Magnus the Law Mender

church service

with Bergen Cathedral Choir

When Magnus the Law Mender decided where he wanted to be buried, he did not choose the monumental Christ Church on Holmen, where the remains of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather rested, distinguished and secluded. Instead, he made sure he would be laid to rest in the middle of the city, in St Olav's Church in Vågsbunnen, today known as the Bergen Cathedral.

At this service, King Magnus' masterpiece, the National Law, is commemorated for having united the entire Norwegian kingdom under one law 750 years ago.

The Bergen Cathedral Choir will perform two a cappella pieces by Egil Hovland (1924–2013): Return my Soul and How long o Lord have texts from Psalm 116 and 13, respectively. Both have a biblical introduction to "the four sisters" in King Magnus VI the Law Mender's national law: Mercy, truth, justice and peace.

"The four sisters are Mercy, Truth, Justice and Peace. Mercy must ensure that there is no malice or hatred in judgments. Truth must take care that lies are not carried forward. Justice must ensure that injustice does not harm fair judgments. Peace must ensure that no one is given a harsh sentence in anger until the right judgment is made." – From The National Law, fourth volume, chapter 18.

Photo: Tuva Åserud

Information

​The anniversary of King Magnus VI the Law Mender's national law from 1274 is also marked during high mass in Bergen domkirke (the Bergen Cathedral) on the same day, and with a tour of the king's castle fortress, today better known as the Rosenkrantz Tower.

Contributors

• Bergen Cathedral Choir​

Music by

• Hovland​

Works

Egil Hovland (1924–2013)
Return my Soul

How long, O Lord?

Supported by

​Vestland County Council