The medieval history of Norway, steeped in conflict and legend, has long fascinated scholars and historians. A recent study has brought this history vividly to life, using DNA analysis to potentially identify the remains of a figure described in the Sverris Saga—an 800-year-old prose poem recounting King Sverre Sigurdsson’s reign. Found in a well at Sverresborg Castle, the “Well-man” offers a rare, tangible link between archaeology and Norse literature, shedding light on both the historical accuracy of the saga and the tumultuous era it depicts.
The Discovery of the ‘Well-man’
The skeletal remains, discovered during excavations at Sverresborg Castle in 1938, were originally examined using basic visual methods. At the time, the remains were speculated to belong to a victim of a medieval raid. However, it wasn’t until 2024, thanks to advancements in genomic research, that scientists could analyze the bones in detail. Using DNA extracted from a tooth, researchers reconstructed a genetic profile of the Well-man, revealing insights into his ancestry and physical traits.
Sverresborg Castle, situated near Trondheim, played a pivotal role in Norway’s medieval power struggles. The bones found in the castle’s well correspond to an account in the Sverris Saga, which narrates how attackers threw a corpse into the well during a Bagler raid in 1197 to poison the water supply—a crude form of biological warfare.
Video:
The Sverris Saga and Historical Context
The Sverris Saga is a historical text that chronicles the life of King Sverre Sigurdsson, a 12th-century ruler who claimed the Norwegian throne amid civil unrest. His reign was marked by fierce battles between his loyal Birkebeiner army and the Baglers, a rival faction supported by the Roman Catholic Church. This saga, while dramatic and detailed, has often been viewed as a blend of fact and political propaganda.
According to the saga, the Baglers launched a raid on Sverresborg in 1197, during which they allegedly used a corpse to contaminate the castle’s well. This tactic aimed to weaken Sverre’s defenses and force his men to abandon the fortress. The discovery of human remains in the well, coupled with DNA evidence, strongly aligns with this historical account, offering rare validation for the events described in the saga.
Radiocarbon Dating and DNA Analysis
The research team, led by Professor Michael D. Martin from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, employed cutting-edge methods to study the remains. Radiocarbon dating placed the man’s death around 1197, consistent with the timeline of the Bagler raid. Genetic sequencing, conducted in collaboration with deCODE Genetics in Iceland, revealed that the Well-man likely had blue eyes, light-brown or blond hair, and medium-toned skin.
Interestingly, the Well-man’s DNA was linked to the Vest-Agder region in southern Norway—territory controlled by the Baglers during the conflict. This evidence supports the hypothesis that the man may have been one of the attackers, possibly a fallen soldier whose body was discarded in the well to execute the contamination plan.
Insights from the DNA Evidence
The detailed genetic analysis of the Well-man offered several revelations. His physical traits—light-colored hair, blue eyes, and medium skin tone—provided a glimpse into the appearance of individuals from this period. Additionally, his ancestry, traced to southern Norway, strengthens the theory of his involvement with the Baglers.
The use of DNA extracted from a tooth was critical, as the rest of the skeletal remains were too poorly preserved for comprehensive analysis. These findings not only highlight the Well-man’s potential role in the events described in the saga but also demonstrate how ancient DNA can corroborate historical narratives.
Challenges in Historical Corroboration
While the evidence is compelling, researchers caution against definitive conclusions. As Professor Martin noted, “While we cannot prove that the remains recovered from the well inside the ruins of Sverresborg Castle are those of the individual mentioned in Sverris Saga, the circumstantial evidence is consistent with this conclusion.” This underscores the complexity of aligning historical texts with archaeological findings.
Furthermore, archaeologist Anna Petersén from the Norwegian Institute of Cultural Heritage Research emphasized that sagas, while valuable, are not entirely factual. They often blend history with legend, shaped by political and cultural biases. Nevertheless, the genetic analysis provides a “neutral” lens through which such texts can be examined, offering a scientific perspective to complement historical narratives.
Broader Implications of the Study
The Well-man discovery marks a significant step forward in combining archaeology, genetics, and history. It demonstrates how modern technology can bring new insights into ancient events, bridging the gap between historical texts and tangible evidence. Researchers believe this approach could be applied to other historical figures, such as Norway’s patron saint, St. Olaf, whose remains are believed to rest near Trondheim Cathedral.
Additionally, the study offers a unique perspective on medieval warfare and the use of biological tactics. The act of contaminating a well with a corpse reflects the harsh realities of medieval conflicts, where survival often necessitated extreme measures.
Conclusion
The discovery and analysis of the Well-man bring an 800-year-old saga vividly to life, providing rare validation for a historical event once thought to be purely anecdotal. Through the meticulous work of archaeologists and geneticists, we gain a deeper understanding of medieval Norse history, the complexities of civil conflict, and the lives of individuals who shaped these narratives. As technology continues to advance, the potential to unravel more mysteries from the past grows, bridging the ancient and modern worlds in unprecedented ways.
