Olmar talks about how he lashed out because he was mocked and that is what "started" the war. He talks about how he was not courageous enough to allow them to mock him.
The old mistress mocked Snake, calling him weak and even toss the bucket of water on him. Snakes response was to just take it. He had the courage to take it from her.
Then was have Thorfinn being mocked by Drott, but again we see Thorfinn had the resolve and courage to not lash out, he continue to speak respectfully and nicely ask for what he wanted - to speak with Canute. Both Snake and Thorfinn displaying exactly what Olmar had begun to consider as the path he should have taken.
Really good writing.