Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Bef 1345, Norge; Ridder og kongsmann.

Notes:

Occupation:
Norsk ridder og kongsmann. Levde i år 1300, hans skjold var utstyrt med 3 bein.

Historikeren Barney Young på Isle of Man vil ha det til at Halstein var sønn av Torleif Haraldsson og Magnhild, datter av Godred Magnusson, d.1275, konge av Suderøyene 1265-1266.

Han begrunner det med at ættevåpnet til denne ætten stammer fra kongehuset på Isle of Man, som førte et tilsvarende våpen.

Young har også laget en hypotetisk stamtavle som viser Halstein Torleifssons ætt som opphav til de øvrige Skankeættene i Norden (The three legs go to Scandinavia, og Fra Skanke-slektens historie, Isle of Man 1986).

Barn etter Hallstein Torleivsson og ukjent ektefelle var:

Johan Hallsteinsson, Nils Hallsteinsson og Thord i Almholte.

Family/Spouse: Sigrid Håkonsdatter. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Nils (Nikolas) Hallsteinsen

Notes:

Birth:
Kongssønn, levde omkring 1280. Emigrerte til Norge fra Isle of Man.

Torleif married Magnhild (Maude) Godredsdatter. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Abt 1249, Isle of Man, England; King of the Isles.

Notes:

Occupation:
Isle of Man, England 1249-1250, Konge av Sudrøyene.

Ekteskap: Ragnhild Olofsdotter?

I 1266 kom Sudrøyene og Man under Skottland, og siden kom kongeriket Man under England.

Det norske språket på Man døde ut på 1400-tallet.

Haraldr Guðrøðarson was a mid thirteenth-century King of the Isles. He was the son of Guðrøðr Ragnvaldsson, King of the Isles, son of Ragnvaldr Guðrøðarson, King of the Isles.
Haraldr Guðrøðarson and his predecessors were members of the Crovan dynasty, and ruled an island-kingdom that encompassed the Mann and portions of the Hebrides, variously known as the Kingdom of the Isles or the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles.

In the early thirteenth century, Haraldr Guðrøðarson's paternal grandfather, Ragnvaldr Guðrøðarson, fought over the kingship with his younger half-brother, Óláfr Guðrøðarson. The kin-strife between the 2 was continued by their descendants, and in time included Haraldr Guðrøðarson himself. Ragnvaldr Guðrøðarson was slain in 1229, whereupon Óláfr took up the kingship.
In 1231, Óláfr co-ruled a split kingdom with Ragnvaldr Guðrøðarson's son aforesaid son, Guðrøðr Ragnvaldsson. On the latter's death in the same year, Óláfr ruled the entire kingdom until his own death in 1237, whereupon he was succeeded by his son, Haraldr Óláfsson, who was in turn succeeded by another son of Óláfr, Ragnvaldr Óláfsson.

In 1249, Ragnvaldr Óláfsson was slain by a knight who appears to have been an accomplice of Haraldr Guðrøðarson. Immediately following the assassination,

Haraldr Guðrøðarson first appears in the mediaeval Chronicle of Mann, the main historical source for the Crovan dynasty, when it records that he took control of the island-kingdom and replaced the chieftains of the old regime with followers of his own choosing. Although he was recognised as the legitimate ruler of the kingdom by Henry 3, King of England at first, he was later summoned to Norway by Hákon Hákonarson, King of Norway, for his seizure of the kingdom. Upon his removal from Mann, Haraldr Guðrøðarson is not heard from again. In his absence, Magnús Óláfsson, yet another son of Óláfr, unsuccessfully attempted to seize Mann with Hebridean and Norwegian military support. The leadership of the Manx defenders in this action may have been adherents to Haraldr Guðrøðarson's cause. Even so, Magnús returned 2 years later and succeeded to the kingship, becoming the last of the sea-kings of the Crovan dynasty.

Haraldr Guðrøðarson was a member of the Crovan dynasty, a family of sea-kings who ruled the Mann and parts of the Hebrides from the late eleventh century to the mid thirteenth century. He was the son of Guðrøðr R?gnvaldsson, King of the Isles (died 1231), who was in turn a son of Ragnvaldr Guðrøðarson, King of the Isles (died 1229). Although the latter monarch may have managed to rule a somewhat independent kingdom, surrounded by formidable Norwegian, Scottish, and English monarchs, his successors fell under the shadow of Hákon Hákonarson, King of Norway (died 1263), and rendered tribute to the latter in recognition of Norwegian overlordship.

Ragnvaldr Guðrøðarson and his younger half-brother, Óláfr Guðrøðarson (died 1237), warred over the dynasty's island-kingdom in the early thirteenth century, until the former was slain battling Óláfr in 1229. Ragnvaldr Guðrøðarson's aforesaid son, Guðrøðr Ragnvaldsson, took up his father's claim to the throne, and at his height co-ruled the kingdom with Óláfr in 1231. Guðrøðr Ragnvaldsson was slain in 1231, however, and Óláfr ruled the entire island-kingdom peacefully afterwards until his own death in 1237.
Óláfr was succeeded by his son, Haraldr Óláfsson, King of Mann and the Isles, who later travelled to Norway and married a daughter of Hákon, but lost his life at sea on his return voyage in 1248.

