Medieval Norwegian Kings and Their Claims to Power
Location
CSU 202
Start Date
23-4-2007 10:00 AM
End Date
23-4-2007 12:00 PM
Student's Major
World Languages and Cultures
Student's College
Arts and Humanities
Mentor's Name
Maria-Claudia Tomany
Mentor's Department
World Languages and Cultures
Mentor's College
Arts and Humanities
Description
Long before Norway achieved independence from the Swedish crown in 1905 and established a new dynasty of kings, it had a well-established monarchy that developed as far back as the ninth century. How these first kings claimed power is an interesting study in the development of medieval European states. Although the common themes of warfare and paternal descent were encountered, so were very unexpected ways of coming to the throne. In the haphazard days of the Middle Ages when life and limb were uncertain, a powerful kingship developed along the North Sea. Using Snorri Sturluson's Heimskringla as the primary focus of this project, the claims to the throne and how kings viewed themselves in the scheme of things became much clearer. The use of this document had quite an impact - the kings could be examined in what has become regarded as the source on the medieval Norwegian monarchy and they could be looked at critically, since Heimskringla added a certain political spin to the lives of these rulers. By a careful examination of all factors, a definitive answer as to how these kings claimed power has finally been achieved.
Medieval Norwegian Kings and Their Claims to Power
CSU 202
Long before Norway achieved independence from the Swedish crown in 1905 and established a new dynasty of kings, it had a well-established monarchy that developed as far back as the ninth century. How these first kings claimed power is an interesting study in the development of medieval European states. Although the common themes of warfare and paternal descent were encountered, so were very unexpected ways of coming to the throne. In the haphazard days of the Middle Ages when life and limb were uncertain, a powerful kingship developed along the North Sea. Using Snorri Sturluson's Heimskringla as the primary focus of this project, the claims to the throne and how kings viewed themselves in the scheme of things became much clearer. The use of this document had quite an impact - the kings could be examined in what has become regarded as the source on the medieval Norwegian monarchy and they could be looked at critically, since Heimskringla added a certain political spin to the lives of these rulers. By a careful examination of all factors, a definitive answer as to how these kings claimed power has finally been achieved.
Recommended Citation
Lawrence, Daryl R.. "Medieval Norwegian Kings and Their Claims to Power." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 23, 2007.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2007/oral-session-03/6
