Many a fine scene in a saga takes place in the hall while the king and his men are sitting over their ale.

The hall decked with hangings, with its fires, lights, plate and provisions, appears in Saxo just as in the Eddic Lays, especially Rigsmal, and the Lives of the Norwegian Kings and Orkney Earls.
The order of seats is a great point of archaic manners.

Behaviour at table was a matter of careful observance.

The service, especially that of the cup-bearer, was minutely regulated by etiquette.

An honoured guest was welcomed by the host rising to receive him and giving him a seat near himself, but less distinguished visitors were often victims to the rough horseplay of the baser sort, and of the wanton young gentleman at court.