Eric Bloodaxe

Eric Haraldsson, also known as Eirik fratrum interfector (Eirik Brother-Bane), was a king of Norway in the tenth century and went by the moniker Eric Bloodaxe. It is usually believed that he served brief times as both the King of Northumbria and the King of Norway (c. 947–948 and 952–954). In accordance with the vivid Icelandic sagas, he started his Viking career at the age of 12. He met and wed Gunnhild, a witch who was the Danish king's daughter, during one of his expeditions.

The sagas describe how Eric, who succeeded his father as king of Norway following his death, assassinated four of his elder brothers in order to retain the throne. But after being deposed by his younger brother, he fled to Britain and was crowned king of Northumbria, reigning from a palace in York. Different Norse sagas describe Eric's initial journey to Britain after being driven out of Norway in different ways. The most succinct accounts are found in the synoptic histories. Theodoricus jumps right to Eric's entry into England, King Thelstan's reception of him, Eric's brief rule, and his quick demise.

From the meager historical information that is now accessible, historians have created a narrative of Eric's life and career. There is a difference between sources that are current or very current for Eric's reign over Northumbria and sources that are wholly dependent on sagas that provide information on the life of Eric of Norway, a chieftain who governed the Norwegian Westland in the 930s. Heimskringla claimed that Harald had designated his sons as client kings over the several provinces of the country and had planned for his favorite son, Eric, to succeed him when he passed away.