[citation needed] Erling Eiriksson, Sigurd Sleva and Harald Greycloak, three of the sons of Eric Bloodaxe (Eirikssønnene) landed unnoticed on Hordaland in 961 and surprised the king at Fitjar.

According to Fagrskinna and Heimskringla, the dying king, wishing to end the conflict, handed over his kingship and retinue (hird) to Harald Greycloak, sending a letter to that effect.

However, the Norwegians were severely tormented by years of war, and many were dissatisfied by the destruction of pagan shrines by the hands of the Christian sons of Eric.

[2] In memory of Haakon, his follower the skald Eyvindr skáldaspillir composed the poem Hákonarmál.

This is derived from the fact that King Haakon wore a golden helmet at the Battle of Fitjar.