Hardrada dynasty facts for kids
| Hardrada dynasty |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Country: | Quick facts for kids Kingdom of Norway, Kingdom of the Isles, Earldom of Orkney, Kingdom of Dublin |
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| Parent House: | Fairhair dynasty | ||
| Titles: | * King of Norway | ||
| Founder: | Harald Hardrada | ||
| Current Head: | extinct, last monarch of this dynasty was Magnus Erlingsson | ||
| Founding Year: | 1047 | ||
| Cadet Branches: | House of Gille (illegitimate; dubious) | ||
The Hardrada dynasty (Norwegian: Hardrådeætta) was a powerful royal family. They ruled different areas at different times in history. These areas included the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles, and the Earldom of Orkney.
This royal family was started by Harald Sigurdsson. He became king of Norway in 1047. His family members grew their power and wealth after his death. Harald died at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on September 25, 1066.
It's important to know that the rulers themselves probably didn't use the name "House of Hardrada." This name was created by historians much later. Some old stories claimed Harald Hardrada was related to Norway's first king, Harald Fairhair. However, most modern historians don't believe this is true.
The Hardrada dynasty took over from the Saint Olaf dynasty. Later, the Gille family replaced them. The founder of the Gille family, Harald Gille, said he was related to the Hardrada line. Sometimes, historians consider the Gille line part of the Hardrada family. The Hardrada line briefly returned to power with Magnus Erlingsson. He was related to the dynasty through his mother's side. But in 1184, the House of Sverre took over.
Kings of the Hardrada Dynasty
The Hardrada dynasty ruled Norway for many years. Sometimes, there were "rival kings" who tried to take power. These rival kings challenged the main king's right to rule. Here is a list of the kings from this family who ruled Norway:
- Harald Hardrule (Harald Hardråde): 1046–1066
- Magnus Haraldsson: 1066–1069
- Olaf the Peaceful (Olav Kyrre): 1066–1093
- Håkon Magnusson: 1093–1094
- Magnus Barefoot (Magnus Berrføtt): 1093–1103
- Olaf Magnusson: 1103–1115
- Øystein Magnusson: 1103–1123
- Sigurd the Crusader (Sigurd Jorsalfare): 1103–1130
- Magnus the Blind (Magnus Blinde): 1130–1135
- Sigurd the Noisy (Sigurd Slembe): 1135–1139, rival king
- Magnus Erlingsson: 1161–1184
- Olav Ugjæva (Olav Gudbrandsson): 1166–1169, rival king
- Sigurd Magnusson: 1193–1194, rival king
- Inge Magnusson: 1196–1202, rival king
- Erling Stonewall (Erling Steinvegg): 1204–1207, rival king
