Harald Hardrada: Viking Mercenary (Part 1) 

Bro's life was basically a mount and blade campaign

Harald Hardrada had probably the most exciting and adventurous life out of anyone in human history

i got goosebumps during your introduction to Constantinople! I felt like I was standing right there. Absolutely stunning narration and artwork as always.

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.

If Denis Villeneuve made documentaries, this is what it might look and sound like. Superbly well-done gentlemen!

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.

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”

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.

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!

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 !

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.

The sound design and music in this video is somehow a level above all your others, this is incredible work, keep it up🔥

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.

Just imagine how awesome a Netflix series of Harald Hadrada's life would be ?

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

Y’all are easily my favorite history channel on RU-vid, 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.

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.

God the visuals and pacing on this one knocked it out of the park well done

The story of Harald Hardråde is so epic it might actually be the better than most epic fantasy tales and myths ever written.

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!!🖤

what a tale, Harald is one of those badass yet underated people you hear about only in legends.

These videos are a masterpiece, visually and the information given are incredible. Hope you get the recognition you deserve

What an insane time to be alive. I live in the oldest town in Ireland. It was settled by vikings over 1,000 years ago. The castle is still in the middle of the city centre. The history is fascinating

This is the most epic retelling on RU-vid of Hardradas life!

How in gods green earth has hardrada not have a movie made from his life yet? The man is a legend ............

Oh man I am so excited for this one, Hardrada is one of my all-time favourite historical figures!

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.

I didn’t know much about King Harald’s early life. Your video showed me how pretty wild it was. 👍🏻

You guys essentially made Heimskringla into a picture book. Very commendable content from all those involved . Thank you

The Romans were lucky to have had this man under their banner.

Thank God Joe Rogan recommend this channel content is top notch!

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.

The artwork in these videos are breathtaking

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

Incredible work!! can't wait for the next episode!

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 !

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.

Been waiting for this!

Masterclass in storytelling.

Can’t wait for the next one!

Truly fantastic video. Loved every second, can’t wait for the next one!

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.

Amazing work as always!

I love the narration, art style and overall atmosphere of your videos. Absolutely brilliant!

Another amazing piece of history, narration and art. Your work is incredible!

Cant wait for part 2 , really awesome episode

This was phenomenal!!!! You seriously make the best historical content on youtube! Keep up the great work!!!

This channel makes amazing content. Keep up the good work. I'm really looking forward to the next episode.

Outstanding as always! Well done you two! Well done indeed.

These videos really are incredible. The amount of work what must go into the narration and artwork is insane.

Unbelievably well done. Absolute masterpiece of a video.

CANT WAIT FOR MORE

Another 10/10 video from History Dose. You guys are a shining jewel of a channel

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 :)

Banger as always

I love the art style and editing. Really great episode. Can’t wait for more!

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.

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

Who else wishes this awesome recounting of history continue on!?!?

This was great! I think this has to be my favorite history channel on YT!

The best yet can’t wait for part 2 incredible story

This may just be my favorite RU-vid channel. Excellent!

Love this channel so much

Viking history is some of my favorite history ever!!! Can’t wait to to watch this!!

The writing in this channel is pure epic

Part two! That was fascinating

Absolute masterpiece. Narration is on point, the soundtrack is amazing, the art is next level. Probably one of the best history channels on RU-vid. I cannot wait for part 2, keep up the great work.

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.

Always great content thanks for this brother 👏🏾✊🏾🏴‍☠️

Excellent narration and illustrations. I can't wait for part two. Your work is first class.

That was very well done. Amazing 👏 can't wait to watch the next bit.

another fantastic video. dont stop please

Another great video 😄just love the Artwork and edits

absolutely amazing story telling.

Instant subscribe!!! Absolutely riveting, beautiful and I imagine a Labour of love. Thankyou for your work it's brilliant.

Best one yet, keep it up!

This is fantastic content. Wow. This beats any history channel I've seen.

best content of this type on youtube right now keep up the great content

Great video and storytelling. Give us more!

One of your best videos!! So awesome 😮

Excited for the next part

That was awesome. Can’t wait for the sequel

Excited for part 2

Can’t wait for part 2!!!!

This has become one of my favorite pages on RU-vid

What a great video! Love the artwork!

This is one of the best videos yet 🔥🔥🔥

Genuinely incredible. Visually and poetically

Excellent video!

The music and sound effects are amazing!

Outstanding, thanks.

Amazing job guys keep up the good work

these series are absolutely excellent

Incredible story, great quality on the video as well.

THIS WAS SOOO GOOOOD

🔥🔥🔥 video!

That Norse music is something else. Primal, Savage, haunting and glorious. Quite proud to be descended from a such a strong people. Minus the raiding, R*ping, murdering side of things. Still fearsome and incredible warriors

Can't wait!!!

This is amazing.