The True Life of Harald Fairhair | Vikings

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You may have heard of Harald Fairhair, from the Tv show Vikings, here we see him fight alongside the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok and we also see him fight alongside the sons of Ragnar and the great heathen army. But how much of this is historically accurate according to the sources? Let’s have a look and delve into the real life of Harald Fairhar.
Sources: Heimskringla, Grettis saga, Skarðsárbók, Hrafnsmál

[@kongthemayor5481]

The Fairhair in the TV show is like spitting on the actual Fairhair's legacy

[@historyprofiles]

Agreed he needed his own show really

[@simonbroberg969]

Harald (Mophead/Finehair)Halfdanasson Great-grandfather: Halfdan (The Mild) (p44) Father: Halfdan the Black (p51) Wives Asa, Ragnhild (p76 Heimskringla) (daughter of Eirik king of Jutland) Svanhild (p76 Heimskringla) (Daughter of Earl Eyestan.) Ashild (p76 Heimskringla) (daughter of Hring Dagsson) Snoefrith (p50 Heimskringla) (Svasis daughter) Thora Morstrong (p91 Heimskringla) Harald now 70 yrs old Sons Halfdan the Red Olaf Geirstatha-Alf (p76 Heimskringla) by Svanhild Bjorn (p76 Heimskringla) by Svanhild, a King of Vestfold, A Chapman/merchant. Son Guthroth. Eirik Bloodyaxe demands taxes owing to their father the king, they quarrel, Eirik get's nothing, they fight many people die, including Bjorn left with most of the wealth north This is later than Halfdan Heleggs and Halfdan the Whites death. Halfdan the black is upset with this, and burns down Eirik bloodyace hall down, with most of Eiriks men in it, Eirik asleep in a barn nearby. He escapes with four others and goes back to the king (next part- Halfdan the Black Ragnar Rykill (p76 Heimskringla) by Svanhild Eirik Bloodyaxe (p76 Heimskringla) by Ragnhild Ubbi (p.71 Heimskringla) Halfdan the White ???-870 Estonia (p73 p83 Heimskringla) by Asa. Killed in Estonia Halfdan the Black (p73 Heimskringla) by Asa Halfdan the Black, after burning down Eirik Blooyaxe's farm/Hall Finds the kings fleet moored outside the Thorsfjord, and he places his fleet on the land side. Envoys try dispute before coming to an agreement. Halfdan the Black keeps his province.(p 90-91 Heimskringla) Guthorm (p73 Heimskringla) by Asa - Marshall of Vikings Dag (p76 Heimskringla) by Aschild Hring (p76 Heimskringla) by Aschild Guthroth Skirja (p76 Heimskringla) by Aschild Inggigerth (p76 Heimskringla) by Aschild Sigurth Hrisi (p50 Heimskringla) by Snoefrith Halfdan Halegg (Longshanks) (p50 Heimskringla) by Snoefrith. Burns down Earl Rognvold or Moer (Nederlands), burns down his house and 60 warriors, then steals 3 ships, set's off to the Hebredies (Isles North of Scotland). Thorir put in charge (son of Rognvold). Finehair now in control of the Nederlands. The Hebredies are where Helgg met his death blood Eagled Guthroth Ljomi (p50 Heimskringla) by Snoefrith Rogvold Rettibeini (p50 Heimskringla) by Snoefrith Hakon (p91 Heimskringla) by Thora

[@alexman378]

Man, the show did do him a disservice. So he was younger, he got the girl he wanted, he accomplished his goals, died very old (even by today’s standards), and had multiple kids? Why did the show make him a simp? Especially considering the actor himself is probably one of the most handsome men in that cast, they did a lot to reduce his natural appeal.

[@afrodude4782]

Agreed, I was confused by that. A dude like that should have been catching all kinds of women

[@samuelwilkinson6487]

That's why nobody should believe what the media puts out about the past in TV shows or movies cause most likely its incorrect. Its a way to erase the past and make it look like something it wasn't. In my opinion, any chance the media can turn a strong male role model of the past into a simp they will especially if their of European descent.

[@donovanbradford8231]

I want to say the reason being that much of yhe greatest stories of the Viking sagas were blended into one series so while not everyone would get the shine they richly deserved they would get their own shine. We great examples of this such the actual way Paris was sacked by Ragnar Lothbrok being used in the battle against Mercia, while the way the Vikings did it in the show was based off of how Berin Ironside and his brother would sack the ancient city of Rome. And Harald truly got his shine as he was not only a great ruler he was someone not to be underestimated.

[@grazielaalmeida8438]

The actor is one of the ugliest, Ivar the boneless was the most handsome.

[@Comakino]

Because all TV shows tear down white men. If you want to know why it would be necessary to analyse who controls the "entertainment" industry

[@carrioncrow7687]

Great video. Harald's story is worthy of its own tv show

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you !!

[@worldonfire450]

I agree they should make another vikings show with the fall of Halfdan and how Harald rose to power becoming the King of all Norway. One of the most badass vikings

[@clintbillton2161]

I'd like to se a TVserie about Harald Bleutooth, Hardråde, Kung Eric .. och Röde Orm :)

[@clintbillton2161]

The storys about the Jomsvikings are verry interesting!

