Hákonar saga

work by Sturla Thórdarson

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June 29, 2026

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Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar is a historical work by the Icelandic chronicler Sturla Þórðarson, written after the death of King Haakon IV of Norway in 1263. This saga is a type of kings' saga, a genre of medieval Icelandic literature that focuses on the lives and reigns of rulers.12

King Haakon IV (1204–1263) was a significant monarch who consolidated royal power in Norway, fostered the arts, and expanded Norwegian sovereignty to include Greenland and Iceland. His reign is considered a "golden age" in Norwegian history. Sturla Þórðarson's saga details Haakon's life, including his consolidation of power, his conflict with Earl Skuli Baardsson, his coronation, and his diplomatic and commercial treaties with other nations. The saga also covers Haakon's efforts to protect Norwegian possessions in the Scottish Isles, which led to his final campaign and death in the Orkney Islands.1

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saga
Kings’ sagas
…Þórðarson wrote two royal biographies: Hákonar saga on King Haakon Haakonsson (c. 1204–63) and Magnús saga on his son and successor, Magnus VI Law-Mender (Lagabǫter; reigned 1263–80); of the latter only fragments survive. In writing these sagas, Sturla used written documents as source material and, like Abbot Karl before him,…
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…Þórðarson wrote two royal biographies: Hákonar saga on King Haakon Haakonsson (c. 1204–63) and Magnús saga on his son and successor, Magnus VI Law-Mender (Lagabǫter; reigned 1263–80); of the latter only fragments survive. In writing these sagas, Sturla used written documents as source material and, like Abbot Karl before him,…
Read More