The mother of Nial was called Asgerdr; she was the daughter of Ar, the Silent, the Lord of a district in Norway.

She had come over to Iceland and settled down on land to the west of Markarfliot, between Oldustein and Selialandsmul.

Holtathorir was her son, father of Thorlief Krak, from whom the Skogverjars are come, and likewise of Thorgrim the big and Skorargeir.

Nial dwelt at Bergthorshval in Landey, but had another house at Thorolfell.

Nial was very rich in property, and handsome to look at, but had no beard.