Olaf

Olaf is portrayed as arrogant, callous, and dismissive toward people beneath his social position. He treats Lydia as property and initially takes little meaningful interest in the son born from their relationship.

He respects martial courage much more readily than family bonds. When the young Askeladd unexpectedly demonstrates fighting ability, Olaf's attitude changes because he finally sees something in the boy that fits his own warrior values.

His household also reflects the violent inheritance culture of Viking society, with numerous sons competing around a powerful father whose approval is tied to usefulness and strength.

Olaf is an experienced Viking warrior and sufficiently powerful chieftain to maintain a substantial household.

The series does not give him an extensive catalogue of individual combat feats. His importance lies less in demonstrating extraordinary martial ability than in the authority and violent social world he represents.

He is also wealthy enough to possess slaves and support numerous sons and retainers, indicating significant standing within Norse society.

Olaf's history is revealed when Askeladd explains his childhood to Thorfinn. Lydia had been taken from Wales and enslaved, and Askeladd grows up caring for her while receiving little acknowledgment from his father.

A confrontation changes Olaf's opinion when Askeladd displays unexpected skill with a sword. Olaf brings the boy into his household, where Askeladd spends years earning trust and learning how the family operates.

Askeladd never forgives Olaf for Lydia's treatment. After patiently gaining his father's confidence, he kills Olaf in his sleep and frames one of his half-brothers for the murder, allowing the boy responsible to escape suspicion. The experience becomes one of the clearest examples of Askeladd's preference for strategy over honorable confrontation.

Askeladd is Olaf's son with Lydia. Askeladd spends years gaining Olaf's trust before murdering him in revenge for his mother's suffering.

Lydia is the Welsh woman Olaf enslaves and Askeladd's mother.

Olaf has numerous other sons who are Askeladd's paternal half-brothers and competitors within his household.