Harald Fairhair, also known as Harald Hårfagre in Old Norse, was a legendary Viking king who is often credited with uniting Norway into one kingdom in the late 9th century. His reign is traditionally dated to the period between 872 and 930 AD. According to sagas, Harald sought to become the first King of Norway, consolidating power by defeating local chieftains and marrying strategically.
One of the most famous stories about him is that he vowed not to cut or comb his hair until he had unified Norway, hence the nickname “Fairhair.” His conquest and efforts to unite the various petty kingdoms and clans are seen as a key part of Norway’s early medieval history. Harald’s kingdom, though, was primarily in what is now Norway, and his influence spread to other parts of Scandinavia.
Harald’s legacy has been remembered through sagas and later historical records, even if some aspects of his life may be more myth than fact. His descendants continued to rule over Norway and other Scandinavian territories for centuries.
Harald Fairhair had several wives and children, as was common among powerful Viking kings. His most famous wife was Åsa of Vingulmark, the daughter of the powerful chieftain Vingulmark, but Harald also had other wives, which was a sign of his status and alliances. Here are some notable wives and children:
Wives
Åsa of Vingulmark: She is often considered Harald’s primary wife and the mother of several of his children.
Ragnhild (or Ragnhildr): Another of Harald’s wives, she was from a powerful family in Norway.
Other wives: It is believed that Harald had additional wives or concubines, though their names and details are less documented.
Children
Harald had many children, including both sons and daughters, who played significant roles in the Viking age and Scandinavian politics:
Eric Bloodaxe (Eirik Blodøks): One of Harald’s most famous sons, Eric became a king of Norway and later ruled in England. He is known for his ruthless nature and is remembered as one of the most notorious Viking rulers.
Håkon the Good (Håkon den Gode): Another son of Harald, Håkon is known for trying to bring Christianity to Norway and for being a more peaceful ruler. He is often portrayed as a contrast to his brother Eric.
Bjørn the Easterner (Bjørn Jernskjegg): A son who became known for his Viking raids in the East, particularly in what is now Russia.
Olaf (Áleifr): Another of Harald’s sons, though details about his life are not as well documented as those of Eric and Håkon.
Other Children
Harald had more sons and daughters, but much of the information about them comes from sagas and later genealogical traditions, which often make it difficult to separate fact from myth.
Harald’s children were key figures in the history of Norway and Scandinavia, and many of them ruled over territories in their own right, continuing the legacy of their father’s unification of Norway.