In the year of Haraldr Óláfsson's drowning, 2 prominent members of Clann Somhairle, Eóghan Mac Dubhghaill, Lord of Argyll (died c. 1268-1275), and his second cousin Dubhghall mac Ruaidhrí (died 1268), travelled to Hákon in Norway and requested the title of king in the Hebrides. Hákon subsequently bestowed the title upon Eóghan, and in 1249, upon learning of Haraldr Óláfsson's death, Hákon sent Eóghan westward to take control of the Hebrides. In May 1249, Haraldr Óláfsson's brother, Ragnvaldr Óláfsson (died 1249), formally succeeded to the kingship.

The mid thirteenth-century Chronicle of Mann records that, on 30 May 1249, Ragnvaldr Óláfsson was slain in a meadow near the Church of the Holy Trinity at Rushen, and later buried at the Church of St Mary at Rushen. The chronicle names one of Ragnvaldr's killers as a certain knight named Ívarr, and identifies the others as the latter's followers. Immediately following Ragnvaldr's death, Haraldr Guðrøðarson makes his first appearance in the chronicle, as it records that he then seized the kingship.

The chronology of events surrounding Ragnvaldr's death suggests that Haraldr Guðrøðarson and Ívarr were allies. Moreover, a letter of Henry 3, King of England (died 1272), dated April 1256, further supports the likelihood of an alliance, as the letter commands Henry's men not to receive the Haraldr Guðrøðarson and Ívarr who - wickedly slew - Ragnvaldr.
The identity of Ívarr is uncertain. His designation as a knight may indicate that he was an élite of some sort. One possibility is that he may have been a member of the Crovan dynasty, and possibly a descendant of Guðrøðr Óláfsson. Certainly, a man of the name is known to have been a son of Guðrøðr Óláfsson, although nothing more is known of him, and it is unlikely that a man born before 1187 would have been active in 1249.
The chronicle makes no mention of the knight's ancestry, and this may be evidence that he was not related to the Crovan dynasty in any meaningful way. It is likely that he is identical to the - domino Yuor' de Mann - (Lord Ívarr of Mann) who is recorded in one of Haraldr Óláfsson's charters of 1246.

Following Haraldr Guðrøðarson's takeover, the chronicle records that he then drove out all of the chiefs and nobles of the old regime who had been supporters of the deceased Haraldr Óláfsson, and then replaced them with men whom the latter had previously exiled.

An example of the chronicle's bias against the descendants of Ragnvaldr Guðrøðarson is one of the 2 miracle narratives preserved by this source. The story in question is about a miracle attributed to St Mary, which may have been incorporated into the chronicle in order to discredit the reign of Haraldr Guðrøðarson.
Whatever the case, the story deals with an aged chieftain named Domnall, who is described as a close friend of Haraldr Óláfsson, and regarded by the latter as worthier than others. The chronicle relates how Domnall and his young son were forced to flee from Haraldr Guðrøðarson to the sanctuary of the Church of St Mary at Rushen.
The latter, however, is stated to have tricked them into leaving the church-grounds, whereupon they were immediately seized. It was in this time of need, so the story says, that Domnall's prayers to St Mary were answered, and that it was through her divine intervention that he and his son escaped from their imprisonment. The chronicle states that Domnall himself recounted the story to the chronicle's compilers.
The account itself seems to have been used as means to portray Haraldr Guðrøðarson as a distrustful oath-breaker, and thereby further discredit the line of Ragnvaldr Guðrøðarson; conversely, the connection between Haraldr Óláfsson and the divinely favoured Domnall may have been intended to imply legitimacy in regards to Óláfr's line. Although the identities of Domnall and his son are uncertain, there is reason to suspect that they are identical to Domhnall mac Raghnaill, the eponym of Clann Domhnaill, and his son, Aonghus Mór (died c. 1293).

Haraldr Guðrøðarson may have attempted to strengthen his hold on the kingdom by entering into negotiations with Henry; and was, for a time at least, regarded as a legitimate ruler by that English king, as a license of safe-passage granted by him, valid from 28 December 1249 to 29 September 1250, acknowledges Haraldr Guðrøðarson's kingship, and gives him free pass to travel to the English court.

Haraldr Guðrøðarson's reign was not a long one. In 1250, the chronicle records that he was summoned by letter to the Norwegian royal court because Hákon was displeased at how Haraldr Guðrøðarson had wrongfully seized the kingship which was not his by right. The chronicle notes that the Norwegian king intended that Haraldr Guðrøðarson should never return to Mann, and he was consequently kept from returning to the island-kingdom. Nothing further is heard from him.

