During this period, Denmark was the dominant power in the Nordic region.
 Southern Norway and the Oslo Fjord sometimes lay directly under Danish rule.
Haakon Sigurdsson ruled Norway as a vassal of King Harald Bluetooth of Denmark (died c. 985/86), but for the most part seemed to remain an independent ruler.
Haakon  was a strong believer in the old Norse gods.
When Harald Bluetooth attempted to force Christianity upon him around 975, Haakon broke his allegiance to Denmark.

Harald Bluetooth had suffered defeat from Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor during 974.
Haakon took advantage of the weakened position of the Danish king to make Norway independent of Denmark.
 With the convincing victory, Haakon Sigurdsson remained Norway's sole ruler and Denmark's claim over Norway was rejected and not repeated again until the Battle of Svolder about fourteen years later.
During this period, Denmark was the dominant power in the Nordic region.  Southern Norway and the Oslo Fjord sometimes lay directly under Danish rule. Haakon Sigurdsson ruled Norway as a vassal of King Harald Bluetooth of Denmark (died c. 985/86), but for the most part seemed to remain an independent ruler. Haakon  was a strong believer in the old Norse gods. When Harald Bluetooth attempted to force Christianity upon him around 975, Haakon broke his allegiance to Denmark.
Harald Bluetooth had suffered defeat from Otto II, Holy Roman Emperor during 974. Haakon took advantage of the weakened position of the Danish king to make Norway independent of Denmark.  With the convincing victory, Haakon Sigurdsson remained Norway's sole ruler and Denmark's claim over Norway was rejected and not repeated again until the Battle of Svolder about fourteen years later.
Battle of Hjörungavágr