Harald Hardrada: Varangian, Crusader, Viking (Old Norse Saga Song)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 พ.ค. 2023
- Here’s another Old Norse song, composed and performed by me - the latest in my Sagas in Song series. It is based on the Saga of Harald Hardrada by Snorri Sturluson.
Harald Hardrada (lit. Harald the Harsh-Ruler - there are many interpretations/possible translations of this name, but I think Harsh-Ruler is probably the best) was, essentially, an absolute chad. Of all the Norwegian kings and heroes from the sagas, he’s probably my all-time favourite. He achieved and did more in his life than most people could only dream of doing in several lifetimes. For the purposes of the song, I’ve picked out some of the highlights of his life as told in the saga.
He fought with his half-brother St Olaf II at Stiklestad aged only 15, went east to Kievan Rus and Constantinople not long afterwards and quickly became the prime Varangian Guardsman for the Byzantine Empire. In this role, he fought many wars (too many to include in one song), but his mightiest achievements in this role were probably against the Bulgarian uprisings (which is how he gained the name “Bulgar Burner” - how friendly!).
He fought the Saracens in the Middle East and Africa, visited all the Holy Sites in Palestine, became the King of Norway and beat back the Danes and Swedes, all the while composing some wonderful Skaldic poetry.
Then, if all that wasn’t enough, he tried his hand at invading England with Harold Godwinson’s treacherous brother, Tostig. This appears to have been a step too far, as he was killed early in the battle by an arrow to the windpipe.
I hope you enjoy. Please subscribe if you’d like to see more!
Picture credits:
Flag: Redesigned Byzantine Flag by Lordnarunh (DeviantArt)
Viking: War of the Vikings by Paradox Interactive (game)
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Lyrics:
Kom ek í eldsheim
Mikilmennska lá fyrir mér
Frá barnaldri emk á vígvelli
sem snær á fjalltindi.
Á leitum mikins orðstírs
fór ek Austrveginn
Vegrinn mik fǿrði til Hólmgarðs
ok þaðan inn til Miklagarðs.
Kom ek á fund Zóe dróttningar
ok eið henni svarða ek dýran
ok þá til míns þýddusk Væringjar
ok kusu þeir mik til Hǫfðingja!
Heill, Haraldr Harðráði!
Mikli norðmannakonungr!
Verndari var hann Miklagarðs
yfir Væringjum hǫfðingi!
Berserkr var hann í bardaga
Skáld fyrir máttigum dróttnum
Hertogi fyrir mǫnnum sínum
Norðmanna allra inn mesti!
Um Jórsalahaf herjum vér
væringjar ok Latínumenn.
Vestr á Serkland fǫrum vér
borga eignumsk átta tǫgu.
Þá siglum vér til Sikileyjar
Erum alskjaldaðir Væringjar
Grið ǫllum þeim, er beiddu, ek gaf
ok tókum vér ógrynni fjár!
Mikjáll konungr á oss heitir
Bolgarar, þeir rísa í móti
Berjumk ek í ǫndurða fylking
því heiti ek Bolgara Brennir!
Heill, Haraldr Harðráði!
Mikli norðmannakonungr!
Verndari var hann Miklagarðs
yfir Væringjum hǫfðingi!
Berserkr var hann í bardaga
Skáld fyrir máttigum dróttnum
Hertogi fyrir mǫnnum sínum
Norðmanna allra inn mesti!
Fǫrum vér til Jórsalalands
Eru borgir þar gefnar mér
Allt it helga land tekum vér
ok friðum veginn til Jórdanar
Laugaðak í á inni helgu
ok varðak stórfé til grafar Guðs
Kross inn helga tignum vér
Dróttinn oss krossmenn blessi!
En mik fýsir at fara heim
Í Norðrlǫndum mín ávant er
Vit Magnús gǫngum með liðum tveim
Bardaga viljum heyja við Svein
Heill, Haraldr Harðráði!
Mikli norðmannakonungr!
Verndari var hann Miklagarðs
yfir Væringjum hǫfðingi!
Berserkr var hann í bardaga
Skáld fyrir máttigum dróttnum
Hertogi fyrir mǫnnum sínum
Norðmanna allra inn mesti!
Eptir ófrið langan
Samdak sætt við Danakonung
Fór hann ósigr fyr Nizi
ok ek friðaða Noreg!
