Biography: Sir Raknar Guntharsson
Born in 1047 to Gunther and Yngvildr Stiensdottir, Raknar grew up with his half brother Einar (Oak) Guntharsson in Trondheim Norway. Like others of his time, Raknar was hardened by his climate and his learning throughout his younger years. He learned the legends and heroic traditions of his people at the feet of his parents and teachers; From his Father, Gunther, he learned honour; From Olaf Hjaltisson he learned the patient skill of woodcarving; From both he learned the ways and skills of the warrior.
From the age of eight, Raknar began the training that would shape his life. He learned and practiced the use of a bow, axe, short spear, sword and round shield. He followed his older half-brother Einar, learning from him at every opportunity. Together, they hunted and fished, learned to master the small sailing boats of their youth. Raknar embarked on his first long sea voyage at 12 years old with Einar and their Father.
Upon reaching manhood, Raknar seized the opportunity to join King Harold Sigurdson (the Ruthless) in his campaign for the throne of England and landed with his troops in northern England. Raknar was part of that landing force along with brother Einar and Father, Gunther.
Raknar fought with Harold Sigurdson’s troops in 1066 at the Battle of Stanford Bridge and was one of the one thousand men who survived the battle. Harold Godwinson, then King of England, spared his life, offering Raknar the chance of serving him as the true King. Raknar rose to the challenge and served.
Unaware of the historical impact of what was about to occur, Raknar traveled to Hastings via London, with King Harold II and over seven thousand men, to meet the invading forces of William, the Duke of Normandy, a claimant to the English throne. On the 13th of October, 1066, King Harold II forces camped atop Caldbec Hill, 10 km north of Hastings.
In the morning hours of the 14th of October, 1066, Duke William’s forces drew near Caldbec Hill. The first half of the day, saw King Harold II’s forces wreak heavy casualties on the invading Norman forces. But as the shadows lengthened, Duke William, fearing imminent defeat, took a large gamble; He ordered a cavalry charge and a false retreat. King Harold II’s lines broke to pursue the retreating invaders, only to be overcome by Duke William’s archers. It was during this barrage that Raknar saw the man who spared his life, King Harold Godwinson, fall with an arrow through the eye.
At that moment, the battle, and the throne of England was lost. Ironically, if Duke William had not pressed the battle and had waited one more day, King Harold II’s remaining forces would have arrived to triple his strength
During the ensuing mayhem and under the cover of rain and coming darkness, Raknar, with many of his countrymen, slipped away with only one thought in mind; to leave England and make their way back to Norway.
Upon his return to Norway, Raknar set aside his sword and shield to take up the honourable work on construction of Nidaros Cathedral. The high Altar of the Cathedral being built over the burial site of King Olav Haraldssonas, who was declared Saint Olav, Patron Saint of Norway one year and five days after his death in 1030.
But Raknar still possessed the heart of a warrior, and following in the footsteps of the man he first followed into battle, Harold Sigurdson, he set out for Constantinople to join the Varangian Guard.
The Varangian Guard were founded by Emperor Basil II in 988, with 6000 Russian Viking warriors sent by Varangian Tsar Vladimir of Russia. Their name comes from an Old Norse word relating to sharers of an oath.
Vikings had been serving in the Byzantine army and navy for some time already, but Basill formed them into a distinct regiment to act as his Imperial bodyguard. They were known as the axe-bearing Guard, from the enormous two-handed axes they carried. They served at the forefront of many of the Empire's battles, fighting Turks, Bulgars, Crusaders, Normans, and many other enemies. They also performed garrison duty in the Empire's cities.
The Varangian Guard were the best paid of all the Empire's troops. So well paid, in fact that membership had to be purchased. It was quite common for Norsemen to go to Byzantium from all over Scandinavia and Russia, spend time in the Varangian Guard, and return home rich. One such was the future king of Norway, Harold Sigurdson (known as the Ruthless, or inn hardradi) who was to die at the battle of Stamford Bridge in England, 1066.
The Guard were renowned for their loyalty to the Emperors, an unusual thing in a society as riddled with intrigue as Byzantium. They stayed in Imperial service for over three centuries, seeing the greatness and decline of the Byzantium Empire.
During his time in the Varangian Guard, Raknar fought in many battles, won much treasure and earned respect and fear from the local people. During a period of unrest in Constantinople, Raknar and other Varangains were called in to put down a Palace revolt Though successful, Raknar received a devastating blow to his ankle, shattering it and pulverizing the flesh. For months he suffered on the edge of death from the wound which grew infected, but slowly with the daily aide of devoted healers, Raknar recovered.
Still suffering from constant pain from his wound and having been given the name “ørrabein” (scar leg) by his fellow Guardsmen, Raknar gathered his riches and returned to Trondheim.
Today, Raknar manages the lands of his mother, is raising his family and teaching other warriors his knowledge of battles, war, and far off lands. Summoned by the Althing, Raknar was recently appointed Norway’s War Advisor.
Raknar is honoured in the Kingdom of An Tir as a Knight, and travels often to this Kingdom to teach, fight in tournaments, and visit old friends and comrades.
Cattle die, and kinsmen die, and so dies ones self.
One thing I know that never dies is the glory of ones deeds