Bjorn
Bjorn was a Norse navigator during the 9th century and a citizen of Stavanger in Rygjafylke.
Biography[edit | edit source]
When Thorsteinn Silvertongue and his wife Gunnhilda Gunnarsdottir ventured to the market in Stavanger, Bjorn tried damaging their reputation by replacing Gunnhilda's sail with a low-quality product. He claimed she deliberately made it weak so it would tear during their next raid, intending to ensure Thorsteinn would be unwelcome in jarl Harald Fairhair's next expedition. However, Thorsteinn discovered the truth and Harald exiled Bjorn for his deceit.[1]
Seven months later, Thorsteinn's navigator Frode abandoned him and his crew to venture with jarl Guthrum instead, leaving Thorsteinn in desperate need of a new navigator. After Gunnhilda found a new crew in Eikundarsund and Thorsteinn restocked supplies in Nottfall, they sailed to Helloya, were Bjorn had lived alone since his exile. Thorsteinn convinced him to join the crew, much to Gunnhilda's dismay, as she still distrusted him.[2]
Bjorn navigated the crew to England, where he eventually met up with jarl Guthrum and Frode. When Guthrum and his army occupied Chippenham, he ordered his men to not plunder the city. Unbeknownst to him, Frode and Bjorn planned to steal the relics and food from the local church, then slip away under the cover of night with their men, abandoning Guthrum. However, the monk Ealric, who had been Guthrum's prisoner for several months, discovered their plans and told all to Guthrum, earning him Bjorn's anger.[3]
Later, Thorsteinn and Gunnhilda settled in Jorvik and opened a store there, while Bjorn had fallen deep into debt, having failed in trading with both the Picts and Anglo-Saxons, as well as others who were furious he was unable to pay back their money. Bjorn approached Thorsteinn at his stall at Coppergate Market and asked him for help with his debt. Thorsteinn agreed to help and gave him several things to sell.[4]
After Trygg and Eadith's marriage, Bjorn once again approached Thorsteinn, saying the debt collectors were still unsatisfied and sought retaliation. He asked Thorsteinn for his help, which was granted. Thorsteinn sent Gunnhilda home and followed Bjorn to an undisclosed location,[3] only for Bjorn to betray and kill Thorsteinn.[5]
Appearances[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Discovery Tour: Viking Age – Oaths & Honour
- ↑ Discovery Tour: Viking Age – Into the West
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Discovery Tour: Viking Age – A Barter for Peace
- ↑ Discovery Tour: Viking Age – New Life, New Lands
- ↑ Discovery Tour: Viking Age – Where Fates Align