Who are the Norse People Part 2 (Germanic Culture)

Rising out of Scandinavia/Jutland the Germanic tribes brought great change to a world largely dominated by Celtic and Roman civilization. They brought with them some of the finest metal work, art, poetry and one of most well attested mythological cosmologies that is still effecting our world today. Sit back, relax and lets take a second look at the Norse (Germanic) people .

 

The Beginning:

Stone Age Scandinavia.

Ahrensburg Culture (c. 12,900 to 11,700 BP)

 

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Fosna–Hensbacka Culture (Hunter Gatherer)

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Komsa culture (Hunter Gatherer)

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Swidarian Culture. (10,000 BP)

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Maglemosian Culture(Hunter Gatherer)

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Kongemose Culture (Hunter Gatherers)

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Ertebølle Culture (Hunter Gatherer)

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Pitted Ware Culture Scandinavia.

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Funnel Beaker Culture.

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Bronze Age Germany/Scandinavia/Poland and East/Central Europe.

Corded Ware Culture.

 

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Beaker Culture.

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Unetice Culture. Figures (4)

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Urnfield Culture.

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Nordic Bronze Age.

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Early Iron Age:

Wielbark Culture Poland.

Gotland (Green)

Gotland Island (Pink)

Wielbark Culture (Goths) (Red)

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House Urns Culture  (7th century BC ) (Bright Green)

Przeworsk Culture. Could be associated with the Vandalic groups but also Early Slavic tribes and was likely a culture somewhere in between these two expanding peoples.

 

Oksywie Culture: (Brown) A culture with possible ties to the  Przeworsk culture. It is associated within the Germanic sphere of of expansion but also shows elements of La Tène and Przeworsk.

 

Pomeranian Culture (Pea Green)

Pomeranian Culture: Showing La Tène influence and a unique pottery style. This culture is located withing the geographic area of other early possible Germanic groups.

Cultures with foggy or debatable cultural connections or possible Germano-Celtic cultures. It has also been suggested that the “Nordwestblock” may have some undetermined influences.

 

The above cultures are some of the pre-historic hunter gatherer groups in Scandinavia, Poland, Germany, Baltic Coast and Central Europe. These groups undoubtedly had influence on the development of Germanic culture however some of these groups also may contributed to Balt, Slav and Celtic among others as well. In conclusion this does not mean direct exclusive development as this is largely attributed to Indo-European culture moving into contact with the earlier Hunter Gatherer cultures present at that time.

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The expansion of the Germanic tribes 750 BC – AD 1 .

Nordic (Green) Jutland/Scandinavia.

Jastorf Culture (Red) Associated with the larger Urnfield cultural practices and Nordic Bronze Age traditions.

Vandalic Migration.

 

 

Pottery:

Funnelbeaker era.

Swords, Helmets, Armour:

 

 

Vendel Helm.

The weaponry shown above represents the mass variety of pieces from stone age to iron age across Scandinavia, Germanic Europe, Poland, Baltic lands and Alps.

 

The People:

The Gods:

Odin-Wotan-Woden-Gautr-Fimbultyr-Sigföðr-Allfather-Siggautr

All Father, Sky Father, God of victory, poetry, ecstasy and God of Witches and Sorcerers. Wisest among all Gods (Though Frikka knows more). He is ruler of Asgard and the one who reached into Ginnungagap as he hung from Yggdrasil and claimed the Runes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_names_of_Odin

A list of Odin’s various names.

 

Freyja-Frigg-Frigga-Frikka

(My opinion) is Frigga/Freyja are the same Goddess and the difference is only linguistic as well as the Goddess Jord is related to Frigga. Again this is a personal opinion derived from my own research.

Frau Holle-Frau Hulda

Perchta/Berchta is another form of this Goddess and it could be argued that these are again aspects of Frigga and that Frigga herself is just far to simplified in folklore. This is my personal opinion via research regarding Eastern German Folklore depicting the Wild Host and other Christian Yule tradition in North Eastern Germany.

