Olaf of Norway: Episode Five
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What historical context sets the stage for Olaf's return to Norway?
Norway, 1030 AD. Two years after Olaf Haraldsson fled Norway, he returns to fight for the throne. In the greatest battle of his life, praying for victory against hopeless odds, Olaf journeys toward his destiny on the fields of Stiklestad.
The Saints, Adventures of Faith and Courage, Olaf of Norway, Episode 5, The Eternal King. Listen to all the episodes and discover new shows at thesaintspodcast.com.
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There she is. My Norway. She's as beautiful as when we left her, my king. Strange.
What challenges does Olaf face as he returns to reclaim his throne?
Ah, look at that. There appears to be a welcome party come to greet us. They're shouting something.
Berthold! Featherhead! King Olaf, my king!
Bishop Grimkettle!
Berthold!
Bjorn, you hapless rogue! What on earth have they been feeding you in Sweden these last two years?
How does Olaf prepare for the battle at Stiklestad?
Straight fat and mead? You've got stouter, bear cub. And you slimmer. Surely these heathens didn't run you that hard in my absence.
That would be my fault, King Olaf. Bjorn has been one of the main advocates for the church in your absence. I've been overworking him and his men. I am happy to give them back to their king.
It's good to see you both, my friends. How fair is my mother? She's well, Olaf.
Overjoyed to know that you are here to take back the throne from King Canute and those traitorous Jarls.
That is the prayer, Bishop. In that spirit, let us set forth. Amen. Amen. Men, forward! It's so good to have you back, brother. It's good to be back, brother. How many men do you lead?
What role does faith play in Olaf's leadership and decisions?
A thousand. Together we make an army of no more than four thousand. The forces against us could well be triple that. We must have faith. We must fight for Norway and for the Carpenter's son. We will, my king. I should go check on the rear guard. My Norway. Your Norway, Carpenter's son. What can I hope to gain here, my friend? I am an outlaw king, a vagabond without a throne. Did I fail you? This cannot all be in vain. It cannot be. It cannot. Norway, my beloved Norway, you are my glory, my heart, my home. Please, carpenter's son, fill this land with your grace. I do not know the way. Show me.
King Olaf, an army of warriors is waiting for us up ahead.
How does Olaf's encounter with Jarl Afrofost impact his army's strength?
What? It's no more than 400 men, my king, and they don't seem to be flying any flag in particular. Hold! Their Jarl is approaching.
You there, announce yourself. I am Jarl Afrofost. My men and I heard there was going to be a fight around these parts.
Any preferences on who you are fighting for?
Whoever is offering.
We've got a true Norwegian on our hands here, men. I'm Olaf Haraldsson, rightful king of Norway. And I offer you a place in this army. On one condition. All of your men must be baptized if they are not yet Christian. Only Christian men shall march under my banner.
Very well. If it leads us to a good fight, I know my men will follow your guard and you, King Olaf. Good. Bishop Grimkettle!
Yes, my king?
All those men over there wish to be baptized.
We have seen another army coming from the west, King Olaf. Well over 8,000 strong. They are headed to the farmland in the lower part of the valley.
That is Sticklestead Valley. It's Thorir-hoomed, Olaf. Our scouts report the same. We march to Sticklestead!
Oh no! Oh no! I'm finished! I'm finished!
You there, farmer, why do you weep in this way?
Oh, my lord, my crops. My crops have been flattened by your men.
This is your barley field we are marching through?
This barley was everything for my family and I. Not only will I have nothing to sell this spring, but my family and I will run short of food in the winter. My family will starve.
I'm sorry this has happened. Men! Go around the fields! Let me look at this crop, sir. What would you have me do, woodworker? Go to the dirt. Very well.
Do not fear. This field will have the most fruitful harvest of your entire life in less than a week.
Oh, my lord, that's impossible! The crops are all trampled and... Have faith.
I promise you, this will come to pass.
Wait! My lord! Who are you? Who are you?
See? Right over this ridge. Thousands of them.
A city of tents and animals. A forest of spears. By Fenrir's fangs, Olaf.
What miraculous events occur during the battle?
There must be more than ten thousand men over there.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What historical context sets the stage for Olaf's return to Norway?
0:01–1:00
2
What challenges does Olaf face as he returns to reclaim his throne?
1:00–1:27
3
How does Olaf prepare for the battle at Stiklestad?
1:27–2:18
4
What role does faith play in Olaf's leadership and decisions?
2:18–3:31
5
How does Olaf's encounter with Jarl Afrofost impact his army's strength?
3:31–7:01
6
What miraculous events occur during the battle?
7:01–10:37
7
How does Olaf's death affect his followers and the future of Norway?
10:37–15:02
8
What legacy does Olaf leave behind as a saint and king?
15:02–18:16