 Earlier Scandinavian sources ( the Orkneyinga saga , Njál 's saga and the Darraðarljóð , composed soon after the battle ) contend that he did actually fight valiantly at Clontarf . The Darraðarljóð , showing the persistence of paganism among the Vikings of Dublin , describes the Valkyries as following the " young king " Sigtrygg into battle . Njal 's Saga records that Sigtrygg was on the wing opposite Óspak of Man for the whole battle , and that Óspak eventually put the king to flight . 
