Here’s another Old Norse song, composed and performed by me - the latest in my Sagas in Song series. It is based on the Saga of Harald Hardrada by Snorri Sturluson. Harald Hardrada (lit. Harald the Harsh-Ruler - there are many interpretations/possible translations of this name, but I think Harsh-Ruler is probably the best) was, essentially, an absolute chad. Of all the Norwegian kings and heroes from the sagas, he’s probably my all-time favourite. He achieved and did more in his life than most people could only dream of doing in several lifetimes. For the purposes of the song, I’ve picked out some of the highlights of his life as told in the saga. He fought with his half-brother St Olaf II at Stiklestad aged only 15, went east to Kievan Rus and Constantinople not long afterwards and quickly became the prime Varangian Guardsman for the Byzantine Empire. In this role, he fought many wars (too many to include in one song), but his mightiest achievements in this role were probably against the Bulgarian uprisings (which is how he gained the name “Bulgar Burner” - how friendly!). He fought the Saracens in the Middle East and Africa, visited all the Holy Sites in Palestine, became the King of Norway and beat back the Danes and Swedes, all the while composing some wonderful Skaldic poetry. Then, if all that wasn’t enough, he tried his hand at invading England with Harold Godwinson’s treacherous brother, Tostig. This appears to have been a step too far, as he was killed early in the battle by an arrow to the windpipe. I hope you enjoy. Please subscribe if you’d like to see more! You could also donate if you’d like to support my work :) Cheers. www.buymeacoffee.com/theskaldicbard

@marcus4046

Жыл бұрын

I feel your ending of the song is perfect. Like he does all this from the river jordan in palastine to his home in Norway he fought and raged and all this. But when he gets to england he without armor fighting with some saxon earl he just takes an arrow to the throat... it feels like its a story that ends way to abruptly.

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, that's what I was going for! Nice that you noticed

@andreasmarktun7447

Жыл бұрын

Thought I should just say that King Olaf the Saint was King Harald's half-brother not uncle. Anyway great song.

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

@@andreasmarktun7447 thanks for that, you're absolutely right, whoops! I put him as his brother in my song about St Olaf, not sure what happened here :-)

@andreasmarktun7447

Жыл бұрын

@@SkaldBard lol mistakes happen. Have seen worse, for example someone who said that Olav was Harald's father apparently forgot that he said Harald Sigurdson a few minutes earlier. Anyway, could you make a song about Olav's son King Magnus the Good or King Håkon Håkonson?

"A beserker was he in battle", this song is beautiful enough to move the heart of any poet and artist, yet powerful enough to ignite the heart of a warrior... beautiful song Skald

@SkaldBard

10 ай бұрын

Wholesome comment, thanks mate, means a lot

Many nobility lineages spawns weak Kings but, Harold Fairhair's lineage spawned the most important and powerful viking kings in whole Scandinavia.

objectively the most badass ruler of all time

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

Hard to disagree, friend

@user-my7qd4qb2q

Жыл бұрын

비잔티움의 근은보화, 지식들를 설명하면 객관일까?

@user-we7od8ql4x

6 ай бұрын

@@bruhmcchaddeus413 LOL no he was a Norse king.

@bruhmcchaddeus413

4 ай бұрын

⁠@@user-we7od8ql4xnvm i got confused lol i was talking about harald as in godwinson, you right harald Hardrada was norse king

Earth approved.

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

Based Earth

@zealotzealot4848

Жыл бұрын

Heaven approved

@MatthewVanston

Жыл бұрын

Asgard approved

@NorwegianSedevacantist

Жыл бұрын

Bodø approves

@anonymous-pd3ng

Жыл бұрын

Basil approved

Respect from Greece🇬🇷

Harald undoubtedly had a life full of adventures. Great song!

The admiration you have for this man is something I feel comes through in a very powerful way in this work. Well done!

@OlavHuitfeldt

Жыл бұрын

That said, I must comment on the tasteful use of the Germania One font in the thumbnail.

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

Ah, a man of culture I see

I am a direct descendant of Harald Hårfagre aka Hardrada. I love how much recognition people are giving my ancestors finally.

@directororsoncallankrennic3531

Жыл бұрын

You have a great house to rebuild, restore thy throne

@fatgoldenboy6986

11 ай бұрын

Hårfagre is not hardrada

@Northy777.

11 ай бұрын

@@fatgoldenboy6986 im related to both so it dont matter

@xXXArchangellXXx

11 ай бұрын

@@Northy777. I'm related to Bohemond of Taranto. Source: trust me, bro.

