King Harald's Saga

The Last Viking King

Review by Tom

Rating: 8/10

Norway has been known for many great Viking Kings, from Olaf Tryggvason, Harald Finehair, Olaf the Saint and Magnus the Good. None however, have quite the fabled saga of King Harald Sigurdsson, otherwise known as Harald Hardrada (Harald the Ruthless) and Harald's saga is one of a true viking, starting and ending in the throes of battle. Harald's saga starts at the Battle of Striklestad (in Norway), where he sees his half brother Olaf the Saint fall, and ends on that fatal day in 1066 at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. This last event is what piqued my interest in Harald and made me what to know more about him, and through this saga I learnt more about the character and astute intelligence of this significant man from Norway. 

The extensive introduction elaborates much about how infamous Icelandic historian, poet, politician and chieftain Snorri Sturluson wrote his sagas, as Harald's saga forms part of a greater text known as Heimskringla (The History of The Kings of Norway). While it compounded prior knowledge it was insightful to know that saga writers sourced history but were essentially creating a piece of literature. This means that personalities of the historical figures are more of a priority than complete historical accuracy. Even so, the translators Magnus Magnusson and the prolific Hermann Pálsson have provided plenty of footnotes of additional information highlighting Snorri's errors, which is always helpful in the historical murkiness of the sagas. 

The saga follows Harald's life from 15 years old at the Battle of Striklestad onwards. He fled from Norway to Russia after this battle and from there went on to have many adventures in the Byzantine empire, becoming leader of a group of Varangian guards. During his escapades in the Mediterranean, he amassed a wealth which Scandinavia had ever seen before, winning him the hand of King Jaroslav I's daughter. Most of his career was spent dealing with the troublesome northern earls of Trondheim and terrorising King Svien and the Danes in Denmark, whilst dominating all those who stood before him. Unfortunately he was swayed by Earl Tostig to venture westwards to England, which would prove to be his last voyage, my favourite quote from Harald was "that the English cannot be entirely trusted.", which would ring true as Tostig was a bad omen. 

Anyway, the highly eventful life of King Harald made him what he was, an intelligent, cunning and fearless leader always looking to get his way first and compromise second. There is something to be admired about Harald, plummeting from royalty to exile, to then rise back up to become one of the most infamous kings in Norway. He is certainly a polarising yet compelling figure in history, and through his saga I felt I got to know a man that used his incredible business acumen and ruthless leadership to become the best man that he could be. Managing to stave off multiple threats and betrayals Harald is made out to be seemingly untouchable. Whilst he is often compared to his kinsmen, Harald stands out as a unique leader, much like Alfred the Great was a hundred or so years before. Overall, this is a fascinating insight and whirlwind adventure full of family drama and overcoming odds, whilst some historical liberty has been taken, I would consider this as a gateway into the Heimskrigla, and a good read for those looking to know more about one of the two famous men that fell in 1066.