Varangian Guard

This illustration is part of a commissioned book cover I completed earlier this year. It portrays a member of the Varangian Guard, the elite unit of Norse and Anglo-Saxon warriors who served as the personal bodyguards of the Byzantine Emperor during the 11th century.

The character portrayed is a companion of Harald Hardrada, the legendary Norwegian warrior and future king, who served in the Byzantine Empire before returning to Scandinavia. Often referred to as “The Last Viking,” Harald’s life and legacy mark the dramatic closing chapter of the Viking Age.