Magnus

Magnus c.1075–1116, earl of Orkney, martyr. The son of Erling, one of two Vikings who ruled the Orkneys, Magnus became a pirate in early life but was converted to Christianity. He was captured by Magnus Barefoot, king of Norway, and compelled to take part in raids along the west coast of Britain. At Anglesey he refused to fight and stayed in his ship reading the psalter. He soon escaped to the court of Malcolm III, king of Scotland, and lived as a penitent in a bishop's house. When Magnus Barefoot died, he returned to the Orkneys to share the government with his cousin Haakon. This arrangement proved impractical: Haakon and his followers killed Magnus at Egilsay. Magnus, according to the Saga, accepted violent death as a sacrifice, praying for his murderers.

Like some other princes who met a violent death for political more than religious reasons, he was venerated as a martyr. His miracles resulted in his becoming the principal saint of Orkney, Shetland, and North Scotland. Kirkwall cathedral, where he was buried and where his relics were discovered in 1919, and several other churches, including some in the City of London, rebuilt by Wren, were dedicated to him. He is said to have appeared to Robert Bruce on the eve of the battle of Bannockburn (1314) and promised him victory. Feast: 16 April.

Bibliography
Click here for a list of abbreviations used in this bibliography.

• AA.SS. Apr. II (1675), 438–41
• J. Mooney, St. Magnus, Earl of Orkney (1935)
• S. Cruden, ‘The cathedral and relics of St. Magnus, Kirkwall’ in M. R. Apled (ed.). Ancient Monuments and their Interpretation (1977)
• H. Pálsson and P. Edwards, Orkneyinga Saga. The History of the Earls of Orkney (1978)

Magnus, St (c. 1075-c. 1117). Magnus was the victim of his ambitious cousin Haakon, who intrigued with the Norwegian king Magnus Barefoot to bring about the downfall of their fathers, ruling earls of the Orkney Islands. When the Norwegian king died, Haakon returned to rule the Orkneys. Magnus claimed his share of the earldom, but within a few years Haakon determined to dispose of his rival. Magnus, with a few retainers, was invited to meet and confirm a covenant of peace, but was confronted by Haakon and a large armed retinue. Offering no resistance, he accepted his death. Kirkwall cathedral is dedicated to him.