Harald for King?
England had been ruled by Viking kings since 1016 when the famous King Canute, through conquest and invasion, claimed the throne. Canute ruled England until his death in 1035. Canute’s son, Hardicanute, then succeeded him as King of England, Denmark and Norway, but he died in 1042 without an heir, having promised the English throne to King Magnus of Norway, Harald Hardrada’s son. Despite this promise, the English throne was seized on Hardicanute’s death by the Saxon Edward the Confessor who ruled as English King until his death in 1066. Harald believed that he had the right to reclaim the English throne, both as Magnus’s heir and therefore heir to Hardicanute, and to reinstate Viking rule in England after many years of successful Viking settlement there.
I think that Harald would not have been a very successful king, because he had little experience governing a country by himself and would have no help from people in England who were against him. Harald also wished to bring back the Viking era which I think would have been moving backwards rather than forwards.
Harald was always trying to conquer more land, like Denmark, and this may have weakened England rather than strengthen it because he would be more focused on winning battle than the well being of his people. For instance, when Harald became King, he led Norway out of the peaceful era and into what was nearly civil war.
This is why I think that Harald Hardrada, although he was determined, would not have been a beneficial King of England.
I think that Harald would not have been a very successful king, because he had little experience governing a country by himself and would have no help from people in England who were against him. Harald also wished to bring back the Viking era which I think would have been moving backwards rather than forwards.
Harald was always trying to conquer more land, like Denmark, and this may have weakened England rather than strengthen it because he would be more focused on winning battle than the well being of his people. For instance, when Harald became King, he led Norway out of the peaceful era and into what was nearly civil war.
This is why I think that Harald Hardrada, although he was determined, would not have been a beneficial King of England.
