HARALD II EIRIKSSON,

born c. 935 died c. 970 byname Harald Graycloak, Norwegian Harald Grfell, Old Norse Harald Grfeldr Norwegian king who, along with his brothers, overthrew Haakon I about 961 and ruled oppressively until about 970. He is credited with establishing the first Christian missions in Norway. The son of Erik Bloodax, who was the half brother of Haakon I, Harald took refuge in Denmark following his father's death. Aided by his uncle, the Danish king Harald Bluetooth (Bltand), Harald and his brothers launched raids against Haakon I in Norway and killed him about 961. Harald ruled harshly, killing two of the kings in the Oslo region and Haakon, earl of Lade, and he aroused opposition with his prohibition of the public worship of pagan gods. He was killed in battle about 970 by the forces of Haakon (later Haakon the Great), son of the earl of Lade, with the connivance of Harald Bluetooth, some of whose Norwegian holdings had been appropriated by Harald.