This article, “who is Harald Sigurdsson” contains spoilers regarding Netflix’s Vikings: Valhalla season 1.
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Who is Harald Sigurdsson in Vikings: Valhalla season 1?
Although he starts the series called Harald Sigurdsson, if the show sticks to the history books, he will later become Harald Hardrada. He appears to have strong family values, promising to seek revenge for his brother’s (Sten) death and even sticks by Olaf despite his violent tendencies. He is a key character in the history of the Vikings, with many historians considering his eventual death as the end of the Viking age.
Despite what could be viewed as a close relationship with his brother Olaf, Harald is shocked to learn that Olaf has a 12-year-old illegitimate son, Magnus. And with a romantic relationship with Freydis, Harald could soon find himself having to choose between family and the girl he may love. Although less violent than Olaf, Harald’s actions still shock Leif. None more so, than when Harald brutally killed Saxons. Yet, to Harald, he is under the belief that by killing them, he is showing them mercy by ending their pain.
What does Harald Sigurdsson do?
After Harald sets sail to Norway, his brother gets killed as part of a brutal bloodbath on orders from Aethelred the Unready. In the aftermath, Harald swears revenge. When he crosses paths with Leif and Freydis, he has sex with Freydis, and later has Leif pledge his alliance to the Viking’s cause for revenge.
Shortly afterwards, Harald and Leif both set sail and make plans for the impending battle. However, once in England, Harald learns that Aethelred the Unready is already dead. Still desperate for revenge, Harald declares that he will make his son Prince Edmund pay for the crimes of his father Aethelred the Unready. During his mission for revenge, he forms a close friendship with Leif, even saving him from certain death on a few occasions.
Once the battle against Edmund is over, and Harald is on the winning side, he plans to kill Edmund. However, his chance for vengeance never happens as King Canute declares that he wants Edmund alive. To which Harald believes that he has traded his brother’s honor for the crown of Norway.
Towards the end of the season, Harald declares his love for Freydis. Regardless, Harald decides to fight with Olaf, and that very fact almost alienates him from Freydis. It also makes Leif question his friendship with Harald. As the season finale battle takes place, Kare betrays Harald and promises to bring him Freydis’s head. But luckily for Harald, Olaf is there to rescue him. But as the battle turns more deadly, Harald is attacked with an axe and faces possible death. However, Freydis comes to his rescue.
