Olle Halvorssen
Olle Havlorssen ( - ), also called Ulle the Second Son and Olle the Silver, was the first Danish king of the kingdoms of Århus and Sønnestrom during the Viking Age. During the kingdoms' height, they consisted of most of the mainland of modern Denmark, excluding the island of Fyn. He was the son of Halvor the Builder and the younger brother of Roren Halvorssen. His name is sometimes spelled "Ulle" or "Ollen".
Early life
What is known about him varies considerably between texts recognized as genuinely historical and sagas recorded by late Viking storytellers. It is generally agreed upon that his father Halvor the Builder was known as a smith and carpenter and is believed to have built or had a hand in the construction of many temples and burial sites on the Danish island of Fyn.
The lineage of his brother is disputed. It is often cited that Roren Halvorssen was indeed the son of Halvor the builder, but some Viking historians recounted his father as a travelling bard who had abandoned him on Fyn.
The Halvorssen Army and conquering of Denmark
Most stories regarding Olle begin by the year 877, in which Olle's son (which would be his successor) Haakon Ollenson, was married around the age of four to the daughter of the king of Århus, a Danish petty kingdom. The king of Århus, regarded sometimes as King Golm and other times as King Golem, supposedly ordered the executions of many of his family members. His son, only recognized as Golmssen, was reportedly made heir apparent to the throne of Århus at age seventeen.
Around 881 A.D., King Golm died and Golmssen inherited the throne. Olle and Roren, who followed his brother, raised an army of 8,000 men to conquer the kingdom of Århus. Around 882 A.D., Olle secured the throne and banished Golmssen to exile. He ruled the kingdom of Århus from 882 A.D. until is death in 904 A.D. During this time, he conquered much of the interior of Denmark. His first son, Haakon, succeeded to the throne.
Sons of Olle Halvorssen
Sources vary between the number of children Olle had. It is generally accepted that he had three sons and one daughter. His oldest son, Haakon Ollenson, succeeded to the throne of Århus and continued his father's legacy of conquering Denmark. His other sons, Olle Ollenson and Halfin the Blue, led Haakon's army. His daughter Helgi died in her youth.
Halvorssen dynasty
Olle's conquering of the kingdom of Århus began a short dynasty of rulers, being:
- Olle Halvorssen - - (22 years)
- Haakon Ollenson - 904-920 (16 years)
- Haakon the Blackfish - 920-928 (8 years)
- Olvin Møller - 928-937 (9 years)
- Dagmar Olvinsson - 937-946 (9 years)