King Harald Finehair

King Harald Finehair - An ambitious Viking who seeks to become the king of all of Norway to marry the princess Ellisif. Harald initially becomes an ally to Ragnar during his second attempt at raiding Paris. After the expedition fails, Harald spends years conquering his neighbours' lands, including Rogaland. He lends some of his forces to the Great Heathen Army and partakes in battle against king Aella and prince Aethelwulf. Meanwhile he makes an attempt at conquering Kattegat, but his force is defeated. When he discovers Ellisif is already married, he murders her husband. Harald then kidnaps Astrid and proposes to her. When Astrid consents, they are married. Ivar arrives to Harald's kingdom seeking an ally to overthrow Lagertha. Astrid betrays her new husband to warn Lagertha, but her agents rape her. When Astrid becomes pregnant, Harald become increasingly fond and protective of her, not knowing the child might not be his. Astrid insists on joining the campaign against Lagertha, and is killed in battle. Harald mourns the death of his wife and the child he believes was his and vows vengeance on Lagertha. Harald travels to York and manipulates Ivar's governor into defecting to his side. Harald shares a plan to raid Wessex and then launch an invasion of Kattegat. However, his raid on Wessex is thwarted when his army is defeated by Alfred and Ubbe.