Bloodaxe

Bloodaxe is the epithet most commonly associated with Eric Bloodaxe (Old Norse: Eiríkr Blóðøx), a 10th‑century Norse ruler noted for his violent reputation. He was a son of Harald Fairhair and is traditionally described as having held the Norwegian throne and, later, rule in Northumbria (with York as its capital) during the mid‑10th century. The historical record is fragmentary and blends saga narrative with later historiography; dates and events are contested, and some details may be legendary. Most accounts place his activity in the mid‑900s, with his death dated to around 954.

The epithet Bloodaxe likely refers to his alleged ferocity in combat or his reputed practice of executing rivals, though the exact origin of the name is uncertain and may have been a posthumous attribution. It appears in sources such as the Norse sagas and later medieval histories, and its persistence reflects how Viking‑age rulers were portrayed in literature.

In modern usage, Bloodaxe endures as a historical label and has been adopted in popular culture, including novels, films, and video games that depict Viking characters. It is also the name chosen by various bands, brands, and fictional personas seeking a Viking‑themed image. As a historical identifier, the term remains closely tied to Eric Bloodaxe and to the broader history of Norway and the Viking era.