Within the thirteenth-century Icelandic manuscript Morkinskinna, the story of Halldor Snorrason II unfolds against a backdrop of shifting loyalties, cultural expectations, and national identity. This narrative, part of the þættir or short tales, centres on Halldor Snorrason, a naval leader and friend to King Harald of Norway. Though Halldor hailed from one of Iceland’s influential dynasties, he was the son of Snorri the Godi and ancestor to the famed historian Snorri Sturluson, in Norway he was regarded as a man of humble status.
From the Varangian Guard to royal rivalries
Halldor’s connection to King Harald began long before the latter’s reign. Both men served in the Varangian Guard of Byzantium, and their bond was formed in foreign lands before returning to Scandinavia. When Harald took the Norwegian throne, Halldor followed him into royal service. Yet this partnership was far from straightforward.
At the start of the tale, Halldor wishes to return home to Iceland but lacks the means. To assist, Harald provides him with a ship. When Halldor cannot find a crew for his journey, Harald fabricates a story of impending war with King Sweyn II of Denmark, allowing Halldor to assemble a crew under this pretence. After sailing to Iceland, Halldor returns to Norway a year later, setting the stage for a series of public humiliations and disputes.
Insults, silver payments and the value of status
The relationship sours as Harald questions Halldor’s commitment and even orchestrates games to embarrass him. During Yule, Halldor is compelled to drink as a penalty after being manipulated by bell-ringers, an affront that tests his pride. Matters escalate when Halldor accuses the king of making payments in debased silver.
Tensions reach their peak when Halldor is ordered onto the king’s ship, which ends disastrously. Considering resigning from the king’s service, Halldor is persuaded by Bard, their mutual friend, to instead request significant compensation: pure silver and his own vessel. Although these rewards exceed what would normally be granted to someone of his perceived rank, Harald reluctantly agrees.
Ownership of the ship quickly becomes contested. After regaining control, Halldor is nearly denied some of his payment, prompting a dramatic confrontation. With sword in hand, Halldor personally demands the final sum from both king and queen. The queen, exasperated by Harald’s reputation for reluctance with money, gives up her ring to settle the debt. Halldor departs for Iceland, later refusing the king’s offer to return to court, interpreting it as a thinly veiled threat rather than a true honour.
The tale reflects the complexities of Icelandic and Norwegian relations, exposing the differences in social hierarchies. Even though Halldor’s family held great influence in Iceland, in Norway he remained an outsider, labelled of lesser standing. The story also provides insight into King Harald’s character, highlighting his suspicious and inconsistent approach to money and loyalty.
Halldor’s close involvement with King Harald and the stories that arose may have laid the foundations for later sagas about the Norwegian king, passed down through generations of his family, notably influencing the writings of Snorri Sturluson.
