39 In the short Acts of our saint,
published
those of Karmoe and Bukken.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v7
'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. ii.
Sl In 1012, this is stated to have happened
Antiqui- tates Celto-Normannicce," Chronicon Man-
nise, p. 4.
vol. i. , chap, iii. , p. 151.
33 "Tandem ferunt bealissiinum Regan
Mannioe, p. 4.
35 See "Chronica" Magistri Rogeri de
Houedene. edited by William Stubbs, M. A. , vol. i. , a. d. , m° XXIX . , p. 88.
36 See Torfoeus" " Historic Rerum Nor- vegicarum," tomus iii. , lib. ii. , cap. xlii. ,
seditionem Principum, qvorum nuilicres ipse
propter maleficia sustulit, a regno depulsum
Norwagise. Et regnavit Knut in Norwagia
simul et Dania, et qvod nulli Rcg—um prius
contingere potuit, et in Anglia. " Adami pp. 156, 157.
July 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 475
that Canute left Norway, with a few volunteers he went on board ; but, to his demand for troops and provisions, little heed was taken by his former lieges. When chased from Norway, Olaf sailed for Denmark, where he spread terror among the islands of that kingdom. Then Olaus made an effort to raise troops in another part of the kingdom ; but, he was not successful in that attempt. Towards the end of 1028, Olaf took shipping for Lindisnesia, but as his vessels steered towards the north, the winds became adverse. This juncture was observed by his enemy, Erling, who, bringing together a large number of ships, followed the king's movements, but with a haste fatal to himself. For the south winds soon prevailed, and with them Olaf seemed to be escaping from his pursuit. Then anxious to engage, Erling took advan- tage of the speed of that vessel, which bore his flag, and separating at a con- siderable distance from the other vessels, he came up with Olaf at the promon- tory near Bukke Fiords A desperate sea-fight then ensued. As none of the other ships came to his aid, Erling resolved to sell his life dearly as possible, and he fought with all the energy of despair. When his mariners and warriors fell around him almost to the last man, the flag-ship was captured, and he was taken alive. Still Olaf wished to spare his captive, but one Aslac would not hear of it, and with a stroke of his battle-axe, he clove open the head of the perfidious Erling. When the other vessels closed upon Olaf's fleet, although their ships were more numerous, yet they declined an engagement, and busied themselves with the interment of their admiral and of hisslaincompanions. Freedfromthatdanger,thefurtherhesailednorth- wards, the more did calamities impend ; for while the sons of Erling had prepared a force to follow in his wake, the fleet of Hacon, with great numbers on board, was now sailing out to meet him from another quarter. Moreover, Olaf found several of his followers then disposed to desert him, and to join the more powerful party. No other course remained to save his Jife, with the lives of his soldiers and mariners, than to leave his vessels, and to fly towards themountains. HisjourneytoLesiaandGudbrandDalewasfullofperil, while the Icelandic accounts have it, that many miracles were wrought on the way. Four hundred of a hosting that accompanied him and one hundred agriculturists were relieved with food, when famine threatened them, through the prayers of St. Olaf. Again, large rocks are said to have opened a passage forthefugitives,whenhishandhadbeenappliedtoremovethem. More- over, when the king had washed his hands in a certain fountain, that issued from a cave, in after time, the waters were in request to cure cattle that became distempered. 38 The place was afterwards denominated St. Olaf's cave.
From Gudbrand Dale, taking his wife Astride, their daughter Ulfhilde, and his son Magnus, with Bishop Sigurd, Olaf next passed through Heidmarch, Vermia, and Nericia, amid the rigours of a Norwegian winter ; and, in the spring of 1029, he reached Amund, the King of Sweden, who gave them hospitality and protection, in their great distress.
However, not deeming himself safe in Sweden, Olave was obliged to fly for refuge during the summer of 1029 into Russia, where the grand Duke Jaroslaw 39 ruled. The latter had married the more nobly born sister of Olaf's wife, and he honourably and hospitably received the fugitive king. Having left Astride and his daughter Ulfhilde in Sweden, and to the care of its
3? This is an extensive indentation off the south- west coast of Norway, running between the islands of Ilvidding and Rennis, and
"
gicarum," tomus Hi. , lib. hi. , cap. i. , pp. 176 to 182.
