Harald Hardrada

Harald Sigurdsson, known as Harald III and called Hardrada in the sagas, was King of Norway from 1046 to 1066. Before becoming king, he spent 15 years away from Norway, working as a soldier in faraway lands. He fought in many battles and became a leader of important troops for a powerful empire.

When Harald was just fifteen, he fought in a battle alongside his half-brother Olaf Haraldsson, who tried to take back the Norwegian throne. They lost, and Harald had to leave Norway. He traveled to places like Kievan Rus' and the Byzantine Empire, where he gained experience and wealth.

In 1046, Harald returned to Norway and shared the rule with another king, Magnus the Good. When Magnus died the next year, Harald became the sole king. He worked to bring Norway together and create peace. He also tried to take control of Denmark but was not successful.

In 1066, Harald decided to claim the throne of England. He led his troops to northern England and won a battle near York. However, soon after, he faced the English king Harold Godwinson in a surprise attack and was defeated. Harald's death in this battle is often seen as the end of the Viking Age.

Epithets

Harald had a famous nickname called harðráði in Old Norse. This name has many meanings like "severe," "resolute," or "tough." It is often turned into "Hardrada" in stories from Iceland.

Some older stories from places like the British Isles call him by another name, hárfagri, which means "hair-beautiful." These stories include writings from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Orderic Vitalis, John of Worcester, and William of Malmesbury. Historians now think that Harald Hardrada might have been known as Harald Fairhair, even though that name is more famous for an earlier Norwegian king.

Early life

Harald was born in Ringerike, Norway, around the year 1015. His parents were Åsta Gudbrandsdatter and Sigurd Syr. Sigurd was an important leader in the area. Harald grew up with two older brothers, and he looked up to his brother King Olaf Haraldsson, who later became Saint Olaf.

When Harald was young, his brother Olaf had to leave Norway because of a rebellion. Harald joined Olaf when he returned and fought alongside him in a big battle called the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030. Even though they lost the battle and Olaf was sadly killed, Harald showed great skill in fighting.

Exile in the East

To Kievan Rus'

After losing a battle, Harald escaped with help from a friend and found a safe place to rest and heal in eastern Norway. He then traveled to Kievan Rus', where he met Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise. Yaroslav welcomed Harald and made him a leader in his army. Harald fought in battles against various enemies, including groups from Poland and other nearby lands.

In Byzantine service

Harald and his men then traveled to Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire. There, they joined the Varangian Guard, the emperor’s protective force. Harald fought in many battles across the empire, including areas around the Mediterranean Sea and in lands far to the east. He became known as a strong and skilled leader.

Back to Kievan Rus'

During his time in the Byzantine Empire, Harald grew very wealthy. He sent his riches to Kievan Rus’ for safekeeping. After some time, Harald escaped from Constantinople and returned to Kievan Rus’. There, he married Elisabeth, the daughter of Yaroslav the Wise. His experiences and knowledge from serving in the Byzantine Empire were valuable during this period.

King of Norway

Harald Sigurdsson, known as Harald Hardrada, became King of Norway in 1046. Before that, he spent many years away from Norway, serving as a soldier in faraway lands. He returned to find that Magnus the Good, the son of his half-brother Olaf, had become king. Harald and Magnus agreed to rule Norway together, though Magnus was the main ruler.

Harald wanted to rule Denmark as well, but faced strong opposition from the Danish king Sweyn. For many years, Harald attacked Denmark, but he could never fully take control. In 1062, a big sea battle happened near Niså, where Harald fought hard but did not win a clear victory. Finally, in 1064, Harald and Sweyn made peace and kept their separate kingdoms.

Harald worked to strengthen Norway. He created a system for making coins, which helped Norway’s trade. He also worked to spread Christianity in Norway, building churches and bringing in leaders from other countries. Though his rule was strict, his time as king brought changes that helped Norway grow.

Invasion of England

Harald Hardrada turned his attention to England after accepting he could not conquer Denmark. His claim to the English throne was based on an old agreement. After the king of England died, Harald’s brother Tostig joined him to support his claim.

Harald gathered a fleet and troops, stopping to collect more soldiers on his way. He and Tostig landed in northern England and moved towards York, which they took after a battle. However, they were soon met by the English king, Harold Godwinson, at Stamford Bridge. Harald’s forces were defeated, and he was killed in the fighting.

Personal life

Harald was described as being taller and stronger than other men. He had light hair and a beard, and one of his eyebrows was higher than the other. He was very skilled and enjoyed many activities popular during his time, such as poetry, brewing, horseback riding, swimming, skiing, shooting, rowing, and playing the harp. Harald also wrote his own poems, which was unusual for kings at the time.

Harald was interested in Christianity and helped build and improve churches in Norway. However, his personal life did not always match Christian teachings. He also used a special banner called the Raven banner, which was linked to an old Norse god named Odin.

Issue

Harald married Elisiv of Kiev around 1044 or 1045, and they had daughters. One daughter, Ingegerd, later married Olaf I of Denmark and then Philip of Sweden. Another daughter, Maria, was promised to marry a man named Eystein Orre but passed away on the same day Harald and Eystein fought at Stamford Bridge.

Harald also married Tora Torbergsdatter around 1048. They had two sons: Magnus II, who became king of Norway after Harald, and Olaf III, who became king after Magnus.

Legacy

Burial

After Harald died, his body was moved to Norway and placed in a church in Trondheim. Many years later, it was moved again. In 2006, people talked about moving his remains to a bigger, more important church in Trondheim, but those plans were later stopped.

Modern memorials

Two statues were made to honor Harald in Oslo, the city he helped to start. One statue was put up in 1905, and another was added in 1950 on a building called Oslo City Hall.

Literature

A book series called The Last Viking tells a made-up story about Harald's life.

Main article: The Last Viking