Arnulf I of Flanders (died 965), known as Arnulf the Great, was count of Flanders from 918 to 965.
Arnulf was the son of count Baldwin II of Flanders. He was named after his distant ancestor, Saint Arnulf of Metz; this was intended to emphasize his family's descent from the Carlingian royal house.Arnulf greatly expanded Flemish rule to the south, taking all or part of Artois, Ponthieu, Amiens, and Ostravent. Here exploited the conflicts between Charles the Simple and Robert I of France, and later those between Louis IV and his barons.
In his southern expansion Arnulf inevititably had conflict with the Normans, who were trying to secure their northern frontier. This lead to the 942 murder of Duke William Longsword of Normandy at the hands of Arnulf's men.
The Viking threat was receeding during the later years of Arnulf's life, and he turned his attentions to reform of the Flemish government.
He married Adela of Vermandois.
Arnulf's eldest son and heir Baldwin III died in 962, so Arnulf was succeeded by Baldwin's infant son, Arnulf II of Flanders.
Konge Harald (Fairhair) Hårfagre Halvdansen
Harold Fairhair, Norse Harald Hårfagre or Haarfager, c.850-c.933, first king of Norway, son of Halfdan the Black, king of Vestfold (SE Norway). After succeeding his father, Harold initiated a series of battles against the other petty kings, climaxed by a great victory at Hafrs Fjord (872) that made him ruler of Norway. It was during this period that Harold Fairhair began struggling to unify Norway as a kingdom, but it may very well have been that Danes ruled the most of it in the beginning. Although we recognize his rule from 865 AD, it it not likely that he actually managed to gain control before in approximately 890 AD. Although he is considered Norway's first king, Harold controlled only the west coast. Migration to Iceland reached its peak during Harold's reign, as did the raids by Norsemen on the coasts of Europe. The king maintained friendly relations with Athelstan, king of the English. Viking civilization flourished at his court. On his death his lands were divided among his sons; Eric Blood axe was made overlord, but another son, Haakon I, seized power.
Harold Fairhair's reign is officially recognized as the period 865-933, but this is most likely wrong. Recent studies of the history of Scandinavia reveals 872 AD to be a more approximately correct date to when the Battle of Hafrsfjord happened. This is supported by the Irish annals, as they say Olaf the White, King of Dublin, left for Norway to help his dad in the fight for Norway in 871 AD. On this base we believe Harold Fairhair must have passed away in approximately 933 AD. He is recognized as the first king of all Norway, but not beyond the doubt.
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[From the Encyclopedia]Harald I (b. ca 854 - d. ca 931), surnamed Fairhair (Hårfagre, of the beautiful hair), first king (872-931) over Norway, succeeded on the death of his father Halfdan the Black Godfreyson in A.D. 860 to the sovereignty of several small and somewhat scattered kingdoms, which had come into his father's hands through conquest and inheritance and lay chiefly in south-east Norway. The tale goes that the scorn of the daughter of a neighbouring king induced Harald to take a vow not to cut nor comb his hair until he was sole king of Norway, and that ten years later he was justified in trimming it; whereupon he exchanged the epithet "Shockhead" for the one by which he is usually known. In 866 he made the first of a series of conquests over the many petty kingdoms which then composed Norway; and in 872, after a great victory at Hafrsfjord near Stavanger, he found himself king over the whole country. His realm was, however, threatened by dangers from without, as large numbers of his opponents had taken refuge, not only in Iceland, then recently discovered, but also in the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Hebrides Islands and Faeroe Islands, and in Scotland itself; and from these winter quarters sallied forth to harry Norway as well as the rest of northern Europe. Their numbers were increased by malcontents from Norway, who resented Harald's claim of rights of taxation over lands, which the possessors appear to have previously held in absolute ownership. At last Harald was forced to make an expedition to the west to clear the islands and Scottish mainland of Vikings. Numbers of them fled to Iceland, which grew into an independent commonwealth, while the Scottish isles fell under Norwegian rule. The latter part of Harald's reign was disturbed by the strife of his many sons. He gave them all the royal title and assigned lands to them which they were to govern as his representatives; but this arrangement did not put an end to the discord, which continued into the next reign. When he grew old he handed over the supreme power to his favourite son Erik "Bloody Axe," whom he intended to be his successor. Harald died in 931, having had eight wives and 23 children. Twelve of his sons became kings. Harald I was the grandfather of Harald II.
