Wherefore,everyemissaryof
sedition
that came from Norway found welcome at his court.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v7
] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
467
and Tonsbeig, in the spring of 1023, Olaf then sailed to the Island of Car-
9 men, towards the west, in the district of Stavangeiieen. ?
As serving to illustrate the wild actions of that age and country, while the king was guest' of the Chief Aulfnes, one of his villagers named Thorercame to complain, about an injury inflicted on him by a certain noble named Asbiorn. At this time, the king was seated at table, and Thorer gave a dubious account of the transaction, and, as in most cases, when a complaint is made, he mingled false with true statements ; however, Asbiorn, who had entered without the man's knowledge, having heard that public accusation, flew towards the accuser, who was near the king, and drawing his sword, with a stroke cut off Thorer's head. The king was justly indignant, at the perpe- tration of such an act. Immediately, he ordered the murderer to be appre- hended, and to be executed. It happened to be the Thursday after Easter, and the culprit being consigned to the keeping of one Thorarin, a near cousin named Skialg endeavoured to obtain pardon from the king, but in vain. The sentence passed was that Asbiorn should be crucified on that very night. But Skialg, having influenced Thorarin to evade this order, told the king how nocturnal executions were most reprehensible, so that the criminal had a
respiteuntilmorning. Thedayfollowing,Olafbeganhiscoursebyassist- ing at Mass, before he engaged at any other order of business ; and seeing Thorarin, he asked had the sun risen to show the punishment which was to be inflicted on their friend Asbiorn. Then Thorarin replied, that it was Friday, the day when the Omnipotent King suffered the greatest injuries, and with the meekest submission, so that it should be better to imitate him, than those wicked men, who had condemned Him to so cruel a death. This say- ing moved the king, who replied: ''Your request shall be granted, and to-day,Asbiornshallnotdie; however,guardhimcarefully,andattheperil of your own life, should he happen to escape. " Then the king entered the church. On the Saturday following, having assisted at Matins, the king was engaged longer than usual, in discussing matters at the provincial assembly, and then going to assist at Mass, he afterwards went to dinner. Then Thora- rin sought the bell-ringer, and persuaded him to ring the bronze bell for announcement of the coming Sunday's Festival,3° before the ordinary hour, and when the king rose from table. At that moment, Olaf had ordered his servants, to see that Asbiorn should be led to*execution ; but, suddenly, the bell pealed, and then Thorarin, taking advantage of the king's exact religious observances, prayed the execution to be deferred during that festive time. The king once more assented, and went to the church. When Sunday came, as Asbiorn now seemed to repent of his crime, so was he allowed by the Bishop to assist at the sacred ceremonies. Meantime, expecting what was to happen, Thorarin besought the king to release him from the disagreeable duty of being Asbiorn's keeper ; while Skialg instigated his father Erling, who was uncle to Asbiorn, that he should assemble his hosting, which
eliam Hist. Dan. , lib. 10 in Canuto Magno Saxo Grammaticus. Adamus contra Ere- mensis Hist. Eccl. , lib. 2, cap. 54, Norve- gico Suecum superstitem facit, saltern quin- quennio ; cum hunc obiisse asserat eodem tempore, quo Canutus Magnus finemvivendi fecit : et hunc sequitur Vastovius in Vite Aquilonia; imoetTheodricusNidrosiensis, ut patet turn ex cap. 16, turn maxime —ex cap. 18. Quid ergo hie ccrii statuas? "
Norvegia. Commentarius Historicus, sect.
vii. , num. 68, p. IOO.
29 Stavanger is a town and port of Nor-
way, and the capital of a bailiwick bearing a similar name, in the diocese of Chiistian- ? and, and on the south-west side of the Bukke Fiord. It has a good harbour. See "Gazetteer of the World," vol. xii. , p. 728.
s° As that should have been Dominica in Albis, so we may suppose, the bell sounded for the first Vespers of that Feast, and in the
"
De S. Olavo, Rege et Martyre. Nidroswe in
Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii. , Julii xxix.
468 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 29.
amounted to 1,500 men-at-arms. These were instructed to rescue Asbiorn from his guards, and assembling at the church, they entered it in a tumul-
tuous manner. But, the king seemed alone undisturbed, for his soul was wholly filled with devout meditation. When the Holy Sacrifice was over, leaving the house of God, Olaf was accosted by Erling with a salute, which had something of menace conveyed, for armed retainers stood around and obedient to their chief's command. He demanded rather than asked the release of his nephew, and without death, mutilation or exile being inflicted on him. The courageous king looked at Erling defiantly, but the bishop fear- ing the result interfered, and persuaded Olaf to pardon the culprit, or at least to inflict a light punishment, so that he might not add Erling to the list of his
powerful foes.
That same spring, King Olaf visited Hordia*1 and Vorsia ; while learning
that Christianity was in a languishing condition in the district of Vangs, he there summoned a meeting. To this, the inhabitants went reluctantly, as also armed, for they desired to resist their monarch's wishes. When all had met, a riot seemed imminent, and both sides prepared for a battle. However, the rioters appear to have acted without concert or organization ; nor were they able to agree in their choice of a leader, for when that post was offered severally to the chiefs, all declined to accept it. It seems probable, they feared an encounter with the king's disciplined forces. Surrendering at dis- cretion, it was to be apprehended, their subsequent profession of Christianity could not have been a willing one ; but, as they received baptism, Olaf then departed. To Oster Fiord, in northern Harland, the king then went, and having gone on board his ships, sailing still more northwardly, he visited Songia, throughwhichhepassedduringthatsummer. Duringtheautumn,hewas in the Fiord of Songia. He moved round the lake by great journeys in Val-
dresia, which extended from the coast towards the valleys of Gudbrand ; and there, it seems, a popular commotion took place, while the inhabitants were still bitterly opposed to the introduction of the Christian religion among them. Hearingthatthekingwasnowapproaching,accordingtotheircus- tom when preparing for war, a weapon was sped around that district to men of all conditions and classes, so that the villages were deserted, and a great multitude rallied to the place of meeting indicated. When Olaf heard of these proceedings, knowing that their lands were now deprived of defenders, he allowed their forces to muster at one side of the Fiord, and then sailing with his ships to the other, he began to devastate their houses and farms. This action disconcerted the designs of his enemies ; for now, it was deemed necessary by many to return, so that they might defend their wives and chil- dren. However, their forces soon dispersed, while the king sailed across the strait and devastated the lands on the other side. He also blocked the mouthoftheFiord,andcapturedalltheirvessels. Soontheyacknowledged Olaf as their sovereign and law-giver. They submitted to his rule, and acceded to his wishes, by professing the Christian religion. They gave hos- tages, likewise, for their fidelity to the conditions he exacted from them.
For a considerable part of that autumn, the king remained there engaged in building and dedicating churches, as also in supplying them with pastors. Fearing his ships might be closed in by the ice, and distrusting the loyalty of those people living around the upper part of the Fiord, he next visited Thot-
nia. 32
There, extending
his excursions
through
the and even to the valleys,
afternoon previous to it.
el called Holland.
33 Not only have the Icelandic Manu- scripts such an account ; but even the Bishop Adam of Bremen, in " Historia Ecclesias- tica," lib. ii. , cap. lvii. , and the Annalist
32 This %vas a in the midland district,
part of Norway, and not far from Valdresia.
