Christian Cyclopedia

(Olaf Haraldsson; Olave; ca. 995–1030). Nickname “Digre” meaning “physically big” given him because he was believed to be a reincarnation of Olav Digre, a pagan Viking king, half-uncle to Harald Haarfagre, grandfather of Olav Haraldsson. Patron saint of Norw.; king of Norw. 1016–1028/30; brought bps. and priests from Eng. and tried to complete the conversion of Norw. by force; rebellion resulted; fled to Russ. 1028; killed in battle at Stiklestad in attempt to reconquer Norw. See also Norway, Early Christianity in.

V. Henriksen. St. Olav of Norway (Otta, Norway, 1985).