Age of the Sturlungs
Encyclopedia
The Age of the Sturlungs or the Sturlung Era (Icelandic Sturlungaöld) was a 42-44 year period of internal strife in mid 13th century Iceland
. It may also have been the bloodiest and most violent period in Icelandic history. It is documented in the Sturlunga saga
.
This period is marked by the conflicts of powerful chieftains, goðar, who amassed followers and did battle, and is named for the Sturlungs
, the most powerful family clan in Iceland at the time. At the end of the era, the Icelandic Commonwealth
ceased to exist and Iceland became a vassal of Norway
.
Historians generally regard the year 1220 as the first year of the Age of the Sturlungs, although some wish to place its beginning at an earlier date because of the Battle of Víðines
. Power in the country had consolidated within the grasp of a few family clans. They were:
At this time, Hákon The Old
, King of Norway, was trying to extend his influence in Iceland. Many Icelandic chieftains became his vassal
s and were obliged to do his bidding—in exchange they received gifts, followers and a status of respect. Consequently, the greatest Icelandic chieftains were soon affiliated with the King of Norway in one way or the other.
, power was mostly in the hands of the goðar (local chieftains). Iceland was effectively divided into farthing
s (quarters). Within each farthing were nine Goði-dominions ("Goðorð"). The North farthing had an additional three dominions due to its size. All in all they were 39.
The Goði-chieftains protected the farmers in their territory, and exacted compensation or vengeance if their followers' rights were violated. In exchange, the farmers pledged their support to the Goði, both by voting in his favour in the Alþingi parliament and (if needed) by taking up arms against his enemies.
The powers of the Goði-chieftains, however, were neither permanent nor inherited. This status came about by a combination of respect, honour, influence and wealth. The chieftains constantly had to demonstrate their qualities as leaders, either by giving gifts to their followers or by holding great feasts. If the chieftain was seen as failing in any respect, his followers could simply choose another, more qualified Goði to support.
The greatest chieftains of the 12th and 13th century started amassing great wealth, and subsuming lesser dominions. This may be one of the causes of the civil war.
, chieftain of the Sturlung clan and one of the great saga writers, became a vassal of King Hákon of Norway
. The king insisted that Snorri help him bring Iceland under the sovereignty of Norway. Snorri returned home, and although he soon became the country's most powerful chieftain, he did little to enforce the king's will.
In 1235, Snorri's nephew Sturla Sighvatsson
also accepted vassalage under the king. Sturla was more aggressive: He sent his uncle packing back to Norway, and started warring on the chieftains who refused to accept the king's demands. However, Sturla and his father Sighvatur were soundly defeated by Gissur Þorvaldsson
, the chief of the Haukdælir
, and Kolbeinn the young, chief of the Ásbirnings
, in Örlygsstaðir in Skagafjörður
. The Battle of Örlygsstaðir
was the largest armed conflict in the history of Iceland—the Sturlungs
(Sturla Sighvatsson) had 1000 armed men and the Ásbirningar
(Kolbeinn the young) had 1200 armed men. More than 50 people were killed. After this crushing defeat, Gissur and Kolbeinn became the most powerful chieftains in the country.
Snorri Sturluson returned home to Iceland, having fallen out of favour with the king due to his support for Earl Skúli in an attempted coup. Gissur Þorvaldsson, also a vassal of the Norwegian king, received instructions that Snorri be killed. In 1241, Gissur went with many men to Snorri's home and murdered him. Snorri's last words are said to be "Eigi skal höggva!" (Don't chop my head off!).
A year later, Þórður kakali Sighvatsson (the nickname kakali probably means "The Stutterer"), son of Sighvatur, Snorri's brother, returned home to Iceland from abroad. He had cause for vengeance, for his brothers and father had fallen in the Battle of Örlygsstaðir
. He soon showed himself to be a formidable tactician and leader. Four years later, the rule of the Ásbirnings
was effectively over, after fierce battles with Þórður. The battles Flóabardagi (1244 - the only naval battle in Icelandic history with Icelanders on both sides) and the Battle of Haugsnes
(1246 - the bloodiest battle in Icelandic history with about 110 fatalities) both take place during this period.
Þórður kakali and Gissur Þorvaldsson, however, did not fight each other. Both were vassals of the king of Norway, and they appealed to him as dispute mediator. The king decided in favour of Þórður and from 1247-1250 Þórður ruled Iceland almost alone. He died in Norway, six years later.
to the torch—this incident is known as Flugumýrarbrenna. Despite his influence and power, Gissur proved unable to find the leader of the arsonists, and was forced to return to Norway in 1254 to bear the censure of the king, who was displeased with his failure in bringing Iceland under the Norwegian throne.
