Hardrada: Brother of the viking king

Hardrada is shortlisted for Norwegian Ministry of Culture’s award for best children’s and YA literature 2024, in the category graphic novel.

The graphic novel series Hardrada is made by illustrator Nils Axle Kanten and novelist Jan Ove Ekeberg and is based on Ekeberg’s historical novel series The last viking king. The first volume of Hardrada, “Brother of the viking king”, was published in autumn 2024 to great praise from critics, book sellers and readers.

The jury of the award for best children’s and YA literature says: “… a captivating visual experience that enhances the dramatic atmosphere. Hardrada combines an exciting narrative with thorough research and a factual section that adds depth to the story … provides a realistic and serious approach to Viking history and appears as an impressive opening to a promising series …”

When the real-life Harald Hardrada fell in the battle at Stamford Bridge in 1066, the Viking Age was over – the attempt to take England was the Norwegian Vikings’ last bold conquest. But before this, Harald had a very adventurous life: he traveled to both the Kievan Empire and on to the imperial city of Constantinople.