Here's why St. Olaf is associated with carvers and difficult marriages:
* Patron of Norway: St. Olaf is the patron saint of Norway, and woodcarving is a significant tradition in Norwegian culture.
* Martyrdom: St. Olaf was killed in battle, which is a common motif in the lives of many saints. This aspect could be connected to the difficulty of marriage, as marriage can sometimes be challenging and even painful.
* Difficult Marriage: While St. Olaf was a king, his marriage wasn't particularly happy. He was initially married to a woman named Astrid, but their relationship was short-lived. He later married Thyri, a Swedish princess, but their marriage was also strained.
However, it's important to note that there's no direct evidence linking St. Olaf specifically to difficult marriage as a patron saint. The connection is likely due to his own marital troubles and the symbolism of martyrdom, which can be interpreted as a reflection of difficult circumstances.
Therefore, it's more accurate to say that St. Olaf is the patron saint of Norway and associated with carvers through his connection to the country's cultural traditions. The link to difficult marriage is a less direct association based on his personal life and the symbolic meaning of martyrdom.