A Brief History
On September 25, 1066, Harald III of Norway, aka Harald Hardrada, aka the “Thunderbolt of the North,” died a Viking’s death in battle at the Stamford Bridge in England, at the hands of the last Anglo-Saxon crowned King of England, Harold Godwinson.
Digging Deeper
As depicted in the semi-historical cable show, Vikings: Valhalla, the game of thrones played by the Vikings in Scandinavia, all around Europe, Britain, and as far as the Byzantine Empire was a violent exercise in subterfuge and betrayal, often resulting in violent death for those players who aspired after the various thrones.
Harald was an iconic Viking, traveling far, finding adventure as a mercenary in Kievan Rus’ and as commander of the bodyguards of the Byzantine Emperor, the Varangian Guard. Harald fought in battles over the thrones of Norway and Denmark and ultimately seeking the throne of England. His death is often cited as the end of the Age of Vikings.
Question for students (and subscribers) to ponder: Who is your favorite Viking?
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Hollway, Don. The Last Viking: The True Story of King Harald Hardrada. Osprey Publishing, 2021.
Marsden, John. Harald Hardrada. Kindle, 2007.
