Myths of the Pagan North

Myths of the Pagan North PDF Author: Christopher Abram
Publisher: A&C Black
ISBN: 1847252478
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 274

Get Book Here

Book Description
An engaging account of the world of the Vikings and their gods.

Myths of the Pagan North

Myths of the Pagan North PDF Author: Christopher Abram
Publisher: A&C Black
ISBN: 1847252478
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 274

Get Book Here

Book Description
An engaging account of the world of the Vikings and their gods.

Icelandic Folklore and the Christianization of the North

Icelandic Folklore and the Christianization of the North PDF Author: Eric Shane Bryan
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781641893756
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

Get Book Here

Book Description


The Troll Inside You

The Troll Inside You PDF Author: Ármann Jakobsson
Publisher: punctum books
ISBN: 1947447009
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 246

Get Book Here

Book Description
What do medieval Icelanders mean when they say "troll"? What did they see when they saw a troll? What did the troll signify to them? And why did they see them? The principal subject of this book is the Norse idea of the troll, which the author uses to engage with the larger topic of paranormal experiences in the medieval North. The texts under study are from 13th-, 14th-, and 15th-century Iceland. The focus of the book is on the ways in which paranormal experiences are related and defined in these texts and how those definitions have framed and continue to frame scholarly interpretations of the paranormal. The book is partitioned into numerous brief chapters, each with its own theme. In each case the author is not least concerned with how the paranormal functions within medieval society and in the minds of the individuals who encounter and experience it and go on to narrate these experiences through intermediaries. The author connects the paranormal encounter closely with fears and these fears are intertwined with various aspects of the human experience including gender, family ties, and death. The Troll Inside You hovers over the boundaries of scholarship and literature. Its aim is to prick and provoke but above all to challenge its audience to reconsider some of their preconceived ideas about the medieval past.

Old Norse Religion in Long-term Perspectives

Old Norse Religion in Long-term Perspectives PDF Author: Anders Andrén
Publisher: Nordic Academic Press
ISBN: 918911681X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 417

Get Book Here

Book Description
The study of Old Norse Religion is a truly multidisciplinary and international field of research. The rituals, myths and narratives of pre-Christian Scandinavia are investigated and interpreted by archaeologists, historians, art historians, historians of religion as well as scholars of literature, onomastics and Scandinavian studies. For obvious reasons, these studies belong to the main curricula in Scandinavia but are also carried out at many other universities in Europe, the United States and Australia a fact that is evident to any reader of this book. In order to bring this broad and varied field of research together, an international conference on Old Norse religion was held in Lund in June 2004. About two hundred delegates from more than fifteen countries took part. The intention was to gather researchers to encourage and improve scholarly exchange and dialogue, and Old Norse religion in long-term perspectives presents a selection of the proceedings from that conference. The 75 contributions elucidate topics such as worldview and cosmology, ritual and religious practice, myth and memory as well as the reception and present-day use of Old Norse religion. The main editors of this volume have directed the multidisciplinary research project Roads to Midgard since 2000. The project is based at Lund University and funded by the Bank of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation.

Icelandic Magic

Icelandic Magic PDF Author: Stephen E. Flowers
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1620554062
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 193

Get Book Here

Book Description
A practical guide to the magical systems of pre-Christian Iceland • Reveals spells and workings drawn directly from surviving magical books from the 16th to 20th century preserved at the National Library in Reykjavík • Explores the history of magic in Iceland through original translations of Icelandic folktales about famous magicians and about legendary grimoires, such as the Galdrabók, the oldest and most complete book of its kind • Explains how to personalize the spells through the creation of unique signs and symbols based on the mythic names of Odin and Icelandic magical alphabets During the Christianization of Europe in the Middle Ages, many books of magic were lost as the ancient pagan traditions were suppressed. But in Iceland the practice of recording magical spells in books continued in secret for centuries, on a scale not seen elsewhere. Now housed in the National Library in Reykjavík, these surviving grimoires, which represent only a hundredth of what was lost, reveal a rich magical tradition that continued to evolve into the 20th century. Drawing directly from the actual surviving Icelandic books of magic, Stephen Flowers presents a complete system of magic based on Icelandic lore and magical practices from the 16th century onward. He explores the history of magic in Iceland in pagan and early Christian times and reveals specific practical techniques and ritual templates that readers can adapt to their unique purposes. Illustrating traditional Icelandic magical practices and the Icelanders’ attitudes toward them, he shares original translations of Icelandic folktales about famous magicians, such as the legend of Gray-Skin, and about legendary grimoires, such as the Galdrabók, the oldest and most complete book of its kind. After initiating the reader into the grammar and symbols of Icelandic magic through history and lore, Flowers then presents an extensive catalog of actual spells and magical workings from the historical Icelandic books of magic. These examples provide ready-made forms for practical experimentation as well as an exemplary guide on how to create signs and symbols for more personalized magical work. The author also includes guidance on creating unique magical signs from the 100 mythic names of Odin, which he translates and interprets magically, and from Icelandic magical alphabets, symbols that connect Icelandic magic to the ancient runic tradition.

