Olof Björnsson Explained

Olof Björnsson
Succession:Legendary king of Sweden
Predecessor:Björn Eriksson
Successor:Eric the Victorious
Spouse:Ingeborg Thrandsdotter
Spouse-Type:Consort
House:House of Munsö
Father:Björn Eriksson
Occupation:Viking
Religion:Norse Paganism

Olof Björnsson, in legend, was a Swedish king who was referenced in several Old Norse Sagas including Hervarar saga, Saga of Harald Fairhair and the Styrbjarnar þáttr Svíakappa. Reconstructions that place him as a historical king date his reign to c. 970 – c. 975.

Olof was the son of Björn Eriksson who ruled as king of Sweden. After the death of their father, Olof ruled jointly with his brother Eric the Victorious (Swedish: Erik Segersäll). By his queen Ingeborg Thrandsdotter, he was the father of Styrbjörn Starke and Gyrid, queen consort of King Harald Bluetooth. He died of poison during a meal. Eric, instead of proclaiming his nephew Styrbjörn co-ruler, proclaimed his own unborn son to be co-ruler. This son ruled as the historical king Olof Skötkonung.[1] [2]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Styrbjörn Starke. Nordisk familjebok. 1918. May 25, 2016.
  2. Web site: Hjälmdis Rider Till Erik Segersäll. Project Runeberg. Verner von Heidenstam. May 25, 2016.