beingnorse

Gudrid

Sister of Archbishop Jon who transmitted testimony about Ivar Dynta's execution.

1 citations1 sources1 traditions12 relationships

Gudrid Birger's daughter was the sister of Archbishop Jon, attested in the Heimskringla. She told Eirik Odson that she heard Bishop Ivar's testimony about Ivar Dynta's execution (Heimskringla, Fall of Magnus the Blind). This transmission chain -- from eyewitness bishop to Gudrid to the chronicler Eirik Odson -- exemplifies the Heimskringla's interest in documenting its oral sources.

The Heimskringla's single attestation positions Gudrid as a link in the chain of testimony that Snorri Sturluson used to verify historical events. Her identification by family connections -- Birger's daughter, Archbishop Jon's sister -- establishes her credibility through prominent kin.