The affair, according to the version of some people, happened as follows:-- Odin once wished to slay Wikar by a grievous death; but, loth to do the deed openly, he graced Starkad, who was already remarkable for his extraordinary size, not only with bravery, but also with skill in the composing of spells, that he might the more readily use his services to accomplish the destruction of the king.

For that was how he hoped that Starkad would show himself grateful for the honour he paid him.

For the same reason he also endowed him with three spans of mortal life, that he might be able to commit in them as many abominable deeds.

So Odin resolved that Starkad's days should be prolonged by the following crime: Starkad presently went to Wikar and dwelt awhile in his company, hiding treachery under homage.

At last he went with him sea-roving.