@K0EN

11 ай бұрын

If you're truly a descendant from him, make sure to honour him as your ancestor in your daily activities as much as you can

I’m from Poland and I found your music recently and I love it this is one of my favourite songs alongside the song about Varangians and retaking Jerusalem and I thank you so much for your great music I’m sure our ancestors are proud 💪

@SkaldBard

7 ай бұрын

That's awesome, witam serdecznie:)

@stormwingmlx5118

7 ай бұрын

@@SkaldBard 😁thank you for the reply i dziękuje za piękne pieśni

Great song! I like Viking history . I have read many books about them and Harald is one of my favourite. Your version is amazing. Greetings from Poland.

@SkaldBard

8 ай бұрын

Witam! Dziękuję za miłe słowa, cieszę się, że ten utwór Ci się podoba

im Bulgarian but never heard of him or a "Bulgar Burner" still he has a very interesting life. ps: i love your songs

Greco-Norse friendship

Lived as a defender of the church, Rome, and his own homeland. The ultimate european.

Really nice song. I would appreciate if you make a song about the great defender of christianity, Skanderbeg. Respect from an Albanian Christian ✝️

@LuisRincon-wr4dm

Жыл бұрын

Albania must return to be fully Christian, either Roman Catholic, Easter Catholic or both, just no Islam, no atheism, no protestantism and no communism. Skanderbeg and many other great heroes and defenders of Christendom didn't fought and died for us to compromise with heretics and infidels.

@AmericanCaesarian

Жыл бұрын

The Illyrian Gigachad Skanderbeg

@mars4105

10 ай бұрын

Is Albania mostly catholic or orthodox? Judging by your cross I guess you are catholic.

@jacobpyne5999

6 ай бұрын

​@@mars4105Albania is majority Muslim but has large orthodox and catholic minorities

@dpnp0936

4 ай бұрын

​@@mars4105Albania is primarily muslim

this guys life was a literal warband campaign

Fantastic song. Mind you Harold Godwinson was pretty badass himself.

@SkaldBard

11 ай бұрын

Thanks, mate - and yeah, also one of my favourite historical figures, will be doing a song in Old English about him at some point

@ADT1995

Ай бұрын

The Battle of Stamford Bridge was truly a battle of Giants, and not just because Hardrada was an actual giant of a man.

EPIC 🇬🇷❤️🇧🇻

Such a fearsome and storng human being was send by our lord to protect the city , thank god for the north men !!!

@user-we7od8ql4x

6 ай бұрын

well didn't help against the ottomans tough

@panos96pap

6 ай бұрын

@@user-we7od8ql4x agree ! but remember , history always works in a circular way ;)

@VergiliosSpatulas

6 ай бұрын

@@user-we7od8ql4x History repeats itself, for we'll obtain our Capital back in due time.

@noitnettaattention

3 ай бұрын

​@@user-we7od8ql4x Even when everyone else who survived the battle left the Constantinople, Vikings/Varangians stood their ground and fought till last drop of their blood!

This man puts the king in Viking

@lopakacooper1668

6 ай бұрын

The Bard also puts the “Vi” in *”Victory”*

@user-we7od8ql4x

6 ай бұрын

well the so called "Vikings" never called themself that it would be more period accurate to call them Northman. The word Viking is commonly used today for the Danes, Swedes and Norwegian raiders and people of the very early middle ages.

@lopakacooper1668

6 ай бұрын

@@user-we7od8ql4x So, the word “Viking” is an exonym, rather than an endonym?

@ryujin9568

5 күн бұрын

@@lopakacooper1668 It was never a name for a people, it's a thing you do. To go viking meant many things. Raiding, trading, exploring, colonising and conquering. It was the Norse equivalent of the ancient Indo-European Koryos, a tradition of exiling the boys of a tribe for a number of years until they came back as men, except it was no longer a ritual for manhood and had pretty much become a seasonal occupation.

He was the GOAT when it came to fighting in that era in my opinion

We camed from the northen lands crossed the grey atlantic sea and lefted on our back scandinavia the sweet homeland,and now we joined an other realm called hellas the mediteranian winds knocks into the Doors of our hearts the byzantine hospitality humbled our souls,we will figth for the golden city behold of her glorious history,and her mythical walls! until our last breath we stand shoulder to shoulder with kaiser!(imperator) much respect to you from 🇬🇷:3

To most people who know of him, Harald was an upstart who tried and failed to conquer England. When you know his real history, you realize that this man was a true legend of his age, even though he lost his final and arguably greatest Conquest. He needs more attention, and one could hope that one day they'll make a great film about his life.

You are very talented

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot, friend

this should be the national anthem of Norway

What a great song , for a great leader!

Objectively one of the coolest dudes to ever exist

I'm a Bulgarian, so this came quite emotionally for me :)

@SkaldBard

11 ай бұрын

Ah! The Bulgarians are a glorious and proud folk

Wow, your previous Varangian song was fire but you outdid yourself with this one! Congrats, man!

