Related File

Course

HIST 4218: Early Medieval Europe

Project Duration

Late August to Early December

Overview

For an Honors Contract research paper, I researched at length the impact of Christianity upon Norse culture. The focus was specifically on Olaf Tryggvason’s saga, written by Oddr Snorrason. The paper’s discussion concentrated especially on the argument among scholars as to whether the Christianization of Norse culture happened as an event or a process. The paper argues for a middle way, saying “yes” to both parties.

Process

I utilized a variety of sources, such as Olaf Tryggvason’s saga, as well as several articles, including Kjartan J. Richter’s, “Stories of Nordic missionaries on the eastern way.” With these, I contended that the Christianization of Norse culture (especially as seen in Olaf Tryggvason’s saga) happened as both an event and a process.

Result

I received top marks on the project, in addition to high praise from my professor:

An excellently researched — and argued — paper. This is a well-written and nuanced discussion of the process of Christianization in Norse culture, and it is based in the primary sources, conversant with the scholarship, and thoughtfully put together. An excellent essay well worth an honors distinction.

Dr. Beebe

Photo by Greg Willson on Unsplash