Harald IV of Norway

Harald IV. (d. 1136), king of Norway, surnamed Gylle (probably froln Gylle Krist, i.e. servant of Christ), was born in Ireland about 1103.

Aroung 1127, he went to Norway and declared he was a son of King Magnus III Barefoot, who had visited Ireland just before his death in 1103, and consequently a half-brother of the reigning king, Sigurd.

He appears to have submitted successfully to the ordeal of fire, and the alleged relationship was acknowledged by Sigurd on condition that Harald did not claim any share in the government of the kingdom during his lifetime or that of his son Magnus. Living on friendly terms with the king, Harald kept this agreement until Sigurd’s death in 1130. Then war broke out between himself and Magnus, and after several battles the latter was captured in 1134, his eyes were put out, and he was thrown into prison.

Harald now ruled the country until 1136, when he was murdered by Sigurd SlembiDiakn, another bastard son of Magnus Barefoot. Four of Harald’s sons, Sigurd, Ingi, Eystein and Magnus, were subsequently kings of Norway.

Based on an article from 1911 EB

Preceded by: Magnus the Blind

List of Norwegian monarchs

Succeeded by: Sigurd Munn