Harald Hardrada: King of Norway

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The year 1066 was one of the most fateful in history. It was a year of battles, it was a year of invasions, and it is often cited as the beginning of the end of the Viking age.
Famously toward the end of the year, Harold Godwinson, King of England met William 'The Conquerer' Duke of Normandy on the field of battle at Hastings to determine who would take England.
However two equally epic battles had already taken place just weeks before just outside of York, between the English and the third king of 1066, Harald Hardrada of Norway.
A former commander of the Varangian Guard, Hardrada had spent a lifetime raiding and pillaging the known world, and in 1066 he played his dice for one last time as he attempted to take the throne of England.
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[@HistoryTime]

*Watch my latest full length history documentary here* :- kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWSrommLlquEp80 Hi guys! Thanks for stopping by. If you like what you see don't forget to hit that subscribe button! We've got more than 50 new videos coming this year on a huge variety of different subjects.

[@onnleviofficial]

0:50 Modern day Israel thank you

[@christianboulay4722]

Superb, wonderful narration. Excellent use, of imagery. Well done. A toast, to prosperity and health!

[@Heidenspross]

you know that most of the varangian guard used to be pagan, if i remember correctly it goes back to dyre "the stranger" of konungardr (later kiew) after establishing his kingdom he went sout raiding but suffered a defeat against the byzantine fleet, so he came back a couple of years later with his old pal rurik of holmgard and some backup from sweden (rumor has it that bjorn ironside was present though it is unlikely he was probably almost 60 at the time) the fleet made such an impression on the emperor that he made them an offer, he would pay a ransom if they leave, and all warriors who would join his army would get their own weight in silver after fifteen years of service... emperors used to brag about converting members of the varangians to christianity... can't have been that common ;-)

[@thearchitect27]

Mr. History Time, are you sure you're not a time traveler, and have gone back in the annals of history to bring us your perspective on all of these choice topics throughout human history? Your research is quite prolific, good sir!

[@brittanylorrance6810]

Dear history time, I got a history homework but when I watch this video it did not answer the question

[@danielninio8883]

This guy is awesome it's a shame most people only remember him for his defeat at Stanford

[@haraldtyson]

He was not defeated. Its history fairytale by The loosers

[@alabastardmasterson]

@@haraldtyson tell us the real story then

[@eball2k9]

He couldn’t defend a bridge

[@jameshersom2536]

I just found out I have blood relation to this man.

[@aksbeixhev]

@Xaris Xeros fascinating, I never knew that.

[@kmax7163]

Wow, now that was living. He traveled and experienced life just the way he wanted. He covered a lot of territory in his life.

[@BruceShee]

His story has enough of potential to make a movie out of it! :) Also, nice vid!

[@hendrikfehl878]

BruceShee There's already a book but only in german...

[@Highlader13]

Rizen that's Harald Finehair his ancestor

[@boozycruze7679]

@@pride893 no hes not. in the show its harald finehair. hardradas grandfather. and first king of norway.

[@theasrensen2099]

@@Highlader13 fairhair'

[@dragoncrown2029]

why do so many people mistake HARALD FINEHAIR AND HARALD HARDRADA?. i just think it's strange.🤔

[@redvikingprincess741]

Nice video! King Harald is my great grandfather ( min far far) back 20 generations. I’m a direct descendant of all of the Viking kings. King Harald was an amazingly talented man and a great warrior! And most people don’t know that he was a Giant at 7’6”! He will be featured in a new spin off show this spring via the series “ The Vikings”.

[@katebennett7999]

@Sigvald Nielsen really his family eventually married into the Scottish Royal family, and Norway owned the Scottish Islands, part of Ireland and the Isle of Mann.

[@Streik08]

ReddVikingPrincess, har du Røyka mye sopp..😆

[@hevnervals]

Are you schizophrenic?

[@frodegroven]

Prove your history line - if you are Norwegian, you dont need to prove too much, though.

[@andreasnielsen1418]

That man deserve a TV series

[@alexman378]

He’s getting it on Netflix soon!

[@JMinuteman]

@@alexman378 really? When?

