Danish Monarch. Born the son of Gorm the Old of Jylland and Thyra Danebod. Harald ascended to the throne with his father's death in 935 following Gorm's disastrous invasion of Friesland. Harald began his reign by strengthened the Danawirk series of fortifications in an attempt to create a barrier between the Holy Roman Empire and Denmark, and consolidated the kingdom won by his father. After the assassination of King Harald Graafeld of Norway, Harald attempted to add Norway to his lands, but was only briefly successful before being forced to withdraw. The Holy Roman Emperor, Otto I, then demanded Harald recognize him as lord protector of the nascent Danish Christian church. The ensuing conflict saw Harald's defeat and he was forced to accept baptism in the Christian church in 972. By 980 Harald removed the royal residence to Roeskilde and built a church there, and promoted the spread of the new religion. His son Sweyn Forkbeard, allied himself with Palnatoke, a powerful pagan chieftain and foster father to the prince, who raised a rebellion against the King. Palnatoke reportedly defeated and killed Harald in battle. The king was buried in the church at Roeskilde, where he was walled up in one of the pillars of the choir. He is also known variously as Harald Gormson or Harald I of Denmark and as Harald Blatand (meaning Bluetooth).
Danish Monarch. Born the son of Gorm the Old of Jylland and Thyra Danebod. Harald ascended to the throne with his father's death in 935 following Gorm's disastrous invasion of Friesland. Harald began his reign by strengthened the Danawirk series of fortifications in an attempt to create a barrier between the Holy Roman Empire and Denmark, and consolidated the kingdom won by his father. After the assassination of King Harald Graafeld of Norway, Harald attempted to add Norway to his lands, but was only briefly successful before being forced to withdraw. The Holy Roman Emperor, Otto I, then demanded Harald recognize him as lord protector of the nascent Danish Christian church. The ensuing conflict saw Harald's defeat and he was forced to accept baptism in the Christian church in 972. By 980 Harald removed the royal residence to Roeskilde and built a church there, and promoted the spread of the new religion. His son Sweyn Forkbeard, allied himself with Palnatoke, a powerful pagan chieftain and foster father to the prince, who raised a rebellion against the King. Palnatoke reportedly defeated and killed Harald in battle. The king was buried in the church at Roeskilde, where he was walled up in one of the pillars of the choir. He is also known variously as Harald Gormson or Harald I of Denmark and as Harald Blatand (meaning Bluetooth).
Bio by: Iola
Gravesite Details
Burial Mound found near Wiejkowo Roman Catholic Church, Wiejkowo, Poland.
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