Erling Skjalgsson monument

The Erling Skjalgsson monument stands near the Sola ruin church. The memorial stone was erected in memory of Erling Skjalgsson (975–1028), one of Sola's most famous men throughout history. The Viking chieftain is credited with introducing Christianity to Rogaland. In 2016, his wife, Astrid Trygvesdatter, was given her own monument next to him.

Erling Skjalgsson from Sola

From Hogstad and northwards to the entrance to Hafrsfjord, there are several memorial stones that tradition has linked to Erling Skjalgsson.

Erling Skjalgsson lived from around 970 to 1028. He is the most legendary person from Sola who ever lived. For most of his life, Erling was the most powerful man in Norway. He was sub-king of the whole of south-western Norway. In 996, he married Astrid, sister of Olav Tryggvason (Norwegian king 995-1000). After Olav's defeat in the Battle of Svolder, Erling tried to remain on good terms with the new king, Olav the Holy (Norwegian king 1015-1030). However, several battles between them ended with Erling being killed in Soknasundet on 21 December 1028. These memorial stones are the first stop on an Erling Skjalgsson trail. It ends at Hafrsfjordbrua on Jåsund.

Snorre has several stories about Erling in his royal sagas. At each memorial stone, signs tell different stories about Erling from Snorre's royal sagas. Erling's memory is still strong in his home town of Sola. The priest Afgeir erected a memorial cross for Erling. This stands today in the vestibule of the Stavanger Museum. Similar stone crosses can also be found in the old cemetery at Tjora.