[@firstname4476]

Imagine a tv series about Harold Hardrada and his rise to power , as he journeys from Scandinavia to the Byzantine empire. He joins the Varangian guard and quickly rises through the ranks amassing wealth,power and a deadly reputation . Then further to the west the life of Willian duke of Normandy shown would be the anarchy that plagued the first years of his rule. During his childhood and adolescence, members of the Norman aristocracy battled each other, both for control of the child duke and for their own ends. The last main character would be Harold Godwinson and his path to inheriting the throne of England. The interesting thing about this show is that the three main characters where all decended from scandavania and they hard difficult paths to become kings, showing both there rise and fall would keep people intrigued . However the main selling point of the show would be the lead up to the battle of Stamford bridge and then Hastings , being one of the most important battle in medieval European history. Writers of the show could take the base of the show from actual history but add a few plots that keep the series fresh and appealing to the general Audience . If you want a similar kind of show to relate it too ,Viking’s would problay be a good one to go off.

[@munxgrosgeant2324]

Hi. You now have it with vikings valhalla ! Great

[@firstname4476]

@@munxgrosgeant2324 yeah couldn’t believe it when I heard the main character name was Harold sigurdsson

[@1992zorro]

It's not the same, there is not a really a 3 side plot where The Normans, the Varangians and the Saxons kings are the protagonist. It's more about Harald Hardrada and it goes way to slowly which makes the show boring.

[@bz2unow]

Loving your channel and learning about this fascinating history! Keep up the great work!!😃

[@kevingee4294]

Thanks so much for posting this.

[@guzelataroach4450]

He needs a movie

[@MrAnders9000]

Who else thinks Vikings should make a spinoff off King Haralds life?

[@bogdanungureanu9751]

Not too many people lol. The Vikings has been utter silliness historically and from any other point of view for that matter, imo

[@OMGPainRipper]

Its very unaccurate

[@frodegroven]

Valhalla is the future series, and covers Harald Hardrada

[@and1158]

If you don't care about historical accuracy and erasure/twisting of history to serve propaganda purposes, so yes Vikings series is "perfect" to depict Hardrada.

[@nuclearnadal9385]

Vikings was a bit messy but sadly it's the best show we got on the subject...the king harald in vikings is harald fairhair not hardrada tho. But ye they got very creative in terms of the timeline, among other things in that show lmfao

[@skolvikings5445]

Love learning about his life! As a descendant of King Harald this was educational and such valuable information to hear. Thank you for content!

[@frodegroven]

Your proof?

[@carlkinvig6047]

I believe that it is said that the Norse standard was cut down in the melee and Hardrada picked it up and was rallying his men to maintain morale when he was hit in the throat. If not for Hastings Godwinsons final decisive victory over the Vikings would be remembered as one of the great victories of European warfare, like Waterloo or the Battle of Britain.

[@Rovarin]

It is funny how the English see this as the end of the Vikings, as most Nordics see the end of the Viking Era as the introduction of Christianity, which was well before this. A process, with regard to Norway and its West Nordic posessions, that was begun by Hákun Aðalsteinsfostri and ultimately completed by Ólav Tryggvasson and Ólav Haraldsson (known as Olaf the Fat in his time, these days as St. Olaf).

[@tordenbob]

I must say, your knowledge is absolutely pristine. I salute you!

[@paramnesias9198]

amazing content. Very well arranjed and narrated. Thank you from a Portuguese Viking admirer.

[@siggy2609]

My teacher said that in the Battle of Stamford, Harald had dropped his shield, picked up another sword and went berserk. No matter the minor differences in the many accounts about him, he truly seemed like a legendary man (though your account of him swinging his two handed sword was much cooler).

[@virginiamartin9913]

Where have I been...you all are just what I wanted and needed

[@bigjimmyenglish]

Another great video! I am loving these!

[@devastormancienthistory2347]

Great video! Devastorm Ancient History loves this channel!

[@HistoryTime]

Thanks Devastorm! Love your channel too. Can really feel your passion and knowledge for the subject.

[@coyotefire69420]

I just found your channel and I gotta say man, awesome content, well presented and fun to listen to! Keep it up

[@HistoryTime]

Thanks mate tons more on the way

[@lumpy0100]

Thanks History Time.☺

[@tonyt1399]

What about the fascinating life of the Forth King of 1066, Edgar Atheling? travels from Bulgaria, father dies, made king after Harold's death, defends London from William, betrayed by church leaders, captured, held in Normandy, befriends the new duke, taken to England, escapes, flees with family to Scotland, marries off sister(saint Margaret of Scotland) to the king for support, attacks England but fails leading to the harrowing of the north, goes back to Normandy, travels with the duke to Sicily and defeats and kicks out the Muslims, he stays in charge, joins the 1st crusade and attack and take Antioch, comes back to Normandy and fights with his friend in rebellion against William, both captured but he is forgiven, returns to england a local hero, outlives William 1 and 2, dies a wealthy old man well into Henry I reign. now that's a story worth a film, not some Scottish criminal that failed and was executed, or some mad French girl that herd voices, was a scapegoat and was executed(although, thinking about it, those people were against the English, so will exaggerate them up and make huge movies about them).