39 In the short Acts of our saint, published those of Karmoe and Bukken. See Ga- b—y the Bollandists, he is styled Jarzellanus zetteer of the World," vol. iii. , p. 117. evidently a copyist's mistake for Jaris-
38 See Torfeus' " Historic Rerum Norve- lavus.
476 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[July 29.
monarch, Olaf brought his son Magnus into Russia. * Residing in Russia, Olafin no way neglected his religious and moral obligations; while with the
people he became most popular. He even wrought several miracles, and they regarded him as a saint. A widow lady of some distinction had a son, whose throat was affected by an ulcer, so that when trying to speak or even to breathe, he had violent contortions. At the request oflngigerd, the queen, Olaf applied his hands to the boy, until his throat was healed, and then taking some bread in the hollow of his hand, it was formed into a cross and given to the child. When he had swallowed it, all pain departed, and the boy was perfectly cured, in the course of a few days. As serving to illustrate the extreme reverence he had for the Sunday, the Sagas relate, that while on such a day Olaf sat on his royal seat, he fell into a profound reverie, and he did not think on theaction, which then engaged him, but in a sort of mechanical manner. Heheldapieceoffirwoodinhishand,andfromtimetotime,he cut splinters from it with a knife. Then the chief waiter cautiously remarked, that it should be Monday on the day following. This reminded the king,
that he was violating the Lord's Day. Whereupon, collecting all the shavings he had made, and placing them on the extended palm of his hand, he set fire tothemwithacandle,andthereheallowedthemtoburnintoashes. Thus, did he bear such torture with astonishing fortitude, as a punishment for his
because he had one of God's Commandments. *1 neglected
negligence,
Nor had Olaf remained long in Russia, when news reached him in theautumn
of 1029, that returning with his wife from England, Hacon had perished at sea. 42 It seems most likely, this accident became known in Norway, long before the account of it reached England. 4^ One Biorn, a merchant, who had given in his submission to Hacon, when King Olaf fled, having heard what occurred, now believed that his allegiance returned to the exiled monarch, and that he was absolved from his Oath of fidelity, apparently given with great reluctance. He at once hastened to Russia, towards the close of that year, and having sought Olaf, he endeavoured to argue, that Providence hadthusthrowninhiswayagoodopportunityforrecoveringNorway. By some writers, it is stated, that many of the Norwegian chiefs had sent emissa- ries, to urge upon Olaf a like course of action. This news differently affected Olaf and the companions of his exile ; for, while the latter desired to return, and to recover their lost properties and positions in Norway, Olaf preferred a quiet life in Russia, where he might solely devote himself to heavenly con- templation, and to a complete union with God. The more experience of the world he had, the more he disliked its cares ; while above all things, he detested the bloodshed of wars, the tumult of camps, and the pomp of courts. According to some accounts, while Olaf was in Russia, he had seriousthoughtsofembracingareligiouslife. Foratime,andwhilereverses overtook him, Olaf had formed the project of going to Jerusalem, where he intendedtoseekretirementinamonastery; but,hewasunabletofulfillthis purpose, and circumstances soon changed it into another resolution. Biorn and the king's Norwegian partisans urged him to return, and to vindicate his rights, at that favourable time ; nor did they neglect to move him, by stating, that he could restore the practices of Christianity through his apostolic zeal ;
40 See Heimskringla edr Noregs Konunga- Sogor," of Snorra Sturlusyni, lomus ii. , cap. exci. , p. 315.
41 See Saxo Gramniaticus " Historian Da- niece," lib. x. , when treating about the reign of Canute the Great.
rium nusquam comparentium, nuntio. "—
"
IlistoriaRerum Norvegicarum,"tomusiii. , lib. iii. , cap. ii. , pp. 182, 183.
that Ilacun was killed in the Orkney Islands. See William Stubbs' "Chronica Magistri Rogeri de
Uoucdene," vol. i. , p. 88.
*' "
Torfseus adds
:
mullo, prater deside-
43 Other accounts have
it,
July 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 477
however, Jarislav and Ingigerd took opposite views, and counselled him to live with them a quiet life in Russia, where a field was open for his religious
action. Jarislav offered Bulgaria, likewise, to Olaf, proposing also that he should convert it to Christianity. ** Being very anxious, to consult the will of God in the matter, and to abide by it alone, Olaf had recourse to prayer. While asleep, he had a vision,''5 in which it seemed to him,*6 a Divine inspi- ration 47 was given, that he should leave for Norway. In vain did Jarislav or Ingigerd try their blandishments and arguments, to dissuade" him from this purpose, for his resolution was now firmly taken. Placing his whole trust in God, and still deeming it a duty to repress the idolaters in Norway, he resolved to renew the war. Wherefore, leaving Magnus to the care of Jarislav
and of his aunt Ingigerd, Olaf began to make the necessary preparations for
his own departure.
