The unification of the Viking tribes is of great significance to the people living in the southwest region of Norway. The International School of Stavanger lies only one kilometer from a small fjord called Hafrsfjord where a monument, "Swords in Stone," was constructed consisting of three large bronze swords stuck in an outcropping on the shore. The monument commemorates a battle which unified the Viking tribes of Norway under one king, Harald Hårfagre, or Harald the Fairhaired. According to legend, in 872 Harald invited the other tribal leaders to a meeting, then had his boats cut off their retreat and they battled until the other leaders submitted to Harald's rule. Harald then became the first king of Norway. *The Swords of Stavanger* seeks to provide a musical backdrop to this legend of Viking heroism and conquest.
