Editing Lesja (section)

=== Earliest recorded history ===
The area is first mentioned in the written chronicle of the [[Heimskringla]] ''(The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway)'' by [[Snorri Sturluson]]. The account of [[Olaf II of Norway|King Olaf]]'s (A.D. 1015–1021) conversion of [[Dale-Gudbrand]] to [[Christianity]] is popularly recognized. King Olaf's success was short-lived, for in 1029 the Norwegian nobles, seething with discontent, rallied round the invading [[Canute the Great|Knut the Great]], and Olaf had to flee. To avoid engaging a fleet of 25 ships, 400 of King Olav's men and 100 loyal peasant farmers from [[Romsdal]] built a road up from the [[Romsdalfjord]] which passed through the area that became known as Lesjaverk. His men fled along this road and across Gudbrandsdal. There he was not warmly received since he had killed King Thorer of Gudbrandsdal, so he went on to [[Hedmark]]. From there he proceeded to Sweden and on to [[Kievan Rus|Russia]]. On his return a year later he fell at the [[Battle of Stiklestad]].<ref>[http://www.heimskringla.no/wiki/Heimskringla Heimskringla by Snorri Sturluson]</ref>