The Viking Kings of Norway
Exploring the Legacy of Norway's First Rulers
Discover the list of the first 15 Norwegian kings and their captivating stories.
The Viking Journey Through Time
Welcome to this presentation about the 15 Viking kings who shaped Norway’s early history. From Harald Fairhair, the first to unite Norway into a single kingdom, to Harald Hardrada, the adventurous warrior king, these rulers left a lasting impact on the development of the nation. Through their lives, achievements, and challenges, we will explore how they helped shape Norway, both as a geographical region and a nation with its own identity and culture. We will also look at their alliances, both domestic and foreign, and how these relationships influenced their reigns. Get ready to dive into an era marked by Vikings, battles, and political intrigue, and discover how these kings laid the foundation for modern Norway.
Harald Fairhair (Harald I)
ca. 872–930
He was the first king to unite Norway into one kingdom. He won the Battle of Hafrsfjord around 872, laying the foundation for a unified kingdom. Harald established Avaldsnes as his royal seat and fought against petty kings in Norway and Denmark.
Coins: No known coins specifically associated with Harald Fairhair, as coin minting in Norway started after his reign
- Successor: Eric Bloodaxe (Eric I)
- Predecessor: Halfdan the Black
- War Objective: Campaigns to unite Norway
- Fought against: Petty kings in Norway and Denmark
- Other Vikings: Conflicts with petty kings in Norway
- Advantages: United Norway into one kingdom, centralized royal power
- Disadvantages: Had many enemies among the petty kings
- Strengths: Skilled warrior and strategist
- Weaknesses: Many wars and conflicts
- Contributions: United Norway into one kingdom, laid the foundation for a unified monarchy
- Diseases: Unknown, but plague and leprosy may have been present in society
- Source: Britannica, Avaldsnes and Collectium database
Eric Bloodaxe (Eric I)
930–934
Eric Bloodaxe (ca. 885–954) was known for his brutality and violence. As the son of Harald Fairhair, he killed several of his brothers to secure his power. Eric went to England after losing his power in Norway, where he became ruler of Jorvik (York) under King Athelstan.
Coins: No known coins specifically associated with Eric Bloodaxe
- Successor: Haakon the Good (Haakon I)
- Predecessor: Harald Fairhair
- War Objective: Securing power through violence
- Fought against: His own brothers, other petty kings
- Other Vikings: Alliance with King Athelstan in England
- Advantages: Skilled warrior, expanded Norway’s territory
- Disadvantages: Brutal and violent, killed his own brothers
- Strengths: Great military power, aggressive conquests
- Weaknesses: Violent and cruel, unpopular among the people
- Contributions: Increased Norway’s power and territory, but created much internal conflict
- Diseases: Likely occurrence of plague and other infectious diseases
- Source:Britannica and Collectium database
Haakon the Good (Haakon I)
934–961
Haakon the Good, also a son of Harald Fairhair, was raised in England by King Athelstan. He returned to Norway and became king after defeating Eric Bloodaxe. Haakon was popular among the people and introduced several reforms that strengthened Norway’s economy and legislation.
Coins: No known coins specifically associated with Haakon the Good
- Successor: Harald Greycloak (Harald II)
- Predecessor: Eric Bloodaxe
- War Objective: Stability and reforms
- Fought against: Eric’s sons
- Other Vikings: Conflicts with Eric’s sons
- Advantages: Popular among the people, improved legislation
- Disadvantages: Constant threat from Eric’s sons
- Strengths: Good leader, skilled warrior
- Weaknesses: Difficult to maintain power due to internal conflicts
- Contributions: Strengthened Norway’s economy and trade, introduced leidang and lagting
- Diseases: Unknown, but likely occurrence of plague and leprosy
- Source: Britannica and Collectium database
Harald Greycloak (Harald II)
961–970
Harald Greycloak, son of Eric Bloodaxe, ruled Norway after Haakon the Good. He expanded Norway’s power, but his reign was marked by conflicts with Danish and Swedish kings.
