The battle of Orkdal was according to Heimskringla the first attempt at resistance against Harald Fairhair's conquests in Trøndelag. Heimskringla narrates how Harald was massacring and burning his way through Trøndelag, without any opposition, until he came down to Orkdal. Here king Gryting had gathered a large group of men to make a stand against the invading forces. Harald was victorious and Gryting was taken prisoner while a large part of his army was killed.