Introduction
When Olaf Trygvason returned from England to Norway in 995, he seized the crown of Earl Hakon and declared himself King with the intention of converting all Norway to Christianity. His method was to ask nicely and then slaughter anyone who refused; happily, in Rogaland a higher power than Olaf was at work.
KING Olaf arose, and at first spoke good-humouredly to the people; but they observed he wanted them to accept Christianity, with all his fine words: and in the conclusion he let them know that those who should speak against him, and not submit to his proposal, must expect his displeasure and punishment, and all the ill that it was in his power to inflict.*
When he had ended his speech, one of the bonders stood up, who was considered the most eloquent, and who had been chosen as the first who should reply to King Olaf. But when he would begin to speak such a cough seized him, and such a difficulty of breathing, that he could not bring out a word, and had to sit down again.
It hardly needs saying that such an approach to conversion is wholly counter to Christianity, and St Augustine of Canterbury’s mission to the Kingdom of Kent in 597 had been very different. After King Æthelberht was baptised, St Bede tells us firmly, “he compelled none to embrace Christianity, but only showed more affection to the believers, as to his fellow-citizens in the heavenly kingdom; for he had learned from his instructors and leaders to salvation, that the service of Christ ought to be voluntary, not by compulsion.”
Précis
After claiming the crown of Norway, Olaf Tryggvason sought to cement his power by converting the land to Christianity. In Rogaland, however, the pagan civic leaders objected, and were ready to defy to his face his unchristian threats of violence. However, the first of the accomplished orators they chose succumbed to a fit of coughing, and had to retire. (59 / 60 words)
After claiming the crown of Norway, Olaf Tryggvason sought to cement his power by converting the land to Christianity. In Rogaland, however, the pagan civic leaders objected, and were ready to defy to his face his unchristian threats of violence. However, the first of the accomplished orators they chose succumbed to a fit of coughing, and had to retire.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: about, because, must, otherwise, unless, whereas, whether, who.
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