Vox regis: Royal Communication in High Medieval Norway

Brégaint, David

doi:10.1163/9789004306431

Cited by 21 publications

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“…Indeed, the saga narrates several similar situations in which Sverre addressed the public, standing and waiting for the proper moment to speak, building up an atmosphere of suspense and expectations. The saga also mentions liturgical chants and a "beautiful service" from the clerics present, attesting that the burial ceremony had thus followed the regular pattern for solemn burials 17 . Thus, for the one who stood to give the eulogy was none other than Sverre, whose aims were rather political than sentimental: in paying his tribute, he hoped to elaborate upon the significance of his military victory by delivering a propaganda speech.…”

Section: Feasting On the Earl's Gravementioning

confidence: 99%

“…His personal eulogy presents him as "most eloquent in speech; his ideas were lofty, his articulation was distinct, and when he spoke, the ring of his voice was so clear that though he did not appear to speak loudly, all understood him" 19 . Although an outstanding military strategist, King Sverre also knew how to manipulate using the weapon of persuasion, which in the proto-literary context of the time made public orations the best instrument for propaganda 20 .…”

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Staging deaths: King Sverre or a usurper’s path to the throne

Brégaint

2018

medievalista

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In 1177, the defrocked priest Sverre Sigurdsson left the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic for the shores of Norway with the resolute intention of claiming the throne of Norway 1. According to the Sverris saga 2 , soon after landing in Norway, Sverre took command of a rebel faction, the Birchlegs, whom he subsequently led to numerous victories. Eventually, Sverre became the sole king and went on to "enjoy" 18 long, yet troubled years in power. His rise to royal power was troubled likewise, as the Norwegian throne was already occupied by King Magnus V Erlingsson (1161-1184), who needed to be driven out. 2 Like any usurper with royal ambitions, Sverre faced two main challenges: to gain support for his cause and, in turn, eliminate his enemies. However, Sverre suffered from several handicaps. These are summed up perfectly in the prologue of a late 14 th-century version of the Sverris saga: "But neither goods nor kin supported Sverre and no friends either, as one should know, as he came in the country young and alone and unknown to any" 3. No one in Norway was waiting for him or ready and willing to support his cause. The latter challenge proved particularly troublesome and would remain a stumbling block until his death in 1202. His claim to the throne rested upon a dubious assertion of royal descent, as he declared he was an illegitimate son of the late King Sigurd II Munn (1133-1155). His kinship with that monarch could not be legally proven, nor was there anyone in Norway ready to acknowledge it 4. Furthermore, his intention of asserting his claim by force seemed incredible, for Sverre neither commanded armies nor possessed the resources Staging deaths: King Sverre or a usurper's path to the throne

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Section: Feasting On the Earl's Gravementioning

confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

Staging deaths: King Sverre or a usurper’s path to the throne

Brégaint

2018

medievalista

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“…As the episode in this introduction demonstrates, Sverre was comfortable with creating dramatic situations that generated an atmosphere of suspense and expectation. 34 Thus, just few metres above the dead body of the earl, Sverre held a eulogy where he attacked the legal foundation of Magnus Erlingsson's rights to the throne. Sverre noted how Erling had elevated, on entirely false grounds, his own son to the rank of king and deprived other rightful claimants of their rights.…”

Section: Battle Speechesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The candidate was chosen by the assembly with clashing arms, shouts, and raising of hands. 40 The ritual of acclamation was predicated on persuasion and exposition of arguments, however.…”

Section: Kings Chiefs and þIngsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, an aristocratic demand for foreign etiquette and fashions most certainly played a decisive role in the adoption of these new ways and norms. 61 Rules of conduct were as much self-imposed as they were adopted for the sake of courtier's social distinction. In his pedagogy, the author of The King's Mirror made a point of insisting on the benefits for a courtier to act and speak honourably.…”

Section: Inter-elite Communication During the 'Age Of Greatness'mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Kings and aristocratic elites: communicating power and status in medieval Norway

Brégaint

2020

Scandinavian Journal of History

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The article investigates the decisive developments of interactions between the Norwegian crown and the aristocratic elites in twelfth and thirteenth century Norway. It reflects on how the issues of social dignity, pre-eminence and legitimacy were negotiated in a constantly changing communicative environment of the time: from direct interpersonal performance based on charisma, gestures and speeches executed in public rituals, to indirect communication using the written word in the context of the royal court. The study highlights how the tenets of power distinction and corporate identity within the Norwegian aristocratic elite reproduced and adapted to new communication vectors.

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Paths to Kingship in Medieval Latin Europe, c. 950–1200

Weiler

2021

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Medieval Europe was a world of kings, but what did this mean to those who did not themselves wear a crown? How could they prevent corrupt and evil men from seizing the throne? How could they ensure that rulers would not turn into tyrants? Drawing on a rich array of remarkable sources, this engaging study explores how the fears and hopes of a ruler's subjects shaped both the idea and the practice of power. It traces the inherent uncertainty of royal rule from the creation of kingship and the recurring crises of royal successions, through the education of heirs and the intrigue of medieval elections, to the splendour of a king's coronation, and the pivotal early years of his reign. Monks, crusaders, knights, kings (and those who wanted to be kings) are among a rich cast of characters who sought to make sense of and benefit from an institution that was an object of both desire and fear.

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Vox regis: Royal Communication in High Medieval Norway

Cited by 21 publications

References 0 publications

Staging deaths: King Sverre or a usurper’s path to the throne

Staging deaths: King Sverre or a usurper’s path to the throne

Kings and aristocratic elites: communicating power and status in medieval Norway

Paths to Kingship in Medieval Latin Europe, c. 950–1200

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