“Unanimiter et constanter Oslo”

In September, Natalie and I went on our annual Oslo trip together.
Natalie is fascinated by the Oslo city town hall and the history of Saint Hallvard.

Saint Hallvard, is the patron saint of Oslo. He is considered a martyr because of his defence of an innocent woman. Little is known of his life, and all traditional stories relate to his death near Drammen.

Hallvard defended a pregnant woman, most likely a slave, who had been given sanctuary on his ship from three men accusing her of theft. Hallvard, together with the woman, were killed by arrows from the men. The woman was buried on the beach. Hallvard, however, was bound with a millstone around his neck, and the men attempted to drown his body in Drammensfjord but it refused to sink and as a result their crimes were discovered.

Saint Hallvard is depicted in the seal of the city of Oslo, holding the millstone and arrows used to kill him, with the woman he defended at his feet.



Forever and ever. Oslo in our hearts.