In Norse mythology, Odin, the Allfather, bore the epithet "grim," meaning "mask" or "disguise."
A god of cunning, Odin often manipulated humans for his own purposes, embodying a world where trust was rare and power came at a cost.

In 1024, Bishop Grimkell from England drafted Norway’s first national law, proclaimed on the island of Moster and enacted by King Olaf Haraldsson (St. Olaf).

The law began with the declarations: "God be everybody’s friend" and "The king be our friend, and we his."

These words reflected The New Testament’s teachings, emphasizing that everybody should serve another and nobody should position themselves above another.

This legal foundation established equality and trust as core principles, shaping Norway’s societal contract.

In 1274, Magnus the Law-Mender, educated in a Franciscan monastery in Bergen’s poor areas, revised Norway’s national laws.

His reforms institutionalized the society’s responsibility to care for the poor and unfortunate, directly reflecting Christ’s compassion and the New Testament’s teachings on the equal value of all individuals.

These adjustments became a cornerstone of Norway’s welfare society, embedding collective responsibility into its legal and social fabric.

From Odin’s deception to the legal reforms of Grimkell, St. Olaf, and Magnus the Law-Mender, Norway’s values evolved from survival and cunning to equality, trust, and compassion. The New Testament’s influence, woven into these historical milestones, guided Norway toward a society where dignity, respect, and care for the vulnerable are central.

Even if one must nuance the picture and include lots of other factors when interpreting the history of Norway, the three points highlighted here have influenced the national laws and thereby the foundation of Norway’s culture the last 1000 years. Today, these principles continue to define Norway’s identity and social cohesion.