Grettir - Fight at Grettir's Spit

The Myra-men immediately launched a spirited attack. Grettir told his followers to make sure that no one got around to attack him from behind. In front of him there was only enough room for a few men to attack simultaneously. The fighting was fierce. Grettir struck on both sides with his sax, and it was not easy for the men to get at him.

(...)

By the time Thrand Thorarinsson and Thorgils Ingjaldsson arrived, the battle had stopped. With them were Thorgeir Thorhallson from Hitardfal and Steinolf Thorleifsson from Hrundal (Lava Valley). These men now urged another attack, and once more the fight was fierce.

Grettir saw that he had only two choices: either to flee or to chance everything on the fight. Now he threw himself forward with such fury that no one was able to stand against him. Because of the numbers, Grettir assumed that escape was impossible, and he set his mind to accomplishing the most he could before falling. Grettir, determined to face a worthy opponent, advanced towards Steinolf from Hraundal.

(...)

Then Thorarin alled out and commanded the men to retreat. 'The longer you fight with him the worse you get, because he is choosing his targets.' The men did as Thorarin said and fell back. Five of them were killed. Another five were maimed for life and on the verge of death. Almst all others who took part in the fight had wounds.

Grettir was exhausted, though only a little wounded. Now the Myra-men retreated. They had suffered great losses, including many capable men.

***

60. The Fight at Grettir's Spit