Coins: No known coins specifically associated with Harald Greycloak
- Successor: Haakon Sigurdsson (Haakon II)
- Predecessor: Haakon the Good
- War Objective: Expansion of Norway’s power
- Fought against: Danish and Swedish kings
- Other Vikings: Conflicts with Danish and Swedish kings
- Advantages: Strong military leader, expanded Norway’s power
- Disadvantages: Brutal ruler, created many enemies
- Strengths: Skilled warrior, conqueror
- Weaknesses: Violent and cruel, lost support among the people
- Contributions: Expanded Norway’s territory, but created internal unrest
- Diseases: Likely occurrence of plague and leprosy
- Source:Britannica and Collectium database
Haakon Sigurdsson (Haakon II)
970–995
Haakon Sigurdsson, also known as Haakon the Powerful, was a significant leader in Norway. He allied with the Danish King Harald Bluetooth and ruled Norway under Danish overlordship.
Coins: No known coins specifically associated with Haakon Sigurdsson
- Successor: Olaf Tryggvason (Olaf I)
- Predecessor: Harald Greycloak
- War Objective: Stability and alliances
- Fought against: No major battles
- Other Vikings: Alliances with Harald Bluetooth in Denmark
- Advantages: Skilled strategist, strong leader
- Disadvantages: Lack of royal legitimacy
- Strengths: Political acumen, military prowess
- Weaknesses: Lack of recognition as king
- Contributions: Stabilized Norway under Danish overlordship
- Diseases: Likely occurrence of plague and other infectious diseases
- Source: Britannica and Collectium database
Olaf Tryggvason (Olaf I)
1000–1015
Eric Haakonsson, also known as Eric Jarl, ruled Norway under Danish overlordship after the Battle of Svolder. He allied with the Danish king Sweyn Forkbeard.
Coin: The oldest Norwegian coins with the image of a king were produced under Olav Tryggvason, with the inscription «OLAF REX»
Find sites: Sigtuna, Hedeby, Dublin, Bergen, and Trondheim
- Successor: Eric Haakonsson (Eric II)
- Predecessor: Haakon Sigurdsson
- War Objective: Christianization of Norway
- Fought against: Danish and Swedish kings
- Other Vikings: Conflicts with Sweyn Forkbeard and Olof Skötkonung
- Advantages: Christianized Norway, strong leader
- Disadvantages: Brutal in his methods to Christianize the country
- Strengths: Religious zeal, military prowess
- Weaknesses: Violent and ruthless in Christianization
- Contributions: Introduced Christianity to Norway, but created much resistance
- Diseases: Likely occurrence of plague and other infectious diseases
- Source: Britannica and Collectium database
Eric Haakonsson (Eric II)
1000–1015
Eric Haakonsson, also known as Eric Jarl, ruled Norway under Danish overlordship after the Battle of Svolder. He allied with the Danish king Sweyn Forkbeard.
Coins: No known coins specifically associated with Eric Haakonsson
- Successor: Olaf the Holy (Olaf II)
- Predecessor: Olaf Tryggvason
- War Objective: Maintaining power in Norway
- Fought against: No major battles
- Other Vikings: Alliances with Sweyn Forkbeard and Knut the Great
- Advantages: Skilled diplomat and warrior
- Disadvantages: Difficult to maintain power due to external threats
- Strengths: Military prowess, good alliances
- Weaknesses: Lack of stability in Norway
- Contributions: Maintained Norway’s independence under Danish overlordship
- Diseases: Likely occurrence of plague and other infectious diseases
- Source: Britannica
Olaf the Holy (Olaf II)
1015–1028
Olaf the Holy, also known as Olaf Haraldsson, is one of Norway’s most famous kings. He Christianized Norway and strengthened the royal power.
Coin: Used as a symbol of royal power and political authority, with the oldest known images of Olav Haraldsson and St. Olav found on coins from the 1010s, 1020s, and 1040s
Variants: Several variants from the 1010s and 1020s, with St. Olav as a symbol in Danish coin production in the 1000s and later Norwegian coin production in the Middle Ages
- Successor: Haakon Eiriksson (Haakon III)
- Predecessor: Eric Haakonsson
- War Objective: Christianization and consolidation of power
- Fought against: Danish kings and local chieftains
- Other Vikings: Conflicts with Danish kings
- Advantages: Christianized Norway, strong leader
- Disadvantages: Brutal in his methods to Christianize the country
- Strengths: Religious zeal, military prowess
- Weaknesses: Violent and ruthless in Christianization
- Contributions: Consolidated Christianity in Norway, became a national saint
- Diseases: Likely occurrence of plague and other infectious diseases
- Source:Britannica and Collectium database
Haakon Eiriksson (Haakon III)
1035–1047
Haakon Eiriksson, son of Eric Haakonsson, was a jarl who ruled Norway under Danish overlordship. He was a skilled leader and warrior, but his time as leader was short-lived.