Based on an article from 1911 EB, with some modificationsSome note his death as 933, others note 933 as the time of his abdication of the throne.
Konge Harald (Fairhair) Hårfagre Halvdansen
Harold Fairhair, Norse Harald Hårfagre or Haarfager, c.850-c.933, first king of Norway, son of Halfdan the Black, king of Vestfold (SE Norway). After succeeding his father, Harold initiated a series of battles against the other petty kings, climaxed by a great victory at Hafrs Fjord (872) that made him ruler of Norway. It was during this period that Harold Fairhair began struggling to unify Norway as a kingdom, but it may very well have been that Danes ruled the most of it in the beginning. Although we recognize his rule from 865 AD, it it not likely that he actually managed to gain control before in approximately 890 AD. Although he is considered Norway's first king, Harold controlled only the west coast. Migration to Iceland reached its peak during Harold's reign, as did the raids by Norsemen on the coasts of Europe. The king maintained friendly relations with Athelstan, king of the English. Viking civilization flourished at his court. On his death his lands were divided among his sons; Eric Blood axe was made overlord, but another son, Haakon I, seized power.
Harold Fairhair's reign is officially recognized as the period 865-933, but this is most likely wrong. Recent studies of the history of Scandinavia reveals 872 AD to be a more approximately correct date to when the Battle of Hafrsfjord happened. This is supported by the Irish annals, as they say Olaf the White, King of Dublin, left for Norway to help his dad in the fight for Norway in 871 AD. On this base we believe Harold Fairhair must have passed away in approximately 933 AD. He is recognized as the first king of all Norway, but not beyond the doubt.
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[From the Encyclopedia]Harald I (b. ca 854 - d. ca 931), surnamed Fairhair (Hårfagre, of the beautiful hair), first king (872-931) over Norway, succeeded on the death of his father Halfdan the Black Godfreyson in A.D. 860 to the sovereignty of several small and somewhat scattered kingdoms, which had come into his father's hands through conquest and inheritance and lay chiefly in south-east Norway. The tale goes that the scorn of the daughter of a neighbouring king induced Harald to take a vow not to cut nor comb his hair until he was sole king of Norway, and that ten years later he was justified in trimming it; whereupon he exchanged the epithet "Shockhead" for the one by which he is usually known. In 866 he made the first of a series of conquests over the many petty kingdoms which then composed Norway; and in 872, after a great victory at Hafrsfjord near Stavanger, he found himself king over the whole country. His realm was, however, threatened by dangers from without, as large numbers of his opponents had taken refuge, not only in Iceland, then recently discovered, but also in the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Hebrides Islands and Faeroe Islands, and in Scotland itself; and from these winter quarters sallied forth to harry Norway as well as the rest of northern Europe. Their numbers were increased by malcontents from Norway, who resented Harald's claim of rights of taxation over lands, which the possessors appear to have previously held in absolute ownership. At last Harald was forced to make an expedition to the west to clear the islands and Scottish mainland of Vikings. Numbers of them fled to Iceland, which grew into an independent commonwealth, while the Scottish isles fell under Norwegian rule. The latter part of Harald's reign was disturbed by the strife of his many sons. He gave them all the royal title and assigned lands to them which they were to govern as his representatives; but this arrangement did not put an end to the discord, which continued into the next reign. When he grew old he handed over the supreme power to his favourite son Erik "Bloody Axe," whom he intended to be his successor. Harald died in 931, having had eight wives and 23 children. Twelve of his sons became kings. Harald I was the grandfather of Harald II.
Based on an article from 1911 EB, with some modificationsSome note his death as 933, others note 933 as the time of his abdication of the throne.
Gyda and Harald were married over 60 years.
Some note the name as Hroerek.
Some list the name as Fröthi.
Konge Harald (Fairhair) Hårfagre Halvdansen
Harold Fairhair, Norse Harald Hårfagre or Haarfager, c.850-c.933, first king of Norway, son of Halfdan the Black, king of Vestfold (SE Norway). After succeeding his father, Harold initiated a series of battles against the other petty kings, climaxed by a great victory at Hafrs Fjord (872) that made him ruler of Norway. It was during this period that Harold Fairhair began struggling to unify Norway as a kingdom, but it may very well have been that Danes ruled the most of it in the beginning. Although we recognize his rule from 865 AD, it it not likely that he actually managed to gain control before in approximately 890 AD. Although he is considered Norway's first king, Harold controlled only the west coast. Migration to Iceland reached its peak during Harold's reign, as did the raids by Norsemen on the coasts of Europe. The king maintained friendly relations with Athelstan, king of the English. Viking civilization flourished at his court. On his death his lands were divided among his sons; Eric Blood axe was made overlord, but another son, Haakon I, seized power.
