Hafskip

Hafskip (Old Norse for "sea ship") was a large, elaborately decorated longship owned by King Harald Hardrada of Norway in the 11th century. It is primarily known from accounts in the Norse sagas, particularly the Heimskringla by Snorri Sturluson.

The Hafskip is described as being exceptionally large and beautifully adorned, signifying the wealth and power of its royal owner. It served as Harald Hardrada's flagship during his reign and participated in various military campaigns and voyages. Historical accounts emphasize its importance in the King's fleet.

While exact dimensions and construction details are not definitively known, the sagas suggest it was among the largest warships of its time. Its size and ornamentation would have made it a symbol of Norwegian naval strength and royal authority. Because the sagas often served a literary as well as a historical function, details about Hafskip must be regarded with some degree of caution.