ERIC BLOODAXE THE VIKING: 'I Shall Die Laughing'

By the age of 12, Eric was a fearsome warrior. In a bloody civil war with several of his half-brothers, he defeated and killed them to rule Norway, but his personal rule became increasingly oppressive. Forced into exile, he became an overlord and pirate. He would die at the battle of Stainmore in 954, at the incredible age of 69. 16 pages of color photos.