Background story
Norway was united around the year 872 after a seven year war of unification led by the legendary king, Harald Fairhair. He ruled for sixty years until the crown was passed to his son, Eirik Bloodaxe.
The problem facing King Eirik was his many brothers claiming the throne for themselves. Norway was in turmoil. To solidify his claim, Eirik ruthlessly disposes of all opponents to his throne, save one. Håkon Athelstensfostre. With the help of Sigurd, jarl of Hladir, Håkon manages to defeat his brother Eirik Bloodaxe and forces him to flee to Jorvik where he soon establish himself as king.
Norway had been through a good and prosperous period from the time of the unification by King Harald in 872. It has been the most powerful faction in the north, unchallenged. Until recent years. The Danish lands were united by Gorm the Old around the time of King Harald's death (933), and has been growing in power ever since. The struggle within the Norwegian royalty would only feed the Danish kings' lust for power, and they would receive their help unwittingly from England when Eirik Bloodaxe was defeated at Stainmore in 954, forcing his sons to flee to Denmark.
Håkon Sigurdsson was born in 937 within the earldom of Hladir. He was named after his grandfather Håkon Hrothgarsson as well as the current king of Norway, Håkon the Good. His father, Sigurd Hladirjarl was the most powerful figure in the kingdom next to the king himself. He was getting old however and it would not be long until Håkon would take his place as Jarl.
It happened sooner than he had wished for. The eldest son of Eirik Bloodaxe, Harald Greycloak with support from King Harald Bluetooth of Denmark, led several attacks against his uncle, King Håkon. They were defeated at multiple occasions.
In 961 a great invasion fleet of Danes led by the sons of Eirik Bloodaxe landed at Fitjar in Hordaland, Western Norway. They would be met by a contingent of Norwegians and a decisive battle would take place.
Coming up...
The Saga of Håkon Sigurdsson
Map of Northern Europe ca. 961 AD