 

Thor-Donar-Thunar-Tor

Son of Odin and Jord, great protector of Midgard and slayer of the ancient forces of chaos. Thor is among the most misunderstood Gods in the pantheon and his identity as a Shamanic figure of evolution and intelligence is rarely picked up on. Thor has many more layers to him and the knowledge I have of him as a Deity is personal and I will not divulge it here but  I highly recommend taking a longer look and more open minded view of this Thunder God highly associated with positive change.

Yngvi-Freyr

My Totemic take on Ynvi Freyr.

Ing-Yngvi-Freyr is the God of fertility and is often associated with dear antlers and once had a magic sword he had lost in a bargain for the heart of a Frost Giant. He uses an antler to fight Surtr during Ragnarok.

Skadi.

Jotun Goddess associated with the wilderness, skiing and hunting.  Had an ill-fated  marriage with with Njord the Sea God. She is known for her steel focus and ferocious connection to the wild.

Njord.

God of the Sea, Fishing, Wealth and Fruitful Crops. He is the Father of  Freyja and Freyr and is a Vanir. The Vanir are the oldest tribe of Gods.

 

Loki.

Due to a lack of remotely flatting art regarding Loki I have including a carved stone thought represent Loki. Loki is a maligned figure and his roll is largely misunderstood to this day.  Despite his negative reputation he is a God of change, inevitable nature of things and is often referenced as a Fire God. This could be due to the destructive yet cleansing nature. Loki is the blood brother to Odin.

Heimdallr.

The shining God and owner of Gjallarhorn. Son of the 9 mothers and the Guardian of Bifrost.

Jörð.

Earth Goddess and Mother of Thor with Odin. (May be associated again with Frigga)

Nerthus-Nerþuz

Suebian fertility Goddess venerated in sacred groves. Etymologically could be linked with Jörð.

 

Surtr.

Jotnar/God of fiery Chaos, destruction and guardian of Muspell. Battles Yngvi at Ragnarok.

Giantess Gunnlöð daughter of Suttungr and guardian of the mead of poetry.

Ægir.

Jotnar Sea God known for his mead brewing and  feasting with the Gods of Asgard.

Iðunn.

Goddess of youth/fertility and prominent figure in Lokasenna. Her apple keep the Gods young in the myth.

Tyr.

God of sacrifice and first Germanic Deity to hold the name Sky Father. He is associated with the very early Germanic Deity Tuisto and Proto-Indo-European Dyeus. He is the God who allows Fenrir to bite his hand off while permanently chaining him.

Hel.

Goddess of the underworld and daughter of Loki.

Fenrir.

Son of Loki and wolf who takes Tyr’s hand. Fenrir battle Odin at Ragnarok.

Jörmungandr.

Son of Loki. Serpent that encircles Midgard.

 

Vili and Vé (Odin center) are Odin’s Brothers and Sons of Bestla and Borr.

Baldr.

Son of Odin and Frigga. Subject of one the most well known narratives in Norse Cosmology involving Loki, Hel and Hermod entering the Underworld.

Hermóðr.

Son of Odin and messenger of the Gods. Rides to Hel on Sleipnir to bargain for Baldr’s return in Gyfaginning.

Sif.

Sif is the wife of Thor and Goddess of the harvest (Wheat).  She is famously the center of a cycle between Loki and Thor where Loki cuts her hair but then in apology has golden hair made for her via the Dwarves.

Sunna: Norse Goddess of the Sun.

Mani:  Norse Moon God. Image depicts Mani and Sunna being pursued by  wolves. 

Beings from Norse cosmology in small sample.

Valkyries:

Beings of supernatural origin:

Der Erlkonig.

A dark or evil character literally “King of the Elves” is a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe regarding an earlier tale inspired a Danish folk story. In the Danish story it is the “Erlkings” daughter.

German:

Wer reitet so spät durch Nacht und Wind?
Es ist der Vater mit seinem Kind;
Er hat den Knaben wohl in dem Arm,
Er faßt ihn sicher, er hält ihn warm.

“Mein Sohn, was birgst du so bang dein Gesicht?” –
“Siehst, Vater, du den Erlkönig nicht?
Den Erlenkönig mit Kron’ und Schweif?” –
“Mein Sohn, es ist ein Nebelstreif.”

