Battle of Sauðafell

Daði Guðmundsson victory North Atlantic Africa Asia Caribbean The Battle of Sauðafell (Orrustan á Sauðafelli) occurred in 1550, when the forces of Catholic Bishop Jón Arason clashed with the forces of Daði Guðmundsson of Snóksdalur.

Sauðafell was an important part of Daði's fief in western Iceland, close to his estate in Snóksdalur and vital to the Bishop's campaign against Lutheran influence in the country as it blocked his lines of communication in the West to the South of Iceland.

Jón Arason brought with him a minimal force of around 100 men and took Sauðafell without opposition initially.

The battle was nonetheless close fought and Daði was almost shot down by gunfire when he led his troops into the fray.

After being cornered in the Church, the Bishop accepted Daði's terms and surrendered.