Translation into English by
Norman Henderson

 Web: Geir Neverdal (lektor/cand.philol) - Sel Historielag

What significance did this event have
for Norwegian history?
 

Background - The Battle - Myths? - Significance - Objects - Literature - Scotland - Programme2012

Contents of this page:

The situation before and during the Kalmar War 1611-13
Fear for one’s own life, farm and property
After the Kalmar War - greater self-confidence and belief in one's own capabilities?
1808 - Christian August asks his Brigade Generals to learn from the battle at "Kringelen"
 

300th. Anniversary in 1912
Aftenposten - August 1912
Access forbidden for traffic through Kringen and problems with overnight stays
From Kong Haakon VII’s speech at the Dinner
District school Headmaster Stokkeland and the historic Procession in 1912
Gudbrandsdølen
350th. Anniversary in 1962

The farmer soldiers often refused to fight.
During the Nordic Seven Years War, 1563-70, the farmers on both sides of the border made peace with each other, according to Alnes (p.238). They entered into “farmerpeaces” with the opposing troops. They committed themselves to serving a new King loyally, but only if he respected their old laws and left them in peace.

Trøndelag is easily conquered in 1564

When the Swedish troops invaded Trøndelag in the winter of 1564, they met little resistance. “The resistance which the authorities in Trondheim could organize was quickly defeated by the Swedish troops. The populace in general quickly accepted the Swedish King as their sovereign. The result of the Swedish invasion was so positive that a large number of troops were demobilized and sent home again to Sweden. At the same time, plans were made for a further conquest Southwards along the coastal region in the West”. "Forsvaret fra Leidang til totalforsvar" (*Defence from Leidang to total defence”) by Ersland, Bjørlo, Eriksen and Moland).

The Kalmar War 1611-1613 - Norwegian farmer soldiers desert

When Christian lV gave the order in 1611 for the mobilization of 6000 Norwegian men, who were to be sent to fight on the Swedish border, no more than 2000 could be gathered near Svinesund - and they refused to march across the border into Sweden. The soldiers deserted and by October there were no more than 200 left in the camp.

Kringen is the exception

In this situation it is Kringen which stands out as being unusual.
While the mercenaries who chose to take the route through Trøndelag to get to Sweden did so almost unhindered, those who marched through Romsdalen and Gudbrandsdalen were stopped at Kringen

The reaction was different when Trøndelag became Swedish again in 1658

It seems significant however, that when Trøndelag (the whole of Trondheim’s fief in addition to Nordmøre and Romsdal) was taken by the Swedes some 40 years later, the will to fight, and morale, were completely different.
Alnes writes: “The farmers in Østerdalen and Gudbrandsdalen gathered voluntarily, under their old banners to retake Trøndelag” (p.241).
Together with newly trained farmer soldiers from Hordaland and Sogn, they quickly recaptured the area.

Nidaros Cathedral. Photo:  Morten Dreier (Wikipedia)

A company of Dragoons from Gudbrandsdalen also took part in the campaign. This unit of mounted farmer soldiers was stationed at Oppdal”. (Teigum 2 p. 67).

In December 1658 the Swedish Commander Stjernsköld and his troops in Trondheim capitulated.

During the siege of Trondheim the dalesmen from Northern Gudbrandsdalen had had the responsibility for Guard Duty and Hans Tolstad was honoured with the exemption of tax on his farm for several years in recognition of his service.

In the southern part of Norway the war continued until the Spring of 1660. Dalesman from Gudbrandsdalen are to be found in both Kristiania and Fredrikstad. (Teigum 2 p.67).

Knut Mykland gives the following information about Christian August:

According to the Store norske Encylopedia the war with Great Britain, and from 1808, the war with Sweden, presented Christian August with serious problems:

Christian August (senere svensk kronprins Karl August)
1768-1810 Wikipedia

Angell writes about him (p.55):

“....at the start of hostilities on the Swedish border in 1808 (Christian August) recommends his Brigade Generals the battle of “Kringelen”. continuation “....he wanted to encourage us by taking an example from our own history of warfare. As the best he points out to us the Battle of Kringelen. ”In narrow places ways in and ways out must be made impossible” he says; “remember Kringelen...”

