2. Genealogy
  3. Erling Skjalgson

Erling Skjalgson

Claim Value Date Age Reliability
ID I11172      
User ID Reference 240CF9149FCD44579118ECFBD3722ED118FE      
User ID Reference LD7H-3HV      
Gender Male Gender    
Name Erling Skjalgson    
  • Erling was a handsome man, exceedingly tall and strong, shrewd and ambitious, most skilled in arms and also resembeled King Olaf Tryggvason. Brother-in-law King Olaf Tryggvason awarded Erling all the royal revenues of Rogaland, but in 1013 after the drowning death of Olaf Tryggvason in a sea battle with Earl Eirik, the Earl took over Erling's dominions and both collected revenues and the tenants were taxed twice. However, Eirik died later that year. Erling had a large warship of 32 rowers' benches on which he had 240 or more men he took with him on viking expeditions and to meetings. He was a good master and his 30 slaves were treated very well and buy freedom in a year and gave them land or showed them how to conduct the herring fisheries. In 1021 King (St.) Olaf called him down to Tunsberg and chastised him for treatment of the king's friend Aslak Fitjaskalli. They reconciled and Erling went home. In 1028 he and King (St.) Olaf had a sea battle and Erling was the only one surviving on his ship. He challenged King (St.) Olaf and his courage caused Olaf to ask him to enter his service. He took off his helmet, laid down his sword and shield and went to the fore-deck. Olaf, to mark the Traitor, gently scratched his cheek with the edge of the battle axe. But to his dismay his man, Aslak Fitiarskalle rushed up and cleft Erling's skull with his axe.
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