Who killed King Harald in Vikings? This is a question that has intrigued fans of the hit TV series for years. King Harald of Norway, a central figure in the show, met his demise in a dramatic fashion, leaving viewers both satisfied and puzzled about the identity of his assassin. This article delves into the mystery surrounding King Harald’s death and explores the various theories and interpretations of the events that led to his untimely end.
The character of King Harald in Vikings is based on the historical figure, Harald Bluetooth, who ruled Norway from 935 to 970. Bluetooth was known for his efforts to unify the various Viking kingdoms under a single rule, a theme that is prominently featured in the TV series. His death, which occurred in 970, is shrouded in mystery, with several theories attempting to explain the circumstances surrounding it.
One of the most popular theories suggests that King Harald was assassinated by his own son, Harald Greycloak. This theory is supported by the historical account of the death of Bluetooth, which states that he was poisoned by his son. In the TV series, this event is depicted in a more dramatic fashion, with King Harald being betrayed by his own son in a plot to seize power.
Another theory posits that King Harald was killed by a rival Viking king, such as Erik Bloodaxe or Sweyn Forkbeard. These kings were known to have clashed with Bluetooth during his reign, and some historians believe that they may have had a hand in his death. The TV series, however, portrays King Harald’s demise as a result of internal strife within his own kingdom, rather than an external attack.
A third theory suggests that King Harald’s death was the result of a coup d’état, with a group of nobles conspiring to overthrow him. This theory is based on the historical fact that Bluetooth’s reign was marked by internal power struggles and that he was eventually deposed by his own people.
While the TV series does not explicitly reveal the identity of King Harald’s assassin, it does leave viewers with a sense of intrigue and uncertainty. The series’ portrayal of King Harald’s death serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities and dangers inherent in the world of the Vikings, where power struggles and betrayal were all too common.
In conclusion, the question of who killed King Harald in Vikings remains a subject of debate among fans and historians alike. Whether it was his own son, a rival king, or a group of conspirators, the death of King Harald is a tragic event that has left a lasting impact on the history of the Viking era. The mystery surrounding his assassination continues to captivate audiences, making the story of King Harald a timeless tale of power, betrayal, and the human condition.
