The iron of death
Death is significantly mentioned throughout the text, which signifies the end of an era. The reader finds it satirical that leaders succumb early before accomplishing their work. For instance, he is killed in the battle before accomplishing his leadership mission. Similarly, Gurthorm, who takes over the reign, dies shortly before accomplishing his mission. Therefore, death is a mystery, and readers wonder why it snatches good leaders too early.
The irony of Hallad
After the death of Gurthorm, Hallad is given the responsibility to rule. Hallad does excellent work when he fights the Danish to reclaim the Orkney land. Ironically, Hallad gives up when he is almost winning the land back! He leaves the leadership vacant and moves to his home in Norway. This satire teaches readers that leadership requires courage and perseverance, which are vital attributes that Hollad overlook.
The irony of Einarr
When Hallad gives up his leadership role, Rognvald is tasked with choosing the next leader of Orkney land. Satirically, he chooses his youngest son to rein the land. Einarr is a young boy and a bastard, but his father believes he can be a good leader.
The irony of religion
Religion is concerned with holy doctrines that make people believe that a supreme being created and rules the earth. However, religion is voluntary because an individual chooses which religious affiliation to participate in. Ironically, when King Olaf took over the leadership, he forced all the northerners to convert to Christianity and abandon their religions.
The irony of kingship
The book details how kings are selectively chosen from a hereditary family to rule over the people for many years. Ironically, the people belonging to the same family background start to fight over the empire. For instance, after two generations, Erlendsson takes over the kingship, but he is arrested and overthrown by his cousin, Barefoot. Erlendsson moves to Norway to seek help from Eystein I. Unfortunately, Erlendsson is kidnapped and killed before regaining his supremacy.
