Harald III of Denmark
11th-century King of Denmark · Denmark · On the map · Historical Figures · Lived 1041 to 1080 · aged 39
A Danish king who ruled for four years without leaving a single heir, Harald III - nicknamed "the Whetstone" - spent his brief reign pushing reforms while his half-brothers circled the throne.
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Harald 3. Hen
Albert Haelwegh, Harald III
Dalby Kirke konger.jpg?width=1200)
Dalby kyrka - Halvniche i Dalby Kirke - udpeget som et formodet sted for Harald Héns begravelse (croped).jpg?width=1200)
Dalby kyrka - Halvniche i Dalby Kirke - udpeget som et formodet sted for Harald Héns begravelse (croped2)
Dalby kyrka - Halvniche i Dalby Kirke, Skåne - udpeget som et formodet sted for Harald Héns begravelse
Harald 3. Hen coin
Harald Hen mønt aAbout this person
Harald was born around 1040, the illegitimate son of Sweyn II Estridsson, and had to fight his own brothers for the crown he claimed in 1076. His nickname, "the Whetstone," stuck for reasons lost to time, but his reign was marked by peace rather than the blade. He married his cousin Margareta Hasbjörnsdatter and set about initiating reforms across Denmark. When he died on 17 April 1080, he left no children. His brother Canute IV - later sainted - took the throne, and three more half-brothers would follow in turn.