A rich selection of word of mouth tales/myths/legends? connected to
The Scottish March and the Battle of Kringen

Some of these myths/sagas/legends? are addressed elsewhere in this presentation.

- But the very fact that there is such a rich selection of word of mouth tales/myths/legends? connected to The Scottish March and the Battle of Kringen - expresses something of the importance of the event to the awareness and self esteem of Norwegians afterwards.

Nor was it by chance that it was King Haakon who performed the unveiling of the monument at the 300th Anniversary at Kringen in 1912. The Prime Minister and several Members of Parliament were also present - together with some 8000 spectators. (The numbers taken from Pål Kluften’s newspaper article covering the event in 1912).

The members of Gudbrandsdalslaget in the USA
collected funds for the erection of the new monument
at Kringen in 1912.

“In accordance with his (Kristen Holbø’s) suggestion the legendary figure of Pillarguri was chosen as the subject for the stone, which was to be a soapstone block from Tolstadåsen. The block was delivered and the subject carved out by the sculptor Ola Nyseter”. (p.68)

Kristen Holbø’s choice of Pillarguri as the subject for the Kringen Monument in 1912 was well received at that time. The same was to be said for the actual design and execution. The relief showing the girl with the "lur" (horn) was interpreted romantically. The event in 1612 was regarded as a bright light in an otherwise dark period for the nation in the 1600s” (p.71)

When the first Society for immigrant dalesmen from Gudbrandsdalen was founded in 1906, the 83 founders chose the name “Kringen” - and the first project of the new organization, as has been said, was to collect money for a Monument (the Holbø Monument) at Kringen in Sel. This was to be ready for the 300th. Anniversary in 1912.

On the 12th September 1909 the Gudbrandsdalslaget Society was founded in Minneapolis with the same objective and Pastor Lars P. Thorkveen from Lom was voted as the first President, an office he held until his death in 1923.

In 1912 Thorkveen, together with 29^(?) other members of the Society, travelled to the 300th Anniversary celebrations to witness the unveiling of the Monument by King Haakon Vll. (Årbok for Gudbrandsdalen 1982 p.108)

The photo of Thorkveen in his clergy robe with his award is
taken from his tombstone in the Albion Church Cemetery.
Our thanks to Jim Olson and the Gudbrandsdalslaget
Society in the USA for the loan of this photograph.

The picture shows Thorkveen in his clergy robe, and the St. Olav medal he was awarded for his work.

Aftenposten writes further:

“Large numbers of people came today both by vehicle and on foot; but the majority have come on the extra trains.

Miltary units and the 2nd. Brigade’s Military Band also arrived by extra train. They made camp at “Loftsgårdsøya” just North of the railway station.

Otta Station 26th. August 1912
(Photograph acquired by Stig Pettersen)

Access forbidden for traffic through Kringen and problems with
overnight stays in 1912

It was found necessary to close the road through Kringen for all traffic that day, whether it be horse drawn, on horse back or automobile traffic.

The general order which only permitted “automobile” traffic on the main road (today’s E6) between Sel (Laurgaard) and Otta in accordance with a timetable, was temporarily rescinded - in consideration for those who stayed overnight - so that in the period Monday 26th. to Tuesday 27th. August, this stretch of road could be driven at any time.

It was also pointed out that from the 25th. until the 27th. August one should always be aware that “automobile” traffic could possibly be met on the main road between Otta and Vinstra.

Horses (and their riders) were not used to cars at that time.

Kringendagen.