July 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 469
mountain ranges, he afterwards returned to spend the winter in Dron- theim, which was the chief seat of his government.
We must have observed, throughout the whole of this narrative, that Olaf
was a man of naturally strong impulses and passions, which were not always controlled, and which were sometimes ill-directed ; even, it is sad to state, that when he seemed most fervent and zealous to propagate Christianity, he had not the caution to reflect, that those who stand should take heed lest they fall. Among the female attendants on the queen was a certain noble lady, named Alfhild, remarkable for her great elegance of features and of figure, to whom the king became attached; and yielding to temptation, about this time, an intrigue resulted, which in due course led to the unhappy dis- closure, that she was with child. 33 Hence may be drawn the lesson, that it is not meet for the man, who desires to be continent, to behold the beauty
;
of every woman, or to tarry in her company 3 * for, much as discipline may
have composed the soul, and even sanctified it, yet the roots of concupiscence are not wholly eradicated from the human heart. This incident has been referred to the latter end of 1023, or to the beginning of 1024. From this illicit connexion sprung Magnus, the son of Olaf, by Alfhild, and he is said to have been so called, after the celebrated Emperor Charlemagne, yet with- out his father's wishes in the matter being consulted. At the time of his birth, Alfhild was almost in the agonies ordeath, and the infant newly-born seemed hardly to breathe, when a priest who had been sent for felt impelled to baptize the child at once, lest he might die on the instant. However, he feared to give a name, without knowing it from the father's own lips. One Signat, a poet, happened to be present, with some attendant women, and he took upon himself to give the name, stating he should hold himself responsi- ble for his act to the king.
In the year 1023, Greenland is stated to have become tributary to Olaf; but, afterwards, it refused to fulfil the obligations he imposed. 3$ In the year 1024, disregarding the former clemency extended towards him by King Olaf, Asbiorn manifested once more hostility and perfidy, when the monarch ordered him to be put to death. This sentence however excited great enmity against him, and especially among the followers of an uncle, named Erling.
Having brought most of the Norwegian chiefs to adopt Christianity, Olaf next laboured to convert the Greenlanders, Icelanders, and people living in the Faeroe Islands. During the summer, he sent an ambassador to Iceland, whichIslandreceivedhiscivilandcanonlaw. Therehehadatemplebuilt,
and afterwards he presented a large bell, which was long preserved in Iceland, as a venerated memorial of him. 36
When the spring was much advanced, Olaf sailed from Drontheim towards the south, and during that whole summer, he visited the maritime districts there. In the autumn, he went eastwardly, and revisited Vika. The winter Olaf spent in the Uplands, where he devised measures for the better estab- lishment of Christianity, and for supplying whatever might be needed for the due celebration of religious observances, while he reformed any abuses he there detected. 3? Hewasentertained,whereverhepassed,ataroundofbanquets; but these were not always an indication of friendly feelings or of genuine hos- pitality, on the part of many faithless chiefs. While in that district, also, he
Saxo Grammaticus, at A. D. 1059. 34Ecclesiasticus,xlii. 12.
33 See Arngrim Jonas.
36 The chronicle, from which Torfaeus took that account, stated it was extant in the time
of the. writer ; in the time of Torfseus, how- ever,ithadbeenremoved. See"Historia Rerum Norvegicarum," tomus iii. , lib. ii. ,
122.
37 See ibid. , p. 124.
cap. xxix. , p.
47o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 29.
had the opportunity of giving in marriage Gunnhild, his step-sister, and the daughter of Sigurd Syr, as also his aunt on the mother's side, and who was
called Isrid. 38 He had another aunt on the mother's side, also, and she was named Thoruna, the mother of St. Hallvard. 3*
CHAPTER IV.
CANUTE, KING OF ENGLAND AND OF DENMARK, ASSERTS HIS CLAIM TO THE CROWN OF NORWAY—HE PREPARES TO INVADE THAT COUNTRY—PREPARATIONS OF OLAF, KING OF NORWAY, AND OF ANUND II. , KING OF SWEDEN, TO OPPOSE HIM— CANUTE EXPELS OLAF FROM NORWAY, AND OBLIGES HIM TO TAKE REFUGE IN SWEDEN—OLAF RETIRES INTO RUSSIA—HE IS AGAIN IMPELLED TO RETURN TO NORWAY ON HEARING OF HACON's DEATH—HE VISITS SWEDEN—AN EXPEDITION ORGANIZED THERE FOR THE INVASION OF NORWAY.
Meantime, the ambitious King of England and of Denmark, Canute, had long desired to extend his dominion by annexing Norway to his crown, 1 and he soon took occasion to frame a pretext. After Olaf had visited the Uplands, word was brought to Canute, respecting the reluctant subjection of their chiefs
totheKingofNorway. Itwasanopportunityhehadlongexpected. How- ever, while he had been absent in England, the Swedes caused much annoy- ance to his subjects in Denmark. 2 Thither Canute repaired with forty ships in 1 019, and he remained there all that winter. 3 He was accompanied by an armyofDanesandofEnglish; whenaftersomeengagementswiththeSwedes, in which he proved victorious, Canute returned to England the following year. 4 Although Canute had been baptized during his infancy, still he knew little regarding the doctrines of Christianity. 5 His ambition and desire to extend his conquests seem to have been insatiable. To further such an object, he now began to intrigue with the subjects of Olaf. 6 In the begin- ning of 1025, he sent ambassadors with letters to Olaf, in which were pre- ferredhisclaimstoNorway,byhereditaryright; while,itwasstated,hedid not desire war on this head, unless he were forced to it ; moreover, if Olaf desired to retain his royal title, it should be through favour of Canute, and on condition of his paying that tribute, which formerly, he had received from the petty kings of Norway. 7 Although many of his counsellors advised
Olaf, to make some sort of composition with the poAverful king, Canute; yet, the King of Norway refused, with reproachful terms to the ambassadors, and asking,ifCanute'spresentpossessionofEngland,ofDenmark,andofagreatpart of Scotland, ought not be enough to satisfy his ambition, while he declared,
38 See "Acta Sanctorum/' tomus vis.
,
* See Bartholomwi do Cotton Monachi
Norwicensis '• Historia edited Anglicana,"
xxix. De S. Olavo, et
Rege Martyre,
Julii
Nidrosfee in Norvegia. Commentarius His- by Henry Richards Luard, M. A. , pp.
toricus, sect, vii. , pp. 100 to 102.
39 His feast is celebrated, on the
14th
of
37, 38.
s See Rev. Dr. " of Lingard's History
England/' vol. i. , chap, vi. , p. 261.
6 See Leslie Stephens' "Dictionary of National Biography," Art. Canute or Cnut,
May.
CHAPTER IV. —* See Les Petits Bol-
landi->ies, "Vies des Saints," tome ix. , e
xxix Jour de Juillet, p. 121. 2""
See John Speed's History of Great Britaine," booke viii. , chap, iii. , p. 401.
3 See Benjamin Thorpe's translation of
vol. ix. ,p. 6.
7 See Heinskringla edr Noregs Ko-
the 125.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle,
vol.
ii. , p.
