THE NORSE OCCUPATION. 25 



a semi-barbarian. But as his martial feats proclaim the 

 warrior, so his sartorial instincts proclaim the artist. 

 Magnus introduced the use of the kilt to Norway, where 

 it appears to have been worn for a century afterwards. 

 Holinshed, who lived in the sixteenth century, informs 

 us that during the great expedition of Magnus, he 

 ordained laws and constitutions which were used by the 

 inhabitants " unto these days " an interesting statement 

 alike to the historian and the jurist. 



On the death of Magnus, the feeble Lagman seems 

 to have once more (in 1103) resumed the sovereignty of 

 Man and the Isles. But his brother Harald proved a 

 thorn in his side. Suspecting Harald of plotting against 

 him, Lagman seized his brother, put out his eyes, and 

 otherwise mutilated him in accordance with the barbarous 

 practice of those times. Repenting of his cruelty, he 

 resigned the Crown and proceeded to Jerusalem to 

 expiate his offence. On arrival there, or, according to 

 some accounts, while on his way to the Holy Land, he 

 died in the year 1 1 10, after an inglorious reign of seven 

 years. 



Godred Crovan's youngest son, Olaf or Olave, who is 

 known by the name of " the Red," also as " Kleining," and 

 " Bitlingr " from his small stature, was a minor in 1 1 1 1 

 when his dominions fell, either by conquest or popular 

 choice,* into the power of Donald, son of Taidg, an 

 Irishman who proved a despot, and was soon deposed. 

 In 1114, Olave assumed the reins of government, after a 

 useful training in the field and at the Courts of William 

 Rufus and Henry I. of England. For forty years he 

 governed his possessions wisely and well, his diplomatic 

 relations, not only with his Superior of Norway, but with 

 the neighbouring countries of England, Scotland, and 

 Ireland, being of the friendliest character. He was 

 treacherously murdered in 1154 by his nephew Reginald, 



* The Manx historians say he was selected by King Murtough of Ireland 

 at the request of the people of Man. The Annals of Innisfallen state that 

 he " acquired the kingdom of Insegall by force." 



