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Aachen, Aix-la-chapelle, Karl the greats residence town in germany, at the border to Belgium and the netherlands. The town was planned in 794, after several years of travelling with his court. His original plan was to construct a town equal to rome in architecture and splendor. He collected the learned of his time in an academy, dominated by the english scholar Alkuin. The town was built with a great imperial Pfalz, monumental schools, churches, trade and administration. Karl the great lays burried in the towns catherdral.
Aarja
(See Nåjd). Lappish Schaman.
Abaskun
City at the caspian sea. Between 910-912 this city was plundered by vikings.
One of the larger calif dynasties that ruled between 749/750-1258. They ruled from their capital, Madinat al-Salam (Bagdad) until the mongol invasion (1258). After the invasion the Abbasids moved to egypt where they tried to maintain a 'shadow' dynasty until 1517. Their main period of glory was between 750-833, whereafter their power slowly declined. They retained their coining up to the 10th century, whereafter they retreated to being spiritual power The most known leader of the dynasty should be Harun al Rashid, known from the tales.
Abbon
French Monk who took part in the defence of Paris against a danish vikingfleet in 866. He has written about the event in his opus (written in latin) 'The battle of Paris'.
Achio
See Akio.
The Swedish name on the special sleighs which the lappish people uses.
By the samish people the sleighs is called 'Pulka'. 'Kerres' or 'lökekk'. The 'Ackja' is a small sleigh with a pointed stem and cut-off stern. It has a keel instead of a runner. It is meant to be pulled by reindeers.
In some respects it looks like a boat on land...
Adaccar
See 'hamder'
Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen. He rejected the offer to become a pope in 1047. Instead he wanted to build his own papacy (Separated from rome) consisting of the scandinavian and the german countries. The new papacy was supposed to have it's headquarter in Bremen.
His plans was hindered by the cardinal Hildebrand and death of King Henrik III in 1056. Adalbert was in war with the three nordic kings (Emund Gamle in sweden, Sven Estridsson in Denmark and Harald Hårdråde in Norway), who wanted to build their own papacys.
As the guardian of Henrik IV Adalbert was the sole ruler of the german-roman empire between 1063 -1066. He died in Goslar (a nice litle medieval town by the way) in 1072.
Archbishop of Hamburg Bremen between 937-988. He consecrated the first three bishops on Jylland, Denmark in 948. Harald in Slesvi, Lifdag i Ribe and rembrand in Århus. With the support of emperor Otto I Adaldal baptized Harald Gormsson Blåtand of Denmark byforce...
889-909, Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen. He is not known to have sent any missionairs to the nordic countries. He is most known for his signature stamp, located in Hamburg. THe stamp is one of the oldest of it's kind.
Adalsyssla
The estonian mainland, in contrast to Ösyssla (the island Ösel on the coast of estonia). In the 'ynglinga saga' (One of the icelandic sagas from the 8:th century) the estonians where named 'sysslans folk' (sysslas people). They where the ones who where supposed to have killed king Yngvar).
Dies apxoimately in 1064. Was apointed bishop in Skara by Archbishop Adalbert of Hamburg Bremen. Installed as bishop over the Göterna. He also was, at the invitaiton of Harald Hådråde, in Norway. At his return trip he was given so much money (according to Adam of Bremen) that he could buy the freedom for 300 prisoners. Adalvard the older was burried in Skara, and worshipped as Saint.
Dean in Bremen, bishop in Sigtuna(1060-1064). King Stenkil of Sweden sent a request to Adalbert of Bremen to install Adalvard as archbishop in Sigtuna. In the beginning Adalvard was succesfull in his mission, he got substantial financial support, but after a couple of years he was driven from Sigtuna by the population. He then tried to become bishop in Skara Diocese (1064), after the death of Adalvard the older. He continued his work in the county of Västergötland until the death of King Stenkil in 1066. In 1069 he returned to Bremen and died in 1070/71.
Kanik and domscholastichus in Bremen. In 1070 he wrote down the history of Hamburg Bremen diocese in four books. In his books he describes the heathen traditions (with 'julblot', temples and all) and the Ansgars mission in Birka. He is supposed to have been helped by the swedish king Sven Estridsson in his work.
His work 'Gesta Hammaburgensis ecclesiae pontificium' deals with the time between 788-1072 and was first published in 1579 by Anders Sörensson Vendel (Denmark). He published his book from a handwritten manuscript which he found in Sorö, Denmark.