Harold Fairhair's reign is officially recognized as the period 865-933, but this is most likely wrong. Recent studies of the history of Scandinavia reveals 872 AD to be a more approximately correct date to when the Battle of Hafrsfjord happened. This is supported by the Irish annals, as they say Olaf the White, King of Dublin, left for Norway to help his dad in the fight for Norway in 871 AD. On this base we believe Harold Fairhair must have passed away in approximately 933 AD. He is recognized as the first king of all Norway, but not beyond the doubt.
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[From the Encyclopedia]Harald I (b. ca 854 - d. ca 931), surnamed Fairhair (Hårfagre, of the beautiful hair), first king (872-931) over Norway, succeeded on the death of his father Halfdan the Black Godfreyson in A.D. 860 to the sovereignty of several small and somewhat scattered kingdoms, which had come into his father's hands through conquest and inheritance and lay chiefly in south-east Norway. The tale goes that the scorn of the daughter of a neighbouring king induced Harald to take a vow not to cut nor comb his hair until he was sole king of Norway, and that ten years later he was justified in trimming it; whereupon he exchanged the epithet "Shockhead" for the one by which he is usually known. In 866 he made the first of a series of conquests over the many petty kingdoms which then composed Norway; and in 872, after a great victory at Hafrsfjord near Stavanger, he found himself king over the whole country. His realm was, however, threatened by dangers from without, as large numbers of his opponents had taken refuge, not only in Iceland, then recently discovered, but also in the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Hebrides Islands and Faeroe Islands, and in Scotland itself; and from these winter quarters sallied forth to harry Norway as well as the rest of northern Europe. Their numbers were increased by malcontents from Norway, who resented Harald's claim of rights of taxation over lands, which the possessors appear to have previously held in absolute ownership. At last Harald was forced to make an expedition to the west to clear the islands and Scottish mainland of Vikings. Numbers of them fled to Iceland, which grew into an independent commonwealth, while the Scottish isles fell under Norwegian rule. The latter part of Harald's reign was disturbed by the strife of his many sons. He gave them all the royal title and assigned lands to them which they were to govern as his representatives; but this arrangement did not put an end to the discord, which continued into the next reign. When he grew old he handed over the supreme power to his favourite son Erik "Bloody Axe," whom he intended to be his successor. Harald died in 931, having had eight wives and 23 children. Twelve of his sons became kings. Harald I was the grandfather of Harald II.
Based on an article from 1911 EB, with some modificationsSome note his death as 933, others note 933 as the time of his abdication of the throne.
Konge Harald (Fairhair) Hårfagre Halvdansen
Harold Fairhair, Norse Harald Hårfagre or Haarfager, c.850-c.933, first king of Norway, son of Halfdan the Black, king of Vestfold (SE Norway). After succeeding his father, Harold initiated a series of battles against the other petty kings, climaxed by a great victory at Hafrs Fjord (872) that made him ruler of Norway. It was during this period that Harold Fairhair began struggling to unify Norway as a kingdom, but it may very well have been that Danes ruled the most of it in the beginning. Although we recognize his rule from 865 AD, it it not likely that he actually managed to gain control before in approximately 890 AD. Although he is considered Norway's first king, Harold controlled only the west coast. Migration to Iceland reached its peak during Harold's reign, as did the raids by Norsemen on the coasts of Europe. The king maintained friendly relations with Athelstan, king of the English. Viking civilization flourished at his court. On his death his lands were divided among his sons; Eric Blood axe was made overlord, but another son, Haakon I, seized power.
Harold Fairhair's reign is officially recognized as the period 865-933, but this is most likely wrong. Recent studies of the history of Scandinavia reveals 872 AD to be a more approximately correct date to when the Battle of Hafrsfjord happened. This is supported by the Irish annals, as they say Olaf the White, King of Dublin, left for Norway to help his dad in the fight for Norway in 871 AD. On this base we believe Harold Fairhair must have passed away in approximately 933 AD. He is recognized as the first king of all Norway, but not beyond the doubt.
