Book SummaryThe Last Viking, by Don Hollway

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Last Viking

Harald Hardrada honed his military skills and rose to prominence during his service in the ranks of the Byzantine Empire's military.

Hollway presents Harald Hardrada as the embodiment of the Viking spirit, a fierce warrior, a shrewd strategist, and an ambitious leader who left his mark on Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and the Byzantine Empire. Harald's existence unfolded like an epic tale, replete with thrilling escapades, fierce conflicts, and astute diplomatic strategies. After emerging from obscurity following his setback at Stiklestad, he became well-known as a mercenary commander in Kievan Rus and the Byzantine Empire, where he amassed riches and honed his military skills, eventually returning to Scandinavia to rightfully reclaim his throne.

Harald's first venture into military affairs took place in Scandinavia, where he was under the command of his sibling, King Olaf II.

The narrative explores the time when Harald sharpened his martial abilities by participating in conflicts while serving under his brother, King Olaf II of Norway. Harald's character was shaped by these experiences, which established a solid foundation for his future accomplishments as a warrior and in guiding others.

Harald's early ambitions shone through when he aided Olaf in his efforts to reclaim the Norwegian throne.

Hollway highlights Harald's early ambitions, depicting his willingness to engage in Olaf's armed campaign to reclaim the Norwegian throne. At just fifteen years old, Harald demonstrated his courage and determination to pursue a warrior's life by commanding a contingent of seven hundred soldiers to aid Olaf. This deed underscores Harald's innate aspirations and presages his subsequent endeavors to consolidate authority for his own benefit. He made a firm decision to emerge from the overshadowing presence of his sibling, refusing to be confined to the mere role of a prince. Harald was determined to govern a land that was exclusively his own.

Practical Tips

• Create a personal "throne reclaiming" plan by setting a major personal goal and mapping out how you can enlist the help of friends or family in a mutually beneficial way. For example, if you aim to start a small business, think of a friend who is good at marketing and propose an arrangement where they help you with your marketing plan while you assist them with a skill you possess, like financial planning.

Other Perspectives

• The act of leading soldiers could be seen as a duty expected of a prince rather than a voluntary demonstration of courage or determination.
• Harald's involvement in Olaf's campaign could be seen as a strategic move to gain experience and recognition, which is a common practice among emerging leaders, not necessarily for self-gain.
• The desire to rule a land exclusively could be interpreted as a strategic move for stability and peace in a region, rather than a mere personal aspiration for power.

His early encounter with combat and subsequent defeat occurred while he was engaged in battle on behalf of Olaf at Stiklestad.

Harald's life was profoundly influenced by his first encounter with battle and a crushing loss at Stiklestad. Hollway portrays the young monarch, clad in armor and wielding a sword, engaging in combat with daunting adversaries beside his brother. Harald witnessed the disarray and fear that came with loss, a reality that hit home when he saw his brother being demoted to the level of common soldiers. Wounded, he relied on Rognvald Brusason, an ally of his brother, for assistance in withdrawing from the turmoil.

Practical Tips

• Engage in a role-playing exercise where you simulate a difficult scenario and practice responding to it. This can improve your resilience and decision-making skills under pressure, akin to a warrior preparing for combat through drills and simulations.
• Create a visual representation of your personal battles by painting or drawing a scene that symbolizes a recent challenge you've faced. This creative process allows you to externalize your struggles and reflect on them from a new perspective, similar to how a character might be portrayed in a historical battle. The act of visualizing your challenges as a battle can help you identify the strengths you've used to overcome them.
• Engage in role reversal exercises with a friend or family member where you simulate being in a lower position than your current one. This can help you empathize with others in different roles and prepare you for potential setbacks. For instance, if you're a team leader, switch roles with a team member for a day to understand their challenges and perspectives better. This can provide insights into how to handle demotion with grace and use it as a stepping stone for growth.
• Develop a personal recovery plan that includes self-care activities, goal-setting, and milestones for healing. This plan could involve regular exercise, reading inspirational stories of others who have overcome adversity, or setting small, achievable goals that lead to a larger objective. If you're healing from an emotional 'wound,' your plan might include daily meditation, weekly counseling sessions, and a monthly check-in with yourself to assess progress.
• Reflect on your personal network to identify a "Rognvald" who can support you in challenging times. Think about the people you know who have been reliable in the past and make an effort to strengthen those relationships. For example, if you're facing a difficult situation at work, reach out to a trusted mentor or colleague for advice and support, just as Harald might have turned to Rognvald.

