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86-604: The story of Ketill and his daughter Auðr, or Aud the Deep-Minded , was probably first recorded by the Icelander Ari Þorgilsson (1067 – 1148). Ari was born not long after the death of his great-grandmother Guðrún Ósvífrsdóttir – a prominent character in the Laxdæla saga whose husband, Thorkell Eyjolfsson, was descended from Auðr. Ari was thus a direct descendant of Ketill and so, when he wrote his story of Ketill, he

172-492: A Viking warrior rather than a medieval monarch, Magnus was the last Norwegian king to fall in battle abroad, and he may in some respects be considered the final Viking king. Most information about Magnus is gleaned from Norse sagas and chronicles, which began appearing during the 12th century. The most important sources still available are the Norwegian chronicles Historia de Antiquitate Regum Norwagiensium by Theodoric

258-670: A hersir from Ringerike . They had a number of children, including Bjǫrn Ketilsson , who lived at Bjarnarhofn; Helgi "Bjolan" Ketilsson , who lived at Esjuberg on Kjalarnes; Thorunn Ketilsdatter, wife of Helgi the Lean, the first settler in Eyjafjordur bay; and Jorunn Ketilsdatter. Ketill's daughter, Aud the Deep-Minded , married Olaf the White , King of Dublin . Their son, Thorstein the Red , briefly conquered much of northern Scotland during

344-457: A trial by ordeal , and he was proclaimed king after Sigurd's death in 1130 with Sigurd's son Magnus Sigurdsson . Since Harald was accompanied by his mother to Norway, Sigurd may have recognised a former lover of his father. Relations between Harald and Magnus Sigurdsson soured, and several years later Harald had Magnus mutilated and deposed (hence his byname "the Blind"). Soon afterwards, Harald

430-447: A base to survey conditions. Tensions ran high between Magnus and the king of Munster and High King of Ireland , Muirchertach Ua Briain ( Mýrjartak ), who was struggling with his rival Domnall Ua Lochlainn . Magnus may have tested the situation in 1101, when unnamed sailors are said to have raided Scattery Island (near Muirchertach's base). After his arrival at Mann, Irish sources describe Magnus as agreeing to "a year's peace" with

516-522: A family member) in the revolt against Henry I of England . According to Orderic Vitalis, Magnus left treasure with a wealthy citizen in Lincoln which was confiscated by King Henry after Magnus's death. This treasure could have been paid by Norman earls for Magnus's support, and possibly arranged by the Giffarðr who is said to have visited Magnus's court in the sagas. This could have provided Magnus with

602-464: A large force emerging from hiding places in an ambush. The Norwegian forces were taken by surprise, and were not in battle order. Magnus attempted to assert control over his disordered army, ordering part of his force to seize secure ground and use archery fire to slow the Irish. In the melee Magnus was pierced by a spear through both thighs above the knees but he fought on, attempting to get his men back to

688-479: A lucrative return for his costly western campaigns, which were unpopular in Norway at the time. Muirchertach was skilled in diplomacy, and negotiation with the dowries of his daughters may have been part of a political game. While he may not have intended to honour his agreements with Magnus (or others), he needed the latter's assistance to crush Domnall. Magnus and Muirchertach went on joint raiding expeditions after

774-562: A potentially useful, young and resourceful nobleman. As king, his honour would only allow a pardon if other noblemen pleaded for Egil's life; this did not happen. Magnus's final domestic dispute was with the noble Sveinke Steinarsson, who refused to recognise him as king. Although Sveinke reduced piracy in Viken, he was forced into exile for three years after negotiating with Magnus's men. Since piracy increased soon after Sveinke's departure (possibly encouraged by Sveinke himself), Magnus met him in

860-1013: A reported leader of the Gallgáedil recorded in the Annals of Ulster as fighting in Ireland in 857. This source states simply that "Ímar and Amlaíb inflicted a rout on Caittil the Fair and his Norse-Irish in the lands of Munster." ( Ímar and Amlaíb are well-attested Norse leaders active in Ireland and the Isles in the 9th century.) The Ketill/Caittil relationship was first proposed by E. W. Robertson in 1862, and then rejected by J. H. Todd in 1867. Robertson's position has since been supported by, among others, W. F. Skene and A. P. Smyth , while others, including A. O. Anderson and Donnchadh Ó Corráin are more skeptical. In more recent scholarly debate, Claire Downham has endorsed Ó Corráin's view. The connection