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[From the Encyclopedia]Harald I (b. ca 854 - d. ca 931), surnamed Fairhair (Hårfagre, of the beautiful hair), first king (872-931) over Norway, succeeded on the death of his father Halfdan the Black Godfreyson in A.D. 860 to the sovereignty of several small and somewhat scattered kingdoms, which had come into his father's hands through conquest and inheritance and lay chiefly in south-east Norway. The tale goes that the scorn of the daughter of a neighbouring king induced Harald to take a vow not to cut nor comb his hair until he was sole king of Norway, and that ten years later he was justified in trimming it; whereupon he exchanged the epithet "Shockhead" for the one by which he is usually known. In 866 he made the first of a series of conquests over the many petty kingdoms which then composed Norway; and in 872, after a great victory at Hafrsfjord near Stavanger, he found himself king over the whole country. His realm was, however, threatened by dangers from without, as large numbers of his opponents had taken refuge, not only in Iceland, then recently discovered, but also in the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Hebrides Islands and Faeroe Islands, and in Scotland itself; and from these winter quarters sallied forth to harry Norway as well as the rest of northern Europe. Their numbers were increased by malcontents from Norway, who resented Harald's claim of rights of taxation over lands, which the possessors appear to have previously held in absolute ownership. At last Harald was forced to make an expedition to the west to clear the islands and Scottish mainland of Vikings. Numbers of them fled to Iceland, which grew into an independent commonwealth, while the Scottish isles fell under Norwegian rule. The latter part of Harald's reign was disturbed by the strife of his many sons. He gave them all the royal title and assigned lands to them which they were to govern as his representatives; but this arrangement did not put an end to the discord, which continued into the next reign. When he grew old he handed over the supreme power to his favourite son Erik "Bloody Axe," whom he intended to be his successor. Harald died in 931, having had eight wives and 23 children. Twelve of his sons became kings. Harald I was the grandfather of Harald II.
Based on an article from 1911 EB, with some modificationsSome note his death as 933, others note 933 as the time of his abdication of the throne.
Konge Harald (Fairhair) Hårfagre Halvdansen
Harold Fairhair, Norse Harald Hårfagre or Haarfager, c.850-c.933, first king of Norway, son of Halfdan the Black, king of Vestfold (SE Norway). After succeeding his father, Harold initiated a series of battles against the other petty kings, climaxed by a great victory at Hafrs Fjord (872) that made him ruler of Norway. It was during this period that Harold Fairhair began struggling to unify Norway as a kingdom, but it may very well have been that Danes ruled the most of it in the beginning. Although we recognize his rule from 865 AD, it it not likely that he actually managed to gain control before in approximately 890 AD. Although he is considered Norway's first king, Harold controlled only the west coast. Migration to Iceland reached its peak during Harold's reign, as did the raids by Norsemen on the coasts of Europe. The king maintained friendly relations with Athelstan, king of the English. Viking civilization flourished at his court. On his death his lands were divided among his sons; Eric Blood axe was made overlord, but another son, Haakon I, seized power.
Harold Fairhair's reign is officially recognized as the period 865-933, but this is most likely wrong. Recent studies of the history of Scandinavia reveals 872 AD to be a more approximately correct date to when the Battle of Hafrsfjord happened. This is supported by the Irish annals, as they say Olaf the White, King of Dublin, left for Norway to help his dad in the fight for Norway in 871 AD. On this base we believe Harold Fairhair must have passed away in approximately 933 AD. He is recognized as the first king of all Norway, but not beyond the doubt.
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[From the Encyclopedia]Harald I (b. ca 854 - d. ca 931), surnamed Fairhair (Hårfagre, of the beautiful hair), first king (872-931) over Norway, succeeded on the death of his father Halfdan the Black Godfreyson in A.D. 860 to the sovereignty of several small and somewhat scattered kingdoms, which had come into his father's hands through conquest and inheritance and lay chiefly in south-east Norway. The tale goes that the scorn of the daughter of a neighbouring king induced Harald to take a vow not to cut nor comb his hair until he was sole king of Norway, and that ten years later he was justified in trimming it; whereupon he exchanged the epithet "Shockhead" for the one by which he is usually known. In 866 he made the first of a series of conquests over the many petty kingdoms which then composed Norway; and in 872, after a great victory at Hafrsfjord near Stavanger, he found himself king over the whole country. His realm was, however, threatened by dangers from without, as large numbers of his opponents had taken refuge, not only in Iceland, then recently discovered, but also in the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Hebrides Islands and Faeroe Islands, and in Scotland itself; and from these winter quarters sallied forth to harry Norway as well as the rest of northern Europe. Their numbers were increased by malcontents from Norway, who resented Harald's claim of rights of taxation over lands, which the possessors appear to have previously held in absolute ownership. At last Harald was forced to make an expedition to the west to clear the islands and Scottish mainland of Vikings. Numbers of them fled to Iceland, which grew into an independent commonwealth, while the Scottish isles fell under Norwegian rule. The latter part of Harald's reign was disturbed by the strife of his many sons. He gave them all the royal title and assigned lands to them which they were to govern as his representatives; but this arrangement did not put an end to the discord, which continued into the next reign. When he grew old he handed over the supreme power to his favourite son Erik "Bloody Axe," whom he intended to be his successor. Harald died in 931, having had eight wives and 23 children. Twelve of his sons became kings. Harald I was the grandfather of Harald II.
