Thorbjorn Thorsteinsson
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Thorbjorn Thorsteinsson (Old Norse
: Þórbjörn klerkr Þórsteinnson), also known as Thorbjorn the Clerk, was an Orcadian pirate who was executed in 1158.
Thorbjorn was married to the sister of Sweyn Asleifsson
, but they first quarrelled after Sweyn attacked Thorbjorn's cousin, Olvir Rosta
, and grandmother, Frakkok, and burned her to death inside her house. Earl Rognvald Kali Kolsson forced a reconciliation, and the two went plundering together in the Hebrides
, but fell out again over the distribution of the loot. Thorbjorn had his marriage annulled and entered Rognvald's service.
Later, serving Harald Maddadsson
, Thorbjorn found himself again thrown into Sweyn's company.
In 1158, Thorbjorn was outlawed by Rognvald for murdering one of his retainers. He placed his faith in his friendship with Harald, but the two Earls had recently become allies, and Thorbjorn was in a very dangerous position. He attempted to resolve it by ambushing and assassinating Ranald; but Harald had him put to death.
Old Norse
Old Norse is a North Germanic language that was spoken by inhabitants of Scandinavia and inhabitants of their overseas settlements during the Viking Age, until about 1300....
: Þórbjörn klerkr Þórsteinnson), also known as Thorbjorn the Clerk, was an Orcadian pirate who was executed in 1158.
Thorbjorn was married to the sister of Sweyn Asleifsson
Sweyn Asleifsson
Sweyn Asleifsson was twelfth century Viking who appeared in the Orkneyinga Saga.-Early career:Sweyn was born in Caithness in the early twelfth century, to Olaf Hrolfsson and his wife Åsleik. According to the Orkneyinga Saga, he came to prominence when he murdered Earl Paul of Orkney's cup-bearer c...
, but they first quarrelled after Sweyn attacked Thorbjorn's cousin, Olvir Rosta
Olvir Rosta
Olvir Rosta , also known as Aulver Rosta, is a character within the mediaeval Orkneyinga saga, who is purported to have lived during the early 12th century. His Old Norse byname, rósta, means "brawl", "riot"...
, and grandmother, Frakkok, and burned her to death inside her house. Earl Rognvald Kali Kolsson forced a reconciliation, and the two went plundering together in the Hebrides
Hebrides
The Hebrides comprise a widespread and diverse archipelago off the west coast of Scotland. There are two main groups: the Inner and Outer Hebrides. These islands have a long history of occupation dating back to the Mesolithic and the culture of the residents has been affected by the successive...
, but fell out again over the distribution of the loot. Thorbjorn had his marriage annulled and entered Rognvald's service.
Later, serving Harald Maddadsson
Harald Maddadsson
Harald Maddadsson was Earl of Orkney and Mormaer of Caithness from 1139 until 1206. He was the son of Matad, Mormaer of Atholl, and Margaret, daughter of Earl Haakon Paulsson of Orkney...
, Thorbjorn found himself again thrown into Sweyn's company.
In 1158, Thorbjorn was outlawed by Rognvald for murdering one of his retainers. He placed his faith in his friendship with Harald, but the two Earls had recently become allies, and Thorbjorn was in a very dangerous position. He attempted to resolve it by ambushing and assassinating Ranald; but Harald had him put to death.