Sigurd the Crusader facts for kids

Sigurd Magnusson (born in 1089 – died March 26, 1130) was a famous King of Norway. He is also known as Sigurd the Crusader (Sigurðr Jórsalafari in Old Norse). He ruled Norway from 1103 to 1130.

Sigurd shared the throne with his half-brother Øystein until Øystein passed away in 1123. Many historians believe their time as rulers was a very good period for medieval Norway. Sigurd is most famous for leading the Norwegian Crusade from 1107 to 1110. This journey earned him the special name "the Crusader." He was also the first European king to personally join a crusade.

Early Life and Family

Sigurd was one of three sons of King Magnus III. His brothers were Øystein and Olaf. To prevent arguments or wars, the three half-brothers decided to rule the kingdom together starting in 1103. Sigurd became the sole ruler after Olaf died in 1115 and Øystein in 1123.

Before becoming King of Norway, Sigurd was given important titles. He was called the King of the Isles and the Earl of Orkney. These titles showed his power over islands near Scotland. Sigurd later gave the Earldom of Orkney to Haakon Paulsson.

Historians often describe the rule of Sigurd and Øystein as a "golden age" for Norway. The country grew stronger in its economy and culture. This success allowed Sigurd to take part in the Crusades, which brought Norway international respect.

Journey with King Magnus III

Coin from the time when Øystein and Sigurd ruled together, before 1115.

In 1098, Sigurd went with his father, King Magnus III, on a trip to the Orkney Islands, the Hebrides, and the Irish Sea. During this trip, he became the Earl of Orkney. He also became the King of the Isles. This was the first time a Norwegian king directly controlled these islands.

It's not clear if Sigurd went back to Norway with his father after this trip. But we know he was in Orkney when Magnus returned in 1102 for another journey. While there, a marriage was arranged between Sigurd and Bjaðmunjo, an Irish princess. She was the daughter of Muircheartach Ua Briain, a powerful ruler in Ireland.

In 1103, King Magnus was attacked and killed in Ireland. Sigurd, who was only 14 years old, returned to Norway with the army. He left his young bride behind. When he arrived in Norway, he and his two brothers, Øystein and Olav, were made kings. They ruled Norway together for some time.

The Norwegian Crusade

The path of the Norwegian Crusade led by Sigurd the Crusader. Red shows sea travel, Green shows land travel.

In 1107, Sigurd led the Norwegian Crusade. This was to help the new Kingdom of Jerusalem, which had been formed after the First Crusade. Sigurd was the first European king to personally lead a crusade. His brave actions earned him the nickname Jorsalafari, meaning "Jerusalem-farer."

The sagas, old Norse stories, say that Sigurd had about 5,000 men and 60 ships. Sigurd and Øystein first argued about who should lead the crusade and who should stay home to rule. Sigurd was chosen to lead. This was probably because he had more travel experience from his father's trips to Ireland and the islands around Scotland.

Sigurd and his men fought in places like Lisbon, various Mediterranean islands, and Palestine. He often fought alongside his soldiers and family. They were very successful and won many battles, gaining a lot of treasure. However, Sigurd left most of his treasures in Constantinople on his way back.

On his journey to Jerusalem, Sigurd visited King Roger II of Sicily in his castle at Palermo. When he arrived in the Holy Land, King Baldwin I of Jerusalem welcomed him warmly. The two kings rode to the Jordan River, where Sigurd might have been baptized.

King Baldwin asked Sigurd to help capture the city of Sidon. This city had been strengthened by the Fatimids. The Siege of Sidon was a big victory for the crusaders, and the city was taken on December 5, 1110. After the city was captured, Sigurd received a piece of the True Cross as a gift. This was a sign of friendship and a reward for his bravery in the crusades.

After this, King Sigurd left the Holy Land. He sailed north to the island of Cyprus and stayed there for a while. Then, Sigurd sailed to Constantinople (Miklagard). He entered the city through a grand gate called the Gold Tower. He stayed there for some time, meeting and spending time with Emperor Alexios I Komnenos.

Returning Home to Norway

Before leaving Constantinople, Sigurd gave all his ships and many treasures to Emperor Alexios. In return, the emperor gave him many strong horses for his journey home. Sigurd planned to travel back to Norway over land. Many of his men stayed in Constantinople to join the emperor's special guard, the Varangian Guard.

The journey back took three years. Sigurd traveled through many countries, including Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Germany. He even met with Emperor Lothar II of the Holy Roman Empire. Finally, he arrived in Denmark, where King Niels of Denmark gave him a ship to sail to Norway.

When Sigurd returned to Norway in 1111, he found a thriving and successful kingdom. King Øystein had worked hard to make the country strong and stable. The church in Norway also gained more wealth and power. During Sigurd's rule, the tithe was introduced. This was a 10% tax to support the church, which greatly helped it. Sigurd also started the diocese of Stavanger.

Sigurd made his capital in Konghelle, which is now in Sweden. He built a strong castle there. He also kept the special gift he received from King Baldwin, a splinter believed to be from the True Cross. In 1123, Sigurd went on another church-related mission. This was the Swedish Crusade to Småland in Sweden. The people there had reportedly stopped being Christians and were worshiping old Norse gods again.

Death and Legacy

Sigurd passed away in 1130. He was buried in Hallvard's church in Oslo. Sigurd was married to Malmfred, who was the daughter of Grand Prince Mstislav I of Kiev. They had one daughter named Kristin Sigurdsdatter.

Sigurd did not have any legitimate sons. His son Magnus, whose mother was Borghild Olavsdotter, became king of Norway. Magnus shared the throne with another person who claimed to be king, Harald Gille. After Sigurd's death, this led to a difficult power struggle between different sons and royal claimants. This struggle grew into a long and damaging civil war in Norway during the 12th and early 13th centuries.

In Theatrical Works

In the 1800s, a writer named Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson wrote a play about King Sigurd's life. The famous composer Edvard Grieg wrote music for this play, which is called Sigurd Jorsalfar.

Images for kids

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  Coin thought to represent the co-rule of Øystein and Sigurd, and thus dated to before 1115

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  Route of the Norwegian Crusade taken by Sigurd the Crusader. Red: Sea, Green: Land.

See also

In Spanish: Sigurd I de Noruega para niños