YES! Finally! Been waiting for my favourite viking legend :DD Amazing work as always!

As Swede, I can understand some of the words however some words sounds a bit like old german with norweigan combined. Skål for an great song!

Your songs are great mate. Keep it up 💪

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot, my friend

I discovered your channel while coming back from work, greetings from Transylvania 🇷🇴, i am listening to your songs for over 2 hours now:))

@SkaldBard

11 ай бұрын

Hah, awesome! Welcome!

I was expecting for this!!! And I got here right when the notification popped up. I really love your work, my friend. Thanks!

Loving this stuff so much I just want to leave a suggestion of my own here! How about some Psalms in Old Norse or Old English? I’d love to hear things like Psalm 22/23 (The Lord is My Shepherd - Depending on your bible’s numbering) or just any of the psalms really. God bless and keep up the great work!

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

Yep, planning the Psalms, just need to find some time!

Ah yes, my time to shine.

This song just screams "come at me southlanders!"

@keepcalm2626

Жыл бұрын

Come with me southlanders to fight the Easterners ;p *

You forgot to include that he (possibly) blinded a bizantine emperor.

One of the Manliest men of Scandinavia and the world in general. Great song kudos from hellas.

Hail from greece!!

I’ve always found Hadraada interesting and i think the most interesting alt history would have been his victory in 1066.

This is bad a$$🎧😍

Magnificent. Thank you!

This is A Certified Nord Classic

@SkaldBard

7 ай бұрын

Haha, awesome

Hofdingi has been a constant recurring joke in my friend group for months now. Thank you

🇬🇷⳩MIKLAGARD⳩🇬🇷

The Battle of the Stamford Bridge:🗿🗿🗿

Why does this song slap so hard

Great tribute to one of the most feared warriors in history.I've heard/ read that he was close to 7ft tall, although that's probably an exaggeration.

absolutely fabulous as always probably the best so far and every piece of Your music was magnifiecent

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this, friend!

A true CHAD for sure!

It's sad that Tsar Petar Delyan was blinded before the battle with Harald, maybe the outcome would have been different otherwise. However, he is my favorite viking. Absolute badass.

You should do Magnus the Good next! The son of the Saint, who was brought back as the Northmenn's liberator from the Danish tyranny! The King who avenged his father's death by conquering Denmark, but decided to not punish the Danes but defend them against the Heathens. Who at first persued vengence against the Trønders, but then was persuaded to forgive them and became known as Magnus the Good! The King who wished to conquer England and reclaim the North Sea Empire under Norrthman rule (as opposed to Danish rule), but decided against it after learning of the English King's journey and Christian piety. The King, who shall forever be remembered as Magnus the Good!

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I've got a whole song planned out for him, just need to find some time to work on it! :-)

I have only recently come across your stuff this week, and I gotta say you produce really high quality stuff I hope you finally get the recognition you deserve for this awesome music.

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot for the encouragement, my friend

Really powerful, love it!

Fuck. This goes hard.

The world would have been a very different place if Harald had won against both William of Normandy and Harold Harold Godwinson and in the timeline, Harald would be probably called King Harald I, the Varangian King of England

Epic song.

I just discovered your channel and loved your work. please keep up the great work !

I respect Harald, especially since half my paternal line is from Norway, but Haakon's rebellion was anything but godless.

You're doing very impressive work with your songs. Hail!

Can you make a song about Hastings from the Anglo-Saxon perspective?

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

I'm planning a bit of an "epic" about the whole Norman conquest in Old English, so it'll come!

@bruhmcchaddeus413

9 ай бұрын

Harold eventho great king stole the throne under williams nose lol William was related by blood to edward, williams great aunt was edwards mother, he was closest relative but English aristocracy had other plans. Harold indeed was a great king tho

I love hearing songs about my ancestors. And since other people have been asked to provide proof of such claims, I'm a descendant of Philip the Magnanimous, Landgrave of Hesse, through his 2nd wife, Margarethe. Philip's mother was descended from the dukes of Mecklenburg, and Magnus I of Mecklenburg was the son of Euphemia of Sweden, who was daughter of Ingeborg of Denmark. From Ingeborg, it's a straight paternal line to Harald. So assuming the claims of paternity along that line are true, I am in fact a descendent of Harald.

Again great job man 😊

This is my favorite nord in history

Hello Skaldic Bard! I was wondering if you could compose an old English song on Hardrada's enemy, Harold Godwinson, the last of the Anglo Saxon kings of England? Much respect and love from James! Keep up your great work!

