Harold, the Last Saxon King Trivia Quiz

Answer: He was illegitimate

Harold's father was the great Earl Godwin. He rose from obscurity during the conqueror Canute's reign, and went on to become the single most powerful man in England. Harold's mother, Gytha, was Canute's kinswoman. Through his mother, Harold was linked by blood to the Scandinavian royal families. Harold came from a large family, and is normally described as the second son.

The known Godwin children are: Sweyn, Harold, Edith, Tostig, Gyrth, Leofwine, Gunhild, Gytha, Aelfgiva, and Wulfnoth. (Clarke, "The English Nobility Under Edward the Confessor," 1994).

Answer: Brother-in-law

Edward the Confessor was married to Harold's sister, Edith. The marriage was a most unusual one for several reasons. First, Edward hated Edith's father, Earl Godwin, so it is strange that he married his enemy's daughter. Second, Edward had shown an inclination to become a monk and perhaps remain chaste forever. Certainly, there were many (unsubstantiated) rumors that Edward and Edith's marriage was not consummated, and Edith never bore him any children. Finally, Edward was, in all probability, old enough to be Edith's father! (Barlow, "Edward the Confessor," 1979).

He is also the patron saint of kings - and of difficult marriages. (See Wikipedia, "Edward the Confessor").

Answer: He was banished from England

King Edward was infuriated when Earl Godwin and his sons refused to mete out punishment to the offending Dover citizens. Enraged, he exiled the Godwin family men from England, and he sent his wife (Earl Godwin's daughter) to a convent. If he had hoped to be rid of the Godwin family forever, though, he was sorely disappointed. Harold and his brother Leofwine went to Ireland and returned to England with a great fleet of ships.

They were joined by their father, who also led a powerful naval force. Edward had no choice but to suppress his wrath, and he restored all of the Godwins to their earldoms and recalled his wife from her convent.

Answer: Wessex

After Earl Godwin's death, Harold was 'promoted' to the earldom of Wessex. Wessex was a particularly important earldom, as it had been the ancient seat for the Saxon kings in the past. Wessex was a rich and plentiful region, and Harold's appointment to this region consolidated his position as the most powerful man in England, save only the king. (Clemoes, "The Anglo Saxons," 1959)

Answer: His mother hated him

Harold had a "Danish wife," Edith Swanneck, for nearly twenty years. Danish wives were not accepted by the church, and were relegated to mistress status by the clergy. Rich or powerful men, then, could "marry" one woman for the sake of love, and another for politics or property. Harold and Edith had at least six children. By many accounts, Harold enjoyed a cordial relationship with most members of his family. (Walker, "Harold," 1997)

Answer: There is no decisive explanation

Norman propagandists proclaim that Edward sent Harold to swear fealty to William of Normandy and acknowledge him as Edward's heir. Other sources, however, hint that Harold went to Normandy to gain the release of several English hostages, including his brother, Wulfnoth.

In the midst of all of this political activity, stories also abound that Harold contracted a marriage with Duke William's very young daughter, Adeliza. Some English sources state that Harold was shipwrecked, and that his sojourn in Normandy was a mere accident. Ultimately, though, there is no clear, decisive explanation given for Harold's visit. (Walker, "Harold," 1997)

Answer: Held his own coronation

Harold was well aware of Duke William's ambitions for the English throne, so he wasted no time in having himself crowned King of England. Indeed, it was curious that his coronation was conducted with such speed--the threat to England must have loomed large in his mind. (Nelson, "Politics and Rituals in Early Medieval Europe," 1986)

Answer: Harold had sworn oaths to support William's claim to the English throne

William and his followers attested that Harold had sworn oaths upon sacred relics to uphold William's right to the English throne. William claimed that these oaths were made during Harold's brief visit to Normandy. Harold, of course, denied such assertions and stated that oaths given under duress were not binding. (Bosanquet, "Eadmer" translation, 1964)

Answer: Edgar the Aetheling

Before William of Normandy attacked England, Harald Hardrada of Norway made his own attempt for the English crown. The Norwegian warrior was aided by Harold's estranged brother, Tostig. Harold was able to defeat them both, but soon had to turn his attention to the Norman invaders.

Answer: He had him buried by the sea shore

Many intriguing myths surround Harold's death and burial. Legend has it that Edith Swanneck, Harold's longtime lover, found Harold's slain body on the battlefield. Harold's mother Gytha pleaded with William to allow a Christian burial, even offering Harold's weight in gold. William, apparently, refused. Instead, he asked his follower William Mallet to bury Harold's body by the sea shore--in an unmarked spot that would not attract hero-worshipers. (Walker, "Harold," 1997)

Harold lived an extraordinary life and will always be remembered as "the last of the Saxon kings".