King Håkon V’s Royal Ordinance

When it comes to the plight of the Sámi people, of which we are aware, and the significant poverty they face in terms of livelihoods and other necessities for survival, we have shown mercy and compassion. For a period of 20 winters from their conversion to Christianity, they shall not be required to pay more than one-third of the fines stipulated in the law, regardless of whether they are found guilty in matters concerning the kingdom, Christian law or the archbishop. However, once these 20 winters have passed, they shall pay full fines like any other settled men, yet with consideration and leniency where appropriate.

Furthermore, we warn the officials of both the kingdom and the archbishop, who pursue lawsuits under the Christian law, not to bring forth false claims against the Finns and intimidate them into giving or paying as you please when you arrive in their fjords. In all cases where such behavior is proven true, we command the local sheriffs, lawmen, or anyone nearby, to uphold justice and act fairly towards both us and the Finns as they would answer to God and us. This shall serve as a warning to others who dare to engage in such actions.

This letter was written in Bergen two nights after St. Laurence feast day, in the fifteenth year of our reign. Bjarne Audunsson placed his seal beneath it, and Torgeir Tovesson wrote it.

Translated by Professor Emerita Else Mundal