Who was Magnus

Magnus Barelegs was born in the year 1073AD. He was the son of King Olaf the Peaceful. However, Magnus preferred the reputation of his grandfather King Harold Haerdrada, the last Norse King to challenge the throne of England in 1066.

The story of how Magnus got his nickname Barelegs is that he was greatly taken with the grab worn by the men of the Hebrides (presumably the kilt). At that time men would have worn long tunics that reached to the ankle. He attracted a lot of comment by walking around Bergen in tunics that barely reached his knees - a novel sight in late eleventh century Norway.

At the age of nineteen Magnus traveled into central Europe and started trading and mercenary activities. He gained a reputation for ruthlessness and enthusiastically became one of the bodyguards of the Byzantine Empire. A position he held for two years.

When Magnus returned to his homeland Scandinavia, it was in turmoil. Divided and leaderless, Magnus through force of arms brought all three kingdoms under one rule.

Having secured his home base Magnus traveled to Scotland and Ireland to renew his father's interests and treaties. He made and alliance with King Murtagh O'Brien of Munster and left to secure other treaties with the Isle of Man and Scotland.

On his return to Ireland Magnus and his small fleet of ships traveled up Strangford Lough and landed his ships near Dun da Lethglas (Downpatrick) to collect cattle and provisions promised to him by King Murtagh O'Brien for their journey home.

Returning to his ships he was mistaken as a raider and the Irish attacked. The Vikings were greatly outnumbered and after a brave and ferrous battle Magnus and most of his men were killed.

One of Magnus' men who survived the attack took Magnus' famous sword Legbiter back to Norway. And so ended the life of the last Viking king to rule the Irish Sea.

Magnus Barelegs was killed on St Bartholomew's day 24th Aug 1103, ages 30 years,