Unable to reach a settlement, the Battle of Stamford Bridge commences. It is likely that the battle got underway shortly after midday on the 25th September. The Norwegian army, having left their armour back on the boats at Riccall, was not prepared for the attack that lay ahead. With mace outstretched, Harold leads the charge. Although it is generally excepted that the English fought on foot, it is recorded in the Icelandic Sagas as follows, “It was no easy matter for the English to ride against the Northmen on account of their spears; therefore they rode in a circle around them.” In the top border appears the rune Nauthiz followed by Jörmungandr. In Norse Mythology Jörmungandr is a sea serpent, and the middle child of the giantess Angrboða and the god Loki.