Norwegian Nobleman and Literary Figure. He is mentioned in several medieval Scandinavian sagas and poems, and was one of the main characters in Henrik Ibsen's 1863 play "Kongs-Emnerne" which is about the dispute between Skule and King Haakon IV. He was born around 1189 into Norwegian nobility and was a half-brother to King Inge II, who had bestowed on him the title of earl in the last years of his reign. When King Inge died in 1217, Haakon Haakonsson, the illegitimate son of King Haakon III, was chosen king as Haakon IV at the age of 13, against the candidacy of Skule and several others. During the early part of Haakon IV's reign, Skule held much of the real power. However, as Haakon became older, they constantly feuded as Haakon wanted more power for himself. In an attempt to bring an end to the feuding, his oldest daughter, Margret, was married to Haakon in 1225. In spite of this marriage, he continued to oppose Haakon and in an attempt to appease him, Haakon gave him the first Norwegian title of duke. In 1239, he proclaimed himself as king in Nidaros (now Trondheim), which was the center of his power base and it resulted in open warfare. Haakon's army was finally to defeat him in May 1240. He sought refuge in the Elgeseter Priory in Nidaros but Haakon's men burned it down, captured him, and he was executed. This brought about the final end to the internal civil wars which had plagued Norway for over 100 years.
Norwegian Nobleman and Literary Figure. He is mentioned in several medieval Scandinavian sagas and poems, and was one of the main characters in Henrik Ibsen's 1863 play "Kongs-Emnerne" which is about the dispute between Skule and King Haakon IV. He was born around 1189 into Norwegian nobility and was a half-brother to King Inge II, who had bestowed on him the title of earl in the last years of his reign. When King Inge died in 1217, Haakon Haakonsson, the illegitimate son of King Haakon III, was chosen king as Haakon IV at the age of 13, against the candidacy of Skule and several others. During the early part of Haakon IV's reign, Skule held much of the real power. However, as Haakon became older, they constantly feuded as Haakon wanted more power for himself. In an attempt to bring an end to the feuding, his oldest daughter, Margret, was married to Haakon in 1225. In spite of this marriage, he continued to oppose Haakon and in an attempt to appease him, Haakon gave him the first Norwegian title of duke. In 1239, he proclaimed himself as king in Nidaros (now Trondheim), which was the center of his power base and it resulted in open warfare. Haakon's army was finally to defeat him in May 1240. He sought refuge in the Elgeseter Priory in Nidaros but Haakon's men burned it down, captured him, and he was executed. This brought about the final end to the internal civil wars which had plagued Norway for over 100 years.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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