Olaf II of Norway

Olaf II Haraldsson
Coin of Olaf dated 1023–28
King of Norway
Reign	1015–1028
Predecessor	Sweyn Forkbeard
Successor	Cnut the Great
Born	c. 995 Ringerike, Norway
Died	29 July 1030 (aged around 35) Battle of Stiklestad Stiklestad, Norway
Spouse	Astrid Olofsdotter of Sweden
Issue	Wulfhild, Duchess of Saxony Magnus I of Norway (ill.)
Names Olaf "Leif" Haraldsson
House	St. Olaf
Father	Harald Grenske
Mother	Åsta Gudbrandsdatter
Religion	Chalcedonian Christianity

Olaf II Haraldsson (c. 995 – 29 July 1030), also Olav Haraldsson, later known as Saint Olaf and Olaf the Holy, was King of Norway from 1015 to 1028. Son of Harald Grenske, a petty king in Vestfold, Norway,^[1] he was posthumously given the title Rex Perpetuus Norvegiae (English: Eternal/Perpetual King of Norway) and canonised at Nidaros (Trondheim) by Bishop Grimketel, one year after his death in the Battle of Stiklestad on 29 July 1030. His remains were enshrined in Nidaros Cathedral, built over his burial site. His sainthood encouraged the widespread adoption of Christianity by Scandinavia's Vikings/Norsemen.

Pope Alexander III confirmed Olaf's local canonisation in 1164, making him a recognised saint of the Catholic Church, and Olaf started to be known as Rex Perpetuus Norvegiae – eternal king of Norway. Following the Reformation, he was a commemorated historical figure among some members of the Lutheran and Anglican Communions.^[2]

The saga of Olav Haraldsson and the legend of Olaf the Saint became central to a national identity. Especially during the period of romantic nationalism, Olaf was a symbol of Norwegian independence and pride. Saint Olaf is symbolised by the axe 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.^[3]