Hardrada's Saga by Giles Kristian
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 มี.ค. 2014
- Foreword By Giles Kristian:
'I have always admired Harald Sigurdsson by-named Hardrada, who was the king of Norway and whose death at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 marks the end of what we call the Viking Age. Hardrada is remembered for his ill-fated invasion of England and his death at Stamford Bridge, but these events simply mark the end of an incredible life, a great journeying arc of warfare spanning thirty-five years and which must have made Harald Sigurdsson one of the most widely travelled men of his age. What I like about Harald, other than him being a sort of über Viking (albeit a Christian one) in terms of his wander-lust, his martial prowess and his obvious charisma, is that he had an ambition and never let go of it. 17 years after his first battle, at Stiklestad, he became sole ruler of Norway, a prize he had had his eye on for so many years.
Of course he met a tragic end, if a very Viking one, when his army was caught lounging in the sun without their mail and war gear. Harald himself fought to the last and was cut down with his loyal men all around him. The losses the Norwegians suffered were so horrific that only 24 ships from the fleet of over 300 were needed to carry the survivors away.
Here I have written some lines dedicated to the great man. I wanted this piece to have the feel of the old sagas and so filled it with kennings, For example, some kennings for blood are: 'battle-sweat', 'slaughter's dew', 'wound-sea'. A kenning for a ship might be a 'wave-steed' or 'fjord-elk.' Pretty evocative aren't they?
I was honoured when film director Philip Stevens agreed to narrate this piece. I'm sure you will agree that he brings it alive and makes it shine like a treasure hoard. His rendition makes me want to set the fire, fill the horns with mead and listen to the old tales with good friends.
I hope you enjoy it. And may the Norns weave you a fine wyrd. Skål!'
Giles Kristian
'So much taller and stronger than most men, and so shrewd that he won the victory wherever he fought, and so rich in gold that no-one had ever seen the like of it.'
Snorri Sturluson -- Harald's saga.
Written By Giles Kristian
Read By Philip Stevens
Recorded By Lee Gretton
Edited By Lewis Gemmill - บันเทิง
![The Last Viking - The Campaigns of Harald Hardrada [FULL DOCUMENTARY]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/uYsmHdgD5V4/mqdefault.jpg)
Wow. That is all, brilliantly read. Stunning.
Stirring stuff! Like the poem very much - Phillip Steven's voice brings it all to life very well.
Truly epic. Thank you for bringing his saga to life. Amazing.
3rd time iv listened to it and each time it gives me shivers. Its power grows when I close my eyes. After being inspired by teenagers at Poetry by Heart contest memorising and reciting modern poems with their own understanding n meaning I feel that norse sagas n skaldic poetry is truly meant for the spoken word and to tickle our ears. Not to be trapped in black upon paper. Tis sound that truly unlocks the mind.
Absolutely magnificent, many thanks from Norway!
Years ago, when I was teaching Korean teenagers, I told them the story of Harald Hardraada. But so simplified... Recently, I wrote a Short Story to introduce him to some readers. It is difficult to find books telling the deeds of The Last Viking. So I mixed historical facts and fiction. Nevertheless, this is a fascinating hero... Thanks to you, Mr. Giles Kristian, for this Saga. Amélie de la Musardière. Writer
Truly brilliant.
fantastic !! Thank you
Huge fan Giles. I have read all of your books. Recently finished Hellmouth on Audible. Philip Stevens is fantastic. And this is phenomenal!
Thanks very much! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed Hellmouth. And this too!
Great voice Philip Stevens. I really liked this.
Thank you Justin, that's very kind of you. :-)
I look forward to the time when you're books become available on audible. Any idea when this will be?
Truly gods vikeing
Thanks for likeing my comment giles currently reading odins wolves in my shed in the evening with just candles for light and warmth and abottle of wine another great book I'm transported and become part of the Wolverhampton pack
really enjoyed this. have had an avid interest in hardrada, especially his time in Constantinople . sometime around the 60's there was a Viking novel came out about a Viking adventurer-soldier. didn't know who king harald was at the time but wonder now if the novel may have been based on his exploits. may have been before your time but any ideas about the novel im referring to. it was a great story. thanks
You might be referring to William Treece's novels...Viking's Dawn, The Road to Miklagard and Viking's Sunset - great books!
a song fit for Valhalla!
Thanks for sharing, Luke. Thrilled that you like it! GK