He felt persuaded, that it was the will of heaven, he should return to his
native country. His first object was to gain the approval of Amund, King of Sweden, and this monarch approved of his project, to make his expedition
the Swedish
for back Norway
8 In the month of
January, he parted for Sweden. He was accompanied by Bishop Sigurd, and by a band, consisting of about two hundred attendants. The seat of royalty was then at Holmgard. In the spring of 1030, he reached Arosia. Not only was he
joyfully received by his wife and daughter, but also by the King of Sweden, who manifested his friendly feelings and hospitality. The report of his leaving Russia to invade Norway soon spread, and Olaf remained in Sweden longer than was politic, for it gave his numerous disaffected, subjects time and oppor- tunity to organize a force in opposition to him. We learn from Adam of
Bremen, that the Magi of Norway were chiefly instrumental in effecting his overthrow, as it was against them his hostility had been mainly directed. When it became known in Sweden, that the people of Norway were so hostile to their exiled king ; several followers abandoned his fortunes, while many of his counsellors advised him to relinquish his expedition altogether, or at least, to seek a more favourable opportunity for its issue. Notwithstanding, Olaf was resolved to try his fortune once more, and he began to assemble a force to meet his rebellious subjects. His firm belief was, that the idolaters there should either become Christian or be banished from the country altogether. However, it did not happen that his efforts had been crowned with success ;
although his valour was undoubtedly displayed in action, while his love of
justice was recognised even by his enemies. .
With the King of Sweden's friendly assistance, he obtained a small army
of four- hundred men, to assert his claim to the crown of Norway. Moreover, he was allowed to recruit men on his own behalf. He thereupon drew a large number of followers from Sweden, and from the adjoining Islands. With these, he once more resolved to invade Norway, and with that object in view, he directed their march towards northern Jemptia. He led these forces through very difficult passes, towards the frontiers of Norway. Great was his joy, when he met his valiant brother Harald, at the head of six hundred Norwegians, all ready to do battle for his cause. Again, he was greatly cheered when Dagus, the son of Hring, King of Heidmarch, brought
through
territory. *
« See " Ileimskringla edr Noregs Ko- nunga Sogor," of Snoira Sturlusyni, tomus ii. , cap. cxcviii. , p. 325.
« According to some accounts a distin-
gushed man appeared to him in sleep, while Olaf himself . considered him to have been
Tryggon, formerly a King of Norway.
45 Theodric, the monk, states that Olaf
was admonished in his sleep to return to
Norway.
^ So it is called in the Lreviary ot Sles-
wick.
48 See Joannis Meursii "Historic Da-
niece," &c, lib. hi. , p. 54.
_
478 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 29.
him twelve hundred men. 49 He succeeded in raising a force of about 3,000 warriors,alonghislineofmarchthroughSweden. Helabouredtoconvert and baptize those soldiers who had been pagans ; but, he found it a difficult matter to engage their rude convictions. A number of outlaws and those eager for plunder had joined the army of King Olaf. Among these marched two brothers, Gauka-Thorer and Afarfaste, vagabonds and robbers, who were at the head of thirty men. Olaf endeavoured to persuade them to
"
no faith but in ourselves, and with this faith we get along sufficiently well. "
become Christians ; whereupon the former said :
I and my comrades have
The " It is a king replied :
that such brave warriors as are you
great pity
should not believe in Christ. " He then offered them great dignities, if they
would be baptized ; but, if not, he desired them to leave the army. Afarfaste
" It
1
recruits, yet Olaf wished only to have Christian soldiers righting on his side. s Altogether, he had over three thousand men under his banners, but of these
also said he could not believe. Whereupon, Gauka-Thorer muttered :
is a great shame, that the king drives us thus from his army, for I never came before, where I was not heartily welcome, nor will I leave now. " They then fell into the rere of the army, but still they followed King Olaf's standard. 50 Notwithstanding his numerical inferiority, and his desire for
nine hundred were 2 To them Olaf fully pagans. ^
his wish that would be baptized. When they heard this desire, four hundred agreed to the proposition, 'but five hundred refused, and these returned to Sweden. Then Gauka-Thorer and Afarfaste presented themselves once more to the king. He asked, if they would receive baptism ? Then, in a consultation
together, Afarfaste said
go on into battle, and fight on one side or the other, nor do I care much which of the opposing armies I join. " To this Gauka-Thorer replied : ''If I go into battle, it will be on the king's side, and if I believe in a God, why not inthewhiteChrist,aswellasinanyother? Now,itismyadvice,thatwe bebaptized,sincethekinginsistsonit. " Thentheywerebaptizedbyapriest, andafterwardsconfirmedbythebishop. SopleasedwasKingOlafwiththeir conduct, that he took them into his bodyguard, and he directed them to fight beside his banner in the coming battle. 53
THE SAINT—HIS FESTIVALS—CONCLUSION
:
CHAPTER V.
RETURN OF KING OLAF TO NORWAY, AT THE HEAD OF AN ARMY—THE FATAL BATTLE AT STIKLESTAD—INCIDENTS OF THE ENGAGEMENT—INTERMENT OF THE KING AND SUBSEQUENT TRANSLATION OF HIS RELICS—THE BUILDING OF I T1IEIM CATHEDRAL AND THE SHRINE OF ST. OLAF—VENERATION FOR ST. REMAINS AND MIRACLES WROUGHT THROUGH HIS INTERCESSION—MEMORIALS OF
.
