The battle of Örlygsstaðir was an armed conflict between the Icelandic clans of the Sturlungar against the Asbirningar and Haukdælir in northern Iceland. The battle was a part of the civil war prevailing at that time between several powerful local clans (Sturlungaöld - Sturlung era), and is considered the most important battle in the history of Iceland.

The battle took place on 21 August 1238 between Sigvatr Sturluson (brother of Snorri Sturluson), and his son Sturla Sighvatsson on the one hand, and Kolbeinn the Younger, Gissur Þorvaldsson (later jarl Gissur) on the other side, the latter victorious. About 50 men were killed and five others were executed by decapitation, including Þórir Jökull Steinfinnsson, after the battle. The names of the dead are recorded in the sslendinga saga, which is an important part of the Sturlunga saga.

In 1988 a monument was erected on the site of the battle, where events are described. Bibliography

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