In Rememberance 9-11-01

Eystein, King of Norway (1103-1122)

The thirst for glory which animated Sigurd was in striking contrast to the peaceful spirit which dwelt in his brother, Eystein.  Upon the former had descended the restless ambition of Magnus Barefoot, while the latter had inherited his grandfathers Olaf the Quiet’s taste for building and calm delight in well-doing.  While Sigurd scoured sea and land in search of fame, Eystein sat quietly at home, building churches, encouraging trade and industry, and improving the laws.  By sheer dint of persuasion, gifts, and appeals to their self-interest, he gained the allegiance of the inhabitants of the Swedish province, Jemteland, which in the reign of Haakon the Good had belonged to Norway.  Knowing the importance of the fisheries, as a source of national wealth, he had booths erected in Vaagen for accommodation of the fishermen, and a church and parsonage for their spiritual welfare.  At Agdeness, where many ships were wrecked, he made an artificial harbor by the construction of a mole.  As a guide to sailors along the dangerous coast, he put up sea-marks and primitive light-houses, in the shape of fires which were lighted, after dark, on certain rocks and promontories.  For shelter of pilgrims to St. Olaf’s shrine and other travellers, he built taveerns on the Dovre Mountain, the passage of which had hitherto been perilous, on account of the snow and the absence of roads.  Among the many churches which were erected by him were the Church of the Apostles, and St. Michael’s in Bergen, St. Nicholas in Nidaros, and the rich Benedictine Monastery, Munkeliv.

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