Helgi the Sharp

Helgi the Sharp (Old Norse: "Helgi Hvassi") is the name of two Scandinavian princes in Norse mythology and legend.

Helgi the Sharp, prince of Zealand

In "Sögubrot af nokkrum fornkonungum", Helgi the Sharp was the brother of Hrœrekr Ringslinger, the king of Zealand, and they lived in the 7th century. Hrœrekr married Auðr the Deep-Minded, the daughter of king Ivar Vidfamne, but Auðr and Helgi felt attracted to each other. King Ivar saw an advantage in this and told Hrœrekr that Auðr was unfaithful with Helgi. Hrœrekr then killed Helgi and after this Hrœrekr was himself soon killed by his father-in-law Ivar who had one opponent less and wanted to include Zealand in his dominions.

Helgi the Sharp, prince of Ringerike

In "Ragnarssona þáttr", Helgi was the brother of Guðrøðr, the king of Ringerike and they lived in the 9th century.

Ragnar Lodbrok's sons Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, Björn Ironside and Hvitserk had raided in France and after Björn had gone home to Sweden, his brothers were attacked by emperor Arnulf of Carinthia. In the battle 100 000 Danes and Norwegians fell, including Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye and king Guðrøðr.

Helgi escaped from the battle with Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye's banner, sword and shield. He went to Denmark and informed Sigurd's mother Aslaug of her loss. Since the next king, Harthacanute, was still too young to rule, Helgi stayed in Denmark as its regent. There, Helgi married Harthacanute's twin sister, also named Aslaug, and they had the son Sigurd Hart.