In fact, forging agreements of co-operative leadership with the Norwegian royal court almost saw an end to Danish rule over the Kingdom of Denmark itself. The Danes have no illusions that maintaining such authority abroad is an easy feat, having lost control of England within the last half century. With the Reich and other Catholic Kingdoms offering support against stubborn Viking pagans, the Kings of Denmark now enjoy an absolute authority that has never been seen in the region before. Though the Vikings' fierce conviction in battle was a true asset, forsaking those pagan ways and embracing Catholicism is what has actually elevated Denmark into a true northern power. Exactly one hundred years ago, Harold Bluetooth, the Viking King of the Danes, embraced Christianity, not just personally, but also on behalf of his people. Denmark is a relatively new kingdom in the world of Christendom, emerging from centuries of paganism under Viking rule.