Þorgnýr

Þorgnýr was a chieftain from the area of Tíundaland in Sweden, who appears in historical sagas, notably Snorri Sturluson's Heimskringla. He is most famously depicted in the Ynglinga Saga, where he is presented as a powerful and influential figure in Uppsala during the reign of King Anund. According to the saga, Þorgnýr held sway over the Swedish people and was a key figure in the election of kings.

The sagas describe Þorgnýr as a wise and respected elder, whose counsel was sought by both the common people and the royal family. It is said that when King Anund died without a clear heir, the Swedish people, led by Þorgnýr, refused to accept Anund's son, Ingjald, as king. Instead, they chose a young man named Olof as their ruler, much to Ingjald's displeasure.

Later, during the reign of King Olof, Þorgnýr is again shown to be a powerful force. When King Olof was attacked by Danish raiders, it was Þorgnýr who rallied the Swedish forces and led them to victory. His military prowess and leadership are highlighted in the accounts. The saga suggests that Þorgnýr's influence was so great that he could, to a certain extent, dictate who would rule Sweden, demonstrating the complex political landscape of the era where powerful chieftains could wield considerable power alongside the monarchy. His name, meaning "Thor's Wrath," hints at a formidable personality.