In the same year, the chronicle records that Magnús Óláfsson (died 1265) — yet another son of Óláfr — and Eóghan arrived on Mann with a force of Norwegians.
The exact intentions of the invaders are unknown for certain. It is possible that they may have intended to install Magnús as king.
At the very least, Eóghan was likely looking for some form of compensation, as he had previously been forcefully dispossessed of his mainland Scottish lordship by Alexander 2, King of Scots (died 1249) for his refusal to renounce his allegiance to Hákon.
The chronicle states that the invaders made landfall at Ronaldsway, and entered into negotiations with the Manx people; although, when it was learned that Eóghan styled himself - King of the Isles the Manxmen took offence and broke off all dialogue. The chronicle describes how Eóghan had his men form-up on St Michael's Isle, an island that was attached to Mann by a tidal causeway, and that the Manxmen formed-up on the mainland, on the beach opposite the island.
When the tide began to recede, the chronicle states that Eóghan and those men closest to him boarded their ships, although much of his force remained stationed on the island.
As evening drew near, the chronicle records that an accomplice of Ívarr led an attack upon the island and routed Eóghan's forces there.
The next day, the chronicle states that the invading forces left the shores of Mann.

Ívarr's connection to the Manx attack on the invading forces of Eóghan and Magnús may suggest that there was still considerable opposition on Mann by adherents of Haraldr Guðrøðarson to the prospect of Magnús' kingship there.
Two years later, the Chronicle of Mann and the Chronicle of Lanercost record that Magnús returned to Mann and with the consent of the Manxmen began his reign.
There are indications that opposition to Magnús, and thus possibly support of Haraldr Guðrøðarson, continued into the mid 1250s. For example, the chronicle records that Hákon bestowed upon Magnús the title of king in 1254; and further notes that, when Magnús' opponents heard of this bequeathment, they became dismayed and their hopes of overthrowing him gradually faded away.
Furthermore, Henry's 1256 letter, which orders his men not to receive Haraldr Guðrøðarson and Ívarr, may indicate that the two were still alive and active at the time. Whatever the case, Magnús, the last reigning king of the Crovan dynasty, ruled unchallenged as King of Mann and the Isles until his death in 1265.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: 1265, Isle of Man, England; Konge 1265-1266.

Notes:

Occupation:
Godred 4 Magnusson, sønn av Magnus 3 Olavsson, var kortvarig konge av Man (Mann) i 1275. Han falt i slaget ved Ronaldsway den 8.oktober 1275 mot en skotsk hær sendt av kong Aleksander 3 av Skottland. Med Godreds død ebbet den norrøne mannslinjen til den gamle kongeslekten på øya Man i Irskesjøen ut, og hans øvrige familie flyktet til Norge.

Det er ikke nevnt om Godred var gift eller om han hadde noen sønn. Derimot kan han ha hatt en datter ved Magnhild som skal ha reist til Norge i tiden etter Godreds død. Navnet hans var blitt etablert på Man fra og med Godred Crovan, en av Godred Magnussons forgjengere, men navnet var uansett populær fra tidlig middelalder med varianter som Godfred, Godfrey, Giotto og videre, og betyr Guds fred.

Godred var et resultat av en lang rekke dynastiske forbindelser i og rundt Irskesjøen. Han var sønn av Magnus 3, også konge av Man, men underlagt den norske kronen som vasall og Man som norsk skattland. Man var blitt annektert av Skottland etter Magnus' død i 1265.

Godreds onkel var Harald 1 Olavsson Svarte, også konge av Man, men mer engasjert på Hebridene. Han døde sammen med sin brud på bryllupsreisen tilbake fra Norge hvor han var blitt gift med Cecilia Håkonsdatter, datter av kong Håkon Håkonsson av Norge.
Magnus Olavsson var en yngre bror av Harald, og ble siden selv konge av Man. Han følte sin posisjon truet av sterke monarkier rundt seg, både Skottland og England, og søkte anerkjennelse som konge av Man i Norge.

Magnus deltok i Håkon Håkonssons store felttog mot Skottland, og slåss i slaget ved Largs i 1263. Magnus Olavsson døde i Castletown den 24.november 1265 og ved Perthtraktaten i 1266 oppga Håkons sønn og arvtager Magnus Lagabøte alle norske krav på Man og de andre øyene mot Skottland. Man havnet uvillig inn under Skottland som sendte representanter for den skotske kronen til øya. Svært lite er kjent fra Mans historie i årene mellom 1266 og 1275.

Hans mor var Maria eller Mary av Argyll, en uklar skikkelse, som giftet seg som enke etter Magnus 3 først med Maol Íosa 2, jarl av Strathearn, og deretter med sir Hugh de Abernethy, og til sist med en William FitzWarin og døde en gang før 1303 og skal ha blitt gravlagt i Christ Church Greyfriars i London.
Hun var datter av Eóghan av Argyll (anglifisert som Ewen av Argyll) og nedstammet i direkte linje fra Somerled, en høvding av både gælisk og norrøn bakgrunn, og som selv erobret Man fra sin svoger for en kortere tid. Hun fikk også barn med sine andre ektemenn.

