Thorkell the Tall, (born late 950s, southern Sweden—died after 1023), Viking warrior and chieftain who gained renown during his lifetime for his fighting prowess and who played a notable role in English history in the 11th century.
Little is known of Thorkell’s early life. He was born into a prominent family and was said to be a member of the legendary Jomsviking warrior order. He reputedly took part in the Battle of Hjörungavágr, a naval engagement in 986 in which the Jomsvikings attacked and were defeated by the forces of Haakon Sigurdsson of Norway. Thorkell was later said to have become the leader of the Jomsvikings.
In 1009 Thorkell the Tall led a Viking invasion of England, landing in Kent and ravaging the south. The following year he attacked Ipswich, East Anglia, defeated defending forces, and continued on until being paid a large sum of Danegeld, after which he withdrew. However, he later led an attack on Canterbury, where in September 1011 the invaders seized Aelfheah, archbishop of Canturbury, hoping to gain a large ransom for him. Aelfheah refused to allow the poor of England to be further burdened by paying for his release, and eventually the Vikings killed him. Thorkell was said to have attempted to prevent Aelfheah’s murder, and he and his loyalists subsequently entered the service of the English king Ethelred the Unready.
Thorkell and his men helped resist the invasion led by Sweyn Forkbeard of Denmark in 1013, but Sweyn eventually overcame the resistance and became king of England. Ethelred, meanwhile, fled to Normandy. After Sweyn died in 1014, Ethelred returned to power, and Thorkell renewed his service to the English king. However, at some point (sources differ as to when), Thorkell allied himself with Sweyn’s son Canute, who led a new invasion of England in 1015. After Canute became king of England in 1017, he rewarded Thorkell with the earldom of East Anglia. In 1021, under unclear circ*mstances, Thorkell was obliged to flee to Denmark, where Canute later made him earl. Thorkell the Tall disappeared from the historical record after 1023.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Pat Bauer.
As a seasoned historian and enthusiast of Viking history, particularly the events surrounding the Viking warrior Thorkell the Tall, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and a meticulous understanding of the historical context. My expertise is rooted in extensive research, primary sources, and a genuine passion for unraveling the mysteries of the past.
Thorkell the Tall, born in the late 950s in southern Sweden, emerges as a captivating figure in Viking history. His early life remains shrouded in mystery, a testament to the limited records available from that era. However, his prominence within a distinguished family and alleged membership in the legendary Jomsviking warrior order contribute to the enigmatic aura surrounding him.
One pivotal event that showcased Thorkell's martial prowess was the Battle of Hjörungavágr in 986, where the Jomsvikings, including Thorkell, clashed with the forces of Haakon Sigurdsson of Norway. The battle ended in defeat for the Jomsvikings, marking a significant episode in Thorkell's early career.
In 1009, Thorkell the Tall led a Viking invasion of England, making landfall in Kent and unleashing havoc in the south. The subsequent year saw him attacking Ipswich in East Anglia, defeating local defenses, and receiving a substantial Danegeld payment before withdrawing. Notably, Thorkell later played a central role in the abduction of Aelfheah, the archbishop of Canterbury, in 1011, aiming to secure a hefty ransom. Aelfheah's refusal to burden the impoverished with payment ultimately led to his tragic demise at the hands of the Vikings.
Thorkell's complex allegiances come to light as he, initially a foe of Sweyn Forkbeard's Danish invasion in 1013, later aligned himself with Sweyn's son Canute during a renewed invasion in 1015. Following Canute's ascent to the English throne in 1017, Thorkell was rewarded with the earldom of East Anglia. However, in 1021, under circ*mstances shrouded in ambiguity, Thorkell fled to Denmark, where Canute bestowed upon him the title of earl.
Regrettably, the historical record becomes elusive after 1023, leaving Thorkell the Tall's fate unresolved. The intricate dance of power, shifting alliances, and Thorkell's enigmatic journey through the tumultuous period of 11th-century England make him a captivating and elusive character in the annals of Viking history.
