# Harald Bluetooth

> King of Denmark and Norway

**Wikidata**: [Q201041](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q201041)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harald_Bluetooth)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/harald-bluetooth

## Summary
Harald Bluetooth was a 10th-century king of Denmark and Norway, best known for unifying Denmark and introducing Christianity to the region. His reign marked a pivotal period in Scandinavian history, and his legacy is immortalized in modern technology through the naming of the Bluetooth wireless protocol.

## Biography
- **Born**: c. 911
- **Died**: c. 985–986
- **Nationality**: Danish
- **Known for**: Unifying Denmark and Norway, converting Denmark to Christianity, and being the namesake for Bluetooth technology
- **Field(s)**: Monarchy, statecraft, military leadership

## Contributions
Harald Bluetooth is credited with consolidating the Danish kingdom and expanding its influence into Norway. He played a key role in the Christianization of Denmark, as evidenced by the Jelling Stones, which bear inscriptions commemorating his conversion of the Danes. His reign also saw significant military campaigns, including the Battle of Fýrisvellir (980) and the Battle of Rastarkalv (955). The Curmsun Disc, a gold artifact found in Pomerania, is associated with his rule. Additionally, his name inspired the Bluetooth wireless communication protocol, symbolizing his role in uniting disparate regions.

## FAQs
**Who was Harald Bluetooth?**
Harald Bluetooth was a Viking-age king who ruled Denmark and parts of Norway in the 10th century. He is best remembered for unifying Denmark and promoting Christianity.

**What is Harald Bluetooth known for?**
He is known for consolidating the Danish kingdom, converting Denmark to Christianity, and his military campaigns. His name also inspired the Bluetooth technology standard.

**When did Harald Bluetooth live?**
He was born around 911 and died between 985 and 986.

**Why is he called "Bluetooth"?**
The nickname "Bluetooth" (Old Norse: *Blátǫnn*) likely refers to a dead tooth that appeared blue or dark, a common descriptor in Viking-era names.

**What is the connection between Harald Bluetooth and modern technology?**
The Bluetooth wireless protocol was named after him as a metaphor for uniting different devices, much like he united disparate regions under his rule.

## Why They Matter
Harald Bluetooth's reign was transformative for Denmark, establishing it as a centralized Christian kingdom and laying the foundation for its future as a European power. His efforts in Christianization and state-building had lasting cultural and political effects. The naming of Bluetooth technology after him ensures his legacy endures in the modern era, symbolizing connectivity and unity.

## Notable For
- Unifying Denmark and parts of Norway under a single rule.
- Converting Denmark to Christianity, as recorded on the Jelling Stones.
- Military leadership in key battles such as Fýrisvellir (980) and Rastarkalv (955).
- Being the namesake for the Bluetooth wireless communication protocol.
- Association with the Curmsun Disc, a significant Viking-era artifact.

## Body
### Early Life and Ascension
Harald Bluetooth was born around 911, the son of King Gorm the Old. He ascended to the throne in the mid-10th century, inheriting a fragmented Denmark. His early reign focused on consolidating power and expanding influence into Norway.

### Reign and Achievements
Harald's most significant achievement was the unification of Denmark and parts of Norway. He is credited with the Christianization of Denmark, a pivotal shift from Norse paganism. The Jelling Stones, erected during his reign, serve as monumental evidence of this transition, bearing inscriptions that declare his conversion of the Danes.

His military campaigns were extensive, including the Battle of Fýrisvellir in 980 and the Battle of Rastarkalv in 955. These conflicts solidified his control over key regions and demonstrated his strategic prowess.

### Legacy and Cultural Impact
Harald's legacy extends beyond his lifetime. The Curmsun Disc, a gold artifact discovered in Pomerania, is linked to his rule, highlighting his influence in trade and diplomacy. His nickname, "Bluetooth," has been immortalized in modern technology, with the Bluetooth protocol named in his honor to symbolize the unification of communication standards.

### Death and Historical Records
Harald Bluetooth died between 985 and 986, likely in exile after being overthrown by his son, Sweyn Forkbeard. His burial site is believed to be in Roskilde, Denmark, where his remains were discovered in the 20th century.

### Modern Recognition
Today, Harald Bluetooth is remembered as a key figure in Scandinavian history. His name and achievements are celebrated in cultural and technological contexts, ensuring his enduring relevance.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%B8nder_Vissing_Runestone)
3. Source
4. The Peerage
5. general catalog of BnF
6. Find a Grave
7. Catholic Encyclopedia
8. [Source](http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07141b.htm)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. Library of Congress Control Number
12. [manuscript](https://www.facebook.com/groups/234008400090/permalink/10156935437835091/?comment_id=10156937293490091&reply_comment_id=10156937315800091)
13. [LIBRIS. 2012](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/pm136q0750dtdms)
14. Sejm-Wielki.pl