“Du liebes Kind, komm, geh mit mir!
Gar schöne Spiele spiel’ ich mit dir;
Manch’ bunte Blumen sind an dem Strand,
Meine Mutter hat manch gülden Gewand.” –

“Mein Vater, mein Vater, und hörest du nicht,
Was Erlenkönig mir leise verspricht?” –
“Sei ruhig, bleibe ruhig, mein Kind;
In dürren Blättern säuselt der Wind.” –

“Willst, feiner Knabe, du mit mir gehn?
Meine Töchter sollen dich warten schön;
Meine Töchter führen den nächtlichen Reihn,
Und wiegen und tanzen und singen dich ein.” –

“Mein Vater, mein Vater, und siehst du nicht dort
Erlkönigs Töchter am düstern Ort?” –
“Mein Sohn, mein Sohn, ich seh’ es genau:
Es scheinen die alten Weiden so grau. –”

“Ich liebe dich, mich reizt deine schöne Gestalt;
Und bist du nicht willig, so brauch’ ich Gewalt.” –
“Mein Vater, mein Vater, jetzt faßt er mich an!
Erlkönig hat mir ein Leids getan!” –

Dem Vater grauset’s; er reitet geschwind,
Er hält in Armen das ächzende Kind,
Erreicht den Hof mit Mühe und Not;
In seinen Armen das Kind war tot.

English (Literal):

Who rides, so late, through night and wind?
It is the father with his child.
He has the boy well in his arm
He holds him safely, he keeps him warm.

“My son, why do you hide your face in fear?”
“Father, do you not see the Elf-king?
The Elf-king with crown and cape?”
“My son, it’s a streak of fog.”

“You dear child, come, go with me!
(Very) beautiful games I play with you;
Many colorful flowers are on the beach,
My mother has many a golden robe.”

“My father, my father, and do you not hear
What the Elf-king quietly promises me?”
“Be calm, stay calm, my child;
Through dry leaves the wind is sighing.”

“Do you, fine boy, want to go with me?
My daughters shall wait on you finely;
My daughters lead the nightly dance,
And rock and dance and sing to bring you in.”

“My father, my father, and don’t you see there
The Elf-king’s daughters in the gloomy place?”
“My son, my son, I see it clearly:
There shimmer the old willows so grey.”

“I love you, your beautiful form excites me;
And if you’re not willing, then I will use force.”
“My father, my father, he’s touching me now!
The Elf-king has done me harm!”

It horrifies the father; he swiftly rides on,
He holds the moaning child in his arms,
Reaches the farm with great difficulty;
In his arms, the child was dead.

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Meadow Elves.

Elves and Tomte from a children’s book.

Tomte or Jul Nisse.

A friendly house spirit in Scandinavian lore associated with the Jul.

Trolls.

Fossegrim.

A mythical mill or water spirit associated with waterfalls. He is known to be a master fiddle player (Hardanger). He can be given offers to teach his craft.

Nokke.

The dangerous water spirit known for taking the lives of people near water. Some times seen as a horse.

Rübezahl.

Woodwose or Mountain Giant from Eastern Germany/Poland/Czech. He is proposed to be in the Mountains between Bohemia and Silesia.

Norwegian Sea Serpent or Water Troll.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Norse_religion

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norse_mythology

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_(mythology)

(Further reading)  check for citations as Wikipedia is being vandalized regularly by revisionists.

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Heroes: (Myth and Historical)

Redbad the Frisian.

Famous for refusing conversion to Christianity.

Widukind: A Saxon rebel against the Christian Franks.

Sigurd (Siegfried) Famous dragon slayer and central role in Nibelungelied.

“Herman the German” Arminius who rallied a confederation of Germanic tribes against Rome. The resulting Battle of the Teutoburg Forest is one of the worst defeats in Roman history.

Beowulf (Geatish warrior) Central figure in one of the greatest works of Germanic literature. (Beowulf)

 A sample of a few well known heroes in history, myth or both.

Sigríð Storråda.

Regardless of whether every account is true this legendary female Hero is nothing short of inspiring for her conviction to the Gods and her honor.

Raud The Strong.

