Sigurd Slembe is commonly believed to have…
December 1136 CE
Sigurd Slembe is commonly believed to have been born around 1100 in southern Norway and was said to have been raised by the priest Adalbrikt.
His mother was apparently Thora Saxesdatter.
Sigurd himself had been consecrated to be a deacon.
In Old Norse, his nickname slembi could be translated to mean "noisy"; Slembidjákn would mean "noisy priest".
Sigurd had appeared before King Harald Gille claiming that he is an illegitimate son of the late King Magnus III of Norway.
He had demanded his putative half-brother, whose origin is quite similar, share power with him as co-king.
Sigurd had married Audhild Torleiv, the daughter of Thorleif Maddadsson.
Sigurd, and had had himself proclaimed king in 1135, but his claim is not recognized by King Harald Gille.
Sigurd arranges for Harald Gille to be killed on December 14, 1136, in his sleep.
As soon as Harald is dead, Sigurd has the previous king, Magnus IV, his putative nephew, reinstated as co-king.
This is apparently in the hope of increased support and in order to secure his own position.
As Magnus is largely incapacitated after being imprisoned, blinded and mutilated by Harald, Sigurd claims royal power in Magnus' name.
However, Sigurd is convicted and outlawed for regicide.
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