Hastein was a legendary 9th-century Viking chieftain known for his vast raids across Europe, his brilliant but brutal cunning, and his audacious use of tactics like fire ships and feigned death to conquer fortified cities like Luna (mistaken for Rome). He was a fearsome warrior, a master of psychological warfare, and a symbol of Viking audacity, operating from France to North Africa, leaving a legacy as a cunning and ruthless raider who used ingenuity as effectively as his axe.

Key Characteristics:
Cunning Tactician: Famous for tricking the inhabitants of Luna into letting him inside by pretending to be a dying Christian convert, only to ambush them.
Master of Deception: Employed fake deaths, feigned illness, and even psychological warfare through fire ships to terrify enemies.
Vast Reach: Led expeditions through France, Spain, the Mediterranean, and potentially England, raiding widely.
Ruthless & Effective: A "terrifying old warrior" known for brutal battles, like killing Frankish commander Robert the Strong, solidifying his fearsome reputation.
Fire Ship Innovator: Used burning vessels to set harbors ablaze, creating catastrophic firestorms and immense psychological terror.

Historical Context: Active around the mid-to-late 9th century, disappearing from records around 896. Sometimes associated with figures like Bjorn Ironside in joint expeditions. His legacy is a mix of historical fact and legendary tales, representing the peak of Viking raiding success and ingenuity.