Harald Klak facts for kids

Harald 'Klak' Halfdansson (born around 785, died around 852) was a king in Jutland (part of Denmark) during the early 800s. He ruled from 812 to 814, and again from 819 to 827. He was an important figure during the Viking Age because of his connections with the powerful Frankish Empire and his conversion to Christianity.

Harald's Family and Connections

Harald's father's name is not fully known for sure. We do know he had at least three brothers: Anulo (who died in 812), Ragnfrid (who died in 814), and Hemming Halfdansson (who died in 837). Some old records suggest their father was named Halfdan.

One old record from 812 mentions "Anulo nepos Herioldi." The Latin word "nepos" can mean either "grandson" or "nephew." This means Anulo and his brothers (including Harald) could have been grandsons or nephews of an older king named Harald. This older Harald was likely a king of the Danes.

Harald Klak was also an uncle to Rorik of Dorestad, a famous Viking leader. Rorik had a brother known as "Harald the Younger." Some historians believe Rorik and Harald the Younger were brothers, and both were nephews of Harald Klak. This helps explain why Harald Klak was often seen as a friend by the Franks, while Rorik's brother was known as a raider.

The Danish Civil War (812–814)

Harald and his brothers first appear in historical records during a big civil war in Denmark. In 812, the Danish King Hemming died. Two leaders, Sigifrid (nephew of King Gudfred) and Anulo (Harald's brother), both wanted to be king. They fought a battle where both of them were killed.

Anulo's side won the battle. So, his brothers, Harald and Reginfrid, became the new kings of Denmark. However, the sons of the previous King Gudfred were not happy. They had been living in exile with the Swedes.

In 813, the sons of Gudfred returned to Denmark with an army. They easily defeated Harald and Reginfrid and drove them out of the kingdom. Harald and Reginfrid had to flee.

In 814, Harald and Reginfrid tried to get their kingdom back. They fought against Gudfred's sons again. In this fight, Reginfrid and Gudfred's oldest son were killed. After this, Harald felt he had lost his chance. He went to the Frankish Empire and asked for help from Emperor Louis the Pious.

Harald's Alliance with Louis the Pious

Harald was a pagan (someone who didn't believe in Christianity) seeking help from a Christian emperor. Louis the Pious agreed to help Harald regain his throne.

In 815, Emperor Louis sent an army of Saxons and Obodrites (Slavic allies) to help Harald. They marched into Denmark, but the sons of Gudfred had a large army and a fleet of 200 ships. They stayed on an island and avoided a direct fight. The Frankish army raided some areas but couldn't put Harald back on the throne. Harald returned to Saxony with the Frankish troops.

Harald continued to cause trouble for his rivals. In 817, the sons of Gudfred even sent a message to Emperor Louis, asking for peace. But Louis didn't trust them and continued to support Harald.

In 819, with more help from the Obodrites, Harald had more success. He made a deal with two of Gudfred's sons, and they agreed to share the throne. One of these co-rulers was likely Horik the Elder. For a short time, there was peace in Denmark, and Harald ruled alongside them.

Harald Becomes a Christian

In 826, something very important happened. Harald, his wife, and many Danes traveled to Mainz in the Frankish Empire. There, they were baptized (became Christian) at a church called St. Alban's. Emperor Louis himself was present and became Harald's godfather.

After his baptism, Emperor Louis gave Harald many gifts. He also gave him a piece of land in Frisia (a region in modern-day Netherlands and Germany) called Riustringen. This land was meant to be a safe place for Harald and his people if they ever needed to escape danger in Denmark. It also helped protect the Frankish coast from Viking raids.

When Harald returned to Denmark, he was likely joined by Saint Anskar, a monk who wanted to spread Christianity. It's believed that a church and a school were built in Hedeby around this time. Twelve Danish boys, including some from Harald's family, were to be trained as priests.

Losing the Throne Again

However, Harald's introduction of Christianity might have made him unpopular with some of his people. In 827, just one year after his baptism, Harald was again driven out of Denmark by the remaining sons of Gudfred, especially Horik I.

Harald likely retreated to his lands in Rüstringen. The war between the Danes and the Franks continued on the border. In 828, Harald himself broke a peace agreement by raiding some Danish villages. This led to more fighting.

Harald disappears from Frankish records after the late 820s. He never managed to fully regain his Danish throne.

Harald's Death

Harald Klak died around 852. Old records say he was killed by leaders in the northern regions of the Frankish Empire. They suspected him of being disloyal or planning something against them. He was killed based on these suspicions.

Harald died two years before his old rival, King Horik the Elder.

Possible Descendants

A person named Godfrid Haraldsson was baptized in Mainz and is believed to have been a son of Harald Klak.

Later Danish kings, like Sigifrid and Halfdan in the late 800s, might have been related to Harald's family, possibly as nephews of Rorik of Dorestad. If so, they could have continued the family's claim to the Danish throne.

Images for kids

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  Solidus of Louis the Pious, a coin from the 9th century.

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  A map of Jutland, the region where Harald Klak ruled.