Discover the gripping saga of the Battle of Stamford Bridge, where Harold Godwinson faces off against Harald Hardrada and his own brother Tostig. Explore the lead-up to this monumental clash, filled with dramatic tension as strategic negotiations unfold. Witness the Viking advance and the pivotal confrontations that intertwined loyalty, ambition, and betrayal. The aftermath reveals fleeting victory with looming threats, painting a vivid picture of how this battle signified the end of the Viking Age in England.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Opening Dramatic Reading
Tom Holland reads a dramatic passage from Snorri Sturluson's saga about Harald Hardrada.
Dominic Sandbrook reveals he wrote the passage, highlighting his confidence compared to Holland's self-doubt.
insights INSIGHT
Last Viking Battle
The Battle of Stamford Bridge is the Vikings' last stand in England, making it a significant historical event.
The battle features two compelling figures, Harold Hardrada and Harold Godwinson, representing clashing civilizations.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Hardrada's Formidable Reputation
Harold Hardrada, around 50 years old in 1066, had an adventurous life as a mercenary and Varangian Guard.
Known for his ruthlessness, he was called the "Thunderbolt of the North" and the "strongest living man."
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This book delves into the Viking fascination with heroic death, exploring their literature and historical accounts to understand their psychological edge. It examines how their unique worldview contributed to their success across Europe. Shippey presents a compelling narrative that blends scholarship with engaging storytelling.
Millennium
A History of Our Last Thousand Years
Felipe Fernández-Armesto
This book provides a sweeping historical narrative of the past millennium, examining the interconnectedness of global civilizations through trade, exploration, conflict, and the exchange of ideas. It offers a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of human history, highlighting the complexity and diversity of the global experience.
The last Viking
The Life of Roald Amundsen
Stephen R. Bown
This book unravels the life of Roald Amundsen, a legend of the heroic age of exploration. Within twenty years, Amundsen claimed all four of the great geographical prizes that remained blank spots on the globe in 1900. Renowned for his determination and technical skills, Amundsen was both feared and beloved by his men. The biography, written by Stephen R. Bown, uses archival material to provide a detailed and engaging account of Amundsen's expeditions and personal life, capturing the essence of his adventures and struggles in the harshest climates of the world.
King Harald's Saga
Snorri Sturluson
Hermann Palsson
Magnus Magnusson
This saga, part of Snorri Sturluson's 'Heimskringla', tells the story of King Harald Hardradi, a Viking leader known for his battles across Europe and his final assault on England in 1066. The narrative combines history, action, and romance, offering insights into the late Viking era.
In the tumultuous climax of 1066, why was Harold’s very own brother Tostig the first of the mighty foes he had to face? How did Harald Hardrada then launch his invasion of England, and how much resistance did he initially receive? And, what unfolded at the bloody battle of Stamford Bridge, in which Harold Godwinson and Harald Hardrada, two terrible kings, faced off at long last?
Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the Battle of Stamford Bridge, the last great clash between vikings and Anglo Saxons, for the English throne…
The Rest Is History 