946-422: A story created in later days to legitimise Norwegian claims to sovereignty in the region" and some scholars believe that this entire story of Harald's expedition is apocryphal and based on the later voyages of Magnus Barefoot . Although Norse military activity in Ireland in the 9th century is well documented in Irish sources, they contain no record at all of Harald Fairhair's voyage to the west. Furthermore, Harald

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1032-562: Is a "post-Norwegian civil war confection" designed to legitimise the agenda of Haakon IV Haakonsson . Rosemary Power agrees with the Norse sources that a formal agreement with the Scots was probably concluded, and Seán Duffy notes that Edgar "happily ceded" the isles to Magnus since he had "little or no authority there in any case". Magnus spent the winter in the Hebrides (continuing to fortify

1118-508: Is assumed to have annexed the Northern Isles (comprising Orkney and Shetland) in 875 or later. If Ketill's suzerainty post-dates this time, it is hard to see how Thorstein the Red, an adult grandson of his, could have been active in the 870s and 880s. It is therefore likely that Ketill's floruit in the Hebrides was at a period that pre-dates Harald's victory at Hafrsfjord. Ketill Flatnose is also sometimes equated with Caittil Find ,

1204-566: Is described by Woolf (2007) as "extremely tenuous", but Jennings and Kruse (2009) have supported the identification. Woolf argues that: Jennings and Kruse recognise the deficiencies of the saga materials but suggest that "they should not be summarily written off as void of any historical value". They note that: Dál Riata was a Gaelic kingdom in the Argyll and Bute region of Scotland. Jennings and Kruse argue that Ketill Bjornsson could have taken "control of Dál Riata with its islands". They note

1290-648: Is found in sources from the British Isles, which included contemporary accounts. Magnus was born around the end of 1073 as the only son of King Olaf Kyrre . His mother's identity is uncertain; she is identified as Tora Arnesdatter (daughter of otherwise-unknown Arne Låge) in Morkinskinna and Fagrskinna , as Tora Joansdatter in Heimskringla , Hrokkinskinna and Hryggjarstykki and an unnamed daughter of "Ragnvald jarl" from Godøy , Sunnmøre in

1376-780: Is impossible to ascertain the veracity of these claims: Magnus probably died in the vicinity of the River Quoile . According to the Chronicles of the Kings of Mann and the Isles , Magnus was "buried near the Church of St Patrick, in Down". About two miles (1.2 km) south of the cathedral on Horse Island is a mound which became known as Magnus's Grave after its identification on an 1859 map attributed to Danish archaeologist Jens Jacob Asmussen Worsaae . Snorri Sturluson's description of

1462-410: Is little record of Norse activity in the west of Scotland in the first four decades of the 10th century. Hunter (2000) states that Ketill was "in charge of an extensive island realm and, as a result, sufficiently prestigious to contemplate the making of agreements and alliances with other princelings". However, Woolf (2007) suggests that the story of his failing to pay tax to Harald "looks very much like

1548-530: Is not directly referenced in early reliable sources or the sagas. Magnus was opposed by his cousin Haakon Magnusson, son of King Olaf's brother and short-lived co-ruler King Magnus Haraldsson , who claimed half the kingdom. Haakon was proclaimed king in the Uplands and at the Øyrating , the thing of Trøndelag (in central Norway). According to Førsund, Haakon took control of the entire portion of

1634-531: Is possible that Magnus and his men made an incautious landing to raid cattle, or the Ulaid mistook the Norwegians for cattle-raiding Hebrideans. Alternatively, Muirchertach may have ordered the Ulaid to bring provisions to Magnus, inciting the Ulaid to ambush the Norwegians. "King Magnus had a helmet on his head; a red shield, in which was inlaid a gilded lion; and was girt with the sword of Legbit , of which

1720-582: The hird (royal retinue) of his father in Nidaros (modern Trondheim ), de facto capital of Norway at the time. His father's cousin, the chieftain Tore Ingeridsson, was foster-father to Magnus. In his youth, he was apparently more similar to his warlike grandfather, King Harald Hardrada , than to his father (who bore the byname Kyrre : "the Peaceful"). According to Snorri Sturluson, Magnus

1806-585: The Archdiocese of Hamburg-Bremen until a year after Magnus's death (when the Archdiocese of Lund was formed); priests and bishops were largely foreigners from England and Germany . In reality, however, Magnus ruled the church in Norway. Through numismatics , it is known that minting reform began during Magnus's reign. The reform restored silver content in coins to around 90 percent, the level at Harald Hardrada's 1055 reform ( Haraldsslåtten ) which reduced silver content to about 30 percent (the remainder of

