Guðrøðr's father came to power in 1252, following a period of confusion and contention in the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles, when Magnús' right to rule was acknowledged by Hákon Hákonarson, King of Norway, his nominal overlord. In the previous decade, Alexander II, King of Scotland had made several attempts to incorporate the Hebrides into the Scottish realm.
Guðrøðr's father took charge in 1252, following a period of confusion and disagreement in Mann and the Isles, when Magnús' right to govern was accepted by Hákon Hákonarson, King of Norway, his nominal ruler. In the preceding years, Alexander II, King of Scotland had made several attempts to incorporate the Hebrides into the Scottish kingdom.