Conquering Minds: Konungs skuggsiá and the Annexation of Iceland in the Thirteenth Century
David Brégaint
EN PEIR HAKON KONUNGUR og Skuli jarl gerdu Snorra lendan mann sin. Var pad mest rad peirra jrals Snorra. En Snorri skyldi leita vid Islendinga ad peir snerust til hlydni Noregshbdbingja (Sturl. 263) (1) [But King Hakon and Jarl then made their landed-man, the were chiefly responsible for this. But was to try persuade Icelanders give themselves into protection of Norwegian rulers (Sturlunga saga, McGrew 172)]. Thus reads Sturlunga saga on reason Snorri's return Iceland in 1220. Partly because strong opposition faced his lack enthusiasm proselytizing, this attempt render loyal crown proved unsuccessful (HsH 59). (2) Nonetheless it repeated throughout following decades. Like new Theobrands, (3) Icelandic chieftains king regularly sent back entrusted with task persuading pay taxes swear allegiance Norway: Sturla Sigh-vatsson 1235; Tord Sighvatsson 1247; Porgils Skaroi Bodvarsson, Finnbjorn Helgason, Gissur Torvaldsson mid-1250s; Hravn Oddson 1260s. Finally, 1262-64, submitted 2: 319). The aim strategy pursued by mid-thirteenth century annexation through persuasion. While embassy officials represented one block king's strategy, relied equally weapon political propaganda influence population accept royal authority. This study aims explore role literature enterprise. In particular I will examine a work written between 1240 1260 at court Hakonsson: Konungs skuggsia [The King's Mirror]. argue article that text used as policy expansion Iceland. contend addressed situation before its annexation. At time, torn apart internal feuds rivalry. instability greatly profitable monarchy, which endeavored increase authority island or indeed simply annex it. following, an allegory present known sun winds order show promote ideology peace favorable monarchy also explores circumstances under developed. It concerns means communication. chain involved different agents who intervened emission, transmission, reception ideas promoted monarchy. Who they? For be effective, must built foundation already society population: quote Jacques Ellul, all respond (Ellul 36-7). themes developed echoed important topics society. conditions develop need responded. THE NORWEGIAN POLICY OF EXPANSION IN NORTH ATLANTIC High Middle Ages, kingship engaged process state formation (Bagge, From Viking). On mainland, found expression strengthening control over binding lay aristocracy service building up both local centralized administrative apparatus. However, consolidation power concerned overseas territories (Imsen, Grenseland 142-62). early thirteenth century, kings strove strengthen Norse settlements North Atlantic region. 1260s, ruled largest thalassocracy kingdom Europe geographical terms. …
Scandinavian Studies