The Gesta Danorum (Books I-IX) on Harald
The Danish History, > Books I-Ix > War.
attestation: Harald was killed by treachery at Bravalla, completing the defeat that began when Ubbe fell riddled with arrows.
"The death of Harald by treachery completed the defeat, which began when Ubbe fell (after he had broken the enemy's van) riddled with arrows"
attestation: Harald's host included men from Iceland, Danish provinces, Frisia, Slavic lands, Jom, Aland, and Sleswick.
"The host of Harold had men from Iceland, the Danish provinces, Frisia, Lifland; Slavs, and men from Jom, Aland, and Sleswick"
The Danish History, > Book Seven.
attestation: Harald chose unmarried soldiers for his crews and became a glorious rover, earning his brother's hatred
"Harald, the younger son, received the rule of the sea, and chose soldiers who were unmarried, fearing to be baffled like his brother. Fortune favoured his choice"
attestation: Harald's sons (also named Harald and Halfdan) were targeted for murder by their uncle Frode
"the lives of Harald and Halfdan, the sons of Harald by Signe the daughter of Karl, were attempted by their uncle."
attestation: The boys were hidden in a hollow oak and fed secretly, given dog names to prevent discovery
"They were presently shut up by their guardians in a hollow oak, so that no trace of their being alive should get abroad, and were fed for a long time under pretence that they were dogs"
attestation: Erik defeated Harald in three battles and slew him in the fourth, forcing Halfdan to return from Sweden to defend his realm
"his brother Harald had been beaten by Erik in three battles, and slain in the fourth, he was afraid of losing his empire; he had to quit the land of the Swedes and go back to his own country."
attestation: After Halfdan's death his son Harald Hyldetan succeeded to the kingdom
"And when Harald wished to inquire of oracles how this war would end, an old man of great height, but lacking one eye, and clad also in a hairy mantle, appeared before him, and declared that he was called Odin, and was versed in the practice of warfare; and he"
attestation: Harald was growing old and becoming blind, transferring authority to trusted generals
"At this time Ole, the son of Siward and of Harald's sister, came to Denmark from the land of Norway in the desire to see his uncle."
attestation: Harald War-Tooth's kingdom was the largest in Scandinavian legend, encompassing Denmark and Sweden
"At this time Ole, the son of Siward and of Harald's sister, came to Denmark from the land of Norway in the desire to see his uncle."
attestation: The warriors prepared for battle between Harald and Ring, gathering forces from across Scandinavia
"When Ole had news of this, he rejoiced in the chance of a battle, and borrowing the attire of a peasant, went to the dwelling of Olaf."
attestation: The approaching battle was described as the greatest conflict in Scandinavian legendary history
"When Ole had news of this, he rejoiced in the chance of a battle, and borrowing the attire of a peasant, went to the dwelling of Olaf."
The Danish History, > Book Eight.
attestation: Harald Hyldetan led the Danish forces while Ring led the Swedish side in this great battle
"And my pen shall relate first those on the side of Harald, and presently those who served under Ring."
attestation: The battle array was organized with different champions assigned to specific wings and positions
"their land-forces to the battle-field."
attestation: Harald's forces were so numerous that the ships blocked navigation and filled the sea
"Now Brun, being instructed to form the line on Harald's behalf, made the front in a wedge, posting Hetha on the right flank, putting Hakon in command of the left, and making Wisna standard-bearer."
attestation: Both Harald and Ring positioned their forces carefully before the great engagement began
"stand quietly until Harald had drawn up his line of battle; bidding them not to sound the signal before they saw the king settled in his chariot beside the standards; for he said he should hope that an army would soon come to grief which trusted in the leading of a blin"
attestation: Both armies suffered devastating casualties, with champions falling on each side throughout the day
"Then at last the Danes suffered a great defeat, owing to the Thronds and the dwellers in the province of Dala."
attestation: Harald, now blind with age, perceived from the sounds that fortune had turned against him
"But when Harald, being now blind with age, heard the lamentable murmur of his men, he perceived that fortune had smiled on his enemies"
attestation: Harald rode into battle in a chariot armed with scythes despite his blindness
"as he was riding in a chariot armed with scythes, he told Brun"
attestation: Harald War-Tooth was killed in his chariot during the battle of Braavalla
"But when Harald, being now blind with age, heard the lamentable murmur of his men, he perceived that fortune had smiled on his enemies."
The Danish History, > Book Nine.
attestation: The rebellion was crushed and Harald was defeated and driven into permanent exile
"against Ragnar were obstinately bent on rebellion."
attestation: Harald, with the support of cold-hearted Danes from Ragnar's own army, renewed sedition and claimed the kingship
"Harald, meanwhile, with the adherence of certain Danes who were cold-hearted servants in the army of Ragnar, disturbed his country with renewed sedition, and came forward claiming the title of king"
attestation: Harald persistently challenged Ragnar's authority despite repeated defeats
"Harald, meanwhile, with the adherence of certain Danes who were cold-hearted servants in the army of Ragnar, disturbed his country with renewed sedition, and came forward claiming the title of king."