[@cosmicstoner91]

So would one bout Ragnar

[@thathitmanjon2026]

This guy literally was the kingslayer

[@rebeccalee1065]

BY FAR, His Story Was The Best To Be Told (Of The Vikings). I Don't Believe No Other King Came Close In Accomplishing What He Did In Their Lifetime -- Including Alfred, And Edward. I'm Surprised He Wasn't Referred As Harald 'The Killer Of Kings'! By Right, He Earned That.

[@dannyjohnson236]

Clearly you know nothing of Sweyn Forkbeard and Cnut the Great who ruled over several kingdoms and not just one.

[@dutchvanderlinde6906]

@@dannyjohnson236 but uniting sutch a divided and relatively big country so early in history is a big accomplishment. He united noreay even before England and Denmark united. Which is impressive considering Norway was munch bigger and much more divided than Denmark and England

[@khankrum1]

@@dannyjohnson236 The kingdoms where already in existence. They did not not create them. Alfred saved Wessex from total destruction, planted the ideal of absorbing the Danes into a unified " English " nation. This ideal led to Athelstan's amalgamation of England into one nation. Cnut would not have achieve what he did without the aid of Emma of Normandy.

[@imissvainglory6216]

​@@dutchvanderlinde6906 I wouldn't go that far lol these people we look up too are murders and probably rapists.

[@garyswank1043]

History Channel's Vikings reignited interest in the actual history of Scandinavian and northern Europe. It concentrated interesting characters into one lifetime. Other productions are and will tell these stories separately and more accurately. I look forward to them.

[@owenmccord5078]

It would be interesting to see more historically accurate depictions.

[@philotus204]

Much cooler than the fiction on the “history” channel. Idk why shows have to keep changing the stories of historical figures. History is pretty interesting as is.

[@yuppy1967]

That Viking show is complete bullshit

[@laoch5658]

@@yuppy1967 its a great show. it was never meant to be factual

[@imissvainglory6216]

Just goes to show that these directors and producers think they know best and are Vain enough to rewrite history how they like.

[@darrelldean7116]

@@yuppy1967 it's a TV show... calm down kid 😂

[@darrelldean7116]

@@imissvainglory6216 actual history isn't as factual as you seem to think... you kids are too emotional 😂

[@Thegreywanderer42]

You can really see where Tolkien got his inspiration for so many of his tales in the silmarillion from the Norse sagas. Amazing

[@ErikaRatilainen]

From Kalevala too 😊

[@Mathyken]

Veeery good. I struggled to comprehend the connection between a Viking trimming his hair and a Maltese dog. 16:00

[@philsibbald833]

Haralds grand son, Ivan the Black, became ruler of the Northern Isles of Scotland. Ivan's grand son Leod is the Patriarch of the McLeod clan of the Isle of Skye. My peeps.

[@ErikaRatilainen]

I feel such a strong love to Scotland❤ could live there for a few years in a small house and just wait for a Scotsman to walk by my garden 🥰 ( just a small goal I have in life 🤭 Fell in love with Outlanders!! Before Vikings. And suddenly I could understand your language too! 😀 For me you should be part of the Nordics actually, come on row your country next to Norway. loveee from Finland

[@dianemalloy2890]

WOW I'm so impressed by this story he was one of my favorites in Vikings...now listening to his real life story he is my favorite by far. He was vicious but fair if you joined his team and he lived so long that's amazing. Thank you.

[@billya6992]

Absolutely wonderful video. I was enthralled listening to the story of this great King of Kings.

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much !! I’m so glad you enjoyed the video !

[@crimsonconquestcustoms2584]

He was my favorite character in vikings! His story arc was good but last season was very disappointing, feels like they had to wrap things up quickly.

[@jabronisauce6833]

I mean the show was falling to bits by then they cared more about the woke modern message than an actual good show that makes sense to the history of the vikings.

[@josephcamilletti6955]

I feel like he was a character that many people loved to hate.

[@randomnordmann4020]

He was horribly off in Vikings, even his hair lol.

[@crystalmyers2616]

Please do more Viking History I have really been enjoying all of these

[@mrvinyl-mrchili9583]

This have to be one of your best videos ! Amazing story . & What a man har was! . Brutal yes but a great man. & To live to the age of 80 was pretty damn good those Days

[@bobmalibaliyahmarley1551]

Sure was, considering most people didn't live past the age of 50 during those days.

[@clintbillton2161]

What a Shame to be that old. Suckling milk from curved horns like a baby.

[@jeffcummins8639]

The Haralds are my ancestors. Only finding out about them this week. I have not seen them in Vikings as I am only on the second season. Already watched your video on Harald Sigurdsson. These are very well done. Thank you for these incredible historical accounts.