Adam of Bremen also made an important work in his atlas 'De situ Dania' which gives us a clue about what the people on the continent knew about the geography of the nordic countries.
Adelsö
A small island in Mälaren (a large lake in sweden, the Stockholm area). In the 8:th century this island was the home for the Munsö family. There are many ancient monuments left on this Island. Among the more important ones are the runestone located at Hovgården and the three big king barrows at the church. The ancient monuments have been researched by the archeologist Hanna Rydh.
Adils
King over Svearna, from the Skilfinga family. He was the son of Ottar Vendelkråka. Adils founded sweden in the form it has today as he met, and defeated, the king of Västergötland, Åle Opländske, on the ice of the lake Vänern (Swedens largest lake). This took place aproximately 550.
A. was married to Åsa of Venden which was the mother of the danish king Rolf Krake.
Aldils was famous for his excellent horses, one of the best was the charcoal black Hravn which he 'inherrited' from the deceased Åle Opländske...
Adils died, according to Snorre Sturlausson:s Heimskringla, while he was riding (ritually) around disarssalen in Uppsala. His horse stumbled and he fell off and crushed his scull against a stone. For a more (and more bloody) description of the event, please read the saga 'Ynglingatal'.
Adils is burried, According to Birger Nerman, under the biggest of the barrows at Old Uppsala (Torshögen). The barrow was examined (in an archaeological digging) in 1874 by B.E Hildebrand. He found the remains of a burnt body from aproximately 575. He found clothes with goldthread in the seams, combs and other usefull things. The body layed on a bear skin and at his feet he had two dogs (which probably was meant to lead him to Valhall).
Adogit
The people which is described by the roman writer Jordanes. He is probably writing about the lapish (or samish) people in his works.
Aescr
The Anglosaxian name on the rune which in the 24 character long futhark has the fourth position. Is usually called 'ass', 'ase' or 'os'. In the anglosaxian runalphabet this rune occupies the 26:th place and has another 'sound value'. An older name on the rune is probably 'askr' (which proable means 'ash').
Aethelred
1) Anglosaxian king of wessex and Kent in 866-871. He fought against the Danish vikings which invaded Mercia 867, and east anglia in 870. Ethelred defeated the vikings in the battle of Ashdown 870 but where in turn beaten the next year at Merton where he died of his wounds.
2) Aethelred the aimless. English king between 979-1016. He bought friendship with Olav Tryggvason between the years 991-994. But he fought Sven Tveskägg of Denmark in the same period.
In the year 1002 Aethelred commited the 'dana mord', an act where he killed all danes which had moved to England. When Sven was elected to english king in 1013 Athelred fled to normandy but he returned to England after Svens death in 1014 and died in London while Knut the great prepared his invasion of the city.
Aethelstan
Anglosaxian king, great son to Alfred the great. Aethelstan was elected to king of Mercia and Wessex in the year 925. The year after his election he forced his rule upon the danish vikings which lived in north umberland.
Aethelstan defetaed a strong coalition between scots, Nordic Vikings and brits in the battle of Brunanburh in the year 937.
It can be noted (of esoteric interest) that the famous poet Egil Skallagrimsson and his brother took part in this battle. Egils brother was killed in the battle.
Aethelwulf
Anglosaxian king of Wessex and Kent between 839-858. He fought during all his reign against the danish vikings which he defeated in the battle of Ockley, 851. The vikings returned in 855 and stayed for the winter for the first time in england.
Aggersborg
A viking stronghold located on Jylland, limfjorden. The stronghold consisted of 48 halls, distributed in 12 squares, all located within a big circular wall. The construction is the same as in the stronghold located in Trelleborg (Southern Sweden).
Agilmund
According to the tradition Agilmund was the son of the chief Akio in the end of the 2:nd century. He was elected king of the langobard people. According to Paulus Diaconus Agilmund ruled for 33 years. As he didnt get a son during his life he adopted one, Lamissio, to become A. sucessor.
Agnar
1) the Hreidgoterkings Hraudung oldest son. According to Grimnismal in the Edda A. was the ward of Frigg. He was driven out of Jotunheim by his own brother Geirröd whereafter G. became king.
2) King Geirröd Hraudungssons ten year old son which saved the god Odin (which called himself for Grimner) from the fires in his fathers hall by lowering a kettle from the smoke hole so that the god got a clear sky over his head. As a reward Agnar got the throne the same day.
3) A hero in the Edda, "Audas brother".
