Erling Skjalgsson (abt. 975 - 1027)

Born about 0975 in Sola, Rogaland, Norge

Ancestors

Husband of Astrid (Tryggvesdottir) Tryggvesdatter — married 0991 in Sole, Jaeren, Rogaland, Norway

Descendants

Died 21 Dec 1027 at about age 52 in Bokn, Rogaland, Norge

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Biography

Erling was born about 975, and was the son of Thorolf Skjalg. He was said to be the great-grandson of Horda-Kåre.

He lived at Sola, and was in charge of the land between Lindesnes and Sognesjøen, but refused to accept the title of earl, preferring instead to titled herse like his ancestors before him. He was the first to be titled lendmann.

He was described as fair to those beneath him and faithful to his friends, but proud and unwilling to yield before any man.

He was married to Astrid, sister of Olav Tryggvason. Their children included:

• Ragnhild (or Astrid), married to Torberg Arnesson, grandmother of Olav Kyrre
• Geirtrud, married to Arne Arnesson, ancestor of Bjarkøyætten
• Aslak, lived at Sola

His sister Sigrid was married to Sigurd Toresson at Trondenes. Their son was Asbjørn Selsbane.

He supported king Olav Tryggvason, but did not take part in the battle at Svolder.

He stayed independent during the rule of Håkon Jarl, but later settled with Svein Jarl and fought for him against king Olav Haraldsson at Nesjar in 1016. After being defeated, he settled with king Olav and maintained his position in the west, now as the king's lendmann.

He became a personal enemy of king Olav after the murder of his kinsman Asbjørn Selsbane, and joined forces with the Danish king Knud in 1027.

On 21 December 1027, he was attacked by king Olav's forces at Bokn, and killed by Aslak Fitjaskalle.

Marriage : about 996 to Astrid Tryggvesdatter (< 963 - ):

children

Ragnhild ( Astrid the Årbårne ) Erlingsdatter ( 992-1050 )

Tore Erlingsson ( 1003 - )

Gertrude Erling 's daughter ( 1006 - )

Aslak Erlingsson ( - 1028 )

Skjalg Erlingsson ( - 1062 )

Sigurd Erlingsson

Lodin Erlingsson ( - > 1098 )

Sources

• Krag, Claus: Erling Skjalgsson i Norsk biografisk leksikon på snl.no. Hentet 5. mars 2023 fra http://nbl.snl.no/Erling_Skjalgsson
• Store norske leksikon (2005-2007): Erling Skjalgsson i Store norske leksikon på snl.no. Hentet 2. mars 2024 fra https://snl.no/Erling_Skjalgsson
• Heimskringla: https://heimskringla.no/wiki/Olav_Tryggvessons_saga accessed 2 Mar 2024

• This person was created through the import of Sheppard_Duncan_Bickham_Stroud.ged on 01 February 2011.