Earl Haraldson is the Viking chieftan of Kattegat, the village where Ragnar Lothbrok lives. He has a somewhat conservative and provincial view of the world and opposes Ragnar's wish to head to the west, toward England, to seek fortune. Haraldson doesn't believe it is worth the risk. These opposing viewpoints breed disagreement and discord among the men, especially when Ragnar dares to question Haraldson publicly.When he was younger, Haraldson had a reputation as a fearsome warrior who lead many successful raids to the east, earning the respect of his countrymen. He wants to know about the secret navigational tools that Ragnar uses to navigate his way west and assigns his half-brother Knut to find out.Haraldson can see Rollo's brewing resentment of his brother, Ragnar, and attempts to exploit it.Background: He is married to Siggy, who is a dutiful wife but also looks out for herself and her daughter first. He has one daughter, Thyri, whom he plans to marry off in the way that is most beneficial to him. He had two sons, but they were killed in brutal fashion. Haraldson has sworn vengeance on whomever was responsible for their deaths and desecration. Part of his role as earl includes giving armrings to the village's young men in their rites of passage, including Ragnar Lothbrok's son, Bjorn. Show less «