The Heimskringla on Magnus Olafsson
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 131. The Birth Of King Magnus.
- attestation: The boy Magnus grew up and gave good promise as he advanced in age.
"The boy grew up, and gave good promise as he advanced in age"
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 265. Of Einar Tambaskelfer And Kalf Arnason'S Journey.
attestation: King Jarisleif consulted with the queen and his chiefs, and they unanimously resolved to invite the Northmen to come and receive safe conduct.
"When this message came to King Jarisleif he held a consultation with the queen and some chiefs, and they all resolved unanimously to send a message to the Northmen, and ask them to come to King Jarisleif and Magnus"
attestation: At Novgorod, the Norwegian delegation swore oaths of allegiance to Magnus, while Kalf and others who had fought against King Olaf at Stiklestad were solemnly bound by oath.
"the Northmen who had come there should become Magnus's men, and be his subjects; and to this Kalf and the other men who had been against King Olaf at Stiklestad were solemnly bound by oath."
attestation: Magnus promised them secure peace and full reconciliation, and Kalf was to become Magnus's foster-father, bound to do all that Magnus required to extend his dominion.
"King Magnus promised them, under oath, secure peace and full reconciliation; and that he would be true and faithful to them all when he got the dominions and kingdom of Norway. He was to become Kalf Arnason's foster-son; and Kalf should be bound to do all that Magnus might think necessary for extending his dominion"
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > Preliminary Remarks.
attestation: Magnus reigned from A.D. 1035 to 1047, and during the last year of his reign his half-brother Harald Sigurdson served as co-regent.
"Magnus reigned from A.D. 1035 to 1047, when he died. During the last year of his reign his half-brother Harald Sigurdson was his co-regent."
attestation: The history of Magnus is treated in multiple saga sources including Agrip, Fagrskinna, Fornmannasogur, and Knytlinga Saga.
"The history of Magnus is treated in "Agrip.", ch. 28-32; in "Fagrskinna", ch. 119-146; in "Fornmannasogur", part vi., and in "Knytlinga Saga"."
attestation: The skalds quoted in the Saga of Magnus the Good include Arnor Jarlaskald, Sigvat, Thjodulf, Bjarne Gullbrarskald, Thorgeir Flek, and Od Kikinaskald.
"The skalds quoted in this saga are: Arnor the earls' skald (Arnor Jarlaskald), Sigvat, Thjodulf, Bjarne Gullbrarskald, Thorgeir Flek, Od Kikinaskald."
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 1. Magnus Olafson'S Journey From The West.
attestation: After Yule, Magnus Olafson began his journey from Novgorod to Ladoga, where he rigged out ships as soon as the spring ice loosened in A.D. 1035.
"After Yule Magnus Olafson began his journey from the East from Novgorod to Ladoga, where he rigged out his ships as soon as the ice was loosened in spring (A.D. 1035)."
attribution: Arnor the earls' skald composed a poem about Magnus describing him as 'Norway's brave son, but ten years old' who was rigging ships in Russia's lake to claim his crown.
"This generous youth, who scatters gold, Norway's brave son, but ten years old, Is rigging ships in Russia's lake, His crown, with friend's support, to take."
attestation: Magnus sailed from the East to Svithjod and brought up at Sigtuna, where King Emund Olafson then ruled.
"when King Magnus and his fellow-travellers sailed from the East to Svithjod, they brought up at Sigtuna. Emund Olafson was then king in Svithjod."
attribution: Arnor's poem referenced King Olaf's sword Hneiter, suggesting Magnus would use it to make his enemies feel its 'sharp blue steel.'
"Who will command on land and sea, In blood will make his foeman feel Olaf's sword Hneiter's sharp blue steel."
attribution: Arnor composed a second verse about Magnus's journey, describing his army reaching 'Sigtuna's grassy plain' with curved ships driven by grey winds across the main.
"And now the curved plank of the bow Cleaves the blue sea; the ocean-plough By grey winds driven across the main, Reaches Sigtuna's grassy plain."
attestation: Magnus was only ten years old when he set out from Russia to claim his father's kingdom, indicating his supporters were the driving force behind the expedition.
"This generous youth, who scatters gold, Norway's brave son, but ten years old, Is rigging ships in Russia's lake, His crown, with friend's support, to take."
attribution: Arnor called the Thing at Sigtuna a gathering where 'Heroes who find the eagle food' stood before their lord in arms, emphasizing the martial character of Magnus's supporters.