Vi vet ikke når Godred ble født og hvor gammel han var i den urolig tiden mellom 1266 og 1275. Hva som synes klart er at det gamle maktgrunnlaget for kongene på Man var gått i oppløsning. Det var kun Man tilbake mens den skotske kongen hadde tatt kontroll over øygruppene Hebridene, Skye, Islay, Mull of Kintyre, Arran og fastlandsområdet Argyll, hvor hans mor kom fra. Også Man var formelt underlagt Skottland, men vi vet lite om hva som skjedde på Man i denne tiden, unntatt at den skotske kongen utpekte bailiffer (en form for lensmenn) til Man, noe som nevnes den skotske Lanercost-krøniken.

I 1275 ble det strid om utnevnelsen av en ny biskop på Man, og det brøt ut stridigheter. At de skotske representantene ble dårlig mottatt synes opplagt, og kom i konflikt med lokale interesser. Over tid må striden ha toppet seg. Folket og mennene på Man valgte i 1275 å utrope Godred Magnusson som sin konge og leder, og således gjeninnføre det gamle norrøne styret. Det var en åpen krigserklæring mot den skotske kongen.

Godreds maktbase synes å ha vært i landsbyen Castletown som hadde en trygg havn og en mindre festning, Castle Rushen, som hans far hadde øyensynlig begynt å reise i stein fra en tidligere festningsverk i tømmer.

Den skotske kongen så på Godred og mennene på Man som ulydige opprørere, og sendte en flåte og en hær mot Man. Hæren var ledet av den skotsk-normanniske adelsmannen John de Vesci, herre av Alnwick. Hvor stor den skotske styrken var er uvisst, men det nevnes at det var andre adelsmenn i følget. Antagelig var disse riddere i rustninger, profesjonelle soldater, mens mennene på Man, både de av mansk som de av norrøn bakgrunn, var bønder og fiskere som sluttet opp om sin leder.
Skottene gikk i land ved St Michael's Isle rett nord for Langness den 7.oktober 1275. Folket på Man må ha vært så forberedt som de kunne være og da skottene sendte bud til Godred og hans menn om Guds og kongen av Skottlands fred på betingelse at de la til side deres absurde innbilskhet og overga seg til kongen og hans adel.

Godred og hans menn avslo tilbudet om betingelsesløs overgivelse, og slaget kom i gang før soloppgang den påfølgende dagen 8.oktober, mens mørket fortsatt dekket jorden. Stedet hvor slaget utspilte seg var Ronaldsway mellom Castletown og St Michael's Isle. Lanercost-krøniken slår kun fast at mennene fra Man ble drept, og blant de store tapene som de manske krigerne fikk var antagelig Godred selv blant de drepte da han ikke nevnes siden. I henhold til Krøniken om kongene av Mann og Øyene døde 537 menn. Med ham døde også den mannlige slektslinjen av det gamle norrøne dynastiet på Man ut. Det har vært spekulert om Godred kanskje likevel overlevde og flyktet til Wales.

Godred nevnes siden ikke i klartekst i noen kilder slik at det er sannsynlig at han var en av de drepte. Ved en utbedring av Mans flyplass på Ronaldsway i 1936 ble funnet et stort antall skjeletter som synes å ha blitt kastet sammen på uordnet vis. Det ble antatt av arkeologene fra Manx museum at denne samlingen av skjeletter kan ha vært en massegrav for de soldatene som falt i slaget ved Ronaldsway i 1275. Muligens var Godred en av de døde som slengt ned i graven.

Den mannlige slektslinjen døde ut med Godred Magnusson, men han synes å ha kvinnelige etterkommere. Bortsett fra den nevnte datteren Magnhild må det antagelig ha vært andre. I 1293 nevnes det om en viss kvinne ved navn Affreca, en mulig datterdatter av Godred, og som hevdet å være hans lovlige arving ved et brev av 15.juni 1293 av Edvard 1 av England til hans skotske vasall Johan Balliol. Den Affreca som ble gift med John de Courcy var datter av en annen mansk konge, Godred 2 Olavsson Svarte (død 1187) som Godred Magnusson her muligens blir forvekslet med. Kravet på Man er dog reelt da hun uansett var i samme slekt.

Den 25.mars 1305 utsendte Affreca en beskjed at hun hadde overført sin rettigheter til Man til en Simon de Montacute, og ved 1307 synes det som om Edvard 1 av England hadde gjenopptatt og gjennomført sitt krav på Man.

Maria eller Mary, en datter av Ragnvald 2 Gudrødsson, også en tidligere konge av Man, skal også ha gjort krav på Man, og hennes barnebarn, John Waldebeof, skal ha henvendt seg til Edvard 1 av England, uten at den engelske kongen lot til å bry seg større.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Bef 1230, Hebridene, Storbritannia; King of the Isles.