God Against the Gods

God Against the Gods PDF Author: Jonathan Kirsch
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 9780142196335
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 356

Get Book Here

Book Description
"Lively… points out that the conflict between the worship of many gods and the worship of one true god never disappeared." —Publishers Weekly "Jonathan Kirsch has written another blockbuster about the Bible and its world." —David Noel Freedman, Editor-in-Chief of the Anchor Bible Project "Kirsch tackles the central issue bedeviling the world today - religious intolerance… A timely book, well-written and researched." —Leonard Shlain, author of The Alphabet and the Goddess and Sex, Time and Power "An intriguing read." —The Jerusalem Report "A timely tale about the importance of religious tolerance in today’s world." —San Francisco Chronicle "Kirsch is a fine storyteller with a flair for rendering ancient tales relevant and appealing." —The Washington Post

Force of Words: A Cultural History of Christianity and Politics in Medieval Iceland (11th- 13th Centuries)

Force of Words: A Cultural History of Christianity and Politics in Medieval Iceland (11th- 13th Centuries) PDF Author: Haraldur Hreinsson
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 9004449574
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 342

Get Book Here

Book Description
Haraldur Hreinsson examines the social and political significance of the Christian religion as the Roman Church was taking hold in medieval Iceland in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries.

Iceland: Fjords, Fire, and Folklore

Iceland: Fjords, Fire, and Folklore PDF Author: Christy Nicholas
Publisher: Green Dragon Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 271

Get Book Here

Book Description
Craving an Icelandic adventure? Bypass the crowds and discover fresh ways to embrace the wonders of the Land of Fire and Ice. Dreaming of exploring Iceland without the constraints of typical tours? Feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of marvels but short on time? Struggling with planning but craving independence? Seasoned traveler and author Christy Nicholas transforms her passion for Iceland's hidden treasures into a wealth of insider knowledge. Iceland: Fjords, Fire, and Folklore is your indispensable guide to unlocking the secrets of this mesmerizing destination, allowing you to escape the stress and fully immerse yourself in its rich culture. Discover the lesser-known wonders that transport you to a realm of ancient legends and captivating landscapes. Nicholas's expert guidance ensures you can explore every corner of the country while avoiding the crowds, unveiling her favorite spots and embracing the awe-inspiring beauty of Iceland. Experience the magic of Iceland like never before and return home rejuvenated from an adventure you'll forever cherish. In Iceland: Fjords, Fire, and Folklore, you'll embark on a journey filled with: - Expert insights guiding you through an exploration of Iceland's captivating landscapes and vibrant culture. - Exhilarating encounters with geographic wonders like majestic fjords and fiery volcanoes, adding unforgettable moments to your adventure. - Immersive tales of folklore leading you to ancient sites steeped in mystery and legend, offering an enchanting glimpse into Iceland's past. - Practical advice on budgeting, turning your dream of visiting Iceland into a tangible reality. - Detailed itineraries designed to help you make the most of your time, offering tailored suggestions amidst the abundance of options. Iceland: Fjords, Fire, and Folklore is your passport to uncovering the hidden gems of this mesmerizing land. If you crave off-the-beaten-path experiences, appreciate a conversational tone, and desire to create lasting memories, then Christy Nicholas's indispensable guide is the perfect companion for your Icelandic adventure. Start Reading Iceland: Fjords, Fire, and Folklore to embark on a new adventure today!

