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 ascended to power in 1252, following a period of uncertainty and dispute in the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles, when Magnús' claim to rule was acknowledged by Hákon Hákonarson, King of Norway, his nominal superior. In the preceding decade, Alexander II, King of Scotland had made several efforts to annex the Hebrides into the Scottish dominion.