Erling SKJALGSSON, JARL OF SOLE

                   In Hordaland, the descendants or Hordakare had determined to oppose King Olaf's demand that they become Christians.  However, they met with him first and agreed to accept Christianity if Erling could marry Olaf's sister, Astrid and Olaf would advance their family's fortunes. Olaf agreed to this deal.

Erling and Astrid were married in the summer of 997 and Olaf gave Erling the rule over all of the land north of the Sognefjord, and east to the Lidandisnes with the rights of an earl.  However, Erling would not accept a greater title than herse because that was what all his relations had been..

Jarl Eirik Haakonson took Erling's dominions away from him.  However, Erling took Rogaland back and continued to collect the taxes there. "Earl Eirik did not venture to fight with Erling, because he had very powerful and very many friends, and was himself rich and popular, and kept always as many retainers about him as if he held a king's court. Erling vas often out in summer on plundering expeditions, and procured for himself means of living; for he continued his usual way of high and splendid living, although now he had fewer and less convenient fiefs than in the time of his brother-in-law King Olaf Trygvason. Erling was one of the handsomest, largest, and strongest men; a better warrior than any other; and in all exercises he was like King Olaf himself.  He was, besides, a man of understanding, jealous in
everything he undertook, and a deadly man at arms."  Erling was a mild man, when he wasn't fighting.  However, "it was a common saying among the people, that Erling had been the
most valiant who ever held lands under a king in Norway."

Erling and Jarl Svein became friends after Erling's son, Aslak, married Svein's daughter, Gunhild.

Erling fought with Svein against St. Olaf, at the Battle of Nesjar Fjord.  He went home after Svein abandoned the battle.  Erling then held his territory against an attack by Olaf.  However, the following year Erling agreed to become Olaf's man in exchange for whatever territories Olaf would choose to grant him.

Olaf gave Erling a smaller territory than he had before.  However, Erling continued to rule over it in the same manner as he always had. Some of Olaf's men complained about Erling's  interference with them. Olaf called Erling to task about this.  They were reconciled. However, Erling continued to rule his territory as he pleased.

On Thursday, April 18, 1023, Erling's nephew, Asbjørn landed on Karmt Island and killed one of the king's servants who had robbed him.  He did it right in front of King Olaf Haraldson.  The king was so mad that he was going to have Asbjørn killed.  However, Skialg was present at the time and had a friend promise to see that Asbjørn was not killed before Sunday.  Skjalg then went to his father.  They gathered about 1,500 men and went to the island where Asbjørn was held and Olaf was feasting.  Erling persuaded Olaf not to kill, maim, or banish Asbjørn.

In 1027, Erling and his sons took four ships to England and entered into the service of Canute the Great.

In Fall, 1027, Erling and his sons returned to Norway.  They carried with them messengers that Canute had sent with money o bribe people into his service.  The messengers went throughout the country and bought the services of many men.


>Death note: On December 21, 1028, Olaf sailed past Erling Skjalgson's home country of Jadar and was spotted.  Erling gathered a superior force to pursue Olaf.  However, he was too eager and left his other ships behind in the race to catch Olaf.  Then they battled in Bokn Fjord.  All of Erling's men were killed.  Erling fought on after all of his men were killed.  He defended himself so manfully, that no other example is known of one man having sustained the attack of so many men so long. Eventually, Erling surrendered and Olaf struck him in the chin with the sharp point of his battle-axe to mark him as traitor.  Aslak Fitiaskalle then killed Erling before Olaf could stop him.

There was great lamentation over Erling; and it has been a common observation among people, that Erling Skjalgson was the greatest and worthiest man in Norway of those who had no high title.