Saint Botvid – Viking Who Was Killed By A Slave He Granted Freedom

Ellen Lloyd - AncientPages.com - Many have never heard of Viking Botvid, but his story is remarkable, and his legacy is still alive in Sweden.

Botvid was born in a time when the Norse God Odin was worshipped, but this didn't prevent him from becoming a Christian. Later, he was declared a saint, and a church was built in his honor.

Left: Botvid Church - Credit: Claudio Britos - Right: Botvid depicted as a saint - Credit: Claudio Britos

When Botvid was young, there were no indications that Christianity would play an essential role in life, but certain events changed his faith.

Botvid was born in Botkyrka municipality, just outside the Swedish capital, Stockholm. Saint Botvid was a Christian missionary during the 12th century, and he is depicted on the seal and coat of arms of Botkyrka Municipality, where he carries an ax and a fish. If you visit the place today, you can see a small church named after him.

The legendary Viking hero is buried at the Church's cemetery, which is considered sacred.

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See also: 

Adventurous Viking Woman Who Challenged Social Norms And Whose Fate Was Foretold By A Völva

Female Viking Pirate Rusla – The Red Maiden’s Deadly Encounter With Her Brother Tesondus

Starkad The Viking – Legendary Norse Hero Who Was Both Blessed And Cursed By Gods

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