Rognvald Eysteinsson, also known as Rognvald “the Møre-Earl”, was a Viking chieftain and nobleman of the late 9th century. He is traditionally credited as the first Jarl (Earl) of Møre in Norway and is considered an ancestor of the Earls of Orkney and Shetland.
Background and Lineage
Rognvald was the son of Eystein Glumra, a powerful Norse nobleman, and was part of a lineage that played a key role in the early unification of Norway under King Harald Fairhair. His family had strong ties to the Norwegian petty kingdoms and Scandinavian nobility.
Allegiance to Harald Fairhair
Rognvald was a close supporter of Harald Fairhair, the first King of Norway, and is said to have helped him consolidate his rule by leading military campaigns along the Norwegian coast. As a reward for his loyalty, Harald granted him the title of Jarl of Møre, a strategically important region in western Norway.
Connection to Orkney and Shetland
According to the Orkneyinga Saga, Rognvald’s role in the Norse expansion into the North Atlantic was significant. The saga states that Rognvald’s brother, Sigurd Eysteinsson, was granted control over Orkney and Shetland, which later became a Norse earldom. Some accounts also suggest that Rognvald’s son, Torf-Einarr, took over these territories after Sigurd’s death.
Family & Background
Rognvald Eysteinsson, known as Rognvald “the Møre-Earl”, was a 9th-century Norse chieftain and nobleman. He was the son of Eystein Glumra and belonged to a powerful lineage of Viking leaders. His family played a crucial role in the early unification of Norway under King Harald Fairhair.
Wife & Children
Rognvald is said to have been married to Hildr Hrólfsdóttir, a noblewoman of high standing. Together, they had several children who would go on to play significant roles in Viking history. Among his most notable sons were:
- Hrolf Ragnvaldsson (Rollo) – A legendary Norse leader who became the first ruler of Normandy in what is now France. He is regarded as an ancestor of the Norman dynasty, which later included William the Conqueror.
- Torf-Einarr (Einar Rognvaldsson) – A fierce Norse warlord who became the Earl of Orkney, known for his harsh rule and expansion of Norse control over the Scottish Isles.
- Ivar Rognvaldsson – Little is known about him, but he is mentioned in some sagas as another of Rognvald’s sons.
- Hrollaug Rognvaldsson – Allegedly settled in Iceland and became a respected figure among the early Norse settlers there.
Death and Legacy
Rognvald’s death is somewhat unclear, but it is believed that he was assassinated by Halfdan Long-Leg, the son of Harald Fairhair, who sought to claim his lands. His legacy endured through his descendants, particularly the Norman and Norse rulers who traced their lineage back to him.
Rognvald Eysteinsson is a key figure in Viking history, bridging the early unification of Norway, the Norse settlement of the British Isles, and the foundation of Normandy.