Hákon Jarl reis í móti
Með mikinn her gengr hann
Siglum á skeið í Svíþjóð
Bregðum guðlausu uppreistinni
Nú ek norðr til Englands lít
Haraldr Guðinason steig til ríkis
Tósti bróðir hans biðr ásjá mik
Vestr siglum vér með mikit lið
Heill, Haraldr Harðráði!
Mikli norðmannakonungr!
Verndari var hann Miklagarðs
yfir Væringjum hǫfðingi!
Berserkr var hann í bardaga
Skáld fyrir máttigum dróttnum
Hertogi fyrir mǫnnum sínum
Norðmanna allra inn mesti!
Um Vestrlǫnd siglum vér
Drǫgum saman her mikinn
Skota, Breta, Orkneyjinga.
Við Skarðaborg hǫfum sigr!
Með her stóran kom Guðinason
Við Stanforðabryggjur standa
Ǿpa heróp ok berja skjǫld
Ek skipa mǫnnum í skjaldborg
Ríða enskir menn ǫllum megin
Geng fram í mesta vápnaburðinn
Verð óðr fram ór fylkingunni
Lostinn var Harðráði í óstinn
Heill, Haraldr Harðráði,
mikli norðmannakonungr!
Verndari var hann Miklagarðs,
yfir Væringjum Hǫfðingi!
Berserkr var hann í bardaga
Skáld fyrir máttigum dróttnum
Hertogi fyrir mǫnnum sínum
Norðmanna allra inn mesti - บันเทิง
![Varangian Guard: Brothers of the North Sea [Old English/Old Norse/Medieval Greek] | The Skaldic Bard](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KyAKL2_ix14/mqdefault.jpg)
![Varangian Guard: Brothers of the North Sea [Old English/Old Norse/Medieval Greek] | The Skaldic Bard](/img/tr.png)
![Palästinalied in Latin [Crusader Song] | The Skaldic Bard](/img/n.gif)
Here’s another Old Norse song, composed and performed by me - the latest in my Sagas in Song series. It is based on the Saga of Harald Hardrada by Snorri Sturluson.
Harald Hardrada (lit. Harald the Harsh-Ruler - there are many interpretations/possible translations of this name, but I think Harsh-Ruler is probably the best) was, essentially, an absolute chad. Of all the Norwegian kings and heroes from the sagas, he’s probably my all-time favourite. He achieved and did more in his life than most people could only dream of doing in several lifetimes. For the purposes of the song, I’ve picked out some of the highlights of his life as told in the saga.
He fought with his half-brother St Olaf II at Stiklestad aged only 15, went east to Kievan Rus and Constantinople not long afterwards and quickly became the prime Varangian Guardsman for the Byzantine Empire. In this role, he fought many wars (too many to include in one song), but his mightiest achievements in this role were probably against the Bulgarian uprisings (which is how he gained the name “Bulgar Burner” - how friendly!).
He fought the Saracens in the Middle East and Africa, visited all the Holy Sites in Palestine, became the King of Norway and beat back the Danes and Swedes, all the while composing some wonderful Skaldic poetry.
Then, if all that wasn’t enough, he tried his hand at invading England with Harold Godwinson’s treacherous brother, Tostig. This appears to have been a step too far, as he was killed early in the battle by an arrow to the windpipe.
I hope you enjoy. Please subscribe if you’d like to see more!
You could also donate if you’d like to support my work :) Cheers. www.buymeacoffee.com/theskaldicbard
I feel your ending of the song is perfect. Like he does all this from the river jordan in palastine to his home in Norway he fought and raged and all this. But when he gets to england he without armor fighting with some saxon earl he just takes an arrow to the throat... it feels like its a story that ends way to abruptly.
Yeah, that's what I was going for! Nice that you noticed
Thought I should just say that King Olaf the Saint was King Harald's half-brother not uncle. Anyway great song.
@@andreasmarktun7447 thanks for that, you're absolutely right, whoops! I put him as his brother in my song about St Olaf, not sure what happened here :-)
@@SkaldBard lol mistakes happen. Have seen worse, for example someone who said that Olav was Harald's father apparently forgot that he said Harald Sigurdson a few minutes earlier. Anyway, could you make a song about Olav's son King Magnus the Good or King Håkon Håkonson?
Many nobility lineages spawns weak Kings but, Harold Fairhair's lineage spawned the most important and powerful viking kings in whole Scandinavia.
"A beserker was he in battle", this song is beautiful enough to move the heart of any poet and artist, yet powerful enough to ignite the heart of a warrior... beautiful song Skald
Wholesome comment, thanks mate, means a lot
this guys life was a literal warband campaign
objectively the most badass ruler of all time
Hard to disagree, friend
비잔티움의 근은보화, 지식들를 설명하면 객관일까?
