King Guðröðr

~1000CE ᛣ

King Guðröðr was one of five kings who ruled in the Upplands of Norway during the reign of King Olaf Tryggvason, who was going through Norway converting people with cruel threats and the force to back them up.

Olaf sent word to the five kings that he wanted to travel through their regions. So the kings came together to discuss this visit and what it meant. They quickly came to the conclusion that a visit from Olaf couldn't possibly be good. And yet four of the five grew fearful and wanted to just go along with Olaf and whatever he had planned. But one—one bold man—stood and gave a stirring speech that rallied the other four... that one noble king was none other than Guðröðr.

With the kings finally united, word went out across the land to rally the landowners to stand against Olaf. Yet, just as the menfolk were gathering for war one treacherous "man" went to Olaf and told him of the five kings' plan. Olaf, with his retinue, quickly marched on the Upplands and by the light of Mani, rowed boats across a lake right to the village where the kings were staying and surrounded their hall. As Sunna rose, the kings awoke and realized the dire situation they were in.

Rather than fight a futile battle that would have seen their families harmed, the kings surrendered. Olaf, being the forgiving Christian that he was, quickly had one king’s eyes plucked out, banished three of the others, and took all their lands and property for himself. As for King Guðröðr, Olaf saved a special punishment for the eloquent speech that rallied the Upplands against him… Guðröðr had his tongue cut out. Never to speak another word again.

Guðröðr knew the risk, yet he stood when others only wanted to sit. He rallied the fearful and inspired them to stand firm against the tyranny of Olaf and his one-god faith. For his courage and willingness to sacrifice everything for his folk we honor King Guðröðr. For his willingness to stand when others sat we raise a horn up to Guðröðr's memory!

King Guðröðr’s Day of Remembrance is May 9th.

By Goði Blain Qualls