The life of Harald Hardrada
Born in 1015 CE, Harald “Hardrada” Sigurdsson was the son of a minor King in eastern Norway, Sigurd Sow. Hardrada, meaning " hard ruler" was tough and unrelenting. As a result, Harald eventually threatened his way to the Norwegian throne. As a result of Viking conquest and his complicated family history, Harald believed he had a firm claim to the English throne, a claim he pursued when Edward the Confessor died in 1066.
Harald’s half-brother, on his mother’s side, was Olaf Haraldsson who became King of Norway. Harald loved battle and war from an early age. At 15, he battled alongside Olaf in an attempt to restore him to the Norwegian throne, after a period in exile, but they were defeated. Olaf was killed in the battle and the wounded Harald fled to Sweden and then Russia and the Byzantine Empire while he continued a career as a soldier, mercenary and even a pirate. He became very wealthy through warfare and plunder. Harald Hardrada was a brutal military leader with experience in battle and invasions. He had won many wars against other countries and had grown alliances and followers all around Europe. Harald loved power and was forever seeking to gain more.
Meanwhile, Olaf’s son, and therefore Harald’s nephew, Magnus, was restored to the Norwegian throne and ruled peacefully for several years. However, in 1045, Harald returned to Norway and demanded to share the throne with Magnus. In an effort to avoid civil war, Magnus eventually agreed and, on his early death, Harald became King of Norway at the age of 32.
Harald’s half-brother, on his mother’s side, was Olaf Haraldsson who became King of Norway. Harald loved battle and war from an early age. At 15, he battled alongside Olaf in an attempt to restore him to the Norwegian throne, after a period in exile, but they were defeated. Olaf was killed in the battle and the wounded Harald fled to Sweden and then Russia and the Byzantine Empire while he continued a career as a soldier, mercenary and even a pirate. He became very wealthy through warfare and plunder. Harald Hardrada was a brutal military leader with experience in battle and invasions. He had won many wars against other countries and had grown alliances and followers all around Europe. Harald loved power and was forever seeking to gain more.
Meanwhile, Olaf’s son, and therefore Harald’s nephew, Magnus, was restored to the Norwegian throne and ruled peacefully for several years. However, in 1045, Harald returned to Norway and demanded to share the throne with Magnus. In an effort to avoid civil war, Magnus eventually agreed and, on his early death, Harald became King of Norway at the age of 32.