Harald's character was shaped significantly by key experiences, including his flight from Stiklestad and his period of exile.

The author emphasizes the substantial repercussions that ensued as Harald sought asylum after his withdrawal from Stiklestad. Harald's guise as a commoner allowed him to rely on the generosity of...

The Last Viking Summary Harald's dealings with the Byzantine Empire's rulers were influenced by the internal strife and changes in the ruling family's dynamics.

In this segment, Hollway delves into the complex interplay among the Byzantine Empire's reigning family, outlining the typical power transitions, clandestine plots, and leadership turnovers that marked the period. He adeptly integrates the Norwegian prince's role into the broader context of the emperor's narratives, highlighting Harald's involvement in these pivotal occurrences and shaping the narrative from his perspective.

During the reign of Empress Zoe alongside Romanos III,

The author depicts the period of Romanos III and Empress Zoe's reign as marked by chaos and intricate political intrigue throughout the Byzantine Empire's halls of authority. Zoe's participation in the murder of her husband highlighted her relentless resolve and merciless nature, emphasizing the dangerous intricacies of royal political dynamics.

Zoe's political ambition and the murder of her husband highlight the intricate dynamics of authority within the Byzantine empire.

Hollway portrays Zoe as a cunning and resolute individual, driven by a profound desire for power, willing to undertake extreme measures to achieve her goals. Her annoyance with Romanos persisted, yet she developed a...

The Last Viking Summary Upon his return to Scandinavia, Harald found himself embroiled in a contest for control of Norway's crown, which led to his ascent to authority and initiated a rivalry with Denmark's monarch, Svein.

In this segment of the story, Hollway narrates Harald's return to Scandinavia, where he confronts the task of seizing the Norwegian throne and becomes embroiled in a relentless struggle with Svein Ulfsson for supremacy in Denmark. The writer highlights the transformation of Harald from a skilled commander of mercenaries to a cunning and unyielding monarch, determined to establish his dominance throughout the Scandinavian regions.

Upon reaching Scandinavia, he encountered a region that was distinctly altered.

Upon his return to Scandinavia, Harald found that his time abroad had turned him into a seasoned warrior, and he observed considerable changes in the political landscape.

Harald faced opposition in his quest for the Norwegian throne while Magnus the Good was in power.

Harald discovered that, in his absence, Norway had been unified under the rule of Magnus the Good, the son of his deceased brother Olaf II. The author depicts Magnus as a sovereign who was both esteemed and compassionate, standing in stark contrast to the rigid and ambitious nature of Harald. Harald's claim to Norway's crown faced challenges, casting doubt on his position as the uncontested...

The Last Viking Summary Harald Hardrada's ambition to expand Scandinavian territories reached its peak with his attack on England, which led to him being known as "the final great Viking."

In the final chapters, the story delves into Harald's later period of rule over Norway, his attempts to expand his territory, his doomed expedition to England, and his legacy as the quintessential Viking warrior.

He established his dominance across Norway.

Harald managed to secure a ceasefire with Denmark but faced opposition from groups within his own territory. As soon as he was crowned in Norway, he embarked on a strategic initiative to consolidate his power, diligently solidifying his authority before setting off for England in 1066, through a combination of clever diplomacy and unwavering martial force, thereby cultivating a legacy that garnered both respect and enmity.

Harald established his dominance and cemented his authority by strategically outwitting and rigorously handling rivals like Einar Thambarskelfir.

Hollway details the tactical elimination of significant rivals by Harald, among them Einar Thambarskelfir. Harald cunningly enticed Einar into the palace, resulting in both Einar and his son being treacherously slain. This strategy, while it strengthened his rule and secured the robustness of his leadership, significantly eroded his popularity with the...