Rögnvald Kali Kolsson
Rögnvald Kali Kolsson, also known as Saint Ronald of Orkney, was a Norwegian earl of Orkney who lived from approximately 1100 to 1158. He is remembered as a Christian saint and for initiating the construction of St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. Two of the Orkney Islands, North Ronaldsay and South Ronaldsay, are named in his honor.
- Century
- 12th century
- Country Or Region
- Norway
Key Facts
- ›Rögnvald Kali Kolsson was the Norwegian earl of Orkney from 1129 until his death in 1158.
- ›He was the nephew of Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney, and claimed the earldom through his mother, Gunnhildr.
- ›In 1137, Rögnvald began the construction of St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney.
- ›He undertook a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1151, a journey detailed in the Orkneyinga saga.
- ›Rögnvald was killed in August 1158 by Thorbjorn Klerk, a former friend and counselor.
- ›He was canonized in 1192 by Pope Celestine III, though some doubts exist regarding the validity of his sainthood.
Saint Ronald of Orkney, Rǫgnvaldr / Rögnvaldr, Ragnvald Kale Kolsson
About Rögnvald Kali Kolsson
Rögnvald Kali Kolsson (c. 1100 – 1158), also known as Saint Ronald of Orkney, was a Norwegian earl of Orkney who later came to be regarded as a Christian saint. His life and deeds are primarily documented in the Orkneyinga saga.
Life and Historical Context
Rögnvald's parents were lendmann Kolr Kalisson and Gunnhildr Erlendsdottir, the sister of Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney. Through his mother, Rögnvald had a claim to the Orkney earldom. While his birthplace is debated, with possibilities including Jæren, Norway, or Fjære, a part of Grimstad, his family owned farms in Agder, where he may have spent his childhood.
In 1129, King Sigurd I of Norway appointed him Earl of Orkney and Shetland. He was given the name Rögnvald in honor of Earl Rögnvald Brusason, whom his mother considered the most capable of all Orkney earls. Although he was meant to hold half of Orkney, his second cousin Paul Haakonsson had made himself sole ruler and refused to cede any territory. Rögnvald remained in Norway, serving as a prominent figure under King Harald Gille, and was hailed as jarl in 1136.
Major Contributions
A significant act of Rögnvald was initiating the building of St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, Orkney, in 1137. He also served as a guardian to Harald Maddadsson, the nephew of Paul Haakonsson, and in 1138, Rögnvald appointed Harald as Earl alongside himself. Through Harald's inheritance of Caithness, Scotland, Rögnvald gained influence over this region.
In 1151, Earl Rögnvald embarked on a notable pilgrimage to the Holy Land, an undertaking that occupies five chapters of the Orkneyinga saga. The saga emphasizes the journey itself, filled with accounts of fighting and feasting, rather than the specifics of their time in the Holy Land. This expedition was motivated by a desire for prestige, as suggested by a distant relative, Eindridi Ungi.
Death and Veneration
While Rögnvald was abroad, political changes occurred in Caithness. King David I of Scotland granted half of Caithness to Erlend Haraldsson, a cousin of Harald Maddadsson. Earl Harald subsequently displaced Erlend, who was killed in 1156. In August 1158, Rögnvald and his company were attacked and killed by Thorbjorn Klerk, a former friend and counselor of Harald, who had been outlawed by Rögnvald for a murder in Kirkwall. Rögnvald's body was taken to Kirkwall and buried in St Magnus Cathedral. Alleged miracles were reported at his grave and on the stone where he died. Rögnvald was canonized in 1192 by Pope Celestine III, though some historical doubts persist regarding the confirmation of his sainthood.
Legacy
Two of the Orkney Islands, North Ronaldsay and South Ronaldsay, are named after Rögnvald Kali Kolsson. His pilgrimage and the construction of St Magnus Cathedral remain significant aspects of his historical and devotional legacy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rögnvald Kali Kolsson?
Rögnvald Kali Kolsson was a Norwegian earl of Orkney, active in the 12th century. He is also known as Saint Ronald of Orkney and is recognized as a Christian saint.
What is Rögnvald Kali Kolsson most remembered for?
He is primarily remembered for his time as Earl of Orkney, for initiating the construction of St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, and for his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He is also venerated as a saint.
When did Rögnvald Kali Kolsson live and die?
Rögnvald Kali Kolsson was born around 1100 and died in 1158. His life and activities place him firmly in the 12th century.
What is the significance of the Orkney Islands named after him?
Two of the Orkney Islands, North Ronaldsay and South Ronaldsay, are named after Rögnvald Kali Kolsson, indicating a lasting connection and recognition of his presence and importance in the region.
How did Rögnvald Kali Kolsson become a saint?
Rögnvald Kali Kolsson was canonized in 1192 by Pope Celestine III. Alleged miracles at his grave and the stone where he died contributed to his veneration as a saint.
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