Harald Hårfagre (Fairhair) HALFDANSSON, KING IN NORWAY

                   Harald took his father's throne, in Vestfold, when he was only ten years old.

Harald sent men to propose marriage to Gyda, the daughter of King Eirik of Hordaland.  She answered saying that she would not marry any man, unless he could bring all of Norway under his rule.  When Harald heard this, he decided it was a good idea.  He then swore not to clip or comb his hair until he had subdued all of Norway.

Harald campaigned ruthlessly and conquered all of Norway.  He became the first king of a united Norway in  about 870.  Harald appointed earls to rule over each district.  Many of these earls had more power and wealth than the small kings before them did.  Afterward, the surviving nobles who were not willing to live under Harald's rule fled to: Iceland, the Shetland Islands, or the Faroe Islands.

Harald lived in Throndheim in the winter and called it his head residence or Lade.

After Harald had his hair cut, he was given the name Farfrage (fair hair) because he turned out to have such fair hair.  Of course, it had been very matted before, from ten years of not being cut or combed.

When Harald was about 50 years old he called together a Thing and divided his kingdom among his sons.  He made them each small kings.

Harald lived on his farms in Hordaland when he was old.

King Aethelstan of England sent a sword to Harald.  When Harald took it, the ambassadors said that Harald was now Aethelstan's subject. Harald then sent his son, Håkon, to be fostered by Aethelstein.  This was because it was commonly thought that one who fostered another's child was of lower estate than the child's father.  Aethelstein became Håkon's foster-father, rather than go to war with Harald.



>Death note: Harald's mound and gravestone were placed near Haugesund.