Notes:

Occupation:
Delte kongemakten med sin onkel Olaf 2 Svarte, som satt på Man.

Gofraid mac Ragnaill (meaning Gofraid, son of Ragnall; Old Norse: Guðrøðr Rögnvaldsson) was a 13th-century Hebridean king, who descended from a long line of kings who ruled the Hebrides and the Isle of Man.
He is recorded within two 13th century chronicles with a byname meaning - the brown - (Gaelic: Gofraid Donn); although within a 13th-century saga, and within Hebridean tradition dating from the 17th century, he is given the byname - the black - (Old Norse: Guðrøðr Svarti; Gaelic: Gofraid Dub).
Gofraid Donn's father was Ragnall mac Gofraid, King of Man and the Isles; his mother was Ragnall's wife, who is described by a 13th-century chronicle as the sister of a daughter of a nobleman from Kintyre. Gofraid Donn's male-line ancestry can be traced back with certainty to his great-great grandfather, Gofraid Méránach, King of the Isles, King of Dublin (d. 1095). Gofraid Méránach is thought to have taken control of the Kingdom of Man and the Isles in about the year 1079, and is recorded as the King of Dublin in 1091.

In 1187, on the death of Gofraid Donn's paternal grandfather, Gofraid mac Amlaíb, King of Man and the Isles, Gofraid Donn's father, Ragnall, usurped the kingdom from the legitimate heir, his younger half-brother Amlaíb Dub. In consequence, a bitter family feud broke out, in which Gofraid Donn played a part. According to a 13th-century chronicle, when Amlaíb Dub's marriage to the sister of Ragnall's wife was nullified, Gofraid Donn was tricked by his mother into attempting to kill his uncle Amlaíb Dub. Sometime later, Amlaíb Dub had his revenge, as Gofraid Donn was captured, and one of Amlaíb Dub's followers blinded and castrated him. Amlaíb Dub later successfully took the throne, and Ragnall was soon after assassinated. Amlaíb Dub was constantly under threat of Ragnall's powerful ally Alan, Lord of Galloway. In about 1230, Amlaíb Dub was forced to flee Man, and went to Norway to plead for assistance from the king. Amlaíb Dub arrived just before the king sent a fleet into the Hebrides to pacify the western coast of Scotland. Both Amlaíb Dub, and Gofraid Donn, travelled with the fleet, and upon the commander's death, Amlaíb Dub took control and retook the Isle of Man. Amlaíb Dub and Gofraid Donn then divided the kingdom between themselves, with Gofraid Donn controlling the Hebridean portion. Not long after the Norwegian fleet left the Hebrides, Gofraid Donn was killed on the Outer Hebridean island of Lewis, in 1231.

Gofraid Donn appears in several mediaeval chronicles, a mediaeval saga, and also within Hebridean tradition dating from the 17th century. One of the sources in which Gofraid appears is the Chronicle of Mann, which dates from the 13th century, and contains additions from the 13th and 14th centuries. Parts of the chronicle are based upon a source that is also used by the Chronicle of Lanercost.
Gofraid also appears in the Chronicle of Lanercost, which dates from the 14th century, although parts of it are based on an earlier source. Both chronicles are written in Latin, and within both Gofraid is given a byname that literally means - the brown - which is thought to refer to the colour of his hair.
The kings' saga Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar (The Saga of Hákon Hákonarson) was composed by Sturla Þórðarson sometime around 1263–1284. Sturla based it on both written sources and oral traditions. The saga is preserved in several manuscripts that slightly differ from one another.
According to 20th century historian Alan Orr Anderson, the Eirspennill version is the most authoritative, and likely represents an early form of the saga. Within this saga, Gofraid is given a byname that literally means the black.
The History of the MacDonalds is a manuscript history that dates from the 17th century, and is thought to have been composed by a seanchaidh for the MacDonalds of Sleat. The manuscript is written in English, and preserves a traditional version of history believed during the period of its creation. Within this manuscript Gofraid is given an Anglicised form of a Gaelic byname that means the black.

Gofraid Donn was a great-great grandson of Gofraid Méránach, King of the Isles, King of Dublin. The ancestry of Gofraid Méránach is uncertain. The Chronicle of Mann names him as:

filius Haraldi nigri de ysland

and it is possible that - ysland - may refer to Iceland.

In one Irish annal, he is given the patronymic - mac mic Arailt - and this may mean that he was a son, or nephew, of Ímar mac Arailt, King of Dublin (d. 1054), a grandson of the celebrated Amlaíb Cuaran and one of the last verifiable members of the once imperial Uí Ímair.