[@haidermann1]

This would have made its own netflix or History channel series

[@meeshamarie123]

I am King Harald's 32nd great granddaughter. ♡

[@FredrikSkievan]

Harald to Gyda was like "Ight bet"

[@slyaspie4934]

These people lived crazy lives

[@melbrooks1192]

I appreciate the TV series. It introduced many characters that are so interesting. I read about them on my own and this channel is great help to learn who they really are. Fascinating history.

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you for watching Mel!

[@donovanbradford8231]

Very much agree as well as I have no tongue for the names of Danes or their cousins hearing these videos is a great help as there were many great warriors, kings battles, and stories to tell, but what good is a story if you can say someone's name as it can then become confusing and much meaning is lost.

[@nancypeteja6560]

This was flipping awesome. Thank you. Truth is stranger than fiction.👍

[@bobmalibaliyahmarley1551]

Make one about Harald Hardrada too, please!

[@jamiegregg9211]

cool video Ollie really enjoyed it looking forward to the next one as always

[@kjellbergdaleulfr5796]

Thank you for doing more vids about vikings. (NOT THE TV SHOW BUT NORDIC CULTURE AND HISTORY)

[@BriefCaseOfficial]

Great Video and really intersting to know about the life of Harald Fairhair

[@peggybrem2848]

Love the detail of your videos! Thank you for the stories of my apparent ancestors 👍

[@berenicewaters4096]

Another excellent upload form HP. Thanks

[@ApollosVictory]

Thank you for making such a great and detailed video about my ancestor. Greatly appreciated!

[@ELKE-]

Later, but always here to listen your great Vikings histories. This was wonderfully narrated by you. Thank you for this beautiful video! Ps: Sorry I'm later, today was one those days for me! Take care

[@thomasdavison7184]

Man I just found your channel. You have some really good stuff dude.

[@ayeitsjayoo]

Now I want to see this in movie version

[@sarahgirlisit]

Great video.

[@mohamedanis1941]

great video , thank you from tunisia🇹🇳

[@SYMBIOTEDINOSAUR]

Amazing story and presentation.

[@nataliehill6406]

Great production

[@historyprofiles]

Thank you so much !

[@jimsweep9291]

Wow great story love listening to the history about the Vikings.

[@keithjohnson8330]

He is a decent relative of mine. So nice to hear about him.

[@vikingking6477]

Great video love from Norway

[@NorskaFjordskaOfficial]

Sælir ok Sælar, I know you might not believe me but, I am Harald Fairhair’s Descendent… and I enjoyed your video

[@historyprofiles]

That it awesome! I hope you enjoyed the video!!

[@NorskaFjordskaOfficial]

@@historyprofiles i did :D

[@bobbehwitchie]

Perfect video

[@shizza82]

Harald hårfagre! My ancestor. Legend.

[@ottawanuck6048]

My ancestor as well!

[@theprairierosechronicles5407]

I, too, am a direct descendant of Harald Fairhair, so I appreciate your presentation too.

[@zero_bs_tolerance8646]

Thank you.

[@melbrooks1192]

I love this history. The stories. The characters. I love the actor that played Harald.

[@EnglishSaxons]

I remember going to school with a friend named Fairhurst not sure if that means the same thing England had a lot of cool last names

[@jonarvaez8232]

This is why Harald is my favorite.

[@mathewleith8180]

Question. If Ivar the Boneless died in 873 (which would make him 23 when Harold was born, using Harold’s birth as a starting point) why wouldn’t he be alive when Ragnar was alive? Ragnar died in 852-856. The great heathen army landed in England in 865 which Harold would of been 15 and at the age he could of fought.

[@donovanbradford8231]

I think the reason why Hereld might not have fought along side Ragnar Lothbrok is possible the age in that Hereld might hace been to young to go to war at the time. But also many historians debt about Ragnar Lothbrok in general because the sagas have Ragnar's name pop up quite a few times but the years given show either Ragnar lived an incredibly long time 100 plus years or there was more than one. Historians agree Ragnar must have lived given we know the great deeds abd battles his sons won but was the Ragnar that led the raid on Lendisfarm the same that sacked Paris and was the cause of The Great Heathen Army more than likely not. Or that's my take on the subject.

[@Swetaskmort]

Man blir stolt över sin forna släkting 💪👌

[@historyprofiles]

Very proud

[@blakewilliams6613]

. . blogger is swedish and damn proud of his HISTORY . . . .

[@kaytiemakayla]

Came here tryna learn about names on my family tree and holy crap wasn’t expecting this

[@jeddkeech259]

This man needed his own tv show! God damn they did him dirty in Vikings 😂

[@alexcavoli6191]

You can't just say King Gandalf like it's not the coolest. I didn't know anyone in actual history had that name. I thought it was just a Dwarven name from Norse mythology.

[@ashhuman2412]

I believe Gandalf in LotR is based off Odin from Norse mythology, also a neat little tie in. Tolkien is apparently a massive lover of Norse mythology.

[@donovanbradford8231]

Much of the tales of the battles on the history of Lord of the Rings I can see through much of the Viking sagas, which isn't surprising given Tolkien was a scholar after all.

[@bagthebird7610]

Could you give the sauce on the art you use because some alot of them rlly are good pieces

[@FarooqKhanx-mk5jv]

So he was the great great grandson of ragnar lothbrok 😮

[@Rena1654]

Harald Hårfagre my 32th grandfather!