8 See Torfa. us' " Historia Rerum Norvc- gicarum," tomus iii. , lib. ii. , cap, xxx. , pp.
nunga-Sogor," of Snorra Sturlusyni, tomus ii. , p. 213.
July 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 471
likewise, that he would pay tribute to no man for his kingdom, which he was
to defend in arms, so
as life remained. 8 To his
placate powerful
ready
adversary,however,OlafagreedtosurrenderTunsberg. Meantime,hedid not hope for a pacific solution of the difficulties, in which lie was now involved; for, he learned through merchant vessels coming from England, that Canute was
preparing a warlike expedition, which was thought to be designed for the invasion of Norway. Whereupon, he resolved to engage as his ally, if possible, the King of Sweden, Onund II. , to whom he sent ambassadors, and with proposals that were favourably received. 9
Towards the northern and western parts of Norway, Olaf knew that he
had many disaffected subjects ; and, accordingly, he chose to remain at Vika, and in the Uplands, during the winter of 1027-28. Even there, his life was not supposed to be safe, for assassins were lying in wait to destroy him. 10
When Canute had been firmly established on the thrones of England and of Denmark, he began to assume the role ofaa beneficent and strict monarch. He then endeavoured to conciliate the good graces of the Saxon thanes and
people,bypromulgatingjustlaws; byplacingthemonafootingofequality with the Danes ; and by admitting both equally to offices of trust and emolu-
ment. AlthoughhegenerallyresidedinEngland,yetoccasionally,hemade voyages to Denmark. To the latter country, he brought pious and learned
long
to civilize and instruct his 11 While affairs in countrymen.
missionaries,
England were disturbed, Canute satisfied himself with fomenting discontent
in Norway ; and, he was secretly pleased to find, that Olafs attempt, to intro- duce the Christian code of laws and morals among his pagan subjects, had
made him extremely unpopular, especially as he was both arbitrary and severe in their enforcement. Nor could the untamable spirits of the vikings relish his demands and proceedings, while they took care to manifest their supposed grievancesandhostilesentimentstoCanute.
Wherefore,everyemissaryof sedition that came from Norway found welcome at his court. 12 If a dis- affected person desired to remain in England for the king's purposes, he was sustained there ; or, if any one of those had occasion to return, he received gifts for himself and for others, so as to increase the number of Olafs enemies at home, while Canute himself industriously prosecuted the same design, withinhisownkingdoms. Helabouredmuch,todisparagethegoodquali- ties of Olaf, so that they should be undervalued in every way by his subjects. At length, finding that his neighbours the Norwegians despised their King Olaf, for his religious simplicity of character and innocence of life, Canute sent great sums of money to the nobles, so as to bribe them, that they should reject their monarch, and then receive himself instead. This offer they greedily accepted, and according as he desired, they prepared to submit themselves and their
to him. J 3
The King of Norway was politic enough to forecast, that an invasion of
country
his kingdom was now threatened, and as the new King of Sweden, Anund
——
1 II. x 4 also called Jacob who succeeded his father Olaf of the Tributes, *
124 to 126.
9 See " Historia de Gentium Septentriona-
Hum," Olai Magni Gothi Archiepiscopi Up- salensis, lib. viii. , cap. xxxvii. , p. 325. Basi- lise, 1567, fol.
I2
According to Saxo Grammaticus, in " Historia Danica. "
I+ An account of him may be found in
Snoro Sturleson's " of Heinskringla Saga
Olafi hinom Helga," tomus ii. , cap. cxli. , p. 216.
I0 See Torfaeus' " Historia Rerum Norve-
_
tomus gicarum," iii. ,
lib.
ii. , cap. xli. , pp.
152 to 155.
11 See Potanus, " Rerum Danicarum His-
toria," lib. v. , p. 153. Amstelodami, 1631, fol.
xs
was also called the Burner, because he made
f3 See Dean
Brittany," part iv. , book xxxiv. , chap, ix. , p. 942.
Cressy's
History
of
" Church
As generally stated, in 1024. Anund II.
472 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 29. had been at war with Canute the Great, King of England and of Denmark, it
6
was deemed well to him in a engage
both
held a secret conference at Konghell, where they devised plans to render mutual aid and support. Having taken counsel together, the King of Nor- way united his fleet with that of Aunund, King of Sweden. Under their leaders Ulf and Ellaf, a large army of Swedes poured into Denmark, when engagements took place between the invaders and the Danes, resulting in
great losses to the latter. ' 7
These proceedings of the confederate king obliged Canute to leave
England, as his northern kingdom was now placed in great danger. In 1025 l8 —according to other authorities in 1027 —while he was in Denmark, and his ships lay at the Holm of the River Helgo, Canute was suddenly attacked by Olave and Ulfr, with a numerous army of Swedes and with a naval force. In this encounter, he was defeated with a great loss of English and Danish chiefs. However, Godwin, who commanded the English troops, surprised the
Swedish camp during night, and totally dispersed the Swedes. '9 The
sister of Canute had been married to Ulf, who is said to have designed one of
his sons to fill the throne of Denmark ; but, after the battle was over, he
picked a quarrel with his brother-in-law, and had him assassinated in St. Lucius'
church, at Roskild. 20 Olaf was now obliged to prepare new armaments to
meet Canute, for he had resolved to hold Norway while he lived, as his lawful
and patrimonial inheritance. Having assembled his forces, he chiefly con-
centrated them in the province of Vikn, where they might be ready to make
head against the enemy, whenever or wherever he should appear. Numerous
emissaries, sent by Canute to Norway, had paralyzed the efforts of Olaf.
His pagan subjects were not disposed to accept him for their king, while they
were gained over in the interests of Canute the Great. 21 The latter sent pre-
sents of gold and silver to their chiefs, in the year 1027, to wean them from
their allegiance, and it seems he was successful. He promised to make a
descent in person, during the following year. In the meantime, they sent
word to him, that when he desired to come, they were ready to accept him
astheir 22The nowfor atthe of king. country being ripe revolt, opening
spring, Canute drew his expeditionary force on board his ships, and these left
England steering for the northern seas. According to some accounts, his armaments consisted of over one thousand four hundred sailing vessels -p others have it one thousand two hundred. 2 * It is more probable, however, that he sailed with fifty ships for Norway, asfoundin themost reliable accounts. 25 This expedition started in the year 101 1, according to the Chronicle of the Isle of Man. 26 However, this chronology is ante-dated by many years, as
a law condemning to the flames the house of every person who did any injury to his neighbour.
,r See Joannes Magnus, " De Omnibus
Gothorum Sveonumque Regibus," p. 576. '7 This invasion has been assigned to A. D.
2° See Leslie Stephens' "Dictionary of National Biography," vol. ix. , Art. Canute
or Cnut, pp. 5, 6.
2I See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the
Fathers, Martyrs and oihei principal Saints,"
vol. vii. , Julii xxx.
" sa 1025, or the year previous, in the Historia
Anglicana" of Bartholomew Cotton. See p. 38. Edition of Henry Richards Luard, M. A.
18 See "The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle," translation by Benjamin Thotpe, vol. ii. , p. 127.
See "Chronica" Magistri Rogeri dc Iloucdene, edited by William Stubbs, M. A. , vol. i. , A. D. M° xxvn°, p. 88.
