Gunnar Hamundarson

Icelandic chieftain Gunnar Hámundarson lived in the tenth century. He was born in Hlíðarendi, Fljótshlíð and is probably better known by his middle name, Gunnar. He plays a significant role in the first half of the Njáls epic, which describes the series of circumstances that ultimately resulted in his death in combat.

Gunnar was a legendary warrior who was said to be almost unbeatable in battle. He was described as a strong, athletic guy who was "capable of jumping his own height in full body armor, both back and front" in the Njáls saga. He was a proficient archer, and when it came to close quarters, he preferred the atgeir, which experts believe to have been some type of halberd or glaive. On a Viking raid to the island of Eysýsla, he is claimed to have taken this renowned weapon in combat from a man by the name of Hallgrmur.

Gunnar was a strong swimmer as well as a skilled stone thrower, capable of striking opponents between the eyes from a distance of several meters. It was said that he had no equal in any game. Being a drinker, he was believed to love the finer things in life. He was usually friendly and mild-mannered, but his manner of speaking did not give the impression that he was an intellectual man. He gave good counsel and was always polite but forceful. However, Gunnar's insightful observations and profound comprehension strongly implied that he was as intelligent as he was attractive. He kept pleasant company and was dependable to his friends. He was hailed as the most attractive man in the entire globe, without peer.