Frode (son of Hadding)

Also known as: Frode · Family: Danes · Role: king · First appears: Book Two · Part 1

In Book Two · Part 1, Frode succeeded his father Hadding, killed a snake guarding treasure, and used the hoard to enrich himself. He trapped the townsmen in concealed pits and massacred them with spears. In Book Two · Part 2, he sank Trannon’s fleet by night and returned home, then captured and destroyed Rotel, took Paltisca by ruse, and had its king Vespasins slain. His forces entered Handwan’s city by stealth; after Frode proposed marriage, Handwan’s response made Frode his son-in-law and preserved the realm’s freedom.

In Book Two · Part 4, Frode lost a great battle in Sweden against his sister Swanhwid. At her request he made peace with Ragnar and forgave him; the two then gave Frode back a force equal to the one they had cost him. In Book Two · Part 5, Frode defeated Witthe and the Frisians, explored the Rhine, laid hands on the farthest parts of Germany, defeated the British king, and attacked Melbrik. In Book Two · Part 7, his men entered London by guile and slew its governor, Daleman; Frode was wounded in a duel with Hunding, then killed him. Frode later perished while attacking Ragnar, suffocated beneath the weight of his own arms and by the heat of his body. He left three sons, Halfdan, Ro, and Skat.