Gofraid Méránach died in 1095, after ruling the Kingdom of Man and the Isles for over 15 years. A period of confusion followed his death, before his younger son, Amlaíb (d. 1153), ruled the kingdom for over 40 years. Amlaíb was treacherously assassinated by his nephews in 1153, and was succeeded by his son Gofraid (d. 1187).

In 1156, Gofraid and his brother-in-law, Somairle mac Gille Brigte (d. 1164), fought an inconclusive naval battle, and the kingdom was split between the 2:
Somairle took the Islay and Mull island-groups, and Gofraid retained the outer islands, and Mann itself.

Two years later, Somairle defeated Gofraid outright, and ruled the entire kingdom until his death. With the death of Somairle, Gofraid returned from exile to reclaim Mann, and outer-island portion of the kingdom.

According to the Chronicle of Mann, Gofraid mac Amlaíb died in 1187, leaving three sons: Ragnall, Amlaíb Dub, and Ímar. Although Ragnall was the eldest son, he was also illegitimate, and his father had chosen Amlaíb Dub as heir. However, upon Gofraid's death, the Manxmen appointed Ragnall as their king, because Amlaíb Dub was only a boy, and Ragnall was already by then a young man capable of governing the kingdom.
In 1188, Ragnall began his reign over the kingdom. The chronicle recounts how Ragnall gave Amlaíb Dub the Outer Hebridean island of Lewis.
The chronicle however notes that this island was thinly populated, and that the land was mostly unfit for cultivation. When Amlaíb Dub determined that he could no longer support himself and his followers with Lewis alone, he travelled to Mann and asked his half-brother for further lands. Ragnall then had Amlaíb Dub seized and sent to William 1, King of Scots, where Amlaíb Dub was kept imprisoned for almost seven years. On the seventh year the Scots king died and Amlaíb Dub was subsequently released, and he returned to his brother on Mann, and subsequently set off on a pilgrimage accompanied by a considerable number of men of rank.
Upon his return, the 2 half-brothers were reconciled, and Ragnall set up a marriage between Amlaíb Dub and - Lauon - a daughter of a nobleman from Kintyre, who was also the sister of his own wife. After this marriage, the couple lived on Lewis.

The Chronicle of Mann notes that, in 1217, the Bishop of the Isles died and was succeeded by a new one who was a relation of Amlaíb Dub.
The bishop, however, disapproved of Amlaíb Dub's marriage on the grounds that Amlaíb Dub formerly had a concubine who was a cousin of Lauon, and in consequence, a synod was assembled, and Amlaíb Dub's marriage was nullified.
Amlaíb Dub afterwords married a daughter of Ferchar, Earl of Ross, but his separation from Lauon had enraged her sister (the wife of Ragnall), and Ragnall's bitter queen sought to sow discord between the half-brothers.
The queen's son, Gofraid Donn, was then on Skye, and she secretly wrote to him under Ragnall's name, ordering Gofraid Donn to seize and kill Amlaíb Dub. Gofraid Donn dutifully gathered a force on Skye and proceeded to Lewis, where he laid waste to most of the island. Amlaíb Dub narrowly escaped with a few men, and fled to the protection of his father-in-law in Ross.

The chronicle states that the viscount of Skye, Páll Bálkason, refused to consent to the murder of Amlaíb Dub and fled the island to reside with the Amlaíb Dub in Ross. Páll and Amlaíb Dub then entered into a pact of friendship, and together they secretly returned to Skye, where they learned that Gofraid Donn was unsuspectingly staying with few with only a few men, on a certain island called the island of Saint Columba.
Historians have attempted to identify this island, and several locations have been proposed. According to W.D.H. Sellar, the most likely location is the island that was originally in the middle of Loch Chaluim Chille, located near Kilmuir.
According to local tradition, this island is associated with a man, whom Sellar thought represented Páll.

The chronicle states that Páll and Amlaíb Dub then gathered as many men as possible, and under the cover of darkness, they brought 5 ships from the closest point of the shore, about 2 furlongs from the island.
When morning came, Gofraid Donn and his few followers were shocked to find themselves surrounded by enemies. Nevertheless, he and his followers donned their armour and waited for the inevitable assault. At - about the ninth hour of the day - Amlaíb Dub and Páll attacked the island with their full force. Every one of Gofraid Donn's men who could not find protection within the enclosure of the church were summarily put to death. Gofraid Donn was seized, blinded, and castrated. The chronicle states that Amlaíb Dub was unable to prevent the mutilation, and torture, of his nephew on account of the fate of Páll's predecessor, the viscount Bálki. The chronicle dates these events to the year 1223.

