Here is another link documented by cousin Orrin Moen, but overlooked by me until now due to a software glitch. The “loser” of the Norman Conquest, Harold Godwinson, had three children who escaped to Denmark after Harold was killed at the Battle of Hastings. One of those was a daughter, Gytha of Wessex, who later married duke Vladimir II of Kiev. Well, guess what? Vladimir II was Lovell Larson’s 26th great grandfather, the son of Vsevold I Yaraslovic, mentioned in a recent post. Therefore, Harold Godwinson is my 28th great. Also, Harold’s treachorous brother, Tostig, who joined forces with Harald of Norway in his invasion, had children who escaped to Norway. One of them became an ancestor of Earl Skule Baardson, father-in-law and deadly rival of King Haakon IV, and so, another ancestor of mine! So here is the score:
William the Conqueror: ancestor of Reatha Larson via Dan Myers, through a succession of kings of England;
Harold Godwinson, Tostig Godwinson, and Harald Hardrada: all ancestors of Lovell Larson via Anna Moen, through various branches of the Fairhair dynasty of Norway.
Harald III Hardrada
Harold Godwinson
Lois Larson Hall
Feb 12, 2010
Hmmm, wonder if my dad had any inkling that his name (Waldemar) was the same as that of one of his far-distant grandfathers (Vladimar) 25 or so generations earlier.
George
Feb 12, 2010
Hm. He probably had no inkling, unless he was familiar with, and somehow identified himself with, ancient Slavic and Scandinavian folklore. Vladimir II’s great-grandfather, Vladimir I, was sainted for bringing Christianity to (or forcing it on) his realm, which included much of present-day Russia and Ukraine. Some of Vladimir’s military conquests were made possible with the help of Viking forces recruited from Norway. (There was already a Viking presence in Kievian Rus’; alliances, and conflicts, between them and the Slavs were nothing new.) Vladimir/Valdemar/Waldemar has been a very popular Slavic/Scandinavian/German name ever since.
Liz
Nov 18, 2010
Do you know who painted that portrait of Harold Godwinson and when?
George
Nov 18, 2010
No, sorry. It is all around the Web, and is supposedly one of the earliest depictions (although most likely not during his lifetime), but I do not know its origin.
patrick larson elling martinson
Dec 5, 2017
probally a later date of his death mask