Ólvir of Egg

1021CE ᛣ

Ólvir of Egg lived in the 11th Century, after the forced Christianization of Norway had been effectively completed. The King of Norway at that time, Olaf II, was the son of Harald Grenske, one of the petty kings who Queen Sigrid of Sweden had burned in a mead hall for his repeated attempts to woo her. Much like the infamous Olaf Tryggvason, Olaf Haraldsson worked diligently to advance the presence of Christianity in Scandinavia.

“Saint” Olaf II heard reports from his men that a community near Trondheim was observing the Old Customs by offering sacrifices to the Aesir at Winter Nights, and summoned some of these heathens to his court. Ólvir was clever and eloquent, and he downplayed the accusations by claiming, “No one can be responsible for what fools and drunken people say.” Olaf II was convinced by this, and sent the folk home.

Then, word reached Olaf II that this same village had been practicing the Old Customs at Yule. Again, these people were summoned to explain themselves, but most of the villagers were reluctant to appear before the king a second time. They nominated the quick-witted Ólvir to go and speak on their behalf. Ólvir made a similar case as before, claiming that the alleged heathen activities were really just a regular feast. Suspicious, Olaf II warned Ólvir that he would not get off a third time.

That third time came at Summer Day, when the Christians celebrated Easter. A man named Thoraldi came before King Olaf II with news from the Trondheim Fjord. Before he spoke, Thoraldi had the king swear that no retribution would come to him or his family. Thoraldi said that many of the people around Trondheim still practiced heathen customs, despite having been baptized. He named twelve men who helped organize the blóts, foremost among them being Ólvir. Olaf II set out with five ships and 300 men to ambush the fjord that night. Ólvir and many men were killed, and others were taken prisoner or had their property confiscated.

Ideally, our heroes are proud and outspoken about their faith, but there was no benefit to doing so in occupied Norway. Odin tells us in the Havamal to repay treachery with treachery, and that there is no dishonor in deceiving one’s enemies. Ólvir and the folk of Trondheim continued to worship the Old Gods, even if they had to do so in secret.

Ólvir of Egg’s Day of Remembrance is March 9th.

By Shade McCurdy