Harald Eiriksson facts for kids

Harald Eiríksson (who was active in the 1190s), also known as Harald the Young, was an important leader who shared the title of Earl of Orkney with Harald Maddadsson. He was the son of a powerful Orkney chief named Eirik Stagbrell. His mother was Ingerid Ragnvaldsdotter, whose father, Rögnvald Kali Kolsson, had also been an Earl of Orkney.

Who Was Harald the Young?

Harald Eiríksson, or Harald the Young, was a significant figure in the history of the Orkney Islands during the late 1100s. An Earl was like a powerful ruler or a count in charge of a large area. Harald the Young shared this important role, meaning he ruled alongside another powerful person. His family had strong ties to the Earldom of Orkney, as his grandfather had also been an Earl.

Control Over Caithness

For a long time, there was a disagreement about who should control the land of Caithness, which is in northern Scotland. Both the King of Scotland and the Norwegian Earldom of Orkney wanted to rule this area. This created a lot of tension between the two powers.

Harald's Role in the Conflict

King William I of Scotland had his own disagreements with Harald Maddadsson, the other Earl of Orkney. To make things more difficult for Harald Maddadsson, King William I decided to give some lands in Caithness to Harald the Young. This move was a way for the Scottish King to gain more influence in the region. King William I also officially recognized Harald the Young as a co-ruler of Orkney alongside Harald Maddadsson.

The End of Harald the Young

Around the year 1196, Harald Maddadsson agreed to pay money to King William I for the control of Caithness. This payment was a way to settle some of the disputes over the land. Sadly, after these events, Harald the Young was killed by Harald Maddadsson.