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Gullinbursti and Hildisvíni: Boars as divine status symbols
More than just a huntable meal for a hungry horde, boars were seen by people in Viking societies as symbols of authority, divine power, and prosperity. Two in particular stood apart, regaled in Old Norse sources for their golden brilliance and warlike ability.6 months ago — Culture and religion -
Why Freyr gave away his sword: The deal that doomed him
In one of the more facepalm moments of Norse mythology, mighty Freyr gave his magical sword away in an act akin to a death sentence.6 months ago — Culture and religion -
Skíðblaðnir: Freyr's magical ship and its dwarf-made origins
People in Viking societies were some of history's best sailors, as their ships transformed the culture, economics, and politics of the age. Little wonder that their mythology has a rich maritime theme that runs through it, as epitomized by the magical ship Skíðblaðnir.7 months ago — Culture and religion -
Gerðr: An earth goddess at the edge of the Norse pantheon
Gerðr, a rather obscure earth goddess, speaks not only to the ancient agrarian traditions of Viking societies but also to their need for the powerful to have divine legitimacy.8 months ago — Culture and religion -
Freyr: Norse god of fertility, prosperity, and peace
Freyr, the Norse god of fertility, evolved from earlier fertility deities in the Viking tradition. This once-powerful figure deserves some of the historical spotlight to shine on him.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Gullinbursti: The golden boar of Norse lore explored
Where else other than in Norse mythology could you find a story based on a bet involving the head of a god, an extraordinarily luminescent pig, and a pair of dwarf blacksmiths famed for their artisanal skill? This is the story of Gullinbursti, a magical boar made entirely out of gold.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Forging legends: Dwarves as master craftsmen in Norse mythology
Whilst no Norse god was devoted to artisanal skill and handiwork, people in Viking societies held several mythical characters in reverence for their crafty labor.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Surtr: The fiery giant of Norse mythology and his role in Ragnarök
People from Viking societies foretold the apocalyptic destruction of the world that is as memorable as it is horrific: Ragnarök. What does a sword-wielding fire giant have to do with this armageddon of annihilation?2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Norwegian E6 motorway reveals ancient gold motifs near Oslo
Dating back to the start of the Viking Age and earlier, the ritualistic or mythical gullgubber are rare finds in Norway.2 years ago — News -
Everything you need to know about Freyja, the Norse goddess of war and love
War and love. Two contradictory states, right? Wrong. For people in Viking societies, these two concepts were embodied by Freyja, a multifaceted Norse goddess.3 years ago — Culture and religion
