Norwegian Succession and Harald Hardrada, 1045–1066

Harald Sigurdsson returned to Scandinavia after service in Rus and Byzantium with wealth, military experience and a claim to Norway. In 1045 he reached an arrangement to share rule with his nephew Magnus the Good, whose position also extended into Denmark.

Magnus died in 1047, leaving Harald as sole king of Norway. Harald spent the following decades strengthening royal authority, contesting Denmark and pursuing the ambitions that eventually carried him to England in 1066.

For historical fiction, the succession links the Varangian world to Scandinavian kingship and places returning mercenaries among rulers who need their wealth and reputation. Kings of Stone and Ice brings the Wolves of Odin into Harald’s bid for the throne.