HARDECANUTE, or HARDIKNUTE, the eldest son of Canute the Great, by Emma the "Flower of Normandy," whom he had married after the death of her first husband, Ethelred II. At the time of Canute's death, Hardicanute, his eldest legitimate son, happened to be absent in Denmark, which country had been entrusted to him as his father's viceroy, and his half-brother Harold usurped the throne. Hardicanute being of an easy and self-indulgent nature, remained quietly in Denmark, giving himself no concern about his political interests. At the instance of his mother Emma, however, he had just begun to fit out a fleet for the purpose of recovering his rights, when a deputation of English barons brought him the news that the usurper was dead, and that the crown was in his gift. His reign extended over little more than two years; and was not distinguished by any event of importance. He spent his time chiefly in eating and drinking, in both of which he indulged to excess. His inglorious career was terminated by a stroke of apoplexy, June 8, 1042.