[@tg6591]

Interesting!

[@williamwyckoff3963]

Well I'm very impressed by Harolds accomplishments ! In our family book it says Harold that was from 10 hundred to 1066 it says king Harold who ruled Norway at those dates Dr Anou traced our blood lines to that time that Dr that was in 1926 . but from. 800 to 810 was Eric king in Sweden

[@williamwyckoff3963]

I'm just curious of our ancestors to keep and give that knowledge to my existing family

[@williamwyckoff3963]

Maybe visit Norway in the future and Sweden & Demark who's Christina of Sweden back in those times ? Kinda confused at present

[@knutstraume7064]

That was his decendant Harald Hardråde. Some sources call him Fairhair aswell.

[@guyring8912]

Harold was a badass!

[@haraldharam9334]

This is cool

[@darmerl6548]

What a great job acting on Vikings the best character besides Ragnar. A baddie to cheer for very hard to pull off.

[@captain_context9991]

Harald fairhair. His name was Harald Hårfagre.

[@Lucian66642]

King gandalf said you shall not pass and all said oh right will be off now 😂😂

[@austinmesta9862]

I think you mean stern to stern. I believe ships do not have a part called a stem. Great video, thanks.

[@break1009eighty]

What a beast

[@TheRealKiRBEY]

Ck3 really be inciting my Historical nerdness

[@jabronisauce6833]

How good must that hair cut have felt lol

[@samwill7259]

Why do vikings always get the BEST historical names? "Erik the Red" "Harald Fairhair" "Harthacnut". Whereas the English have got Æthelred the Unready.

[@mercianthane2503]

You missed badass names in Old English like: Athelstan (noble stone), Wuffa (Wolf), Athelbeorht (Noble Brightness), Herewald (Cognate to Norse Harald), Rædweald (Authority Counsel), Beaduwulf (Battle Wolf).

[@jabronisauce6833]

It's the simplicity but I wouldn't say the best lol

[@yungcaco1443]

What a guy 👌🏻

[@georgejamesducas9602]

