Torf-Einarr
Sign in to saveEinarr Rognvaldarson ( early 890s–c. 910), often referred to by his byname Torf-Einarr (sometimes anglicised as Turf-Einar), was one of the Norse earls of Orkney. The son of the Norse jarl Rognvald Eysteinsson and a concubine, his rise to power is related in sagas which apparently draw on verses of Einarr's own composition for inspiration. After battling for control of the Northern Isles of Scotland and a struggle with Norwegian royalty, Einarr founded a dynasty which retained control of the islands for centuries after his death.
Person
- Born
- 0858-00-00
- Died
- 0900-00-00
via Open Library + Wikidata
Key facts
- Noble.name
- Einarr Rognvaldarson
- Noble.title
- Earl of Orkney
- Noble.reign
- c. 895 to 910 or later
- Noble.reign type
- Title held
- Noble.predecessor
- Hallad Rognvaldarson
- Noble.successor
- Arnkel, Erlend and Thorfinn Torf-Einarsson
- Noble.suc type
- Successor
- Noble.issue
- Thordis, Arnkel, Erlend and Thorfinn
- Noble.noble family
- Norse Earls of Orkney
- Noble.father
- Rognvald Eysteinsson
- Noble.mother
- Unknown slave
- Noble.death_date
- c. 910 or 930s
- Noble.native_name
Key dates
- Born
- 858
- Died
- 900
via Wikidata · CC0
Article
11 sectionsContents
- Sources
- Family background
- Rise to power
- Relations with Norway
- Legacy
- Interpretations
- References
- Notes
- Footnotes
- General references
- External links
Einarr Rognvaldarson ( early 890s–c. 910), often referred to by his byname Torf-Einarr (sometimes anglicised as Turf-Einar), was one of the Norse earls of Orkney. The son of the Norse jarl Rognvald Eysteinsson and a concubine, his rise to power is related in sagas which apparently draw on verses of Einarr's own composition for inspiration. After battling for control of the Northern Isles of Scotland and a struggle with Norwegian royalty, Einarr founded a dynasty which retained control of the islands for centuries after his death.
He is portrayed as a successful warrior and has various characteristics in common with the Norse god Odin but his historicity is not in doubt. The reasons for his nickname of "Turf" are not certain.