Sverre of Norway, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death
TweetSverre of Norway
King of Norway
Date of Birth: 
Place of Birth: Etne, Hordaland, Norway
About Sverre of Norway
- Sverre Sigurdsson (Old Norse: Sverrir SigurĂ°arson) (c.
- 1145/1151 – 9 March 1202) was the King of Norway from 1184 to 1202. Many consider him one of the most important rulers in Norwegian history.
- He assumed power as the leader of the rebel party known as the Birkebeiner in 1177, during their struggle against King Magnus Erlingsson.
- After Magnus fell at the Battle of Fimreite in 1184, Sverre ruled as sole king of Norway.
- Differences with the Church, however, led to his excommunication in 1194.
- Another civil war began against the church-supported Baglers, which lasted beyond Sverre's death in 1202. The most important historical source on Sverre's life is his biography, Sverris saga, in part written while Sverre was alive.
- This saga is likely biased, since the foreword states that part was written under Sverre's direct sponsorship.
- Correspondence between the Pope and the Norwegian bishops can be used as an alternate source when it comes to church affairs.
- The saga and the letters mostly agree about the hard facts. Supposedly, King Sverre was short, so he usually directed his troops from horseback during battles.
- The contrast is great to the traditional Norse warrior ideals where the king was expected to lead his men from the front of the battle line.
- Sverre was a talented improviser, both in political and military life.
- His innovative tactics often helped the Birkebeiners against more tradition-bound opponents.
- During battle he had his men operate in smaller groups, while previously tactics similar to the shield wall had been preferred.
- This made the Birkebeiners more mobile and adaptable.
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