@@bruhmcchaddeus413 LOL no he was a Norse king.
@@user-we7od8ql4xnvm i got confused lol i was talking about harald as in godwinson, you right harald Hardrada was norse king
@@user-we7od8ql4xHe did traveled to Constantinople and brought back a lot of treasures back home.
I am a direct descendant of Harald Hårfagre aka Hardrada. I love how much recognition people are giving my ancestors finally.
You have a great house to rebuild, restore thy throne
Hårfagre is not hardrada
@@fatgoldenboy6986 im related to both so it dont matter
@@Northy777.
I'm related to Bohemond of Taranto.
Source: trust me, bro.
If you're truly a descendant from him, make sure to honour him as your ancestor in your daily activities as much as you can
im Bulgarian but never heard of him or a "Bulgar Burner" still he has a very interesting life. ps: i love your songs
Lived as a defender of the church, Rome, and his own homeland. The ultimate european.
Harald undoubtedly had a life full of adventures. Great song!
Greco-Norse friendship
EPIC 🇬🇷❤️🇧🇻
To most people who know of him, Harald was an upstart who tried and failed to conquer England. When you know his real history, you realize that this man was a true legend of his age, even though he lost his final and arguably greatest Conquest. He needs more attention, and one could hope that one day they'll make a great film about his life.
Earth approved.
Based Earth
Heaven approved
Asgard approved
Bodø approves
Basil approved
Respect from Greece🇬🇷
This man puts the king in Viking
The Bard also puts the “Vi” in *”Victory”*
well the so called "Vikings" never called themself that it would be more period accurate to call them Northman. The word Viking is commonly used today for the Danes, Swedes and Norwegian raiders and people of the very early middle ages.
@@user-we7od8ql4x So, the word “Viking” is an exonym, rather than an endonym?
@@lopakacooper1668 It was never a name for a people, it's a thing you do. To go viking meant many things. Raiding, trading, exploring, colonising and conquering. It was the Norse equivalent of the ancient Indo-European Koryos, a tradition of exiling the boys of a tribe for a number of years until they came back as men, except it was no longer a ritual for manhood and had pretty much become a seasonal occupation.
Really nice song. I would appreciate if you make a song about the great defender of christianity, Skanderbeg.
Respect from an Albanian Christian ✝️
Albania must return to be fully Christian, either Roman Catholic, Easter Catholic or both, just no Islam, no atheism, no protestantism and no communism.
Skanderbeg and many other great heroes and defenders of Christendom didn't fought and died for us to compromise with heretics and infidels.
The Illyrian Gigachad Skanderbeg
Is Albania mostly catholic or orthodox? Judging by your cross I guess you are catholic.
@@mars4105Albania is majority Muslim but has large orthodox and catholic minorities
@@mars4105Albania is primarily muslim
I’m from Poland and I found your music recently and I love it this is one of my favourite songs alongside the song about Varangians and retaking Jerusalem and I thank you so much for your great music I’m sure our ancestors are proud 💪
That's awesome, witam serdecznie:)
@@SkaldBard 😁thank you for the reply i dziękuje za piękne pieśni
Great tribute to one of the most feared warriors in history.I've heard/ read that he was close to 7ft tall, although that's probably an exaggeration.
This is A Certified Nord Classic
Haha, awesome
The admiration you have for this man is something I feel comes through in a very powerful way in this work. Well done!
That said, I must comment on the tasteful use of the Germania One font in the thumbnail.
Ah, a man of culture I see
I love hearing songs about my ancestors. And since other people have been asked to provide proof of such claims, I'm a descendant of Philip the Magnanimous, Landgrave of Hesse, through his 2nd wife, Margarethe. Philip's mother was descended from the dukes of Mecklenburg, and Magnus I of Mecklenburg was the son of Euphemia of Sweden, who was daughter of Ingeborg of Denmark. From Ingeborg, it's a straight paternal line to Harald. So assuming the claims of paternity along that line are true, I am in fact a descendent of Harald.
I am a descendant of Harald Hardrada and Harold Godwinson. Also kin by marriage, William of Normandy. I have mixed feelings toward the battles at Stirling Bridge and Hastings.
Wow
Objectively one of the coolest dudes to ever exist
Great song! I like Viking history . I have read many books about them and Harald is one of my favourite. Your version is amazing. Greetings from Poland.
