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Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Normandy, 1013 A.D.
Chapter 2: What mysterious dream haunts Olaf in Normandy?
Olaf Haraldsson cannot shake the memory of his strange dream. Who was the king-like figure cloaked in shadow, and why would he want Olaf to unify the fractured people of Norway? When Olaf and his Vikings spend the winter as guests of the Duke of Normandy, an unexpected invitation unlocks the answer.
The Saints, Adventures of Faith and Courage. Olaf of Norway, Episode 2, The Viking and the Waters. Listen to all the episodes and discover new shows at thesaintspodcast.com.
That's the smallest dove I've ever seen, Bearcup.
Chapter 3: Who is the shadowy figure calling Olaf to unite Norway?
You should have seen the boar I got when I hunted this forest a fortnight ago. A real monster. Odin would definitely notice that. The little bird is a thing of beauty. The gods love a pretty sacrifice. It's a fine country, isn't it? Perhaps we should spend every winter as guests of the Duke of Normandy. Duke Richard won't invite us back if you keep sacrificing his biggest boars.
Chapter 4: What invitation does Olaf receive from Duke Richard?
Ha ha! Oh, I suppose I should take the day off. The river is down that way. When you toss that dove in, tell Odin, Thor, and whoever else is listening, I'll send them a sacrifice. Tomorrow. That I will. Odin, Allfather, accept this offering. I am not a man who often asks questions of the gods. But the memory of that vision, it is haunting me. That towering figure obscured by darkness.
Was it you, Odin? Why have you not spoken like that before? Thor, where was your hammer, your thunder? You would not just simply speak. It matters not, for the calling described is impossible. There is no force that could unite the people of my home.
Prince Olaf! Duke Richard! I'm glad to run into you. I've been wanting to show you some of my favorite haunts here in the forest. I often come to this bank to offer prayer myself.
I was offering a sacrifice, but the gods don't answer my questions.
Interesting. Perhaps my god has the answer you seek.
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Chapter 5: How does Olaf grapple with his violent past?
Will you join me tomorrow at the Rouen Cathedral?
The famous Cathedral of the Normans? I've heard the great Viking leader Rolo is buried there.
My great-grandfather. Once a raging berserker, and now his tomb is visited by the faithful in pilgrimage.
I am not a Christian, as you know, but I would like to see the cathedral. Bon.
Bon. To the morning, then. Farewell, Prince of Norway. Till the morning, Duke of Normandy.
Gods! Look at the size of those stones, Olaf! Impossible! I have never seen masonry that shines as this does. The statues, the arches… there is nothing like this in all of Norway. I didn't know men could build such things.
This is what united men are capable of giving to the God who sustains them. Wait until you see the living center of the house. No belly of Odin can match the bleeding heart of the Savior. Open the doors! We are here for the morning Mass! The Mass is done.
Duke Richard, wait! Would your God ever appear to someone as if He is robed in shadow?
I don't see why not. Christ comes in the flesh. He casts a shadow, just like you and I. And it can often take a shadow for us to realize there is light.
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Chapter 6: What does Olaf learn about the importance of sacrifice?
Is it you who calls me? Answer me, woodworker. You who died by the hands of men weaker than yourself. You are a mystery to me. But these men who serve you, they are like me. Like my people. Through you, they have made something beyond themselves. My people need something beyond themselves. You told me you could give that. My people need what you can give. Do you hear me? Speak. Speak.
Speak to me, Carpenter's son. I hear your shadow, woodworker. It was you. By Fenrir's fang, bear cub, did you see another ghost? This is what will unify our Norway, Bjorn. This Christ, this carpenter's son, he is the way. Duke Richard, I want to be a Christian. Ah, this is good news, Olaf. I saw your carpenter in a dream. I'm sure of it.
Bo, Bo, you have not been baptized, have you? What's baptized? Baptism is the moment when a man is claimed by Christ the King, joined to his death in victory, washed of the ancient curse, adopted into his clan, and marked forever as his own. It is the doorway into a life of loyalty to the Lord who conquered death and into a feast that never ends.
How do I do this?
I will speak with the bishop for you right away.
Oh, Bearcub. Trust me, Bjorn. Oh, I always trust you, friend. Even when I suspect you've gone mad.
I baptize you, Olaf Haraldsson, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. I'm yours, carpenter's son.
Let us return to the duke's court to break the good news to my men. I hope you know what you're doing, my prince. Put that hope in Christ, Bjorn. We are under his command now.
To our new Christian brother, Olaf Haraldsen, Prince of Norway, may the blessings of Christ be upon you. So, Prince Olaf, where will this new conversion take you?
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Chapter 7: How does Olaf's faith begin to transform his leadership?
It will be difficult, Olaf. I myself have few priests to spare. I see. Mon Duc, Harold is calling for an audience immediately. Tell them to wait. Mon Duc, it's King Æthelred of England. He is here in person requesting an audience with both yourself and the Prince of Norway. What? King Æthelred? Bring the man in. Right away, sir. What on earth could bring the King of England all the way to us?
My lords, King Æthelred of England. Duke Richard. Prince Olaf. Greetings. King Æthelred. Æthelred, you old schemer. What are you doing here? You should be sitting fat and happy on the throne that Olaf just won for you.
Ah, well, that is why I've returned. King Canute of Denmark launched a surprise attack when he heard that Prince Olaf and his men had left. That Danish cur. What? What say you, Olaf? We could use your sword work in England once more.
No. I'm sorry, my friend, but I must return to Norway to claim the throne and spread the true faith. The true faith. I have been baptized by the mercy of Christ.
I'm a Christian. Wonderful news for you and your people. And yet it seems the English throne will stay with Knut. To spread the faith in Norway, you will need priests? Yes. Well then, I have a proposition. If you help me win back my throne, I will send Bishop Grimkettle and his missionaries with you upon your return to Norway. And enough gold to pay you and your men twice over.
What say you men of Norway? Should we give up the warpath and leave the campaign against Canute to the English? Very well. One more will not hurt. We leave for the court of Æthelred in the morning.
Thank you, Olaf.
Olaf, a word before you rest. I want you to know that this road you are now on, it will not be easy. You are a Viking warrior surrounded by other Viking warriors. But your people will learn to love Christ if they see him in you.
I will strive for this, Duke Richard.
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