Agne
In the later part of the 3:rd century. The first king of the skilfinga family. He was king over the 'svea' people.
According to Snorre Sturlausson Agne took his wife, Skjalf, (with force) from Finland. But crime doesn't pay ;-) He was killed at the entrance to Mälaren (the big lake in the stockholm area).
Churchplace in Karleby community, county of Västergötland, according to the legend of Sigfrid a church place decided by Sigfrid. Archaelogical diggings has shown that the place has been used as graveyard for christians before the now visible brickwall of a 12:th century church. Other churches decided by Sigfrid are Friggeråker, and östra Gerum in Västergötland.
Agund
Norwegian viking king in Dublin, Ireland. He was defeated 847 by king Cearbhall of Ossorg.
Anno Hidjrah, The name of the year after Hidjrah accoridng to Islamic time. Hidjrah starts at 622, the year Muhammed left Mekka. Dating relative this year is common on the islamic coins found in Sweden.
Agvald
Norwegian king (from ancient times). He is supoosed to have been defeated by king Varin and burried at Agdenäs. The god Odin told the story about agvald for Olav Tryggvason in th 9:th century.
Ahelmil
A people described by Jordanes. They are said to have lived in scandinavia ('Scandza'), south of the Svea people.
'The allways violent'. The nordic nasme on one of the rapids in the river Dnjepr. Aifur is mentioned both in the Pilgårstone (on Gotland) and by Konstantin Porfyrogennetos who says that Aifur is the name the rus people has given the rapid, the slavic people calls it Neasit.
Aistier
A name on a Baltic people. Used from the 1:st century until the late 9:th century. First used by the roman, Tacitius. About the 10:th century the name was replaced with 'pruser'.
Akershus
Stronghold in Oslo. It was constructed in the 12:th century.
Paulus Diaconus 'latinization' of the nordic name 'Åke'. Together with his brother, Ibor, Akio was the leader of the langobardian peoples emmigration from Skåne in the 2:nd century.
Akkor
'Old Lady'. The word comes from the lappish word: 'Akka' which means grand mother. In the lappish peoples pre cristian era akka referred to the eight godesses: Madderaka, and her daughters, Sarakka, Uksakka, Juksakka. Jabmiakka, Rotakka, the godesses of the kingdom of death. Bergmoakka, the birds leader. Possjoakka, the ruler of the fireplace.
Akvitanien
For more than 1000 years this was the name of the south-west of france (between Loire and the pyrenees.
In romans times this land was populated with the keltiber people. In the 3:rd century the country was divided in three parts.
Nordic Vikings regularly invaded and plundered the country during the Viking era.
Alaner
Nomadic people i south-east Europe. In the 4:th century this people founded a state in the loire district. Later on they moved to Lusitanien.
Alarik
King of the visigothic people. Ruled in the late 3:rd century, and died 410.
He helped emperor Teodosius 394, and signed a treaty with Stilicho two years later and became an eastroman general (or rather, in swedish terms: fältherre).
401 he invaded north italy but he was beaten in 402. He signed a new treaty with Stilichos in 407. In 408 he was granted a large sum of money from the roman senat, but the emperor Honorius denied him his money.
As a result Alarik forced the romans to pay him a large ransom (he frettened to invade Rome). In 409 he dissmissed Honorius and appointed Attalus to the throne. Unfortunately for Attalus he refused to attack Africa whereupon he in turn was dismissed from the throne. As a further punishment Alarik plundered Rome for three days in 410, the same year he died.
Alboin
Founder of the Langobardian peoples state in Italy. He suceeded his father (Audoin) aproximately 560.
567 he beat the Gepidic people, he personally killed their king (Kunimund). Somewhat untactically he made a cup out of Kunimund:s skull, married his daughter (Rosimunda) and forced her to drink a toast from her fathers own scull.
Not surprisingly she wasn't that pleased and planned her revenge. She killed her husband in 572.
Before his death A. managed to found the langobardian state in north Italy, nowadays it's called lombardy.
Aldeigjuborg
Swedish viking stronghold between 830-1000. It is situated at the outlet of Ladoga in Volchov. Aldeigjuborg was the Viking name on the the russian town Staraja Ladoga. It is mentioned in (among other writings) Heimskringla. In the Nestor Chronicles it is told that Rurik and his two brothers Sineus and Truvor with their people came to the slavic people in 862. According to one source they Built Aldeigjuborg, according to others Rurik stayed in Novgorod. According to Snorre, Aldeigjuborg was given away to Ingegärd as a gift at her marriage.