Minor conflicts continued throughout Iceland. Meanwhile, Gissur was given the title of Jarl and sent back home to negotiate. Only when the king had sent his special emissary, Hallvarður gullskór, did the Icelanders agree on Norwegian kingship. The Commonwealth came to an end with the signing of the Gamli sáttmáli ("Old Covenant") agreement in 1264.
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
. It may also have been the bloodiest and most violent period in Icelandic history. It is documented in the Sturlunga saga
Sturlunga saga
Sturlunga saga is a collection of Icelandic sagas by various authors from the 12th and 13th centuries; it was assembled ca. 1300...
.
This period is marked by the conflicts of powerful chieftains, goðar, who amassed followers and did battle, and is named for the Sturlungs
Sturlungs
The Sturlungs were a powerful family clan in medieval mid-13th century Iceland, in the time of the Icelandic Commonwealth. Their story is partly told in Sturlunga saga, and members of the clan were significant participants in the civil war of the Sturlungaöld.The Sturlungs were extremely wealthy...
, the most powerful family clan in Iceland at the time. At the end of the era, the Icelandic Commonwealth
Icelandic Commonwealth
The Icelandic Commonwealth, Icelandic Free State, or Republic of Iceland was the state existing in Iceland between the establishment of the Althing in 930 and the pledge of fealty to the Norwegian king in 1262...
ceased to exist and Iceland became a vassal of Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
.
Historians generally regard the year 1220 as the first year of the Age of the Sturlungs, although some wish to place its beginning at an earlier date because of the Battle of Víðines
Battle of Víðines
The Battle of Víðines was a conflict that took place between secular and clerical forces in early 13th century Iceland.The Catholic bishop Guðmundur Arason had defended the exclusive judicial powers of the Church over its own members, the clergy, against the secular powers of the Icelandic goði...
. Power in the country had consolidated within the grasp of a few family clans. They were:
- The HaukdælirHaukdælirThe Haukdælir were one of the family clans who controlled medieval Iceland during the period of the Icelandic Commonwealth. Their name is derived from Haukadalur . The Haukdælir traced their lineage to Ketilbjörn Ketilsson, who settled on land in Grímsnes and received a Goðorð in Árnesþing...
, of Árnesþing - The OddaverjarOddaverjarThe Oddaverjar were among the most powerful family clans in the medieval Icelandic Commonwealth. They were based in Oddi at Rangárvellir in South Iceland. Their ascendancy was during the second half of the 12th century, but their power subsequently waned. They play only a minor role in the...
, of Rangárþing - The ÁsbirningarÁsbirningsThe Ásbirnings were a powerful family clan in the medieval Icelandic Commonwealth. They dominated Skagafjörður in the 12th and 13th centuries until their last leader died in the Battle of Haugsnes in 1246. The Ásbirnings were well-known warriors and politicians. The best known Ásbirning is...
, of SkagafjörðurSkagafjörðurSkagafjörður is a deep bay in northern Iceland.-Location:Skagafjörður is about 40 km long and 15 km wide, situated between Tröllaskagi to the west and the Tjornes Peninsula to the east. There are two municipalities in the area, Skagafjörður Municipality and Akrahreppur Municipality Skagafjörður... - The VatnsfirðingarVatnsfirðingsThe Vatnsfirðings were one of the most influential family clans in twelfth century Iceland during the period of the Icelandic Commonwealth. Their domain of influence was based around Ísafjörður.-References:...
of ÍsafjörðurÍsafjörðurÍsafjörður is a town in the north west of Iceland, seat of Ísafjarðarbær municipality.The town draws its name from the fjord and the fjord was given its name simultaneously to the island... - The SvínfellingarSvínfellingsThe Svínfellings were a family clan in the medieval Icelandic Commonwealth. They ruled the Eastfjords of Iceland. Their forefather was Flosi, one of the Burners of Njal. Their name is derived from the clan's Svínafell homestead in Öræfi.-References:* Árni Daníel Júlíusson, Jón Ólafur Ísberg,...
of the EastfjordsAusturlandAusturland is a region in eastern Iceland. Its area is 22,721 km² and its population is 15,300. The biggest town in the region is Egilsstaðir, with a population of 2300. The oldest municipality in the Eastfjords is Seydisfjörðr municipality established 1895, with population of 706 the year... - The SturlungarSturlungsThe Sturlungs were a powerful family clan in medieval mid-13th century Iceland, in the time of the Icelandic Commonwealth. Their story is partly told in Sturlunga saga, and members of the clan were significant participants in the civil war of the Sturlungaöld.The Sturlungs were extremely wealthy...
, of Hvammur in Dalir
At this time, Hákon The Old
Haakon IV of Norway
Haakon Haakonarson , also called Haakon the Old, was king of Norway from 1217 to 1263. Under his rule, medieval Norway reached its peak....
