The Official Sweater for the Norwegian Ski Teams for the 2003-2004 season
Legendary skiers that saved the Norwegian prince
The Official Sweater for the Norwegian Ski Teams for 2004, Østerdalen, is based upon the most inspirational story in Norwegian history; The deed of valor and strength of two skiers risking their own lives to deliver the future Norwegian King to safety.
In the beginning of year 1200 several factions struggled for power in Norway. "Birkebeinerne", a group of people led by King Sverre, controlled most of the area in southern Norway. "Birkebeinerne" were in war with "Baglerne", another group located on the west coast.
King Sverre died in 1202 and the throne past on to his son, Haakon Sverressøn. The war went on and Haakon Sverressøn died in combat on New Year's Day 1204 a couple of months before his son, Haakon Haakonsøn, was born. As a potential pretender to the throne Haakon Haakonsøn was in great danger, and had to be transported to his fathers friend, King Inge, in Nidaros.
The "Birkebeiner" people sent the child with their best skiers. On Christmas Eve 1204 they arrived Lillehammer and took shelter in a little farm. Leaving Lillehammer the easiest way to Nidaros would be passing through the "Gudbrandsdalen" - valley. But in fear of the "Bagler" people the best skiers, Torstein Skjevla and Skjervald Skrukka, were sent over the mountain and down to the "ØSTERDALEN" - valley with the child. They faced a dreadful weather over the mountain, but arrived safely in the "Østerdalen" – valley, where farmers showed them the way to King Inge and Nidaros.
Haakon Haakonsøn became the new King and ended the civil war. During King Haakon Haakonsøn’s period Norway experienced its days of glory in the middle age.
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