23 According to the Icelandic accounts.
^According to Eric Olaus' History, at the reign of Amund Carbonarius, lib. ii.
confederacy. '
Accordingly,
kings
=5 gee Matthaei Parisiensis, Monachi Sancti '' This victory so pleased Canute, "that Albani, "Chronica Majora," edited by he bestow—ed his daughter in marriage upon HenryRichardsLuard, vol. i. , A. D. , mxxvii. ,
Godwin. " David Hume's "History of p. 506.
z6 "
England," vol. i. , chap, iii. , p. 151. Lon- See Rev. James Johnstone's Antiqui- don, 1812, 8vo. tates Celto-Normanicae," p. 4.
July 29. ] LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. 473
Canute's expedition is usually and more correctly referred to a. d. 1028. His vessels are stated to have been the. property of English thanes. 2 ? The Jail Hacon who had been expelled from Norway, and who had taken refuge in England with Canute, felt a great interest and' ambition, while endeavouring to recoveroncemorehispositioninNorway. Heseemstohaveprecededor accompanied Canute on this expedition ; and, towards the close of autumn, when the latter had triumphed everywhere, the victorious king resolved to sail for Denmark. Then Hacon was appointed vicegerent over the kingdom of Norway.
In order to anticipate the hostile designs of Canute, the Kings of Norway and of Sweden arranged to collect their respective fleets. This was thought to be a favourable opportunity for their joint action. Olafs fleet was directed southwards. Meantime, Canute had sought in vain, through means of his
todetachAmundII. fromhisalliance. 28 On to ambassadors, coming Hordia,
however, one Erling Skialg showed his defection from Olaf, by taking with him four or five large ships, each commanded by himself or by one of his sons, as also twenty smaller craft. With these, he sailed away to England. The king had suspicions of the fidelity of other sea-captains ; however, their treachery was not so openly revealed. Knowing that it should be a matter of difficulty to maintain so large a force in Norway, and at great expenditure of means, Olaf resolved that it should prey upon Denmark. The Swedish fleet was ready, likewise, and both arrays were nowdirected against Zeeland, which during the summer season was devastated. The people of Denmark found themselves altogether unable to contend against those united forces, which are said to have been organized, through means of Ulf, an Englishman of noble birth. 2 ^ They now only thought of defending Jutia. However, they looked forthereturnofCanutewithlargeforcestoassistthem. Astheyhadanti- cipated, with a fleet greatly superior to that of the Swedes and Norwegians, in the month of September he set out from England. The expectation Canute had was to surprise and capture their united fleet. This intention was defeated, however, by the address of Jarl Ulphon, who brought Olaf out of danger, in good time ; so that, when the Danes had mustered in force, no enemy appeared. To the King of Sweden, Olaf had then consigned their united fleet, and the vessels sailed for the Helga. His own forces Olaf had landed, and they encamped in position, while by Western Gothland he went into Norway. At Calmar, he left some ships. Notwithstanding the strife in which he was engaged, Olaf evinced much clemency and kindly feeling. While one Eigill and Tofiu, son to a Jarl of Gothia, were on guard at his camp, they allowed several prisoners who had burst their bonds to escape. So indignant felt the king at this carelessness or faithlessness to his service, that at first he thought of putting both to death. However, soon afterwards, Eigill became very ill, and in great sorrow he sent messengers to deprecate the king's anger, but for some time he would not be heard. At length, one Finn Arnin took upon himself the task of intercessor, when Olaf not only gave a free pardon, but even he went to visit the sick man, and placing his hand on Eigill's side, he offered up prayers for his recovery to the Almighty. The distemper was immediately allayed, and the invalid was restored to health. Olaf also accorded pardon to Tofiu, provided he should bring his Gothic father—who seems to have been the King of Sweden's subject—to
27 See "
ing to the several original authorities,"
edited with a Translation by Benjamin ii. , cap. cxlii. , p. 217.
Anglo-Saxon
Chronicle," accord-
Thorpe, vol. i. , pp. 290, 291, p. 128.
See Mevrsi "Histories Joannis
Daniccc,
and vol. ii. ,
29
sive, de Regibus Daniae," lib. Hi. , p. 54.
l8 See " edr Ko- Heimskringla Noregs
nunga-Sogor, of Snorra Sturlusyni," tonms
474 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 29,
hold a conference with the king. Not only was that aged man a pagan, but
he was inveterately opposed to Christianity, and he hated exceedingly those who professed the Christian religion. Tofiu was aware, that he should find it very difficult to persuade his lather to see the king, yet he undertook the task. At first, his father refused, and applied violent language, when he learned the proposal ; however, as he knew the condition on which Tofiu was to receive pardon, he at length agreed to see the king at Sarpsburg. Olaf at once pardoned the son's offence, and then, earnestly addressing the father, entreated him to recognise the majesty and utility of the Christian cere- monial, while warning him of the danger to be encountered should he remain bound to his pagan superstitions. He also told the old Jarl, that although now he was in the king's power, yet, that should not be abused. Nor did Olaf wish him to embrace Christianity reluctantly, but of his own free accord,
'which should make him the more acceptable to God. Not willing to adopt the
king'sadvice,however,theoldJarlwasfreelydismissed. Onhiswayhomewards through a wood, he was suddenly seized with illness. He sent for the king, as if urged by some divine inspiration, and then he declared his desire to become a Christian. A priest arrived at that place, and instructed him. He was afterwards baptized, and then having a foreknowledge of what was soon to happen, he expressed a wish to die in that place, where he had received the grace of conversion. Before expiring, that Jarl desired a church should there be erected and be liberally endowed after his death, and on behalf of his soul's welfare. This his dying request was fulfilled, by his sur- viving representatives.
When the very numerous fleet of Canute reached the eastern coast of
Norway, he landed at various places, where he summoned meetings, so that
he might appear to receive the kingdom with popular acclaim. His approach was everywhere welcomed, nor had he much occasion for a resort to force.
At Drontheim, he was proclaimed King of Norway, with great ceremony. 30 When Canute had established his power in Norway, he took measures to expel King Olaf from that country, which he reduced under his own dominion. 31 Olafwasobligedtoflybeforehisimposingforces,32 whilethe Norwegian chiefs, with great unanimity, received the conqueror of their country as a deliverer. 33 Towards *the latter end of autumn, having left Hacon to defend Denmark, Canute returned to England, with the greater part of his forces. He did not suppose any great danger was to be feared, after his departure. In the year 1028, Canute," King of England, Denmark, and Norway, returned to the first-named country,3* after his successful expe- dition. Other accounts have it in 1029. 55 However, the pious King Olaf had taken up his position among the Vikenses at the Lake of Dramen,36 and as thirteen ships he had left at the port of Calmar now reached Tuns- berg, he then resolved to try his fortune with these, and to see how far he could succeed in bringing his subjects to their allegiance. Having found
3* SeeTorfxus' " Historise Rerum Norve-
gicarum," tomusiii. , lib. ii. , cap. xlii. , p. 156. "
in the Rev. James Johnstone's "Antiquita- 32 See Hume's "History of England," tes Celto-Normannica:. " See "Chronicon
31 See Rev. James Johnstone's
Bremensis, " Historic Ecclesiastics Ecclesia;
Ilamburgensis ct Pontificum Bremensis," lib.
and Tonsbeig, in the spring of 1023, Olaf then sailed to the Island of Car-
9 men, towards the west, in the district of Stavangeiieen. ?