     In order to avoid danger it is hereby declared, that it shall be forbidden for automobiles, horse drawn vehicles and riders to use the main road in Sel from South Kringen to 500 metres South of the Kringen Monument from 12 Noon until 2 p.m. Monday 26th. August 1912.
     Attention is therefore drawn to the fact that, in consideration for those staying overnight, it is also permitted to drive with an automobile on the main road between Laurgaard and Otta outwith the stipulated times of the timetable, from 2 p.m. Monday 26th. August until 2 p.m. Tuesday 27th. August 1912. On the main road between Otta and Vinstra other drivers must always be aware that they could meet automobiles during the period 25th. to the 27th.
     Kristians district the 21st. August 1912.
                           Joh. A. Svendsen
                                                    bem.

Pål Kluften tells that it was necessary to travel 30 kilometres to the south to find lodgings for the night before the 26th. August.

Unveiling of the Kringen Monument

A splendid occasion full of atmosphere

Special telegram to “Aftenposten”.

Otta 26th. August

   The Kringen celebrations commenced this forenoon under the most fortunate conditions.
   This is so much more pleasant than the weather yesterday, which was far from the best. About 6 o’clock yesterday afternoon the rain began to pour down and continued far into the night. The Anniversary Committee were in despair as were the many who had made the journey here. It looked hopeless.
   When the train carrying the 2nd. Brigade’s Non-commissioned Officers School and the 2nd. Brigade’s Military Band arrived at the station yesterday evening it was raining “cat and dogs”. It was no better when the train carrying the 11th. Company arrived half an hour later. The rain was beyond description and many were heartily sorry for the Non-commissioned Officer pupils and the soldiers who were to camp outside in tents. Both units made camp on Loftgaardsøen some way beyond Otta Station.
   Many people came yesterday. All the hotels and private homes are full to capacity and many had to look for accommodation further away in the district.
   All the flags are hoisted today and many houses are beautifully decorated. There is an atmosphere of celebration in the air. Both yesterday and today scores of people have been seen on the two kilometre long road to the Kringen Monument. The Royal platform has been erected just down from the Monument and flags have be placed all around. Large numbers of people have arrived today both on foot and by other means of transport; but the majority have come on the extra trains. How many people are present is difficult to say, but they can surely be counted in the thousands.

The Royal Train

rolled into the station at 11.30 this forenoon. The platform was packed with people. Everyone pressed forward eagerly to get a glimpse of the King, who was greeted with rousing cheers. The King was received by County Administrator Lambrechts and the Anniversary Committee led by book seller Narvesen. From the station to the Grand Hotel, where the King is staying, soldiers lined both sides of the road.The Band of the 2nd. Brigade played.

   A quarter of an hour after the Royal Train’s arrival the Anniversary procession moved off with the Band of the 2nd. Brigade at the head. The 11th. Company followed, then the King, invited guests and the Anniversary Committee. Then came the “Dalesmens” procession with Magnus Barfod’s banner in the lead, the riflemen, the schools and finally the members of the public in procession. When the Anniversary procession reached its destination, the 2nd. Brigade’s Non- commissioned Officers School was already formed up there.

The unveiling ceremony

commenced with the singing of the national anthem, “Ja vi elsker”, after which the Kringen Committee chairman, Johan Nygaard wished everyone welcome. The musicians then played "Fortællingen om skotterne" (“The tale of the Scots”), a legend based on the Pillarguri folk melody and the Scottish March by O. Hjellemo, who also conducted the music. The music was greatly enjoyed.
   After that Colonel Angell held the Anniversary speech, from which we quote:

