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 Björnsson | |
|---|---|
| Legendary king of Sweden | |
| Predecessor | Björn Eriksson |
| Successor | Eric the Victorious |
| Consort | Ingeborg Thrandsdotter |
| House | House of Munsö |
| Father | Björn Eriksson |
| Religion | Norse Paganism |
| Occupation | Viking |
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
editReferences
edit- ^ "Styrbjörn Starke". Nordisk familjebok. 1918. Retrieved May 25, 2016.
- ^ Verner von Heidenstam. "Hjälmdis Rider Till Erik Segersäll". Project Runeberg. Retrieved May 25, 2016.