Battle of Örlygsstaðir

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Battle of Örlygsstaðir
Part of Age of Sturlungs
Date August 21, 1238 (trad.)
Location Örlygsstaðir, Iceland
Result
Belligerents
Sturlungar Ásbirningar
Commanders
Sighvatur Sturluson
Sturla Sighvatsson
Kolbeinn Arnórsson
Gissur Þorvaldsson
Strength
~1000 ~1200
Casualties and losses
Unknown Unknown

The Battle of Örlygsstaðir was fought on August 21, 1238 between Sighvatur Sturluson (brother of Snorri Sturluson), his son Sturla Sighvatsson on the one hand and Kolbeinn ungi, Gissur Þorvaldsson (later Earl Gissur) on the other. The latter were the victors. Over 50 men were killed on that day and five others, including Þórir jökull Steinfinnsson were executed by beheading following the battle. The names of those who perished on that day are recorded in the Íslendinga saga which is included as a part of the Sturlunga saga.

The battle was part of the civil war that was taking place in Iceland at the time between various powerful clans (Sturlungaöld - The Age of the Sturlungs), and is the largest battle in the history of Iceland.

[edit] References

  • Jón Jóhannesson, Magnús Finnbogason and Kristján Eldjárn (eds.) Sturlunga Saga, Vol 1 & 2, Sturlunguútgáfan, Reykjavík - 1946