Harald Hardrada: The Making of Europe

A biography of Harald Hardrada tracing his exile, mercenary exploits, and rise to power as Norway’s Last Viking.

A wounded and teenaged Harald Hardrada fled Norway in 1030 following the death of his half-brother King Olaf II at the Battle of Stiklestad. He would return home decades later as a battle-hardened mercenary commander, weighted down with plunder acquired from wars fought across the Mediterranean. Harald’s transition from exiled semi-royal to a famed adventurer and warrior saw him w...