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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 -
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 -
Ullr: The Norse skiing god who faded from memory
Overshadowed in modern minds by his more illustrative family members, and even by a fellow deity associated with skiing, Ullr survives as a shadowy figure on the edges of our knowledge of Norse mythology.8 months ago — Culture and religion -
Why did giants and the Norse gods keep intermarrying?
They say that opposites attract. Never is this more the case than in the rich tapestry of Norse mythology, where the forces of chaos and order mix, where jötnar and the Norse gods intermarry.9 months ago — Culture and religion -
The giant of stone and the Norse God of Thunder: Thor's fight with Hrungnir
The epic tale of the clash of these two Norse titans involves horse racing, betting, a drunk party guest overstaying his welcome, and the curious origin of flint.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Kvasir and the mead of poetry: The god who bled wisdom
Born from the spit of the gods and said to be the wisest of all humankind, Kvasir was a mythical skald whose story ends in murder and leaves behind the gift of poetry.1 year ago — Culture and religion
