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Ritual offerings: The role of animal sacrifice in Viking religion and society
Animal sacrifices played a bloody but vital role in the cultural, religious, and societal cohesion of Viking societies. We look at why the ritualistic murder of animals was not only sanctioned but encouraged throughout the early medieval period.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Adam of Bremen: Chronicler of Viking Age Scandinavia
For a man to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for illuminating the early medieval period throughout Northern Europe, especially Scandinavia, we know so little about Adam of Bremen. Who was he, and why should he be celebrated as more than just a medieval monk?2 years ago — Partner content -
Eir, goddess of healing, and her influence in Norse mythology
People in Viking societies lived in a dangerous era before the advent of widespread medical knowledge, hospitals, and doctors. Divine protection was needed in the form of the Norse goddess Eir to ensure health, healing, and safety.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Book review: Norse Mythology - A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs
Rather than writing a narrative account of Norse mythology, John Lindow, a distinguished scholar in Nordic studies, offers up an encyclopedia of Norse mythological deities and concepts. The result falls a little flat.2 years ago — Reviews -
The legacy of Tyr: The Norse god of war and justice
Aside from being the origin of no one's favorite day of the week, Tuesday, the Norse God Tyr is one of those Norse gods that the public should know more about.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
How the Vindelev Hoard changed our understanding of the worship of Odin
What secrets about the spiritual beliefs of Viking societies did an unsuspecting metal detectorist uncover among the gold he found beneath the Danish soil?2 years ago — News -
Norse gods of war: A primer
At the heart of Viking society was a warrior culture forged in battles everywhere, from the British Isles to Baghdad. This culture was shaped by its relationship with the Old Norse religion, which blended a desire for glory and honor on the battlefield along with reverence for the Norse gods of war.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Thor's arsenal explained: Three possessions that define his might
Whilst many a Hollywood poster shows a reimagined Thor brandishing his mighty hammer, Mjöllnir, this was not the only magical aid that the Norse God of Thunder possessed. To understand how and why people in Viking societies revered Thor, it's essential to acknowledge his three crucial possessions.3 years ago — Culture and religion -
Everything you need to know about Njörðr, the Norse god of the sea
Given the vital importance of the sea to people in Viking societies, it should be no surprise that there was a God of the Sea nestled in their pantheon, Njörðr.3 years ago — Culture and religion -
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
