Background
He was the son of Eirik Håkonson, ruler of Norway and earl of Northumbria. His mother is commonly believed to have been Gytha, a daughter of Sweyn Forkbeard and Sigrid the Haughty of Denmark and half-sister of King Knut.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Hakon Ericsson
Edit ProfileCareer
Håkon Eiriksson was from a dynasty of Norwegian rulers in the eastern part of Trondheim, bordering the Trondheimsfjord. In 1014 or 1015 Eirik Håkonson left Norway and joined Knut for his campaign in England. Eirik remained as earl of Northumbria until his death between 1023 and 1033.
After some years" absence in England fighting the Danes, Olaf Haraldsson returned to Norway in 1015 and declared himself king, obtaining the support of the petty kings of the Uplands.
In 1016, Olaf defeated Sveinn Hákonarson at the Battle of Nesjar. After the victory of Olaf Haraldsson, Håkon fled to England where he was well received by King Knut and made Earl of Worcester.
After the Battle of the Helgeå, Norwegian nobles rallied behind Knut. He is recorded as being the ruler of the Sudreyar from 1016 until 1030.
In 1028, Håkon Eiriksson returned as Knut"s vassal ruler of Norway.
Håkon died in a shipwreck in the Pentland Firth, between the Orkney Islands and the Scottish mainland, either late 1029 or early 1030.
