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The rationale for Þórður kakali being re-called to Iceland
In the current iteration of this article, it is stated that the Norwegian king re-called Þórður to Norway in order to have the most powerful chieftain in Iceland nearby. However, there are a few important points to note. The first is that the Norwegian king already held most of the chieftaincies in Iceland by 1250. The second is that Þórður had left stewards in control of his domain when he left for Iceland in 1250. The third is that Þórðar saga kakala rationalises King Håkon’s decision to re-call Þórður from Iceland as being based on the slanderous reports of his enemies (presumably allies of Gissur Þorvaldsson at court, as well as vicious rumours from the Sæmundarsynir whom Þórður kicked out of Rangárþing during his 1247-50 ascendancy), alongside Bishop Henrik’s unfavourable report of Þórður’s activity. Finally, there is the issue that Þórður had no real power in Iceland whilst he was away in Norway: holding Þórður hostage was not going to enable the king to exert his will over the Icelanders; instead, the king needed representatives on Iceland itself. The combination of all these things makes the claim that King Håkon summoned Þórður to keep a close eye misleading. Sturlunga (talk) 15:22, 23 April 2021 (UTC)
