In 1066 Harald Hardrada invades England and fights for the throne at the Battle of Stamford Bridge! Claim your SPECIAL OFFER for MagellanTV here: https://try.magellantv.com/invicta. Start your free trial TODAY so you can watch "Sigurd Bjornson: Viking Exile" about the daily life of Medieval Scandinavian warriors: https://www.magellantv.com/series/warriors-way-the-original-superheroes-4k/sigurd-bjornson-viking-exile

In this animated history documentary we continue to follow the legendary saga of Harald Hardrada. The episode follows the culmination of the Viking Legend and his long history with a fateful campaign for the throne of England. This invasion of England will feature the Battle of Fulford and the Battle of Stamford Bridge which will prove pivotal in the fate of the realm.

We begin with a recap of the history of England in the 11th century. During this time, many men attempted to lay claim to the throne. For the purposes of our story we trace this game of thrones back to the reign of Cnut the Great who had united the kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and England in the North Sea Empire. Acknowledged far and wide as the ultimate power of the north, his claim to the throne would be important to the geopolitics of the age. Thus when he died many would seek power through connection to his legitimacy. This would come to a head in 1066 when King Edward the Confessor died suddenly with no clear succession plan. In his place would come Harold Godwinson, Tostig Godwinson, William of Normandy, and Harald Hardrada all competing for the throne.

King Harald Hardrada would make his play by summoning an army of some 10,000 men aboard 300 ships. These first sailed to the Shetland and Orkney islands before invading Northumbria. Along the way they would pick up fresh allies while raiding the coastal towns who resisted. Eventually though, once they sailed up the Humber estuary and landed by York this Viking Army would finally be challenged by the Earls of Northumbria and Mercia. They would meet at the Battle of Fulford. Shortly thereafter Harold Godwinson arrived with his own force for a final confrontation between the English Army and the Vikings at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. It is here that stories tell of a Viking Berserker holding back the entire English army until Harald Hardrada could prepare his men for battle proper. The fight that ensued would determine the fate of England.

In case you missed it, be sure to check out the rest of our Harald Hardrada series!
Harald Hardrada - Rise of a Viking Legend (1015-1041)
Harald Hardrada - A Game of Northern Thrones (1041-1061)
Harald Hardrada - The Battle of Nisa (1062 AD)

Sources:
"King Harald’s Saga: Harald Hadradi of Norway" trans. Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Palsson
"Harald Hadrada: The Warriors Way" by John Marsden
"The Heimskringla - King Harald's Saga" by Snorri Sturluson
"The Norwegian Invasion" by DeVries
"Anglo-Saxon Chronicles"

Credits:
Research: Sophia Ware
Writing: Sophia Ware
Narration: Invicta
Artwork: Penta
Editing: Penta

#History
#Vikings
#Documentary