16/04/2026
April 16th marks the martyrdom of Magnus Erlendsson, the former Viking Earl of the islands, in 1117.
Magnus reigned in Orkney alongside his cousin Hakon in the early 12th century. After a relatively peaceful period, relationships between the two men and their followers fell apart and brought both parties to the brink of battle. That was eventually averted, and both Magnus and Hakon were encouraged to meet to bring peace to Orkney.
The island of Egilsay was the chosen location for the meeting, and both Earls were instructed to bring only two ships and an agreed number of men. But Hakon arrived with eight vessels, and it was clear he had more than peace talks in mind. Magnus was eventually executed after Hakon instructed his cook to deliver a fatal axe blow to his cousin’s head.
orkney.com