The word quisling has come to mean  a citizen or politician of an occupied country who collaborates with an enemy occupying force – or more generally as a synonym for traitor.

The word originates from the surname of the Norwegian war-time leader Vidkun Quisling, who headed a domestic Nazi collaborationist regime during World War II.

In Oslo, I visited Quisling’s residence, Villa Grande, which he called “Gimlé“, a name taken from Norse mythology.

He last met with Hitler January 1945.

Quisling was executed by firing squad at Akershus Fortress 24 October 1945.

I was surprised to learn his wife Maria lived in Oslo until her death in 1980. Never charged with any crime, despite the fact that she spent a lot of money supporting their opulent life style.