#but it should be noted that “Norway” at this point /probably/ didn't include some parts around Oslo - we are not entirely certain here

[ifindus]

The Battle of Hjørungavåg - for the Mythtalia March by @hwsevents

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"Never have Danes held such a battle with Norwegians, not before nor since" - Fagrskinna.

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The battle of Hjørungavåg took place outside the Norwegian coast in the year 986, and was a sea battle between an invading Danish army and a defending Norwegian one. It was a battle of great national significance as the ruling Earl Håkon defended the country against the Danish King Svein Tjugeskjegg aided by the Joms Vikings, who wanted to take control over Norway and christen it.

The battle begun after some farmers tricked the Danes into believeing Earl Håkon only had 2-3 ships with him. They charged forth and got surprised by 50 ships lying in wait for them.

It was a fierce battle, and despite the element of surprise, the Norwegians suffered heavy losses early on. Most of the losses were with Earl Håkon, who fought against Svein Tjugeskjegg, a fight so intense that he had to shed his chainmail as it had become torn apart by all the weapons hitting him. Håkon's sons Eirik and Svein Håkonson fought against the Joms Vikings, Eirik saving his brother. This is when the battle turns.

Suddenly, a terrifying storm hits, with fierce waves of hail. The storm seemed almost magic and supernatural, and on the side of the Norwegians. Had the pagans used dark magic? It is said that Earl Håkon had sacrificed his 7 year old son Erling in a ritual for victory (probably false). The Earls of Lade had a connection to the female godess and spirit Torgerd Hølgebrud, who was called on whenever the family was in need. She came along with her sister and other valkyries on horses with bows and arrows, sending hail towards their enemies.

Torgerd is interpreted as an ancient fertility spirit, and these spirits are also connected with a warrior aspect. They protected certain families and are some of the oldest creatures in the pre-Christian Norse religion.

The supernatural warrior spirits was a convenient excuse for why Svein Tjugeskjegg fled the battle; it was impossible to fight against gods and trolls. It also supported the savage ways of the pagan religion.

As Svein flees, he leaves the Joms Vikings behind to be captured by the Earls. They were about to be executed by beheading, but one of them managed to get a hold of the sword and chop the head off the man about to kill him. Eirik Håkonson is impressed by this and grants them their freedom.

#mythtalia march #hetalia #historical hetalia #aph norway #aph denmark #hws norway #hws denmark #again; any excuse to talk about Eirik Jarl - my fave historical person 🥰🥰🥰 #more historical notes: the son Erling was probably older and fought along his family in the battle - not sacrificed for victory #and as most sources are mostly christian propaganda it is clear that the respect they had for the Earls of Lade is genuine #there are so many stories surrounding the Earls of Lade that show the quality of them - even though they were pagan #The Earls of Lade were based in Trondheim and mainly ruled over Trøndelag - but at this point they also had control over Norway as a whole #but it should be noted that “Norway” at this point /probably/ didn't include some parts around Oslo - we are not entirely certain here #not very pleased with how the drawings turned out - but I guess the story here is the most important part 😔😔