2020-07-29 Wed

Olaf II Haraldsson also is known as St. Olaf was king of Norway reigning from 1015 to 1028. He achieved a 12-year respite from Danish domination and extensively increased the acceptance of Christianity. His religious code of 1024 is considered to represent Norway’s first national legislation.

The most famous battle in the history of Norway, The Battle of Stiklestad fought on 29 July 1030. In this battle, King Olaf II of Norway was killed. During the pontificate of Pope Alexander III, the Roman Catholic Church declared Olaf a saint in 1164.

The saga of Olav Haraldsson and the legend of Olaf the Saint became central to national identity. Especially during the period of Romantic Nationalism, Olaf was a symbol of Norwegian independence and pride. Saint Olaf is symbolized by the ax in Norway's coat of arms and Olsok (29 July) is still his day of celebration. Many Christian institutions with Scandinavian links as well as Norway's Order of St. Olav are named after him.

The coin shown in the image was issued under his reign. It depicts his portrait on the obverse face. Besides this, Faroe Islands has issued a stamp featuring St. Olaf.

Image Source: Wikipedia.org