The Pope allows Vidkunn and Gyrid to marry
DN 1/79 · 20 August 1291 · Rom
What the letter says
Pope Nicholas IV writes on 20 August 1291 to Bishop Øyvind of Oslo. The knight Vidkunn Erlingsson and Gyrid Andresdatter wish to marry to put an end to a serious enmity between their parents, kinsmen and friends, since there is no other remedy. But Vidkunn is said to have had carnal relations with a woman who was related to Gyrid in the fourth degree, and that is an impediment to the marriage. The Pope gives the bishop authority to grant them a dispensation, if what they say is true, so that they may marry and remain in the marriage.
The letter in modern English
Bishop Nicholas etc. to Bishop [Øyvind] of Oslo. A petition from our beloved son, the noble man Vidkunn Erlingsson, knight of your diocese, and from our beloved daughter in Christ, the noble woman Gyrid Andresdatter of the diocese of Stavanger, which has been laid before us, contained the following: in order to settle the grave enmity which the enemy of the human race has stirred up between their parents, kinsmen and friends, they wish to be joined in marriage, since no other fitting remedy can be applied. But because a certain woman, with whom the said Vidkunn is said to have had carnal knowledge, is related to the said Gyrid in the fourth degree of kinship, the wish of Vidkunn and Gyrid cannot be fulfilled, because of the impediment of affinity arising from this kinship. They have therefore humbly asked us to provide mercifully the benefit of a fitting dispensation. We, who seek the salvation of each person and gladly procure peace and quiet for the faithful, commit this to you by the authority of this letter, since you can have fuller knowledge of the matter and its circumstances.
Original text
Nicolaus episcopus etc. [Eyvindo] episcopo Asloensi. Exhibita nobis dilecti filii nobilis viri Vicunni Erlingi militis tue diocesis ac dilecte in Christo filie nobilis mulieris Girud Andree Stavangrensis diocesis petitio continebat, quod ipsi, ad sedendas graves inimicitias inter eos parentes consanguineos et amicos ipsorum, instigante inimico humani generis, suscitatas, cupiunt, cum super hoc aliud congruum nequeat adhiberi remedium, matrimonialiter copulari.
Background
Vidkunn Erlingsson (died c. 1302) of Bjarkøy was the brother of Bjarne Erlingsson and himself a baron and councillor of the realm. Gyrid Andresdatter (died 1323) was from Stårheim in Nordfjord, but the letter says she belonged to the diocese of Stavanger. Canon law forbade marriage between people related by blood or marriage up to the fourth degree, and a sexual relationship with a relative of the bride also counted as affinity. Marriage was a common means of making peace between families, and here the letter says so outright. Their son, Erling Vidkunsson, was born around 1292, shortly after this letter, and he later gathered the Bjarkøy, Stårheim and Giske estates. The letter was issued at Orvieto, «Urbs vetus», where the Pope was staying, although DN gives Rome as the place.
People: Vidkunn Erlingsson, Gyrid Andresdatter