Inga of Varteig facts for kids
Inga Olafsdatter of Varteig (born around 1183 or 1185 in Varteig, Østfold – died 1234 or 1235) was an important woman in Norwegian history. She was the mother of King Haakon IV of Norway. Her story is a famous part of Norway's past.
Contents
Inga's Life and Challenges
Inga came from a place called Varteig in Østfold. She met King Haakon III of Norway when he visited a nearby town called Borg (now Sarpsborg) in late 1203. King Haakon III died shortly after, in early 1204.
At this time, Norway was going through a difficult period called the civil war era. Different groups, like the Bagler and Birkebeiner, were fighting for control of the country. After King Haakon III died, his nephew Guttorm Sigurdsson became king, and later Inge Bardsson took the throne.
A Royal Secret and a Dangerous Journey
Soon after King Haakon III's death, Inga gave birth to a son. She said that this boy was King Haakon's child. This was a very important claim because it meant her son could become king one day. Many of King Haakon's loyal followers, known as the Birkebeiner, believed Inga.
However, this claim also put Inga and her baby in great danger. The Birkebeiner group wanted to protect the young prince. So, in the middle of winter, during 1205–06, a brave group of Birkebeiner loyalists took Inga and her son. They fled from Lillehammer in eastern Norway.
They traveled over the snowy mountains on skis. This long and difficult journey took them north through a valley called Østerdalen. They finally reached Trøndelag, where they found safety under the protection of King Inge. This famous journey is still celebrated today in the Birkebeinerrennet ski race.
Proving Her Son's Right to the Throne
Years later, King Inge died in April 1217. It was then time for Inga to prove her son's right to become king. She did this through a special event called a "trial by ordeal." This was a way people in those times tried to show if something was true, often by performing a difficult task. Inga successfully completed her trial, which helped confirm her son's royal birth.
Because of Inga's bravery and the support of the Birkebeiner, her son, Haakon, became the King of Norway when he was just 13 years old. Inga lived for several more years, seeing her son rule. She reportedly became very ill and passed away in Bergen in 1234.
Where We Learn About Inga
Most of what we know about Inga of Varteig comes from a very old book called the Saga of Haakon Haakonarson. This saga was written after her son, King Haakon IV, died. It tells the story of his life and the important people around him, including his mother, Inga.
Related History
- Birkebeinerrennet
- Civil war era in Norway
More to Read
- Helle, Knut (1995) Under kirke og kongemakt: 1130-1350 (Aschehougs Norgeshistorie) ISBN: 8203220312
- Koht, Halvdan (1926) Norske dronningar. Særprent frå Syn og Segn (Oslo: Det Norske Samlaget)