As serving to illustrate the wild actions of that age and country, while the king was guest' of the Chief Aulfnes, one of his villagers named Thorercame to complain, about an injury inflicted on him by a certain noble named Asbiorn. At this time, the king was seated at table, and Thorer gave a dubious account of the transaction, and, as in most cases, when a complaint is made, he mingled false with true statements ; however, Asbiorn, who had entered without the man's knowledge, having heard that public accusation, flew towards the accuser, who was near the king, and drawing his sword, with a stroke cut off Thorer's head. The king was justly indignant, at the perpe- tration of such an act. Immediately, he ordered the murderer to be appre- hended, and to be executed. It happened to be the Thursday after Easter, and the culprit being consigned to the keeping of one Thorarin, a near cousin named Skialg endeavoured to obtain pardon from the king, but in vain. The sentence passed was that Asbiorn should be crucified on that very night. But Skialg, having influenced Thorarin to evade this order, told the king how nocturnal executions were most reprehensible, so that the criminal had a
respiteuntilmorning. Thedayfollowing,Olafbeganhiscoursebyassist- ing at Mass, before he engaged at any other order of business ; and seeing Thorarin, he asked had the sun risen to show the punishment which was to be inflicted on their friend Asbiorn. Then Thorarin replied, that it was Friday, the day when the Omnipotent King suffered the greatest injuries, and with the meekest submission, so that it should be better to imitate him, than those wicked men, who had condemned Him to so cruel a death. This say- ing moved the king, who replied: ''Your request shall be granted, and to-day,Asbiornshallnotdie; however,guardhimcarefully,andattheperil of your own life, should he happen to escape. " Then the king entered the church. On the Saturday following, having assisted at Matins, the king was engaged longer than usual, in discussing matters at the provincial assembly, and then going to assist at Mass, he afterwards went to dinner. Then Thora- rin sought the bell-ringer, and persuaded him to ring the bronze bell for announcement of the coming Sunday's Festival,3° before the ordinary hour, and when the king rose from table. At that moment, Olaf had ordered his servants, to see that Asbiorn should be led to*execution ; but, suddenly, the bell pealed, and then Thorarin, taking advantage of the king's exact religious observances, prayed the execution to be deferred during that festive time. The king once more assented, and went to the church. When Sunday came, as Asbiorn now seemed to repent of his crime, so was he allowed by the Bishop to assist at the sacred ceremonies. Meantime, expecting what was to happen, Thorarin besought the king to release him from the disagreeable duty of being Asbiorn's keeper ; while Skialg instigated his father Erling, who was uncle to Asbiorn, that he should assemble his hosting, which
eliam Hist. Dan. , lib. 10 in Canuto Magno Saxo Grammaticus. Adamus contra Ere- mensis Hist. Eccl. , lib. 2, cap. 54, Norve- gico Suecum superstitem facit, saltern quin- quennio ; cum hunc obiisse asserat eodem tempore, quo Canutus Magnus finemvivendi fecit : et hunc sequitur Vastovius in Vite Aquilonia; imoetTheodricusNidrosiensis, ut patet turn ex cap. 16, turn maxime —ex cap. 18. Quid ergo hie ccrii statuas? "
Norvegia. Commentarius Historicus, sect.
vii. , num. 68, p. IOO.
29 Stavanger is a town and port of Nor-
way, and the capital of a bailiwick bearing a similar name, in the diocese of Chiistian- ? and, and on the south-west side of the Bukke Fiord. It has a good harbour. See "Gazetteer of the World," vol. xii. , p. 728.
s° As that should have been Dominica in Albis, so we may suppose, the bell sounded for the first Vespers of that Feast, and in the
"
De S. Olavo, Rege et Martyre. Nidroswe in
Acta Sanctorum," tomus vii. , Julii xxix.
468 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 29.
amounted to 1,500 men-at-arms. These were instructed to rescue Asbiorn from his guards, and assembling at the church, they entered it in a tumul-
tuous manner. But, the king seemed alone undisturbed, for his soul was wholly filled with devout meditation. When the Holy Sacrifice was over, leaving the house of God, Olaf was accosted by Erling with a salute, which had something of menace conveyed, for armed retainers stood around and obedient to their chief's command. He demanded rather than asked the release of his nephew, and without death, mutilation or exile being inflicted on him. The courageous king looked at Erling defiantly, but the bishop fear- ing the result interfered, and persuaded Olaf to pardon the culprit, or at least to inflict a light punishment, so that he might not add Erling to the list of his
powerful foes.
That same spring, King Olaf visited Hordia*1 and Vorsia ; while learning
that Christianity was in a languishing condition in the district of Vangs, he there summoned a meeting. To this, the inhabitants went reluctantly, as also armed, for they desired to resist their monarch's wishes. When all had met, a riot seemed imminent, and both sides prepared for a battle. However, the rioters appear to have acted without concert or organization ; nor were they able to agree in their choice of a leader, for when that post was offered severally to the chiefs, all declined to accept it. It seems probable, they feared an encounter with the king's disciplined forces. Surrendering at dis- cretion, it was to be apprehended, their subsequent profession of Christianity could not have been a willing one ; but, as they received baptism, Olaf then departed. To Oster Fiord, in northern Harland, the king then went, and having gone on board his ships, sailing still more northwardly, he visited Songia, throughwhichhepassedduringthatsummer. Duringtheautumn,hewas in the Fiord of Songia. He moved round the lake by great journeys in Val-
dresia, which extended from the coast towards the valleys of Gudbrand ; and there, it seems, a popular commotion took place, while the inhabitants were still bitterly opposed to the introduction of the Christian religion among them. Hearingthatthekingwasnowapproaching,accordingtotheircus- tom when preparing for war, a weapon was sped around that district to men of all conditions and classes, so that the villages were deserted, and a great multitude rallied to the place of meeting indicated. When Olaf heard of these proceedings, knowing that their lands were now deprived of defenders, he allowed their forces to muster at one side of the Fiord, and then sailing with his ships to the other, he began to devastate their houses and farms. This action disconcerted the designs of his enemies ; for now, it was deemed necessary by many to return, so that they might defend their wives and chil- dren. However, their forces soon dispersed, while the king sailed across the strait and devastated the lands on the other side. He also blocked the mouthoftheFiord,andcapturedalltheirvessels. Soontheyacknowledged Olaf as their sovereign and law-giver. They submitted to his rule, and acceded to his wishes, by professing the Christian religion. They gave hos- tages, likewise, for their fidelity to the conditions he exacted from them.
For a considerable part of that autumn, the king remained there engaged in building and dedicating churches, as also in supplying them with pastors. Fearing his ships might be closed in by the ice, and distrusting the loyalty of those people living around the upper part of the Fiord, he next visited Thot-
nia. 32
There, extending
his excursions
through
the and even to the valleys,
afternoon previous to it.
el called Holland.
33 Not only have the Icelandic Manu- scripts such an account ; but even the Bishop Adam of Bremen, in " Historia Ecclesias- tica," lib. ii. , cap. lvii. , and the Annalist
32 This %vas a in the midland district,
part of Norway, and not far from Valdresia.