@SkaldBard

11 ай бұрын

Hey James, thanks a lot for the kind words! As it happens, I'm currently working on one for him right now - stay tuned!

@jamesbatesibusquets7617

11 ай бұрын

@@SkaldBard Oh that's AWESOME! I can't wait! Thank you!!!!!

Legendary 🏰

He has life we should all wish for. Bravery makes life good.

I am a descendant of Harald Hardrada and Harold Godwinson. Also kin by marriage, William of Normandy. I have mixed feelings toward the battles at Stirling Bridge and Hastings.

I hate you Skaldic Bard. I want to hear other music too, but here I return all the time. You destroyed me.

@SkaldBard

2 ай бұрын

Hah, love it - was a bit worried when I got the notification as I could only see the first line, but appreciate the words ;-)

The Skaldic Bard , can you make video" Ved Stanford Brua- Norse song about the battle of Stamford Bridge" by Harald Foss, please ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

I might make an Old Norse cover at some point :-)

Yet another catchy epic song about a historical badass that will stay in my head!!

Love this!

Flott tekst...!

Heard this once and knew it was a new favorite.

Perhaps but many came before and still strive for it beyond him,they'll never be a one ruler of earth.No man!

That's very impressive> Good job!

HELLO FRIENDS, GREETINGS FROM ARGENTINA. I DON'T KNOW WHY I LOVE THIS MUSIC. IT TRANSPORTS ME TO AN UNKNOWN TIME AND PLACE OF THE PAST, BUT FAMILIAR AT THE SAME TIME. MY ANCESTORS ARE SPANISH, ITALIAN, FRENCH AND IRISH SINCE 1820 AND 1945. WILL IT BE THAT THE BLOOD OF MY ANCESTORS CALLS ME? SORRY FOR MY IGNORANCE AND MY TERRIBLE ENGLISH. SKÄLL!! HAIL !! HEIL!! SALVE!! o/

Mighty Elegy Hail Harald 🌊

Make Europa great again!!!!! Rise up !

My uncle doctor Todor Jovanović was Varangian like my mother

only the byzantine empire could make warriors like harald

Eheheheh... I likey.

Heil Harald Hardrad

My pure heart plz hear it

Respect from Türkiye

Drawn to battle like snow to a mountaintop💪💪

As an Indian, I love this song!

I wish this guy conquered England instead of Willian Imagine in the sagas: Harold Haddrada the Blessed that fought Turks, Pagans, controlled Norway, and conquered England.

@SkaldBard

Жыл бұрын

Aye, would be an incredible story - and just imagine how awesome a Germanic language modern English would be if Norse had had nearly the same impact as French

@arcaniteplays-blackdeath-5218

Жыл бұрын

@@SkaldBard I'm working on a Constructed language that basically is Middle English with Norse Influence. The lore is basically this: "Harold Haddrada received a message from a villager that lived in Mercia about Godwinson army coming to ambush him, then, Haddrada got ready, and ambushed Godwinson's Army in Stanford bridge. Instead of killing Godwinson, Hadrada took Godwinson as a captive with him to York. After knowing that Willian the Norman was moving his troops near East Anglia, Hadrada convinced Godwinson to tell his men to come with him, then, Haddrada also made it to ambush Willian in London, and it was a blessed victory! Normany needed to pay 2000 silver pounds to the United Kingdom of Norway and England In Winchester, and a monument with Christ crowning Hadrada was build in Winchester.

You should do one about Egil Skallagrimsson

Yet his magnificence met an end in Northern England....

Is it true that Olaf the black was his great grandson?progenitor of many highland clans!mcleods and morrisons!

прекрасный голос и музыка, надеюсь поскорее купишь микрофон получше)

Will someone please recompense hissoul ❤

I had a vision the blood would be up to the horses bridal

And those Christians who had blinded Bulgars were be creators of mamsers, whose prevailed also inside Your own nation.

Heill Haraldr Hardrádi!

I love your music, but why does all of your songs sound muffled? Every other song in my playlist is crystal clear, but when one from your channel pops up it's like my headphones are playing through a pillow.

@SkaldBard

5 ай бұрын

It's because they're literally recorded on my phone, and the early ones have no proper mastering at all. I started the channel as a hobby not expecting anyone to really listen, but they have listened quite a lot - so I am planning on getting some equipment and remaking them one day

@garyfrank7962

5 ай бұрын

@@SkaldBard Thanks for the explanation, I thought I was going crazy! I didn't know the recording was through your phone. Still impressive though! If you're remaking some songs please remaster The Last Varaangians. Again, love the music!

There's interesting verse: ock latinumen. It's interesting because they were greek rhomaioi,not italic Latins.

Im not obsessed with it or nothing but facts are facts