Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney

Magnus Erlendsson
Statue of St. Magnus on the wall of Nidaros Cathedral.
Born	1080
Died	16 April 1115 Egilsay
Title	Earl of Orkney
Tenure	1106–1115
Other names	Magnus the Martyr
Parents	Finn Arnesson

Saint Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney, sometimes known as Magnus the Martyr, was Earl of Orkney from 1106 to about 1115.

Magnus's grandparents, Earl Thorfinn and his wife Ingibiorg Finnsdottir, had two sons, Erlend and Paul, who were twins. Through Ingibiorg's father Finn Arnesson and his wife, the family was related to the Norwegian Kings Olav II and Harald II.

His story is told in three Icelandic sagas: Orkneyinga saga (chapters 34–57); Magnús saga skemmri; and Magnús saga lengri. There are also two surviving Latin accounts of his life. An early medieval Latin life no longer survives, but was incorporated into Magnús saga lengri.

Born in 1080, Magnus was the first son of Erlend Thorfinnsson, Earl of Orkney. Erlend and his brother Paul ruled jointly. In 1098, King Magnus Barelegs of Norway took possession of the islands and deposed Erlend and Paul, installing his illegitimate son Sigurd as ruler. From Orkney, King Magnus set out for a raiding expedition along the west coast of Scotland, taking Magnus Erlendsson and Paul's son Haakon with him. Magnus first served Magnus of Norway as skutilsvein (approx. Chamberlain). Haakon, then became regent on behalf of the Norwegian prince, Sigurd, who made Haakon earl in 1105.

According to the Orkneyinga Saga, Magnus had a reputation for piety and gentleness, which the Norwegians viewed as cowardice. He refused to fight in a Viking raid in Anglesey, Wales, because of his religious convictions, and instead stayed on board the ship during the Battle of Anglesey Sound, singing psalms. He was obliged to take refuge in Scotland, but returned to Orkney in 1105 and disputed the succession with his cousin Haakon.