As Stenton points out, by appointing different sons his heirs in different countries, he demonstrated that he did not have "the deliberate intention of founding a northern empire . . . would remain united after his death."
Stenton on osutanud tähelepanu sellele, et määrates erinevad pojad oma pärijateks erinevates riikides, näitas ta seda, et tal ei olnud "teadlikku kavatsust rajada põhjamaist impeeriumi ... säiliks ühtsena ka pärast tema surma".