Eyvind Kinnrifi

999CE ᛣ

Eyvind Kinnrifi was born to two parents who allegedly could not conceive a child on their own, and had used Sami magic to bring him into the world. Eyvind was a steadfast and outspoken heathen in 10th Century Norway, even when Olaf Tryggvason’s brutal conversion campaign marched ever closer. Eyvind was captured and brought to King Olaf, who tried bribing Eyvind into renouncing his faith in the Aesir.

First, Olaf and the Bishop tried to reason with Eyvind with words, but he refused them. Then, they offered Eyvind money, land, and other fine gifts, but he refused them. Last of all, they threatened to torture and kill Eyvind, who again refused to convert to the foreign religion.

Olaf, infamous for his horrific punishments to pious heathens, ordered that a brazier full of hot coals be placed on Eyvind’s abdomen. The burning bowl caused Eyvind’s stomach to burst, and Eyvind asked that he could speak his final words. Olaf had the brazier taken away, and asked Eyvind if he had finally come to accept Christ. But Eyvind said, “I am a spirit.”

We remember Eyvind today for his refusal to compromise, despite immense appeals to social pressure, greed, and fear. To Eyvind, his honor, honesty, and commitment to our faith far outweighed the supposed riches and reputation he would have as Olaf’s “friend.”

Eyvind Kinnrifi’s Day of Remembrance is February 9th.

By Shade McCurdy