Olaf Tyrggvason was a king of Norway from 995 to 1000 and he was the great grandson of Harald Fairhair. Olaf was captured by pirates from Esthonia and sold to slavery during his young age. His uncle Sigurd found him in a marketplace and ransomed him. Then, he became King of Norway from 995 to 1000.
His early life was miserable.
His father, Tryggvi Olafsson was killed by the sons of Eirik. Luckily his mother, Astrid escaped the massacre. After he was born, he travelled various places for hiding until he was three years old. Imagined a toddle without protection from a father and he was hiding to save his life. He might be witnessing combat and killing during these journeys. Perhaps he developed skills for his viking career.
Then, he was captured by pirates from Esthonia. The pirates could have beaten him before locked him up. As a boy, he must be mentally strong to learn that his foster-father was killed by the pirates. The foster-father could be one of the person close to him. Then, the pirates sold him to slavery. He might not had any knowledge about luxury before this, however, it was tough for a kid to be a slave. He spent six years as a slave before Sigurd found him in Esthonia. Sigurd took him back to Novgorod and he was protected under Valdemar.
His viking career began at the age of 18.
He attacked the island of Bornholm and met Geira in Wendland, who married him. Geira died three years later of a sickness. Then, he went back to viking. He became King of Norway from 995 to 1000.
If he were sold to slavery after he had enjoyed the luxury as a prince, he might not make it. He might not able to handle with the harsh life as slave. Persistence is the key no matter how hard is our life. The beauty in life is you are smiling even though you are having a bad day.
Reference:
Jones, Gwyn (1968). A History of the Vikings. Oxford University.
- ISBN-13: 978-0192801340
1 comment:
like the last sentence.
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