Who Is The Vikings Of Scandinavi An Influential Force In Medieval Europe?

The Vikings of Scandinavia were an influential force during the medieval ages, serving as instruments of change by spreading Norse culture and customs to the lands they invaded. As their conquests raged, the sight of a dragon prowed longship on the ocean’s horizon which came to herald a sense of dread on European shores. However, these violent raiders did more than strike terror into costal residents and lighten the coffers of noblemen; instead they became a singularly effective catalyst for change in Medieval Europe. One of the most famous and renowned of these Viking raiders was Harald III Sigurdsson, later known as Hardrada, or the “Hard-Ruler.” Harald too became an instrument of change, but often his story and its outcome is only seen as
a footnote to events deemed grander. However, Harald’s life took him on an amazing journey which saw him travel halfway around the world and back in the search for power and fame. Harald Hardrada, through cunning, strength, and a willingness to win that at times bordered on merciless, would one day become powerful enough to challenge kings. Harald is reported to have been born in the year 1015 a.d., however, there is no exact record of his birth so the date must be extrapolated using historical documents.
One of the documents in question place Harald’s age at fifteen during the Battle of Stiklastader in 1030. This engagement was an attempt by Harald’s half-brother King Olaf Haraldson to retake the throne of Norway. Olaf had previously been a raider who earned much acclaim for his prowess and strength on the battlefield. Around 1013, Olaf found himself in France, where he had been baptized and become a Christian. Shortly after Olaf returned to Norway, where he officially supported his new-found religion, and was granted Sainthood for his efforts. Christianity by this time had already spread into Norway, but Olaf was the first ruler to fully recognize and endorse this movement and is credited therefore with the glory. Haraldson was a strict ruler who was often excessively violent in his revenge against political enemies. This hostility earned him many enemies and as one can imagine. In particular, King Canute of England and Denmark, proved to be an enemy which the pillager turned pious could not handle. Canute, also known as Canute the Great, bribed and incited the peasants of Norway against Olaf. However, it seems the peasants truthfully did not need much reason to revolt against their king; as he was already despised for his poor treatment of the farmers and common folk. In 1028 Canute and his allies had become too powerful and forced Olaf to flee to Russia after which Canute took full control of Norway
. After two years in this exile, Olaf attempts to re-enter Norway with an army at his back and vengeance on his mind. In response, a horde of peasant-farmers from the Trondelag area marched out and meet Olaf at Stiklastader. The peasant’s force was twice the size of the army Olaf had managed to muster. As mentioned above, Harald’s age can be determined due to his appearance at this battle with his half-brother Olaf. Harald, even at such a young age, was not just a bystander, but instead marched alongside his brother’s troops. Harald fought valiantly, but as can be expected for one so young, was wounded in battle. He escaped thanks to the help of Ragnvald Bruceson who later became the Earl of Orkney. Ragnvald sent Harald to live in the woods with a bonded man until the young prince recovered enough to travel. Olaf, however, was not so lucky and the battle ended in disaster for him and his forces.