, King of Norway, was trying to extend his influence in Iceland. Many Icelandic chieftains became his vassal
Vassal
A vassal or feudatory is a person who has entered into a mutual obligation to a lord or monarch in the context of the feudal system in medieval Europe. The obligations often included military support and mutual protection, in exchange for certain privileges, usually including the grant of land held...
s and were obliged to do his bidding—in exchange they received gifts, followers and a status of respect. Consequently, the greatest Icelandic chieftains were soon affiliated with the King of Norway in one way or the other.
Goðar
In the Icelandic CommonwealthIcelandic Commonwealth
The Icelandic Commonwealth, Icelandic Free State, or Republic of Iceland was the state existing in Iceland between the establishment of the Althing in 930 and the pledge of fealty to the Norwegian king in 1262...
, power was mostly in the hands of the goðar (local chieftains). Iceland was effectively divided into farthing
Farthings of Iceland
Historically, Iceland was divided into four landsfjórðungar or farthings, that were named after the Cardinal directions. These were administrative divisions established in 965 for the purpose of organising regional assemblies and for regional courts...
s (quarters). Within each farthing were nine Goði-dominions ("Goðorð"). The North farthing had an additional three dominions due to its size. All in all they were 39.
The Goði-chieftains protected the farmers in their territory, and exacted compensation or vengeance if their followers' rights were violated. In exchange, the farmers pledged their support to the Goði, both by voting in his favour in the Alþingi parliament and (if needed) by taking up arms against his enemies.
The powers of the Goði-chieftains, however, were neither permanent nor inherited. This status came about by a combination of respect, honour, influence and wealth. The chieftains constantly had to demonstrate their qualities as leaders, either by giving gifts to their followers or by holding great feasts. If the chieftain was seen as failing in any respect, his followers could simply choose another, more qualified Goði to support.
The greatest chieftains of the 12th and 13th century started amassing great wealth, and subsuming lesser dominions. This may be one of the causes of the civil war.
Beginning
The Age of Sturlungs began in 1220, when Snorri SturlusonSnorri Sturluson
Snorri Sturluson was an Icelandic historian, poet, and politician. He was twice elected lawspeaker at the Icelandic parliament, the Althing...
, chieftain of the Sturlung clan and one of the great saga writers, became a vassal of King Hákon of Norway
Haakon IV of Norway
Haakon Haakonarson , also called Haakon the Old, was king of Norway from 1217 to 1263. Under his rule, medieval Norway reached its peak....
. The king insisted that Snorri help him bring Iceland under the sovereignty of Norway. Snorri returned home, and although he soon became the country's most powerful chieftain, he did little to enforce the king's will.
In 1235, Snorri's nephew Sturla Sighvatsson
Sturla Sighvatsson
Sturla Sighvatsson was an Icelandic chieftain or goði of the Sturlungar family clan who played an active role in the armed conflicts in Iceland during the Age of the Sturlungs ....
also accepted vassalage under the king. Sturla was more aggressive: He sent his uncle packing back to Norway, and started warring on the chieftains who refused to accept the king's demands. However, Sturla and his father Sighvatur were soundly defeated by Gissur Þorvaldsson
Gissur Þorvaldsson
Gissur Thorvaldsson was a medieval Icelandic chieftain or goði of the Haukdælir family clan, and great-grandson of Jón Loftsson....
, the chief of the Haukdælir
Haukdælir
The Haukdælir were one of the family clans who controlled medieval Iceland during the period of the Icelandic Commonwealth. Their name is derived from Haukadalur . The Haukdælir traced their lineage to Ketilbjörn Ketilsson, who settled on land in Grímsnes and received a Goðorð in Árnesþing...
, and Kolbeinn the young, chief of the Ásbirnings
Ásbirnings
The Ásbirnings were a powerful family clan in the medieval Icelandic Commonwealth. They dominated Skagafjörður in the 12th and 13th centuries until their last leader died in the Battle of Haugsnes in 1246. The Ásbirnings were well-known warriors and politicians. The best known Ásbirning is...
, in Örlygsstaðir in Skagafjörður
Skagafjörður
Skagafjörður is a deep bay in northern Iceland.-Location:Skagafjörður is about 40 km long and 15 km wide, situated between Tröllaskagi to the west and the Tjornes Peninsula to the east. There are two municipalities in the area, Skagafjörður Municipality and Akrahreppur Municipality Skagafjörður...
. The Battle of Örlygsstaðir
Battle of Örlygsstaðir
The Battle of Örlygsstaðir was a historic battle fought by the Sturlungar against Ásbirningar and the Haukdælir clans in northern Iceland. The battle was part of the civil war that was taking place in Iceland at the time between various powerful clans , and was the largest battle in the history of...
was the largest armed conflict in the history of Iceland—the Sturlungs
Sturlungs
The Sturlungs were a powerful family clan in medieval mid-13th century Iceland, in the time of the Icelandic Commonwealth. Their story is partly told in Sturlunga saga, and members of the clan were significant participants in the civil war of the Sturlungaöld.The Sturlungs were extremely wealthy...
