Olaf Skötkonung, son of Eric the Victorious, was the first Swedish king clearly attested in history. Olaf Skötkonung was the son of Erik the Victorious, inheriting a Sweden still transitioning from tribal society to a unified kingdom. Seaborne raiding remained a key source of wealth and cohesion, while emerging political structures and Christianity offered Nordic rulers new paths to expansion. According to Heimskringla, early in his reign Olaf led raids against Wendland and returned with rich spoils. He took two daughters of West Slavic chieftains as wives, whose sons later ruled Sweden in succession. Their daughters married Yaroslav the Wise of Kiev and Olav II of Norway, strengthening dynastic ties across Northern Europe. To counter the rising power of the Norwegian king Olav I, Olaf Skötkonung allied with Sweyn I of Denmark and launched an ambush near Svolder. The allied fleet waited until Olaf I's flagship appeared before striking, triggering a fierce naval battle. Fighting from the front, Olaf helped secure victory and later