Your Majesty, men and women of Norway!It was 300 years ago today. A tone from the lure was heard from the Pillarguri peak. Then a landslide started up there on Høgkringenaasen. It was only a young girl who blew the lure. It was only a small force
of farmers who charged down a hill. But that lure had tones, just like the old battle lure, when it rallied to battle and the
farmerhorde advanced as they had always done, with sharp axes in strong hands. It resounded from mountain to mountain, and the echo from village to village and throughout the land of Norway. It has been a long time now since we heard the Norwegian battle lure and seen Norwegian farmers go forward into manly fight;             (continues up to the right)

but we had waited a long time for the tones to call us. It was the longing of the Norwegian people. It was therefore something greater which was set in motion by the tone of the lure on the 26th. August 1612 , than the small avalanche created by the farmers. It was the rebirth of the Norwegian people. Therefore the girl will come to stand firm in our peoples’ thoughts as an image of the beacon watch from high peaks, and the farmers’ landslide as the rebirth of our old, strong national defence. The beacons had long been without watchers. Therefore they had also deteriorated and our national defence was in decline. These were dark times.   
   That, which first and foremost gathers us together today, is therefore not only the memory of the Norwegian farmers’ fight, and about the victory of the men of Gudbrandsdalen at Kringen, but it is also about the rebuilding of the peoples’ army, the reminder that the nation is more important than the village. This is exactly what makes this day belong not only to the people of Gudbrandsdalen, but also to Norway.

The speaker then continued to give a detailed description of The Scottish March, the Colonel ended in this way:

Here in Kringen - 300 years after the Battle - Norwegian men and women have come to honour the memory of those who fought, gave their lives, stood guard at the beacons, and by carrying out brave deeds, set an example for everyone. We meet at this Monument, which one of the valley’s sons has created. We know that the artist will, in this way, tell us about the duty, which everyone has, when the beacon guard blows the lure, calling to battle.
The Pillar-Guri-lure roused the people of Norway’s valleys, made them look beyond the confining borders of their villages, rallied them to fight and win, roused them so, to fever pitch --

 

After the speech a song composed by the school teacher Hans Nyhus was sung to the melody "Mens Nordhavet bruser" (“While the North Sea rages”).
Three verses are quoted here:

And the dalesmen fought a summer’s day
at Kringen below the slope (to the river),
for their home and valley they fought a fight,
which shall be remembered in time to come.
When the tone of the lure sounded from the mountain,
came the ”avalanche” from above and Berdon fired his gun

From Ringebu in the South and to Lesje and Lom,
they went to the bloody meeting,
to protect their fathers’ land they came
and used their strength and abilities.
When the sun went down, and so it was night,
for the March of the Scots, the end of their might.

Three hundred years have gone by,
and light and shadow have changed,
but in the valleys there are still women and men
who will build “avalanches” against attackers.
When the battle lure calls, we will gladly meet
and forget what otherwise separates (us).

After Angell’s speech Pastor Thorkveen presented a greeting from the Gudbrandsdalslaget Society in the USA.

Then Nygaard handed the Monument over to the local authorities of Sel.

 

Immediately after the unveiling

The Anniversary Dinner

commenced. The table was shaped as a horseshoe and beautifully decorated. The King was conducted to the table by book seller Narvesen, Prime Minister Bratlie by Dr. Müller and District Administrator Lambrechts by Johan Nygaard. Among the other guests were Members of Parliament Thallaug, Skoug and Castberg.

Comment: The Anniversary Dinner took place in the old Solvang building which stood then where Otta school stands today.
 

(This picture acquired by Stian Høglien)

Kristen Holbø - the sculptor who created the new Monument in 1912
(A previously unknown photograph from the Anniversary at Kringen in 1912.)

This picture, from 1900 - shows a part of Otta twelve years before the Anniversary ceremony at Kringen.
Solvang is ringed in on the right, with "Klebersalen" (the Soapstone room) to the left.
 

“Solvang ... was beautifully decorated. The table was laid in the form of a double horseshoe. The King was conducted to the table by book seller Narvesen”.

The following could be read in the newspaper “Gudbrandsdølen” on the 29th. August 1912:

“The ladies of Otta have the credit for the arrangement of the event in Anniversary Dinner’s venue, the Chairman of the Anniversary Committee informs us.
Under Dr. Müller’s sure guidance and after many days’ effort, the venue was presented, beautifully decorated with flags and greenery, in good time before the event. The decorations received many compliments from the guests”.

