Harald "The Orator" "Slettmali" Hakonsson, Earl Of Orkney

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Harald "The Orator" "Slettmali" Hakonsson, Earl Of Orkney

Also Known As: "The Orator"
Birthdate:
Birthplace: Orkney, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Death: December 25, 1131 (22-31)
Orphir, Kirkwall, , Scotland
Immediate Family:

Son of Hakon "The Imperious" Palson, Jarl of Orkney and Helga Moddansdóttir
Father of Erlend III the Young, earl of Orkney
Brother of Ingebjörg Hákonardóttir and Margrét Hákonardóttir, countess of Orkney
Half brother of Paal "the Silent" Håkonsson

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About Harald "The Orator" "Slettmali" Hakonsson, Earl Of Orkney

According to Orkneyinga Saga, died of trying on a poisoned shirt intended for his half-brother Paul "the Silent".

"During the reign of the brothers Harald and Paul, a Christmas feast was arranged at Earl Harald's estate in Orphir and, as he was to provide for them both, he was busy with the preparations.

Their [His] mother Helga and her sister Frakokk were staying there at the time and happened to be sitting in a small room getting on with their needlework, when Earl Harald came into the room. The sisters were sitting on the cross-dais and a newly made linen garment, white as snow, was lying between them. The Earl picked it up and saw that in many places it was stitched with gold thread.

"Whose is this treasure?" he asked.

"It's meant for your brother Paul," answered Frakokk.

"Why take such pains making clothes for him?" asked the Earl, "You're not so particular when you make mine!"

The Earl had only just got up and was wearing nothing but a shirt and linen breeches, with a tunic thrown over his shoulders. He cast it off and began unfolding the linen garment, but his mother grabbed hold of it and told him that there was no reason to be envious just because his brother had some fine clothes. The Earl snatched it back and was about to put it on when the sisters pulled off their bonnets, tore their hair and said that if he put on the garment his life would be at risk. Though they were both in tears he didn't let that stop him, but no sooner was the garment upon his back than his flesh started to quiver and he began to suffer terrible agony. He had to go to bed and not long after that he died. His death was deeply mourned by his friends."

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Harald "The Orator" "Slettmali" Hakonsson, Earl Of Orkney's Timeline

1104
1104
Orkney, Orkney Islands, Scotland
1131
December 25, 1131
Age 28
Orphir, Kirkwall, , Scotland
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