[@HistoryTime]

tony t Video on Edgar Atheling on the way my friend! A truly worthy figure worth remembering. His father's adventures amongst the Hungarians were pretty incredible aswell.

[@bremnersghost948]

Please do a series on the various De Hauteville's, Perhaps the most successful Dynasty of the Norman's and a big part of Edgar's story

[@RC15O5]

@@bremnersghost948 After reading *The Alexiad*, the name De Hautesville leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Go for it say I, ple ty 8f good stuff from those chronicles, as this channel already made a video pertaining to it before

[@owlman6240]

Finally someone recognizes true greatness. Really hope this guy gets a movie one day

[@zoetropo1]

Plus Edgar’s niece Empress Matilda was the mother of Henry II. While in Italy, perhaps Edgar fought beside Brian of Brittany? Brian slew Earl Leofwine at Hastings, and in 1069 fought two battles in one day against Harold Godwinson’s sons, before fighting another massive battle at Stafford. Then he went to Italy to join Tancred. At Dyrrhachium in 1081, Brian outmanoeuvred and outfought the Varangian Guard; then he took the fortified town of Kastoria which he held until Norman logistics failed in 1083. In 1084 Brian was back in Brittany to meet his brothers Geoffrey Boterel and Alan Rufus. Alan Rufus was captain of William the Conqueror’s household knights and fought in many battles and sieges from 1063 to 1093. Eadmer of Canterbury wrote that, while at Wilton Abbey in 1093, Malcolm III of Scotland offered Edgar’s niece Edith in marriage to Alan Rufus but he turned her down - I imagine because he had a conscience and she was still a child!

[@g3rald1nee]

Good vids! Keep them coming!

[@HistoryTime]

Thanks man! SO much on the way this year

[@HrRezpatex]

Thank you, that was a nice video. :) Harald Hardråde was also the founder of the Norwegian capital, Oslo. :)

[@kaguth]

Harald Hardrada embodied the viking spirit like few others. It's fitting the viking age ended with his death.

[@BA-gn3qb]

Live by the sword. Die by the arrow.

[@Demonkeeper]

Great video, Read, Viking Fire great story on Harald's life.

[@narutomaxorn]

Nice video mate , this really clears things up I wouldlike to know what soundtrack did you use ; thanks

[@creepystares9853]

Be patient for the views, you make good content, I'm going through it now. Educational.

[@HistoryTime]

Thanks mate! I had only a few hundred subscribers until the very recent videos :)

[@lordsanguine7997]

Nice video mate

[@HistoryTime]

Thankyou mate! Thanks for stopping by!

[@MymilanitalyBlogspot]

Very interesting, thanks.

[@nebojsademir739]

Never boring them days 🥃🥃👌

[@kingslegion1]

well done,,, I will be checking out your others.

[@Raptormonkey]

It’s crazy how history is crazier than fantasy !!

[@jbussa]

Of the three Armies of 1066, William's was the weakest. I wonder if things just went in a different order. Say William invades earlier in the year when Godwinson was ready. I think the English would have won in the south, but then struggled against Harold Hardrada in the North. I don't know if he would have taken all of England, but at least there would have been some local support for him and it would have seemed less like an occupation.

[@KroM234]

If I know anything about Normans is that these guys wouldn't ever give it up. If they couldn't beat the Saxon shield wall on the hill, they would have fallen back, rethink it through, find a way, a deceitful tactic. The Saxons even though well organzied at this point were very predictable in terms of tactics. Normans would have layed an ambush to their pursuers at some point. Hastings showed that once they smelled victory or retreat from the Normans, the Saxons were eager to break formation and fall into Norman traps. Especially thanks to the Norman knightly cavalry. Normans faced bar worse odds in Sicily against way better equiped Saracens than the Saxons would ever be. Yet they won every time by using cunning strategies, even deceitful, and shier strength and boldness with their knights. A Saxon shield wall in open field is a fair game for a combined force that includes heavy cavalry. Just fix it with infantry and archers then flank or back charge with knights, or make the infantry do faint routs and let the cavalry trap the pursuers. William's army was perhaps the weakest in numbers, but certainly not in terms of military capacity. By that standard it was by far the superior force.

