An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

555. 1066: Slaughter at Stamford Bridge (Part 2)

April 09, 2025

Description

In the tumultuous climax of 1066, why was Harold’s very own brother Tostig the first of the mighty foes he had to face? How did Harald Hardrada then launch his invasion of England, and how much...
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Books Referenced

Heimskringla (King Harald's Saga)

Author: Snorri Sturluson

Context:

Referenced multiple times throughout as the primary source for the Battle of Stamford Bridge narrative. Described as 'the saga of King Harold' and 'the definitive, in fact, pretty much the only account we have of the Battle of Stamford Bridge.'

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

Author: Anonymous

Context:

Referenced as a historical source providing a 'first draft of history' about Tostig's movements and the events of 1066, contrasted with the more dramatic saga accounts.

Life of Edward the Confessor (Vita Ædwardi Regis)

Author: Anonymous

Context:

Mentioned as a source commissioned by Tostig's sister, which describes Tostig as being short, contrasting with the sagas' description of him as tall.

Morkinskinna

Author: Anonymous (Icelandic)

Context:

Referenced as 'Morkinskin' when quoting about the Battle of Fulford: 'no greater slaughter will ever be inflicted on a brave army.'

Laughing Shall I Die

Author: Tom Shippey

Context:

Explicitly mentioned as a book by Tom Shippey, 'great scholar of Norse literature, great Tolkien scholar,' who argues it's implausible that Harald Hardrada would have left his armor behind.

The Last Viking

Author: Don Holway

Context:

Explicitly referenced as 'Don Holway in his book, The Last Viking about Harold Hardrada' when estimating the travel time to Stamford Bridge.

The Fellowship of the Ring

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

Context:

Referenced when comparing Harald Hardrada's death scene to Boromir's death at 'Parth Garland' and when quoting a passage about the Battle of Pelennor Fields adapted to describe the aftermath of Stamford Bridge.