Saint Magnus [1075-1115] -- Earl of Orkney

Wiki: Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney

Magnus and his cousin, Haakon, ruled as co-Earls of Orkney for some 9 years. Their followers fell out, however, and the two sides met at the Thing (assembly) on the Orkney Mainland, ready to do battle. Peace was negotiated and the Earls arranged to meet each other on the island of Egilsay, each bringing only two ships. Magnus arrived on 16 April 1115 with his two ships, but then Haakon treacherously turned up with eight ships. Magnus was captured and offered to go into exile or prison, but an assembly of chieftains insisted that one earl must die. Haakon's standard bearer, Ofeigr, refused to execute Magnus, and an angry Haakon made his cook Lifolf kill Magnus by striking him on the head with an axe. It was said that Magnus first prayed for the souls of his executioners. Magnus was first buried on the spot he died. WIKI