Rögnvald Kali Kolsson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids St. Rögnvald
St. Rögnvald
Born	c. 1100 Norway
Died	20 August 1158 Caithness, Scotland
Venerated in	Catholic Church
Canonized	Late 12th-century by Pope Celestine III
Major shrine	St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Scotland
Feast	20 August

Rögnvald Kali Kolsson (also known as Saint Ronald of Orkney) was a Norwegian leader who became an earl of Orkney. He lived from about 1100 to 1158. Later, he was recognized as a Christian saint. Two islands in Orkney, North Ronaldsay and South Ronaldsay, are named after him.

The Life of Rögnvald

His Family and Early Years

Rögnvald's parents were Kolr Kalisson and Gunnhildr Erlendsdottir. His mother, Gunnhildr, was the sister of Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney. This family connection gave Rögnvald a claim to rule the Orkney islands.

Rögnvald was likely born in Norway. His family lived in a region called Agder. Some people think he might have been born in Fjære or at a king's estate in Lista. His family owned several farms where he could have grown up.

Becoming the Earl of Orkney

In 1129, King Sigurd I of Norway chose Rögnvald to be the Earl of Orkney and Shetland. When he became Earl, his name was changed to Rögnvald. This new name was meant to bring him good luck.

Rögnvald should have received half of Orkney. However, his cousin, Paul Haakonsson, had taken control of all the islands. Paul refused to share them. Rögnvald stayed in Norway and became an important leader for King Harald Gille. In 1136, Rögnvald was officially named an Earl.

St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Scotland

In 1137, Rögnvald started building St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Scotland. This was a very important project. Rögnvald also became the guardian for Harald Maddadsson. Harald was Paul Haakonsson's five-year-old nephew. In 1138, Rögnvald made Harald Maddadsson an Earl alongside him. Harald had inherited land in Caithness, Scotland. This meant Rögnvald also became the leader of that area.

Journey to the Holy Land

In 1151, Earl Rögnvald went on a long journey to the Holy Land. This was a very famous trip. The story of his journey takes up five chapters in the Orkneyinga saga. The saga mostly describes the adventures, fighting, and feasts during the voyage. It seems the journey itself was more important than the short time spent in the Holy Land. A relative named Eindridi Ungi suggested the trip. He thought it would bring great honor and fame.

His Death and Legacy

While Rögnvald was away, King David I of Scotland gave half of Caithness to Harald Maddadsson's cousin, Erlend Haraldsson. Earl Harald later removed Erlend Haraldsson from power. Erlend was killed in 1156.

In August 1158, Rögnvald was killed by Thorbjorn Klerk. Thorbjorn had been Rögnvald's friend but became an outlaw after committing a murder. Rögnvald and eight of his men were killed. Rögnvald's body was taken to Kirkwall. He was buried in St. Magnus Cathedral. People believed that miracles happened at his grave.

Rögnvald was made a saint in 1192 by Pope Celestine III. However, some people have wondered if his sainthood was officially recorded.

Images for kids

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  St. Rögnvald