Rex Perpetuus Norwegiae Lingship and Conversion in Eleventh-Century Norway

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Benes, Carrie

Keywords

Medieval, Norway, Saint, Christianization, Kingship

Area of Concentration

Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Abstract

This thesis examines kingship and conversion in eleventh-century Norway during the reign of Olaf Haraldsson, better known as Saint Olaf. Olaf reigned from 1015 until 1028, when he was exiled from Norway by his people due to their dissatisfaction with his legislation and Christianization. He returned to Norway two years later only to be killed at the battle of Stiklestad by an army of Norwegians. A year later he was recognized as a saint and became the most important saint in all of Scandinavia. Paradoxically, his death cemented what he attempted to do in life and resulted in a Norway that was unified, independent and at peace for another century. This thesis examines the ways that his roles as legislator and converter both led to his death and resulted in the completion of his goals after he became a saint. It focuses particularly on the effects these roles had both during and after his life, as well as some of the literature written about him.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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