Sigtrygg Silkbeard

Sigtrygg Silkbeard Olafsson (known also as Sihtric and "Sitric" in Irish texts) was the son of King Olaf Cuaran (also called Kvaaran) and Gormflaith. He was the leader of the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, though he himself did not take part.

In 989, he succeeded his half-brother, Glúniairn ("Iron-knee"), as King of Dublin. In 998, his cousin, King Mael Mordha of Leinster, rebelled against the High King of Ireland, Brian Ború. In 999, Sigtrygg was defeated alongside his cousin at the Battle of Glen Mama. To negotiate peace, Brian married one of his daughters to Sigtrygg and took Gormflaith as wife. However, when Brian divorced Gormflaith, she began plotting with Sigtrygg against him. Sigtrygg gained the support of Sigurd Hlodvirsson of Orkney and Brodir of the Isle of Man, and the conflict came to its climax at the Battle of Clontarf. Though the Irishmen were victorious, Brian was killed while Sigtrygg was safe behind the walls of Dublin. He died in 1036.

ee also

* Brian Boru
* Battle of Clontarf
* Irish battles

External links

* [http://www.doyle.com.au/battleclontarf.htm Events leading up to the Battle of Clontarf]
* [http://www.worldwideschool.org/library/books/lit/epics/TheStoryofBurntNjal/toc.html "Njal's Saga"]