Harald Hardrada: Viking Mercenary (Part 1)
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Watch part 2 here! Harald Hardrada: The Last Viking
• Harald Hardrada: The L...
When the young Viking prince Harald Sigurdsson is driven from his kingdom in Norway, he embarks on a globetrotting journey to build his legacy in distant kingdoms and avenge his kin. From the Battle of Stiklestad to the ranks of Byzantine Varangians in the Holy Land, this is the rise of Harald Hardrada.
PARTS:
0:00 Prologue
0:34 Part I: The Banished King
3:07 Part II: In Foreign Lands to Fight
9:44 Part III: The Last Days of the Emperor
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SOURCES
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Hollway, D. (2021). The last viking: The true story of king Harald Hardrada. Osprey Publishing.
Lubik, M. (2020). Haraldr Sigurðarson’s arrival in rus’ and his participation in the campaign against Poland in 1031. Historisk Tidsskrift, 99(1), 6-20. doi.org/10.18261/issn.1504-29...
Sturlason, S. (n.d.). Saga of Harald Hardrade. In D. Killings & D. Widger (Eds.), Heimskringla: The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway. essay. Retrieved 2022, from www.gutenberg.org/files/598/5....
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Bro's life was basically a mount and blade campaign
Or a Mount and Blade campaign was fashioned after this bro's life lol.
He had a pretty good start, born into the royal family of norway
Love that game
@@knunk5476 And to top it all he chopped another man's bollocks off! Royal bollocks I might add!
@@knunk5476 basically Impoverished Noble start
Harald Hardrada had probably the most exciting and adventurous life out of anyone in human history
Do yourself a favor and look up the autobiography of Thomas "The Sea Wolf" Cochran.
@@jackbuendgen389 Earl, Marquis, Lord, political firebrand, officer in the Royal Navy as well as the Chiliean, Peruvian, Brazilian and Greek navies, pardoned by the King after a falling out, rogue mercenary and he survived into his 80s, which was an achievement in itself during the 19th century! Thomas "le loup des mers" Cochrane... These days he'd be somewhere between Gigachad and Absolute Madlaad! What a life!
Very big contender but I'd have to give that prize to either Julius Caesar or Genghis Khan
there are many in history who can rival this claim, i for one hope this channel covers the history of Ibn battuda, a man who travelled across half the world.
Hell no
i got goosebumps during your introduction to Constantinople! I felt like I was standing right there. Absolutely stunning narration and artwork as always.
same, this what quality do to you:))))
That's funny because I felt the same
It made me tear up a little tbh
@@princepis Nothing makes grown men cry as much as the dream that was Rome, and what remained of it.
Yeah, it was a grand set of words for an introduction
From Scandinavia to the Kievan Rus, from there to Constantinople, and then to the Holy Land?! What an adventurous journey! This channel has never disappointed me.
And then back to Scandinavia and to try to conquer England no? Alexander the Great- like adventurer.
@@chrisp9046I wouldn't consider Alexander of Macedon to be an adventurer: He was already a king before he set out to conquer and rule the East. Harald Hardrada was a true adventurer, and probably one of the greatest in history.
@@Wasserkaktus Interesting point. I more meant just the sheer distances travelled by the two men were comparative and all the different cultures and countries they crossed into or meshed, I guess. Plus Hadrada was adventuring in mostly known lands. Beyond Persia and into India, there was some mystery for the Greeks no?
If Denis Villeneuve made documentaries, this is what it might look and sound like. Superbly well-done gentlemen!
It was the Sardaukar/Norse throat singing wasn't it?
@@bernardoohigginsvevo2974 exactly what I thought, the throat singing reminded us of Dune
Dudes not even 30 yet and he has had enough adventures and military campaigns for two lifetimes. Kind of a shame it ends for him the way it did. I had heard about his fearsome reputation and ridiculously successful career as a mercenary, but that's all I heard. Very excited to finally learn about his saga, and the History Dose way too! -Which is always fucking spectacular.
He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword, a fitting end I think
@@isakrshol9021 Well an arrow in this case.
@@WhatIsSanity sadly he has no armor they would of had a better chance if they didn't leave there mail behind definitely wasn't that greatest idea
His overconfidence did him in at Stamford Bridge. No amour? How could he even think of that? He may have been the guy that could have defeated Billy the Conqueror at Hastings!!
Speaking of Mount and Blade campaign - I did a Harald Hardrada campaign a few months back! Really fun play style, this guy was all over the place and had such an interesting life, can't wait to see all the stuff I missed in my research lol you guys are always on point with these videos. Can't wait!
Didn't expect to see you here love your vids
@@kevinisnotscargaming7296 hey Kevin! Yeah man I watch everything these guys put out. Amazing work!!
