En legitim tronarvinge? Kvinnlig tronföljd, möderne och äkta börd i Norge, 1161–1302

Abstract

This doctoral thesis concerns the development of female succession in Norway from 1161–1302 in relation to the broader European context. The rationale behind this thesis is twofold. First, structural factors have, in general, been neglected in previous research on the implementation of female succession in Norway in 1302. Second, the development of female succession in Norway has not been examined in relation to the broader European setting. Situating the Norwegian development in a wider European context can help illuminate the role of structural factors in the implementation of female succession in Norway. The investigation of the Norwegian case can also highlight similarities and differences between Norway and Europe with regards to the development of female succession and queenship. The bulk of the thesis focuses on how and why structural factors, particularly legitimate birth and maternal descent, changed in Norway and made the ratification of female succession possible. Focus is specifically put on what value legitimate birth and maternal descent was ascribed as symbolic capital for making claims to the Norwegian throne and how political actors (il)legitimation activities, for example in their power struggles for the throne, altered this value. The consequences of the implementation of female succession for the power of royal women are also examined, particularly whether any potential heiresses could become recognized as a queen regnant. One of the main conclusions reached in the thesis is that changes to structural factors, such as maternal descent, played a crucial role in the implementation of female succession in Norway. This finding is in sharp contrast to previous research, which was mainly concerned with the explanatory power of situational factors in the development, especially that the reigning king Haakon Magnusson lacked male children. Also, this thesis demonstrates that under normal circumstances, Norwegian heiresses would not be recognized as a queen regnant, with the caveat that some potential existed for widows to become female monarchs. This result corresponds with international research about queenship but contrasts with previous research about Norway.