Biography
Biography
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Magnus (I, King of Norway)

 Born1024   Born At
 Died1047  Buried At
 Born1024 / 
 Died1047 / 
Magnus (the Good) was the illegitimate son of King Olaf II Haraldsson and was born in 1024. His mother was one of the Queen's handmaiden and he was born early and not expected to survive the night of his birth. King Olaf was not informed of the birth and Sighvat Scald, a friend of the King hastily had the child baptised and named Magnus, after Carolus Magnus, or Charlemagne. At the age of four King Canute invaded Norway and Olaf and his family fled to look for assistance in retaking the Norwegian throne. In 1030 Olaf attempted to invade Norway but he was killed at the Battle of Stiklestad. After the death of Olaf, Norway was ruled by Canute's consort Aelfgifu and his son Swein. But misrule of the country led to their expulsion In 1035, and at the age of eleven, Magnus was declared King of Norway.

Related Episodes

Viking Invasions (click here)

Viking Invasions (click here)

Contemporary People/Rulers

Fantasy image of Edward (The Confessor, King of England 1042-1066)
Edward (The Confessor, King of England 1042-1066)

 

Family Tree Details

 Magnus (I, King of Norway) (b.1024 - d.1047)
 Magnus (I, King of Norway) (b.1024 - d.1047)

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    People

    Timeline

    1028(Age: 4yrs)

    Canute defeated Olaf Haraldsson and took control of Norway. Olaf fled the country taking his family with him. [1]

    1038(Age: 14yrs)

    Magnus, the King of Norway and Harthacnut, the King of Denmark signed a treaty stipulating that if either died without an heir his kingdom must pass to the other. Hathacnut. as son of Canute, was not only King of Denmark but had a claim to the English throne. When Harthacnut died in 1042 Magnus claimed the thrones of Denmark and England.

    1042(Age: 18yrs)

    Harthacanute collapsed while attending a party and died shortly afterwards. He died without an heir and so the crown reverted back to the Saxons and Edward the Confessor was crowned King of England at Easter of 1043 at Winchester. After the death of Harthacanute Magnus took control in Denmark.

    1043(Age: 19yrs)

    Edward learnt that his mother Emma was plotting with Dane Magnus of Norway to take control of the English throne. Edward had no choice and stripped his mother of her land and treasure. Emma was allowed to stay in England until her death.

    1045(Age: 21yrs)

    After many years in exile Harald Hardrada returned to Norway to claim the Norwegian throne. His nephew Magnus was King of Norway and it was agreed that they should share the country's rule.

    1047(Age: 23yrs)

    Magnus, King of Norway and Denmark, died in this year. Magnus had stated that Harold Hardrada should become King of Norway after his death.

    On this day in history:

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    • 1: Magnus Magnusson, Vikings!

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