Career
According to the Orkneyinga Saga, she was an ambitious and scheming woman who sought power through the men of the family of Thorfinn Torf-Einarsson, who was Earl of Orkney. The period after Thorfinn"s death was one of dynastic strife. Thorfinn had five sons: (Arnfinn, Havard, Hlodvir, Ljot, Skuli) and at least two daughters, each of whom had a son called Einar.
In Orkneyinga Saga it is stated that Ragnhild Eriksdotter first married Arnfinn Thorfinnsson, eldest son of Thorfinn.
Her husband was subsequently murdered at Murkle in Caithness sometime around 979. Her next husband was Arnfinn"s brother, Havard Thorfinnsson who may have been involved in his brother"s murder.
Next Ragnhild convinced Thorfinn grandson, Einar Klining, to kill Havard for which she would marry him and make him Earl. Havard was killed at Stenness on Orkney, though the date is uncertain.
Before Einar Klining could marry her, Ragnhild had promised Einar Hardkiopt, another grandson of Thorfinn, the same thing, if he would kill Einar Klining.
Number more is heard of Ragnhild after that event. Hlodvir Thorfinnsson then became Earl of Orkney.