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1892-671: The Cenél nEógain in 1103, but (in contrast to the Norse sources) Irish sources (the Annals of Ulster and Annals of the Four Masters ) do not describe their campaigns as successful. On 5 August 1103, Muirchertach unsuccessfully tried to subdue Domnall in the Battle of Mag Coba. Magnus did not take part, but his Dublin subjects fought with Muirchertach. Since Magnus was closing in on the Irish throne, Muirchertach may have wanted him out of

1978-529: The Geats ". He had a wooden fort, surrounded by a moat, built on the island of Kållandsö in the southern portion of Vänern. Before returning to Norway, Magnus left 300 men on the island for the winter (led by Finn Skofteson and Sigurd Ullstreng). According to Randi Helene Førsund, the Norwegians in Kållandsö appear to have been characterized by arrogance (perhaps due to their successes under Magnus) and taunted

2064-623: The Hebrides and Mann (the Northern and Southern Isles), and ensured Norwegian control by a treaty with the Scottish king. Based on Mann during his time in the west, Magnus had a number of forts and houses built on the island and probably also obtained suzerainty of Galloway . He sailed to Wales later in his expedition, gaining the support of Anglesey (and the Gwynedd ) after aiding against

2150-688: The Norman earls Hugh of Montgomery and Hugh d'Avranches . With six ships (according to Orderic Vitalis), Magnus steered towards Anglesey in Gwynedd , Wales . Appearing off the coast at Puffin Island , he interrupted a Norman victory celebration after their defeat of the Gwynedd king —for the Welsh, "so opportunely it was ascribed to divine providence" according to historian Rosemary Power (although Magnus had not necessarily intended to side with them). In

2236-471: The invading Norman forces from the island. Following his return to Norway, Magnus led campaigns into Dalsland and Västergötland in Sweden, claiming an ancient border with the country. After two unsuccessful invasions and a number of skirmishes Danish king Eric Evergood initiated peace talks among the three Scandinavian monarchs, fearing that the conflict would get out of hand. Magnus concluded peace with

2322-628: The 870s and 880s before he was killed in battle. Aud and many members of her clan settled in the Laxdael region of Iceland. There is evidence that Scandinavian settlers may have reached the Norðreyjar (Northern Isles) – the Orkneys and Shetland , north of mainland Scotland – as early as the mid-7th century. After Harald Fairhair won the decisive Battle of Hafrsfjord , in the late 9th century, to take control of Norway, many people emigrated to

2408-623: The 900th anniversary of his death. The burial site is largely only accessible via the heritage railway in Downpatrick; a halt overlooking the barrow and runestone has been carved by James Higgins and erected by Philip Campbell, local viking history enthusiast, chairman and founder of the Magnus Viking Association and the Ballydugan Medieval Settlement which is located a short distance from

2494-620: The British Isles since the death of Thorfinn the Mighty , this provided Magnus an opportunity to intervene in local power struggles. According to some accounts, he made his first expedition west in 1093–94 (or 1091–92), helping Scottish king Donald Bane to conquer Edinburgh and the Scottish throne and possibly gaining control of the Southern Isles ( Suðreyjar ) in return. It is unclear if this early expedition took place, since it

2580-673: The Danish province of Halland to request his return to Norway. They reconciled; Sveinke became a loyal supporter of Magnus, now the undisputed king of Norway. Since the Norse sources (including the skaldic verses which were the sagas' main sources) chiefly describe war-related matters, less is known about other events during the reigns of the early Norwegian kings. Snorri, for instance, wrote fifteen pages about Magnus and only two pages about Magnus's peaceful father Olaf Kyrre (despite Olaf's reign lasting almost three times longer than Magnus's). Modern historians have noted that this probably has made

2666-443: The Irish (suggesting enmity; such agreements were diplomatic devices, usually negotiated between two sides in war). The marriage agreement described in other sources was part of the treaty; Magnus's son, Sigurd, married Muirchertach's daughter Bjaðmunjo . On their wedding day, Magnus named Sigurd his co-king and put him in charge of the western lands. Muirchertach also recognised Magnus's control over Dublin and Fingal . Around

