Álfþór Einarsson

## King Álfþór Einarsson

A portrait of Álfþór Einarsson

**Álfþór Einarsson Einaren** (ᚨᛚᚠᚦᛟᚱ ᛂᛁᚿᛆᚱᛋᛋᚮᚿ ᛂᛁᚿᛆᚱᛂᚿ) was the second King of The Holy Kingdom of Beinlandi and the son of King Einar Einaren. He was of the Skóguran People, and is credited with his immense administrative talent. He was born in and resided in Einaren Kastala, where he held the position of King until his death.

## Traumatic Birth

Shortly before midnight on 26 Bráðna 5 Eftir, Álfþór's mother, Alfhilda, experienced labor pains, so the court physician was summoned. Upon examination, the physician realized the infant was in the breech position. The Court Physician advised Einar that the unborn child's life was endangered. There were many attempts made by the physician to turn Álfþór before he began to exit, but it was to no avail, and because of this, he feared the child might die during his birth. Then, what has been called “the Miracle of the Birth of Álfþór” Álfþór was delivered at a rapid rate and experienced no physical harm. Upon his delivery, Álfþór was silent for a few moments, until a very weak cry escaped his lips.

## Early Life

In 9 Eftir, Álfþór was taken to Ís Steinn, to be present at the wedding of his Uncle Bartól (later Sjant Bartól), and Gunnhild Gillevald. Álfþór attended the ceremony in a suit of armor, complete with a small toy sword. During the ceremony, the four-year-old became restless. The eighteen-year-old Kanfras Græn Kápa, was put in charge of keeping an eye on him, and told him to be quiet, but Álfþór drew his sword and threatened Kanfras. When Kanfras attempted to subdue him by force, Álfþór bit him on the leg. His Uncle, Bartól, who missed seeing the tantrum, said Álfþór remained "a clever, good little child, my favorite".

His mother, Alfhilda, was obsessed with his birth, blaming herself for the child's near death and insisted that he become a good rider. The thought that he, as heir to the throne, should not be able to ride a horse was intolerable to her. Riding lessons began when Álfþór was eight and were a matter of endurance for Álfþór . Over and over, the weeping prince was set on his horse and forced to go through the course. He fell off time after time but despite his tears, was put on its back again. After weeks of this he was finally able to maintain his balance

Álfþór, from six years of age, was tutored and heavily influenced by the 39-year-old Knight Sigmund Gróf. "Gróf", he later wrote, "was a very respectable man. Whether he was a good tutor for me, I dare not decide. The suffering I endured, in this pony riding, must be credited to my mother." Álfþór possessed a quick intelligence, but this was often overshadowed by a cantankerous temper.

## Succession

A 37-year-old Álfþór ascended to the throne upon his father’s death in 42 Eftir as King of Beinlandi. Early conflicts occurred between Álfþór and Einar’s council, many of whom thought Álfþór was a “lightweight” that could be “pushed around easily”. Within the first 5 months of his reign, Álfþór replaced most of the council with those who would support and praise him.

## Reign

Álfþór ruled mainly as an administrative king, promoting arts, sciences, and development. He managed to successfully fill his father’s shoes, and would be responsible for multiple infrastructure expansions, mainly the Great Northern Road, that connects Beinlandi to Halthrak, and during Álfþór’s reign the first cathedral was finished.

## Death

Álfþór died in his sleep on 4 Beinar 75, in Einaren Kastala at the age of 70. A large funeral was held in his honor, where many paid their respects to the son of the Prophet.