Hlodvir Thorfinnsson (Old Norse: Hlǫðvir Þorfinnsson; c. 945–988), was a Viking leader who served as Jarl of Orkney, overseeing the Northern Isles from about 980 to 987.[1] He is mentioned in the Orkneyinga saga, as well as in the sagas of Óláfr Tryggvason and St. Olaf. Beyond the saga records of Hlodvir, little verifiable information is known.
Hlodvir Thorfinnsson | |
---|---|
Issue | Sigurd the Stout |
Mother | Ragnhild Eriksdotter |
Hlodvir was the son of the Jarl Thorfinn Torf-Einarsson and Grelod, and he became jarl after the death of his brother, Ljot, who died from wounds suffered at the Battle of Skitten Mire.[2]
In 959, Hlodvir married Eðnu, a descendant of Cerball mac Dúnlainge, king of Osraige, with whom he had one son, Sigurd the Stout, and at least two daughters: one who married the Hebridean chieftain Gilli, and another who married Hávarð, steward of Caithness.[3]
Hlodvir died from an illness in 988 and was succeeded by his son, Sigurd II "the Stout". Hlodvir was buried in Höfn, Caithness, which is believed to be Huna, Scotland.[4]
References
- ↑ Ashley, Mike (2012). The Mammoth Book of British Kings and Queens. Little, Brown Book Group. p. 445. ISBN 978-1-4721-0113-6.
- ↑ Orkneyinga saga
- ↑ Njáls saga
- ↑ Mowat, John (1931). The Place-Names of Canisbay, Caithness: With Map (PDF). p. 27. Retrieved 4 April 2020.