Skírnir - 01.04.2005, Page 141

SKÍRNIR
SINN EIGINN SMIÐUR
139
Vandvik, Eirik. 1946-48. „Magnus Erlingssons kroningseid." Historisk tidsskrift
34, 625-37.
Vandvik, Eirik. 1954-56. „Konstantins dáp og Magnus Erlingssons kroning." Hi-
storisk tidsskrift 37, 121—42.
Summary
King Sverrir of Norway is an unusual historical figure. Coming from the Faroe Is-
lands to claim kingship in Norway, he proved extremely successful. From the out-
set he had to fashion himself as a king, initially through his prophetic dreams and
visions, then through his claims to the throne, and finally through his influence on
his biography which ended up as the Saga of King Sverrir. In this article, a closer
look is taken at the nature of Sverrir’s arguments for his right to rule, as presented
both by the saga and by the king’s speeches recorded there. These may be divided
into four types of arguments; all of these are emphasized in the saga, which can
hence be read as a multi-Iayered narrative, each level having its own particular log-
ic. Sverrir’s formal and political claims rest on the assumption that he is the son of
King Sigurðr; the saga is careful to emphasize his relationship with his official fam-
ily, although an ironical stance towards this particular claim may also be detected.
If the saga is read as a fairy tale, King Sverrir has a different kind of claim to the
throne, as a fairy tale protagonist who has had to struggle for his throne and who
receives it in the end since that is how fairy tale logic works. The hardships of King
Sverrir also form the basis for his moral right. The saga demonstrates how he has
earned his throne through talent and hard work and is revealed as fitter for the job
than his opponents. And last but not least, King Sverrir has a divine claim to the
throne, as both his dreams and his success reveal him to be directly chosen by God.