coffin by Joanne Kenrick
- Last Flight of the Ark by Dawn Jackson
- Kindred of the Fallen by Isis Rushdan
- Protector of the Flame by Isis Rushdan
- Hereafter by Joya Fields
- Earth Witches Aren’t Easy by Heather Long
- Marshal of Hel Dorado by Heather Long
- Amazon or B & N gift copy of To Catch Her Death (Book 1 in the Grim Reality series) by Boone BruxHunter’s Moon (Paranormal Romance) by Lisa Kessler
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What? MORE Raffles? Check out my giveaway below and tell a friend! Spread the *spooky* Viking love!
Fascinating take. When it comes to old Norse gods and warrior…waiting for Thor! LOL
(Have you tried your hand at Beowulf?)
Hi Taryn,
Thank you! Yes, I am waiting for Thor 2 also. I tweeted the movie trailer last week (this movie looks really good!). As far as Beowulf, I’ve read it (different versions), but haven’t tried my adaptation of it. I’m one of the few who liked the unusual animated version with Anthony Hopkins and Angelina Jolie. Do you remember that one? I also love Tristan and Isolde…all versions. Pretty much if it’s really old, I’ll like it.
Thanks for stopping by Taryn-
Gina
Thanks so much 🙂 I really enjoy this time of year.
You’re welcome, Lori. I like fall, too…change of weather, beautiful leaves, heading into the holidays…
So much to enjoy.
Thanks for stopping by and let your friends know about the cool blog hop.
Gina
Thank you for the wonderful giveaway! =)
Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek, Jessica. I’m glad you like the giveaways. Be sure to tell your friends, since each stop also has individual giveaways.
Have a great day-
Gina
Enjoyed reading the story. Thanks for being part of this great blog hop.
skpetal at hotmail dot com
Glad you liked the story. Being part of this blog hop is fun and thanks for stopping by.
Gina
Great retelling! I love norse mythology, it’s probably my favourite.
Hi Silvia,
Thanks! This is a much different version of the original story but it was a lot of fun. I’m with you about Norse mythology. My sons like Greek and Roman, but there’s something about those Vikings! LOL!!
Thanks for stopping by today-
Gina
Holy guacamole that was spooky!
Hi!
Glad you it worked for you! I loved Grimm’s fairy tales as a kid…a nice change up from my love of the Disney stories (which I couldn’t get enough of!).
Have a great day-
Gina
I truly enjoy scary stories. Thanks!
Hi Katie,
Thanks for stopping by soaking up the scary fairy tale. I hope you enjoy the Entangled blog hop. Lots of great posts and prizes and please tell a friend.
Have a great day-
Gina
Wow! That was awesome! Totally gave me chills and tweeted to share the scare 🙂
Happy Halloween and thanks for joining the hop!
Ashley A
ash_app(at)hotmail(dot)com
Ooooh! Vikings! Great pics too. 😀
Hi Marisa,
Thanks for stopping by.
Gina
Hi Ashley,
I’m glad you liked the chilly tale. I appreciate you tweeting about the story, too.
Gina
thank you for the give way and then i love to read
thank you so much for the chance at such a great giveaway. Happy Halloween.
tammy ramey
trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com
Since I am descended from Vikings I love reading about them. Thank you for the great story.
I liked how the girls had a plan to rescue themselves. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Krista,
Glad you liked the story. There’s not too many “damsel in distress” in Viking sagas. Viking women tended to take charge and solve their own problems.
You’re welcome for the giveaway. So many of them! I hoe you win something!
Gina
Hi Jeannette,
Thanks for stopping by the blog. Pretty cool to have Viking roots.
I’m glad you liked the story.
Gina
Hi Tammy.
Thanks for stopping by the blog and taking part in the Entangled Trick or Treat blog hop.
Gina
Hi Desiree,
You’re welcome for the giveaway. I’m glad you stopped by for the story and I hoped you enjoyed it. I love to read, too. Books make me happy, fiction and non-fiction.
Gina
That was nice
Thank you so much for sharing! I love halloween though we don’t celebrate it in my country 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Janhvi,
Thanks for stopping by the blog. It’s pretty fun to get dressed up and be another character for a day. What country are you writing from? And you’re welcome about the giveaways! Enjoy-
Gina
Hi,
I’m glad you liked the short story.
Thanks for stopping by today-
Gina
That was sad, though I enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing an adaptation with us for Halloween. I’ll have to look for the 1300s version to find the HEA. Of course, if they all don’t get their HEAs, then I’d probably rather remain ignorant. Yes, I’m pathetic…
Hi Michelle,
I should’ve given the story a happily ever after since I’m a romance writer. We thrive on the HEA, don’t we? I promise my books have the nice ending, just a rocky road getting there.
Thanks for stopping by and I’m glad you enjoyed the story.
Gina
I liked your story! Thanks for joining the hop!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for stopping by.
Gina
Wow that was great! Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Jessica,
You’re welcome. I love your email. Pretty much says it all!
Have a greaet day-
Gina
liked the story thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the story and being part of the hop. This is such a fun one to hop along.
So many cool giveaways! Thank you!
Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
Fun blog hop!
Hi Chelsea,
I’m so glad you like it. Thanks for stopping by!
Gina
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for visiting the blog and sharing the news of Entangled Publishing’s books. And you’re welcome about the giveaway. It’s colossal, isn’t it?!?
Have a great day-
Gina
Hi Jane,
Thanks for stopping by the blog. The giveaways are pretty cool.
Enjoy the blog hop-
Gina
Hi Kim,
You’re welcome for the story. The blog hop’s been fun to be a part of…the giveaways are fantastic, aren’t they?
Take care-
Gina
Hi Daniel,
I appreciate your compliment of the story and for stopping by the blog hop.
Take care-
Gina
Great story, Gina! I haven’t read a scary one in a while. 🙂
Thank you for sharing.
Oh, I really like this! It is fabulously shivery! Is there a longer version of it?
Thank you for sharing it, and for being part of the hop.
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!!!
Yikes, very intense! Thanks so much…
vitajex(At)aol(Dot)com
Thanks for a great post and giveaway!!!! I love to read stories that involve big brawnt men. LOL Happy Halloween!!!!!
kac_030 at yahoo dot com
Hi Karen,
I’m so glad you liked this post. There is it basically for the story. You will find an Egil and Asmund saga, but nothing like this. I took those two men from Viking history and really made their story into what you read here (they did go on a journey to save some maids…that part did happen in the sagas).
Thanks for stopping by-
GIna
Hi,
I’m glad you took part in the blog tour.
Thanks for stopping by-
Gina