King Harald's Saga
By (Author) Snorri Sturluson
Introduction by Hermann Palsson
Introduction by Magnus Magnusson
Translated by Hermann Palsson
Translated by Magnus Magnusson
Penguin Books Ltd
Penguin Classics
28th April 2005
29th July 1976
United Kingdom
General
Non Fiction
Literary essays
839, .6, 8
Paperback
192
Width 129mm, Height 198mm, Spine 11mm
145g
This compelling Icelandic history describes the life of King Harald Hardradi, from his battles across Europe and Russia to his final assault on England in 1066, less than three weeks before the invasion of William the Conqueror. It was a battle that led to his death and marked the end of an era in which Europe had been dominated by the threat of Scandinavian forces. Despite England's triumph, it also played a crucial part in fatally weakening the English army immediately prior to the Norman Conquest, changing the course of history. Taken from the Heimskringla Snorri Sturluson's complete account of Norway from prehistoric times to 1177 this is a brilliantly human depiction of the turbulent life and savage death of the last great Norse warrior-king.
Snorri Sturluson (11791241) was the son of an upstart Icelandic chieftain. He rose to become Icelands richest and, for a time, most powerful leader.