"The young sword-stainer called a Thing, Where all his men should meet their king: Heroes who find the eagle food Before their lord in arms stood."
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 2. Magnus'S Expedition From Svithjod.
attestation: King Magnus set out from Sigtuna with a great Swedish force gathered in Svithjod, proceeding on foot through Helsingjaland.
"King Magnus set out on his journey from Sigtuna with a great force, which he had gathered in Svithjod. They proceeded through Svithjod on foot to Helsingjaland."
attribution: Arnor the earls' skald composed verses about the Swedish shields and chosen men who marched with Magnus to help Saint Olaf's son win his kingdom.
"And many a dark-red Swedish shield Marched with thee from the Swedish field. The country people crowded in, To help Saint Olaf's son to win"
attestation: Magnus traveled east through Jamtaland over the mountain ridge and came down upon the Throndhjem district, where all men welcomed the king with joy.
"Magnus Olafson went from the East through Jamtaland over the keel-ridge of the country and came down upon the Throndhjem district, where all men welcomed the king with joy."
attestation: King Svein's men fled on all sides and concealed themselves as soon as they heard Magnus had arrived, offering no opposition while Svein was in the south.
"But no sooner did the men of King Svein, the son of Alfifa, hear that King Magnus Olafson was come to the country, than they fled on all sides and concealed themselves, so that no opposition was made to King Magnus; for King Svein was in the south part of the country."
attribution: Arnor composed verses about how the terror of Magnus's plumed helm drove his pale foemen from the realm and scattered them in flight.
"He who the eagle's talons stains Rushed from the East on Throndhjem's plains; The terror of his plumed helm Drove his pale foemen from the realm."
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 3. Magnus Made King.
attestation: Magnus Olafson advanced to Nidaros, where he was joyfully received, and summoned the people to the Eyra-thing.
"Magnus Olafson advanced to the town (Nidaros), where he was joyfully received. He then summoned the people to the Eyra-thing"
attestation: At the Eyra-thing the bondes took Magnus to be king over the whole land, as far as his father Olaf had possessed it.
"when the bondes met at the Thing, Magnus was taken to be king over the whole land, as far as his father Olaf had possessed it."
attestation: After being proclaimed king, Magnus selected a court, named lendermen, and placed bailiffs and officers in all domains and offices.
"Then the king selected a court, and named lendermen, and placed bailiffs and officers in all domains and offices."
attestation: Immediately after harvest, King Magnus ordered a levy through all Throndhjem land, collected men readily, and proceeded south along the coast.
"Immediately after harvest King Magnus ordered a levy through all Throndhjem land, and he collected men readily; and thereafter he proceeded southwards along the coast."
attestation: The Eyra-thing was held on the spit of sand at the river Nid's mouth, and was the traditional assembly for choosing and proclaiming Norwegian kings.
"Eyra Thing, held on the ayr of the river Nid, that is, on the spit of sand, still called an ayr in the north of Scotland, dividing a lake, pond, or river-mouth from the sea. At the Thing held here the kings of Norway were chosen and proclaimed."
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 4. King Svein'S Flight.
attestation: At the Thing, Svein announced he would fight Magnus, but the bondes gave a mixed response: some pledged support, some refused, some stayed silent, and some declared they would join Magnus.
"although many said they would follow Svein, and fight on his side, some refused to do so bluntly, some were altogether silent, and some declared they would join King Magnus as soon as they had an opportunity."
attestation: Svein assessed that fewer than half the bondes would help him and concluded it was not enough to fight Magnus, counseling retreat to Denmark where the people were loyal.
"as to those who promise to help us, there are not more than every other man; and that force will avail us little against King Magnus. It is my counsel, therefore, that we do not trust to these bondes; but let us rather go to the land where all the people are sure and true to us"
Heimskringla > The Chronicle Of The Kings Of Norway > 5. King Magnus'S Journey To Norway.
attestation: In autumn A.D. 1035, King Magnus proceeded eastward to the end of the country and was accepted as king throughout all of Norway.
"In autumn (A.D. 1035) King Magnus proceeded eastward to the end of the country, and was received as king throughout the whole land"
attestation: The country people were rejoiced at Magnus's arrival, signaling popular support for the return of Olaf's line to the Norwegian throne.
