Viking Earls of Orkney - Part 2

In my haste to get a blog out last time I missed a chunk of the saga of the Earls of Orkney – skipping a few generations – which I hope to remedy here in Part 2. In my defense the life expectancy of an Earl was not long, and often the title seemed to be passed between brothers or cousins who ruled jointly or in conflict. Most are in verbal histories only written down Centuries later and often confused. To add confusion Earldoms of Shetland, (“Mormaerdom of”) Caithness and Sutherland were also shared, amalgamated or intermarried to strengthen familial and political ties. So here goes...? ?

Most agree Rognvald Eysteinsson ushered in the era of Norse influence that would shape the destiny of the Orkney islands. Rognvald Eysteinsson is often referred to as the 1st Earl of Orkney but this is disputed by some experts. It was more probably under his brother Sigurd Eysteinsson, “Sigurd the Mighty” that the true Earldom was established. It was under his rule, around the late 9th century, that Norse dominance was firmly established over Orkney. Sigurd died in ~874AD.??

Following Sigurd's reign, his son Guthorm Sigurdsson ascended to power, though his exact dates are uncertain. His rule, however, was brief and marked by disgrace, as he returned to Norway amidst turmoil and upheaval. The fleeting nature of his reign served as a precursor to the tumultuous times ahead for Orkney.?

In the wake of Guthorm's departure, a brother, Hallad Sigurdsson assumed the mantle of leadership, navigating the challenges of governance during a period of transition. Despite the uncertainties of his tenure, Hallad's rule contributed to the evolving narrative of Orkney's political landscape.?

Amidst the backdrop of shifting allegiances and familial rivalries, Einarr Rognvaldarson emerges as a tantalising figure. While the details of his saga remain only partial, Einarr's presence looms large casts a long shadow in Orkney's history. Cousin to the Sigurdsson brothers, but as youngest son of Rognvald Eysteinsson he may have had few options for rule, and was intriguingly nicknamed “Torf” or “Turf.” However his sons take a fuller role in the sagas.??

The era of Thorfinn Torf-Einarsson, also known as "Thorfinn Skull-Splitter," represents a chapter of conflict and discord. Initially ruling jointly with his brother Arnfinn Torf-Einarsson, a dispute would ultimately fracture their alliance, leaving a legacy of division in its wake. The clash of siblings would set the stage for future struggles for dominance in Orkney. Through political cunning and military prowess Thorfinn was reputed to die and old man.?

Thorfinn had five sons who in turn shared or inherited the Earldom as each died.? In the end, Hlodvir Thorfinnsson, known as "Hlodver the Lawmaker", rose to prominence.? Hlodver's reign sought to consolidate power and establish order amidst the chaos that plagued Orkney before it passed to the next generation.?

It is, his son, the towering figure of Sigurd Hlodvirsson, "Sigurd the Stout," who next commands our attention. His tenure as Earl of Orkney was marked by decisive action and legendary feats of valor. Sigurd's pivotal role in Norse history reached its climax at the Battle of Clontarf, near modern Dublin, where he met his end on the field of battle, forever etching his name into the annals of Viking lore.?

And it is here where we left our tale as Thorfinn Sigurdsson, known to all as "Thorfinn the Mighty." Born around 1014, Thorfinn emerged as a towering presence in the annals of Norse lore, his path to power fraught with both triumph and tribulation.?

At the heart of Thorfinn's journey lay the struggle for the Orkney earldom, a coveted domain that echoed with the clash of swords and the cries of ambitious chieftains. With his brothers Brusi and Einar by his side, Thorfinn embarked upon a quest for dominion that would shape the destiny of their clan for generations to come.?

Brusi Sigurdsson, a stalwart warrior whose name was whispered in hushed tones among friend and foe alike, stood as Thorfinn's closest ally and staunchest rival. Together, they ruled jointly over the Orkney lands, their partnership forged in the fires of battle and tempered by the blood of their enemies. Yet, beneath the facade of camaraderie, tensions simmered, fueled by the age-old desire for power and supremacy.?

Einar Sigurdsson, the third pillar of the Sigurdsson dynasty, added his strength to the brothers' cause, his sword arm as swift as the wind and his loyalty unwavering. As joint rulers, they navigated the treacherous waters of Viking politics with a blend of cunning and force, expanding their domain with each passing year.?

But it was Thorfinn, with his towering stature and indomitable will, who emerged as the true architect of Orkney's destiny. From the moment he ascended to power, his gaze fixed upon horizons yet uncharted, his dreams reaching beyond the shores of his homeland to lands unknown. With each conquest, he carved his name deeper into the annals of history, his legacy growing with each passing victory.?

Next blog St Magnus... martyr!