In 60 AD Apostle Saint Andrew traveled to the area of Kiev, preached, and said, one day a great city would be built here with many churches to the glory of God. Today there is a church to Saint Andrew in Kiev. The peoples in the area were Slavic. Kyi, Shchek and Khoryv, three brothers and the sister Lybid founded Kiev in 482 AD, Kiev was named after the older brother Kyi. Kiev the older brother was King. Herodotus wrote that Hercules had founded this land. The Rus were Viking tribes that settled peacefully in Kiev as far back as 750 AD with the Slavs there, 400 years before Moskva existed. The name Russia, coming from the city Moskva, has no connection to the RUS. Russia coming from Moskva started with Batu Kahn much later as a vasal under Mongolian rule. All the early Czars were Mongolian and of no connection to the RUS. The Rus were with the Slavs to the south in Kiev. Moskva were Finnish Urgic Tribes; Mosk means cow and Va water, which are Finnish names. There was no RUS there. The ethnic background of Moskva is Finnish-Urgic and Mongolian. The Rus developed the religion, city Kiev, alphabet, churches, and had its saints. The founder of Kievian Rus (800) or the Rus was a Viking named Askold or Oskold (Norse) from Sweden; not Oleg as in the Russian story. Kievian Rus exists long Before Novgorod and Oleg’s arrival there. Askold is the Slavic name. Oskold, the first King of Kievian Rus was in Kiev before Oleg in Novgorod. Oskold had 200 ships and 20,000 warriors. Oskold was baptized in Constantinople (128 years before Volodymyr) and sent the first bishop back to Kiev. Oskold and Dir were the first Dynasty of Kievian Rus. Askold rules from the 40-60s and Dir to the 80s. Askold is buried in Kiev and the first Kievian Christian King & Dynasty. Oleg followed coming from Sweden through Novgorod and was a pagan. Russia as named today started in the city of Moskva over 400 years later after Kievian Rus or Rus. From Kiev, the capitol of Rus, Kievian culture was spread, much like the Greeks Hellenized the known world, or like the British anglicized the world by the English language. This process does not make Moskva to become RUS in as much as Persian are not Greek. How we are misled by a name; Russia. The capitol of the RUS has always been Kiev. There is no other RUS and no RUS in Moskva. Many say Ukraine began recently; but the culture of the RUS is Kievian RUS, both culture and ethnic background. Ukraine is a name given by Poland meaning outer lands. The land of the RUS before the Mongolian invasion was very large. The name RUS is a Norse name which means men that row; there are no men that row in Moskva. So Moskva adopted the name Russia while being a Mongolian vassal, essentially traitor to the RUS; and all the Czars were Mongolian-Finnish. The Culture of the Mongolian was centralized power, and that cultural imprint was passed on to present day Russia. Ukraine’s real name should be Kievian RUS, or Kievskarus! Russia began in Moskva by Batu Kahn and Novgorod conquered much later, still no connection to the Rus. Putin & Lavrov should be ashamed of themselves, the USSR was an occupation; it never had the status of a sovereign state and due process of law that would be associated with a free society. Even today the mentality of the gulag exists. There is no freedom of press and speech, people are arrested for speech, there is no due process of law, and the religion is state run making it a totalitarian theocracy. As such, it did not deserve to exist in a free world; and history has shown such totalitarian organizations fail over time and author in many gulags. The true culture of Russia is Finno-Ugric and Mongolian, having nothing to do with the RUS (Kievian), expect borrowed as in the sense of Hellenized or Anglicized "forms" as a comparative reference. The centralized form of Russian politics is a very Mongolian imprint on culture. The actions of Putin seem to be another Mongolian invasion of Kiev; here I suggest as to the correct metaphor. I believe so. Putin & Lavrov insistence to have purview over eastern Europe also seems like paying tribute to the Mongolian Horde. Moskva started as an agglomeration of Finnish tribes, combining a Finnish name meaning cows water and developed by Mongolian culture. Mosk means cow and Va means water. The RUS are men that row, Vikings, Norse, established Kiev 400 years before (750 AD) Moskva even thought to exist. The name Russia for current nation is totally inappropriate. The current Russia started in Moskva; how misleading is the name Russia coming from Moskva that has no connection to the RUS. All the lands should be returned to Kiev; the West of Russia to Finland, and the East to Mongolia. Russia’s place on the globe appears as a temporary aberration in my view. To use threats of Nukes publicly strikes at the heart as adolescent behaviour; surely any nation or person that issues such threats and being an ally to such while not even having war imposed on them is not fit to rule. This would include allies of Russia. Oh yes, I remember, Russia didn't invent the bomb, they stole it in the 1940's and gave it to Kurchatov. Russia struggles with an identity crisis since its beginnings unoriginal to the ethnic groups. Its errors are numerous, 50 million killed by Stalin in WW2, allied to the Nazis to kill the Poles for their defeat in WW2, Holodomor where millions of Ukrainians were killed and grain stolen, and constant antagonist with Europe. We even have the Holy Mother announcing Russia’s errors at Fatima. Russia is a Mongolian culture and all the first Czars were Mongolian and Batu Kahn is the author. Oskold was the grandson of Ragnar the king of Sweden, his name is old Norse and spoke old Norse, the name Rus is old Norse, he settled peacefully in Kiev and the Slavs made him king, he brought Christianity to Kiev with his son dir...his burial mound is where St Nicholas church is built, Oleg wasn’t even in Novgorod when this happened, and Oleg is not a Rus nor old Norse name. The Slavs called Oskold the name Askold. After came Dir, Oleg was a pagan who assassinated Dir, Oskold becomes the first dynasty...later when the line of kings get to Vladimir, he is captured at a trading post by the Mongols, the post is called Moskva, and the king killed. Moskva as a city was a Mongolian invention, and Novgorod becomes a part of that Russia by conquest, although having nothing to do with the Rus. Oskold line is Ragnar, ironside, Oskold from the King of Sweden Ragnar. Oleg is via Rurik coming much later. The accounts of Oskold are within the time, Al Mamun an Arab writer of the time wrote of Oskold, the Russian chronicles come hundreds of years later. In much the same way accounts of relevant history are better understood by those of the times, much like the Bible, dating to the original times makes the account authentic. The Russian chronicles are merely a tale and inaccurate. Kiev was a city over 1000 years before Russia even existed. Kiev was Kievian Rus before Novgorod and when Oleg arrived. Putin is kidding himself if he thinks any part of Ukraine belongs to Russia. We can see that Israel belongs to the Jews, similarly all the lands around Kiev of Kievian Rus belong to Kiev as a single nation and city state. Russia's beginnings are a wanting child begun as a captive insurgency having nothing of its own; a captive state that was reeking in servitude to Mongolia and invented by Mongolia. The entire culture of Russia from Moscow is Mongolian centralized power, a pagan culture of no empathy and Christianity. The Christianity is tainted as a state religion or theocracy and politicized. History is often obscured by being written by the ones in charge. The history of Ukraine has been obscured by the Soviet Occupation and cultural appropriations. Moscow in an attempt to appropriate a history not its own, rewrote the narrative of history to cover up its compromised origins; Kiev and Ukraine is a history much older and more civilized; making contributions to civilization. Russian despotism becomes the blueprint, foundation & model for every despot nation, look at its allies; the error of its ways has spread throughout the globe; much like the message from the Holy Mother at Fatima. Those that are sympathetic to Russian atrocities can find similarities in their own histories. Ukraine has a democracy at a local level Moscow never had and fears. Russian boundless ignorance is a type often found in the poorest of nations, and usually the poorest have a history of the hardest tyrants over them that also inflict poverty, physical and spiritual, on others they attempt to subjugate, a reflection of their own lives, an abomination of desolation. Askold was in Constantinople in 860 and Oleg arrived in Novgorod not until 862. The Arabs referred to Askold as the Slavic King or King of the Slavs which he had been for a while. Pontius says Askold brings Christianity to Kiev from Constantinople and a bishop. Ragnar the Norse King of Sweden was born in 767 AD, his son Bjorn ironside was born in 796 AD, and grandson Oskold (Askold) was born in 820 AD. Askold arrived in Kiev in 840 and had a son Dir, Both become King and the first Christian dynasty. Askold dies and gets a burial mound in a park in Kiev. Dir follows as King. Dir is assassinated by Oleg who is a pagan. Nobody knows who Rurik is or who the father is . Oleg is a generation away from Askold. Olga of Kiev builds a church on Askold’ s burial grounds. Pontius of Constantinople says Askold brings a Bishop and Christianity to Kiev. Russia much later is a Mongolian invention..........

