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The Ynglings (Heimskringla), Scylfings (Beowulf) or Sons of Frey (Gesta Danorum and Ynglingatal) were the oldest known Scandinavian dynasty. They are known from early Scandinavian sources, especially Heimskringla, and from Beowulf. They make up a large part of the Mythological kings of Sweden as well as the Semi-legendary kings of Sweden.
In the Scandinavian sources they are the descendants of Yngvi-Frey of Vanaheim. Yngling means descendant of Frey and in Gesta Danorum they are called the sons of Frey.
In Beowulf appear several of these kings Eadgils (Adils), Onela (Ale) and Ohthere (Ottar Vendelkråka), but here they are called Scylfings. Interestingly, Snorri Sturluson hints at a less divine origin in Skáldskaparmál for this dynasty: One war-king was named Skelfir; and his house is called the House of Skilfings: his kindred is in the Eastern Region (Sweden is the eastern part of Scandinavia and the Swedish kings could be called east kings).
Another origin for the name skilfing is highly possible. Snorri described Erik and Alrik, the sons of Skjalf to be the de facto ancestors of this Norse clan.
- The kings who resided at Upsal had been the supreme chiefs over the whole Swedish dominions until the death of Agne, when, as before related, the kingdom came to be divided between brothers (Alrek and Erik). After that time the dominions and kingly powers were spread among the branches of the family as these increased; but some kings cleared great tracts of forest-land, and settled them, and thereby increased their domains.[1] (http://www.northvegr.org/lore/heim/001_07.php)
According to Snorri Sturluson, the dynasty lead the settlement of the Swedish provinces and established themselves as the kings of its provinces, accepting the overlordship of the Swedish king at Uppsala, until the dynasty all but exterminated itself with Ingjald ill-ruler and his downfall. A survivor Olof Trätälja was the ancestor of the Norwegian branch.
However, both Snorri (as in the earlier quote) and Saxo descibed the clan as remaining in Sweden after this date.
Saxo about the Battle of Bråvalla (ca 750):
- Now the bravest of the Swedes were these: Arwakki, Keklu-Karl (Kelke-Karl), Krok the Peasant, (from Akr), Gudfast and Gummi from Gislamark. These were kindred of the god Frey, and most faithful witnesses to the gods. Ingi (Yngwe) also, and Oly, Alver, Folki, all sons of Elrik (Alrek), embraced the service of Ring (Sigurd Ring); they were men ready of hand, quick in counsel, and very close friends of Ring. They likewise held the god Frey to be the founder of their race. Amongst these from the town of Sigtun (Old Sigtuna) also came Sigmund, a champion advocate, versed in making contracts of sale and purchase; besides him Frosti surnamed Bowl: allied with him was Alf the Lofty (Proud?) from the district of Upsala (Old Uppsala); this man was a swift spear-thrower, and used to go in the front of the battle.[2] (http://www.northvegr.org/lore/saxo/008_01.php)
The first kings in the line are probably mythical, whereas others have probably existed in real life. Especially, Egil, Ottar, Ale and Adils are mentioned in several sources and are very likely to have been real kings. The connection between the Norwegian kings and the Scylfings was probably a way of glorifying the Norwegian kings by connecting them to an illustrious dynasty.
Kings of Sweden
Intermediary
Kings of Norway
See also
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