Ragnvald Godredsson - Sources

Sources

The main source for Rögnvaldr is the mid 13th century Chronicle of Mann, a Latin chronicle which dictates the history of Rögnvaldr's family, the Crovan dynasty. Although the chronicle is the only indigenous narrative source for the dynasty's sea-realm, it is certainly not without faults. Not only is its chronology suspect in parts, but it may be somewhat biased in favour of one line of the dynasty over another—the line of Rögnvaldr's rival over that of his own. Other important sources are the copies of the surviving royal acta of the dynasty. Of only about twenty examples now in existence, six (all copies) pertain to Rögnvaldr's reign. Numerous sources from outwith the dynasty's domain, such as mediaeval chronicles and annals composed in England, France, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, also shed light on Rögnvaldr and his era. Several sagas also provide useful information, although the historicity of such sources is sometimes debatable. Also important are surviving correspondence between Rögnvaldr and the English royal court, and the Vatican. In addition, certain Welsh genealogies, and a particular late 12th century or early 13th century Irish praise-poem composed in Rögnvaldr's honour, are also utilised by scholars concerned with his life.