Oy seeing you here is a bit surprising
@@cruzaider5339 I watch all of their videos actually :D such a good channel
Harold is a real badass. I’m writing a paper on how the battle of Stamford bridge is one of the most important battles in all of English history. It essentially allowed william to conquer England. While doing my research, I have learned so much about Harold Hardrada. You do a great job at portraying him as “the last true Viking”
He threatened to blood eagle harold Goodwinson but lost the battle
Yeah he lost the battle, but he was not ready for that battle at all. Harold Godwinson surprised him at the bridge with his army. Hardrada was able to hold them off for a while, but they just didn’t have the numbers ultimately
@@yodasdad3507 A viking line of 3 abreast crossing the bridge to face harold's front row of far more sealed the day Goodwinson crossed the Vikings T Hardrada couldn't get enough men across the bridge
Have you visited his familirs farm in Norway. It has rich Viking heritage. We are currently building a Viking ship in the name of Hardraade. Regards Ragnar Wergeland hardraade vikingskipforening
@@ragnarwergeland8243 I have not, but that sounds awesome! I for sure want to visit Norway some day.
Wow, what a wild story. He brushed shoulders with Cnut and Yaroslav the Wise, who were two of the most famous rulers of their respective kingdoms, and played an integral role in the whole Zoe saga in Byzantium, which is a very famous episode in Byzantine history. And to top it all off (spoilers ahead), he fought at Stamford Bridge, and was killed by Harold Godwinson, who a few months later would be killed himself at Hastings during the Norman conquest of England. This guy was everywhere. What a madlad. Great work as always.
He also fought against the danes, wont say the result of it but he was indeed everywhere.
If only he had played it safe and had his army wear their armor the morning of the Battle of Stamford Bridge, he would not only have won that battle, but would have also beaten the Norman invasion force of William a couple of weeks later. History would have been so different!
@@chucklynch6523 I doubt Harald wouldve defeated William in battle. Lets say he won at stamford bridge, his army would be mauled and i doubt he would make a decisive blow to Harolds army. Most likely Harald and William would make a truce to divide England between eachother, and work together to get Harold away for good.
a few days later, not months.
@@chucklynch6523I have a suspicion, even though it’s baseless, that Harald and William had a deal when invading England, and that William tactically waited with his invasion so that he could beat the reduced English forces and take the land for himself.
This is the BEST video you have made so far. The way you really immerse me into the world, and paint the picture of the world these people lived in is LEAGUES above any other channel, and I watch many. Thank you for your absolutely outstanding videos.
Thanks so much Chad! Harald part II out in December!
The sound design and music in this video is somehow a level above all your others, this is incredible work, keep it up🔥
Thanks! Harald will be back for the sequel in December!
Loved the Mongols and Samuraï one too ! Also the Medieval Duel... This channel really is fantastic
@@HistoryDosehey 👋
The fact there isn't a multi-million dollar trilogy of movies on Harald Hardrada yet is a crime in itself, it would make amazing cinema !
No, it is a blessing
Y’all are easily my favorite history channel on KZhead, and I’m hyped for another Viking video after seeing how good the one on Viking raids and in Spain was. I also really loved y’all’s video on Thomas Alexandre Dumas and was wondering if you had considered making videos on other important Haitian figures like Jean-Jacques Dessalines or Touissant Louverture? The haitian revolution is one of my favorite historical events, and it was really cool to see y’all cover something even tangentially related to it.
Lol Alexander dumbass
The artwork and the storytelling on this channel is absolutely top-notch. So much character development from these historical figures is amazing. I love all of your videos, keep up the great work
God the visuals and pacing on this one knocked it out of the park well done
Just imagine how awesome a Netflix series of Harald Hadrada's life would be ?
Na they would probably make him a black woman like they did Jarl Haakon
@@Kain81023 hahaha facts... Would rather have HBO make it.
If I was a billionaire, I would make a show rather than a movie and make it look a accurate but I would get some comments saying “not accurate enough”
Is this a joke😂. He is already in a Netflix series
@@connorsealey24 wich serie please ?
These videos are a masterpiece, visually and the information given are incredible. Hope you get the recognition you deserve
Your introduction to Constantinople was one of the most beautiful I've ever heard. It invokes the feeling of seeing it in all of its glory for the first time.
A cool fact about the dude: He was reported to be 5 ells in height, with the viking ell being equal to 18 modern inches or 46 centimeters. That would put him at about 230 cm or 7'6 feet of height. Even if that's not real, he had to be one big unit of a man. He wore a coat of mail so thick and heavy that it hasn't been breached in his lifetime, and called it Emma. Shame that he didn't wear it at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Then again, no guarantee it would have saved his neck from an arrow. That's a con of being a big target, I suppose.