Thoroughly convinced as he was, that a desire to extend the honour and glory of God, and to bring his subjects to a knowledge of the Christian Faith,
« See Olaus
tinm Septentiionalium," &c. , lib. viii. cap. xxxvii. ,p. 326.
5J See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. vii. , July 29, p. 665.
51 According to Theodric, the monk of Nidrosia.
s» See the
tomus vii. , Julii xxix. IV S. Marlyre,Nidrosi*inNorvegia. Commeu-
tarius Historicus, sect, ix. , pp. 105, 106.
e Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Live; of
the Saints," vol. vii. , July 29, p. 666. Chapter v. — ' See Thofmod T
Magnus*
Bollaudists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
" Ilistoria de Gen-
signified
they
" To give you my opinion, I will not turn back, but
July 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 479
were the motives which chiefly actuated him, Olafnow led his army forward, to try the issue of that contest, in which he was about to engage. He entered Norway through the mountains rising eastwards from Dromtheim, and he gazed with great delight on the prospect then presented, from the'vantage ground he there occupied. Filled with contending emotions, the king was silent for a long time, to the great surprise of the bishop, who rode beside him. He had given orders to his troops, that they should not waste the husbandmen's corn on their march ; but, however well obeyed by those bands which were near him, the rereguard and the stragglers did not respect the property of
1
The Norwegian bonders had already mustered a large force, to oppose their king. This he learned, when he had reached the
2
frontier on Stafs Moor.
tian subjects, he now thought to invade Norway, where he sought to overcome those who proved false to their allegiance. He had distributed arms among
the country people, thinking they should be used to uphold his cause ; but, instead of that, few rallied to his standard, while the greater number refused toenlistonhisside,ortheyjoinedtheranksofhisenemies. Thisconduct so greatly enraged his chiefs, that they recommended Olaf to burn their houses and villages, according to the barbarous custom of that age and country. However, the king had other sentiments, and he remarked, that as they had professed themselves Christians, and had plighted their faith to God, only to violate it, by again relapsing into idolatry ; he declared, also, that their defection from an earthly king was a much lesser crime, however it mightbedetestable,intheestimationofhonestandofgeneroussouls. Ata village or farm called Sticklastad, said to have been only two miles 3 east- ward from Drontheim, the army of his enemies was drawn up in position to bar Olafs entrance to his former capital. Other authorities, however, place it at a much greater distance. Finn Arneson had been selected by the king, to marshal his forces and to lead them into battle. While King Olaf knew that a concentration of forces had taken place on both sides, and that a decisive engagement must now ensue, he left the issue to Divine Providence. He caused the cross to be painted on all the helmets of his soldiers, to signify, how under that sign, he willed them to conquer or to die. * He now redoubled
his prayers, his vigils, and his fastings ; for, he knew, that his enemies were greatly superior in number to the army he was leading against them. Indeed,
King Olaf seems to have had a presentiment, before engaging in the fight, that he should not survive it ; and, therefore, he set apart a large sum of money which was to be distributed, partly to obtain prayers for those who should fall in battle, so that the Almighty might be propitious to them, partly for the temples and clergy, and partly for the poor. s
The night before the battle, and while his army lay around him on the field, Olaf slept but little himself, for he spent the silent hours of the night in prayer to God. Towards morning, slumber fell upon him ; yet, he awoke early, and while daylight was breaking over the pine-clad Norwegian moun-
farmers along their route.
" Historic Rerum Norvegicarum," pars iii. , lib. iii. , cap. iv. , p. 189.
the Great. Thus, according to the poet Prudentius :—
2
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of
the Saints," vol. vii. , July 29, p. 665.
3 Torfceus has it, ''duobus in ortum a Nidarosia milliaribus situm. "—" Historia Rerum Norvegicarum," tomus i. , lib. ii. ,
cap. xix. , p. 85.
4 This idea and direction he adopted,
most probably, from the example of the first Christian and Roman Emperor Constantine
"
Finding himself betrayed by his professing Chris-
Clnistus purpureum gemmanti textus in auro
Signabat Labarumclipeorum insignia Chrislus
Scripserat ; ardebat summis crux ad- dita cristis. "
—
In
Symmachum,
lib. i. , \v.
484
to
4S6.
480 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[July 29.
tains thai rimmed the east. 6 As customary in those days, an Icelandic scald, named Thormod, followed the king's fortunes, with a desire to celebrate his actions and virtues in Norse song. To the profession of bard, he united that of vocalist. He was awake when Olaf arose; but, the latter did not chose to disturb his soldiers from their slumbers.
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. ii.
