Extracted from the Saga’s

By

Kaare Askildt

Civil war raged in Norway around the year 1200. War parties lead by their chieftains fought for control of their local districts and the country. The Birkebeiner’s leader, King Sverre had acquired most of the country when he died in 1202. But the Baglers who were supported by the Catholic Church, had control of the southern half of the country.

Haakon Haakonson was born out of wedlock in Østfold in the spring of 1204 to Inga of Varteig, who worked as a chambermaid and cook for one of his father’s chieftains. His father Haakon Sverreson died New Years Day in 1204 in battle in Scotland and was buried on the Isle of Skye, and his illegitimate son and heir to the throne was being hunted by the Baglers who wanted the Prince out of the way. Haakon had to be protected and a party of Birkebeiner warriors fled with the toddler to bring him to their friend King Inge in Nidaros (Trondheim). King Inge ruled Norway in the absence of Haakon Sverreson, and until a new king was found and crowned.

They arrived in Hamar Christmas Eve in 1205 and continued on to a little farm by Lillehammer, where they were hiding over Christmas. They did not dare take the normal route up through Gudbrandsdalen, but skied over two mountain ranges to Rena in Østerdalen. They suffered through snow storms and bitterly cold weather.

Two of their best skiers Torstein Skjevla and Skjervald Skrukka skied ahead with the little child, and arrived safely in Rena. The local farmers greeted them with food and lodging. The rest of the Birkebeiners caught up with them in Rena. The loyal farmers provided them with horses and a sleigh, and sent them on their way north to Nidaros (Trondheim).

We can envision the two Birkebeiners urging their way forward across the mountains through snowstorms and bitterly cold weather, without any thought of turning back or giving up. They gave all they had of courage, strength and raw will to bring the little Prince to safety.

Haakon Haakonson was crowned as King of Norway and ended the civil war. Norway prospered and grew under his reign. He was King of Norway from 1217 to his death in 1263.

The Birkebeiners (Birchbarkleggers) got their name from wrapping and tying birch bark around their legs from the knees down, similar to gaiters. This kept the snow out, and protected their legs in battle.

They used one long and one short ski and only one pole. The long ski for gliding and the short ski for pushing. They would alternate the skis from one leg to the other. The pole would also serve as a weapon. It had a pointed end and a flared end. They pushed the flared end into the snow to propel themselves forward. The flared end was also detachable and served as a drinking vessel.