(Sturla Sighvatsson) had 1000 armed men and the Ásbirningar
Ásbirnings
The Ásbirnings were a powerful family clan in the medieval Icelandic Commonwealth. They dominated Skagafjörður in the 12th and 13th centuries until their last leader died in the Battle of Haugsnes in 1246. The Ásbirnings were well-known warriors and politicians. The best known Ásbirning is...
(Kolbeinn the young) had 1200 armed men. More than 50 people were killed. After this crushing defeat, Gissur and Kolbeinn became the most powerful chieftains in the country.
Snorri Sturluson returned home to Iceland, having fallen out of favour with the king due to his support for Earl Skúli in an attempted coup. Gissur Þorvaldsson, also a vassal of the Norwegian king, received instructions that Snorri be killed. In 1241, Gissur went with many men to Snorri's home and murdered him. Snorri's last words are said to be "Eigi skal höggva!" (Don't chop my head off!).
Þórður kakali stirs up trouble
Battle of Örlygsstaðir
The Battle of Örlygsstaðir was a historic battle fought by the Sturlungar against Ásbirningar and the Haukdælir clans in northern Iceland. The battle was part of the civil war that was taking place in Iceland at the time between various powerful clans , and was the largest battle in the history of...
. He soon showed himself to be a formidable tactician and leader. Four years later, the rule of the Ásbirnings
Ásbirnings
The Ásbirnings were a powerful family clan in the medieval Icelandic Commonwealth. They dominated Skagafjörður in the 12th and 13th centuries until their last leader died in the Battle of Haugsnes in 1246. The Ásbirnings were well-known warriors and politicians. The best known Ásbirning is...
was effectively over, after fierce battles with Þórður. The battles Flóabardagi (1244 - the only naval battle in Icelandic history with Icelanders on both sides) and the Battle of Haugsnes
Battle of Haugsnes
The Battle of Haugsnes was fought at Haugsnes, a low peninsula south of Flugumýri in Skagafjörður in Northern Iceland. The battle was fought on April 19, 1246 between the forces of Þórður kakali Sighvatsson and those of Gissur Þorvaldsson. Þórður was victorious...
(1246 - the bloodiest battle in Icelandic history with about 110 fatalities) both take place during this period.
Þórður kakali and Gissur Þorvaldsson, however, did not fight each other. Both were vassals of the king of Norway, and they appealed to him as dispute mediator. The king decided in favour of Þórður and from 1247-1250 Þórður ruled Iceland almost alone. He died in Norway, six years later.
Gissur returns and the Commonwealth ends
In 1252 the king sent Gissur to Iceland. The followers of Þórður kakali were displeased and tried unsuccessfully to kill him by putting his residence in Flugumýri in SkagafjörðurSkagafjörður
Skagafjörður is a deep bay in northern Iceland.-Location:Skagafjörður is about 40 km long and 15 km wide, situated between Tröllaskagi to the west and the Tjornes Peninsula to the east. There are two municipalities in the area, Skagafjörður Municipality and Akrahreppur Municipality Skagafjörður...
to the torch—this incident is known as Flugumýrarbrenna. Despite his influence and power, Gissur proved unable to find the leader of the arsonists, and was forced to return to Norway in 1254 to bear the censure of the king, who was displeased with his failure in bringing Iceland under the Norwegian throne.
Minor conflicts continued throughout Iceland. Meanwhile, Gissur was given the title of Jarl and sent back home to negotiate. Only when the king had sent his special emissary, Hallvarður gullskór, did the Icelanders agree on Norwegian kingship. The Commonwealth came to an end with the signing of the Gamli sáttmáli ("Old Covenant") agreement in 1264.
See also
- Icelandic CommonwealthIcelandic CommonwealthThe Icelandic Commonwealth, Icelandic Free State, or Republic of Iceland was the state existing in Iceland between the establishment of the Althing in 930 and the pledge of fealty to the Norwegian king in 1262...
- Snorri SturlusonSnorri SturlusonSnorri Sturluson was an Icelandic historian, poet, and politician. He was twice elected lawspeaker at the Icelandic parliament, the Althing...
- History of IcelandHistory of Iceland-Early history:In geological terms, Iceland is a young island. It started to form about 20 million years ago from a series of volcanic eruptions on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge...
- Sturlunga sagaSturlunga sagaSturlunga saga is a collection of Icelandic sagas by various authors from the 12th and 13th centuries; it was assembled ca. 1300...