King of Svalbard
Lords of the North
Lords of the North
The colorful folk belief that a person who can slay a linnorm is entitled to the position, the ancient kings of Svalbard actually selected from among the free people, often the chiefs of one of the clans, by election. The warriors would signal their assent by banging on their shields, and the loudest result indicated the winner of the election. (Parenthetically, to this day the act of banging one's shield is considered a sign of respect in Svalbard.)
Svalbardic kings surrender whatever lands they held previously to assume the role of Jarl of Kingsfell, considered the first among equals. Since the material wealth of the king was in some cases inferior to their subordinates, the kings of Svalbard pragmatically needed to forge internal alliances with other jarls or clans in order to avoid the risk of usurpation.
In more recent times, however, the Svalbardians have settled into a more hereditary system. Beginning with the kingship of Haemund I in 566 4A the crown has passed from parent to child, following the rough rules of succession.
Notable Holders
Haemund I (566-596 4A)
Siglaf Harmundsson (596-621)
Kraljar Siglafsson (621-649)
Haemund Kraljarsson (649-698)
Comments