Harald Bluetooth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harald Bluetooth |
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Harald being baptized by Poppo the monk, in a relief dated to c. 1200
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| King of Denmark | |
| Reign | c. 958 – c. 986 |
| Predecessor | Gorm the Old |
| Successor | Sweyn Forkbeard |
| King of Norway | |
| Reign | c. 970 – c. 985/986 |
| Predecessor | Harald Greycloak |
| Successor | Olaf Tryggvason |
| Regent | Haakon Sigurdsson (de facto ruler) |
| Died | 985/86 |
| Spouse |
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| House | House of Gorm |
| Father | Gorm the Old |
| Mother | Thyra |
| Religion | Christianity |
Harald "Bluetooth" Gormsson was a famous king who ruled both Denmark and Norway. He was the son of King Gorm the Old and Queen Thyra. Harald was the king of Denmark from about 958 to 986.
He helped bring Christianity to Denmark. He also made his rule stronger across most of Jutland and Zealand. Harald's time as king of Norway was shorter, likely only a few years in the 970s. Some stories say his son, Sweyn Forkbeard, took the Danish throne from him by force before Harald died.
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What's in a Name? Harald "Bluetooth"
Harald's name is written on the famous Jelling stone as "Harald King." His full name, Haraldr, means "army ruler."
His nickname, "Bluetooth," first appeared in a book around 1140. Some old writings say it meant "bluish or black tooth." This might mean he had a noticeable bad tooth that looked dark.
Another idea is that he was called "blue thane" (or "dark lord") in England. This name might have changed over time to "Bluetooth" when it came back to the Norse language.
His name is also found on the Curmsun disc. This disc calls him "Harald Gormson, king of Danes, Scania, Jumne, [in] Aldinburg."
Harald's Reign: Building and Battling
During his time as king, Harald rebuilt the Jelling stones. He also started many other big projects. One important project was making the fortress of Aros (now Aarhus) stronger in 979. This city was in a central spot in his kingdom.
Many people think these projects helped him control his country better. He built ring forts in five key places. These forts were perfectly round with gates facing the four main directions. They had courtyards divided into four areas with large houses.
He also built the oldest known bridge in southern Scandinavia. It was the Ravning Bridge, which was about 5 meters (16 feet) wide and 760 meters (2,490 feet) long.
Harald also focused on actions outside Denmark. He helped Richard the Fearless of Normandy. After King Harald Greycloak of Norway was killed, Harald Bluetooth took control of Norway for a short time.
Some old Norse stories don't show Harald in a good light. They say he had to give ships and his daughter, Thyra, to a Swedish prince named Styrbjörn the Strong. Later, he even had to become a hostage himself.
After Otto I died, Harald attacked Saxony in 973. But Otto II fought back in 974. Otto II took control of areas like Haithabu and Dannevirke. Harald got some land back in 983 when Otto II was defeated by others.
Harald's army lost to the Germans in 974. This meant he lost control of Norway. German settlers moved into the border area. In 983, Harald's soldiers drove them out. But soon after, Harald was killed fighting a rebellion led by his own son, Sweyn. He likely died in 986.
Some believe he was buried in the Trinity Church in Roskilde. However, based on the Curmsun Disc, some experts think he might be buried near Jomsborg in what is now Poland.
Harald also started the first nationwide system for making coins in Denmark.
Becoming Christian: A New Faith
How King Harald Bluetooth became a Christian is a debated topic. Different old writers tell different stories.
One writer, Widukind of Corvey, said Harald was converted by a priest named Poppa. Poppa supposedly proved his faith by carrying a very hot piece of iron without getting burned. Another historian, Saxo Grammaticus, said Poppo did this miracle for Harald's son, Sweyn. Harald himself became Catholic after a peace deal with the Holy Roman Emperor.
Another writer, Adam of Bremen, said Harald was forced to become Christian by Otto I after losing a battle. However, Widukind, who wrote at the same time, doesn't mention this battle.
The story of Poppo's miracle and Harald's baptism is shown on an old altar piece in a church in Denmark.
Harald's father, Gorm the Old, was buried in a pagan mound. After Harald became Christian, around the 960s, he had his father's body moved. He reburied Gorm in a church next to the empty mound.
Harald also had the famous Jelling stones put up to honor his parents. The words on the larger Jelling stone tell Harald's story:
King Harald bade these memorials to be made after Gorm, his father, and Thyra, his mother. The Harald who won the whole of Denmark and Norway and turned the Danes to Christianity.
Harald clearly became a Christian and helped spread the faith, though it took time for everyone in Denmark and Norway to convert.
Family Life: Wives and Children
Harald Bluetooth had several wives and children.
His wives included:
- Gunhild
- Thora (Tova), daughter of Mistivir, whom he married in 970.
- Gyrid Olafsdottir
His children were:
- Tyra of Denmark: She married Styrbjörn the Strong.
- Sweyn Forkbeard: Born around 960. He is usually thought to be the son of Harald and Gunhild. Some older stories say he was an illegitimate son.
- Haakon: Born in 961 (?).
- Gunhilde: She married Pallig, a leader in England. It is believed they both died in a massacre in November 1002.
Bluetooth Technology: A Modern Connection
The wireless technology we use today, called Bluetooth, was named after King Harald in 1997. The idea was that this technology would connect devices, just like Harald Bluetooth connected the different groups in Denmark into one kingdom.
The Bluetooth logo is made from two Younger Futhark bind runes. These runes are for Harald's initials: H (ᚼ) and B (ᛒ).
See also
In Spanish: Harald Blåtand para niños