[@schusterlehrling]

I beg to differ. William's army was more modern and more professional/disciplined. Plus, he knew where and when to battle. Harald and Harold fought battles they should havd avoided in their favor.

[@jbussa]

@@schusterlehrling They barely won anyway. You don't think that having the full force of Theigns to deal with would have tipped it?

[@schusterlehrling]

@@jbussa we will never know. Harald Hadrade was taken by surprise, not expecting Harold's army so quickly. He lost it by being to careless in preparation. William did not make this mistake, so it was harder for Harold anyway to defeat him. One could argue that the victory also gave combat expirience and confidence to Harold's army, so that they were better prepared for William's expirienced army and that they would have lost quickly without the preceding expirience. Note that Harold could decide both the time and the place he attacked against Hadrade. William only gave him the choice of when to attack, but did not give him the choice of the place, knowing how important delivery lines were for his army.

[@frodegroven]

I think it was only weeks between. If Hardrade didnt fight the first fight, and William (also from Viking blod) did, then England would have been Norwegian at least for a while. But that didnt happen, and since then we have been friends and from the same DNA ....almost:-)

[@robertmastnak581]

Just great , very good comments , very interesting!!!

[@jannhebrank8410]

Do you have any information on the Hohenzollern family? I find very little regarding details of their reign and the prior actions that happened before they took over.

[@samarruda1]

Man that was great 👍

[@stepthroughhistory]

I have made a video about the build up to Hasting's and Harald's journey through Yorkshire on his way to Stamford Bridge. Watch the video here...kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqSrm5iHi7Jqp7c

[@tombombadilofficial]

Fucking awesome! Im glad to have found this channel!!!!

[@HistoryTime]

Tom Bombadil good to have you on board! Send my regards to Gandalf

[@zoetropo1]

Olaf II was baptised in Rouen in 1014. There he may have met the Duke Richard II’s young nephews Alan III and Eudon I of Brittany. These Normans and Bretons were all related to Edward the Confessor through his mother Queen Emma, and thus to Canute’s dynasty as well. Alan III would later become Guardian of Normandy and William the Conqueror’s protector. It was Eudon who supplied the Breton soldiers for the invasion of England in 1066. At Hastings, William was saved by the courageous intervention of Eudon’s second son, Alan Rufus. Alan Rufus was granted tenancy of Fulford Gate, and the ownership of St Olave’s church at York (named in honour of Olaf II), which he extended into the greatest and most beautiful abbey in the north of England: St Mary’s. Tostig was married to William’s cousin Judith of Flanders, named after her grandmother (and William’s grandmother) Judith of Brittany, Eudon’s paternal aunt. Orm and Gamel were two prominent objectors to Tostig’s appointment as Earl of Northumbria. Alan Rufus retained many pre-Conquest landlords, in preference to Normans - the only baron to do so. Among them were Orm and the sons of Gamel. After 1069 Alan’s brother “Brian of Brittany” went to Italy to join Tancred of Hauteville’s army. At Dyrrhachium in 1081, Brian conducted a feint that destroyed the Varangian Guard: it was a repeat of his manoeuvre at Hastings in 1066. Alan Rufus hooked up with Harold Godwinson’s daughter Gunhildr. You see, these characters’ stories are closely interwoven.

[@garyjackson3894]

Coolest dude ever!

[@savednorwegian]

Vikings always or mostly fought on their own terms and in situation they had the advantage but eventually the english did the same and won. Despite being a norwegian myself, I can respect that! Always fight on your own terms and never on your enemies.

[@DigitalDuelist]

His descendants live even today!

[@maryellengora4604]

Yes, and very glad and excited to know his descendants are still with us!

[@whywhat9018]

Fantastic video, I have a question. Have you made any biographical videos about Eric Bloodaxe and Bjorn Ironside?

[@HistoryTime]

Thanks friend. Not yet. I will be though. 100% definitely. Probably in 2019.

[@l70lover]

Cool illustrations too! Where can i find them?

