The Battle of Stiklestad represent the keystone event in the introduction of Christianity in Norway. From the 9th century, the country hadgradually become a part of Christian culture, putting Norse religion and mythology on the defensive. The battle also dealt a blow to the resistance to the emerging kingdom. The introduction of Christianity and the end of the Viking raids weakened the old chieftan class. With few exceptions, the kingdom was accepted after 1030, and it was to develop into a state later in the Middle Ages. The saint king became aunifying symbol of this state: Rex Perpetuus Norvegiae-Norways Eternal King.

The battle and the saint king made it possible for Stiklestad to act as a symbol of both Christianity and the kingdom.This has been exploited over the past two centuries. A new nation wasto take shape, and groups of all sizes used Stiklestad to promote national and political objectives.