[@Raven9010th]

Harald would give even Vlad Dracula a run for his money. Harald have many descendants. I thought I was so special until I found this out. xD But I can't imagine Solve's fear. He was basically running from Harald, like the rebels were running from Darth Vader in Rogue One.

[@dreamrider7128]

bruh... King Harald was a gigachad in the sagas while in the series he was the biggest simp

[@demonia2848]

I watched another historical documentary about the berserks and it said the berserks were social outcasts because they killed all in their path whilst they were in a berserk rage. It said they were not valued and were ugly and trollish in appearance. Kings may hire them to fight but they weren't valued in the way they are commonly depicted today because they would kill their own side to.

[@rhondalawrence8352]

Im norweigian an luv this my ancesters came from thevsame place

[@worldonfire450]

Wow the real Harald was a badass

[@Ulfhednir9]

Great video worthy of saga and song, thank you. May i ask if it is true that he also forced Christianity on our people and became a christian himself only because his wife refused to bed him until he converted? Or was that Harald Bluetooth?

[@mercianthane2503]

You speak of Harald Bluetooth. However, while he was a christian, he barely did anything to convert Norway to Christendom. He was a good king that even non-christian Norwegians thought of him highly and composed poems in his honor. One of those few cases when christians and pagans got along.

[@randomnordmann4020]

@@mercianthane2503 You must be thinking of someone else. Harald Bluetooth tried to convert Jarl Håkon who refused and declared himself independent, making him de-facto king of Norway (though not recognized post mortem since he wasn't part of Harald Fairhair's dynasty) a force sent from Denmark to attack the jarl some years later was then defeated at Hjørungavåg.

[@mercianthane2503]

@@randomnordmann4020 No I wasn't thinking of someone else. But thanks for that correction. The one who did tried to convert Norway by force was Olaf Tryggvasson.

[@randomnordmann4020]

@@mercianthane2503 The king you're describing just sounded more like Håkon the Good, the youngest son of Harald Fairhair.

[@mercianthane2503]

@@randomnordmann4020 Ah, shit, now I admit my mistake. YES. Haakon the Good. Is just... anyway, we all make mistakes, haha. I appreciate your patience while correcting me.

[@mijiyoon5575]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@kuzikays6570]

People weren't called Earl's in Scandinavia they were called yarls

[@simonbroberg969]

