The THREE SWORDS Monument

Three giant swords are placed at Hafrsfjord in Stavanger. My husband told me that this monument represents swords, but they are swords for freedowm and peace. Before the gathering of Norway, Norway was almost constantly at some sort of war, the petty kingdoms would fight each other for new terrain/ natural resource and so on. The gathering of the kingdom proved the coming of a time of peace and understanding.



The swords, which are about 10 meters tall are erected to commemorate the Battle of Hafrsfjord, in which Norway was united in 872. The crowns on the swords represent the different districts which took part in the battle.



The largest sword symbolizes the king who won, Harald Hårfagre (Harald the Fairhaired), and the two smaller swords are symbols of the defeated kings. The swords are planted in solid rock - representing peace.



The swords can be found at Møllebukta which is a bay area on the southern shore of Hafrsfjord. The name "Møllebukta" derives from "mølla" (mill) and "bukt (bay). There used to be a corn mill here. Today the area is one of Stavangers most popular recreational areas on summer time. (The water is covered with snow when we visited the place.)