The Christianisation of Norway
The Christianisation of Norway is a pivotal chapter in the country's history. During this period, the country transformed from a collection of pagan tribes into a nation united under the Christian faith.
Harald I was the first Viking king to unify Norway, bringing together various Viking groups that previously fought for control. He established a system of provinces, each governed by a local leader, similar to the modern ‘kommunes’ in Norway. Harald became wealthy and powerful by dominating coastal trade and was the first to implement a tax system in Norway. However, his expansions and new taxes led many local Viking leaders to migrate, settling in nearby islands, including Iceland and England.
During these tumultuous times, Harald sent his youngest son, Haakon I, to the safer shores of England. Raised in England, Haakon adopted Christianity. Upon Harald’s death, Eric Bloodaxe, Haakon’s brother and a notably brutal ruler, took the throne. With military support from the British king, Haakon returned to Norway, promising to abolish the unpopular taxes. He quickly gained favor, overthrowing Eric to claim the kingship. Despite his efforts, Haakon’s attempts to introduce Christianity to Norway were largely unsuccessful.
Revenge came when Eric’s son, Harald II, aided by the Danish King Bluetooth — yes, the technology was named after him — reclaimed the throne. However, Bluetooth soon betrayed Harald II, effectively extending his rule to include Norway. Both Harald II and Bluetooth were Christians, but like Haakon, they struggled to convert the Norwegian populace.
King Bluetooth later coerced Haakon Jarl, a staunch pagan Norwegian chief, into accepting Christianity and tasked him with Christianizing Norway. Frustrated, Jarl eventually renounced his allegiance to Denmark, declared himself king, and restored many Norse temples previously destroyed by Christian rulers.
Olaf I, aka Olaf Tryggvason and great-grandson of Harald I, emerged as a significant figure during Jarl’s reign. After surviving an assassination attempt by Jarl at birth and fleeing to Russia, Olaf led several attacks on England. Following the death of his British princess wife, a fortune teller converted him to Christianity. Seizing the moment as Jarl’s popularity waned due to his brutal actions and regional conflicts, Olaf returned to Norway, winning over the people and seizing the throne.
Jarl’s demise came at the hands of his own slave, hoping for a reward from Olaf. Instead, both were executed, and their heads displayed on Munkholmen, an island in Trondheim.
Olaf I notably advanced Christianity in Norway, often using force. He also spread Christianity to Iceland and Greenland and baptized Leif Ericson, the Icelandic Viking credited with discovering America. Olaf’s goal was to forge a united Christian Scandinavia, but his ambitions led to conflict with non-Christian Scandinavian rulers, resulting in his defeat and rumored escape. His successor, King Sweyn of Denmark, allowed Norwegians religious freedom, which led to a temporary regression from Christianity after Olaf’s forceful conversions.
Olaf II, aka Olaf Haraldsson, continued the Christian crusade in Norway after converting during his raids in France. He swiftly conquered Norway and founded the Church of Norway in 1024, establishing the country’s first national legislation. Despite making numerous enemies who eventually orchestrated his downfall with Danish assistance, his son succeeded him. The pope later canonised Olaf II as Saint Olaf, significantly boosting Christianity in Scandinavia.
The effectiveness of Olaf II’s rule and his role in Norway’s Christianisation are debated, with some questioning the motivations behind his sainthood. Although some old Icelandic tales link him to Harald I, this connection is not firmly established. Nevertheless, it is said that Norway’s current monarch traces his lineage back to Olaf II.