Turning the pages back... September 25, 1066 (09/20/98)

Turning the pages back...

September 25, 1066

Among the more famous Varangians (Vikings) with whom the history of Rus'-Ukraine is associated was Harald III Hardraade (the Ruthless), a man who seemingly left a mark, whether negative or positive, on the most far-flung places of the European continent. This was not an easy thing to do in the Middle Ages, when transportation was achieved at a pace far more considered than today's red-eyed variety.

At any rate, Harald was born in Norway to King Sigurd in 1015, although the exact place and date are unknown. In 1030, the Norwegians lost the Battle of Stiklestad to the Danes, and Harald was forced to flee to Rus'. He joined the Varangian guard of Yaroslav Mudryi (the Wise) and later married his daughter, Yelysaveta Yaroslavna.

Some of Harald's poetry has survived, including a song to this Riurykide princess, which has been translated into Ukrainian by Ivan Franko. A saga about his adventures was also composed, which historian Mykhailo Hrushevsky mentions for its similarities to the Primary Chronicle of Rus'.

In 1035, Harald travelled to Constantinople and became the head of the Varangian guard of Emperor Michael IV Paleologus, and after 10 years of service returned to Norway, by way of Rus' and Sweden, to claim his crown.

For the first two years Harald shared the throne with his nephew Magnus I, but thereafter he ruled alone and harshly, earning his sobriquet by dealing mercilessly with local Norwegian chieftains who challenged his authority.

Harald further ensured his place in history when, in the early autumn of 1066, he made good on a pact with William of Normandy and invaded northern England. King Harold II, just eight months on the throne in Albion, raced up to meet the Norwegians near Stamfordbridge on the Humber, and in the ensuing battle, on September 25, 1066, Harald III was killed and his troops routed.

Three weeks later, Harold II's exhausted troops arrived at Hastings, forced to use the day's means of overland transport to reach England's southern coast, some 180 miles from the place where Harald III died. Thus, William became known as the Conqueror.

Sources: "Harald III," "Yelysaveta Yaroslavna," Encyclopedia of Ukraine, Vols. 2, 5 (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1993); Mykhailo Hrushevsky, History of Ukraine-Rus', Vol. 1 (Toronto: CIUS Press, 1997); Morris Bishop, "1066," Horizon, Autumn 1966.

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