Halfdan I of Hordaland (A World Without Norway)

Halfdan I, also known Halfdan the Mild, was a Viking warrior and prince who lived sometime in the late seventh or early eighth centuries. Halfdan is best known as the founder of the Kingdom of Hordaland.

Not much is known about King Halfdan, and his very existence is often debated. What is known is that Halfdan was the son of King Eystein Halfdansson of Romerike, and he was expect to inherit his father's throne. However, Eystein would lead a raid somewhere in northeast Götaland. Despite of the success of the raid, this promoted the King of Sweden to attack Eystein's kingdom. King Eystein was killed, and Romerike was destroyed. A group of refugees, both of nobility and peasantry, led by Halfdan, fled Romerike to what is now Hordaland.

After establishing a settlement, Halfdan declared himself King of Hordaland. He was said to be generous in gold but to starve his men with food. He was a great warrior who often pillaged and gathered great booty. His wife was Liv, the daughter of king Dag of Vestmar. Halfdan the Mild died of illness in his bed. He was succeeded by his son, Gudrød the Hunter.