According to Sellar, an extremely garbled account of Gofraid Donn and Amlaíb Dub's feuding is recorded in the History of the MacDonalds, composed in the early 17th century. This manuscript history fancifully describes the rise of the warlord Somairle mac Gille Brigte (d. 1164), who lived generations before both Gofraid Donn and Amlaíb Dub. It recounts how Somairle was successful in marrying the daughter of Olay, surnamed the Red.
Together Somairle and Olay went on an expedition through the Hebrides and killed several men, including one Godfrey Du. Godfrey was put to death by - the hermit MacPoke - who put out Godfrey's eyes because Godfrey had killed MacPoke's father.
Historically, Somairle married a daughter of Gofraid Donn's paternal grandfather, Amlaíb mac Gofraid (d. 1153).
Sellar noted that, although the byname of the manuscript's - Godfrey Du - equates to the colour black (rather than brown), the character refers to Gofraid Donn. Sellar stated that character - Olay - who assisted in the death of Godfrey Du, refers to Gofraid Donn's uncle, Amlaíb Dub (rather than Gofraid's paternal grandfather). Also, Sellar noted that - the hermit MacPoke - is identical to the historical Páll Bálkason.

The Chronicle of Mann states that the following summer, possibly in 1224, Amlaíb Dub took hostages from the Hebridean portion of the kingdom, and with 32 ships, landed on Mann and confronted Ragnall. It was then agreed that the kingdom would be split between the 2, with Ragnall keeping Mann itself and the title of king, and Amlaíb Dub retaining the island portions.
Historians have noted that in the 1220s, the Scots king, Alexander 2, attempted to extend his power into what is today the west coast of Scotland. He attempted to do this by encouraging the powerful Alan, Lord of Galloway, to enter into the squabbles of Ragnall and Amlaíb Dub.

The next year, possibly 1225, the Chronicle of Mann states that Ragnall and Alan attempted to take possession of Amlaíb Dub's island portion of the kingdom, but the Manx people were unwilling aid the cause, and the nothing came of the expedition.
A short time later, Ragnall's daughter was married to Alan's son. Historians have commented that such a marriage, between Ragnall's daughter and Alan's illegitimate son Thomas, gave Alan a stake in the kingship of Mann and the Isles, and that Thomas was likely to succeed to the kingship.
It has also been noted how the marriage was beneficial to Ragnall as well, since he could rely on Alan's military might to fend off the troublesome Amlaíb Dub.
However, the chronicle states that the Manx people were angered by the marriage, and they consequently appointed Amlaíb Dub as king. He took the throne in 1226, and ruled the kingdom peacefully for the next 2 years.

According to the chronicle, in 1228, while Amlaíb Dub and his chiefs were away from Mann, the island was attacked and devastated by Alan, his brother Thomas, Earl of Atholl, and Ragnall. When Alan left with most of his force, Amlaíb Dub was able to regain control of Mann. In the winter of the same year, Ragnall landed again, and burnt all the ships of Amlaíb Dub and his chiefs. Ragnall stayed at Ronaldsway for forty days, and won over the hearts of the southern inhabitants of the island. On 14 February, Amlaíb Dub and his forces arrived at Tynwald, where they attacked Ragnall and his forces. The chronicle states that Ragnall was treacherously killed by his own men, without the knowledge of Amlaíb Dub (although it also notes that Amlaíb Dub never avenged his half-brother's death).

The Chronicle of Lanercost states that, in the year 1230, a Norwegian fleet sailed down the west coast of Scotland with Óspakr Ögmundsson, who had been appointed king of the Suðreyjar by the King of Norway.
It also notes that Amlaíb Dub and Gofraid Donn were among the fleet.

The Eirspennill version of Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar gives a much more illustrative account, although it does not specifically state that Gofraid Donn travelled with the fleet from Norway.
The saga states that in the summer before the fleet left Norway, news of warring in the Suðreyjar reached the Norwegian king, Hákon Hákonarson. P.A. Munch believed that Gofraid Donn was likely one of the first to tell the king of the chaos in the Suðreyjar, and that he may have fled to Norway following the death of his father.
The saga then describes Alan as a great warrior in the region, and Amlaíb Dub is described as a most faithful vassal of the Norwegian king.
Also described are 2 Hebridean noblemen of royal blood, 2 sons of Dubgall mac Somairle, who were very unfaithful to the Norwegian king. The Eirspennill version also states that Óspakr was in another son of Dubgall. According to scholars A.L. Brown and A.A.M. Duncan, it appears that the - unfaithful - sons of Dubgall were attacking portions of Amlaíb Dub's kingdom, and it is clear that the situation in the Suðreyjar had further deteriorated from attacks by Alan and members of Clann Somairle. The scholars observed that, when Amlaíb Dub was unable to control the chaotic situation in the Suðreyjar, Hákon decided to pacify the region using Óspakr.

The Eirspennill version of the saga relates how that winter, the Norwegian king summoned an assembly at his palace, and appointed Óspakr as king of the Suðreyjar, and also bestowed upon him the royal name Hákon.
The saga states that the Norwegian king decided upon a plan to give Óspakr a military force to command in the Suðreyjar, and some scholars have suspected that Óspakr was likely sent to gain control over not only the Suðreyjar, but also over what is now Argyll and Kintyre as well.

