Harald Hardrada: the Stern Ruler
Born in 1015 in Ringerike, Norway, Viking Harald Hardrada was a ruthless warrior king who invaded lands, seized thrones, and plundered wealth, even targeting his own Norwegian chiefs. Officially Harald III Sigurdsson, his harsh rule earned him the nickname Hardrada, meaning stern or severe ruler.
Trained in combat from a young age by his king-chieftain father, Sigurd Sow, Harald’s mother, Asta Gudbrandsdatter, had a son from her first marriage who became Olaf II of Norway around 1018. Olaf later became a saint and Norway’s patron saint.
At fifteen, Harald joined his first battle in July 1030 at the iconic Battle of Stiklestad, an unsuccessful attempt by Olaf II to reclaim Norway from Danish-born King Cnut (Canute) of England after two years in exile. Olaf II, twice injured, was fatally speared in the stomach, while Harald narrowly escaped. The battle occurred during a solar eclipse, considered a bad omen. Christians viewed the eclipse as a sign of divine disapproval, comparing it to the darkness at Christ’s crucifixion. Norse pagans saw it as Odin choosing warriors for Valhalla, the hall of the slain.
The Varangian Guard in the Byzantine Empire
Harald fled to Kievan Rus, where he became a mercenary for Yaroslav I, the Wise, Grand Prince of Kiev. He sought to marry Yaroslav’s daughter, Elizaveta, but was deemed unworthy due to his lack of wealth.
Harald then traveled to Constantinople in the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Michael IV, serving in the famed Varangian Guard, known for its fierce axe-wielding warriors. Harald quickly rose to unofficial leader of the Guard, battling across Europe and the Holy Land.
After Emperor Michael IV, Michael V deposed his widow, Empress Zoe, banishing her to a nunnery. He disbanded the Varangian Guard and formed his own force. However, Zoe’s imprisonment sparked a rebellion, and the reformed Varangian Guard fought for her cause. Within four months, Michael V was overthrown; legend claims Harald himself blinded Michael, leading to his demise.
Harald’s Return and Co-Ruling Norway with Magnus
Harald returned to Norway in 1045, having amassed vast riches from his exploits. He co-ruled with his nephew Magnus I Olafsson, who made a deal to enjoy Harald’s wealth in exchange for shared power. When Magnus was killed in battle against the Danes in 1047, Harald became Norway’s sole king.
Over the next fifteen years, Harald attempted to depose Sweyn II of Denmark to extend his dominion. After a two-year naval standoff, they agreed in 1064 to recognize each other’s rule, ending their conflict. However, Harald’s ambitions extended beyond Denmark. He set his sights on conquering across the North Sea, claiming the Orkney Islands north of Scotland.
Next, Harald launched a daring bid for the English throne. Anglo-Saxon Harold Godwinson had declared himself Harold II, but William of Normandy and Edgar Aetheling also held claims.
The Battle of Stamford Bridge
Harald Hardrada’s ally was Harold II’s disgruntled brother, Tostig who brought mercenaries with him from his exile in Flanders to join the Norwegian king. In September 1066, eleven thousand Vikings from three hundred ships invaded northern England.
The Vikings swiftly advanced and won the Battle of Fulford, capturing York. Confident in their success, Harald and Tostig were unaware that Harold II and his fifteen thousand troops had marched 175 miles from London to York in just four days to launch a surprise attack.
At the Battle of Stamford Bridge on 25th September 1066, Harold II’s forces decisively defeated the Vikings. Caught unawares, the Vikings had left their heavy chainmail in their ships as the Vikings merely expected to receive hostages from the defeated Northumbrians of York, many Vikings were easily slaughtered. Only twenty-four ships were needed to transport the surviving invaders home.
Both Harald Hardrada and Tostig were killed; Harald was struck in the neck by an arrow. Many historians mark Harald Hardrada’s death as the end of the Viking age in England. A few weeks later, following the Battle of Hastings, the Anglo-Saxon age in England would also end and the Norman one begin.