Witam! Dziękuję za miłe słowa, cieszę się, że ten utwór Ci się podoba
Such a fearsome and storng human being was send by our lord to protect the city , thank god for the north men !!!
well didn't help against the ottomans tough
@@user-we7od8ql4x agree ! but remember , history always works in a circular way ;)
@@user-we7od8ql4x History repeats itself, for we'll obtain our Capital back in due time.
@@user-we7od8ql4x Even when everyone else who survived the battle left the Constantinople, Vikings/Varangians stood their ground and fought till last drop of their blood!
We camed from the northen lands crossed the grey atlantic sea and lefted on our back scandinavia the sweet homeland,and now we joined an other realm called hellas the mediteranian winds knocks into the Doors of our hearts the byzantine hospitality humbled our souls,we will figth for the golden city behold of her glorious history,and her mythical walls! until our last breath we stand shoulder to shoulder with kaiser!(imperator) much respect to you from 🇬🇷:3
Hail from greece!!
One of the Manliest men of Scandinavia and the world in general. Great song kudos from hellas.
Drawn to battle like snow to a mountaintop💪💪
As Swede, I can understand some of the words however some words sounds a bit like old german with norweigan combined. Skål for an great song!
Ah yes, my time to shine.
I'm a Bulgarian, so this came quite emotionally for me :)
Ah! The Bulgarians are a glorious and proud folk
this should be the national anthem of Norway
He has life we should all wish for.
Bravery makes life good.
You forgot to include that he (possibly) blinded a bizantine emperor.
Fantastic song. Mind you Harold Godwinson was pretty badass himself.
Thanks, mate - and yeah, also one of my favourite historical figures, will be doing a song in Old English about him at some point
The Battle of Stamford Bridge was truly a battle of Giants, and not just because Hardrada was an actual giant of a man.
You should do Magnus the Good next!
The son of the Saint, who was brought back as the Northmenn's liberator from the Danish tyranny!
The King who avenged his father's death by conquering Denmark, but decided to not punish the Danes but defend them against the Heathens.
Who at first persued vengence against the Trønders, but then was persuaded to forgive them and became known as Magnus the Good!
The King who wished to conquer England and reclaim the North Sea Empire under Norrthman rule (as opposed to Danish rule), but decided against it after learning of the English King's journey and Christian piety.
The King, who shall forever be remembered as Magnus the Good!
Yes, I've got a whole song planned out for him, just need to find some time to work on it! :-)
You are very talented
Thanks a lot, friend
What a great song , for a great leader!
I hate you Skaldic Bard. I want to hear other music too, but here I return all the time. You destroyed me.
Hah, love it - was a bit worried when I got the notification as I could only see the first line, but appreciate the words ;-)
Hofdingi has been a constant recurring joke in my friend group for months now. Thank you
This song just screams "come at me southlanders!"
Come with me southlanders to fight the Easterners ;p *
This is bad a$$🎧😍
🇬🇷⳩MIKLAGARD⳩🇬🇷
I was expecting for this!!! And I got here right when the notification popped up. I really love your work, my friend. Thanks!
Wow, your previous Varangian song was fire but you outdid yourself with this one! Congrats, man!
YES! Finally!
Been waiting for my favourite viking legend :DD
Amazing work as always!
The Battle of the Stamford Bridge:🗿🗿🗿
It's sad that Tsar Petar Delyan was blinded before the battle with Harald, maybe the outcome would have been different otherwise. However, he is my favorite viking. Absolute badass.
I’ve always found Hadraada interesting and i think the most interesting alt history would have been his victory in 1066.
Your songs are great mate. Keep it up 💪
Thanks a lot, my friend
A true CHAD for sure!
Loving this stuff so much I just want to leave a suggestion of my own here! How about some Psalms in Old Norse or Old English? I’d love to hear things like Psalm 22/23 (The Lord is My Shepherd - Depending on your bible’s numbering) or just any of the psalms really. God bless and keep up the great work!
Yep, planning the Psalms, just need to find some time!
Why does this song slap so hard
He was the GOAT when it came to fighting in that era in my opinion
I respect Harald, especially since half my paternal line is from Norway, but Haakon's rebellion was anything but godless.
Can you make a song about Hastings from the Anglo-Saxon perspective?
I'm planning a bit of an "epic" about the whole Norman conquest in Old English, so it'll come!
