Elizabeth of Kiev (fl. 1045)

Queen of Norway. Name variations: Ellisef or Ellisif; Ellisif Jaroslavna. Born around 1032; daughter of Jaroslav also known as Yaroslav I the Wise (978–1054), grand prince of Kiev (r. 1019–1054), and Ingigerd Olafsdottir (c. 1001–1050); married Harald III Hardraade also known as Harald III Haardrada, king of Norway (1015–1066), in 1045; possibly married Svend II Estridsen (d. 1076), king of Denmark (r. 1047–1074), in 1067; children: (first marriage, two daughters) Maria Haraldsdottir (who was killed on September 25, 1066); Ingigerd Haraldsdottir.

One of the last of the Viking kings, Harald III Hardraade of Norway became attracted to Elizabeth of Kiev, the daughter of Ingigerd Olafsdottir and Yaroslav, grand prince of Kiev, while he was campaigning in Russia in 1044. Elizabeth scorned Harald's love; even so, she was given in marriage to him on his return from Greece. In 1045, he and Elizabeth set out on their voyage to Norway, fortified by the dowry from Yaroslav and the considerable wealth amassed during Harald's Byzantine campaigns. In addition to his wife, Harald had a concubine Thora , with whom he had two sons, Magnus and Olaf.

Determined to topple the newly crowned English king Harold II Godwineson in 1066, Harald Hardraade prepared for what would turn out to be his final campaign. He proclaimed his illegitimate son Magnus as king and named him regent of Norway. On his way to England, Harald was accompanied by Elizabeth and their two daughters, as well as by Olaf, his other son with Thora. En route, Harald received reinforcements from Shetland and Orkney, where Elizabeth and her daughter Ingigerd Haraldsdottir were left to await the result of the invasion. The Norwegian force sailed to the vicinity of York. In the decisive clash between Harald Hardraade and Harold II Godwineson, Harald Hardraade was killed by an arrow in his throat at Stamford Bridge. Elizabeth, left behind in the Orkneys, returned to Norway with her stepson Olaf and her daughter Ingigerd. Elizabeth's other daughter, Maria Haraldsdottir , was killed at Stamford Bridge.