Haakon the Young

Haakon Haakonsson the Young was the son of king Haakon Haakonsson of Norway, and held the title of king, subordinate to his father, fromApril 1240 to his death. He was referred to as Haakon the Young to distinguish him from his father, who was sometimes correspondingly called Haakon the Old.

Haakon was born in Bergen onNovember 1232, as the second son of king Haakon Haakonsson of Norway and his queen, Margrt Skuladttir. His older brother died in infancy. In 1239, queen Margrts father, Duke Skule Brdsson, rebelled against his soninlaw, king Haakon, and had himself hailed as king. This revolt marked the end of the civil war era in Norway. Part of king Haakons response to Skules action was to have the sevenyearold Haakon the Young hailed as king and coruler. This took place at the thing of Eyrathing in Nidaros onApril 1240. The ceremony was repeated at the thing in Bergen onApril. In this way, king Haakon the Old had provided his supporters with a successor, should he himself fall in the battle against Skule. Haakon proceeded to put down Skules rebellion, and Skule himself was killed by Haakons men onMay the same year.

Source: Wikipedia