[@jacobrackham432]

If it wasn’t for the vikings at Stamford bridge we might have beat the normans at the battle of Hastings a few days after, but the army was exhausted after marching north to fight the vikings then back down to battle to fight the normans. A valiant effort though

[@fjellsprekk1142]

I was born in the same area as king Harald hardrada, in Ringeriket! I hope to find an axehead here somtime with my metaldetector

[@barryirlandi4217]

Or just travel the world, selling your sword to highest bidder

[@tariver1693]

5:47 - Wrong Bulgars in the picture. Picture shows Volga Bulgars, which is obvious because of two other warriors on the picture - Khanty and Mari, which are people in nowadays Russia and were influenced and partially ruled by Volga Bulgars. While Hardrada during his time in the Varangian guard must have fought Danube Bulgars, who settled in the Balkans and were bordering Byzantine Empire.

[@micahriley8192]

I am fond of the art style. might anybody know what the art style used in the video is called. particularly the colored drawings. maybe it's not named but... excellent art and history to boot.

[@ignarskjolvjentski7809]

I believe many of the pictures are borrowed from the “men at arms” book series by Osprey publishing, but I could be mistaken.

[@ianalexander7267]

What would happen if Harald Hardrade had won at the battle of Stamford Bridge? would he have to fight Duke William, or would there be peace between them?

[@caesaraugustus3749]

Likely peace initially. Harold would take york and northumbria while william took the south. How long the peace would last is another question entirely

[@drgreengood]

They were cousins and Harald had the first claim. The same boats traveling to York later went to transport Vilhelm and the horses to Hastings. 2 + 2 is ?

[@SamuliGloersen]

Disaster for Britain. Harald had the best claim. he was the most talented and experienced ruler with most knowledge of advanced government of society.

[@kevincasey5035]

Sorry but you're wrong! The whole business of the marriage ties with Normandy (Æthelred and Emma) was so that England had some buttress against the Vikings. Don't forget his moniker "Hardrada" didn't mean that he attended the hard version of the Royal Academy of the Dramatic Arts but that he was a hard ruler i.e. a man with no compassion.

[@aksbeixhev]

@@kevincasey5035 being a "hard ruler" was perhaps necessary in this time of perpetual war. We'll never know since it never came to be :)

[@kevincasey5035]

Jonas His moniker was given at the time of his rule - so he must have been exceptionable!

[@KroM234]

@@kevincasey5035 Harald is known to have ruled and earned that name by relying heavily on his retinue of trusted warriors and pretty much only them to sit his power. He has been described like offering great and constant rewards to his warriors and act with tremendous generosity with them, while he was counting every coin of each taxes and showed no mercy to the common folk who crossed a law whatsoever. He was by all mean a great warlord. A great statesman? I don't know about that, everything points at the fact that he was hated by his own people and the fact that he failed completely to gain support in Denmark is another strong sign here, he basically ruled by force using fear only. It is not a bad thing if you believe Machiavelli but in the end you reap what you sow. He he had shown weakness at any moment he would have faced a popular uprising just like Olaf have seen himself.

[@joshuah5655]

I found out a few days ago that I can trace my lineage back to both Herald Hardrada and Herald Godwinson. My grandma's family consists of Norwegian immigrants who settled in Minnesota (last name Thomte).

[@daginn896]

lol

[@mrmarmellow563]

Hey The Diagrams and Illustratio In One's Vídeo Serie'z!!

[@ronaldderooij1774]

Well done. But slow down a little please?

[@hb9145]

Very good video. I would like to remark that the Norwegian borders in the north, at least in Troms and Finnmark counties, were unclear at best. This maps shows the border with Russia from 1826 and the Norwegian-Swedish border from 1726.

[@TehIdiotOne]

Yeah AFAIK those areas weren't all that inhabited at the time either, mostly by the Sami people

[@jimbombadill]

Great channel..this is one momemt in history you cant help to think...what if...im quite sure that the "viking" army would have wonn if they had been aware of the attack...and if so...what would have happened ?

[@dragoncrown2029]

he's going to be one of the main characters on the upcoming show " VIKINGS VALLHALLA" I HAVE A FEELING HIS DEATH ON THE SHOW WILL BE VERY SAD, BECAUSE THEY'RE PROBABLY GONNA MAKE HIM A VERY LIKEABLE CHARACTER JUST LIKE RAGNAR,😥

[@susactivities_]

He was what we call an ultra chad

[@Idrinkalotofcoffee]

I live in Ringerike.

[@apudharald2435]

It's about meeeeeee!

[@mrman3176]

Campaign Cartographer ftw!

