Thread by @MedievalScholar

Today we shall talk about King Harald Hardrada. A legendary Viking warrior who went from an exile, to a mercenary. To the Last Viking King

Let us begin. 🧵 https://t.co/wwsUOvUXnVtwitter.com/i/web/status/1…

King Harald Sigurdsson, better known as Harald Hardrada, was a legendary figure in medieval history. Born in 1015, he would grow up to become one of the most remarkable and ambitious rulers of his time.

In 1030, at 15 years of age. A young Harald Sigurdsson joined his half brother, exiled King Olaf II, returning to reclaim the throne of Norway by any means necessary.

As they marched, warriors join their cause and eventually the army had encamped by a town known as Stiklestad.

Upon reaching Stiklestad. Olaf's men noticed another army marching against them led by a man named Kalf Arnason who represented King Cnut the Great who was the ruler of England, Denmark and their Kingdom of Norway.

Battle ensued which would be later remembered as the Battle of Stiklestad. Young Harald was wounded in the battle and King Olaf was impaled by a spear, slain during the fighting.

Harald had managed to escape the battlefield and fled into the nearby forest. After a long journey he made it to Sweden where he mustered up warriors including fellow survivors of Stiklestad. Harald had then left Scandinavia with his men. (Art by Don Hollway)

Harald and his men had later arrived in Novgorod, with the goal of becoming mercenary warriors. Harald had met with Yaroslav the Wise and informed him of King Olaf's death. Yaroslav employed Harald and his men, and sent them to Poland to fight his enemies.

For years, Harald served as a mercenary to Yaroslav. Destroying his enemies and earning large amounts of money in the process. Upon ending his time as a soldier to Yaroslav, Harald gathered his men and sailed south, where he had heard tales of a land filled with riches and glory.

This land was Constantinople, home of the legendary Byzantine Empire. Harald had set towards the palace and with his men he had enlisted in their legendary fighting force comprised of Norse soldiers.

The Varangian Guard.

Harald was now a member of the Varangians. A prized fighting force by the Byzantines. Bodyguards to the nobility and the Emperor himself as well as elite infantry soldiers. These soldiers were renowned for their unwavering loyalty and unbreakable resolve.

The Emperor had employed Harald and his men in a dire time for the Empire. Their lands in the Southern Mediterranean were besieged by The Fatimid Caliphate. Muslim soldiers from Sicily and Tunisia were raiding villages and towns and the Byzantine soldiers were to stop them.

The Byzantine fleet had engaged the Fatimid forces and employed Greek Fire, an ancient equivalent to napalm. The Varangians including Harald then fought them in close combat, annihilating their enemies during this battle.

(Art by Atorot on Deviantart)

After an extensive conflict with the Fatimids, peace was brokered between them and the Byzantines. At this point Harald had joined an imperial delegation and journeyed to Jerusalem.

After his time in Jerusalem, Harald returned to Constantinople. Emperor Michael had became sick and was dying, and when his heir Michael V took reign, the emperor caused chaos in the streets. Norse sagas say that Harald had dealt with the Emperor himself, plucking out his eyes.

Harald's time amongst the Byzantines had come to a close. This experience would sharpen his military skills and provide him with valuable insights into international politics. Harald gathered a band of soldiers, and returned to Norway.

Upon returning to Norway, Harald embarked on a quest for power. In 1046, he became co-ruler with his nephew Magnus the Good. However, Magnus's untimely death in 1047 led Harald to assume the throne and become the sole king of Norway.

Harald's reign was highlighted by his military prowess and expansionist ambitions. He aimed to bring the entirety of Norway under his control and reestablish the country's influence in international affairs. His first major conquest was against Denmark, which he defeated in 1064.

Harald's most notable accomplishment came in 1066 when he set his sights on the England. Claiming to be the rightful heir after the death of Edward the Confessor, Harald invaded England with a formidable fleet and army. He faced off against Harold Godwinson at Stamford Bridge.

King Harald Hardrada met his demise at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on September 25, 1066. After an arrow had pierced his throat. The last Viking king was dead and the age of Vikings would come to a close after this event.

Although Harald's death was a tragic outcome, his exploits and legacy as a Viking king have endured throughout history, forever etching his name in the annals of medieval warfare. King Harald Hardrada would forever be remembered as a brave warrior, and the last Viking King.