Tóra Sigmundsdóttir

Tóra Sigmundsdóttir, also Thora Sigmundsdóttir (c.979 – ?) was a Norwegian-Faroese woman, whose life is known from the Færeyinga saga. Daughter of chief Sigmundur Brestisson, she was known for her Christianity and intellect.

Life The daughter of Sigmundur Brestisson and Þurið Þorkilsdóttir, Tóra Sigmundsdóttir was born c.979 whilst Sigmundur was a guest of Þorkilsdóttir's father. As a young child she lived with her mother at the farm, until her parents finally married in the court of Haaron Jarl in 986 and settled in Sigmundur's house on the island of Skúvoy in the Faroe Islands. Her parents subsequently had four sons: Toralvur, Steingrimim, Brandur and Heri.

In 1005, as a result of power struggles, the house in Skúvoy was set on fire, and her father, although he was able to escape from his enemies by swimming, was killed by a local farmer. She also had a reputation in the saga, as quick-witted and a political strategist.