Based on an article from 1911 EB, with some modificationsSome note his death as 933, others note 933 as the time of his abdication of the throne.
Konge Harald (Fairhair) Hårfagre Halvdansen
Harold Fairhair, Norse Harald Hårfagre or Haarfager, c.850-c.933, first king of Norway, son of Halfdan the Black, king of Vestfold (SE Norway). After succeeding his father, Harold initiated a series of battles against the other petty kings, climaxed by a great victory at Hafrs Fjord (872) that made him ruler of Norway. It was during this period that Harold Fairhair began struggling to unify Norway as a kingdom, but it may very well have been that Danes ruled the most of it in the beginning. Although we recognize his rule from 865 AD, it it not likely that he actually managed to gain control before in approximately 890 AD. Although he is considered Norway's first king, Harold controlled only the west coast. Migration to Iceland reached its peak during Harold's reign, as did the raids by Norsemen on the coasts of Europe. The king maintained friendly relations with Athelstan, king of the English. Viking civilization flourished at his court. On his death his lands were divided among his sons; Eric Blood axe was made overlord, but another son, Haakon I, seized power.
Harold Fairhair's reign is officially recognized as the period 865-933, but this is most likely wrong. Recent studies of the history of Scandinavia reveals 872 AD to be a more approximately correct date to when the Battle of Hafrsfjord happened. This is supported by the Irish annals, as they say Olaf the White, King of Dublin, left for Norway to help his dad in the fight for Norway in 871 AD. On this base we believe Harold Fairhair must have passed away in approximately 933 AD. He is recognized as the first king of all Norway, but not beyond the doubt.
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[From the Encyclopedia]Harald I (b. ca 854 - d. ca 931), surnamed Fairhair (Hårfagre, of the beautiful hair), first king (872-931) over Norway, succeeded on the death of his father Halfdan the Black Godfreyson in A.D. 860 to the sovereignty of several small and somewhat scattered kingdoms, which had come into his father's hands through conquest and inheritance and lay chiefly in south-east Norway. The tale goes that the scorn of the daughter of a neighbouring king induced Harald to take a vow not to cut nor comb his hair until he was sole king of Norway, and that ten years later he was justified in trimming it; whereupon he exchanged the epithet "Shockhead" for the one by which he is usually known. In 866 he made the first of a series of conquests over the many petty kingdoms which then composed Norway; and in 872, after a great victory at Hafrsfjord near Stavanger, he found himself king over the whole country. His realm was, however, threatened by dangers from without, as large numbers of his opponents had taken refuge, not only in Iceland, then recently discovered, but also in the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, Hebrides Islands and Faeroe Islands, and in Scotland itself; and from these winter quarters sallied forth to harry Norway as well as the rest of northern Europe. Their numbers were increased by malcontents from Norway, who resented Harald's claim of rights of taxation over lands, which the possessors appear to have previously held in absolute ownership. At last Harald was forced to make an expedition to the west to clear the islands and Scottish mainland of Vikings. Numbers of them fled to Iceland, which grew into an independent commonwealth, while the Scottish isles fell under Norwegian rule. The latter part of Harald's reign was disturbed by the strife of his many sons. He gave them all the royal title and assigned lands to them which they were to govern as his representatives; but this arrangement did not put an end to the discord, which continued into the next reign. When he grew old he handed over the supreme power to his favourite son Erik "Bloody Axe," whom he intended to be his successor. Harald died in 931, having had eight wives and 23 children. Twelve of his sons became kings. Harald I was the grandfather of Harald II.
