***   CLAIM TO THE THRONE   ***

Harald Hardrada was the strong Viking king of Denmark.  He was related to King Cnut and his sons.  He said this gave him the right to invade. Harald believed that an agreement made between the previous kings of England and Denmark gave him the rightful claim . He relied on his Viking reputation of being fierce.  He was a tremendous warrior , and had travelled across and beyond Europe.  Harald Hardrada was a true Viking, and wanted to take England by force.

Earl Tostig offered to help Harald Hardrada.  Tostig was Harold Godwinson's brother.  He had been banished from England in disgrace .

Hardrada and Tostig joined together to plan their invasion .  They probably knew that Duke William was also planning to invade.  They thought if King Harold was distracted by Duke William's invasion in the south,  it would be easy to invade the north.

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