The first recorded attempts to introduce Christianity in Norway began in the 10th century under King Haakon the Good, who had been raised in England. However, his efforts were unpopular and largely unsuccessful. His successor, King Harald Greyhide, destroyed pagan temples but did little to promote Christianity. A revival of paganism followed under Haakon Sigurdsson Jarl, who rejected Christianity and defeated a Danish invasion at the Battle of Hjörungavágr in 986.
In 995, Olaf Tryggvason became King Olaf I and made Christianization a priority, having converted to Christianity after meeting a seer on the Isles of Scilly. Upon returning to Norway, Olaf capitalized on a revolt against Haakon Jarl, who was ultimately killed, allowing Olaf to take power. He used forceful methods to spread Christianity, extending his efforts to the Norse settlements in the Faroes, Orkney, Shetland, Iceland, and Greenland. However, after Olaf's defeat at the Battle of Svolder in 1000, paganism briefly resurged under the Jarls of Lade.
Christianity became firmly established during the reign of Saint Olaf, who eradicated the remnants of paganism. By the mid-12th century, Nicholas Breakspear (later Pope Adrian IV) visited Norway, setting up a formal church structure. In 1154, the archdiocese of Nidaros (Trondheim) was established, solidifying Norway's place within Christendom.