Some days earlier, on the 24th. August, an advertisement in “Gudbrandsdølen” declared:

“Public celebration at 6 o’clock (Entry tickets kr.1,-) with the following programme:
Celebration speech by Church singer H. Nyhus.
Music by the 2nd. Brigade’s Military Band.
7 o’clock Dancing in Kleberhallen and Solvang.
9 o’clock Fireworks.
10 o’clock Bonfire on Pillarguri peak.

Both Kleberhallen (Klebersalen) and Solvang were put to use that day - and they were certainly needed. According to Pål Kluften’s notes from the Kringen Anniversary celebrations about 8000 people were gathered in Otta that day (others mean there were approximately 5000).

“The King thanked the speaker for his speech (Bertrand Narvesen’s speech to the King) and expressed his pleasure at having been able to attend the celebrations. What the dalesmen did in 1612 demonstrates that much can be done with small resources. These people, who did what they did at that time, with courage and wisdom, achieved
something great. They had little equipment at their disposal. They had no telegraph or telephone. The “Budstikka” had to be sent. Many had to make a long journey to reach their destination. I don’t know if there was anybody who didn’t come. I think that if it had been at all possible for them to come, they would have. Let us therefore hope that there will always be people here who are ready to defend their native land. A toast to the Fatherland!”.

The toast was followed by “three times three cheers”.
(From Aftenposten’s special telegram the 27th. August 1912)

On the right King Haakon VII in 1906.
Section of a photograph which was to be used as a postcard (taken by the Norwegian photographer Gustav Borgen 1865-1926). Wikipedia

Because of his many contacts made during the periods when the district school was based in North and Central Gudbrandsdalen, he was the perfect man for the job. He had also acquired a means of transport five years earlier- a bicycle - which meant that communication with the rest of the valley was made easier. (At that time the alternatives were either walking or horseback).

A bicycle was very expensive in those days - the equivalent of an industrial worker’s annual wage. Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson therefore organized a collection in 1907 to buy this conveyance for Stokkeland.

Anders Stokkeland was also made an Honorary Member of the Gudbrandsdalen Society in the USA by Lars Thorkveen in 1912 - not only because of his involvement in the historic procession on this
occasion, but also because many members of the Society had attended the district school under his leadership before they emigrated, and they were of the opinion that his teaching had been a very positive contribution to their way forward in life. (Source: Kristin Øveraas).

The Dalesmens’ procession forming up.
(Donated by Kristin Øverås)
 

Grateful thanks go to Kristin Øverås who has acquired for us copies of photographs of the Anniversary at Kringen in 1912 from two albums (which are owned today by Hege Døving) - as well as information about Anders Stokkeland and Bertrand Narvesen (Narvesen was Chairman of the Anniversary Committee in 1912). Kristin has also written a long article about Stokkeland in the Ringebu Historical Society’s book “Hemgrenda 2009”.

The bicycle is still in existence, described as “Bjørnsonsykkelen” - in the Romsdal Museum - and has the following inscription on the front:

A. Stokkeland
fra
Bjørnstj. Bjørnson

A. Stokkeland
from
Bjørnst. Bjørnson


 

Foto: Astrid Øverås

This picture is most probably from the visit by the Scots the year after - in 1963.
 

Programme

for the Kringen Jubilee 26th. August 1962

Saturday 25th. August.

Programme:

Entry fee: Adults kr 5.00
Children kr 2.00
 

Sunday 26th. August

Programme:

Entry fee: Adults kr 5.00
Children kr 2.00

Background - The Battle - Myths? - Significance - Objects - Literature - Scotland - Programme2012

Siden ble sist oppdatert: 25. juni 2012

Web: Geir Neverdal (lektor/cand.philol) - Sel Historielag
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