The Battle of Stiklestad resulted in the death of King Olaf II of Norway, who was later canonized as a saint in 1164.
Key Facts
- Date
- 29 July 1030
- King Olaf II killed
- Yes, fell in battle
- Harald Hardrada's age
- 15 years old at the battle
- Olaf canonized
- 1164, under Pope Alexander III
- Harald Hardrada became king
- King of Norway from 1047
- Harald Hardrada died
- Battle of Stamford Bridge, 1066
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
King Olaf II of Norway faced opposition from Norwegian chieftains aligned with Cnut the Great of Denmark and England, who sought to reclaim Norwegian territory. Olaf had been driven into exile and returned to Norway to reassert his rule, leading to a confrontation with a larger opposing force.
On 29 July 1030, King Olaf II of Norway fought against a coalition of Norwegian chieftains and their forces at Stiklestad in Trøndelag. Olaf was killed in the battle, ending his attempt to retake the Norwegian throne. His fifteen-year-old half-brother, Harald Hardrada, was also present and survived the encounter.
Olaf's death in battle was followed by his veneration as a martyr; the Roman Catholic Church canonized him in 1164 during the pontificate of Pope Alexander III. His half-brother Harald Hardrada went on to become King of Norway in 1047 before dying at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 during an unsuccessful invasion of England.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
King Olaf II (Óláfr Haraldsson).
Side B
1 belligerent