Aldhelm
Anglosaxian priest from the 6:th century. Related to the Wessex royal family. He was appointed archbishop of Sherborne in 705. He wrote in latin verse. He was at ease with greek and hebrew.
Ale(s) stenar
The worlds largest 'skeppsättning'. A 'skeppsättning' consists of individual large stones (like obelisks) raised in long rows formed after the characteristic form of a viking ship.
This particular monument is located at Kåsehuvud, Kåsebergaåsens highest point at Kåseberga fishing camp in the eastern part of Skånes south coast.
The monument is believed to be very old (allthough never exactly dated), probably built even before the 4:th century.
The monument consists of 47 large stones standing in the above described manner. The orientation of the 'ship' is north-west south-easst. The stem points straight out over the sea towards the outlet of the river Weichsels.
You can, in a way, call Ale stenar for the swedish version of Stonehenge. No one really knows when it was built or why. Many Archaeologist and historians have stated different theories about these large construction (it's 67 metres long and 21 metres wide).
One of the more plausible theories in later day states that the whole monument is (rather like Stonehenge) meant to be an astronomical clock. But no one really knows.
Some people thinks that the monument harbours magical powers, still others thinks of it as a temple for the Old Norse gods.
Alf
King of the Skilfinga family. Son to Alrek. He is supposed to have lived during the 4:th century first half.
Snorre Sturlauson tells us in Ynglingatal that Alf was 'taciturn, hungry for power and had few friends'. He is said to have stabbed his brother Yngve in an attack of jealosy when Yngve sat on the Throne together with Alfs consort (Bera). Before Yngve died he killed Alf with his sword and both of them died.
Alfgifa
Is said to have been a mistress to Knut. She is the mother to king Sven Alfgifasson who ruled over Norway from 1030.
Alfhild
According to Hervararsagan Alfhild was the name of Ivar Vidfamnes only child. Alfhild married king Valdar of Denmark and gave birth to Harald Hildetand of Denmark and Randver of Svitjod (which later became the father of Sigurd Ring).
Alfred the Great
King of Wessex between 871 and 900 (approximately). Alfred fought against the Vikings during his whole reign. He finally defeated the danes in Eddington (Aethsmdim) 878 and forced the danish king Guthrum to be baptized.
The danes nevertheless kept a large bit of the United kingdom (Danelagen). In 885 King Alfred managed to conquer London from the Danes.
Among his more cultural contributions one can mention the translation of Orosius world history to anglosaxian. He also included the norwegians Ottar and Wulfstans descriptions of their travels in the nordic waters.
Algeciras
A seaport at Guadalquivir i southern Spain. The city was occupied and burnt by the Viking leaders Hastings and Björn Järnsida in 859. He led a fleet of 62 ships.
Algir
The name of the 15:th rune in the germanic Futhark rune alphabet. In Gothic the rune has the name 'algs' and in the anglosaxian language: 'eolhx'. The name probably refers to 'Elk'.
The rune looks like:
which is supposed to be a stylized drawing of an Elk. As in many other cases this theory is one of many. Sigurd Agrell, a swedish scientis, thinks that this rune is supposed to have some thing to do with the twin gods Alhs. His grounds for this reasoning is the fact that Elks aren't mentioned in the swedish mythology. And since the futhark was given from the gods, why should they name a rune after an Elk?
Alhs
(Alci), twin gods which are, according to Tacitus, worshipped by the Nahanarvales germanic tribe in northern Germany.The word in it's self is suppsed to be connected to the word 'Elk', but this is not verified.
(Alcuinus; 735-804)
Northhumbrian (?) Noble man and one of the more learned men in his time. 766 he became director for the cathedral school of york. 781 he became the master of king Karl the great court school in Aachen. In 796 he becam abbot for S:t Martins monastary in Tours.
Alcuin depicted the first (large) Viking invasion in england, the raid against the monastery Lindisfarne in 793. He has also written bout the viking raids on the south west coast of france (akvitanien).
Alle
Allemanner
A germanic association of tribes. It is first mentioned in 211. The people was said to live somewhere between Main and Donau.
One of the names on the god Oden in the old norse mythology. Is known from Icelandic poetic works, among others "Grimnismal". In Snorres Edda Allfader is the name of the oldest and wisest of the gods.
Allgrön
The Island where Odin, according to Harbardsljod, ravaged as a viking in five vinters together with Fjölvar. Among other feats he seduced seven girls.