Based on an article from 1911 EB, with some modificationsSome note his death as 933, others note 933 as the time of his abdication of the throne.
Konge Håkan "the Good" Halvdansen
Haakon I (b. ca 920 - d. 961), surnamed the Good, was the third king of Norway and the youngest son of Harald I.
He was fostered by King Athelstan of England, who brought him up in the Christian religion, and on the news of his fathers death provided him with ships and men for an expedition against his half-brother Erik Bloodaxe, who had been proclaimed king. On his arrival in Norway Haakon gained the support of the landowners by promising to give up the rights of taxation claimed by his father over inherited real property.Erik fled and was killed a few years later in England. His sons allied themselves with the Danes, but were invariably defeated by Haakon, who was successful in everything he undertook except in his attempt to introduce Christianity, which aroused an opposition he did not feel strong enough to face. He was killed at the Battle of Fitje in 961, after a final victory over Eriks sons. So entirely did even his immediate circle ignore his religion that a court skald composed a poem on his death representing his welcome by the heathen gods into Valhalla.
The succession issue was settled as Harald, third son of Eric, ascended the throne. However the Norwegians were severely tormented by years of war and welcomed the Danish invading force led by Harold Bluetooth.
Original text from 1911 EB
Description: killing by Eric "BloodAxe", his half brother.
Konge Halvdan Svarte (the Black) Gudrødsen Norway
Halfdan the Black Godfreyson (died 864) was the father of the first King of Norway Harald I.
His father was King Godfrey The Noble Halfdanson of Haithabu.The saga of Halfdan the Black appears in a number of places online (see External Links below). It tells the following story:
Halfdan's mother was named Asa. She was the daughter of King Harald of Agder. When Halfdan's father was killed, Asa took the year-old Halfdan and returned to Agder, where Halfdan grew up.
When he was eighteen years old (i.e., 22 years before his death at age 40 in 864), Halfdan became king of Agder. He quickly began adding to his kingdom through political negotiation and military conquest. He divided the kingdom of Vestfold with his brother Olaf and, through military action, persuaded King Gandalf of Vingulmark to cede half his kingdom.
Next, Halfdan subdued an area called Raumarike. To secure his claim to Raumarike, Halfdan first defeated and killed Sigtryg, the previous ruler, in battle, then defeated Sigtryg's brother and successor Eystein in a series of battles. This established Halfdan's claim not only to Raumarike, but also to half of Hedemark, Sigtryg and Eystein's core kingdom.
Halfdan first wife was Ragnhild, daughter of King Harald Gulskeg (Goldbeard) of Sogn. Halfdan and Ragnhild had a son named Harald after his grandfather, and they sent him to be raised in his grandfather's court. Harald Gulskeg, being elderly, named his grandson as his successor shortly before his death. Ragnhild died shortly after her father and the young king Harald fell sick and died the next spring. When he heard about his son's death, Halfdan traveled to Sogn and laid claim to the title of king. No resistance was offered and Halfdan added Sogn to his realm.
The sons of Gandalf of Vingulmark, Hysing, Helsing, and Hake, attempted to ambush Halfdan at night but he escaped into the forest. After raising an army, he returned and defeated the brothers, killing Hysing and Helsing. Hake fled from the country and Halfdan became king of all of Vingulmark.
Halfdan's second wife was also named Ragnhild. She was the daughter of Sigurd Hjort, king of Ringerike. She was kidnapped from her home by Hake, a berserker who encountered her father in Hedemark and killed him. In turn, Halfdan had her kidnapped from Hake so that he could marry her. Ragnhild and Halfdan had a son who was also named Harald.
Halfdan died when he fell through the ice of a lake that had been weakened by cattle dung after a hole was cut in the ice for the cattle to drink. Each of the districts of his kingdom wanted to claim his grave. In the end, it was agreed to divide his body into four pieces so each district could bury a piece of it, resulting in Halfdan's Mounds.
He is also noted as Halfdan the Black, King of Vestfold. Halfdan the Black was supposedly the half brother of Olaf Geirstair-alv, who he succeeded and thereby come to rule more land than anyone before him in Norway. However, Halfdan moved his chieftain seat to the farm Stein in Ringerike, Norway, which to us seems more like an act of defense than something he would do if he didn't have to. We believe this must be due to strong Danish influence in the more southern areas, perhaps by the kings Hårik I and II during their reign.
