Magne, Norway

by Magne
(Norway)

In 874 Norway had many kings. Harald Hårfagre was at the time making Norway into one kingdom (united around 890). In the process many vikings fled. They went to Shetland, the Orkneys, Hebredies and made booty in Scotland, Ireland and England. They also ruled Kintyre and Arran. Harald made these vikings flee and it is possible that the Repton vikings could have been Harald's enemies. It is also possible that these are summer expedition vikings. They did not ask Harald before setting up expeditions. They were entrepreneurs and invested themselves in ships and equipment.






King Harold of Norway Slays a Dragon


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A good source of information is the church records. Some may be in Rome or in convents. However, since vikings used runic language the church records describe vikings unfair. Violence sometimes arose from Christians refusing to trade with heathens/pagans. Imagine a viking being told by a fat arrogant priest he would get no food for his children. The sword solved this in the short run.

If Norwegian vikings interest you I recommend "Heimskringla", the chronicles of the Norwegian kings.
It is free on ibooks.

Om 874 England was not 1 kingdom. England was United by king Athlestone about 50 years or so after this. King Athelstone was a friend of Harald Harfager and fostered one of Harald's sons. This son also became king of Norway.