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2752-579: The Isles . Mann came under Norwegian control, and Magnus and his men stayed on the island for a time. During his time there, he organised Norwegian immigration to the island and had several forts and houses built (or rebuilt) using timber from Galloway on the Scottish mainland. This implied he had subdued part of that region too, reducing its chieftains to tributaries. Magnus may have intended to invade Ireland next, only to find he had overextended himself. He may have been approached by Gruffudd ap Cynan , King of Gwynedd , who had been driven to Ireland by

2838-512: The Monk and the anonymous Ágrip af Nóregskonungasögum (or simply Ágrip ) from the 1180s and the Icelandic sagas Heimskringla (by Snorri Sturluson ), Morkinskinna and Fagrskinna , which date to about the 1220s. While the later sagas are the most detailed accounts, they are also generally considered the least reliable. Additional information about Magnus, in particular his campaigns,

2924-563: The Norman army weak and demoralized. After this battle, Anglesey was considered the southern border of Norway. Gruffudd ap Cynan soon returned to the island, awarding Magnus gifts and honour (which may indicate that Gwynedd had capitulated). The extension of Magnus's kingdom probably began to concern the English, who remembered the invasion of Magnus's grandfather Harald Hardrada in 1066, war with Danish king Sweyn II Estridson in 1069–70 and

3010-678: The Orkneys and Shetlands. According to the Orkneyinga saga , some of these emigres began to raid Norway in summer, and Harald followed them to retaliate; he defeated them and also took possession of what the Norse called the Suðreyjar (or Sudreys): the Hebrides and the Isle of Man . However, in the Eyrbyggja saga , it was Ketill, rather than Harald himself, who led that expedition, and after

3096-601: The Runestone on the Drumcullan Road. Magnus was succeeded peacefully by his three sons: Sigurd , Eystein and Olaf . Near the end of Sigurd's reign (he having outlived his brothers) during the late 1120s, the previously unknown Harald Gille came to Norway from the west claiming to be a son of Magnus Barefoot and legitimate successor to the kingdom. Sigurd recognised Harald as his brother (and successor) after Harald walked uninjured over nine burning ploughshares in

3182-576: The Swedes in 1101 by agreeing to marry Margaret , daughter of the Swedish king Inge Stenkilsson . In return, Magnus gained Dalsland as part of her dowry. He set out on his final western campaign in 1102, and may have sought to conquer Ireland. Magnus entered into an alliance with Irish king Muirchertach Ua Briain of Munster , who recognised Magnus's control of Dublin. Under unclear circumstances, while obtaining food supplies for his return to Norway, Magnus

3268-474: The Swedish king for taking so long to arrive. After newly formed ice connected the island to the mainland, Inge arrived with about 3,000 men. Although he offered several times to allow the Norwegians to return home in peace (with their plunder and possessions), Inge's offers were rejected. The Swedes finally attacked, burning the fort. The Norwegians were spared and allowed to return home, after being beaten with sticks and surrendering all their possessions. Angry at

3354-506: The Swedish provinces of Dalsland and Västergötland in late 1099. In Magnus's view, the border with Sweden should be set further east: at the Göta älv river, through the Vänern lake and north to the province of Värmland . He claimed all land west of Vänern (chiefly Dalsland). Swedish king Inge Stenkilsson refuted the claim, and Magnus began a campaign in response. He raided his way through

3440-545: The Western Sea in 1098, arriving in Orkney with a large fleet. The Chronicles of the Kings of Mann and the Isles claim that he had 160 ships, but English chronicler Orderic Vitalis states that his fleet consisted of 60 ships. Based on this, P. A. Munch suggests an initial fleet of 160 ships, of which 100 were from the leidang (public levy) and returned shortly after arrival; the fleet accompanying Magnus southward in

3526-568: The Wikimedia System Administrators, please include the details below. Request from 172.68.168.226 via cp1108 cp1108, Varnish XID 213175650 Upstream caches: cp1108 int Error: 429, Too Many Requests at Thu, 28 Nov 2024 07:45:32 GMT Magnus Barefoot Magnus III Olafsson ( Old Norse : Magnús Óláfsson , Norwegian : Magnus Olavsson ; 1073 – 24 August 1103), better known as Magnus Barefoot (Old Norse: Magnús berfœttr , Norwegian: Magnus Berrføtt ),

