Olaf the Glorious: A Story of the Viking Age

"Olaf the Glorious: A Story of the Viking Age" by Robert Leighton is a historical tale that follows the incredible life of Olaf Triggvison, who becomes the King of Norway. Beginning with Olaf as a boy in Esthonia, it shows his experiences as a Viking, a changed man after becoming Christian, and his move back to Norway. The story mixes true historical happenings with personal stories from Olaf’s life, involving the reader in the challenges and fights this important Viking Age person faced. The book starts by showing the reader Olaf’s world, building the base of his extraordinary story. The reader first meets Sigurd Erikson, an upper class man, meeting Olaf, a talented boy showing off knife tricks in Esthonia. From this, the reader discovers Olaf is the son of King Triggvi. The beginning also shares how Olaf's life started hard, with his mom running away and the danger from those who killed his father.