Thorbjorn Thorsteinsson facts for kids
Thorbjorn Thorsteinsson, also known as Thorbjorn the Clerk, was a person from the Orkney Islands who lived a long time ago. He was known for being a pirate and was put to death in the year 1158.
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Who Was Thorbjorn Thorsteinsson?
Thorbjorn Thorsteinsson was a figure from the 12th century. He lived in the Orkney Islands, which are located north of mainland Scotland. In his time, he was known as a "clerk," which meant he could read and write. However, he also became known as a pirate. Pirates were people who sailed the seas and took goods from other ships or coastal towns.
Family and Early Conflicts
Thorbjorn was married to the sister of a powerful man named Sweyn Asleifsson. Despite this family connection, Thorbjorn and Sweyn had many disagreements. Their first big fight happened after Sweyn attacked Thorbjorn's cousin, Olvir Rosta. Sweyn also attacked Thorbjorn's grandmother, Frakkok, and sadly, she died in a fire at her home.
An important leader, Earl Rognvald Kali Kolsson, helped Thorbjorn and Sweyn make peace for a while. After this, they even went on trips together to the Hebrides (a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland) to gather treasure. But they soon argued again about how to share what they found.
Changing Alliances
Because of their constant disagreements, Thorbjorn ended his marriage. He then decided to work for Earl Rognvald. Later, Thorbjorn started working for another leader, Harald Maddadsson. This meant he sometimes found himself working alongside Sweyn again, even though they had a difficult past.
The End of Thorbjorn's Story
In 1158, Thorbjorn got into serious trouble with Earl Rognvald. He was declared "outlawed," which meant he lost the protection of the law and could be captured. Thorbjorn hoped his friendship with Earl Harald would keep him safe. However, Earl Harald and Earl Rognvald had recently become friends. This put Thorbjorn in a very dangerous spot.
Thorbjorn tried to solve his problem by attacking Ranald, one of the Earls. But Earl Harald stopped him and had him put to death.
