Battle of Svolder

The Battle of Svolder was the largest naval battle of the Viking age. It was fought on September 9, 999 or 1000.

Battle Of Svolder Media

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  Hailed as king in 995, Olaf Tryggvason quickly proceeded to convert Norway to Christianity, using all means at his disposal.

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  While the battle is described in a number of medieval sources, the narrative in Snorri Sturluson's Heimskringla is the best known and the one which has most influenced modern historical and literary works.

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  Olaf Tryggvason proposes marriage to Sigrid the Haughty, on condition she convert to Christianity. When Sigrid rejects this, Olaf strikes her with a glove. She warns him that might lead to his death.

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  Olaf offers Queen Tyra a stalk of angelica. She weeps and scolds him for not daring to face up to Svein Forkbeard and retrieve her dowry.

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  The late Viking Age DR 66 runestone from Aarhus commemorates a man who "met death when kings fought". The event referred to may be the Battle of Svolder.

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  The Long Serpent was "the best ship ever built in Norway, and the most costly".

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  The chaotic nature of a sea battle is shown in Peter Nicolai Arbo's Svolder painting.

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  Einarr Þambarskelfir tries the king's bow and finds it too weak.