Encyclopedia of Norse and Germanic Folklore, Mythology, and Magic

Encyclopedia of Norse and Germanic Folklore, Mythology, and Magic PDF Author: Claude Lecouteux
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 162055481X
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 330

Get Book Here

Book Description
A thorough reference to the many deities, magical beings, mythical places, and ancient customs of the Norse and Germanic regions of Europe • Explores the legends and origins of well-known gods and figures such as Odin, Thor, Krampus, and the Valkyries, as well as a broad range of magical beings such as the Elf King, the Lorelei, the Perchten, dwarves, trolls, and giants • Draws upon a wealth of well-known and rare sources, such as the Poetic Edda and The Deeds of the Danes by Saxo Grammaticus • Examines folktales, myths, and magical beliefs from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and England The legends of the Norse and Germanic regions of Europe--spanning from Germany and Austria across Scandinavia to Iceland and England--include a broad range of mythical characters and places, from Odin and Thor, to berserkers and Valhalla, to the Valkyries and Krampus. In this encyclopedia, Claude Lecouteux explores the origins, connections, and tales behind many gods, goddesses, magical beings, rituals, folk customs, and mythical places of Norse and Germanic tradition. More than a reference to the Aesir and the Vanir pantheons, this encyclopedia draws upon a wealth of well-known and rare sources, such as the Poetic Edda, the Saga of Ynglingar by Snorri Sturluson, and The Deeds of the Danes by Saxo Grammaticus. Beyond the famous and infamous Norse gods and goddesses, Lecouteux also provides information on lesser-known figures from ancient Germanic pagan tradition such as the Elf King, the Lorelei, the Perchten, land spirits, fairies, dwarves, trolls, goblins, bogeymen, giants, and many other beings who roam the wild, as well as lengthy articles on well-known figures and events such as Siegfried (Sigurd in Norse) and Ragnarök. The author describes the worship of the elements and trees, details many magical rituals, and shares wild folktales from ancient Europe, such as the strange adventure of Peter Schlemihl and the tale of the Cursed Huntsman. He also dispels the false beliefs that have arisen from the Nazi hijacking of Germanic mythology and from its longtime suppression by Christianity. Complete with rare illustrations and information from obscure sources appearing for the first time in English, this detailed reference work represents an excellent resource for scholars and those seeking to reconnect to their pagan pasts and restore the old religion.

Witchcraft and Magic in the Nordic Middle Ages

Witchcraft and Magic in the Nordic Middle Ages PDF Author: Stephen A. Mitchell
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press
ISBN: 0812203712
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 384

Get Book Here

Book Description
Stephen A. Mitchell here offers the fullest examination available of witchcraft in late medieval Scandinavia. He focuses on those people believed to be able—and who in some instances thought themselves able—to manipulate the world around them through magical practices, and on the responses to these beliefs in the legal, literary, and popular cultures of the Nordic Middle Ages. His sources range from the Icelandic sagas to cultural monuments much less familiar to the nonspecialist, including legal cases, church art, law codes, ecclesiastical records, and runic spells. Mitchell's starting point is the year 1100, by which time Christianity was well established in elite circles throughout Scandinavia, even as some pre-Christian practices and beliefs persisted in various forms. The book's endpoint coincides with the coming of the Reformation and the onset of the early modern Scandinavian witch hunts. The terrain covered is complex, home to the Germanic Scandinavians as well as their non-Indo-European neighbors, the Sámi and Finns, and it encompasses such diverse areas as the important trade cities of Copenhagen, Bergen, and Stockholm, with their large foreign populations; the rural hinterlands; and the insular outposts of Iceland and Greenland. By examining witches, wizards, and seeresses in literature, lore, and law, as well as surviving charm magic directed toward love, prophecy, health, and weather, Mitchell provides a portrait of both the practitioners of medieval Nordic magic and its performance. With an understanding of mythology as a living system of cultural signs (not just ancient sacred narratives), this study also focuses on such powerful evolving myths as those of "the milk-stealing witch," the diabolical pact, and the witches' journey to Blåkulla. Court cases involving witchcraft, charm magic, and apostasy demonstrate that witchcraft ideologies played a key role in conceptualizing gender and were themselves an important means of exercising social control.