Augvald

King Augvald ( norrøne Language: Ogvaldr ) is a figure in the Norwegian saga and other traditions. He is said to have been a petty king on Karmøy and could have lived around 500-650. The place Avaldsnes on Karmøy will be named after him. The name is interpreted as " The one who inspires awe the people ", or it is derived from the Old Norse root " Og " = coast or the old word " Ogn " = Øy = island. Then the name would mean " the coast guard " or "guardian of the island ." It is also considered likely that it was not a name but an epithet, as Hårfagre the nickname King Harald was. If Avaldsnes (old: Ogvaldsnes ) " peninsula of the coast Lord" means ( a peninsula on Karmøy ), then this could also be a title that several chiefs led in turn.

Augvald counted himself as a descendant of the giant Ymir. He had a cow he claimed she is the descendant of the legendary cow Audhumbla. He took her everywhere with and believed they bring him luck. Augvald and the cow came in a battle against the petty king Ferking at Ferkingstad ( also on Karmøy ) around. Ferking to have had a idol in a golden calf. In the battle, the daughters Augvalds to have fought as a shield maidens and drowned himself after the defeat itself.

Snorri reported in the saga of Olav Tryggvason, that he had learned during a visit to Øgvaldsnes of Odin from the grave Augvalds and his cow in a second grave.

Historicity

Augvald is mentioned in many traditions, even in Iceland. Tormod Torfaeus referred him early on in the " mystical saga time ". The Flateyjarbók mentions him: " Rugalfr aati Rogaland. Hans son var Ragnoalldr Fadir Auguaxlldz konungs. " ( Rugalfur had Rogaland. Ragnhald His son was the father of King Augvalds ). Snorri had as a source mention the Odd Olav Tryggvason munks saga, the Augvald. The halfs saga ok Hálfsrekka from the 14th century called him. Then he had the sons Geirmundr and Hávardr Heljarskinn. In the Landnámabók Geirmundr is named as one of the most distinguished first settlers that are to be migrated to the Battle of Hafrsfjord to Iceland.

The Norwegian historian Peter Andreas Munch has investigated the saga - material in the 19th century, especially the material, which relates to the oldest royal family in Rogaland. He was of the opinion that the son Augvalds vicar was the first historical person of this race. But to what extent these people are historically, can no longer explain. From the sources is only to open up, that they report on a chief Karmøy, who led a cow - god with him.

Footnotes