UNDERSTANDING A FORGOTTEN GOD: THE ROLE OF ULLR

Authors

Abstract

Abstract: Our understanding of the roles of the gods and goddess of Norse mythology varies greatly depending on the deity in question; some are only mentioned briefly in the written sources and other types of evidence need to be explored to examine their roles. One of the most enigmatic gods is Ullr, for whom onomastic and theophoric toponymic evidence illustrates a substantial cult was focused on in parts of Sweden and southern Norway, but completely absent in Denmark. Literary evidence gives an impression of a role in the enforcement of oaths, which when combined with toponymic evidence indicates a potentially significant socio-legal and protective societal role. The evidence seems to support a role for Ullr that was more important in pre-Viking society, with the god’s role declining following the seventh century.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

Matthew Edwards, University of the Highlands and Islands

Matthew Edwards has a bachelor’s in history from the University of York and a master’s from King’s College, London. He is currently completing an MLitt in Viking Studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Downloads

Published

2022-11-20

Issue

Section

Articles (Free Article Section)