Sl In 1012, this is stated to have happened
Antiqui- tates Celto-Normannicce," Chronicon Man-
nise, p. 4.
vol. i. , chap, iii. , p. 151.
33 "Tandem ferunt bealissiinum Regan
Mannioe, p. 4.
35 See "Chronica" Magistri Rogeri de
Houedene. edited by William Stubbs, M. A. , vol. i. , a. d. , m° XXIX . , p. 88.
36 See Torfoeus" " Historic Rerum Nor- vegicarum," tomus iii. , lib. ii. , cap. xlii. ,
seditionem Principum, qvorum nuilicres ipse
propter maleficia sustulit, a regno depulsum
Norwagise. Et regnavit Knut in Norwagia
simul et Dania, et qvod nulli Rcg—um prius
contingere potuit, et in Anglia. " Adami pp. 156, 157.
July 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 475
that Canute left Norway, with a few volunteers he went on board ; but, to his demand for troops and provisions, little heed was taken by his former lieges. When chased from Norway, Olaf sailed for Denmark, where he spread terror among the islands of that kingdom. Then Olaus made an effort to raise troops in another part of the kingdom ; but, he was not successful in that attempt. Towards the end of 1028, Olaf took shipping for Lindisnesia, but as his vessels steered towards the north, the winds became adverse. This juncture was observed by his enemy, Erling, who, bringing together a large number of ships, followed the king's movements, but with a haste fatal to himself. For the south winds soon prevailed, and with them Olaf seemed to be escaping from his pursuit. Then anxious to engage, Erling took advan- tage of the speed of that vessel, which bore his flag, and separating at a con- siderable distance from the other vessels, he came up with Olaf at the promon- tory near Bukke Fiords A desperate sea-fight then ensued. As none of the other ships came to his aid, Erling resolved to sell his life dearly as possible, and he fought with all the energy of despair. When his mariners and warriors fell around him almost to the last man, the flag-ship was captured, and he was taken alive. Still Olaf wished to spare his captive, but one Aslac would not hear of it, and with a stroke of his battle-axe, he clove open the head of the perfidious Erling. When the other vessels closed upon Olaf's fleet, although their ships were more numerous, yet they declined an engagement, and busied themselves with the interment of their admiral and of hisslaincompanions. Freedfromthatdanger,thefurtherhesailednorth- wards, the more did calamities impend ; for while the sons of Erling had prepared a force to follow in his wake, the fleet of Hacon, with great numbers on board, was now sailing out to meet him from another quarter. Moreover, Olaf found several of his followers then disposed to desert him, and to join the more powerful party. No other course remained to save his Jife, with the lives of his soldiers and mariners, than to leave his vessels, and to fly towards themountains. HisjourneytoLesiaandGudbrandDalewasfullofperil, while the Icelandic accounts have it, that many miracles were wrought on the way. Four hundred of a hosting that accompanied him and one hundred agriculturists were relieved with food, when famine threatened them, through the prayers of St. Olaf. Again, large rocks are said to have opened a passage forthefugitives,whenhishandhadbeenappliedtoremovethem. More- over, when the king had washed his hands in a certain fountain, that issued from a cave, in after time, the waters were in request to cure cattle that became distempered. 38 The place was afterwards denominated St. Olaf's cave.
From Gudbrand Dale, taking his wife Astride, their daughter Ulfhilde, and his son Magnus, with Bishop Sigurd, Olaf next passed through Heidmarch, Vermia, and Nericia, amid the rigours of a Norwegian winter ; and, in the spring of 1029, he reached Amund, the King of Sweden, who gave them hospitality and protection, in their great distress.
However, not deeming himself safe in Sweden, Olave was obliged to fly for refuge during the summer of 1029 into Russia, where the grand Duke Jaroslaw 39 ruled. The latter had married the more nobly born sister of Olaf's wife, and he honourably and hospitably received the fugitive king. Having left Astride and his daughter Ulfhilde in Sweden, and to the care of its
3? This is an extensive indentation off the south- west coast of Norway, running between the islands of Ilvidding and Rennis, and
"
gicarum," tomus Hi. , lib. hi. , cap. i. , pp. 176 to 182.
