Olaf III "the Tranquil" HARALDSSON, KING

                   Olaf went with his father to England.  However, he was left in charge of the ships on the day of the unexpected Battle of Stamford Bridge. After he heard of his father's fall, he prepared to sail away, with the remaining men.  King Harald Godwinson gave him leave to do so. (This may have been because Harald had to hurry to meet William the Conquerer's forces that were ravaging the South of England.)

Olaf sailed first to Orkney, where he remained all winter.

"Olaf was a stout man, well grown in limbs; and every one said a handsomer man could not be seen, nor of a nobler appearance.  His hair was yellow as silk, and became him well; his skin was white and fine over all his body; his eyes beautiful, and his limbs well proportioned.  He was rather silent in general, and did not speak much even at Things; but he was
merry in drinking parties.  He loved drinking much, and was talkative enough then; but quite peaceful.  He was cheerful in conversation, peacefully inclined during all his reign, and
loving gentleness and moderation in all things. "  (Saga of Olaf Kyrre)

Olaf was the first King of Norway to use a traditional throne and have chimneys put in his houses.  Earlier kings had their high seat in the middle of one of two long benches that were on either side of the fire and there were apparently no chimneys in the rooms.

Olaf founded the City of Bergen.  He also laid the foundations for the stone Christ Church (there was an older one, made of wood, which he finished.)

He also had great feast, or guild, houses built in many towns.  These halls were then the only places in the country where people were allowed to drink.

Foreign fashions and customs also began to be introduced into Norway, during Olaf's reign.  For example, he began using cups to drink out of, instead of deer horns.

Olaf had a great stone church, called Christ's Church built on the spot St. Olaf had been buried before.  He had St. Olaf's shrine put in that church.

"In the days of King O1af there were bountiful harvests in Norway and many good things.  In no man's life had times been so good in Norway since the days of Harald Harfager.  King O1af modified for the better many a matter that his father had inaugurated and maintained with severity.  He was generous, but a strict ruler, for he was a wise man, and well understood what was of advantage to the kingdom.  There are many stories of his good works."  (Saga of Olaf Kyrre.)  It gave him great pleasure to see his people happy and prosperous.

>Death note: Olaf contracted a disease and died from it.