[83]. The strife that followed the accession of Harold Gille and Magnus the Blind is the subject of Björnson’s great historical drama, Sigurd Slembe (English translation by William Morton Payne).
[84]. See below, p. 48.
[85]. The date usually given is 1164; but Ebbe Hertzberg argues quite conclusively for the earlier year. “Den förste norske Kongekroning”; Historisk Tidsskrift, Fjerde Række, III, 30-37.
[86]. According to the new rules of succession the oldest legitimate son, if qualified for the office, should inherit the throne. The oldest might be passed over, however, in favor of a younger legitimate son, or even in favor of an illegitimate descendant, if the bishops should find such a procedure expedient. See Gjerset, History of the Norwegian People, I, 364.
[87]. While it seems probable that Sverre was not of royal blood he was not necessarily an impostor; he may have believed his mother’s assertions. For a discussion of the problem see ibid., 376-377.
[88]. It is usually stated that Innocent III actually did lay an interdict on the land, but this appears to be an error. He authorized the bishops to do so, but they seem not to have made use of the authorization. See Bull, “Interdiktet mot Sverre”: Historisk Tidsskrift, Femte Række, III, 321-324.
[89]. This appears to be Heffermehl’s opinion. See Historiske Skrifter tilegnede Ludvig Daae, 87.
[90]. The Address is published as an appendix to the Christiania edition of the King’s Mirror. It has also been issued in separate form under the title En Tale mod Biskopperne; this edition is by Gustav Storm.
[91]. C. xliii.
[92]. C. xliii.