Heimskringla £40 on ebooks) Harald (Mophead/Finehair)Halfdanasson Great-grandfather: Halfdan (The Mild) (p44) Father: Halfdan the Black (p51) Wives Asa, Ragnhild (p76 Heimskringla) (daughter of Eirik king of Jutland) Svanhild (p76 Heimskringla) (Daughter of Earl Eyestan.) Ashild (p76 Heimskringla) (daughter of Hring Dagsson) Snoefrith (p50 Heimskringla) (Svasis daughter) Thora Morstrong (p91 Heimskringla) Harald now 70 yrs old Sons Halfdan the Red Olaf Geirstatha-Alf (p76 Heimskringla) by Svanhild Bjorn (p76 Heimskringla) by Svanhild, a King of Vestfold, A Chapman/merchant. Son Guthroth. Eirik Bloodyaxe demands taxes owing to their father the king, they quarrel, Eirik get's nothing, they fight many people die, including Bjorn left with most of the wealth north This is later than Halfdan Heleggs and Halfdan the Whites death. Halfdan the black is upset with this, and burns down Eirik bloodyace hall down, with most of Eiriks men in it, Eirik asleep in a barn nearby. He escapes with four others and goes back to the king (next part- Halfdan the Black Ragnar Rykill (p76 Heimskringla) by Svanhild Eirik Bloodyaxe (p76 Heimskringla) by Ragnhild Ubbi (p.71 Heimskringla) Halfdan the White ???-870 Estonia (p73 p83 Heimskringla) by Asa. Killed in Estonia Halfdan the Black (p73 Heimskringla) by Asa Halfdan the Black, after burning down Eirik Blooyaxe's farm/Hall Finds the kings fleet moored outside the Thorsfjord, and he places his fleet on the land side. Envoys try dispute before coming to an agreement. Halfdan the Black keeps his province.(p 90-91 Heimskringla) Guthorm (p73 Heimskringla) by Asa - Marshall of Vikings Dag (p76 Heimskringla) by Aschild Hring (p76 Heimskringla) by Aschild Guthroth Skirja (p76 Heimskringla) by Aschild Inggigerth (p76 Heimskringla) by Aschild Sigurth Hrisi (p50 Heimskringla) by Snoefrith Halfdan Halegg (Longshanks) (p50 Heimskringla) by Snoefrith. Burns down Earl Rognvold or Moer (Nederlands), burns down his house and 60 warriors, then steals 3 ships, set's off to the Hebredies (Isles North of Scotland). Thorir put in charge (son of Rognvold). Finehair now in control of the Nederlands. The Hebredies are where Helgg met his death blood Eagled Guthroth Ljomi (p50 Heimskringla) by Snoefrith Rogvold Rettibeini (p50 Heimskringla) by Snoefrith Hakon (p91 Heimskringla) by Thora Where Harald is concerned, he inherited the realm of Vestfold an a aggressive aquisition and disposition under the regency of his Uncle 870-880 there abouts First he had to fend off rivals (he is a minor king at this time). There are many scores to be paid off against the memory of his father Under his Uncles tutelage, Harald establishes himself in Vestfold and makes himself Master of the neighbouring kingdom too. There is a quote here "The blood-red stem had taken root (p53) Concerning the name Mophead After he had defeated most of his near rivals, he met a princess called Gyda of Hordaland, she told him that she could not marry petty kingling who did not have a proper kingdom to his name, He swore not cut or comb his hair until he had subdued the whole of Norway. Eventually, he succeeded, and and Gyda was impressed enough to join him (along with the other wives and concubines he had) On the meeting Earl Rognvold clipped his hair, unclipped for 10 years says the Saga says, and the nickname became Finehair (They are said to have jet black hair). He managed to come to terms with Earl Hakon Grjotgarsson. The Vestfold now under control He set about taking the South West which was owned by a powerful Sea king known as Kjotvi the wealthy. A very important area now bounded bounded between Bergan and Stavanger.bit by bit from his home in Trondelag, he pushed further South beating any operistion he came across his path. The moment came when he had to meet his main rivals fleet at Hafrsfjord (West of Stavanger). The battle one and it is said many a sea king met his death that day, he could truely call himself King of Norway. Magnus dates the battle at 890, but most believe 880-890. (So well after the 845 Raids of Ragnar and Horik).

[@eddiebear34]

When I watch these I have a little laugh to myself, wondering how many vikings show fans are walking around with tattoos on their faces they regret. Or the amount of people I came across claiming to BE a viking because 22 and me said they hard 3% nordic blood lol. That's like 22 and me telling you, you are part carpenter because.... because.

[@Lwazi9999]

Disappointed King Gandalf didn't return clad in white

[@anabanana6890]

And here I thought Gandalf was a wizard from Middle Earth - lol

[@historyprofiles]

Name came from somewhere! Happened to be a petty king of Denmark!

[@anabanana6890]

@@historyprofiles thank you for this great video about King Harald. I’m currently reading The Golden Wolf trilogy by Linnea Hartsuyker which centers more on Ragnvald Eysteinsson and his family, but I love looking up the real story behind the novel. I understand, of course, that unfortunately we don’t have any way of fact checking the old Norse sagas, but still, there must be some truth somewhere in there, right?

[@historyprofiles]

@@anabanana6890 indeed the book is probably loosely based of real life events, perhaps would be a good read for myself!

[@anabanana6890]

@@historyprofiles I would definitely recommend it if you like historical fiction. And I’m gonna take a wild guess here and say that you probably do. 😉

[@kellycharlton]

Would like to see a story about Charlemagne who fought the Vikings in the North and the Moors in the south during the time of Harold Fairhair

[@jabronisauce6833]

They where around the same era?

[@randomnordmann4020]

Considering Charlemagne was long dead before Harald Fairhair was born, how?

[@dridahook7284]

Pity he stooped low enough to burn his enemies while they slept...if its true

[@hewasagudboy9079]

So.... he was a simp?

[@jabronisauce6833]

A very dangerous simp I suppose lol

[@tally3018]

Best comment here, need more likes!

[@Russell3267]

King Gandalf the Viking

[@DRCWalsh]

Friends with a guy whose his decendant, he's about 5'6 so I told him at least you got his height lol

[@sawyerbrandt6710]

Howd he go so long without combing his hair did he have dreadlocks at that time thered at least be a dirt and bug issue i can see not cutting but not combing seems off

[@blakewilliams6613]

. . . how the HELL did the BLOGGER of History Profiles get a real Life Picture of harold . . . . . . now if the picture is bogus , , , , wait for every thing he is about to say . . . HE WAS THERE . . . .

[@salacca2297]

I hate being this guy but...........In the show the name was Finehair not Fairhair. I know it doesn't matter but I'd want to know if I wasn't accurate.

[@historyprofiles]

Can be translated into both, all sources say fairhair though, the show got most things wrong about all characters

[@jabronisauce6833]

Don't take a shows stance lol they had vikings wearing black leather and fighting entirely topless at times

[@jabronisauce6833]

@@historyprofiles They really gave zero Fs once Ragnar died aswell lol

[@salacca2297]

@@historyprofiles I'm not taking about anything but the show. You said Fairhair in the show Vikings and I was correcting you because you were wrong. Take the L bro

[@historyprofiles]

@@salacca2297 ahhh okay I get you, L taken

[@dansoderberg4753]

Erik the victorious maybe?

