Earl Sigurd of Orkney

Earl Sigurd of Orkney (960-1014), known to history as Sigurd the Stout, was a Norse man who often tried to claim the islands of Sodor and Man from Godred MacHarold.

Bio
Soon after Godred claimed Sodor and Man in 979, Sigurd sailed his longships south to reclaim them. He attempted to seize control of Man in 982 and Sodor two years later, in 984. The battle on Sodor was fought at a ford near Peel Godred, which has now been replaced by a bridge. Both attempts failed, but the Sudrians failed to kill or capture Sigurd, a mistake they came to regret. Sigurd attacked Man again in 989 and managed to slay Godred and his two eldest sons. His wife, daughter Gudun and youngest son Harold were able to escape to Islay.

Sigurd ruled Sodor and Man until 1014, when he was killed during the Battle of Clontarf in Ireland. Sigurd's heir, Thorfinn, was just a babe in arms and this allowed Harold to reclaim Sodor and Man. Thorfinn, in turn, would reclaim them in 1034.

Trivia

 * Sigurd the Stout (Sigurd Hlodvirsson) is a real historical figure who was Earl of Orkney between 991 and his death in 1014 and who at various times tried to conquer the Isle of Man.