Unlike the Swedes and Danes, the Norwegians were not organized
even so late as the ninth century. The name of king was borne by
the chiefs and heads of separate clans, but their authority was
limited and the rights of the subjects very extensive. Only by
marauding expeditions were the Vikings able to gain honour and
wealth, and at times also to acquire control of extensive
districts. Their early history is lost in the fabulous tales of
the bards. In 872, Harold Haarfager (Fair-Haired), after a
decisive sea-fight near Stavanger, established his authority
over all the clans. Those refusing to submit left the country
and their possessions were confiscated. When Harold divided his
kingdom among several sons, its permanence seemed once more
uncertain, but Hakon the Good restored a transient unity and
procured an entrance for Christianity. Olaf Trygvesson continued
the work of union after Hakon's death, and promoted the spread
of the new faith, but in a sea-fight with the united forces of
the Danes and Swedes he wa