Erling Skjalgsson

Erling Skjalgsson (died 1028) was a Norwegian political leader of the late 10th and early 11th century. He has been commonly seen as this period's foremost defender of the historic Norwegian social system. Erling fought for the traditional small, autonomous kingdoms and the þing system, against the reformists of the Fairhair family line.

According to the Norwegian-Icelandic saga tradition Erling Skjalgsson belonged to one of the most prominent clans in western Norway. He lived on the farm Sola in Nord-Jæren. His sister was married to Sigurd Toresson (), an important chief in Trondenes and the brother of Tore Hund of Bjarkøy.

Erling was established as a political front figure by the farmers of Gulaþing. They demanded that he be married to Olav Tryggvason's sister Astrid Tryggvesdatter (), the daughter of Tryggve Olavsson, king of Viken. Astrid initially refused but later agreed only after strong pressure from his brother. Erling Skjalgsson was baptized and was married to Astrid during the summer of year 996. Erling thus became an important ally during the remaining four years of King Olav's reign. Olav awarded Erling all the land between the Sognefjord and Lindesnes to rule.

After the Battle of Svolder resulted in the defeat of Olav Tryggvason, the victorious leaders split Norway into three areas of control. The three-way rule of Norway during these years suited Erling well. His own power base was strong enough that he could maintain his own autonomy. However in 1015, the relative stability of this arrangement was effected by the arrival of Olav Haraldsson. In 1016 at the Battle of Nesjar, Erling fought against Olav Haraldsson in Svein jarl's losing forces. Afterward Olav Haraldsson was forced to form an uneasy alliance with Erling Skjalgsson. The settlement was arranged with Erling having to accept lesser terms than had been granted him by either Olav Tryggvason or Svein jarl.

...
Wikipedia