Ulv Galiciefarer facts for kids

Ulv Galiciefarer, also known as Galiciwolf, was a famous Viking leader from Denmark. He lived around the early 1000s. He became well-known for his trips to Galicia, a region in Spain. During these trips, he would explore and take valuable items. This happened in the early 11th century, when kings Bermudo III and Ferdinand I of Leon ruled. Ulv Galiciefarer was the grandfather of Boedil Thurgotsdatter. She later married Eric I of Denmark, who was a king of Denmark.

Biography

Ulv's Adventures in Galicia

Much of what we know about Ulv comes from an old story called the Knýtlinga saga. It says he bravely sailed west to a place called "Jakobsland." This was likely the area around Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Ulv was probably very good at exploring and taking things from these lands. He often faced little resistance.

Some stories say that Ulv worked as a mercenary. A mercenary is a soldier who fights for money for another country or leader. Ulv might have helped a Galician count named Rodrigo Romániz. They may have attacked Labio Castle near Lugo during a time of trouble against King Bermudo III. Ulv also helped Romariz win a fight against the Basque people.

Facing Resistance

Ulv's trips continued for some time. However, he was eventually stopped by the troops of Bishop Cresconius. But before he left, Ulv took items from religious communities in places like Redondela. He also visited islands such as San Simón (island), Cíes, and Toralla. After Ulv was forced to leave, Viking attacks on Galicia became much less common.

Family

Ulv's Noble Background

According to Saxo Grammaticus, another old writer, Ulv (whose name means "Wolf" in Old Norse) came from a noble family. Some people think he was the son of a leader known as Ulf the Earl.

Ulv married a woman named Bothild Håkonsdatter when he was young. She was born around 1014. Bothild was the daughter of Håkon Eiriksson, who was an important leader called the Earl of Lade.

His Descendants

Ulv and Bothild had a son named Thurgot Fagrskinna Ulfsen. He was born around 1032. Thurgot later became a very important official called a Count Palatine. This meant he was a chief officer for the king.

Thurgot's daughter was Bothild Thorgunnsdatter. She was born in 1068 and lived until 1134. Bothild married Eric I of Denmark, who became the King of Denmark. The king and queen later went on a long religious journey to the Holy Land. Sadly, they both passed away during this trip. However, their son, Prince Lavard, became the Duke of Schleswig.

See also

In Spanish: Ulf el gallego para niños