Vikings: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Harald

Michael Hirst’s historical drama, Vikings,  has captivated fans for six seasons, culminating with the epic finale, “The Last Act.” Throughout its run, the show has had no shortage of gripping moments, beginning with Ragnar’s initial journey to find new land. Since his emphatic entrance onto the scene in season four, King Harald Hálfdansson has been right in the thick of the various major events and most gripping, best episodes of the show. With the amount of time he’s seen on screen since then, this memorable character has revealed quite a bit about himself.

Yet, there remains a number of interesting and often obscured details regarding the brazen, ambitious King of Norway that are likely unknown for most viewers.

10 He’s Part Of A Rich History Of Norwegian Royalty

Both the historical and fictionalized Harald are prominent figures in Norwegian history. In the TV show, the warlord-turned-king seems to be bested in power and influence only by Ragnar himself — and perhaps a few of his sons. He initially rules over the smaller kingdom of Vestfold in the southern region of Norway, but seeks to one day reign over a unified country, eventually becoming Norway’s first king.

To further his reach, he also seeks the marriage of Gyda, the daughter of a central Norwegian king named Eirik of Hordaland. Not only this, but it’s said that at least two of Harald’s sons, Eric Bloodaxe and Haakon the Good, continued his reign and became kings after his death. Both the man himself and various family members prove significant in the country’s history.

9 He’s Ambitious With A Dash Of Humility

Given his influence as a major Norwegian figure, it makes sense that Harald’s defining trait is his bold, unwavering ambition to rule and exercise his power. He spends much of the series exerting this attribute, often to a fault. There’s scarcely a moment in the show when he is not raiding, fighting, or plotting to clash with other factions, Viking or otherwise.

At the same time, he does show at least subtle glimpses of humility, partly by seeing value in forging alliances as well as recognizing Ragnar’s power and skill, which eclipses his own. Beneath this assertive nature and ambition are at least hints of admiration for Ragnar.

8 He Fathered Many Sons

Like much historical information extending back centuries, the details regarding Harald’s children aren’t exactly clear. Even the precise number of children fathered by the king remains uncertain. In the show, at least, Harald is without children.

But various sagas name at least 11 sons when it comes to the historical figure, and some mention as many as 20 or more. In the contemporary skaldic poem, Hakonarmal, it reads that his son, Haakon, would meet with “eight brothers” upon reaching Valhalla. One thing seems clear — Harald led quite an eventful life.

7 The Meaning Of His Autocratic Title

Harald’s title as Norway’s king takes the form of the lengthy-term “Einvaldskonungr” in Old Norse. The first segment of the term, “einvalds,” describes autocratic status or a sole, sovereign rule — while “konungr” translates to “king.”

Most would consider this a pretty fitting title for the ambitious, aggressive ruler.

6 He Makes An Appearance In Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla

There’s no shortage of allusions and influences from Viking culture in TV, music and video games, as well as great movies like Vikings. It makes sense, as the imaginative nature of these motifs can serve as great premises for entertainment and art. Developer Ubisoft has recognized this with their epic Viking-themed rendition of Assassin’s Creed.

While he’s not nearly as prominently featured as the TV show, Harald plays a notable role during the sixth main quest in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, which has the protagonist Eivor meet the king at a celebratory feast.

5 Heavy Metal Songs Dedicated To The Historical Figure

In addition to an Assassin’s Creed quest, King Harald is also the central topic of a number of heavy metal songs, including a track by the power-metal band Rebellion, from their album called Sagas of Iceland.

A symphonic metal band named Leaves’ Eyes goes as far as to craft an entire album revolving around the conquests and happenings of Harald, fittingly named King of Kings.

4 The Origins Of His Warcry

Harald is shown belting his warcry on a number of occasions throughout his Vikings saga. His proclamation, “Whole into battle, whole from battle, coming whole from there hence” can actually be traced back to a collection of Old Norse poems from the Viking age, Hávamál.

Not only this, but Harald and his brother Halfdan sing a tune when seeing some rare downtime from battle. This also has historical roots, specifically in a song written by Icelandic poet and Viking Egill Skallagrimsson. As a curious side note, though — this man lived at the same time as Harald’s son, Eirik, so the song wouldn’t have existed yet in the timeline of the show.

3 The Historically-Appropriate Color Scheme Of His Flags And Shields

Vikings viewers have likely noticed the common element of the red and yellow color scheme adorning the flags, shields, and banners of King Harald’s warriors. These actually serve a purpose contextually beyond just standing out and looking bold.

In fact, these are fittingly also the colors of the royal house of Norway, which are displayed on the Royal Standard banner and flag.

2 He’s Described (In Some Sagas) As A Relative Of Ragnar

In the TV show, the relationship of the similarly ambitious Ragnar, another character with many hidden details and facts, and Harald doesn’t really extend beyond a rivalry. However, some sagas claim that they are actually related by blood, at least in a distant fashion.

Some documents describe him as the grandson of Ragnar’s son, and even the great-great-grandson of Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye. This is keeping in line with the show’s knack for fusing or tweaking timelines, lineages, and characters a la Rollo, who’s actually said to have existed several decades after Ragnar.

1 Not Peter Franzén’s First Role As A Viking

As his convincing Harald portrayal might be, actor Peter Franzén is no stranger to playing a raiding Norseman on screen. In fact, he takes on the role of the vampiric Viking Hrolf in HBO’s True Blood.

Interestingly, in True Blood he plays opposite Alexander Skarsgård, the brother of Gustaf Skarsgård — who plays Floki on Vikings.

About The Author

Stephen Lagioia
(250 Articles Published)

Stephen is an avid Nintendo, Indie, and retro gamer who dabbles in Xbox on occasion, mainly in the form of binge sessions of Overwatch. He’s a history buff, an aspiring writer of short fiction, and a devout metalhead who enjoys poorly drumming along to Black Sabbath on his cheap drum set. When his beloved Chicago Cubs or Bulls are not playing, he typically likes to watch random documentaries or campy horror films.

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