Oh man I am so excited for this one, Hardrada is one of my all-time favourite historical figures!
This is the most epic retelling on KZhead of Hardradas life!
what a tale, Harald is one of those badass yet underated people you hear about only in legends.
I've been recommending this channel as much as possible. Thanks for making these videos and, as always, I can't wait for the next one.
I love the narration, art style and overall atmosphere of your videos. Absolutely brilliant!
Incredible work!! can't wait for the next episode!
I love the art style and editing. Really great episode. Can’t wait for more!
How in gods green earth has hardrada not have a movie made from his life yet? The man is a legend ............
He's in Vikings Valhalla, but that has only had one season so far (season two releases in jan. 12). So you could watch that if you want, i also recommend you watch the prequel series aswell, as it's also very good. Both series are on Netflix.
Excellent narration and illustrations. I can't wait for part two. Your work is first class.
You guys essentially made Heimskringla into a picture book. Very commendable content from all those involved . Thank you
These videos really are incredible. The amount of work what must go into the narration and artwork is insane.
Another amazing piece of history, narration and art. Your work is incredible!
The story of Harald Hardråde is so epic it might actually be the better than most epic fantasy tales and myths ever written.
Truly fantastic video. Loved every second, can’t wait for the next one!
This was great! I think this has to be my favorite history channel on YT!
Amazing, you don't provide us many if any cliff hangers, but this one was well done. I'm so excited for the next part. Amazing job.
Another 10/10 video from History Dose. You guys are a shining jewel of a channel
I didn’t know much about King Harald’s early life. Your video showed me how pretty wild it was. 👍🏻
Unbelievably well done. Absolute masterpiece of a video.
This video has been the best part of my day. The way the score and imagery fill me with intrigue and a feeling of almost excitement but not exactly that, is unparalleled and at this time all I can do is leave a like a comment. Thank you truly for the amazing work you do and the brilliant way you share the rich history many do not know or have forgotten. Thank you and I wish all you who worked on this video as wonderful day !
Happy to hear it struck a chord with you!
Underrated channel! You deserve more views and subs. Amazing!
This channel makes amazing content. Keep up the good work. I'm really looking forward to the next episode.
Your videos sound, look and feel epic. I feel so immersed in the stories you tell.
You have created several masterpieces and I appreciate the time and effort you put into them. Your voice, the music and the illustrations weave an authentic and historically accurate experience. Thank you, sincerely.
This was phenomenal!!!! You seriously make the best historical content on youtube! Keep up the great work!!!
Outstanding as always! Well done you two! Well done indeed.
Of course, take your time with the creation of the second part of this video. With that being said, I cannot wait until you two upload again. Phenomenal video as always
That was very well done. Amazing 👏 can't wait to watch the next bit.
I know the area where Haralds half-brother Olaf lay ashore (in "Sillangr" outside modern day Sundsvall, Sweden) and marched to his death in Stikklestad very well. It was a long march and all the old churches along the way are said to have been built because of Olaf (in one way or another). There are also many holy wells along the route that is connected to Olaf. Olaf left a huge impact on the area that had a long time effect. So big that he still are a part of the local folklore. It was a long, long march westward (that later became a pilgrimage road) and many researcher belive that it was not just "strays" that joined his army but many young men from the region - seeking fame, glory and fortune by seizing an opportunity to impress a mighty king in battle - that joined up along the march. One also need to know that Jämtland (on the east fothills of the mountain range) had just a century earlier had a huge influx of Norwegian elite families in a similar manner as to how Iceland was settled (to escape the brutal powerstruggle in Norway). They still maintained relationships with their old relatives and allies on the western side of the mountain range, likely participating in local affairs but stayed (or at least tried to stay) independent from the kings in Trondheim. They would have a stake in the game already. The journey that Harald did east over the mountains in the begining of winter is very very close to where around 3000 (yes thousands) Swedish soldiers some 700 years later would freeze to death over just a few days, in the begining of winter, as they retreated from Norway after having received the news that king Charles XII (aka Karl the 12:th aka Carolus Rex) had been shoot in the south during a battle in the south Norway. The journey is no joke! The place where Harald would retreat to in the east and regroup after the battle is likely to have been around the same place where king Olaf went ashore. Just beside there is a place called "Hov" which was where the local elite/chief/petty king recided. The shores of the (then) fjord "Sillangr" had been where the local elites had regin from for perhaps half a milennia if not longer. In the migration period the graves there rival those in old Uppsala in riches - which is no small thing. The elites there grew wealthy from the very lucrative fur and iron trade that was exported to continental Europe and Rome. This area was not yet Sweden, it was sovreign territory (kingdom or folk-republic similar to Iceland). They were sometimes allying with the Swedes in the south, joining their military campaigns (when it suited them). So it is in a way quite wrong to call this area "Sweden" in this very context, even though it is part of modern day Sweden as it was its own political entity and not yet part of Sweden. In fact it was,acvording to phd Dick Harrisson, not fully incoperated into the Swedish realm until 1320, which is much later then lets say eastern and southern Finland - just to give a frame of refrense. If Olaf had not died at the battle of Stikklestad this area could just as well have become part of the Norwegian kingdom instead of being incoperated in tge Swedish kingdom. It is fair to assume that many of Haralds warband when he went to "Gardarikki" (Novgorod/land of the Rus/Kievan-Rus) came from this very area.
