The Vikings | St. Olaf of Norway (Lecture 32)

Lecture 32: Olaf the Stout (r. 1015–1030), later revered as the sainted king of Norway, claimed descent from Harald Finehair, but he was, in truth, a Viking sea king who had campaigned in the Baltic lands, England, and Normandy. In 1015, Olaf, who had embraced Christianity while in Norman service, sailed to Norway and was hailed as king by jarls and farmers resentful of Danish rule. After defeating his pagan foes at Nesjar in 1016, Olaf ruthlessly imposed his authority and Christianity. He viewed Cnut as his greatest rival. Although Olaf won a tactical victory over Cnut at Holy River in 1026, the Norwegians rebelled against royal tyranny in 1028. Cnut was acclaimed king, and Olaf fled to the Swedish court.

In 1030, Olaf fell fighting at Stikelstad in a desperate gamble to regain his throne. In death, St. Olaf achieved the fame and respect that had eluded him in life. Based on miracles performed at his tomb, Olaf was the first Scandinavian king canonized and became the Christian king upon whom all subsequent Norwegian kings based their legitimacy. Hence, Olaf enjoyed in saga and poetry a reputation far greater than that of his foe, Cnut the Great.

Suggested Reading:
Sverre Bagge. Society and Politics in Snorri Sturluson’s Heimskringla. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1991.
G. Turville-Petre. The Heroic Age of Scandinavia. London: Hutchinson’s University Library, 1951.

Lecture 33: https://www.bitchute.com/video/DJNtgC90tU9Y/