Paul Haakonsson facts for kids
Paul Haakonsson was a powerful leader known as an Earl of Orkney from 1122 to 1137. An Earl was like a ruler or a count in charge of a specific area, in this case, the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Paul shared this important role with another Earl, Harald Haakonsson.
Paul's Time as Earl
Paul Haakonsson became Earl of Orkney in 1122. He shared this leadership position with Harald Haakonsson. Together, they were responsible for governing the Orkney Islands.
Family Challenges
Not everyone in Paul's family was happy with him. Some of his female relatives, including his mother and her sister Frakkok, had disagreements with him. There was even a plot to harm Paul using a special item. However, this plan went wrong and accidentally led to the death of Harald Haakonsson in 1127. It is believed that Frakkok and her supporters wanted Harald Haakonsson's son, Erlend Haraldsson, to become Earl after Paul.
End of Paul's Rule
In 1137, Paul Haakonsson's time as Earl came to an end. He reportedly lost his position and his life. These events are said to have happened on the orders of Harald Haakonsson's mother.
New Leadership in Orkney
After Paul Haakonsson, his second cousin, Rognvald Kali Kolsson, became the new Earl of Orkney. Rognvald was an important leader who served King Harald Gille of Norway. Rognvald also became the guardian for Harald Maddadsson, who was Paul Haakonsson's nephew. In 1138, Rognvald appointed Harald Maddadsson to share the title of Earl of Orkney with him.
