Sverre of Norway

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (June 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Sverre Sigurdsson
Contemporary bust of Sverre from the Nidaros Cathedral, dated c. 1200.[1]
King of Norway
Reign	1177 (claimed) /1184 (undisputed) – 9 March 1202
Coronation	29 June 1194, Bergen
Predecessor	Magnus V
Successor	Haakon III
Born	c. 1145/1151
Died	(1202-03-09)9 March 1202 (aged 50–51 or 56–57) Bergen, Kingdom of Norway
Burial	Old Cathedral, Bergen (destroyed in 1531)
Spouse	Margaret of Sweden
Issue	Christina of Norway Illegitimate: Sigurd Lavard Haakon III of Norway
House	Sverre
Father	Unås Sigurd II of Norway (claimed; dubious)
Mother	Gunnhild
Religion	Roman Catholicism, excommunicated from AD1194, the King's dominions and Kingdom under Interdictum since AD1198, until his death, yet maintaining communion with the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (cf. Communion of the cults of Saint Olav and Saint Valdemar).

Sverre Sigurdsson (Old Norse: Sverrir Sigurðarson) (c. 1145/1151 – 9 March 1202) was the king of Norway from 1184 to 1202.

Many consider him one of the most important rulers in Norwegian history. He assumed power as the leader of the rebel party known as the Birkebeiner in 1177, during their struggle against King Magnus Erlingsson. After Magnus fell at the Battle of Fimreite in 1184, Sverre ruled as sole king of Norway. Differences with the Church, however, led to his excommunication in 1194. Another civil war began against the church-supported Baglers, which lasted beyond Sverre's death in 1202.

The most important historical source on Sverre's life is his biography, the Sverris saga, in part written while Sverre was alive. This saga is likely biased, since the foreword states that part was written under Sverre's direct sponsorship. Correspondence between the pope and the Norwegian bishops can be used as an alternate source when it comes to church affairs. The saga and the letters mostly agree about the hard facts.

Supposedly, King Sverre was short, so he usually directed his troops from horseback during battles. The contrast is great to the traditional Norse warrior ideals where the king was expected to lead his men from the front of the battle line. Sverre was a talented improviser, both in political and military life. His innovative tactics often helped the Birkebeiners against more tradition-bound opponents. During battle he had his men operate in smaller groups, while previously tactics similar to the shield wall had been preferred. This made the Birkebeiners more mobile and adaptable.