King Harald Hardrada of Norway Timeline 1016-1066

Harald Hardrada was born Harald Sigurdsson, the son of Sigurd Syr, ruler of the Ringeske region of Norway, and Asta Gudbrandsdatter. He was half-brother to Olaf Haraldsson, his mother’s son by her first marriage who had become King Olaf II of Norway in 1015.

Olaf Haraldsson, King Olaf II, was forced into exile by Canute who took the throne for himself.

Olaf returned to Norway and was met by Hardrada and several hundred loyal supporters.

Battle of Stiklestad
Harald and his brother Olaf fought against Canute’s forces but they were defeated. Olaf was killed and Harald badly wounded.

After the defeat at Stiklestad, Harald could not stay in Norway and so he exiled himself and travelled south.

Harald and his loyal men reached the court of Yaroslav I in Kiev.

Hardrada became a commander in Yaroslav’s army.

Harald and his forces left Kiev and joined the army of the new Byzantine Emperor, Michael IV.

Hardrada became a member of the Byzantine Varangian Guard and saw action against the Arabs.

King Canute died and Olaf’s son Magnus I became King of Norway.

Harald remained with the Varangian Guard and fought in a campaign to recover Sicily from the Saracens.

Hardrada went to Lombardy, Italy to put down a Norman-Lombard revolt.

Battle of Olivento
Harald Hardrada and the Varangian Guard were defeated by the Normans.

Battle of Montemaggiore
The Normans defeated Harald and the Varangian Guard.

The Varangian Guard was recalled to Constantinople and then deployed to Bulgaria.

The Byzantine Emperor, Michael IV, died. He was succeeded by his nephew who became Michael V.

There was conflict between Michael V and Michael IV’s Empress Zoe.

Michael V banished Empress Zoe, a move which resulted in a popular uprising against the Emperor. Harald joined the revolt which saw Michael expelled.

Empress Zoe was restored to the Byzantine throne. Hardrada requested a release from service but this was refused. Harald managed to escape and returned to Kiev.

Harthacnut, King of England died. Although Harthacnut had promised the English throne to Harald’s nephew Magnus, Edward the Confessor, son of Aethelred the Unready, became King.

Harald Hardrada married Ellisif (Elizabeth) daughter of Yaroslav I of Kiev.

Harald and Ellisif made the journey back to Norway.

A daughter, Ingegerd, was born to Harald and Ellisif.

On his return to Norway, Hardrada reached an agreement with Magnus I that they would share the rule of Norway.

A daughter, Maria, was born to Harald and Ellisif.

King Magnus died and Harald became sole ruler of Norway.

Harald made the first of a series of raids on Denmark hoping to take the Danish throne from Sweyn Estridsson.

Harald married Tora Torbergsdatter daughter of one of the most powerful men in Norway. It is unclear whether he remained married to Ellisif at the same time.

A son, Magnus, was born to Harald Hardrada and Tora.

A son, Olaf, was born to Harald Hardrada and Tora

Battle of Nisa

Harald and Sweyn Estridsson reached a peace agreement,

Harald knew that the English King Edward the Confessor had no children to succeed him. He believed that he had a legitimate claim to the English throne through the promise made to Magnus I by Harthacnut.

Edward the Confessor, King of England, died

Harold Godwinson, brother-in-law to Edward the Confessor, was crowned King Harold II.

Hardrada learned that Harold Godwinson had been crowned King of England and began preparing an invasion.

Harald allied himself with Tostig Godwinson, Harold Godwinson’s brother who had been banished by Harold in 1065.

Harald set sail from Norway and sailed towards the northern Scottish islands where he would recruit reinforcements.

Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson invaded the north of England. They sailed through the Humber estuary and up the River Ouse.

Harald and Tostig began raiding villages and towns as they marched to take York.

Battle of Fulford
Earl Morcar of Northumbria and Earl Edwin of Mercia met the combined forces of Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson at Fulford but were defeated by the invaders.

Harald Hardrada took the city of York.

Battle of Stamford Bridge
Harold Godwinson’s English reached the north and surprised Harald Hardrada and Tostig who were completely unprepared for battle. The English had to cross a small bridge which legend states was defended by a very large Viking. The English had to get under the bridge and kill him by thrusting a sword upwards. Once the bridge was cleared the English army defeated the Norwegians, many of whom had not put on their protective chain mail or armour. Harald Hardrada was killed around midday. Tostig Godwinson was offered a pardon but he refused and the fighting continued until Tostig was killed in the early evening.