[@bethbartlett5692]

The one thing true, with regards to evolution, is the Brain, ego mind, and Consciousness - for it clearly was primeval, truly Barbaric. (Note: I made no mention as to "all minds")

[@janiceedwards7769]

No joke this is one of my old old old old ECT relatives. Btw I'm a boy this my grandma's acount

[@Norwaynumber1]

How do you know that?

[@Mr.MarcusMario]

Gerulf or Harald was the first count of Holland/Kennemerland, lord of West Frisia.

[@svent1000]

I come from ringerike in Norway. 4 of our greatest kings comes from this place, and Harald "Hardråde" Sigurdson is in my eyes the most interesting of them. My family origin from the erea and I grow up 5km from the farm that Sigurd Syr, Haralds father and Olav Haraldsons fosterfather, owned. I have held the axe of Haralds father in my hand, it was excavated in my lifetime and hang on the property were the grave of Sigurd Syr were found. Harald Hårfagres, ( fair hair???) (really means long hair, since he promised not to cut the hair before he had made himself the ruler of a united Norway) father- Halvdan Svarte, (halvdan the Black) was chopped in severeal pieces and one part- his head- lays in a grave next to the farm were Harald Hardråde grew up. Its a erea of much ancient Norwegian history, Ringerike. We also have many graves from the bronze age. And an reconstruction of a house from the bronzeage. I have a grave from the merovinger- periode on my property. Halvdan Svartes haug, ( grave) is still visible from E16, the europian road passing, and has not been opened. Its intact and will stay that way. I have also studied history, and find your videos most interesting. Since Im growing old, I have lost some of my english language from the study- days, but I hope you understood my message here. Greetings from an non- christian norwegian. Sven

[@annamosier1950]

nice axe

[@mijanhoque1740]

I wonder what would have happened if he fought William the Conqueror

[@pricey420]

How did he invade when he was only 1 year old?? Born in 1046 raided and given the hardrader name in 1047?? I am sure I have mixed people up or got confused somewhere haha.

[@bodassassin6387]

@pricey420 He because king in 1046, he was born in 1015.

[@TheArneSk]

The name was Harald Hardråde not Hardrada

[@HyperlordB]

Weren't the "english" you mentioned still anglo-saxons at this point, as the normans still hadn't conquered england and blended the cultures?

[@HistoryTime]

HyperlordB The English identity was born in the Viking Age.

[@georgehugh3455]

Apparently, the people of England were a right old bunch of mutts by this time, having had 300 years of Viking "visitations," and their own fine mix of Anglo-Saxon, Celt, Britons, and whatever the Picts were.

[@richb3802]

George Hugh Regarding your "mutts" comment. Anglo Saxons originally came from Germany and Scandinavia. Its virtually impossible to distinguish Anglo Saxon dna from later Danish- Viking invaders, as they were essentially the same people. Celts, though somewhat different, were from very similer stock aswell, and Picts were from Scotland, not England. Cheers

[@georgehugh3455]

Richard Butler: You're probably right on all counts, however, the fact that the DNA is hard to distinguish probably just lends more credence to the "mutts" comment. In this case, Anglo-Saxon-Jute/Dane mutts begetting more English mutts (likely to include Picts, as they were assimilated). Frankly (pun intended...you'll see), the Scandinavian contingent established another beachhead in France to produce Normans - later to invade England and further muddy the waters.

[@harrykadaras9459]

@@georgehugh3455 And a ton of Roman blood mixed in, which is pretty dominant in England to this day. Many of my British associates look Italian.

[@eaglecondor6754]

I Am sorry but your illustration of Morcar at 0:14 is actually an original illustration of a turco Iranian warrior closer to the 13th century. It is not representative

[@samuricexful]

I'm trying to watch your videos, but sometimes the music is just too loud and it makes it hard to hear or understand what's being said. Maybe remove it or turn it down a bit? It's a big turn off for me personally.

[@ZazaDropEmOff]

Who is here because watching vikings king harald

[@CIMAmotor]

Couple of points to make, the Normans could have been classified as a 'Scandanavian army' as they were originally from Denmark. Also, there were 4 kings, including Edgar who succeeded Harold for a short time.

[@frodegroven]

What? These where Vikings from Trondheim !

[@JudasPriestSUCKS]

@@frodegroven Du vet ikke hva han snakker om / You dont know what hes talking about.