Allsherjargode
Heathen priest which was the chief of all other priest in a country.
Allsvinn and Arvak
The two slender horses which pulls the suns wagoon across the sky during the day. As the sun is hot they are equipped with cooling devices 'isarnkol' located under their shoulders.
Alltinget
The highest court in Iceland. It was created in the 10:th century (930) and they gathered each year until 1800. The place where Thingvellir (where the author of this text broke his foot when he was running down a narrow path, not a pleasant memory), at the Thingvallasjön in the south west of Iceland. The gathering lasted for about two weeks.
The legislation work was carried out by a special workgroup 'lögrettan' where all the priests in the land took place. The group was headed by the 'lagsageman' which was elected for three years at a time. His responsibility was to lecture about the law, interpret it, present the agenda at the Gathering and, last but not least, present new laws.
Lögrettan also functioned as a court of law until 956 when this task was divided on several countys with three courts in each county (with the exception of the northcounty which had four). Each of this courts consisted of nine judges which was elected by the priests which maintained the role of 'supreme court'.
1004 it was time for yet another change in the legal system, this was the year when the 'femtedommen' was created. It was meant to be a sort of official supreme court.
The icelandic laws where not written laws from the beginning. The first written law, 'grågås', appeared in the 12:th century. Grågås was suceeded in 1271 by 'Järnsida' and this law in turn was suceeded by 'Jónsbók' in 1281.
'Femtedommen' was Iceland:s supreme court until 1593 a new court was established 'överrätten' (I have now runned out of english translations of different levels in the juridical system). Överrätten consisted of the danish ruler (Icleand where now danish), and 23 persons from Iceland.
In 1800 Alltinget ceased to exist (Denmark saw it as threat against the danish rule on the island). In 1843 it was resurrected in a new form. This time 26 members from Iceland (The rest came from Denmark) where to meet once every second year in Reykjavik. This new parliament consisted of two chambers with 12 and 24 members each.
Several large changes where carried out when Iceland separated from Denmark in 1918. The separation was fully done in 1940 when Germany invaded Denmark.
Allvis
The dwarf which was promissed to marry Trud (Thors Daughter) while Thor was away. Needless to say this wasn't a too popular decision for Thor.
Thor, which normally isn't depicted as a especially bright god (allthough strong, brave, and goodlooking he isn't that clever), now manage to deceive the dwarf to stay above ground until he is struck by sunlight. Thor does this by asking the dwarf thirteen questions about what different objects is called among the seven beings which exist in the world. With beings he is referring to: Humans, Asar (The old norse gods), alver, Giants, Helbor (The dead), Vanerna and ginnregin.
When the dwarf is struck by light he is immediately turned into stone.
Arabic author from the 10:th century. His most prominent work is 'The golden fields', a book where he tells about the people living in the North and their customs at the river Volga.
Alsnö Kungsgård/Alsnö state demesne
Mideval state demesen located on th Adelsä island in lake Mälaren, Sweden. Not very far from Birka. Already in the 13:th cenutyr a state demense was mentioned. In 1270 a larger castle was erected (Alsnö hus). This castle was destroyed in an assault in the lte 14:th century.
The remains of the palace was was subject to an archaeological digging in 1916-1920. These diggings showed the remains of a 30 meter long and 13 broad building made of bricks. It was believed to have been two stories high (above a cellar). It had been highly decorated using specially formed bricks and floor tiles.
Alsnö stadgan
A statute written by Magnus Ladulås in march 1279 (or thereabout :-). Among other things it stated what group of people that had to pay taxes to whom. It is considered to have been the beginning of the swedish nobility. It also forbade gate crashing, unlawful taxation from civil servants, and a general enforcement of the laws from Birger Jarl.
The one who is aquinted with Tolkien knows that Alver are godlike creatures. There are two kinds of alver, light alver and dark alver. The light alv:s (I am not fully sure on the translation of the name on these beeings) lives in Alvheim in the third heaven (Vidblåin). The dark alv:s (or should I say black?) lives underground.
Alv:s has the same size as humans (they also looks like humans). In the saga 'Volundarkvida' the master smith Volund is called king of the alv:s by king Nidud. The sons of the dark Alv Ivalde made the ship Skidbladner for the giant Loke and the spear Gugner for Odin. They also made Siv:s golden hair.
Jewish merchant and slavetrader that travelled through the westslavic countries and have left testimonials about customs and habits among the population. He travelled through Prague, Schwerin, Mecklenburg and Hedeby in 965 to 966.