Coins: No known coins specifically associated with Haakon Eriksson
- Successor: Sweyn Alfivasson (Sweyn I)
- Predecessor: Olaf the Holy
- War Objective: Maintaining Danish overlordship
- Fought against: No major battles
- Other Vikings: Alliances with Knut the Great
- Advantages: Skilled diplomat and warrior
- Disadvantages: Difficult to maintain power due to external threats
- Strengths: Military prowess, good alliances
- Weaknesses: Lack of stability in Norway
- Contributions: Maintained Norway’s independence under Danish overlordship
- Diseases: Likely occurrence of plague and other infectious diseases
- Source:Britannica and Collectium database
Sweyn Alfivasson (Sweyn I)
1030–1035
Sweyn Alfivasson, son of Knut the Great, ruled Norway as viceroy on behalf of his father. His reign was marked by unpopular reforms and significant resistance from the Norwegian people.
Coins: No known coins specifically associated with Sweyn Alfivasson
- Successor: Magnus the Good (Magnus I)
- Predecessor: Haakon Eiriksson
- War Objective: Consolidation of Danish power
- Fought against: Norwegian rebels
- Other Vikings: Support from his father Knut the Great
- Advantages: Attempted to strengthen Norway’s economy
- Disadvantages: Unpopular among the people, controlled by his mother
- Strengths: Attempted to introduce new laws and economic reforms
- Weaknesses: Lack of independence, controlled by his mother Ælfgifu
- Contributions: Failed to consolidate power, led to rebellion
- Diseases: Likely occurrence of plague and other infectious diseases
- Source:Britannica and Collectium database
Magnus the Good (Magnus I)
1035–1047
Magnus the Good, son of Olaf the Holy, became king of both Norway and Denmark. He was a popular leader who improved legislation and strengthened Norway’s economy.
Coins: No known coins specifically associated with Magnus the Good
- Successor: Harald Hardrada (Harald III)
- Predecessor: Sweyn Alfivasson
- War Objective: Consolidating power in Norway and Denmark
- Fought against: Sweyn Estridsson
- Other Vikings: Conflicts with Sweyn Estridsson
- Advantages: Popular among the people, strong leader
- Disadvantages: Constant threat from rival kings
- Strengths: Military prowess, political acumen
- Weaknesses: Lack of stability due to external threats
- Contributions: Stabilized Norway, improved legislation
- Diseases: Likely occurrence of plague and other infectious diseases
- Source:Britannica and Collectium database
Harald Hardrada (Harald III)
1046–1066
Harald Hardrada, known for his Viking expeditions and military prowess, was one of Norway’s most adventurous kings. He traveled to Russia, Constantinople, and England.
Coin: Made of silver or gold, with a portrait and the inscription «HARALD REX»
Find sites: Hedeby, Stiklestad, Dublin, England, Bergen, and Trondheim
Variants: Silver coins called «long cross penny» and «short cross penny»
- Successor: Magnus Haraldsson (Magnus II)
- Predecessor: Magnus the Good
- War Objective: Expansion of Norway’s territory
- Fought against: English and Danish kings
- Other Vikings: Conflicts with Danish and English kings
- Advantages: Skilled warrior and strategist, expanded Norway’s territory
- Disadvantages: Brutal and violent, many conflicts
- Strengths: Military prowess, great military power
- Weaknesses: Violent and ruthless, many enemies
- Contributions: Expanded Norway’s territory, stabilized royal power
- Diseases: Likely occurrence of plague and other infectious diseases
- Source:Britannica and Collectium database
Magnus Haraldsson (Magnus II)
1066–1069
Magnus Haraldsson, also known as Magnus II, was a peaceful leader who worked for stability and peace in Norway. His time as king was short and poorly documented.
Coins: No known coins specifically associated with Magnus Haraldsson
- Successor: Olaf Kyrre
- Predecessor: Harald Hardrada
- War Objective: Peace and stability
- Fought against: No major battles
- Other Vikings: No known conflicts
- Advantages: Worked for stability and peace
- Disadvantages: Lack of military strength
- Strengths: Peaceful leader, political acumen
- Weaknesses: Lack of military prowess
- Contributions: Worked for peace and stability in Norway
- Diseases: Likely occurrence of plague and other infectious diseases.
