Issue 63 Severe Salvation

Fascinating and little-known facts about the Vikings and their times.

The conversion of the original Vikings is a painful, complicated story.

How and why the Viking’s old world ended.

When it comes to conversion by the sword, few can match the ruthless exploits of King Olaf Trygvesson.

King Olaf Haraldsson had only moderate success at converting his people—until a year after he was killed in battle.

Besides spiritual solace, Vikings were attracted by Christianity’s tangible blessings.

What runestones and graveyards reveal about the Vikings’ conversion process.

Chronology of some events related to the conversion of Scandinavia.

How missionaries’ modest beginnings eventually bore fruit in Denmark

The stories of three Viking rulers and their encounters with Christianity.

The conversion of Sweden is unspectacular—and for that reason most illuminating.

The story of Erik the Red, his son Leif (the famous explorer) and the most misnamed of Viking Islands.

At a legislative Althing, a pagan judge prevented civil war in Iceland by converting everyone to Christianity.

Why Christians used it, why it worked, and why it died.

Resources for further study of the Vikings.