OLAF II HARALDSSON

or Saint Olaf

born 0441; 995

died July 29, 1030, Stiklestad, Nor.; feast day July 29

King of Norway (1016–28).

A Viking warrior, he fought against the English in 1009–11 but assisted Ethelred II against the Danes in 1013. He returned to Norway after his conversion to Christianity and gained control over the country by 1016. Olaf sent missionaries throughout his realm, and his religious code (1024) established the Church of Norway. He was driven out of Norway by Canute the Great (1028) and was killed trying to reconquer the country two years later. He became a national hero and the patron saint of Norway.