The story of Olaf Trygvesson
Based on the Heimskringla of Snorre Sturlason , and adapted for broadcasting by Igor Vinogradoff
Produced by Val Gielgud
In this production you will hear the story of one of the greatest figures in Scandinavian history. Born abroad, son of an exiled king of Norway, Olaf Trygvesson determined to return and inherit his rightful kingdom during the tenth century.
He roved and raided in true Viking style throughout the European coasts, was converted to Christianity by a hermit in the Scilly Isles, and became the first Christian king of Norway. He was eventually killed in a battle near the Baltic, fighting against a strong Scandinavian combination which had risen to overthrow him.
During the engagement with the Germans in Oslo Fjord recently, the Norwegian minelayer Olaf Trygves son was the only Norwegian ship to fight, not having received the traitorous ' cease fire' orders from
Oslo.