Harald Bluetooth

Harald "Bluetooth" Gormsson was a king of Denmark and Norway. He was the son of King Gorm the Old and Thyra Dannebod.

Harald ruled as king of Denmark from around 958 until around 986. During his time, he brought Christianity to Denmark and worked to unite Jutland and Zealand under his rule.

Harald also became the king of Norway after King Harald Greycloak was killed. However, his rule in Norway was not very strong and lasted only a few years. Before he died, his son Swein Forkbeard took away Harald’s power as king of Denmark.

Name

Harald's name appears as haraltr : kunukʀ (ᚼᛅᛰᛅᛚᛏᚱ ᛬ ᚴᚢᚾᚢᚴᛦ) on the Jelling stone. In Old Norse, this means "Harald king". Medieval Danish chronicles call him Haraldus Gormonis filius, meaning "Harald, Gorm's son".

The nickname "Bluetooth" first appears in a book called Chronicon Roskildense from around 1140. One theory is that he had a tooth that looked bluish or dark. Another idea is that the name might have come from a title meaning "blue thane" used in England.

Reign

During his time as king, Harald built important structures. He rebuilt the Jelling runic stones and strengthened a big fortress called Aros, now known as Aarhus. He also built special circular forts in five key places across his kingdom.

He built the oldest known bridge in southern Scandinavia, called the Ravning Bridge, which was very wide and long.

Harald helped a leader named Richard the Fearless. Later, his son took control of Samland. After another king, Harald Greycloak, was killed, Harald brought Norway under his rule for a time.

The old stories from Norse sagas do not show Harald in a good light. He had to give things to a strong prince from Sweden named Styrbjörn the Strong to keep peace.

After a ruler named Otto I died, Harald attacked a place called Saxony. Another ruler, Otto II, fought back and took some of Harald’s lands. Harald got some land back after Otto II faced difficulties elsewhere.

After losing a battle, Harald lost control of Norway. Germans moved into the area but were pushed out by troops loyal to Harald. Harald was removed from power by his son Swein and died soon after. Some believe he died in the year 986, while others think it was 985.

Harald also introduced the first country-wide system of coins in Denmark.

Conversion to Christianity

King Harald decided to become a Christian, but historians aren't sure exactly how it happened because old stories differ.

One writer, Widukind of Corvey, says a priest named Poppa showed Harald the power of his faith by carrying hot iron without getting burned. Another writer, Adam of Bremen, says Harald was persuaded after losing a battle to Otto I. A third writer, Saxo Grammaticus, says Harald became a Christian after making peace with a powerful leader.

After choosing Christianity, Harald changed how his father was buried and built special stones to honor his parents. These stones show that Harald helped spread Christianity in Denmark and Norway.

Marriages and children

Harald had a wife named Thyre. They had several children. One daughter was Tyra of Denmark, who married Styrbjörn the Strong. Another child was Swein Forkbeard. Their daughter Gunhilde married Pallig, who was a leader in Devonshire.

Bluetooth technology

Main article: Bluetooth

In 1997, Bluetooth wireless technology was named after King Harald Bluetooth. The name was chosen because, just like the king brought different tribes of Denmark together, this technology connects many devices. The Bluetooth logo uses special ancient letters that stand for his initials, H and B.