"the country people were rejoiced at his arrival."
attestation: Magnus's acceptance as king throughout Norway in autumn 1035 completed his reclamation of his father Olaf's heritage without any recorded battle.
"In autumn (A.D. 1035) King Magnus proceeded eastward to the end of the country, and was received as king throughout the whole land, and the country people were rejoiced at his arrival."
Heimskringla > part in the government with his brother Hardaknut. In the same autumn > 20. King Magnus'S Levy.
attestation: King Magnus Olafson sailed north to Norway after the battle at Helganes in 1045 and learned that Harald had arrived in Svithjod.
"King Magnus Olafson sailed north to Norway in the autumn after the battle at Helganes (A.D. 1045). There he hears the news that Harald Sigurdson, his relation, was come to Svithjod"
attestation: Magnus ordered a general levy across all Norway to meet the threat from Harald and Svein.
"King Magnus then ordered a general levy over all Norway and he soon collected a great army."
Heimskringla > part in the government with his brother Hardaknut. In the same autumn > 21. Treaty Between Harald And Magnus.
attestation: Secret negotiations via Danish intermediaries resulted in Magnus offering Harald half of Norway in exchange for peace.
"some men were sent off in a light boat, in which they sailed south in all haste to Denmark, and got some Danish men, who were proven friends of King Magnus, to propose this matter to Harald."
attestation: Magnus proposed that Harald receive half of Norway and they divide all movable property equally, which Harald accepted.
"King Magnus, would offer him a league and partition, so that Harald should have half of Norway with King Magnus, and that they should divide all their movable property into two equal parts, he accepted the proposal"
Heimskringla > part in the government with his brother Hardaknut. In the same autumn > 23. King Magnus Gives Harald Half Of Norway.
attestation: King Magnus invited Harald to a feast and personally distributed gifts of swords, shields, kirtles, and gold to each of Harald's sixty men.
"he invited his relation, King Harald, to be his guest at table; and Harald went to the entertainment with sixty of his men and was feasted excellently."
attestation: Magnus symbolically gave Harald half of Norway by having him choose one of two sticks, granting him equal kingship but with Magnus holding ceremonial precedence.
"he placed himself before his relation Harald, holding two sticks in his hand, and said, "Which of these two sticks wilt thou have, my friend?""
attestation: Magnus stipulated that when both kings were together, Magnus would have precedence in seating, service, and salutation.
"when we are both together in one place, I shall be the first man in seat, service and salutation; and if there be three of us together of equal dignity, that I shall sit in the middle, and shall have the royal tent-ground and the royal landing-place."
attestation: Magnus expected Harald to strengthen the kingdom in return for being elevated to a position Magnus never expected any man to hold while he lived.
"Thou shalt strengthen and advance our kingdom, in return for making thee that man in Norway whom we never expected any man should be so long as our head was above ground."
Heimskringla > part in the government with his brother Hardaknut. In the same autumn > 24. Harald Gives Magnus The Half Of His Treasures.
- attestation: Magnus summoned a General Thing and publicly announced his gift of half of Norway to Harald.
"King Magnus ordered the trumpets to sound to a General Thing of the people; and when it was seated, he made known to the whole army the gift he had given to his relation Harald."
Heimskringla > part in the government with his brother Hardaknut. In the same autumn > 25. Of King Magnus.
attestation: Kings Magnus and Harald both ruled Norway jointly in the winter of 1047, each maintaining his own court.
"The kings Magnus and Harald both ruled in Norway the winter after their agreement (A.D. 1047), and each had his court."
attestation: They traveled together around the Upland country in guest-quarters, sometimes together and sometimes apart, going north to Nidaros.
"In winter they went around the Upland country in guest-quarters; and sometimes they were both together, sometimes each was for himself. They went all the way north to Throndhjem, to the town of Nidaros."
attestation: King Magnus personally maintained King Olaf's holy remains, clipping the hair and nails every twelve months and keeping the shrine keys himself.
"King Magnus had taken special care of the holy remains of King Olaf after he came to the country; had the hair and nails clipped every twelve month, and kept himself the keys that opened the shrine."
attestation: Discord soon arose between the two kings, fomented by mischievous persons.
"It was not long before there was a breach in the good understanding between the two kings, as many were so mischievous as to promote discord between them."
