NOREGR – Medieval Stories

Small figure of a knight sitting on a horse.

Meet the knight, the jester and the medieval king, Magnus the Lawmender.

Opened 1 February 2024

In the centuries following the Viking Age, Norse customs, Christianity, and traditions from Antiquity meet, and the origins of what we know as Norway begin to emerge. Medieval Norwegians speak the Old Norse language, calling the country they live in Noregr.

The Norwegian Middle Ages cover a 500-year period, from the middle of the 11th century to the first half of the 16th century. Archaeologists and researchers are constantly making new discoveries that shed light on life in this period. In the exhibition you will find selected objects that originate from the latest excavations in Oslo, and discover stories about the Norwegian Middle Ages that have not often been told.

Image carousel

The Knight – Norway in Europe

In 2015, archaeologists found a beautiful pewter figure of a knight on horseback while excavating the Follo line in Oslo. Is it a toy? or perhaps a souvenir that someone brought back from abroad?

In the Middle Ages, European impulses spread north quickly, and the Norwegian society changed accordingly. Although there were not many knights in Norway, the knight still became an important role model. Knights were appointed by the king to be faithful warriors on horseback who would serve both God and society. He must be brave, knowledgeable and restrained, even when he falls in love. He always behaves courtly.

The Jester – New stories

The first cities emerge, and the marketplace, the assembly, the church and the tavern become central meeting places to hear stories, legends and news. Stories about saints, knights and mythical beasts are educational and entertaining at the same time. The written word now takes on greater importance, but oral storytelling lives on in the spirit of the jester.

In the church, images are used to show the right way to live. At the same time, people still carve runes on sticks and bones to share jokes and gossip, or to ask for God’s help.

One king – One law

King Magnus Håkonsson leaves deep tracks in medieval Norway. Historians refer to him as "King Magnus the Lawmender", making the Laws of the Land.

750 years ago, the King decided that one single law should apply to the entire country. This becomes the first functioning law of a unified kingdom in Europe. Now it is no longer your family’s honour or the power of the sword that determines what punishment you will receive, or how much you inherit.

Audio guides

There are audioguides in the exhibition.

Tickets and opening hours

Magnus Lagabøte's Law of the Land 750 years

In 2024, it will be 750 years since Magnus Lagabøte's Law of the Land was adopted. The law replaced the four regional laws for Frostating, Gulating, Eidsivating, and Borgarting, and resulted in Norway having a common legal code.

During the anniversary year of 2024, some of the country's leading medieval experts will explore the significance of this remarkable reform in its contemporary context and its impact in the years that followed.