Prince Harold's Crown

Lore & Background

The source describes the political landscape of 1066 but does not mention a specific crown belonging to Harold Godwinson. It notes that Harald Sigurdsson, King of Norway from 1046 to 1066, invaded northern England with an army of 10,000 troops and 300 longships. This invasion was prompted by Tostig Godwinson, brother of English king Harold Godwinson, who pledged his allegiance to Harald. The text records that Harald defeated English regional forces at the Battle of Fulford on 20 September but was subsequently killed in a surprise attack by Harold Godwinson's forces at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on 25 September. The source mentions no regalia, crowns, or specific items of power held by Harold Godwinson during these events.

In Their Own Story

The text provides no story involving a crown belonging to Prince Harold. It does describe Harald Sigurdsson's journey: he spent 15 years in exile as a mercenary in Kievan Rus' and the Byzantine Empire, where he amassed wealth and served as commander of the Varangian Guard. In 1046, he shared the Norwegian throne with Magnus the Good until Magnus died the following year. Harald then claimed the Danish throne until 1064 and finally the English throne in 1066. The narrative focuses on military campaigns, such as his raids on the Danish coast and his final invasion of England, rather than any interaction with a specific crown or regalia.

Reader's Guide

The source does not offer guidance on obtaining or using 'Prince Harold's Crown' because it is not mentioned. The text strictly covers historical events: Harald Sigurdsson fought in the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, was exiled to Kievan Rus' by 1031, moved to Constantinople around 1034, and returned to Norway in 1042. His reign included instituting a coin economy and foreign trade. The text concludes with his death at Stamford Bridge on 25 September 1066, an event often considered the end of the Viking Age.

Did You Know?

• Harald Sigurdsson was known as 'Hardrada', an epithet translated variously as 'hard in counsel' or 'tyrannical'.
• Before becoming King of Norway, Harald spent 15 years in exile serving as a mercenary and commander of the Varangian Guard in Byzantium.
• Harald invaded northern England with exactly 10,000 troops and 300 longships in September 1066.
• Harald was defeated and killed at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on 25 September 1066 by forces led by Harold Godwinson.
• Adam of Bremen called Harald the 'Thunderbolt of the North'.