Ragnhild Eriksdotter

Ragnhild Erikdotter ?(d. 984) She was the daughter of Eric Bloodaxe and his wife, Gunhildr. According to the Orkneyinga Saga, she was a scheming women who sought power. She married first, Arnfinn Thorfinnsson in 954. Gunhildr and her children were returning after Erik's death at Stainmore. Her mother soon left for Denmark and Ragnhild sought her own power. Her husband was supposedly murdered at Murkle in Caithness sometime around 979. Her next husband was Arnfinn's brother, Havard. Havard may have been involved in his brother's murder, but, he soon fell pray to Ragnhild's lust for power. Ragnhild convinced Einar Klining, possible nephew of Havard, to kill Havard and she would marry him and make him Earl. This Einar promptly did. Havard was killed at Stenness on Orkney, though the date is uncertain. Before he could marry her, Ragnhild had promised Einar Hard-Jaw the same thing, who may have been another nephew, if he would kill Einar Klining. This he did, but then, Ragnild took as her husband, Liot, Havard's younger brother. After Liot went on to defend Orkney and his claim the the Earldom, he died of his wounds after the Battle of Skidmoor in Caithness. No more is heard of Ragnhild.