In addition to our upcoming events and multiple projects dedicated to the promotion of medieval Scandinavia, we at NorsebyGod are working in tandem on a book comprised of the individual lives of medieval men and women from every reach of the vast Scandinavian world. We aim to share our research process as we release our work and will be featuring mini-profiles of our works in progress. We will begin by focusing on several individuals that are not just key to Norse history, but also emulate the Viking tradition of global travel, trade, and interaction.
The Enduring Exile: Harald Hardrada, Part I.
Vikings have long been stereotyped as long haired ale-drinking brutes clad in horned and winged helmets, sailing across oceans for pillage and plunder. This, of course, is only a caricature. The “Viking” descriptor more accurately refers to medieval Norse adventurers who were not at all dissimilar from their contemporary Northern Europeans. That said, there is one particular Norseman that comes nearest to the Viking ideal—Harald Hardrada.
Hardrada was born Harald Sigurdsson in Norway. The half-brother of a Norwegian king, he took part in a bloody struggle for the throne against his brother’s rival Canute. Unfortunately for Harald, the outcome of this conflict did not swing his way and he was forced to leave his home of Norway an exile.
Tales in the Early Middle Ages often contain a number of similarities that become tropes. Oftentimes, these tropes are merely a storytelling device and are based upon exaggerated events. Though stories of Harald Hardrada are not lacking for exaggerated events, the classic medieval trope of the exiled king forced to wander foreign lands before returning home to reclaim his kingdom was a reality for Hardrada.
Harald began his exile in the far-off land of the Rus, modern day Russia. Under the local ruler King Jaroslav, Harald served as a lieutenant in his army. This service, though brief, would lay the foundation for one of the most formative periods of the young Harald’s life. For west of Russia lies the remnants of Rome, the Byzantine Empire. Harald would have undoubtedly felt slightly out of place upon his arrival. Byzantium was a grand, golden metropolis compared to 11th century Norway. However, despite the ostensible dissimilarities, Byzantium was home to a small group of Scandinavian refugees much like Harald called the Varangian Guard.
These Varangians were a mercenary army loyal to the Byzantine Emperor. Harald himself swore an oath to the Empress Zoe upon his arrival. Being from Scandinavia, the Varangians had a natural apt for naval battles and would often be employed specifically for this purpose. Additionally, Varangians would be used for smaller operations such as raiding a fortification. During these raids Varangians were permitted to keep a particular percentage of the riches they plundered. Thus, the Varangians were seafaring plunderers in foreign lands; the epitome of the Viking stereotype barring the horned helmets.
Harald benefited greatly during his time as a Varangian. Rumors arose that he was skimming slightly more plunder than his percentages allotted and subsequently became quite wealthy. His martial prowess saw him ascend the ranks to eventually become the commander of the guard. Coinciding with this rise, the Varangians became known for their strict military discipline. This could potentially be the origin of Harald’s moniker “Hardrada,” which means “hard ruler.” Though Harald would go on to have a prolific life, it was his time as a Varangian that provided the foundation for what he would become.