[@christopherwilson6572]

Fine hair 🤔

[@ralphdihlmann6516]

Great story, great saga. But wait a moment: when the written saga is several hundred years elder than the heroe, who much fiction and exaggeration has to be expected?

[@historyprofiles]

Indeed there is probably much exaggeration in the sagas, unfortunately these are the only accounts of Harlad that we have

[@Nortrix87]

Oral history is much more trustable than expected. Great importance was put in skalds that recorded deeds. Traditional story songs in faroe ilands can be your example. Unchanged for 100 years. They belived the sagas tales was just stories about discovering America to. Until a viking settlement was found at newfoundland.

[@donovanbradford8231]

Very correct as you do have certain famous Vikings pop up more than once in the sagas to the point historians know they existed because their children and deeds were recorded by not only the Scandinavians but also the Saxons, Scots, Francs, and Moors. No bigger example than Ragnar Lothbrok as the famous taid on Lendisfarm which seemingly launches the Viking sagas takes place many many decades before the lives of Berin Ironside and Ivar the Boneless who were sons if Ragnar Lothbrok historians just aren't sure if they're the same ones.

[@elsamariahertervig6171]

There are few events in the show vikings who are historically correct. It is based on real historical characters and events, that is it. The creaters of the show had to drag Egil Skallagrímsson into this crap show. Egill is important to us, the people of Iceland, Egill was of the first generation to be born here. Grímur, Egils father fled Norway because of Harald, his fathers brother, Þórolfur, was murdered by Harald as well as his grandfather. Harald stole everything they owned in Norway. Most of the first settlers here in Iceland were fleeing Harald. And the song the creators have king Harald and his brother sing "my mother said to me" is a poem that Egils mother told to him. Haraldur tried to have Egil killed. Egill Skalla-Gímsson is also by Snorra Sturluson just like Heimskringla.

[@jfitbikek]

Kj makes a Sh sound you dont just pronounce the k and j @historyprofiles

[@boreopithecus]

It’s possible that his nickname Finehair (a more accurate translation than Fairhair) was actually ironic, because he would have looked like shit during all those years he neither cut nor combed his hair and beard.

[@Diddiwehy]

The Finehair/Fairhair came after he cut his hair, before that his nickname was Luva, because of his messy hair, but even before he promised to not cut his hair before he unified all of Norway, he was known as ‘’Dovrefostre’’ because his foster’s name was ‘’Dovre’’.

[@tori1655]

@@Diddiwehy Dovre is a group of mountains in Norway, actually the northern part of the great Jotunheimr. Where the jotners were living.. - in the Northern mythology. The ones that Thor used to fight. In norwegian history this king was called "Harald the Fair hair."

[@Diddiwehy]

@@tori1655 I know clear well that Dovre is a group of mountains in Norway, I am Norwegian. What I am saying clearly is that his name before he cut off his hair was either Luva or Dovrefostre, because according to myths he was raised by a roll called ''Dovre''. If you're Norwegian you might recognize ''Dovregubben'' which might be the one according to the myths Harald Fairhair was raised by. And coming from a person who has read the Harald Hairfair saga, no he wasn't only called Harald Fairhair, but just as mentioned before also called ''Luva'' before cutting his hair. Ragnvald jarl gave him the name ''Hårfagre'' due to his hair being both big and beautiful.

[@tori1655]

@@Diddiwehy Of caurse I know about the great troll "Dovregubben".. He is an arch in Ibsens drama "Peer Gynt" and in Griegs music to the play; "The hall of the mountain King":)

[@dalevodden1359]

I know a direct relation to Harold the fair-haired king of Norway his name is William Warren loveless direct relation to Harold the fair-haired king of Norway the first king of Norway

[@PatrickHenry-pz1pd]

Harold and his line then went on to conquer England... bloodlines are still in control today

[@bobmalibaliyahmarley1551]

Isn't it Rollo/Hrolf/Gange Rolv/Rolf's bloodline? I mean... Harald Hardrada (decendant of Harald Fairhair) attempted and nearly suceeded conquering England, but ultimately died. And then William the Conqueror (decendant of Rollo) litterally just waltzed into England and said ''MINE!'', because Harald Hardrada's attack had already destroyed most if not all resistance before he died.

[@jabronisauce6833]

@@bobmalibaliyahmarley1551 Yea it's Rollos bloodline which has William the conqueror also its a different bloodline in the monarch of England today lol

[@randomnordmann4020]

It was the jarl of Møre's line (same as Orkney) but they lost control of England mid 12th century. The royal family in England is German now.

[@Johnny3Batony]

Best character in this shitshow called "Vikings", after Ragnar died that is. Too bad they ruined him.

[@anonymousphxnt0m949]

You are a saxon arent.you

[@historyprofiles]

Half Saxon yes