[@ukspizzaman]

You are not saying it right.. "Hardråde". It means hard reign. He got his name by ruling hard. No mercy.

[@ashleylohrey2106]

[@ironheade9530]

metal

[@ammaren9459]

isnt the map you use at 9:05 wrong? Sweden did not control the northern part of modern-day sweden, neighter northern Finland. Also, the possessions in the HRE aren't correct. Jämtland was part of Norway, and the exact border between northern Norway and Sweden wasn't clearly defined until centuries later, which would make the map with modern-day borders incorrect.

[@hayatidemir2960]

Hardrada 🦾 Baybars 🦾 King 👌✌

[@Gguy061]

That's the most metal name ever

[@randomfun7504]

interesting the 20th of september is my birthday

[@charjl96]

So dragon standards were pretty common in the Ancient and Medieval world, huh?

[@davidmckenna5751]

Anglo Saxons hard as nails

[@charlesw5919]

Bad loss in the end. According to unamed medieval chronicler, Harald's last words were: "we wuz robbed!!!"

[@vestty5802]

I’m Irish and I recently found out im a very distant relative of his

[@trulsemiljohansen4884]

The Norwegian king died honorably in battle, he earned himself a place in Valhalla.

[@edlopez787]

IF YOU CREATE A WELL RESEARCHED VIDEO ON THE BATTLE OF THE CATALAUNIAN PLAINS, I will subscribe to your channel.

[@amesos]

Danmark might have been the most powerful during the Viking Age of all modern Scandinavian countries, but Norway have by far the most coolest and manliest Kings

[@fiddibelow]

hard to say who was the most powerful all we know is that denmark was the most political and have the most written history remember norway had alot of land before the black death hit.id have to admit that the swedes did pretty fucking good aswell.

[@fiddibelow]

danes where savage warriors tho

[@det9525]

I would say that Norway had the most power too. They captured Scotland, Ireland, Greenland, Island, USA. And almost England. So yeah I would say they were the most powerful.

[@PajamaJazama]

National distinctions like that barely existed at the time. Norwegian kings would've brought Danes and Swedes as warriors, and vice versa.

[@det9525]

Well each country had their own warriors. They were actually at war with each other at times too. So that wouldnt happen most of the time. They did have their own lands.

[@Sarairose]

King Harald is in my family tree on my grandmothers side.

[@thomasmiles9068]

and probably everyone else's

[@Sarairose]

Most likely, while others seem to believe no one is is related to fair hair. I find that odd as he was Viking also?

[@meerza]

I am Really happy that you mentioned that it is modern day Palestine 🇵🇸. Thank you for your integrity

[@thewessexbretwalda5865]

Saxon blood is the best blood

[@Hairyparrot]

to be spilled by viking axe and sword......

[@tajrasti]

What a badass. Too bad he got crushed by the English.

[@fiddibelow]

did they tho or do you have norse blood now? hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[@PajamaJazama]

More like crushed by his own overconfidence.

[@davidandrews4454]

Harald hardrada was a christian. He had a beserker but he wasnt a berserker himself. He was also famous for building a lot of churches in norway.

[@HistoryTime]

Aye he was a Christian but that doesn't mean he wasn't a warrior king who personally led his troops into battle. Some of the most violent and sadistic of all Vikings were Christians. Olaf Tryggvason for example brutalised Norway for five years between 995 and 1000 as he attempted to spread the good word by torturing and murdering anyone in his way.

[@goldenmemes51]

What about normandys did they worship old gods in secret in north Frankia? How are they descedend are they Vikings who married French women?

[@HistoryTime]

Golden Memes Normans were the descendants of a Viking named Rollo and his warriors who settled in northern France in the very early 900s.

[@apudharald2435]

I was amazing, was I not? Jeg er på topp, det er kjæmpeflott!

[@apudharald2435]

Golden Memes you can totally forget about Norse paganism after Olav Trygvasson. Except in Iceland, beyond the reach of his Army. Det brok Norrige ut tinum handir, Konguren, Härri min!

[@thomasfloyd3108]

Varangian way

[@juansebastian8448]

El es el tatara tatara tatara tatara tatara abuelo de el Rubius

[@danehart2783]

he took his wealth on his boat . payed 1/2 to be king you missed a lot in east roman story

[@Slap7481]

Umm what’s a Palestine?

[@user-fl7be4ew8y]

destroyers of the Bulgarians

[@fedesh883]

Is the narrator Ewan McGregor?