Saint Olaf II of Norway
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| Saint Olaf II of Norway | |
| Feast Day | July 29 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Norway; carvers; difficult marriages; kings |
| Birthplace | Ringerike, Norway |
| Death Place | Stiklestad, Norway |
| Cause of Death | martyrdom |
| Primary Shrine | Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim, Norway |
Saint Olaf II Haraldsson (Old Norse: Óláfr Haraldsson; c. 995 – 29 July 1030), known as Olaf the Holy or Saint Olaf, was King of Norway from 1015 to 1028 and is venerated as the country’s patron saint and “eternal king.”[1] Born to Harald Grenske and Åsta Gudbrandsdatter, Olaf participated in Viking raids in England before his conversion to Christianity c. 1013–1014 in Rouen under Norman influence. Returning to Norway in 1015, he overthrew Earl Sweyn and united the kingdom, enforcing Christianization through law and force while founding churches and inviting English missionaries.[2] Exiled in 1028 by rebellion backed by Canute the Great, Olaf returned in 1030 with Swedish support but was killed at the Battle of Stiklestad on 29 July 1030, aged c. 35.
Canonized in 1031 by Bishop Grimketel at Nidaros (Trondheim) after miracles at his grave—including incorruption and a healing spring—Olaf’s cult was confirmed universally by Pope Alexander III in 1164. His feast is 29 July. Patron of Norway, carvers, difficult marriages, and kings, his relics were enshrined in Nidaros Cathedral, Scandinavia’s greatest medieval pilgrimage site.
Biography
Birth
Saint Olaf was born c. 995 in Ringerike, Norway, to Harald Grenske and Åsta Gudbrandsdatter.
Early Life
Raised pagan, Olaf went on Viking expeditions from age 12, fighting in England and the Baltic.
Occupation
King of Norway 1015–1028.
Vocation
Olaf’s royal vocation became Christian kingship: he enforced baptism, destroyed pagan temples, and established ecclesiastical structure.
Death
Saint Olaf died on 29 July 1030 at the Battle of Stiklestad, fighting to regain his throne.[3]
Saint Olaf met his end through martyrdom.
Significant events
- Converted and baptized in Rouen, c. 1014.
- Crowned king of Norway, 1015.
- Exiled to Rus’, 1028.
- Killed at Stiklestad, 1030.
- Canonized 1031; relics translated to Nidaros Cathedral.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: Stiklestad, Norway
Notable location: Shrine and burial place (Nidaros Cathedral (Trondheim Cathedral), Bispegata 11, 7012 Trondheim, Norway)
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Shrines
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Canonization
Canonized 1031 by Bishop Grimketel; cult confirmed 1164 by Pope Alexander III.
Miracles
- Incorrupt body and healing spring at tomb.
- Numerous cures at Nidaros shrine.
Patronage
Saint Olaf is patron of Norway, carvers, difficult marriages, and kings.
Feast day
July 29
Veneration
Saint Olaf is venerated on 29 July with Norway’s national day “Olsok.” Former shrine at Nidaros Cathedral.
External links
References
- ↑ "St. Olaf". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11232a.htm.
- ↑ "St. Olaf". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=214.
- ↑ "Saint Olaf II". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Olaf-II.