July 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 469
mountain ranges, he afterwards returned to spend the winter in Dron- theim, which was the chief seat of his government.
We must have observed, throughout the whole of this narrative, that Olaf
was a man of naturally strong impulses and passions, which were not always controlled, and which were sometimes ill-directed ; even, it is sad to state, that when he seemed most fervent and zealous to propagate Christianity, he had not the caution to reflect, that those who stand should take heed lest they fall. Among the female attendants on the queen was a certain noble lady, named Alfhild, remarkable for her great elegance of features and of figure, to whom the king became attached; and yielding to temptation, about this time, an intrigue resulted, which in due course led to the unhappy dis- closure, that she was with child. 33 Hence may be drawn the lesson, that it is not meet for the man, who desires to be continent, to behold the beauty
;
of every woman, or to tarry in her company 3 * for, much as discipline may
have composed the soul, and even sanctified it, yet the roots of concupiscence are not wholly eradicated from the human heart. This incident has been referred to the latter end of 1023, or to the beginning of 1024. From this illicit connexion sprung Magnus, the son of Olaf, by Alfhild, and he is said to have been so called, after the celebrated Emperor Charlemagne, yet with- out his father's wishes in the matter being consulted. At the time of his birth, Alfhild was almost in the agonies ordeath, and the infant newly-born seemed hardly to breathe, when a priest who had been sent for felt impelled to baptize the child at once, lest he might die on the instant. However, he feared to give a name, without knowing it from the father's own lips. One Signat, a poet, happened to be present, with some attendant women, and he took upon himself to give the name, stating he should hold himself responsi- ble for his act to the king.
In the year 1023, Greenland is stated to have become tributary to Olaf; but, afterwards, it refused to fulfil the obligations he imposed. 3$ In the year 1024, disregarding the former clemency extended towards him by King Olaf, Asbiorn manifested once more hostility and perfidy, when the monarch ordered him to be put to death. This sentence however excited great enmity against him, and especially among the followers of an uncle, named Erling.
Having brought most of the Norwegian chiefs to adopt Christianity, Olaf next laboured to convert the Greenlanders, Icelanders, and people living in the Faeroe Islands. During the summer, he sent an ambassador to Iceland, whichIslandreceivedhiscivilandcanonlaw. Therehehadatemplebuilt,
and afterwards he presented a large bell, which was long preserved in Iceland, as a venerated memorial of him. 36
When the spring was much advanced, Olaf sailed from Drontheim towards the south, and during that whole summer, he visited the maritime districts there. In the autumn, he went eastwardly, and revisited Vika. The winter Olaf spent in the Uplands, where he devised measures for the better estab- lishment of Christianity, and for supplying whatever might be needed for the due celebration of religious observances, while he reformed any abuses he there detected. 3? Hewasentertained,whereverhepassed,ataroundofbanquets; but these were not always an indication of friendly feelings or of genuine hos- pitality, on the part of many faithless chiefs. While in that district, also, he
Saxo Grammaticus, at A. D. 1059. 34Ecclesiasticus,xlii. 12.
33 See Arngrim Jonas.
36 The chronicle, from which Torfaeus took that account, stated it was extant in the time
of the. writer ; in the time of Torfseus, how- ever,ithadbeenremoved. See"Historia Rerum Norvegicarum," tomus iii. , lib. ii. ,
122.
37 See ibid. , p. 124.
cap. xxix. , p.
47o LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 29.
had the opportunity of giving in marriage Gunnhild, his step-sister, and the daughter of Sigurd Syr, as also his aunt on the mother's side, and who was
called Isrid. 38 He had another aunt on the mother's side, also, and she was named Thoruna, the mother of St. Hallvard. 3*
CHAPTER IV.
CANUTE, KING OF ENGLAND AND OF DENMARK, ASSERTS HIS CLAIM TO THE CROWN OF NORWAY—HE PREPARES TO INVADE THAT COUNTRY—PREPARATIONS OF OLAF, KING OF NORWAY, AND OF ANUND II. , KING OF SWEDEN, TO OPPOSE HIM— CANUTE EXPELS OLAF FROM NORWAY, AND OBLIGES HIM TO TAKE REFUGE IN SWEDEN—OLAF RETIRES INTO RUSSIA—HE IS AGAIN IMPELLED TO RETURN TO NORWAY ON HEARING OF HACON's DEATH—HE VISITS SWEDEN—AN EXPEDITION ORGANIZED THERE FOR THE INVASION OF NORWAY.
Meantime, the ambitious King of England and of Denmark, Canute, had long desired to extend his dominion by annexing Norway to his crown, 1 and he soon took occasion to frame a pretext. After Olaf had visited the Uplands, word was brought to Canute, respecting the reluctant subjection of their chiefs
totheKingofNorway. Itwasanopportunityhehadlongexpected. How- ever, while he had been absent in England, the Swedes caused much annoy- ance to his subjects in Denmark. 2 Thither Canute repaired with forty ships in 1 019, and he remained there all that winter. 3 He was accompanied by an armyofDanesandofEnglish; whenaftersomeengagementswiththeSwedes, in which he proved victorious, Canute returned to England the following year. 4 Although Canute had been baptized during his infancy, still he knew little regarding the doctrines of Christianity. 5 His ambition and desire to extend his conquests seem to have been insatiable. To further such an object, he now began to intrigue with the subjects of Olaf. 6 In the begin- ning of 1025, he sent ambassadors with letters to Olaf, in which were pre- ferredhisclaimstoNorway,byhereditaryright; while,itwasstated,hedid not desire war on this head, unless he were forced to it ; moreover, if Olaf desired to retain his royal title, it should be through favour of Canute, and on condition of his paying that tribute, which formerly, he had received from the petty kings of Norway. 7 Although many of his counsellors advised
Olaf, to make some sort of composition with the poAverful king, Canute; yet, the King of Norway refused, with reproachful terms to the ambassadors, and asking,ifCanute'spresentpossessionofEngland,ofDenmark,andofagreatpart of Scotland, ought not be enough to satisfy his ambition, while he declared,
38 See "Acta Sanctorum/' tomus vis.
,
* See Bartholomwi do Cotton Monachi
Norwicensis '• Historia edited Anglicana,"
xxix. De S. Olavo, et
Rege Martyre,
Julii
Nidrosfee in Norvegia. Commentarius His- by Henry Richards Luard, M. A. , pp.
toricus, sect, vii. , pp. 100 to 102.
39 His feast is celebrated, on the
14th
of
37, 38.
s See Rev. Dr. " of Lingard's History
England/' vol. i. , chap, vi. , p. 261.
6 See Leslie Stephens' "Dictionary of National Biography," Art. Canute or Cnut,
May.
CHAPTER IV. —* See Les Petits Bol-
landi->ies, "Vies des Saints," tome ix. , e
xxix Jour de Juillet, p. 121. 2""
See John Speed's History of Great Britaine," booke viii. , chap, iii. , p. 401.
3 See Benjamin Thorpe's translation of
vol. ix. ,p. 6.
7 See Heinskringla edr Noregs Ko-
the 125.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle,
vol.
ii. , p.