Legendary Viking  who defied Olaf and died refusing conversion.

Wiglaf: Faithful Thane to Beowulf and last of the Wægmunding clan. Instrumental  in aiding Beowulf in the defeat of the dragon.

Dietrich Von Bern: Image of Dietrich Von Bern and Hildabrand. Dietrich Von Bern is a German hero/legendary figure possibly based on Theodoric The Great.

Theodoric The Great: Ostrogoth King of Italy. Most likely the subject in the the various epic narratives regarding Dietrich Von Bern.

 

A small sampling of Historical and mythical heroes in Germanic culture.

Interesting extras:

Golden Horn of Gallehus:

An deeply interesting find with enigmatic figures, Proto Norse inscriptions and  possible ciphers . Horn shows a 3 headed figure, a Cernunnos like being and what appears to show mythical creature, ritual and dances.

 

 

Nordic Bronze Age Shaving Razor.

Sutton Hoo Helmet.

Long Ships,

Maypole.

Irminsul.

Yggdrasil and The Norns.

 

 

A sample List of individual tribes:

Goths (Geats-Visigoths-Ostrogoths-Gepids-Greuthungi-Thervingi)

Teutons.

Bastarnae

Ambrones

Cymbri

Saxons

Angles

Jutes

Frisians

Franks

Vandals (Vendel-Lugii)

Langobard/Lombard

Alamanii

Suebi-Suevi

Swedes

Danes

Norwegians (Rugians)

Cherusci

Chatti

Ingaevones (North Sea confederation)

Istvaeones (Rhine area tribal group)

Irminones (Elb Germanic group)

Hermanduri

Bergundians

Heruli
Lemovii
Buri
Diduni
Harii
Helisii
Helveconae
Manimi
Nahanarvali
Scirii
Hasdingi
Silingi
Vidivarii

The list above is an example not a complete list.

Proposed Norse Cosmology:

 

Norse Cosmology Henry Wheaton 1831.

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Female Warriors:

 

Birka Shield Maiden: Historical person.

Brunhild: (Mythical) Central character in Völsunga saga. She depicted as a powerful Nordic queen and warrior.

Hervor: (Myth and Possibly Historical) She is featured in the Tyrfing Cycle where she is a powerful warrior renowned for her strength and possession of Tyfing. She acquired the sword from a haunted island where she summons her dead father and demands the sword. During this event her crew flees in fear. As the daughter of Heidrek she is a Gothic warrior who dies in battle against the Huns.

Freydís Eiríksdóttir: (Historical) Daughter of Erik the Red and like her father renowned for fierceness and a violent temper. she is implicated in several events to have taken place in Vinland (North America)

Veborg: Legendary Scandinavian Shield Maiden.

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Days of the Week:

Sun-Day (Sunna)

Moon-Day (Mani)

Tyr’s-Day (Tyr)

Woden’s-Day (Odin)

Thor’s-Day (Thor)

Friggs-Day (Frigga)

Saturn-Day (Disputed and may have a different etymology)

 

In Conclusion I hope I have created a visual narrative across the deep history of Germanic culture. Again all images are collected from the Internet and are used for educational purposes only.

Until the next time take care and thank you for taking a look at my blog. My apologies for any typos or missed/mixed up chronology.

Cheers!

 

Hroth-

 

 

December 7, 2019 | Categories: Ancient Germany, Ancient Northern Europe, Ancient Scandinavia, Anglo Saxon Frisian, Anglo Saxon Runes, Anglo-Norda, ænglisc, denmark, Eald Englisc, English Runes, European Culture, Frisian, Futhorc/Futhark/Futhork, Middle English, Norð Sea, Norse Culture, North Sea Coast, North Sea Germanic Jutland, Old English, old norse, Proto Germanic Language, runes, vendel era, West Germanic Language | Tags: axes, BHG, bronze age, denmark, EEF, EHG, england, Germanic, Germany, goths, history, iron age, NEHG, neolithic, norse, Norse jewelry, northern europe, norway, scandinavia, SHG, stone age scandinavia, sweden, swords, tribes, viking sword, vikings, WHG | Leave a comment