Holmgang and Einvigi: The Viking Single Combat

Sources
Kormáks saga
US/CA: amzn.to/3dKvgTA
UK/EU: amzn.to/3xXqDfJ
Egils Saga
US/CA: norse-combat-s...
UK/EU: amzn.to/3r8JD7o
Svarfdælasaga
Ljosvetninga saga
Hrolf Gautrekssons saga
US/CA: amzn.to/3Ce5rog
UK/EU: amzn.to/3SzE7X0
Hálfs saga ok Hálfsrekka
(German Edition) amzn.to/3RhMy8m
Hednalagen
Saga of Gunnlaug Worm Tounge
US/CA: The Saga of Gunnlaug the Worm-Tongue
UK/EU: amzn.to/3xVmrgs
Njals saga
US/CA: amzn.to/3CdAvV9
UK/EU: amzn.to/3SEaxj0
Eyrbyggja saga
US/CA: amzn.to/3CeDTiD
UK/EU: amzn.to/3RlItjo
Grettis Saga
US/CA: amzn.to/3UGRYN8
UK/EU: amzn.to/3SEbsQu
Holmgang (hólmganga in Old Norse and modern Icelandic, holmgång in Swedish, holmgang in Danish and Norwegian bokmål and nynorsk) is a duel practiced by early medieval Scandinavians. It was a legally recognized way to settle disputes.
The name holmgang (literally "holm-going") may derive from the combatants' dueling on a small island, or holm, as they do in the saga of Egill Skallagrímsson.
At least in theory, anyone offended could challenge the other party to holmgang regardless of their differences in social status. This could be a matter of honor, ownership or property, demand of restitution or debt, legal disagreement or intention to help a wife or relative or avenge a friend.
Holmgangs were fought 3-7 days after the challenge. If the person challenged did not turn up for the holmgang, the other man was considered just in his challenge. If the offended party did not turn up for the holmgang, they were deemed niðingr, and could have been sentenced to outlawry. In effect, if someone was unwilling or unable to defend their claim, they had no honor. Sometimes a capable warrior volunteered to fight in the place of a clearly outclassed friend.