Ingibiorg Finnsdottir facts for kids

Ingibiorg Finnsdottir was an important woman from Norway who lived in the 11th century. She was known as "Ingibiorg, the Earls'-Mother" because two of her sons became powerful earls. Her life dates are not exactly known, but she played a role in the history of both Orkney and Scotland.

Who Was Ingibiorg Finnsdottir?

Ingibiorg was the daughter of a nobleman named Finn Arnesson. Her mother was Bergljot Halvdansdottir. This made Ingibiorg a niece to two famous Kings of Norway: Olaf II and Harald Hardrada. Being related to such important people meant she had a high status.

Her First Marriage: Earl Thorfinn

Ingibiorg first married Thorfinn Sigurdsson. He was the powerful Earl of Orkney. The Orkneyinga Saga, an old Norse story, tells us about their life. It mentions that Ingibiorg's uncle, Kalf Arnesson, lived in Orkney for a time. This was around the time of King Magnus the Good of Norway. Magnus ruled from 1035 to 1047.

Ingibiorg's Sons with Thorfinn

Ingibiorg and Thorfinn had two sons together. Their names were Paul and Erlend Thorfinnsson. Both of these sons later became joint earls of Orkney. This means they ruled Orkney together. They were also involved in a big historical event. In 1066, they fought alongside their great-uncle Harald Hardrada. This was during his attempt to invade the Kingdom of England.

Her Second Marriage: King Malcolm III

After Earl Thorfinn passed away, Ingibiorg married again. Her second husband was Malcolm III of Scotland. He was the King of Scotland. We don't know the exact date they got married.

Ingibiorg's Son with Malcolm

Ingibiorg and King Malcolm had at least one son. The Orkneyinga Saga says that Duncan II was their son. Duncan II later became King of Scotland himself. It's also thought they might have had another son named Domnall.

When Did Ingibiorg Die?

It is believed that Ingibiorg died around the year 1069. We think this because King Malcolm married his next wife, Margaret, in about 1070. Margaret was the sister of Edgar Ætheling.

Some old records might suggest she died earlier. A book called the Liber Vitae Ecclesiae Dunelmensis lists an "Ingeborg comitissa" (Countess Ingeborg). This list includes people who died around 1058. If this was Ingibiorg, it would mean she died before Malcolm became king. This might explain why some Scottish writers didn't mention her much.