Norwegian Law of Succession facts for kids

The Norwegian Law of Succession (also known as Tronfølgeloven av 1163) was a very important set of rules. It was first created in 1163 during a time of civil war in Norway. This law decided who would become the next king or queen.

This special law was an agreement between two powerful people: Erling Skakke and Øystein Erlendsson, Archbishop of Nidaros. Erling Skakke was married to Kristin Sigurdsdatter. She was the daughter of King Sigurd Jorsalfar. Erling and Kristin had a son named Magnus Erlingsson.

How Magnus Became King

Magnus was seen as the rightful person to become king. This was because the throne was empty after King Haakon II died. Archbishop Erlendsson agreed that Magnus could become king. In return, the Church would get more power.

Magnus was crowned king in 1163 when he was only eight years old. The Law of Succession was put into action at the same time. As king, Magnus had to promise to obey the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church. Also, the Church's laws were now just as important as the country's laws. Since Magnus was so young, his father, Erling, took the title of earl. Erling held the real power in the kingdom.

Rules of the Succession Law

The Law of Succession had some clear rules.

• There should only be one king at a time.
• The oldest son of the king would usually inherit the throne. This rule is called primogeniture.
• If the oldest son was not suitable to be king, a group of sixty representatives would choose another of the king's rightful sons.
• If there were no suitable sons, the council could choose another royal heir.
• If the king had no suitable heir at all, the council could choose anyone they thought would best "guard God's right and the laws of the land." This meant someone who would protect the Church and the country's rules.
• If the representatives could not agree on a choice, the bishops of the Church would make the final decision.

Changes to the Law

The Law of Succession was changed later in 1302. This change was very important because it gave women the right to inherit the throne. It stated that the throne would first go to Duchess Ingeborg's family line. After that, it would go to Princess Agnes's family line. This was to make sure the throne would return to the family of King Haakon V Magnusson's oldest daughter.

See also

• Line of succession to the Norwegian Throne