39 In the short Acts of our saint, published those of Karmoe and Bukken. See Ga- b—y the Bollandists, he is styled Jarzellanus zetteer of the World," vol. iii. , p. 117. evidently a copyist's mistake for Jaris-
38 See Torfeus' " Historic Rerum Norve- lavus.
476 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[July 29.
monarch, Olaf brought his son Magnus into Russia. * Residing in Russia, Olafin no way neglected his religious and moral obligations; while with the
people he became most popular. He even wrought several miracles, and they regarded him as a saint. A widow lady of some distinction had a son, whose throat was affected by an ulcer, so that when trying to speak or even to breathe, he had violent contortions. At the request oflngigerd, the queen, Olaf applied his hands to the boy, until his throat was healed, and then taking some bread in the hollow of his hand, it was formed into a cross and given to the child. When he had swallowed it, all pain departed, and the boy was perfectly cured, in the course of a few days. As serving to illustrate the extreme reverence he had for the Sunday, the Sagas relate, that while on such a day Olaf sat on his royal seat, he fell into a profound reverie, and he did not think on theaction, which then engaged him, but in a sort of mechanical manner. Heheldapieceoffirwoodinhishand,andfromtimetotime,he cut splinters from it with a knife. Then the chief waiter cautiously remarked, that it should be Monday on the day following. This reminded the king,
that he was violating the Lord's Day. Whereupon, collecting all the shavings he had made, and placing them on the extended palm of his hand, he set fire tothemwithacandle,andthereheallowedthemtoburnintoashes. Thus, did he bear such torture with astonishing fortitude, as a punishment for his
because he had one of God's Commandments. *1 neglected
negligence,
Nor had Olaf remained long in Russia, when news reached him in theautumn
of 1029, that returning with his wife from England, Hacon had perished at sea. 42 It seems most likely, this accident became known in Norway, long before the account of it reached England. 4^ One Biorn, a merchant, who had given in his submission to Hacon, when King Olaf fled, having heard what occurred, now believed that his allegiance returned to the exiled monarch, and that he was absolved from his Oath of fidelity, apparently given with great reluctance. He at once hastened to Russia, towards the close of that year, and having sought Olaf, he endeavoured to argue, that Providence hadthusthrowninhiswayagoodopportunityforrecoveringNorway. By some writers, it is stated, that many of the Norwegian chiefs had sent emissa- ries, to urge upon Olaf a like course of action. This news differently affected Olaf and the companions of his exile ; for, while the latter desired to return, and to recover their lost properties and positions in Norway, Olaf preferred a quiet life in Russia, where he might solely devote himself to heavenly con- templation, and to a complete union with God. The more experience of the world he had, the more he disliked its cares ; while above all things, he detested the bloodshed of wars, the tumult of camps, and the pomp of courts. According to some accounts, while Olaf was in Russia, he had seriousthoughtsofembracingareligiouslife. Foratime,andwhilereverses overtook him, Olaf had formed the project of going to Jerusalem, where he intendedtoseekretirementinamonastery; but,hewasunabletofulfillthis purpose, and circumstances soon changed it into another resolution. Biorn and the king's Norwegian partisans urged him to return, and to vindicate his rights, at that favourable time ; nor did they neglect to move him, by stating, that he could restore the practices of Christianity through his apostolic zeal ;
40 See Heimskringla edr Noregs Konunga- Sogor," of Snorra Sturlusyni, lomus ii. , cap. exci. , p. 315.
41 See Saxo Gramniaticus " Historian Da- niece," lib. x. , when treating about the reign of Canute the Great.
rium nusquam comparentium, nuntio. "—
"
IlistoriaRerum Norvegicarum,"tomusiii. , lib. iii. , cap. ii. , pp. 182, 183.
that Ilacun was killed in the Orkney Islands. See William Stubbs' "Chronica Magistri Rogeri de
Uoucdene," vol. i. , p. 88.
*' "
Torfseus adds
:
mullo, prater deside-
43 Other accounts have
it,
July 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 477
however, Jarislav and Ingigerd took opposite views, and counselled him to live with them a quiet life in Russia, where a field was open for his religious
action. Jarislav offered Bulgaria, likewise, to Olaf, proposing also that he should convert it to Christianity. ** Being very anxious, to consult the will of God in the matter, and to abide by it alone, Olaf had recourse to prayer. While asleep, he had a vision,''5 in which it seemed to him,*6 a Divine inspi- ration 47 was given, that he should leave for Norway. In vain did Jarislav or Ingigerd try their blandishments and arguments, to dissuade" him from this purpose, for his resolution was now firmly taken. Placing his whole trust in God, and still deeming it a duty to repress the idolaters in Norway, he resolved to renew the war. Wherefore, leaving Magnus to the care of Jarislav
and of his aunt Ingigerd, Olaf began to make the necessary preparations for
his own departure.
