# The sagas of Olaf Tryggvason and of Harald the Tyrant (Harald Haardraade)

By Snorri Sturluson.

"The Sagas of Olaf Tryggvason and of Harald the Tyrant (Harald Haardraade)" by Snorri Sturluson is a historical account likely composed in the early 14th century. This saga explores the life and adventures of Olaf Tryggvason, the son of King Tryggvi Olafson, along with the tumultuous era of his contemporary, Harald Haardraade. The narrative delves into themes of power, loyalty, and the harsh realities of Viking life, focusing on the journeys of key characters such as Olaf, his mother Astrid, and the political machinations surrounding the Norwegian throne. The opening of the saga introduces a dramatic backdrop, detailing Astrid's flight with her newborn son, Olaf, following her husband's downfall at the hands of his enemies. As she navigates life in hiding, swathes of tension build between the factions chasing them, especially as King Tryggvi's foes, Harald and Gudrod, search for Astrid and her son. The narrative threads through a landscape of allegiances, betrayal, and the raw survival instincts of its characters, setting the stage for Olaf's eventual rise. This opening serves as a prologue to a saga steeped in Viking lore, touching upon themes of fate and the quest for identity amidst the chaos of conquest and foreign lands. (Summary by Project Gutenberg, written by machine.)

- Language: English
- Illustrator: Halfdan Egedius
- Illustrator: Christian Krogh
- Illustrator: Gerhard Munthe
- Illustrator: Hjalmar Eilif Emanuel Peterssen
- Illustrator: Erik Theodor Werenskiold
- Illustrator: Wilhelm Laurits Wetlesen
- Translator: Ethel Harriet Hearn
- Translator: Gustav Storm
- Subjects: Sagas -- Translations into English; Harald III Harðráði, King of Norway, 1015-1066; Olav I Trygveson, King of Norway, 968-1000

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From Project Gutenberg. Public domain in the United States.