- Source:Britannica and Collectium database
Olav Kyrre (Olav III)
1067–1093
Olav Kyrre, known for his peaceful reign and urban development, was one of Norway’s most peaceful kings. He promoted trade and developed cities, especially Bergen.
Coin: Silver coins with the king’s portrait and various motifs such as crosses, boats, animals, or geometric patterns
Find sites: Bergen, Trondheim, Dublin, England, and Germany
Variants: Coins minted in Trondheim, Oslo, and England under Olav Kyrre’s alliance with the English king
- Successor: Magnus Barefoot (Magnus III)
- Inherited from: Harald Hardrada
- Purpose of War: No major wars, focus on peace and development
- Fought with: No known wars
- Other Vikings: No major conflicts
- Advantages: Peaceful and administratively skilled, developed cities
- Disadvantages: Lack of military experience
- Strengths: Administrative prowess, promoted trade and urban development
- Weaknesses: Lack of war experience, not known as a warrior king
- Contributions: Developed Bergen as a trade center, promoted Christianity
- Diseases: No known diseases documented
- Sources: Britannica and Collectium databases
Magnus Barefoot (Magnus III)
1066–1069
Magnus Barefoot, known for his military campaigns and attempts to expand Norwegian territories, was a warlike king. He conducted several raids in Ireland and Scotland.
Coin: Used as a symbol of royal power and authority
Find sites: No specific find sites mentioned
Variants: Used as official currency with the king’s image or symbols
- Successor: Sigurd the Crusader (Sigurd I)
- Inherited from: Olav Kyrre
- Purpose of War: Expansion of Norway’s territory
- Fought with: Irish and Scottish kings
- Other Vikings: Conflicts with local rulers in Ireland and Scotland
- Advantages: Skilled warrior and leader, expanded Norway’s influence
- Disadvantages: Short reign due to early death in battle
- Strengths: Military prowess, tactical acumen
- Weaknesses: Violent and ruthless, many enemies
- Contributions: Expanded Norwegian influence in the western isles and Scotland
- Diseases: No known diseases documented
Sources: Britannica and Collectium databases
Key Features of Viking Kings
Viking Raids
Explore the ferocious Viking raids that struck fear into the hearts of Europe, showcasing their strategic prowess and relentless spirit.
Wars and Battles
Dive into the epic battles that defined the Viking era, from local skirmishes to large-scale conflicts that shaped the course of history.
Royal Power
Understand the consolidation of royal power by Viking kings, their governance, and the establishment of early Norwegian monarchy.
Trade Routes
Uncover the extensive trade networks established by the Vikings, which connected Scandinavia with distant lands and enriched their culture.
Dive Deeper into Viking Coin History
- Harald Fairhair (Harald I) – ca. 872–930 – Coins: No known coins
- Eric Bloodaxe (Eric I) – 930–934 – Coins: No known coins
- Haakon the Good (Haakon I) – 934–961 – Coins: No known coins
- Harald Greycloak (Harald II) – 961–970 – Coins: No known coins
- Haakon Sigurdsson (Haakon II) – 970–995 – Coins: No known coins
- Olav Tryggvason (Olav I) – 995–1000
- Coins: The oldest Norwegian coins with the inscription «OLAF REX.» Variants include silver coins called «long cross penny» and «short cross penny,» and coins with the image of a boat believed to be «Ormen Lange.»
- Eric Haakonsson (Eric II) – 1000–1015 – Coins: No known coins
- Olav the Holy (Olav II) – 1015–1028
- Coins: Coins from the 1010s, 1020s, and 1040s with the images of Olav Haraldsson and St. Olav. Used as symbols of royal power and political authority.
- Haakon Eriksson (Haakon III) – 1028–1035 -Coins: No known coins
- Sweyn Alfivasson (Sweyn I) – 1030–1035 – Coins: No known coins
- Magnus the Good (Magnus I) – 1035–1047 – Coins: No known coins
- Harald Hardrada (Harald III) – 1046–1066
- Coins: Coins made of silver or gold with a portrait and the inscription «HARALD REX.»
- Magnus Haraldsson (Magnus II) – 1066–1069 – Coins: No known coins
- Olav Kyrre (Olav III) – 1067–1093
- Coins: Silver coins with the king’s portrait and various motifs such as crosses, boats, animals, or geometric patterns.
- Magnus Barefoot (Magnus III) – 1093–1103
- Coins: Used as a symbol of royal power and authority, but no specific details mentioned.