Dwarf, mentioned in Snorres Edda, and in the poetic edda. Andvare owned a large gold treasure. Loke imprisoned him and Andvare gave Loke the treasure in order to save his life. It was Andvare who put a spell on the ring Andvarenaut. Andvare had the shape of a pike that in lived in the Frånånger rapid.
Lokes first wife and and mother to Fenrisulven, Midgårdsormen and Hel.
Anglo saxons is the name given to the germanic tribes living in Brittain. The germanic people had since the 3:rd century made numerous attacks and raids and actually conquered most of england in the 5:th century. A number of small kingdoms was established and in the 6:th and 7:th century seven kingdoms was dominating the picture. These where:
The anglo saxon chronicle is collection books written in ancient english. They deals with Englands early history, between 60bc to around 1154. The original version has disapeared but seven manuscripts with newer additions exists.
Written in the monastery St Bertinin france. The name rus is here used for the first time. The passage mention them deals with the visit to Ludvig in Ingelhiem by byzantian emmisarys from emperor Teofilos. The messengers was followed by a group of men, named Rus, that later was identified as comming from Svealand.
Danish priest that was sent by bishop Gauzbert to Sweden where he worked between 856-859.
Born in 801, dead in 865, the apostle in the north. Monk and missionary. Born in Picardie, France, by german parents. Attended school in the benedictin monastery in Corbie where he also was choosen to lead one of the branches. He was selected to lead a newly founded monastery in Corvey, located along the river Weser. In the summer 829 swedish emmisarys reached emperor Ludvig, whom they asked to send missionarys to Sweden. Ansgar was given this task, and he left for Sweden in the spring of 830, together with the monk Vitmar.
Having travelled half the distance to Swden they where raided by danish Vikings. Ansgar, Vitmar and the accompanying merchants had to leave the ship, and the lost their gifts that was supposed to be given to king Björn. They also lost about 40 books that they carried with them (A sizable loss in those days when books was very valuable).
Ansgars and his companion was kindly accepted in Birka by King Björn. They were allowed to Preach, and hols cermons. Some was turned to the new religion, among them, Hergeir. Hergeir went as far as buildinga chapel. Ansgar and Vitmar returned the following summer (831) to Germany. Here he was apointed to lead the church and mission for the nordic countries in a newly instated diocese north of the river Elbe (Hammarburg, or Hamburg-Bremen). This new diocese was supposed to be the new mother church for the Swedish, Danish, Slavic peoples, with neighbours. In the winter of 831 Ansgar was promoted to Archbishop with a personal responsibility to continue his missionary duty in Denmark and Sweden. He was promoted by the pope Gregorius IV.
In 852 Ansgar visited Birka yet again.THis time in company with the priest Erimbert. Ansgar died in Bremen, and it is possible that his grave has been discovered in the Cathedral. His diciple, and successor, Rimbert, wrote his Chronicle, Vita Angarij. He also wrote Miracula Willehadi, a life description over the missionary, and founder of the biscopate of Bremen, Willehad.
Swedish king that rules together with his brother Björn. He lost his power and in 844 he tried to regain it with an attack on Birka with danish help.
Dead in 1050. Son to Emund the old. According to Adam of Bremen he and his hird was killed in a crusade in finland.
Anund Jakob was also known as 'Kolbränna', 'the man who make coal'. He lived around 1010 to 1050, and king of the Svea people. He was the son of Olof Skötkonung, who he replaced in 1022. Anund was christianed and had a truce with Olav Haraldsson of Norway. During anund and Olofs times the very first Swedish coins where made (So called sigtuna coins). His nickname 'Kolbränna' comes from his method of punishing criminals, he burnt down their house.
A place in Lithuania, aproximately forty kilometer from Grobin. It is possible that this place is identical to Apulia, ruled by Svear and mentioned in Vita Ansgarii.
Hermith, worked as a priest in Birka in 840. He was sent by Ansgar to Birka in order to help Hergeir. He left Sweden at Hergeirs death to resume his life as an hermith.
Are could possibly be the first man from the north to have landed on in what now is called America. the Landnamabook tells us that this icelander had had difficulties in a storm and landed on Vitmannaland or Ireland the great. This land was located, according to the text, "Six days of sailing from the good Vinland". His travel is supposed to have happened in 970.
