Note 235 — XXV THE IMPORTANCE OF COURTESY IN THE ROYAL SERVICE
Laurence Marcellus Larson translation
To go to the king’s hand (ganga konungi til handa) is the technical term for the formal initiation into the royal service. “The king was in his high-seat with his guard grouped about him; across his knees lay a sword, his right hand grasping the hilt. The candidate approached, knelt, touched the swordhilt, and kissed the royal hand. He then arose and took the oath of fealty. Kneeling once more he placed his folded hands between those of the king and kissed his new lord.” Larson, “The Household of the Norwegian Kings in the Thirteenth Century:” American Historical Review, XIII, 461.