How Norwegian King Harald Hardrada wrote poetry for Yaroslav the Wise's daughter

In the year 1031, a 16-year-old Harald and his retinue arrived in Kiev at the court of Yaroslav the Wise, after his half-brother, Norwegian king Olaf the Saint, was killed in the ‘Battle of Stiklastadir’. The Kiev prince placed the young man in charge of border defense. According to historical chronicles, Harald proposed marriage to the ruler of Old Russia’s daughter, Elizabeth, but was politely refused, but with the opportunity to renew his proposal in the future. This is because, at that time, the "bride" was still a child.

In the meantime, Harald set out to seek glory and gold. Around 1034, he and his retinue departed for Constantinople (now Istanbul), where he entered the service of the Byzantine emperor. During his 10 years of service, the Norwegian warrior participated in 18 major battles, fighting in Sicily, Bulgaria and Asia Minor. In his visas (poems), he described his skills: skillful horsemanship, swimming, skiing, spearmanship, oarsmanship, wrestling and even harp playing.

Harald sent all his spoils and wages to Kiev for Yaroslav's safekeeping. During this time, he composed a famous cycle of poems called ‘Vias of Joy’. Each stanza ended with a lament that his successes failed to touch Elizabeth's heart.

He returned to Old Russia around 1042-1043, as a renowned warrior and wealthy man. About a year later, Harald and Elizabeth were finally married. In 1046, he became King of Norway and reigned until his death on the battlefield in 1066. Elizabeth bore him two daughters – Maria and Ingigerd.