Harald Hardrada, the last king of the Vikings: biography, history and interesting facts

The King of Norway, who lived in the XI century , Harald III Surovy, also known as Harald Hardrada, became one of the most outstanding monarchs of his time. In his youth, he was expelled from his native country, after which he spent many years in a foreign land, earning mercenary. Harald served in Russia and in Byzantium. Returning to Norway, he got the throne due to him. After this, the king with various successes fought with all his neighbors. His last campaign was landing in England. The death of Harald in Foggy Albion marked the end of the era of European Viking raids (for this reason it is often called the "last king of the Vikings").

Childhood

The father of Harald III was Sigurd Pig, the king of a small Ringerike kingdom in eastern Norway. The legendary Viking was born around 1015. He had a brother-in-law Olaf II. In the years 1015-1028. This his relative occupied the throne of the king of all Norway. The reign of Olaf was actively promoted by Sigurd.

From his earliest childhood, Harald Hardrada became famous for his militant and irreconcilable temper. This is not surprising, such qualities were highly valued by the Vikings. They were useful to Harald at the age of 15. In 1030, Olaf was killed, overthrown by the contender for power Knud Knutling (later nicknamed the Great). The decisive in that war was the battle of Stiklastdir. Olaf lost his life, and Harald Hardrada was injured. He managed to escape and flee to neighboring Sweden.

Outcast

Having lost his homeland, Harald and in other countries began to do what he did best. He gathered his own detachment and along with him began to serve with Yaroslav the Wise. The army also included the famous warrior Eilive Ragnawdson. The Kiev prince at that time fought with Poland, and the help of the Vikings became a good help to him. According to the Scandinavian sagas, Harald Hardrada was the second person in the army after Yaroslav himself.

It is the products of the skaldas that give the most complete picture of the life of the Viking outside of Norway. In the arch of the sagas "Circle of the Earth" there is evidence of Harald's service from the Byzantine emperor. Michael IV Paflagonsky included Harald in the elite Varangian Guard. At the beginning of the Norwegian there were five hundred outstanding soldiers. In the service of the Greeks, Harald fought with the Mediterranean pirates. In the years 1036-1040. He was in the army of commander George Maniak. This army operated in Sicily, where there was a war with the Normans settling there.

Escape from Byzantium

The last major campaign of Harald in the service of the empire was the suppression of the Bulgarian uprising in 1041. According to legend, the rebel leader Peter II Delyan was personally killed by the Norwegian Vikings. The following year Harald III of Hardrad took part in the Constantinople palace coup. Then he, who fell into disgrace, had to flee from Byzantium.

According to different versions, the Viking took cover either in Kiev or in Novgorod. For his own good luck, he was able to take all the money he earned from Greece. As the head of the Guard, he saved a considerable amount. All these precious stones and gold also began to be stored in Russia.

Life in Russia

In 1043, Yaroslav the Wise sent Harald along with his son, Prince Vladimir of Novgorod, to a campaign against the Byzantine Empire, where Konstantin Monomakh ruled. This campaign was unsuccessful. The Russian fleet suffered a terrible defeat. 6 thousand were killed. Harald and Vladimir managed to survive and return to Kiev.

In the same winter, the Norwegian married the daughter of Yaroslav the Wise, Elizabeth. They had two children (Ingigerd and Maria). By the way, the Viking was a Christian. Nevertheless, many old traditions of the pagan past in Scandinavia have not disappeared anywhere. Therefore, Harald had a concubine Torah. From her, the future Norwegian kings Magnus II and Olaf III Mirny were born.

Again in Norway

The money accumulated during his service in Byzantium allowed Harald to assemble a strong army and return with him to his homeland. In Norway, then no longer Knut rules, and his successor Magnus Good. Harald was a nephew. Besides Norway, Magnus ruled Denmark. Taking advantage of this, his opponent concluded an alliance with the challenger for power in the neighboring country Sven Estridsenom. Magnus realized that he could not cope with such a coalition, and invited his uncle to become his co-regent. Harald the Severe agreed.

A year after the conclusion of the treaty, Magnus died suddenly. Harald Hardrada and Elizabeth in Norway became the royal couple of the country. The new sole ruler began to strengthen the internal stability of the state. The monarch was aware of the importance of profitable trade and in 1048 founded a convenient place for merchants in Oslo. Later it became the capital of all Norway

However, the Viking was not enough. Magnus also belonged to Denmark, but he bequeathed her crown to Sven Estridsen. Harald, who dreamed of uniting the whole of Scandinavia, declared war on the neighbor. The Danes turned out to be useless opponents. They suffered several defeats, and the Norwegians even burned the large commercial city of Hedeby. In 1062, Sven was defeated in a sea battle and fled shamefully. But despite all the successes, Harald never became king of Denmark. To him, both ordinary citizens of the country and her knew were hostile. Realizing the futility of their claims, Harald Hardrada concluded with Sven peace.

Centralization of power

Harald fought not only with Denmark, but also with Sweden. In 1063, a revolt broke out in Norway, which was infamous to the king of the nobility. The Swedish monarch supported the rebellious yarls. Harald, although he could not conquer Denmark, was not going to give anything that belonged to him by right. In the same year 1063 he defeated the coalition army of rebels and Swedes in the Battle of Venus.

Suppressing any signs of opposition to his power, Severny did not hesitate in the means and showed cruelty. It was with him that the Norwegian yarls and rich citizens for the first time completely submitted to the royal authority. All those who disagreed with the policy of the king, including high taxes and constant wars, were expelled from the country or deprived of life. Carrying centralization, Harald Hardrada, the last king of the Vikings, enjoyed the support of the Christian church.

Sailing to England

Having stabilized the situation in Norway, the king could spend the rest of his days alone. But what did Harald Hardrad dream about? The marriages of the king gave him heirs, and therefore, confidence in the continued continuation of the dynasty. However, the monarch still differed in youthful ardor, dreamed of new conquests and the spread of his power. Therefore, when circumstances gave him the opportunity to announce his claims to power in Britain, he did not fail to take advantage of this chance.

During his lifetime, Harald's predecessor on the throne of Norway, Magnus, concluded with King Hardeknud agreement that after the death of the latter he would become his heir. The reality of this agreement has not been proved by historians. Nevertheless, it was with this argument that Harald arrived on the Foggy Albion, leading a significant army.

Death

The English king in 1066 was Harold II Godwinsohn. It was he who was opposed by Harold. The Norwegian king enlisted the support of his disgraced brother, Tostig Godwinsohn. Viking landings took place in Northern England.

In the first battle at Fulford, not far from York, the Norwegians won a convincing victory. However, the triumph was short-lived. Five days later (September 25, 1066) Harald the Harsh suffered a crushing defeat and died on the battlefield after falling into the throat of an enemy arrow. In England came 300 ships of the Vikings. They managed to escape only 25. The body of the king was also returned to his homeland. He was buried in Trondheim. A few weeks later, Harold II Godwinsohn was overthrown by a new contender for the English throne - Norman William the Conqueror.