# Thorgnyr Thorgnyrson — Styrbiorn the Strong character guide

> Thorgnyr Thorgnyrson in Styrbiorn the Strong by E. R. Eddison.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Thorgnyr, old Thorgnyr

**First appearance:** 0004-ii-thorgnyr-the-lawman

## Snapshot

Old Thorgnyr has served Swedish kings for forty years, his bowed head and twitching hands concealing a shrewdness that outlasts the passions of younger men.

## Who they are

Thorgnyr stands before King Eric with head bowed, receiving orders no man else dares speak aloud—to banish Styrbiorn from the realm on pain of death. He neither protests nor flatters, but his lean hands twitch with the effort of restraint. As the King's most trusted lawman, he moves between the throne and the exiled prince, carrying messages that neither man can deliver himself, and his quiet presence lends weight to every political calculation in Upsala.

## Relationships

### [King Eric](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/characters/king_eric)

_professional_

Thorgnyr is a wise and influential law-speaker and advisor to King Eric.

### [Styrbiorn the Strong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/characters/styrbiorn_the_strong)

_social_

Styrbiorn and Thorgnyr have limited direct interaction, but Thorgnyr is a respected figure in the realm.

### [An](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/characters/an)

_social_

An and Thorgnyr are acquainted, likely through political and legal matters in the kingdom.

### [King Eric](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/characters/king_eric)

_professional_

Thorgnyr is a wise and influential law-speaker and advisor to King Eric.

### [King Eric](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/characters/king_eric)

_professional_

Thorgnyr is a wise and influential law-speaker and advisor to King Eric.

### [Styrbiorn the Strong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/characters/styrbiorn_the_strong)

_social_

Styrbiorn and Thorgnyr have limited direct interaction, but Thorgnyr is a respected figure in the realm.

### [Styrbiorn the Strong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/characters/styrbiorn_the_strong)

_social_

Styrbiorn and Thorgnyr have limited direct interaction, but Thorgnyr is a respected figure in the realm.

### [An](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/characters/an)

_social_

An and Thorgnyr are acquainted, likely through political and legal matters in the kingdom.

## In the story

### [II: Thorgnyr the Lawman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/chapters/ii-thorgnyr-the-lawman)

The old lawman, questioned by the King about the Thing; defends his actions but warns that Styrbiorn's stout stomach will undo them all.

### [VII: Eric and Styrbiorn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/chapters/vii-eric-and-styrbiorn)

Lawman who refuses to spread rumors against Styrbiorn; debates the King's strategy.

### [X: Broken Meats in Upsala](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/chapters/x-broken-meats-in-upsala)

Witnesses Styrbiorn's flight from the Queen's chamber, is summoned by the King, and delivers the banishment message to Styrbiorn.

### [King Eric's Hosting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/chapters/xiv-king-eric-s-hosting)

Advises King Eric to call a Thing, improve laws, and prepare a hosting. He observes the King's deep resolve and later presents Queen Sigrid's battle stratagem as his own.

### [XV: Fyrisfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/chapters/xv-fyrisfield)

Brings news of the battle's end to Queen Sigrid, describing the scree-fall and Styrbiorn's last stand.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/characters/thorgnyr_thorgnyrson
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/styrbiorn_the_strong_se/characters