He felt persuaded, that it was the will of heaven, he should return to his
native country. His first object was to gain the approval of Amund, King of Sweden, and this monarch approved of his project, to make his expedition
the Swedish
for back Norway
8 In the month of
January, he parted for Sweden. He was accompanied by Bishop Sigurd, and by a band, consisting of about two hundred attendants. The seat of royalty was then at Holmgard. In the spring of 1030, he reached Arosia. Not only was he
joyfully received by his wife and daughter, but also by the King of Sweden, who manifested his friendly feelings and hospitality. The report of his leaving Russia to invade Norway soon spread, and Olaf remained in Sweden longer than was politic, for it gave his numerous disaffected, subjects time and oppor- tunity to organize a force in opposition to him. We learn from Adam of
Bremen, that the Magi of Norway were chiefly instrumental in effecting his overthrow, as it was against them his hostility had been mainly directed. When it became known in Sweden, that the people of Norway were so hostile to their exiled king ; several followers abandoned his fortunes, while many of his counsellors advised him to relinquish his expedition altogether, or at least, to seek a more favourable opportunity for its issue. Notwithstanding, Olaf was resolved to try his fortune once more, and he began to assemble a force to meet his rebellious subjects. His firm belief was, that the idolaters there should either become Christian or be banished from the country altogether. However, it did not happen that his efforts had been crowned with success ;
although his valour was undoubtedly displayed in action, while his love of
justice was recognised even by his enemies. .
With the King of Sweden's friendly assistance, he obtained a small army
of four- hundred men, to assert his claim to the crown of Norway. Moreover, he was allowed to recruit men on his own behalf. He thereupon drew a large number of followers from Sweden, and from the adjoining Islands. With these, he once more resolved to invade Norway, and with that object in view, he directed their march towards northern Jemptia. He led these forces through very difficult passes, towards the frontiers of Norway. Great was his joy, when he met his valiant brother Harald, at the head of six hundred Norwegians, all ready to do battle for his cause. Again, he was greatly cheered when Dagus, the son of Hring, King of Heidmarch, brought
through
territory. *
« See " Ileimskringla edr Noregs Ko- nunga Sogor," of Snoira Sturlusyni, tomus ii. , cap. cxcviii. , p. 325.
« According to some accounts a distin-
gushed man appeared to him in sleep, while Olaf himself . considered him to have been
Tryggon, formerly a King of Norway.
45 Theodric, the monk, states that Olaf
was admonished in his sleep to return to
Norway.
^ So it is called in the Lreviary ot Sles-
wick.
48 See Joannis Meursii "Historic Da-
niece," &c, lib. hi. , p. 54.
_
478 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 29.
him twelve hundred men. 49 He succeeded in raising a force of about 3,000 warriors,alonghislineofmarchthroughSweden. Helabouredtoconvert and baptize those soldiers who had been pagans ; but, he found it a difficult matter to engage their rude convictions. A number of outlaws and those eager for plunder had joined the army of King Olaf. Among these marched two brothers, Gauka-Thorer and Afarfaste, vagabonds and robbers, who were at the head of thirty men. Olaf endeavoured to persuade them to
"
no faith but in ourselves, and with this faith we get along sufficiently well. "
become Christians ; whereupon the former said :
I and my comrades have
The " It is a king replied :
that such brave warriors as are you
great pity
should not believe in Christ. " He then offered them great dignities, if they
would be baptized ; but, if not, he desired them to leave the army. Afarfaste
" It
1
recruits, yet Olaf wished only to have Christian soldiers righting on his side. s Altogether, he had over three thousand men under his banners, but of these
also said he could not believe. Whereupon, Gauka-Thorer muttered :
is a great shame, that the king drives us thus from his army, for I never came before, where I was not heartily welcome, nor will I leave now. " They then fell into the rere of the army, but still they followed King Olaf's standard. 50 Notwithstanding his numerical inferiority, and his desire for
nine hundred were 2 To them Olaf fully pagans. ^
his wish that would be baptized. When they heard this desire, four hundred agreed to the proposition, 'but five hundred refused, and these returned to Sweden. Then Gauka-Thorer and Afarfaste presented themselves once more to the king. He asked, if they would receive baptism ? Then, in a consultation
together, Afarfaste said
go on into battle, and fight on one side or the other, nor do I care much which of the opposing armies I join. " To this Gauka-Thorer replied : ''If I go into battle, it will be on the king's side, and if I believe in a God, why not inthewhiteChrist,aswellasinanyother? Now,itismyadvice,thatwe bebaptized,sincethekinginsistsonit. " Thentheywerebaptizedbyapriest, andafterwardsconfirmedbythebishop. SopleasedwasKingOlafwiththeir conduct, that he took them into his bodyguard, and he directed them to fight beside his banner in the coming battle. 53
THE SAINT—HIS FESTIVALS—CONCLUSION
:
CHAPTER V.
RETURN OF KING OLAF TO NORWAY, AT THE HEAD OF AN ARMY—THE FATAL BATTLE AT STIKLESTAD—INCIDENTS OF THE ENGAGEMENT—INTERMENT OF THE KING AND SUBSEQUENT TRANSLATION OF HIS RELICS—THE BUILDING OF I T1IEIM CATHEDRAL AND THE SHRINE OF ST. OLAF—VENERATION FOR ST. REMAINS AND MIRACLES WROUGHT THROUGH HIS INTERCESSION—MEMORIALS OF
.