Harold eventho great king stole the throne under williams nose lol William was related by blood to edward, williams great aunt was edwards mother, he was closest relative but English aristocracy had other plans. Harold indeed was a great king tho
The world would have been a very different place if Harald had won against both William of Normandy and Harold Harold Godwinson and in the timeline, Harald would be probably called King Harald I, the Varangian King of England
Magnificent. Thank you!
Epic song.
Fuck. This goes hard.
Heil Harald Hardrad
Perhaps but many came before and still strive for it beyond him,they'll never be a one ruler of earth.No man!
absolutely fabulous as always probably the best so far and every piece of Your music was magnifiecent
Thanks so much for this, friend!
The Skaldic Bard , can you make video" Ved Stanford Brua- Norse song about the battle of Stamford Bridge" by Harald Foss, please ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I might make an Old Norse cover at some point :-)
only the byzantine empire could make warriors like harald
Legendary 🏰
This is my favorite nord in history
Yet another catchy epic song about a historical badass that will stay in my head!!
Really powerful, love it!
I have only recently come across your stuff this week, and I gotta say you produce really high quality stuff I hope you finally get the recognition you deserve for this awesome music.
Thanks a lot for the encouragement, my friend
You're doing very impressive work with your songs. Hail!
I discovered your channel while coming back from work, greetings from Transylvania 🇷🇴, i am listening to your songs for over 2 hours now:))
Hah, awesome! Welcome!
Make Europa great again!!!!! Rise up !
HELLO FRIENDS, GREETINGS FROM ARGENTINA.
I DON'T KNOW WHY I LOVE THIS MUSIC. IT TRANSPORTS ME TO AN UNKNOWN TIME AND PLACE OF THE PAST, BUT FAMILIAR AT THE SAME TIME. MY ANCESTORS ARE SPANISH, ITALIAN, FRENCH AND IRISH SINCE 1820 AND 1945.
WILL IT BE THAT THE BLOOD OF MY ANCESTORS CALLS ME?
SORRY FOR MY IGNORANCE AND MY TERRIBLE ENGLISH.
SKÄLL!!
HAIL !!
HEIL!!
SALVE!!
o/
Flott tekst...!
I just discovered your channel and loved your work. please keep up the great work !
Hello Skaldic Bard! I was wondering if you could compose an old English song on Hardrada's enemy, Harold Godwinson, the last of the Anglo Saxon kings of England? Much respect and love from James! Keep up your great work!
Hey James, thanks a lot for the kind words! As it happens, I'm currently working on one for him right now - stay tuned!
@@SkaldBard Oh that's AWESOME! I can't wait! Thank you!!!!!
My pure heart plz hear it
My uncle doctor Todor Jovanović was Varangian like my mother
Eheheheh... I likey.
Will someone please recompense hissoul ❤
Mighty Elegy Hail Harald 🌊
Heill Haraldr Hardrádi!
Heard this once and knew it was a new favorite.
Again great job man 😊
Is it true that Olaf the black was his great grandson?progenitor of many highland clans!mcleods and morrisons!
Respect from Türkiye
There's interesting verse: ock latinumen. It's interesting because they were greek rhomaioi,not italic Latins.
Love this!
That's very impressive> Good job!
You should do one about Egil Skallagrimsson
Yet his magnificence met an end in Northern England....
I wish this guy conquered England instead of Willian
Imagine in the sagas: Harold Haddrada the Blessed that fought Turks, Pagans, controlled Norway, and conquered England.
Aye, would be an incredible story - and just imagine how awesome a Germanic language modern English would be if Norse had had nearly the same impact as French
@@SkaldBard I'm working on a Constructed language that basically is Middle English with Norse Influence. The lore is basically this: "Harold Haddrada received a message from a villager that lived in Mercia about Godwinson army coming to ambush him, then, Haddrada got ready, and ambushed Godwinson's Army in Stanford bridge. Instead of killing Godwinson, Hadrada took Godwinson as a captive with him to York. After knowing that Willian the Norman was moving his troops near East Anglia, Hadrada convinced Godwinson to tell his men to come with him, then, Haddrada also made it to ambush Willian in London, and it was a blessed victory! Normany needed to pay 2000 silver pounds to the United Kingdom of Norway and England In Winchester, and a monument with Christ crowning Hadrada was build in Winchester.
Warrior of Christ ✝️
прекрасный голос и музыка, надеюсь поскорее купишь микрофон получше)
I had a vision the blood would be up to the horses bridal
How did you learn Old Norse that you can write entire songs ?
As an Indian, I love this song!
Im not obsessed with it or nothing but facts are facts