The heathen rugenslavic (Ranernas) reliogious center. It had a temple, and an old castle ona white chalk cliff in the north of Rugen. Saxo Grammaticus has made a pretty good description of this religious cult in Arkona. The place has been investigated in archaeological diggings. Ranerna kept their treasures here and they worshipped Svantevit here. The sculpture of this fourheaded beast was destroyed when the danes invaded Arkona in 1167. The archaeological diggigs has shown that the tribe has been conducting animal as well as human sacrifices.
Asar is the dominating family of gods in the prechristian era of the scandinavian countries. There is some debate over where this religion originated from. Something which is clear though is that the asa religion is probably older than the scandinavian people. The religion seems to have been 'imported' from the gothic people.
According to some historians the name 'asar' refers to the sculptures of the gods which the gothic people had. In those sculptures the gods where depicted with their usual special belongings (Odin has a spear, Tor his hammer and so on).
Allthough the 'asa' gods is longlived they are NOT immortal, they can be killed (but not easily). At the end of the heathen period the 'asa' gods where believed to have been a people from Asia which originated from 'Trojubourg' in Asia. Under the rule of Odin they settled down in 'Fyn' (Denmark) where they founded a new state in Sigtuna. According to some historians Odin led a small group of 12 gods with himself as number 13. But in the sagas they are said to have been 24 (I have listed them below). Odin was considered to be father of all Asar (with the exceptions of Njord, Frej, Tyr, Loke and Ull).
Allthough the above theory is interesting there are no hard evidence which supports it. Anyway the Asa gods where supposed to have been a ruthless people, bigger and more long lived than ordinary people.
A list of all known (At least to my knowledge) Asa gods:
| Asar... | Official Wife... |
And finally also:
These last two gods are 'semi' Asar. See 'vaner' for further information.
Asciburgum
A. was a town at the river Rhen. It is mentioned by the Roman historian Tacitus as 'still existing' (Tacitus wrote his works in 100 ac). According to the legend, A. had been founded by Odysseus. In it's time A. was an important town for trade. Asberg, within the rheinland, and Aschaffenburg has been associated with this town. Modern research, however points out a small village at the river Rhen, straight across the town Duisburg.
Asgeir
A. was a viking chief which on the 12th of May 841 lead the danish viking fleet up the river Seine, Burnt Rouen and then managed to reach as far as Saint Dennis. Here he was forced to flee as the Frankish army neared.
Ask (Ash)
From the beginning a word describing a tree of great stature. The word could also be used to name the tree of the family Fraxinus. In normal old norse language it could also mean:
Ask and Embla
The firts human pair, created by Odin, Häner and Lodur (Loke) from two pieces of wood which had drifted ashore. Embla means 'a small elm'. Odin gave them their breath, Häner gave them their wisdom and Lodur their language and blood ('colour of life'). More of this myth can be read in Voluspa.
Askold (Höskuld)
Old Varjager king in Kiev in Ruriks time. Askold was outsmarted by Ruriks son Oleg. A. Was killed by hanging (as was his fellow king Dir, Dyre) in 882. Kiev was then brought under the Holmgårds empire.
Aslög
Sigurd Faffnesbanes Daughter with Brynhild, begat on their first night in the Sköldborgen at Hindarfjäll. After the murder of Sigurd the girls is saved of her aunts husband, king Heimer in Hlymdalarna, which disguised as a harp player travelled through the world with the girl hidden in his harp. Later on she was adopted by Åke and Grimaat Spangarheid. Here she was fetched by Ragnar Lodbrok. She bore him several sons. All this time she kept her silence and thereby was thought to be mute, no one knew her real name and she was called "Lilla kraka" (The small crow). When Ragnar planned to wed a princess, she finally spoke and thereby revelaed her noble inherritage. She could thereafter get married to Ragnar.
Ass rune
The fourth rune in the Futhark. The soundvalue was "a", and the name meant "Asa gud" or in english: Asa god.
Norwegian queen. Daughter to Olof Skötkonung and his mistress Edla. Married to Olav Haraldsson (the holy). Olof skötkonung had originally promised his real daughter Ingegärd to Olav, but instead married her away to russian king Jaroslav. When this became known Astrid secretly became engaged with Olav, and travelled without he fathers knowledge to Norway and became queen. She helped Olavs son Magnus the sweet to the throne of Norway.
Alsvinn
The giant that (according to Havamal) taught the Giants the secret of rune writing. He was the first rune writing Giant.
