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Magnus IV (Magnus the Blind)

Type Figure Region Norway Time c. 1115–1139 Also known as Magnus IV of Norway、Magnus the Blind、Magnus Sigurdsson、马格努斯·西格尔兹松

Magnus IV (c. 1115–1139), King of Norway (1130–1135), nicknamed "Magnus the Blind".…

Timeline

  1. c. 1115–1130Norway · NorwayMagnus was born into the Norwegian royal family, son of the famous crusader king Sigurd I. He grew up in the Norwegian royal palace from childhood, receiving noble and military education, and was regarded as the natural heir to the throne.
  2. 1130–1135Norway · NorwayIn 1130 his father Sigurd I died and Magnus IV inherited the Norwegian throne. However Harald Gille from Ireland claimed to be an illegitimate son of Sigurd I and contested the throne with Magnus; the two for a time co-ruled and the situation was extremely tense.
  3. 1135–1139Norway · NorwayIn 1135 Harald Gille staged a coup, captured Magnus, blinded him, castrated him, and cut his knee tendons, then confined him to a monastery. After Harald Gille himself was assassinated in 1136, Magnus joined forces with Sigurd Slembe to rise in an attempt to regain the throne, leading troops against Harald's sons. On 12 November 1139 Magnus was defeated and killed at the naval Battle of Hvaler, ending his dramatic life.

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