Sigtrygg Gnupasson

Who is Sigtrygg Gnupasson?

Sigtrygg Gnupasson was a king of Denmark of the Swedish House of Olaf who ruled in the 10th century, according to Adam of Bremen and Sweyn II of Denmark.

Sigtrygg was son of Gnupa and the Danish noblewoman Asfrid. According to Adam, he became a Danish king during the tenure of Archbishop Hoger of Bremen. He is remembered on the two Sigtrygg Runestones found near Schleswig, erected by his mother after his death, suggesting this area represented the power-base of the family.

Based on the testimony of king Sweyn, Adam reports that prior to Hoger's death, Harthacnut came to Denmark and immediately deposed the young king Sigtrygg. However other sources show a Chnuba still ruling in 934, while Heimskringla reports Gnupa's defeat by Gorm the Old, again placing his death later than Adam would have it. Adam himself mentions the existence of other kings at this time and expresses doubt that Denmark represented a single united realm.