Olav's death at the Battle of Stiklestad, from a 14th century manuscript

The son of a petty king and himself a Viking chieftain, Olav Haraldsson became a Christian while taking part in Danish incursions in England. On returning to Norway, Olav contended with both internal and external opposition before he became the first effective king of the entire country. After consolidating his rule, he forced the nation to accept Christianity. Rivals eventually forced Olav to flee to Russia in 1028. In 1029 Olav returned to Norway and sought to regain his throne. He was killed in a climactic battle at Stiklestad in 1030. After his death, Olav was regarded not only as the mythical bearer of Norwegian national unity but as a Christian martyr. The cathedral at Nidaros enshrining his relics became a famed place of pilgrimage for Christians from many lands in the middle ages. The cult of Olav is also an example of the common medieval practice of identifying a nation with a primary patron among the saints.