CHAPTER XXXII. 



SOME EXPEDITIONS AND DEEDS OF GREAT VIKINGS. 



(Continued.) 



Harald Hardradi His influence on English history His appearance and 

 character Numerous expeditions His bravery His career in England 

 and Normandy Jealousy between him and Godwin His invasion 

 of England The battle of Stamford Bridge The battle of Hastings. 



AMONG the great heroes of the North, and one who had a 

 special influence on the English history of his period for 

 without his invasion of England William the Conqueror would 

 probably not have been victorious at the battle of Hastings- 

 was Harald Sigurdsson, surnamed Harald Hardradi, whose life 

 is a fine illustration of the life of a Viking. His forces, 

 added to those of Harald, son of Godwin, would have proved 

 very formidable. Here is a description of the appearance of 

 this hero. 



" It was said by all that Harald surpassed other men in 

 wisdom and sagacity (counsel-skill), whether a thing was to be 

 done quick or in a long time, for himself or for others. He 

 was more weapon-bold than any man, as has been told. 

 (Thjodolf, in a stanza on him, says that ' the mind rules 

 one half of the victory.') He was a handsome and majestic- 

 looking man with hair (auburn), an auburn beard and lung 

 moustaches; one eyebrow a little higher up than the other; 

 large arms and legs and well shaped. His measure in height 

 three ells. He was cruel towards his foes, and punished all 

 offences severely. He was very eager for rule, and all pros- 

 perous things. He gave his friends great gifts when he liked 

 them well. He was fifty when he fell. We have no note- 

 worthy tellings about his youth before he was at Stiklastadir, 

 fifteen winters old, in the" battle with his brut her Olaf. He 

 lived thirty-five winters afterwards ; all that time uproar ami 

 war were his pastime. He never fled from a battle, but often 

 he took precautions when he had to do with an overwhelming 



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