Olav the Holy

Olav the Holy, also known as Saint Olav, was a 11th-century Norwegian king who played a key role in Christianizing Norway. He is celebrated as a saint for his efforts to promote Christianity and establish the church’s influence. Olav was killed in the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030 while defending his realm. Following his death, he was canonized as a saint, and his tomb became a major pilgrimage site. Today, Olav is Norway’s patron saint, symbolizing faith, nationalism, and unity, and his legacy is honored through religious festivals, monuments, and the historic cathedral in Trondheim named after him.