Asynjor
Atlakvida and Atlamal
A poem about king Atle Budlason (Atle). Atlakvida is gothis in appeareance and is one the oldest eddaes while Atlamal is comparably late, written in Greenland.
Atle
(From the poem 'Der nibelunge-notz' Etzel. A. was hard ans rutheless leader, brother to Brynhild and son of king Budle. As gjukungarna murdered Sigurd Fafnesbane (on Brynhilds advice) they are invited for feast by Atle. Atle is longing for the wealth which was robbed from Sigurd (The nibelungen Treasure). In spite of warning the brothers (Högne and Gunnar) goes to the feast. They are attacked, overpowered and killed. They manage to keep the location of the treasure secret. Atles wife (which happens to be sister to the deceased), Gudrun, gets a very bloody revenge. She kills her own sons and lets Atle eat their hearts whereafter she stabs him to death and set fire to the house (thereby burning Atle and all his men).
Attundaland
The second highest ranked land among Uppsala "folkland". Situtated east of the main land 'Tiundaland'. The name refers to the size of the land in the unit of 'Härader'. Mora äng is situated in Attundaland, the place where the swedish tradition had it that the swedish kings was elected. After the election (which was carried out at 'Mora Sten') they where then installed in Uppsala whereafter they started their Eriksgata through the country.
Aud Djupaudga
Audumla (ödhumbla)
The giant cow which eixtsed in the very beginning of time. It was supposed to have fed Mimer with the milk which she gave. She manages to create a human head form a salt stone by licking on it. After a while she had created a whole man, the first god, Bore.
Audun Västfjording
Hero in a short Icelandic Saga. In the saga he gives a polar bear to king Sven Estridsson of Denmark.
Aufnennung
The german term for the nordic naming scheme on children. A child was named after his grandfather, or some older relative. The idea behind this is simple, by giving the child an ancestors name it was belived that the ancestor to an extent could be reborn in the new child.
Augandzi
A west nordic people (at least it's thought so) which is mentioned by Jordanes as the second people of seven over which Roduulf was king.
Aun den gamle (Aun old)
A king from the Skilfinga family (from Uppsala). SOn to king Jorund. Aun ruled with several breaks through the latter part of the 4th century. According to the legend he sacrificed nine sons to Odin in order to live yet another decade for each son. When he got to his last son, Egil Tunnadolg, his son was rescued by the Svea people. Snorre Sturlusson tells the story in Ynglingasagan.
According to the tale Aun was supposed to have gotten so old and weak that he had to lay down at all time. The only food he could eat, or rather drink, was milk. Aun is (probably) burried in Old Uppsala in Odinshögen.
Aurboda
The wife of the giant Gymer. Mother to Bele.
Aurgelmer
One of the oldest giants. Grandfather to Bergelmer and either son of Ymer or a second name for Ymer. A. is mentioned in Vaftrudnismal.
Aurner
Name on an ancient Giant. Probably NOT Ymer, but possibly his son.
Aurvandil
A kind giant, also called 'the brave' and probably identified with the Orion constellation. Thor carried A. in his knapsack when he crossed the river Elivågor (the ice river). One A. toes frooze and was removed by Thor. The toe was then thrown to heaven where it became a star. The anglosaxons knew the star Earendel, and there exists a german poem about the prince, Orendel, who is rescued by a fisherman after haivng abandoned ship. According to the tale he gets a grey coat, once owned by Jesus, and clothed in this coat he manages to seduce the queens of Jerusalem and marry her. According to Saxo Grammaticus Aurvandil name is Horvendil and the father to Amleth (Which should be Hamlet).
Austrasien
The eastern part of the Frankish Empire (the germanic part). The western part of the Frankish empire was called Neustrien. The name really reffered to Ripuarien at the river rhen, and Salier between Maas and Silva Carbonaria.
Austre (östre
One of the four dwarfs which carries the firmament (which was creted from the scull of Ymer).
Avarer
Ural Altaiskt nomadic people from central asia considered to be related with the Hunns. Avarerna was froced to move from their origina habitat in 557 by a turkish people. A. attacked the Slavic people and Bulgarian people at lower Donau. The Avaric people was separated in to several clans whose chiefs followed the Chagan (the king). In 568 they crushed the Gepidic people together with the Langobards. The Avars was of great concerns for the east roman empire and it was not until Karl the great that they finally brooke their power.
Avioner
One of seven Nerthus worshipping people which are enumerated by Tacitus. According to C L Roth the A. people was supposed to have been living in Lauenburg ans southern Mecklenburg.
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