Bio

Haraldur Einkonungur, The One King (King of Noregur, “Emperor of the North”)

Born in Noregur around 850 N.Y., Haraldur was very young when he took the throne of Vestfold from his father in 860 N.Y., yet was already bigger and stronger than most other men. He was blessed with extraordinary attributes, being not only strong and hardy but clever, handsome, and charismatic. He and his trusted lieutenant Guthorumur were forced to defend his father’s kingdom against several powerful challengers soon after he took the throne, including his cousin Ragnvald “the Mounatin-Strong” Olafsson, whom many said was the rightful heir to the throne. Ragnvald’s daughter, Asa Ragnvaldsdottir, escaped, however.

It was not long, however, before Haraldur and Guthormur turned from fighting defensive wars to wars of conquest. They soon conquered the Uplands, adding these territories to Haraldur’s kingdom. And it was not long before they turned their gaze south. Men said that Haraldur was inspired by the deeds of one of his mighty ancestors, who had been a companion of the great hero Bodhvarr the Gaut, and by tales of the old Norrani Imperium, which made him dream of forging a similar empire in the North.

Haraldur has heard of a maiden of exceptional beauty, Gydha, who was the daughter of King Eirikur of Hordaland. He courted Gydha, but she told him that she would only marry the man who made himself king over all Noregur. Haraldur set out to do precisely this, vowing not to cut nor comb his hair until it was accomplished.

So began Haraldur’s greatest campaign of conquest. Under mysterious circumstances he acquired many magical powerful magical arms and armor. Unscrupulous warlords flocked to his banners. One by one, the kingdoms of Noregur fell, each being added to his Haraldur’s kingdom, and he installed the warlords who served him best as the new jarls of the conquered territories. Many freely joined his service rather than face conquest. Many others, however, decided that if it was not possible to live as free men in Noregur, they would seek new lands. Thus began a great exodus of Northmen to Nyrheimur, where the people declared that they would never have a king, but would live by rule of law. Many believe that Haraldur intends to move against Nyrheimur one day and bring all those who fled under his dominion.

Haraldur continued to acquire territories in Noregur, and even made forays against Gautland, but the opposition was so fierce, and he was so far from his base and supplies, that he at last relented and focused all his attention on Noregur. As all the kingdoms of Noregur collapsed and submitted to Haraldur, or the champions of those lands fled to Nyrheimur, Haraldur soon seemed ready to declare his vow fulfilled.

Once Haraldur was sole king of Noregur, he declared himself the Einkonungur, the “One King,” “Emperor of the North.” And truly, his kingdom is the largest in the North. In 878 N.Y. he finally had his hair cut and combed by Jarl Ragnvald of More. He sent to Gydha, who at last agreed to marry him and became one of his advisers as well (some say that there is much more to her than meets the eye). They had several children together, and Haraldur also married Ragnhildur the Mighty (with whom he fathered Eirikur Blodhox {Bloodaxe} in 885 N.Y.), and Svanhildur (with whom he had several more children). Some of his children are fostered with Guthormur and other vassals.

Now Haraldur is perceived as the mightiest warlord in the North. He rules all of Noregur with an iron fist, and is said to be seeking opportunities to expand his kingdom. Most Northmenn have a fanatical sort of loyalty to their mighty overlord (all whom did not feel this way either died in battle against him or fled to Nyrheimur long ago). Even the thursir of his realm seem to have respect for him, and some say he has a pact with their kings or gods. Men of other nations tend to see him as a threat, especially the Gautar (who have not forgot his forays against them years ago). Whatever his current plans and motivations, there is no doubt that Haraldur is one of the most powerful and dangerous figures in the North today.