Saint Olaf

Olaf Haraldsson, also known as Saint Olaf, Olaf the Holy, Olaf II, and Olaf the Stout or 'Large', was King of Norway from 1015 to 1028. Born in Vestfold, Norway, he was posthumously given the title Rex Perpetuus Norvegiae (Eternal/Perpetual King of Norway) by his people. Olaf was canonized at Nidaros (Trondheim) by Bishop Grimketel one year after his death on 29 July 1030, in the Battle of Stiklestad. His remains were enshrined in Nidaros Cathedral, which was built over his burial site. Saint Olaf's sainthood encouraged the widespread adoption of Christianity among Scandinavia's Vikings/Norsemen and later confirmed by Pope Alexander III in 1164. He became a symbol of Norwegian independence and pride during romantic nationalism periods. His legacy lives on through Norway's coat of arms, Olsok (29 July), and various Christian institutions with Scandinavian links as well as the Order of St. Olav.