Harald III Sigurdsson, also called Harald Hardraade (the Ruthless) 1015-66
King of Norway

The half-brother of Olaf II Haraldsson (St Olaf), he retreated to Kiev with his nephew, Magnus I Olafsson after St Olaf had been killed. He served as a Viking mercenary with the Varangian Guard in Constantinople (Istanbul), and returned to Norway (1045) to demand, and receive, a half-share in the kingdom from his nephew. He became sole king on his nephew's death (1047). He expanded Norway's possessions in Orkney, Shetland and the Hebrides, and after long wars against King Svein II Ulfsson of Denmark, he invaded England (1066) to claim the throne after the death of Edward the Confessor, but although he captured York, he was defeated and killed by Harold II at Stamford Bridge.