Editing Harald Gille (section)

==Background==
Harald was born ca. [[1102 in Ireland]] or the [[Hebrides]], more likely the former. According to the sagas, he became familiar with Norway through an acquaintance with Norwegian merchants including [[Rögnvald Kali Kolsson]], who would later become [[Earl of Orkney]]. Around 1127, Harald went to Norway and declared he was an illegitimate son of the former king, [[Magnus Barefoot]], who had visited Ireland just before his death in 1103.<ref name="EB1911">{{EB1911|inline=y|wstitle=Harald|display=Harald ''s.v.'' Harald IV.|volume=12|page=935}}</ref> This is not implausible because other descendants of Magnus are reported in Irish sources and he is known to have been particularly fond of at least one Irish woman.<ref>[[Alexander Bugge]] (ed. & tr.), of [[Dubhaltach Mac Fhirbhisigh]], ''[https://archive.org/details/onfomoriansnorse00macfuoft On the Fomorians and the Norsemen]''. Christiania: J. Chr. Gundersens Bogtrykkeri. 1905. See Bugge's introduction.</ref> Harald consequently claimed to be a half-brother of the reigning king, [[Sigurd the Crusader]]. Harald appears to have submitted successfully to the [[ordeal by fire]]. The alleged relationship was acknowledged by Sigurd on condition that Harald did not claim any share in the government of the kingdom during his lifetime or that of his son [[Magnus IV of Norway|Magnus]]. Living on friendly terms with the king, Harald kept this agreement until Sigurd's death in 1130.<ref name="EB1911"/>