Anskar reaches the trading settlement of Birka
About this date: Rimbert's translated narrative anchors the commission in 829 and describes a stay of about a year and a half.
Anskar and Witmar travel to Birka after a request conveyed to the Frankish emperor. Rimbert describes robbery en route, royal permission to preach, and an existing population of Christian captives.
Historical context
The account places mission within merchant travel, diplomacy, slavery, and local patronage rather than depicting Scandinavia as an empty religious landscape.
Key points
- Pirates seize books and gifts on the journey.
- Christian captives welcome access to worship.
- Herigar receives baptism and establishes a church on his property.
People
- Anskar
- Witmar
- Björn
- Herigar
Sources and further reading
- Life of Anskar: first Swedish mission
Mission, journey, Birka, and return to the imperial court.