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3612-562: The arguable exception of a single entry in the Annals of Ulster . Ketill Björnsson was the son of Björn Grímsson. In the Laxdaela saga he is recorded as being from Romsdal ( Raumsdal ), a valley in the county of Møre og Romsdal , between Nordmøre and Sunnmøre and from Sogn in the Landnámabók . Most of Ketill's family eventually emigrated to Iceland . Ketill's wife was Yngvild Ketilsdóttir , daughter of Ketill Wether ,

3698-495: The campaigns consisted of 60 royal and baronial ships. According to Førsund, the low estimate of 120 men per ship means 8,000 men in the royal and baronial ships and 12,000 from the leidang ships. However, many historians believe that ship numbers in old naval campaign accounts are exaggerated. After his arrival, Magnus began negotiations with Scottish and Irish kings about the hird and control of land in Scotland, Ireland and

3784-437: The century-long Norwegian civil-war era . The earliest-known native Irishman to have been named Magnus may have been the son of Muirchertach's greatest rival, Domnall Ua Lochlainn; Magnus became a name among the Ulaid during the 12th century. According to Morkinskinna , tribute from Ireland was received in Norway as late as about twelve years after Magnus's death. Magnus became the subject of at least two Gaelic ballads as

3870-450: The character Manus Mór. In the best-known version, he returns to Norway after an expedition to the west; he is killed in the second version. The different versions are probably derived from Magnus's two expeditions. There are also traditions concerning Magnus in Scotland in legends, poems and local history. In modern times, a "Magnus Barelegs festival" has been held near Downpatrick at Delamont Country park bi-annually. Traditionally held on

3956-557: The coin was copper). Coin size in Magnus's reform was reduced to .45 gram, half the previous weight. Although the silver value of a coin remained about the same, copper was not needed in coins. Magnus sought to re-establish Norwegian influence around the Irish Sea . He attempted to install vassal king Ingemund in the Southern Isles in 1097, but the latter was killed in a revolt. It is unclear what Magnus's ultimate ambitions were, and

4042-407: The conflict might spill over into his own country. The three Scandinavian kings eventually agreed to negotiate peace in the border area near Göta älv. After a constructive meeting, they agreed to preserve ancestral borders; by marrying Inge's daughter Margaret (who acquired the byname Fredkulla : "Maiden of Peace"), Magnus acquired the lands he claimed on behalf of his ancestors. Since the marriage

4128-598: The contingent of nobleman Torgrim Skinnluve from the Uplands, who fled to the ships during the battle). It is possible that Torgrim and his men may have been directed by powerful men in Norway, who wanted Magnus removed from the Norwegian throne. More Irishmen than Norwegians fell in the battle, according to Snorri Sturluson, and Magnus's reign could have been different if Torgrim and his men had fought as directed. Magnus's son Sigurd returned to Norway without his child bride after his father's defeat, and direct Norwegian control in

4214-581: The correspondence between the Gaelic name Dál Riata and the fact that when Auðr, settled in the Breiðafjörður region of western Iceland it was in a region called Dalir or Dalaland (modern Dalasýsla ). Furthermore, "in the Breiðafjörður area there is an indisputably nostalgic Celtic precedent for quite a few names." Examples include islands called Pjattland (Pictland) and Írland (Ireland) and

4300-540: The ensuing battle (known as the Battle of Anglesey Sound , according to Power "the most widely reported event in the history of Magnus"), Magnus shot Hugh of Montgomery dead with an arrow through his eye and defeated the Norman forces. The sources indicate that Magnus regretted killing Montgomery, suggesting that he may have been interested in an alliance with the Normans. He abruptly returned to Mann with his men, leaving

4386-441: The forest villages, and Inge began amassing an army. When advised by his men to retreat, Magnus became more aggressive; he believed that once begun, a campaign should never be aborted. In a surprise nighttime attack, Magnus assaulted Swedish forces east of Göta älv at Fuxerna (near Lilla Edet ). After defeating the Swedes at Fuxerna, he conquered part of Västergötland. According to a skald , Magnus conquered "fifteen hundreds from

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4472-487: The genealogical text Af en gl. ætleg (commonly known as Sunnmørsættleggen ). The historical consensus (including P. A. Munch and Claus Krag ) has favoured Tora Arnesdatter, but the other claims have also gained support. Anders Stølen has argued that she was a daughter of Ragnvald jarl (who has been identified as Rognvald Brusason , Earl of Orkney by Ola Kvalsund), while historian Randi Helene Førsund has considered Tora Joansdatter more likely. Magnus grew up among