8 See Torfa. us' " Historia Rerum Norvc- gicarum," tomus iii. , lib. ii. , cap, xxx. , pp.
nunga-Sogor," of Snorra Sturlusyni, tomus ii. , p. 213.
July 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 471
likewise, that he would pay tribute to no man for his kingdom, which he was
to defend in arms, so
as life remained. 8 To his
placate powerful
ready
adversary,however,OlafagreedtosurrenderTunsberg. Meantime,hedid not hope for a pacific solution of the difficulties, in which lie was now involved; for, he learned through merchant vessels coming from England, that Canute was
preparing a warlike expedition, which was thought to be designed for the invasion of Norway. Whereupon, he resolved to engage as his ally, if possible, the King of Sweden, Onund II. , to whom he sent ambassadors, and with proposals that were favourably received. 9
Towards the northern and western parts of Norway, Olaf knew that he
had many disaffected subjects ; and, accordingly, he chose to remain at Vika, and in the Uplands, during the winter of 1027-28. Even there, his life was not supposed to be safe, for assassins were lying in wait to destroy him. 10
When Canute had been firmly established on the thrones of England and of Denmark, he began to assume the role ofaa beneficent and strict monarch. He then endeavoured to conciliate the good graces of the Saxon thanes and
people,bypromulgatingjustlaws; byplacingthemonafootingofequality with the Danes ; and by admitting both equally to offices of trust and emolu-
ment. AlthoughhegenerallyresidedinEngland,yetoccasionally,hemade voyages to Denmark. To the latter country, he brought pious and learned
long
to civilize and instruct his 11 While affairs in countrymen.
missionaries,
England were disturbed, Canute satisfied himself with fomenting discontent
in Norway ; and, he was secretly pleased to find, that Olafs attempt, to intro- duce the Christian code of laws and morals among his pagan subjects, had
made him extremely unpopular, especially as he was both arbitrary and severe in their enforcement. Nor could the untamable spirits of the vikings relish his demands and proceedings, while they took care to manifest their supposed grievancesandhostilesentimentstoCanute.
Wherefore,everyemissaryof sedition that came from Norway found welcome at his court. 12 If a dis- affected person desired to remain in England for the king's purposes, he was sustained there ; or, if any one of those had occasion to return, he received gifts for himself and for others, so as to increase the number of Olafs enemies at home, while Canute himself industriously prosecuted the same design, withinhisownkingdoms. Helabouredmuch,todisparagethegoodquali- ties of Olaf, so that they should be undervalued in every way by his subjects. At length, finding that his neighbours the Norwegians despised their King Olaf, for his religious simplicity of character and innocence of life, Canute sent great sums of money to the nobles, so as to bribe them, that they should reject their monarch, and then receive himself instead. This offer they greedily accepted, and according as he desired, they prepared to submit themselves and their
to him. J 3
The King of Norway was politic enough to forecast, that an invasion of
country
his kingdom was now threatened, and as the new King of Sweden, Anund
——
1 II. x 4 also called Jacob who succeeded his father Olaf of the Tributes, *
124 to 126.
9 See " Historia de Gentium Septentriona-
Hum," Olai Magni Gothi Archiepiscopi Up- salensis, lib. viii. , cap. xxxvii. , p. 325. Basi- lise, 1567, fol.
I2
According to Saxo Grammaticus, in " Historia Danica. "
I+ An account of him may be found in
Snoro Sturleson's " of Heinskringla Saga
Olafi hinom Helga," tomus ii. , cap. cxli. , p. 216.
I0 See Torfaeus' " Historia Rerum Norve-
_
tomus gicarum," iii. ,
lib.
ii. , cap. xli. , pp.
152 to 155.
11 See Potanus, " Rerum Danicarum His-
toria," lib. v. , p. 153. Amstelodami, 1631, fol.
xs
was also called the Burner, because he made
f3 See Dean
Brittany," part iv. , book xxxiv. , chap, ix. , p. 942.
Cressy's
History
of
" Church
As generally stated, in 1024. Anund II.
472 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 29. had been at war with Canute the Great, King of England and of Denmark, it
6
was deemed well to him in a engage
both
held a secret conference at Konghell, where they devised plans to render mutual aid and support. Having taken counsel together, the King of Nor- way united his fleet with that of Aunund, King of Sweden. Under their leaders Ulf and Ellaf, a large army of Swedes poured into Denmark, when engagements took place between the invaders and the Danes, resulting in
great losses to the latter. ' 7
These proceedings of the confederate king obliged Canute to leave
England, as his northern kingdom was now placed in great danger. In 1025 l8 —according to other authorities in 1027 —while he was in Denmark, and his ships lay at the Holm of the River Helgo, Canute was suddenly attacked by Olave and Ulfr, with a numerous army of Swedes and with a naval force. In this encounter, he was defeated with a great loss of English and Danish chiefs. However, Godwin, who commanded the English troops, surprised the
Swedish camp during night, and totally dispersed the Swedes. '9 The
sister of Canute had been married to Ulf, who is said to have designed one of
his sons to fill the throne of Denmark ; but, after the battle was over, he
picked a quarrel with his brother-in-law, and had him assassinated in St. Lucius'
church, at Roskild. 20 Olaf was now obliged to prepare new armaments to
meet Canute, for he had resolved to hold Norway while he lived, as his lawful
and patrimonial inheritance. Having assembled his forces, he chiefly con-
centrated them in the province of Vikn, where they might be ready to make
head against the enemy, whenever or wherever he should appear. Numerous
emissaries, sent by Canute to Norway, had paralyzed the efforts of Olaf.
His pagan subjects were not disposed to accept him for their king, while they
were gained over in the interests of Canute the Great. 21 The latter sent pre-
sents of gold and silver to their chiefs, in the year 1027, to wean them from
their allegiance, and it seems he was successful. He promised to make a
descent in person, during the following year. In the meantime, they sent
word to him, that when he desired to come, they were ready to accept him
astheir 22The nowfor atthe of king. country being ripe revolt, opening
spring, Canute drew his expeditionary force on board his ships, and these left
England steering for the northern seas. According to some accounts, his armaments consisted of over one thousand four hundred sailing vessels -p others have it one thousand two hundred. 2 * It is more probable, however, that he sailed with fifty ships for Norway, asfoundin themost reliable accounts. 25 This expedition started in the year 101 1, according to the Chronicle of the Isle of Man. 26 However, this chronology is ante-dated by many years, as
a law condemning to the flames the house of every person who did any injury to his neighbour.
,r See Joannes Magnus, " De Omnibus
Gothorum Sveonumque Regibus," p. 576. '7 This invasion has been assigned to A. D.
2° See Leslie Stephens' "Dictionary of National Biography," vol. ix. , Art. Canute
or Cnut, pp. 5, 6.
2I See Rev. Alban Butler's "Lives of the
Fathers, Martyrs and oihei principal Saints,"
vol. vii. , Julii xxx.
" sa 1025, or the year previous, in the Historia
Anglicana" of Bartholomew Cotton. See p. 38. Edition of Henry Richards Luard, M. A.
18 See "The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle," translation by Benjamin Thotpe, vol. ii. , p. 127.
See "Chronica" Magistri Rogeri dc Iloucdene, edited by William Stubbs, M. A. , vol. i. , A. D. M° xxvn°, p. 88.
