Battle of Stiklestad
Stiklestad, Verdal, Trøndelag, Norway
What happened
King Olaf II Haraldsson of Norway fought an army of farmers and nobles loyal to King Cnut the Great, led by men including Hárek of Tjøtta, Thorir Hund and Kálfr Árnason. Olaf had been driven out of Norway and lived in exile in Kievan Rus'. In 1030 he returned with an army to win back his throne. At the farm of Stiklestad, about 80 km north of Trondheim, he met a larger army of Norwegian farmers, and Olaf died in the battle.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Olaf lost the battle, but in 1164 the Church declared him a saint. As Saint Olaf, Norway's patron saint, he helped unite the country and complete its conversion to Christianity.
What came next
Olaf's remains were placed in Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, which was built over his burial site and became a pilgrimage destination. Since 1954, an outdoor play about Saint Olaf has been performed at Stiklestad every July.
Did you know?
Stiklestad Church is thought to stand on the very spot where King Olaf fell.
Timeline
- 1030Olaf returns from exile in Kievan Rus'.
- 29 July 1030Olaf dies at the Battle of Stiklestad.
- c. 1070Work begins on Nidaros Cathedral over his burial site.
- 1164Rome declares Olaf a saint.
- 1954The outdoor play about Saint Olaf begins at Stiklestad.