Thorkel Amundason facts for kids

Thorkel Amundason, also known as Thorkel Fóstri, was an important man from the Orkney Islands. He was the foster father of a powerful leader named Thorfinn the Mighty. Thorkel is also known for his role in the death of Earl Einar Sigurdsson.

Thorkel's Early Life

Thorkel was born into a very rich and powerful family on Orkney. His father, Amunde, was highly respected by many people on the islands. Thorkel himself became well-known when he bravely tried to help farmers. He spoke to Earl Einar Sigurdsson on their behalf, even though it was risky. He also risked his life again when he collected taxes for Thorfinn Sigurdsson.

Standing Up to Earl Einar

One spring, Earl Einar announced that he needed people to join an expedition. He asked for a special tax, or "levy," to get ships ready. The landowners on Orkney were not happy about this. They asked Thorkel's father, Amunde, to talk to the Earl. Amunde said that the Earl was very stubborn and wouldn't listen to others.

Amunde explained that he had a good relationship with the Earl, but he feared it would be ruined if he got involved. He said he would not help.

The people then asked Thorkel for help. At first, Thorkel wasn't sure, but he agreed to speak to the Earl. His father, Amunde, thought Thorkel was too quick to agree.

When the Earl held a meeting, called a "Thing," Thorkel bravely spoke up. He suggested that the Earl should make the tax lighter. Thorkel explained that it was a heavy burden for the landowners. The Earl actually listened to Thorkel! He agreed to reduce the number of ships needed from six to three.

The Earl told Thorkel that he had planned to take six ships, but now would only take three. However, he warned Thorkel not to ask for such a favor again.

Everyone thanked Thorkel, and the Earl went on his expedition. He returned in the autumn. The next spring, the Earl held another Thing and asked for the same tax. Thorkel, being brave, made the same request to help the landowners. This time, the Earl was furious and ended the meeting.

When Amunde heard what happened, he told Thorkel to leave the country for his safety. Thorkel went to Caithness, a place in Scotland. There, he began working for Earl Thorfinn, who was just a child at the time.

Thorkel Becomes a Foster Father

Thorkel stayed with Thorfinn and became his foster father. This meant he helped raise Thorfinn and taught him important things. Because of this, Thorkel earned the name "Thorkel Fostri," which means Thorkel the Fosterer.

When Thorfinn grew up, he asked Earl Einar for his share of the earldom, which was the land and power he should have. Einar said no. So, Einar and Thorfinn gathered their armies and prepared for war. But another Earl, named Brusi, stepped in. He stopped the battle and helped Thorfinn get his part of the earldom. Brusi also agreed to share two-thirds of the earldom with Einar.

After this agreement, Thorkel often traveled to Orkney to collect taxes for Thorfinn. Earl Einar was very angry about this. He blamed Thorkel for Thorfinn's demands. Einar then planned to harm Thorkel. Thorkel found out about this plan during one of his tax-collecting trips. He quickly escaped back to Caithness.

Thorfinn convinced Thorkel not to confront Einar directly. Instead, Thorkel went to the court of King Olaf II of Norway. King Olaf liked Thorkel very much. He enjoyed talking with him and thought Thorkel was smart and kind. When King Olaf asked about the Earls, he learned that Thorkel didn't like Einar, but he did like Thorfinn. King Olaf invited Thorfinn to Norway, but Thorfinn politely declined, promising friendship instead.

After spending a winter in Norway in the year 1020, Thorkel returned to Orkney with Thorfinn. They sailed on a longship given to them by King Olaf. When Einar heard that Thorkel was back, he prepared to attack. Once again, Brusi stepped in and helped solve the problem peacefully. Einar promised to forget his anger towards Thorkel. Both men agreed to host feasts for each other.

Thorkel held his feast for Einar first at his hall in Deerness. On the day Einar was supposed to leave, Thorkel sent men to check the road ahead. They came back and reported that there were three hidden traps waiting. Thorkel gathered his men and returned to the main hall. He announced that he was not ready for Einar to leave. Thorkel went up to Einar, closed the door, and sat down next to him. Einar asked, "Are you ready?" Thorkel replied, "I am ready." Thorkel then took action, and Einar was killed.

After Einar's death, Brusi became responsible for Einar's lands. Thorfinn disagreed with this and wanted to take over more land. Brusi decided to ask for help from Norway. King Olaf made Brusi his "steward," which meant Brusi would manage the lands for the King.

Thorfinn also went to Norway to ask for help against Brusi. King Olaf offered Thorfinn the same choice he gave Brusi: give up the earldom and become "the King's man." Thorfinn first refused, saying he was loyal to Scotland because of his family. But after talking with Thorkel, Thorfinn accepted the King's offer.