4558-424: The hilt was of tooth (ivory), and handgrip wound about with gold thread; and the sword was extremely sharp. In his hand he had a short spear, and a red silk short cloak, over his coat, on which, both before and behind, was embroidered a lion in yellow silk; and all men acknowledged that they never had seen a brisker, statelier man." Magnus before the battle (according to Snorri Sturluson) Norse sources describe

4644-527: The humiliating defeat, Magnus planned revenge. He entered Sweden the following year, reconquering the same areas. During the hasty campaign Magnus and his men were ambushed by Swedish forces and forced to flee back to their ships, suffering heavy losses. The war continued until 1100 or 1101. Danish king Eric Evergood , concerned that the conflict would escalate, began peace talks between the two kings. Relations had been strained between Denmark and Norway after Magnus's 1096 raids into Halland, and Eric feared that

4730-403: The image of kings like Magnus Barefoot one-sided (in Magnus's case, skewed towards his deeds as a warrior). Magnus's rule was generally marked by Norway's increasing similarity to other European kingdoms. Royal rule became established, and he consolidated power through a network of powerful noblemen (some of whom were relatives); church organisation also developed. The Nordic bishops belonged to

4816-490: The initial victory the former retained the islands as an independent, personal domain, rather than bringing them under Harald's rule. In the Laxdaela saga the same story is told, but here Ketill is one of the Vikings who have fled to the Isles to escape Harald's tyranny. In the Landnámabók the initial conquest was led by Harald, but as soon as he returned to Norway the raiders regrouped. At this point Harald sent Ketill to win

4902-503: The islands back again. Ketill did so, but paid no tribute, at which point Harald took possession of what was owed from possessions of Ketill in Norway and sent away Ketill's sons. According to the Landnámabók , Ketill became ruler of a region already settled by Scandinavians. Some sources refer to Ketill as " King of the Sudreys ", although there is little evidence that he himself claimed that title. Ketill left no successors there, and there

4988-513: The islands), while many of his men returned to Norway. There may have been talks at this time of Magnus marrying Matilda , daughter of late Scottish king Malcolm III Canmore , but no marriage took place. Magnus returned to Norway a year later during the summer of 1099, although many of the islands he had conquered (such as Anglesey) were only nominally under Norwegian control. After returning to Norway, Magnus turned east. By claiming an ancient border between Norway and Sweden, he set his course for

5074-539: The kingdom once held by his father (also including the Frostating —the thing of Hålogaland in northern Norway —and the Gulating —the thing of western Norway ). Haakon secured support by relieving farmers of taxes and duties (including taxes dating back to the Danish rule of Sweyn Knutsson during the early 1030s), while Magnus pursued costly policies and demanded lengthy military service. After Magnus settled at

5160-406: The level campsite. An axe-wielding Irishman charged him, striking a lethal blow to his neck. When his men said that he proceeded incautiously in his campaigns, Magnus is reported to have responded "Kings are made for honour, not for long life"; he was the last Norwegian king to fall in battle abroad. Perhaps betrayed by Muirchertach, Magnus may also have been betrayed by his own men (in particular

5246-483: The marshy and difficult terrain where Magnus and his men were attacked fits the conditions in and around Horse Island, making it a strong candidate for the burial site. According to Finbar McCormick, the people who ambushed Magnus may not have wanted a Christian burial for him and his men, instead burying them near where they had been slain. The Downpatrick runestone monument marking the site was erected in March 2003 to mark

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5332-463: The mountains of Dovrefjell ), but he died unexpectedly while hunting in February 1095. The strongman behind Haakon's monarchy had been his foster-father Tore Tordsson ("Steigar-Tore"), who refused to recognise Magnus as king after Haakon's death. With Egil Aslaksson and other noblemen, he had the otherwise-unknown Sweyn Haraldsson set up as a pretender . Although later sagas maintain that Sweyn

5418-411: The nearby Patreksfjörður and Trostansfjörður named in honour of two Celtic saints. They also quote the Irish Martyrology of Tallaght , which refers to a "[Feast of] Bláán, bishop of Kingarth in Gall-Ghàidheil". This indicates that St Blane of Kingarth in Bute was closely connected to the Gallgáedil. The text is dated not later than the early tenth century and it seems that this part of Dál Riata

