Erik Thurgilsson (died 886) was a Norse jarl from Northumbria during the 9th century. He was executed by his own brother Sigefrid Thurgilsson after he fell in love with their prisoner Aethelflaed and attempted to betray his brother's ransom plan by eloping with her.
Biography[]
Erik Thurgilsson was the brother of Sigefrid Thurgilsson, and the two of them travelled to Northumbria as Vikings during the late 9th century. They became feared warriors, and, in 878, they decided to campaign against the Scots in the north, leaving York undefended; this led to the York revolt of 878. That same year, the new king of Northymbre, Guthred, summoned the brothers to assist Uhtred of Bebbanburg in seizing Dunholm from Earl Kjartan. However, the brothers betrayed Uhtred, and they later besieged London. When the Vikings took Aethelflaed as a hostage, Erik developed feelings for her. He later refused to ransom her, and he made plans to escape with her, seeking Uhtred's help. During the ensuing Battle of Beamfleot, Erik challenged Sigefrid to a duel as Uhtred helped Aethelflaed escape, but Erik was stabbed through the chest by his brother's prosthetic sword-arm. His brother tearfully blamed Erik for his own death, and he gave him a sword to hold so that he would go to Valhalla.
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