Sigurd Lavard facts for kids

Sigurd Lavard was the oldest son of King Sverre of Norway. He lived around the late 1100s. His special name, "Lavard," probably means "lord" in an old language. Sigurd was a prince during a time of civil war in Norway.

Sigurd's Early Life

Sigurd Lavard is first mentioned in 1181. This was when King Magnus Erlingsson took the city of Nidaros. Sigurd was born on the Faroes Islands. He was first named Unås. This name honored the man thought to be his father at the time.

Later, his father Sverre said he was the son of King Sigurd Munn. So, Sverre had his own son change his name to Sigurd. Sverre became king of Norway. He did this by leading a rebellion against King Magnus.

Sigurd's Role in the Civil War

King Magnus was defeated and died in 1184. But in 1196, his old supporters formed a new group. They were called the Bagler party. The Baglers wanted to fight King Sverre.

The first fight between King Sverre and the Baglers happened near Rånrike. King Sverre gave Sigurd Lavard an important job. Sigurd had to guard a large weapon called a ballista. A ballista was like a giant crossbow. It could shoot big arrows or stones.

The Ballista Incident

One night, the Baglers launched a surprise attack. Sigurd and his men were not ready. They were chased away. The Baglers then destroyed the ballista. After this event, Sigurd was not given any more important commands.

Sigurd's Later Life

Sigurd Lavard died around the year 1200 or 1201. His father, King Sverre, was still alive at this time. Sigurd left behind a young son named Guttorm. Guttorm later became king for a few months in 1204.

Where We Learned This

Most of what we know about Sigurd Lavard comes from the Sverris saga. This is an old story about his father, King Sverre.