This is fantastic content. Wow. This beats any history channel I've seen.
Cant wait for part 2 , really awesome episode
This may just be my favorite KZhead channel. Excellent!
Amazing Videos! Amazing Soundtrack for this one! Keep up the good work. Can't wait for Part 2!
Part II is out! :)
these videos are something of a masterpiece, sucks that it isn't more viewed as this type of art and story telling is beautiful. Well done and keep up the good work
Absolute masterpiece. Narration is on point, the soundtrack is amazing, the art is next level. Probably one of the best history channels on KZhead. I cannot wait for part 2, keep up the great work.
Great video and storytelling. Give us more!
The best yet can’t wait for part 2 incredible story
This has become one of my favorite pages on KZhead
Incredible story, great quality on the video as well.
Always great content thanks for this brother 👏🏾✊🏾🏴☠️
I have never seen such documentation of historical events that visually and verbally put you in the moment with full trust of what it would of looked and felt like in those times. Masterpieces, each of them.
best content of this type on youtube right now keep up the great content
The music and sound effects are amazing!
Can’t wait for the next one!
Another great video 😄just love the Artwork and edits
Genuinely incredible. Visually and poetically
man....these videos are fantastic, from the narration to the animation, top notch. The only bad thing is that they are too short!
Viking history is some of my favorite history ever!!! Can’t wait to to watch this!!
This is one of the best videos yet 🔥🔥🔥
Amazing work as always!
So glad you made a video on Hardrada! What an epic life! From Constantinople to King of Norway. To dying in battle trying to lay claim to England.
THIS WAS BY FAR THE BEST VIDEO YOU MADE IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS OR SO
The artwork in these videos are breathtaking
Instant subscribe!!! Absolutely riveting, beautiful and I imagine a Labour of love. Thankyou for your work it's brilliant.
This is awesome man Can’t wait to see the second part. The sack of Sicily and the image of that one berserker holding an army of saxons on the stamford bridge 🪓 Keep it going man You’re awesome 🙌
this is so well done, the imagery is fantastic
One of your best videos!! So awesome 😮
That was awesome. Can’t wait for the sequel
This is an amazing job! We are honored, happy and flattered that you have used our music for this documentary, it is really beautiful and fascinating! Thank you Joseph!!🖤
Thanks so much! Your music is wonderfully transportive and really added something special to this one!
these series are absolutely excellent
Best one yet, keep it up!
Amazing job guys keep up the good work
What a great video! Love the artwork!
Been waiting for this!
Damn! Fantastic video! It seems that Harald lead a very interesting life and travelled far and wide. The video was fantastic and it was great to see Harald life as a mercenary and to see where he travelled and what he did. I'm quite eager for the second part to be posted and to see what happened next.
Freaking epic. Wish I could buy your videos on dvd or something. I love physically collecting my favorite media. A package on your Viking stuff would be awesome. Either way though, great work!
another fantastic video. dont stop please
Absolutely stunning! Magical! Beautiful!
Part two! That was fascinating
absolutely amazing story telling.
Banger as always
vikings are back on History Dose, LET'S GO! I love the Norse content, y'all do it so well
Very good video. I wrote a paper on Knut the Great and Harald Hardrada in college so it was fun to revisit some old friends.
Who else wishes this awesome recounting of history continue on!?!?
Yooooo this was sick!!!! Never heard this dudes story before. Can’t wait for the rest
Wow!!! There is no greater adventure of a traveling warrior like Harold. Happy Halloween. 🎃
I'd only ever heard Harald Hadrada's name in the context of his 1066 invasion of England. Thank you for bringing his remarkable life to light with this really entertaining video :)
These short documentaries are really awesome! When's the second part coming?
Love this channel so much
The writing in this channel is pure epic
The sound design on these videos takes it to another level!