Scandinavian History: Biographies

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. A Dictionary of World History Further reading

Olaf I

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

Olaf I (Olaf Tryggvason) , c.963–1000, king of Norway (995–1000), great-grandson of Harold I. His early life of exile and slavery is surrounded with romantic legend, and little is definitely known of it. He aided his father-in-law, the duke of Poland, in war and took part in harrying the English coast. He may have been present at the famous battle of Maldon . Later converted to Christianity, he made peace (c.994) with the English. In 995, Olaf went to Norway, overthrew Haakon, and became king. He undertook the conversion of Norway to Christianity by force and by persuasion. He commissioned Lief Ericsson to carry Christianity to Greenland. Olaf died during his defeat at the naval battle of Svolder. The victors, King Sweyn of Denmark and King Olaf of Sweden, divided Norway.

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Olaf I

A Dictionary of World History | 2000 | Copyright

Olaf I (or Olaf Tryggvessön) (969–1000) King of Norway (995–1000). Exiled when his father was killed, he was brought up in Novgorod in Russia. Viking expeditions took him to Iceland, England, and Ireland where he was converted to Christianity. In 995 he was accepted as King of Norway, and established the new religion. He was drowned at sea after a battle with the combined Danish and Swedish fleets.

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"Olaf I." A Dictionary of World History. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Olaf I." A Dictionary of World History. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O48-OlafI.html

"Olaf I." A Dictionary of World History. 2000. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O48-OlafI.html

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