5504-413: The new royal estate in Nidaros for the winter of 1094–95, Haakon also travelled to the city and took up residence at the old royal estate. Their relationship became increasingly tense, culminating when Haakon saw Magnus's longships fully rigged at sea. Haakon summoned the Øyrating in response, leading Magnus to sail southwards. Haakon attempted to intercept Magnus by travelling south to Viken by land (over

5590-508: The nickname because he was forced to flee from a Swedish attack in his bare feet, while a third explains that he rode barefoot (like the Irish). Due to Magnus's aggressive nature and his campaigns abroad, he also had the nickname styrjaldar-Magnús ("Warrior Magnus" or "Magnus the Strife-lover"). Norway had experienced a long period of peace during the reign of Magnus's father, Olaf. Magnus may have been present when Olaf died in Rånrike , Båhuslen (southeastern Norway) in September 1093 and

5676-420: The north his claim was contested by his cousin, Haakon Magnusson (son of King Magnus Haraldsson ), and the two co-ruled uneasily until Haakon's death in 1095. Disgruntled members of the nobility refused to recognise Magnus after his cousin's death, but the insurrection was short-lived. After securing his position domestically, Magnus campaigned around the Irish Sea from 1098 to 1099. He raided through Orkney ,

5762-409: The offer, which reportedly gave him every island a ship could reach with its rudder set. He gained recognition of his rule in the Southern Isles, including Kintyre after demonstrating that it should be included by sitting at the rudder of his ship as it was dragged across the narrow isthmus at Tarbert . Historian Richard Oram has claimed that references to a formal agreement with the Scottish king

5848-439: The peace agreement, only interrupted by the winter of 1102–03. The sagas claim that Magnus wintered in Connacht , but since Connacht is incorrectly claimed to be Muirchertach's kingdom the location was corrected to Kincora , Munster by modern historians. Rosemary Power considered it more likely that Magnus would have kept his fleet near Dublin. Magnus was probably allied with Muirchertach during his campaigns against Domnall and

5934-434: The peninsula of Kintyre ; Iona was visited, but not pillaged. Magnus is also recorded as warring in Sanday, although the exact location is unclear (there are three islands with that name in the region). On entering the Irish Sea, he lost three leidang ships and 120 men in Ulster . Magnus then continued to Mann , where the earl Óttar fell in a violent battle; he also chased (or captured) Lagman Godredsson , King of

6020-501: The region came to an end. Although Norwegian influence remained, no Norwegian king returned for more than 150 years. Magnus married Margaret Fredkulla, daughter of Swedish king Inge Stenkilsson, as part of the peace agreement of 1101. Their marriage did not produce any children. His three sons (who succeeded him as king) were born to different women, and he had two known daughters by unidentified women: Years after Magnus's death, other men came forward claiming to be his sons; however, it

6106-399: The same time Muirchertach married a daughter of Arnulf of Montgomery , brother of Hugh (who was killed by Magnus in 1098). The account in Morkinskinna concerning a "foreign knight" named "Giffarðr", who appeared at the court of Magnus before his Swedish campaign, is suggested by Rosemary Power as evidence that Magnus may have conspired with the Norman Walter Giffard, Earl of Buckingham (or

6192-452: The significance of his campaign has been downplayed by modern English historians. English chronicler William of Malmesbury believed that Magnus sought to capture the throne from William II of England (in common with the ambitions of his grandfather, Harald Hardrada). Historians have speculated that he wanted to establish an empire which included Scotland and Ireland, although most modern Norwegian and Scottish historians believe his chief aim

6278-582: The surrounding islands. Upon arriving in Orkney, he sent the earls Paul and Erlend Thorfinnsson away to Norway as prisoners on a leidang ship, took their sons Haakon Paulsson, Magnus Erlendsson and Erling Erlendsson as hostages and installed his own son Sigurd as earl. Magnus then raided Scotland, the Southern Isles and Lewis . Meeting no significant opposition, he continued pillaging the Hebridean islands of Uist , Skye , Tiree , Mull and Islay , and

6364-404: The threat of invasion by Cnut IV in 1085. In Scotland internal fighting continued between rival kings, although King Edgar had gained a slight advantage. Perhaps fearing to meet Magnus in battle after the internecine strife, according to the sagas Edgar—mistakenly called Malcolm—told Magnus he would renounce all Scottish claims to islands west of Scotland in exchange for peace. Magnus accepted

