Grettir - Recognizes cursed tree

Lying before her was a tree-trunk with the roots still attached. It was as big as a man could carry on his shoulders. She looked at the log and asked them to turn it over for her. It appeared burned and scraped on the other side. She had them shave a small smooth surface at the spot where it had been scraped. Next she took out her knife and carved runes on the root, reddening the letters with her own blood as she chanted spells. Then she walked backwards around the trunk, moving counter to the sun's course while pronouncing powerful charms over it. Following this, she had them push the trunk back into the sea, and she spoke a spell that it should drift out to Drangey, 'and bring full harm to Grettir.'

(...)

When they came to the western part of the island, they found a tree-trunk washed ashore with the roots attached.

Illugi said: 'That is a big piece of firewood, kinsman, let's carry it home.'

Grettir kicked it with his foot, and replied: 'An evil tree and sent with ill intent. We should look for other firewood.' Then he threw it back into the sea, and told Illugi to take care not to bring it home, 'because it has been sent to harm us.'

***

79. Driftwood