23 According to the Icelandic accounts.
^According to Eric Olaus' History, at the reign of Amund Carbonarius, lib. ii.
confederacy. '
Accordingly,
kings
=5 gee Matthaei Parisiensis, Monachi Sancti '' This victory so pleased Canute, "that Albani, "Chronica Majora," edited by he bestow—ed his daughter in marriage upon HenryRichardsLuard, vol. i. , A. D. , mxxvii. ,
Godwin. " David Hume's "History of p. 506.
z6 "
England," vol. i. , chap, iii. , p. 151. Lon- See Rev. James Johnstone's Antiqui- don, 1812, 8vo. tates Celto-Normanicae," p. 4.
July 29. ] LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. 473
Canute's expedition is usually and more correctly referred to a. d. 1028. His vessels are stated to have been the. property of English thanes. 2 ? The Jail Hacon who had been expelled from Norway, and who had taken refuge in England with Canute, felt a great interest and' ambition, while endeavouring to recoveroncemorehispositioninNorway. Heseemstohaveprecededor accompanied Canute on this expedition ; and, towards the close of autumn, when the latter had triumphed everywhere, the victorious king resolved to sail for Denmark. Then Hacon was appointed vicegerent over the kingdom of Norway.
In order to anticipate the hostile designs of Canute, the Kings of Norway and of Sweden arranged to collect their respective fleets. This was thought to be a favourable opportunity for their joint action. Olafs fleet was directed southwards. Meantime, Canute had sought in vain, through means of his
todetachAmundII. fromhisalliance. 28 On to ambassadors, coming Hordia,
however, one Erling Skialg showed his defection from Olaf, by taking with him four or five large ships, each commanded by himself or by one of his sons, as also twenty smaller craft. With these, he sailed away to England. The king had suspicions of the fidelity of other sea-captains ; however, their treachery was not so openly revealed. Knowing that it should be a matter of difficulty to maintain so large a force in Norway, and at great expenditure of means, Olaf resolved that it should prey upon Denmark. The Swedish fleet was ready, likewise, and both arrays were nowdirected against Zeeland, which during the summer season was devastated. The people of Denmark found themselves altogether unable to contend against those united forces, which are said to have been organized, through means of Ulf, an Englishman of noble birth. 2 ^ They now only thought of defending Jutia. However, they looked forthereturnofCanutewithlargeforcestoassistthem. Astheyhadanti- cipated, with a fleet greatly superior to that of the Swedes and Norwegians, in the month of September he set out from England. The expectation Canute had was to surprise and capture their united fleet. This intention was defeated, however, by the address of Jarl Ulphon, who brought Olaf out of danger, in good time ; so that, when the Danes had mustered in force, no enemy appeared. To the King of Sweden, Olaf had then consigned their united fleet, and the vessels sailed for the Helga. His own forces Olaf had landed, and they encamped in position, while by Western Gothland he went into Norway. At Calmar, he left some ships. Notwithstanding the strife in which he was engaged, Olaf evinced much clemency and kindly feeling. While one Eigill and Tofiu, son to a Jarl of Gothia, were on guard at his camp, they allowed several prisoners who had burst their bonds to escape. So indignant felt the king at this carelessness or faithlessness to his service, that at first he thought of putting both to death. However, soon afterwards, Eigill became very ill, and in great sorrow he sent messengers to deprecate the king's anger, but for some time he would not be heard. At length, one Finn Arnin took upon himself the task of intercessor, when Olaf not only gave a free pardon, but even he went to visit the sick man, and placing his hand on Eigill's side, he offered up prayers for his recovery to the Almighty. The distemper was immediately allayed, and the invalid was restored to health. Olaf also accorded pardon to Tofiu, provided he should bring his Gothic father—who seems to have been the King of Sweden's subject—to
27 See "
ing to the several original authorities,"
edited with a Translation by Benjamin ii. , cap. cxlii. , p. 217.
Anglo-Saxon
Chronicle," accord-
Thorpe, vol. i. , pp. 290, 291, p. 128.
See Mevrsi "Histories Joannis
Daniccc,
and vol. ii. ,
29
sive, de Regibus Daniae," lib. Hi. , p. 54.
l8 See " edr Ko- Heimskringla Noregs
nunga-Sogor, of Snorra Sturlusyni," tonms
474 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 29,
hold a conference with the king. Not only was that aged man a pagan, but
he was inveterately opposed to Christianity, and he hated exceedingly those who professed the Christian religion. Tofiu was aware, that he should find it very difficult to persuade his lather to see the king, yet he undertook the task. At first, his father refused, and applied violent language, when he learned the proposal ; however, as he knew the condition on which Tofiu was to receive pardon, he at length agreed to see the king at Sarpsburg. Olaf at once pardoned the son's offence, and then, earnestly addressing the father, entreated him to recognise the majesty and utility of the Christian cere- monial, while warning him of the danger to be encountered should he remain bound to his pagan superstitions. He also told the old Jarl, that although now he was in the king's power, yet, that should not be abused. Nor did Olaf wish him to embrace Christianity reluctantly, but of his own free accord,
'which should make him the more acceptable to God. Not willing to adopt the
king'sadvice,however,theoldJarlwasfreelydismissed. Onhiswayhomewards through a wood, he was suddenly seized with illness. He sent for the king, as if urged by some divine inspiration, and then he declared his desire to become a Christian. A priest arrived at that place, and instructed him. He was afterwards baptized, and then having a foreknowledge of what was soon to happen, he expressed a wish to die in that place, where he had received the grace of conversion. Before expiring, that Jarl desired a church should there be erected and be liberally endowed after his death, and on behalf of his soul's welfare. This his dying request was fulfilled, by his sur- viving representatives.
When the very numerous fleet of Canute reached the eastern coast of
Norway, he landed at various places, where he summoned meetings, so that
he might appear to receive the kingdom with popular acclaim. His approach was everywhere welcomed, nor had he much occasion for a resort to force.
At Drontheim, he was proclaimed King of Norway, with great ceremony. 30 When Canute had established his power in Norway, he took measures to expel King Olaf from that country, which he reduced under his own dominion. 31 Olafwasobligedtoflybeforehisimposingforces,32 whilethe Norwegian chiefs, with great unanimity, received the conqueror of their country as a deliverer. 33 Towards *the latter end of autumn, having left Hacon to defend Denmark, Canute returned to England, with the greater part of his forces. He did not suppose any great danger was to be feared, after his departure. In the year 1028, Canute," King of England, Denmark, and Norway, returned to the first-named country,3* after his successful expe- dition. Other accounts have it in 1029. 55 However, the pious King Olaf had taken up his position among the Vikenses at the Lake of Dramen,36 and as thirteen ships he had left at the port of Calmar now reached Tuns- berg, he then resolved to try his fortune with these, and to see how far he could succeed in bringing his subjects to their allegiance. Having found
3* SeeTorfxus' " Historise Rerum Norve-
gicarum," tomusiii. , lib. ii. , cap. xlii. , p. 156. "
in the Rev. James Johnstone's "Antiquita- 32 See Hume's "History of England," tes Celto-Normannica:. " See "Chronicon
31 See Rev. James Johnstone's
Bremensis, " Historic Ecclesiastics Ecclesia;
Ilamburgensis ct Pontificum Bremensis," lib.
