General Notes

Tore down London Bridge as in the Nursery Rhyme.

OCCUPATION: 1st Christian King of Norway, Patron saint of Norway, with Aethelred II fought Danes in England, tore down London Bridge (commemorated in nursery rhyme "London Bridge is falling down"), fought in western Europe, became sole ruler of Norway and forcibly Christianized inhabitants, slain during eclipse of 31 Aug 1030. He was born abt 995, posthumously Patron Saint of Norway.

MISC: Age at death: About 35.

In his early youth, he was a viking. Then he was in the service of the exiled King Ethelred II of England, and, at that time, became a Christian in Rouen. He returned to Norway in 1015 where, recognized as a descendant of King Harald I, he displaced the ruling earls and became king. He created a strong central government. He promoted Christianity, building churches throughout Norway. By 1025, he was more powerful than any previous Norwegian king.

In 1028, Canute II, king of Denmark and England, invaded Norway. Many local Norwegian chieftains, who were against Olav because of his forceful rule, sided with Canute II. Olav was forced to take refuge, and went to Russia. In 1030, he returned to Norway with an army, but was defeated by a peasant army, and was killed at the Battle of Stiklestad.

One source says that he Jumped into Baltic Sea near Rugen Island, Germany.