Finn Arnesson (died c. 1065) was a Norwegian nobleman and advisor to both King Olaf II of Norway and King Harald III of Norway and later served King Sweyn II of Denmark. Finn Arnesson was the feudal lord (lendmann) of Austrått.[1]
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Finn was one of the eight children, seven brothers and a sister, of Arne Arnmodsson, a Lendmann, and his wife Tora Torsteinsdatter (daughter of Thorstein Gallows). Finn was married to King Harald's niece Bergljot Halvdansdottir, the daughter of Halvdan Sigurdsson (Halfdan Hadafylke) and sister of Sigurd Syr.
The main source for Finn's life is Snorri Sturluson's Heimskringla. Finn and his brothers Kalv Arnesson, Arni Arnesson and Torberg Arnesson all appear in the Sagas. Snorre rendered an episode where Finn acting energetically on the King Olaf's behalf to Thorir Hund, with the requirement that Tore provide remedy for the murder of Karle, one of the king's courtiers. Kalv governed Trøndelag under Olaf Haraldsson.[2]
In 1028, Finn and his brother Arni and Torberg together with Rognvald Brusason went with Olaf Haraldsson into exile in Kievan Rus.[3] They returned with him, fighting at the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, where Olaf was killed. Kalv Arnesson was one of the leaders of the opposing army.[4][5]
Under King Harald, Finn held the manor and lands of Austrått near Ørland in Trøndelag.[6] In 1051, his brother, Kalv, was killed in battle serving King Harald on the island of Funen. Finn believed King Harald had sent Kalv to his death on purpose and turned against the king. He left for Denmark to serve King Sweyn, who made him a jarl and appointed him to rule Halland.[7]
In 1062, Finn fought in the Battle of Niså (Slaget ved Niså) off the coast of Halland between King Sweyn and King Harald. King Harald was victorious and King Sweyn escaped. However Finn, who refused to flee, was captured. King Harald spared his life and set him free in Halland.[8]
Finn's daughter Ingibiorg Finnsdottir married Thorfinn Sigurdsson, Earl of Orkney and Máel Coluim mac Donnchada, King of Scots.[9] Another daughter, Sigrid Finnsdatter, married the earl Orm Eilivsson, daughter-son of Haakon Sigurdsson.[10]