Haakon Toresfostre Explained

Haakon Magnusson
Succession:King of Norway
Reign:1093 – February 1095
Predecessor:Olaf III
Successor:Magnus III
Regent:Magnus III
Reg-Type:Co-ruler
House:Hardrada
Father:Magnus II of Norway
Birth Date:1069
Death Place:Dovrefjell

Haakon Magnusson (non|Hákon Magnússon: no|Håkon Magnusson; 1068 – February 1095), byname Toresfostre (non|Þórisfóstra, meaning "fostered by Tore"), was King of Norway from 1093 to 1095. Haakon was only partially recognized within Norway and his reign was thus of limited significance. He has generally not been counted in the numbered series of Norwegian kings.[1]

Life

He was the grandson of King Harald Hardrada, son of King Magnus and nephew of King Olaf Kyrre. Haakon was born around the same time his father died. He was raised as a foster son by Tore på Steig of Gudbrandsdalen on the farm Steig in Fron. In 1090, he undertook a Viking expedition to Bjarmaland, today the area of Arkhangelsk in northern Russia.[2]

After the death of Olav Kyrre he was hailed as King of Norway in Trondheim, while his cousin, King Magnus Barefoot, was hailed in Viken. He soon came into conflict with King Magnus and war seemed inevitable. In 1095, Magnus Berrføtt prepared an armed action against Haakon, but was surprised by the strong position held by his cousin. When Haakon learned that Magnus had come to Trondheim, he went across the Dovrefjell mountain range. However, Haakon suddenly died during the trip over Dovrefjell. Magnus subsequently ruled as sole king of Norway. He captured Tore på Steig who was subsequently hanged.[3] He was buried in Christ Church in Trondheim.

Notes and References

  1. http://www.snl.no/.nbl_biografi/H%C3%A5kon_Magnusson_Toresfostre/utdypning Håkon Magnusson Toresfostre (Norsk biografisk leksikon)
  2. http://www.snl.no/Bjarmeland Bjarmeland (Store norske leksikon)
  3. http://lind.no/nor/index.asp?vis=s_b_magnus_berrfott Magnus Berrføtts saga (Snorre Sturluson: Heimskringla)