Erling Skjalgsson

Erling Skjalgsson, på Sola (Sola, Rogaland, 975 – Boknafjorden, 21 December 1028, bur. Sola, Rogaland), "Rygekongen", Herse/Høvding i Rogaland, was a Norwegian political leader of the late 10th and early 11th centuries. He has been commonly seen as this period's foremost defender of the historic Norwegian social system. Erling fought for the traditional small, autonomous kingdoms and the þing system, against the reformists of the Fairhair family line.¹

Background

According to the Norwegian-Icelandic saga tradition Erling Skjalgsson, son of Torleiv Skjalg Ogmundsson, belonged to one of the most prominent clans in western Norway. He lived on the farm Sola in Nord-Jæren. His sister was married to Sigurd Toresson, an important chief in Trondenes and the brother of Tore Hund of Bjarkøy.²

Erling was established as a political front figure by the farmers of Gulaþing. They demanded that he be married to Olav Tryggvason's sister Astrid Tryggvesdatter, daughter of Tryggve Olafsson, king of Viken, and wife Astrid Eiriksdatter. Astrid initially refused but later agreed only after strong pressure from her brother. Erling Skjalgsson was baptized and married to Astrid during the summer of year 996. Erling thus became an important ally during the remaining four years of King Olav's reign. Olav awarded Erling all the land between the Sognefjord and Lindesnes to rule.³

Career

After the Battle of Svolder resulted in the defeat of Olav Tryggvason, the victorious leaders split Norway into three areas of control. The three-way rule of Norway during these years suited Erling well. His own power base was strong enough that he could maintain his own autonomy. However in 1015, the relative stability of this arrangement was affected by the arrival of . In 1016 at the , Erling fought against Olav Haraldsson in 's losing forces. Afterward Olav Haraldsson was forced to form an uneasy alliance with Erling Skjalgsson. The settlement was arranged with Erling having to accept lesser terms than had been granted him by either Olav Tryggvason or Svein jarl.