Thorkell the Tall

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Thorkell the Tall (Old Norse Þorkell hávi) was a Jomsviking, a son of the Scanian chieftain Strutharald and the brother of Sigvald Jarl.

He took part in the battle of Hjörungavágr in 986 and in the battle of Swold in 1000. In 1009, he attacked England with a large army and received an unusually large sum as Danegeld in 1011. In 1012 he and his men entered into the service of king Ethelred the Unready, whom they supported in 1013 against king Sweyn Forkbeard.

After Sweyn's death Thorkell had to flee to Denmark, but returned with king Canute the Great in 1015 for his successful conquest of England and was proclaimed the Jarl of East Anglia in 1017 as Canute became king.

In 1021, he fell out with king Canute and had to return to Denmark. He was soon reconciled with Canute who proclaimed him Jarl again.

While Thorkell is undoubtedly a real historical figure his career, especially its early part, is confusing and shrouded in legend.

Preceded by ?

Earl of East Anglia 1017–1021

Succeeded by ?

This article contains content from the Owl Edition of Nordisk familjebok, a Swedish encyclopedia published between 1904–1926 now in Public Domain.