Rognvald Eysteinsson, also known as Rognvald the Møre-Earl, was a prominent Viking nobleman of the 9th century, remembered for his role in the Norse expansion across the North Atlantic and for his founding influence on the Earldom of Orkney. A trusted ally and kinsman of King Harald Fairhair of Norway, Rognvald played a key part in Harald’s efforts to unite the Norwegian kingdoms under a single rule.
Rognvald was granted the title of Earl of Møre, a coastal region in western Norway, as a reward for his loyalty and service. His position gave him significant control over sea routes that connected Norway to the northern isles and the British Isles, making him a powerful maritime leader during the early Viking Age. Historical sources, including the Orkneyinga Saga, describe him as wise, generous, and of noble character—a man whose influence extended beyond warfare to governance and diplomacy.
According to the sagas, it was Rognvald who was granted the Orkney and Shetland Islands by King Harald as compensation after the loss of his son Ivar during Harald’s campaigns in Scotland. Rather than ruling them directly, Rognvald passed these islands to his brother Sigurd, who became the first Earl of Orkney. This act established the powerful Norse earldom that would endure for centuries, shaping the culture and politics of the Northern Isles.
Rognvald’s lineage carried significant historical weight, with his descendants continuing to play central roles in both Norwegian and Scottish history. His legacy stands as a bridge between the Norse homeland and the Viking settlements across the North Sea, symbolising the reach and ambition of early Scandinavian expansion.
Today, Rognvald Eysteinsson is remembered as a founder, statesman, and key figure in the creation of the Norse world beyond mainland Scandinavia. His story reflects the courage, leadership, and seafaring spirit that defined the Viking Age and laid the groundwork for the Norse influence across the British Isles.