Heimskringla > part in the government with his brother Hardaknut. In the same autumn > 27. Of The Levy Of The Two Kings.
attestation: Kings Magnus and Harald ordered a levy in Norway towards spring of 1047.
"Towards spring (A.D. 1047) King Magnus and his relation, King Harald, ordered a levy in Norway."
attestation: Magnus threatened to fight rather than give up the royal anchorage, ordering his men to arm and prepare for battle.
"After King Magnus had ordered the sails to be taken in, he said, "The men will now get ready along both sides of the vessel to lay out their oars, and some will open the hatches and bring up the arms and arm themselves; for, if they will not make way for us, we will fight them.""
attestation: Harald visited Magnus's ship afterward and suggested the dispute was childish, but Magnus replied it was a family trait never to forget what he had given or not given.
"Then said King Magnus, "It is no childish whim, but a trait of my family, that I never forget what I have given, or what I have not given.""
attestation: Magnus warned that if this trifle had been settled against his will, further discord would follow; he would hold the agreement in all particulars but also claim all that was rightfully his.
"If this trifle had been settled against my will, there would soon have followed' some other discord like it. In all particulars I will hold the agreement between us; but in the same way we will have all that belongs to us by that right."
Heimskringla > part in the government with his brother Hardaknut. In the same autumn > 28. King Magnus The Good'S Death.
attestation: Magnus and Harald sailed south to Denmark together and Svein Ulfson fled east to Scania upon hearing of their approach.
"The kings, Magnus and Harald, sailed with their fleet south to Denmark; and when Svein heard of their approach, he fled away east to Scania."
attestation: While in Jutland, Magnus dreamed his father Saint Olaf offered him a choice: follow Olaf in death or become a mighty king who commits an inexpungeable crime.
"it appeared to him in a dream that he was in the same place as his father, Saint Olaf, and that he spoke to him thus: "Wilt thou choose, my son, to follow me, or to become a mighty king, and have long life; but to commit a crime which thou wilt never be able to expiate?""
attestation: Magnus told Olaf to choose for him, and Olaf chose that Magnus would follow him (i.e. die).
"He thought he made the answer, "Do thou, father, choose for me." Then the king thought the answer was, "Thou shalt follow me.""
attestation: Magnus fell sick and, near death, sent his brother Thorer with tokens to Svein Ulfson, bequeathing the Danish dominions to Svein.
"When he was near his death he sent his brother, Thorer, with tokens to Svein Ulfson, with the request to give Thorer the aid he might require. In this message King Magnus also gave the Danish dominions to Svein after his death"
attestation: Magnus declared that Harald should rule Norway and Svein should rule Denmark.
"said it was just that Harald should rule over Norway and Svein over Denmark."
attestation: King Magnus the Good died in 1047, to universal sorrow, as recounted in verse by Od Kikinaskald.
"Then King Magnus the Good died (A.D. 1047), and great was the sorrow of all the people at his death."
Heimskringla > part in the government with his brother Hardaknut. In the same autumn > 29. King Magnus'S Funeral.
attestation: Magnus's body was buried in St. Clement's church in Nidaros, where the shrine of King Olaf the Saint also rested.
"went with King Magnus's body and transported it to the town of Nidaros, where it was buried in St. Clement's church, where also was the shrine of King Olaf the Saint."
attestation: Magnus was described as middle-sized, fair-complexioned, light-haired, brisk, extremely generous, a great warrior, and the most popular of kings.
"King Magnus was of middle size, of long and clear-complexioned countenance, and light hair, spoke well and hastily, was brisk in his actions, and extremely generous. He was a great warrior, and remarkably bold in arms. He was the most popular of kings, prized even by enemies as well as friends."
Heimskringla > part in the government with his brother Hardaknut. In the same autumn > 39. Of The Building Of Churches And Houses.
attestation: King Magnus Olafson built Olaf's church in Nidaros on the spot where Olaf's body rested overnight, which was then above the town.
"King Magnus Olafson built Olaf's church in the town (Nidaros), on the spot where Olaf's body was set down for the night, and which, at that time, was above the town."
attestation: Magnus also built a king's house near the church but did not finish either before his death; Harald completed them.
"He also had the king's house built there. The church was not quite finished when the king died; but King Harald had what was wanting completed."