This is an extract from a larger collection of sagas of the Norwegian kings, the Heimskringla (ca. 1177), telling the story of one of the last Viking chieftains, Harald Hardradi, aka Harald the Ruthless.

A fearsome giant of a man, Harald's life from the age of 15 was given to war and conquest. Driven from his native land, he traveled through the infant kingdom of Rus (Russia) and earned (or plundered) a fortune as a leader of the Byzantine Emperor's Varangian bodyguards, which did double duty as a mercenary force.

After a prolonged struggle with King Svein of Sweden, a bloody affair that ended in an uneasy truce, Harald set his sights on England. Harald died at Stanford Bridge, fighting Harold, heir to Edward the Confessor. Nineteen days later, Harold himself was killed a the Battle of Hastings, ushering in the Norman Age in Britain.

Immortal is the response of Harold, when asked what he would grant Harald should he abandon his conquest of England: "...seven feet of ground, or as much more as he is taller than other men..."

King Harald's saga is a portrait, questionably accurate as history, of a ruthless man in a ruthless age. One of the most interesting of medieval lives. 3/03

This is the saga of Harald Hardradi (the ruthless), the last viking king of Norway. He led a fascinating life, including a stint as the chief of the Varangian guards in Constantinople where he became a lover of the empress Zoe. He died in the battle of Stamford Bridge (9/25/1066), when he invaded England as an ally of Harold Godwinsson's ill-fated brother Tostig. This battle so depleted Harold Godwinsson's forces that he was defeated and killed by William of Normandy at Hastings 19 days later. ( )