Thoroughly convinced as he was, that a desire to extend the honour and glory of God, and to bring his subjects to a knowledge of the Christian Faith,
« See Olaus
tinm Septentiionalium," &c. , lib. viii. cap. xxxvii. ,p. 326.
5J See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of the Saints," vol. vii. , July 29, p. 665.
51 According to Theodric, the monk of Nidrosia.
s» See the
tomus vii. , Julii xxix. IV S. Marlyre,Nidrosi*inNorvegia. Commeu-
tarius Historicus, sect, ix. , pp. 105, 106.
e Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Live; of
the Saints," vol. vii. , July 29, p. 666. Chapter v. — ' See Thofmod T
Magnus*
Bollaudists' "Acta Sanctorum,"
" Ilistoria de Gen-
signified
they
" To give you my opinion, I will not turn back, but
July 29. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 479
were the motives which chiefly actuated him, Olafnow led his army forward, to try the issue of that contest, in which he was about to engage. He entered Norway through the mountains rising eastwards from Dromtheim, and he gazed with great delight on the prospect then presented, from the'vantage ground he there occupied. Filled with contending emotions, the king was silent for a long time, to the great surprise of the bishop, who rode beside him. He had given orders to his troops, that they should not waste the husbandmen's corn on their march ; but, however well obeyed by those bands which were near him, the rereguard and the stragglers did not respect the property of
1
The Norwegian bonders had already mustered a large force, to oppose their king. This he learned, when he had reached the
2
frontier on Stafs Moor.
tian subjects, he now thought to invade Norway, where he sought to overcome those who proved false to their allegiance. He had distributed arms among
the country people, thinking they should be used to uphold his cause ; but, instead of that, few rallied to his standard, while the greater number refused toenlistonhisside,ortheyjoinedtheranksofhisenemies. Thisconduct so greatly enraged his chiefs, that they recommended Olaf to burn their houses and villages, according to the barbarous custom of that age and country. However, the king had other sentiments, and he remarked, that as they had professed themselves Christians, and had plighted their faith to God, only to violate it, by again relapsing into idolatry ; he declared, also, that their defection from an earthly king was a much lesser crime, however it mightbedetestable,intheestimationofhonestandofgeneroussouls. Ata village or farm called Sticklastad, said to have been only two miles 3 east- ward from Drontheim, the army of his enemies was drawn up in position to bar Olafs entrance to his former capital. Other authorities, however, place it at a much greater distance. Finn Arneson had been selected by the king, to marshal his forces and to lead them into battle. While King Olaf knew that a concentration of forces had taken place on both sides, and that a decisive engagement must now ensue, he left the issue to Divine Providence. He caused the cross to be painted on all the helmets of his soldiers, to signify, how under that sign, he willed them to conquer or to die. * He now redoubled
his prayers, his vigils, and his fastings ; for, he knew, that his enemies were greatly superior in number to the army he was leading against them. Indeed,
King Olaf seems to have had a presentiment, before engaging in the fight, that he should not survive it ; and, therefore, he set apart a large sum of money which was to be distributed, partly to obtain prayers for those who should fall in battle, so that the Almighty might be propitious to them, partly for the temples and clergy, and partly for the poor. s
The night before the battle, and while his army lay around him on the field, Olaf slept but little himself, for he spent the silent hours of the night in prayer to God. Towards morning, slumber fell upon him ; yet, he awoke early, and while daylight was breaking over the pine-clad Norwegian moun-
farmers along their route.
" Historic Rerum Norvegicarum," pars iii. , lib. iii. , cap. iv. , p. 189.
the Great. Thus, according to the poet Prudentius :—
2
See Rev. S. Baring-Gould's "Lives of
the Saints," vol. vii. , July 29, p. 665.
3 Torfceus has it, ''duobus in ortum a Nidarosia milliaribus situm. "—" Historia Rerum Norvegicarum," tomus i. , lib. ii. ,
cap. xix. , p. 85.
4 This idea and direction he adopted,
most probably, from the example of the first Christian and Roman Emperor Constantine
"
Finding himself betrayed by his professing Chris-
Clnistus purpureum gemmanti textus in auro
Signabat Labarumclipeorum insignia Chrislus
Scripserat ; ardebat summis crux ad- dita cristis. "
—
In
Symmachum,
lib. i. , \v.
484
to
4S6.
480 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
[July 29.
tains thai rimmed the east. 6 As customary in those days, an Icelandic scald, named Thormod, followed the king's fortunes, with a desire to celebrate his actions and virtues in Norse song. To the profession of bard, he united that of vocalist. He was awake when Olaf arose; but, the latter did not chose to disturb his soldiers from their slumbers.