With the coming of spring, Hákon set out for Bergen, and upon his arrival ordered the preparation of the fleet. While preparations were under way, Amlaíb Dub came to the king, and reported that there were many disputes in the Suðreyjar, and that Alan had assembled a powerful army and was causing grave dis-peace in the region. When the fleet left Norway for Orkney, Amlaíb Dub accompanied it on-board Páll Bálkason's ship. When the fleet reached Orkney, several ship-commanders sailed to Skye, where they defeated Þórketill Þórmóðsson in a sea-battle.
The fleet then united at Islay, and was strengthened by Óspakr's brothers and their followers, and swelled in size to 80 ships. The fleet then sailed south and around the Mull of Kintyre to Bute, where the force invaded the island and took the castle while suffering heavy casualties.
The fleet then sailed to Kintyre, and Óspakr fell ill and died.

The Chronicle of Mann, however, specifically states that Óspakr was struck by a stone and killed, and then buried on Iona.
The chronicle continues stating that Amlaíb Dub then took control of the fleet, and led it to the Isle of Man, and that he and Gofraid Donn divided the kingdom between themselves—with Amlaíb Dub retaining Mann, and Gofraid Donn controlling the island portions of the kingdom.

Again the Eirspennill version gives more information; it states that after the Norwegians left in the spring, and sailed north to Kintyre; here they encountered a strong force of Scots, and both sides lost many men during the ensuing battle.
Following this, the fleet sailed north to Lewis and came upon a man named Þórmóðr Þórketilson. Þórmóðr fled returning fleet, his wife was taken as a captive of war, and all his treasure was seized.
The fleet then travelled to Orkney, and from there most of it sailed back to Norway. Páll Bálkason, however, remained behind in the Suðreyjar, where he was slain several weeks later. A short time later Gofraid Donn was also slain.
The Chronicle of Mann specifically states that Gofraid Donn was slain on Lewis, and that afterwards Amlaíb Dub ruled the kingdom until his death.
The Chronicle of Lanercost notes that Amlaíb Dub ruled the entire kingdom—except those that were held by Clann Somairle.

Munch stated that, when the Norwegian fleet sailed from Kintyre into the northern Hebrides and defeated Þórmóðr Þórketilson, it was helping secure the power of Gofraid Donn in the islands. Munch believed that when Hákon appointed Óspakr to be king, he probably intended for Gofraid Donn to rule the northern island portions of the kingdom, and this was likely why he and Amlaíb Dub divided the kingdom between themselves, since Amlaíb Dub was unlikely to have done so out of his own good will. Munch also noted how soon hostilities broke out after the Norwegians left the Hebrides for Orkney—Páll Bálkason was killed, and Gofraid Donn was likewise slain days later. Munch believed that these recorded events show how fierce the feuding between the adherents of Gofraid Donn and Amlaíb Dub.
Manx historian Arthur William Moore stated that Gofraid Donn was likely slain by supporters of Amlaíb Dub during a revolt on the island.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Bef 1265, Isle of Man, England; Konge.

Notes:

Occupation:
Magnus 3, konge av Man, men underlagt den norske kronen som vasall og Man som norsk skattland. Man var blitt annektert av Skottland etter Magnus' død i 1265.

Magnus' bror var Harald 1 Olavsson Svarte, også konge av Man, men mer engasjert på Hebridene. Han døde sammen med sin brud på bryllupsreisen tilbake fra Norge hvor han var blitt gift med Cecilia Håkonsdatter, datter av kong Håkon Håkonsson av Norge.
Magnus Olavsson var en yngre bror av Harald, og ble siden selv konge av Man. Han følte sin posisjon truet av sterke monarkier rundt seg, både Skottland og England, og søkte anerkjennelse som konge av Man i Norge.

Magnus deltok i Håkon Håkonssons store felttog mot Skottland, og slåss i slaget ved Largs i 1263. Magnus Olavsson døde i Castletown den 24.november 1265.

Ved Perthtraktaten i 1266 oppga Håkons sønn og arvtager Magnus Lagabøte alle norske krav på Man og de andre øyene mot Skottland. Man havnet uvillig inn under Skottland som sendte representanter for den skotske kronen til øya.

Svært lite er kjent fra Mans historie i årene mellom 1266 og 1275.

Magnus' hustru var Maria eller Mary av Argyll, en uklar skikkelse, som giftet seg som enke etter Magnus 3 først med Maol Íosa 2, jarl av Strathearn, og deretter med sir Hugh de Abernethy, og til sist med en William FitzWarin og døde en gang før 1303 og skal ha blitt gravlagt i Christ Church Greyfriars i London.
Hun var datter av Eóghan av Argyll (anglifisert som Ewen av Argyll) og nedstammet i direkte linje fra Somerled, en høvding av både gælisk og norrøn bakgrunn, og som selv erobret Man fra sin svoger for en kortere tid. Hun fikk også barn med sine andre ektemenn.

Magnus married Maria (Mary) av Argyll. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]