Book Review: Saint Olga of Kyiv: The Viking Queen – Saint or Savage?
History loves to put people into neat little boxes: hero or villain, saint or sinner. Abigail R. Williams shows that Saint Olga of Kyiv refuses to fit into any of them.
In Saint Olga of Kyiv: The Viking Queen – Saint or Savage?, Williams tells the story of one of the most remarkable women of the Viking Age. Olga is remembered as the first Christian ruler of Kyivan Rus’ and later became a saint, but she’s equally famous for the brutal revenge she took on those who murdered her husband. Rather than trying to explain away these contradictions, Williams embraces them, making Olga feel like a real person living in an incredibly dangerous world.
One of the book’s biggest strengths is how it brings the Viking world to life. This isn’t just a story about kings and queens—it’s about warriors, politics and survival. The chapters covering the fighting and military campaigns are especially engaging, explaining how battles, alliances and displays of strength shaped the future of Eastern Europe. Olga’s campaign against the people who killed her husband is gripping, not because it’s sensationalised, but because Williams explains why such actions made sense in the world of the tenth century.
The author also does an excellent job of separating fact from legend. Medieval writers loved a good story, and Olga’s life has collected plenty of myths over the centuries. Williams carefully looks at the evidence without taking the fun out of the tale, helping readers understand what we know, what we don’t, and why historians still debate parts of her story.
One quote perfectly captures the uncertain world Olga inherited:
“Our Land is great and rich, but there is no order in it. Come to rule and reign over us.” – The Tale of Bygone Years (Primary Chronicle)
It’s a simple line, but it sums up the challenge facing the rulers of early Rus’ and sets the stage for everything that follows.
You don’t need to be an expert on Viking history to enjoy this book. Williams writes in a clear, engaging style that makes a complicated period easy to follow without oversimplifying it. Whether you’re interested in Vikings, medieval combat, powerful women or simply enjoy a good historical story, this is a fascinating read.
Saint Olga of Kyiv is an entertaining and well-researched book that reminds us history is rarely black and white. It’s a story of power, faith, revenge and survival—and one that’s well worth discovering.
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