BattlefieldsBattle of Egilsay
Early Medieval

Battle of Egilsay

1117
Orkney, Scotland
Also known as: Martyrdom of Magnus at Egilsay
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Orkney, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Magnus Erlendsson
Forces
Magnus: c. 2 ships (c. 100–150 men).
VS
Victor
Haakon Paulsson
Forces
Haakon: c. 2–3 ships (c. 100–150 men)
Outcome
Magnus Erlendsson murdered; later canonised as St Magnus
The Battle

History & Significance

Two rival earls of Orkney agreed to meet on Egilsay to resolve their dispute. Magnus came with two ships; Haakon brought eight. Magnus refused to fight — he was captured and executed (his cook struck off his head with an axe after soldiers refused the order). His burial place at Birsay became a place of miracles. St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall was built in his honour. He is the patron saint of Orkney.

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