HARLADUR

Haraldur Fairhair was the first king of Norway from 872 to 933. He was the son of Hálfdan the Black and Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir.

Haraldur, at a young age, sent men to King Eiríkur in Hörðaland to ask for the hand of his daughter, Gyða. She refused to marry him until he conquered all of Norway. Therefore, Haraldur vowed not to cut his hair or beard until he gained that power and was called Haraldur lufa (the scruffy). He then gained power over Norway, got his hair pruned, and after that, called Haraldur Fairhair. 

Harald increased his control over Scotland, the Southern Isles, Orkney, and Shetland through conquest. During Harald’s reign, he made many enemies at home and abroad. In Norway, the collection of taxes and the takeover of Ódal towns led to the fact that many people fled Norway to both occupied and unoccupied countries such as the Faroe Islands, Orkney, and Iceland.

It has been heard that Harald came to Vestmannaeyjar to talk with Herjólf, who had fled Norway from Harald’s taxes. He brought a pig as a gift to lure Herjólf back to Norway because he had been the best beer brewer. Herjólfur took his wishes badly and refused outright. It is unknown precisely what happened between them, but one thing is sure: Herjólfur retained power in Vestmannaeyjar. 

Did you know that Harald’s grandfather was a slave who earned his freedom by saving his owners life?