Harald Hardrada
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Harald Sigurdsson, or Hardrada as he is commonly known, was the King of Norway when his fleet of Vikings invaded in 1066. Harald's reasoning for invading England was that he was the true heir to the English crown. The King of England until 1042, Harthacnut, had promised Harald the throne after his death. Harald had been occupied conquering Denmark when Harthacnut died and Edward the Confessor took the throne before he had time to claim it. Harald planned to invade England in the 1050's but Edward convinced him to wait. This gave Harald the impression that he was the possible heir, and he postponed his attack. When Edward died and Harold II laid claim to the throne first, Harald was enraged. He gathered his army and planned his attack. He was ambushed by Harold, and forced to battle for his life. He died on September 25, 1066 by wounds sustained at Stamford Bridge.