Steinvör Sighvatsdóttir

Steinvör Sighvatsdóttir (early 13th–century – 17 October 1271; Modern Icelandic: ; Old Norse: ), was the politically most influential woman in Iceland in the Age of the Sturlungs. She was also a skald and listed as such in Skáldatal. Most of what is known about Steinvör Sighvatsdóttir is told in Íslendinga saga, Þórðar saga kakala and Þorgils saga skarða, all of which are included in the Sturlunga Saga.

Family

Steinvör's parents were Sighvatr Sturluson, leader of the Sturlungs, and Halldóra Tumadóttir (daughter of Tumi Kolbeinsson, head of the Ásbirningar family clan). Tumi's successor, Kolbeinn Tumason, was her uncle, and his successor, Kolbeinn ungi Arnórsson, was a cousin. Steinvör considered herself a Sturlung. She had two sisters and seven brothers including Sturla Sighvatsson and Þórðr kakali.

Life

In 1230, Steinvör married Hálfdan Sæmundsson, the son of Sæmundr Jónsson, goði at Oddi. So she did. She even threatened to hand over the fatabúr (storeroom) keys (i.e. the symbol of a married woman) to him and take up arms herself if he did not help her brother. The peaceful Hálfdan relented, but was still cautious and refused as long as possible to take open position in the conflict.

Steinvör was highly respected by her contemporaries and had a greater influence than most women in her days. This was clearly shown in the conflict between Þórðr kakali and the peasants of Southern Region in the autumn of 1242. Open assault at arms was averted when Steinvör and bishop Sigvarðr Þéttmarsson were chosen as mediators. The peasants agreed to a reconciliation provided that these two stipulated the conditions. But if also the mediators disagreed Steinvör alone would decide. Thus, the peasants had a greater trust in her than in their bishop. ´ Steinvör and Hálfdan had three sons: Loft, who became knight (riddari) at Grund, Sighvatr who became knight at Keldur, and Sturla.

Poetry

Steinvör is a rare example of a woman whose name is included in the Skáldatal catalogue of court poets. She is said to have sung the praises of a chieftain called "Gautr on Melr" (died 1270), who was an ally of the Sturlungs. But nothing of this poem has survived. References to her in the Skáldatal claimed that her verse-making receive public recognition.

Death Her date of death is unknown but she is recording as being deceased as of 1271 with a date of death as October 17th.