Paul and Erlend Thorfinnsson facts for kids

Paul Thorfinnsson (died 1098) and Erlend Thorfinnsson (died 1098) were brothers who shared power as Earls of Orkney. They were the sons of Thorfinn Sigurdsson and Ingibiorg Finnsdottir. Their mother's family was connected to the Norwegian Kings Olav II and Harald II. The brothers were known for being "tall, handsome men, shrewd and gentle." Their story is told in the Orkneyinga Saga, a historical book written in the early 1200s.

Becoming Earls

It's not exactly clear when their father, Earl Thorfinn, died. It was sometime in the later years of King Harald Hardrada's rule. Some say it was in 1065, but it might have been earlier. When their father passed away, Paul and Erlend became joint earls. Paul was the older brother and "very much the one in charge."

The Battle of Stamford Bridge

Battle of Stamford Bridge by Peter Nicolai Arbo. This shows a famous battle in England.

Soon after becoming earls, the brothers joined the Norwegian King Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson on a trip to England in 1066. This trip did not end well. Paul and Erlend stayed with Harald's son Olaf Kyrre, guarding the ships at Riccall. This was while the Battle of Stamford Bridge was happening.

The Norwegian army lost badly in the battle. Both Harald and Tostig were killed. However, King Harold Godwinson allowed Olaf and the earls to leave with the survivors. They promised not to attack England again. So many soldiers were lost that only 24 ships were needed to carry the survivors home. The original fleet had over 300 ships! The group went back to Orkney for the winter. In the spring, Olaf returned to Norway, still friends with Paul and Erlend.

Family Troubles

The Orkneyinga Saga says that Paul and Erlend got along well for a long time. But when their children grew up, arguments started between the cousins. These arguments led to fighting and bad feelings between the two brothers. The saga tells us a lot about their families because these disputes caused many problems in Orkney in the 1100s.

Paul's Family

Paul was married to a daughter of the Norwegian Earl Hakon Ivarsson. Her name is not known. They had two sons and four daughters. Their son, Hakon Paulsson, became very important in Orkney later on. Their other children were Thora, Brynjolf, Ingirid, Herbjorg, and Ragnhild.

Erlend's Family

Erlend married Thora, the daughter of Sumarlidi Ospaksson. They had two sons and two daughters. Erlend also had another daughter from outside his marriage. Erlend's daughter Gunnhild married Kol Kalison. Their son was Earl Rognvald Kali Kolsson. Erlend's second daughter was Cecilia, and his other daughter was Jaddvor.

Erlend's sons were Erling and Magnus. Magnus later became an earl, and is known as a saint. Magnus was described as "a quiet sort of man." The problems between the earls started because of rivalry between Hakon Paulsson and Erling Erlendsson. Both were talented but also liked to argue and were a bit proud.

Hakon felt he was the most important cousin because of his family background. He wanted to be seen as the leader. But Erling was not someone who would give in easily. The fathers, Paul and Erlend, tried to make peace. But it became clear they were each taking their own son's side. This caused them to become enemies. Eventually, the earldom was split into two separate areas. This was similar to how it was when their father Thorfinn and uncle Brusi Sigurdsson ruled.

Religion in Orkney

Birsay Parish with the Brough of Birsay in the background. This area was important for early churches.

Paul and Erlend's father, Thorfinn, may have visited the Pope in Rome. Around 1050, Thorulf became the first Bishop of Orkney. He was based at the "Christ Church" in a place called "Blascona." This Christ Church is thought to be the old stone ruins on the tidal island known as Brough of Birsay. But some believe it was on the Mainland next to the Earl's palace. This church was the bishop's main seat until it moved to Kirkwall. This happened later, during the time of William the Old, after Magnus Erlendsson died.

Paul and Erlend Lose Power

Haakon Paulsson went on a long trip to Scandinavia. He stayed with his relative, Magnus Barefoot, who was the king of Norway. While there, Haakon heard that his father Paul had given most of the control of Orkney to Earl Erlend and his sons. After a long period of peace, the people of Orkney were not eager for Haakon to return.

So, Haakon asked King Magnus for help. He hoped to get the earldom for himself. Haakon knew Magnus wanted more power. He suggested that Magnus take direct control of Orkney. He said it could be a base for raiding other places, just like an earlier king, Harold Fairhair, had done.

Magnus was convinced. In 1098, he started a big military campaign. He even brought his 8-year-old son Sigurd with him. However, Magnus had his own plans, which Haakon didn't expect. Magnus took over the islands. He removed both Erlend and Paul from power and sent them to Norway as prisoners. Magnus and Erling Erlendsson were also taken by King Magnus as hostages. Sigurd, the king's son, was made the new earl in name only. Sigurd's rule was helped by a group of advisors, and Haakon was one of them. (Later, when Sigurd became King of Norway, he made Haakon the Earl of Orkney around 1104).

In the winter of 1098, Erlend died and was buried in Trondheim. Paul Thorfinnsson also died that year and was buried in Bergen. Erling Erlendsson died while fighting with King Magnus. This happened either at the Battle of the Menai Straits or in Ulster.

In Books

The story of Erlend and Paul losing their power is an important part of Stephen Lawhead's book The Iron Lance, which was published in 1999.