An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List
555. 1066: Slaughter at Stamford Bridge (Part 2)
April 09, 2025
Description
Books Referenced
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.'
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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.
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.