6450-409: The way. According to Morkinskinna and Heimskringla , the two agreed that Muirchertach was to bring Magnus and his men cattle provisions for their return to Norway; as this dragged on past the agreed time, Magnus became suspicious that the Irish planned an attack. He gathered his men on St. Bartholomew's Day (or the day before, according to Ágrip ), 24 August 1103, and ventured into the country. It

6536-437: Was Danish, some modern historians have speculated that he may have been a son of Harald Hardrada. The revolt was based in the Uplands, but also gained support from noblemen elsewhere in the country. After several weeks of fighting, Magnus captured Tore and his supporters and had them hanged on the island of Vambarholm (outside Hamnøy , Lofoten , in northern Norway). Magnus was reportedly furious because he could not pardon Egil,

6622-469: Was Ketill Flatnose (although once again the chronology is problematic), or alternatively that he was Cadell ap Rhodri , a King of Gwynedd . Ketill Flatnose is portrayed by Adam Copeland (better known in WWE by the ring name Edge) in the 5th and 6th season of the historical drama television series Vikings . Aud the Deep-Minded (Ketilsd%C3%B3ttir) Too Many Requests If you report this error to

6708-525: Was by then part of Gallgáedil-held territory. Fraser (2009) has suggested that Little Dunagoil near Kingarth could have been the Dalriadan Cenél Comgaill capital prior to the Norse incursions. The Chronicum Scotorum refers to a battle that took place in 904 in which two grandsons of Ímar and their ally "Catol" were victorious against "Aed" who was evidently a leader in either Ireland or Pictland . It has been suggested that Catol

6794-520: Was childless, Dalsland never became established as a Norwegian province and was returned to Sweden after his death. Magnus again set his course for Ireland in 1101 or 1102, this time probably with a greater army than he had in his previous campaign. One of his biggest challenges was the number of petty kings and alliances on the island. Irish sources maintain that Magnus came to "take Ireland", "invade Ireland" or "besiege Ireland". He received reinforcements from Orkney on his way to Mann, where he set up

6880-536: Was considered handsome and gifted in learning; although he was shorter in stature than his grandfather Harald, he was reportedly known as "Magnus the Tall". Magnus's more-common byname, "Barefoot" or "Barelegs", was—according to Snorri—due to his adopting the Gaelic dress of the Irish and Scots: a short tunic, which left the lower legs bare. Another version (by Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus ) maintains that he acquired

6966-611: Was drawing in part on oral traditions amongst his own relatives. Ketill was also depicted in such works as the Laxdæla saga , Eyrbyggja saga and the Saga of Erik the Red , while his genealogy was described in detail in the Landnámabók . However, like many other medieval histories, all of these Old Norse works were written long after the events they described. No contemporaneous records of Ketill's life are known to exist, with

7052-527: Was killed in an ambush by the Ulaid the next year; territorial advances characterising his reign ended with his death. Into modern times, his legacy has remained more pronounced in Ireland and Scotland than in his native Norway. Among the few domestic developments known during his reign, Norway developed a more centralised rule and moved closer to the European model of church organisation. Popularly portrayed as

7138-407: Was murdered by another pretender: Sigurd Slembe , who also claimed to be a son of Magnus Barefoot and had been outlawed by Harald. After Harald's death Slembe allied himself with Magnus the Blind, but they were defeated by chieftains loyal to Harald Gille's family in the Battle of Holmengrå . Magnus was killed during the battle; Sigurd was captured, tortured and executed. This began what would become

7224-610: Was probably proclaimed king at the Borgarting , the thing (assembly) of the adjacent region of Viken later that month. When Magnus became king, he already had a network of support among the Norwegian aristocracy. Although sources are unclear about the first year of his reign, it is apparent that Magnus's focus was on the west (towards the British Isles). Since conditions were chaotic in Norse-dominated parts of

7310-471: Was simply to control the Norse communities around the Irish Sea. While he may have been influenced by Ingemund's murder, the Orkneyinga saga claims that Magnus was persuaded by a son of an Orkney earl, Haakon Paulsson , who wanted an earldom for himself. It is also possible that Magnus wished to provide a realm outside Norway for his eight-year-old son Sigurd , who accompanied him. Magnus sailed into

7396-567: Was the King of Norway from 1093 until his death in 1103. His reign was marked by aggressive military campaigns and conquest, particularly in the Norse-dominated parts of the British Isles , where he extended his rule to the Kingdom of the Isles and Dublin . As the only son of King Olaf Kyrre , Magnus was proclaimed king in southeastern Norway shortly after his father's death in 1093. In

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