norway
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St Bridgid of Sweden
On 7 October 1391, Birgitta Birgersdotter was canonised by Pope Boniface IX in Rome. She had been dead for 13 years at that time. Internationally, she’s mostly known as St Bridgid of Sweden, as in the headline, but will throughout… Continue reading
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From English Princess to Nordic Queen
She is probably the most powerful queen in Swedish history, apart from Kristina, who actually ruled in her own name. But Filippa of England is also probably the most forgotten, even though she became queen not only of Sweden, but… Continue reading
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From princess to ortodox saint – Ingegerd Olofsdotter
She is believed to have been born around the beginning of the 11th century, Ingegerd Olofsdotter. Her father, Olof Skötkonung (Scotking), had been king for around five years after his father, Erik Segersäll (the Victorious), died in 995.While Erik was… Continue reading
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Magnus Eriksson, the forgotten king
On December 1, 1374, a ship sank in the Bömmelfjord outside Bergen. One of those who died that day was a deposed Swedish king, stripped of his throne and more or less exiled to Norway, where his son ruled. Magnus… Continue reading
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The Battle of Stamford Bridge
Today, but 958 years ago, Monday, September 25, 1066, the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada and Harold Godwinson, since about nine months ago the king of England, met each other at Stamford Bridge, in Yorkshire. It was not a peaceful meeting… Continue reading
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Runestones of Scandinavia
Runestones rightfully fascinate many. They are a voice from a bygone era that often tells of a loss in the sense that they have mostly been raised by a parent or other relative of someone who no longer exists. There… Continue reading
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Cult of St Olav
In the churchyard of the Church of Mary (Mariakyrkan) in Sigtuna, an echo from the past can be found. It’s a reminder that Sigtuna has a very long history. This echo is by no means ethereal but the very physical… Continue reading
Scandinavian History 